What do you think?
Rate this book
If Walls Could Talk: The Dunmara Series - Book 1
Dunmara, County Clare, Ireland
Orla Lynch can't believe the bombshell her husband of thirty years has just dropped. The future she imagined is gone, and she's forced to redefine her entire life while grappling with something from her past that doesn't quite add up. An opportunity to attend a wellness retreat with her best friend at Dunmara House seems like exactly what she needs to find her way forward.
Connecticut, USA, 1969
Jeannie is part of the first ever intake of women to Yale University. Her father thinks it's a waste of money, but Jeannie knows she has what it takes to be a novelist—she just needs a chance. While America is at war in Vietnam, and all over the country people are clashing, her life unexpectedly takes her to Ireland, where a course is set that will ripple through generations.
Standing since 1689, the stately Dunmara House in Ireland has seen life in all its guts and glory. Now, as two women's lives become entwined across time, the old house slowly reveals its secrets.
Orla Lynch can't believe the bombshell her husband of thirty years has just dropped. The future she imagined is gone, and she's forced to redefine her entire life while grappling with something from her past that doesn't quite add up. An opportunity to attend a wellness retreat with her best friend at Dunmara House seems like exactly what she needs to find her way forward.
Connecticut, USA, 1969
Jeannie is part of the first ever intake of women to Yale University. Her father thinks it's a waste of money, but Jeannie knows she has what it takes to be a novelist—she just needs a chance. While America is at war in Vietnam, and all over the country people are clashing, her life unexpectedly takes her to Ireland, where a course is set that will ripple through generations.
Standing since 1689, the stately Dunmara House in Ireland has seen life in all its guts and glory. Now, as two women's lives become entwined across time, the old house slowly reveals its secrets.
- GenresIreland
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2026
1038 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
103 books1,657 followersJean Grainger was born in Cork, Ireland. She has been a tour guide of her beloved home country, a teacher, a university lecturer and a playwright. She began writing fiction at the suggestion of her clients on tours, many of whom were sure all the stories she told them would make for a great book. Her first book, The Tour, has become a Number 1 bestseller on Amazon. It tells the story of a disparate group of American visitors to Ireland, who, along with their Irish tour guide have a life changing experience in the magical Emerald Isle.
Her second book, So Much Owed, is a family saga set during the Second World War. The story centres on the Buckley family of West Cork and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they become embroiled in the war. It is a sweeping family saga of intrigue and romance against the background of occupied Europe.
In her third novel, Shadow of a Century, she tells a tale of a battered old flag found in New York in 2016, a century after it was used during the Easter Rising, when Ireland made her final bid for freedom from Great Britain. This tells the story of a journalist who uncovers a story, one with much more to it than a flag.
Her fourth novel, due out in Spring 2016, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, is set in the 1970s in Cork, Ireland and is a novel about friendship. Three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, though from very different backgrounds are united in a deep but often times challenging friendship. As their lives progress, only by staying strong, can they prevail. Or fail.
Her novella, Letters of Freedom, tells the story of Carmel, stuck in a pointless marriage, when a figure from her past emerges and changes everything with a ‘like’ on Facebook. This quick read will touch your heart.
She lives in Cork with her husband and her two youngest children. The older two come home occasionally with laundry and to raid the fridge.
Her second book, So Much Owed, is a family saga set during the Second World War. The story centres on the Buckley family of West Cork and how their lives are pulled in different directions as they become embroiled in the war. It is a sweeping family saga of intrigue and romance against the background of occupied Europe.
In her third novel, Shadow of a Century, she tells a tale of a battered old flag found in New York in 2016, a century after it was used during the Easter Rising, when Ireland made her final bid for freedom from Great Britain. This tells the story of a journalist who uncovers a story, one with much more to it than a flag.
Her fourth novel, due out in Spring 2016, Under Heaven’s Shining Stars, is set in the 1970s in Cork, Ireland and is a novel about friendship. Three boys, Liam, Patrick and Hugo, though from very different backgrounds are united in a deep but often times challenging friendship. As their lives progress, only by staying strong, can they prevail. Or fail.
Her novella, Letters of Freedom, tells the story of Carmel, stuck in a pointless marriage, when a figure from her past emerges and changes everything with a ‘like’ on Facebook. This quick read will touch your heart.
She lives in Cork with her husband and her two youngest children. The older two come home occasionally with laundry and to raid the fridge.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 27, 2026
Another great book and start of a journey
I hate waiting especially when I’m waiting for the next Jean Granger book. I have already became friends with the characters, their problems, their quirks, and their spirit. I am amazed every time a new set of characters are introduced and the interesting and caring way the stories are woven. If Walls Could Talk is the beginning of another rollercoaster read with a unique perspective by Jean Granger.
I hate waiting especially when I’m waiting for the next Jean Granger book. I have already became friends with the characters, their problems, their quirks, and their spirit. I am amazed every time a new set of characters are introduced and the interesting and caring way the stories are woven. If Walls Could Talk is the beginning of another rollercoaster read with a unique perspective by Jean Granger.
April 24, 2026
Exciting New Series
I couldn’t wait to read Ms. Grainger’s newest book. And it’s everything I had hoped for! New characters, an entirely different plot line, yet all the familiar Irish history and beautiful writing style that has made Grainger’s works my favorite. I could not put this book down until finished (sorry family, but not sorry!). I love the perspective from the four women and am eager to learn even more about them, as well as some new characters. I can’t wait!!
I couldn’t wait to read Ms. Grainger’s newest book. And it’s everything I had hoped for! New characters, an entirely different plot line, yet all the familiar Irish history and beautiful writing style that has made Grainger’s works my favorite. I could not put this book down until finished (sorry family, but not sorry!). I love the perspective from the four women and am eager to learn even more about them, as well as some new characters. I can’t wait!!
April 23, 2026
In If Walls Could Talk, the first character to speak is the house, Dunmarra! I found it a fascinating introduction to this sweeping saga. Ms. Grainger flawlessly merges the past with the present as she reveals her characters' lives. These fully fleshed out characters are ones I want to know more about so I am delighted that there will be more books. It is amazing to me how the author created these intertwined histories and even has guest appearances from other series. I am never ready to reach the end of a Jean Grainger novel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a lovely concept for a contemporary novel. The opening and closing done in the omniscient narrator of the house was so appealing to me - a lovely appreciation for buildings with history, and the idea that we can imbue history and meaning into our dwellings that lives on. I am invested in these strong characters, both female and male, that come together to paint a picture of village life in Ireland from a variety of viewpoints. Jean Grainger creates characters that are fully fleshed out and could easily be one's neighbour or community member. The writing flows so smoothly that even though I knew it was getting close to the end of the book, I finished reading wanting more - more Orla, more Safira, more Jeannie, more Audrey (plot twist!) - more everyone, including glimpses/mentions of well loved characters like Mags and the O'Sheas. The storyline from the past was well done, no confusions of settings or timeline, yet integrated so well with the present day storylines. I so appreciate the creativity and abilities of wonderful writers like Jean Grainger that make reading so pleasurable and thought provoking in a gentle way.
April 23, 2026
This book deserves more than 5 stars...
I thought the Knocknashee series couldn’t be beaten…I was wrong! This brilliant author seems to have an unending supply of stories to share.
Jean Grainger’s eloquent writing style invites the reader to laugh and cry as a member of the wider community of Dunmara, and to identify fully with the main characters as they struggle with life-altering decisions.
The prologue is masterfully written from the perspective of Dunmara House detailing its history and the threats to its future, followed by an intricately woven ‘dual time’ storyline with links gradually being revealed.
The book focuses on four women, each with complex histories, beginning with Jeannie, a ‘child’ of the 70s; present-day best friends Orla and Audrey both dealing, albeit with very different attitudes, with the decisions of their families, and finally, newcomer to Ireland, Safira, who plans to restore the town’s neglected landmark.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thought the Knocknashee series couldn’t be beaten…I was wrong! This brilliant author seems to have an unending supply of stories to share.
Jean Grainger’s eloquent writing style invites the reader to laugh and cry as a member of the wider community of Dunmara, and to identify fully with the main characters as they struggle with life-altering decisions.
The prologue is masterfully written from the perspective of Dunmara House detailing its history and the threats to its future, followed by an intricately woven ‘dual time’ storyline with links gradually being revealed.
The book focuses on four women, each with complex histories, beginning with Jeannie, a ‘child’ of the 70s; present-day best friends Orla and Audrey both dealing, albeit with very different attitudes, with the decisions of their families, and finally, newcomer to Ireland, Safira, who plans to restore the town’s neglected landmark.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As usual ‘If The Walls Could Talk’ the latest story of Jeans did not disappoint me.
When an author chooses to write a story that introduces a new style, that is very different to her past books, it’s courageous but it allows the readers to see how one of their favourite authors is evolving with their writing style and skills.
As you read about characters from different decades that have lived or had a connection with Dunmarra, it’s interesting and intriguing how they are all intertwined.
Jean also brings in past characters from previous books that readers will recognise. Quite a feat to work it all out, I would say.
However, in my humble opinion as one of Jeans Advance Readers from the close to the start of her fictional literacy journey, it was a leap of faith that I believe will pay off for her readers both old and new.
I excitedly look forward to the next two books in the series.
When an author chooses to write a story that introduces a new style, that is very different to her past books, it’s courageous but it allows the readers to see how one of their favourite authors is evolving with their writing style and skills.
As you read about characters from different decades that have lived or had a connection with Dunmarra, it’s interesting and intriguing how they are all intertwined.
Jean also brings in past characters from previous books that readers will recognise. Quite a feat to work it all out, I would say.
However, in my humble opinion as one of Jeans Advance Readers from the close to the start of her fictional literacy journey, it was a leap of faith that I believe will pay off for her readers both old and new.
I excitedly look forward to the next two books in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another winner from J Grainger! Quite a different story this time with split time lines but very intriguing.
Orla Moriarty who lives in lovely Dunmara has the biggest bombshell dropped on her that you can imagine after many years of marriage. Her husband Bernard is leaving after cheating on her and not just once.
So ... Orla has no choice but to carry on and make the best of her life . She has a good friend Audrey who will support her through it all.
We travel back to the 1970s when Jeannie from America was living at Dunmara House. She became friends with the local gardener/handyman Johnny and he was a great comfort to her when she needed someone to talk to.
This story packs so much in and I became engrossed in the lives of Orla, Jeannie, Johnny and Audrey which all evolved round the House. There is much more to come in Book 2. You need tissues out as their individual stories are told.
I cannot wait for Book 2.
Thankyou Jean for your impeccable story telling. Yet another winner!
Orla Moriarty who lives in lovely Dunmara has the biggest bombshell dropped on her that you can imagine after many years of marriage. Her husband Bernard is leaving after cheating on her and not just once.
So ... Orla has no choice but to carry on and make the best of her life . She has a good friend Audrey who will support her through it all.
We travel back to the 1970s when Jeannie from America was living at Dunmara House. She became friends with the local gardener/handyman Johnny and he was a great comfort to her when she needed someone to talk to.
This story packs so much in and I became engrossed in the lives of Orla, Jeannie, Johnny and Audrey which all evolved round the House. There is much more to come in Book 2. You need tissues out as their individual stories are told.
I cannot wait for Book 2.
Thankyou Jean for your impeccable story telling. Yet another winner!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, how I would love to explore the beautiful Dunmara house, and walk around the property, and listen to all the words that are being whispered out from the walls. This story has many interesting characters from Jeanne, Orla, Bernard, Paula, the hairdresser, Audrey, Gavin, Safira from Bali, and all the other interesting characters from their homes and their small town. Are they all Irish? No way! Are they all part of Dunmara and it's interesting spots? Definitely. This clever author interweaves her characters and their personalities in a brilliant fashion to keep us wondering and reading, and when it comes to Bernard, sometimes laughing out loud.
Well-done and a story you will want to follow in future books in the series.
Well-done and a story you will want to follow in future books in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Here's another one of Jean Graingers wonderful stories.
I just read the last page with a heartfelt sigh and flood of emotion from a story well told and a new world of lovely characters and their endearing lives. What a wonderful balance of completion and questions yet to be answered!
I love the way different fields ae blended into the one story. I love the holistic and spiritual aspect in woven into this one.
I'm sure that this is the birth of another very very successful series and I can't wait for the next installment!
Thank you Jean for bringing a few hours of escape to troubled world 🙏
I just read the last page with a heartfelt sigh and flood of emotion from a story well told and a new world of lovely characters and their endearing lives. What a wonderful balance of completion and questions yet to be answered!
I love the way different fields ae blended into the one story. I love the holistic and spiritual aspect in woven into this one.
I'm sure that this is the birth of another very very successful series and I can't wait for the next installment!
Thank you Jean for bringing a few hours of escape to troubled world 🙏
Review of advance copy received from Author
Even though this was a bit of a departure from Jean’s usual style, If Walls Could Talk was a fantastic read! I really loved the dual timelines and switching between different characters' points of view—it made the story feel so much more layered and immersive without being hard to follow. The characters themselves are authentic and fascinating; they felt like real people I was just dropping in on. She truly has a talent for drawing the reader in. Of course, true to her style, Jean leaves us with an open ending that definitely has me wanting more!
April 28, 2026
Oh. My. Gosh!
I can’t believe it’s over!!! I truly love all this author’s books and series (read in order).
I could not put this new book, beginning a new series, down and was so enthralled with the story that when I turned the page to Epilogue I was so disappointed!
This is a beautiful book with such rich characterizations that I wanted to climb in the book and spend time with them. Can’t wait for the next one!!!
I can’t believe it’s over!!! I truly love all this author’s books and series (read in order).
I could not put this new book, beginning a new series, down and was so enthralled with the story that when I turned the page to Epilogue I was so disappointed!
This is a beautiful book with such rich characterizations that I wanted to climb in the book and spend time with them. Can’t wait for the next one!!!
April 27, 2026
Fascinating Perspective
Have we ever given much thought to the history that has happened exactly where we live? My mom grew up in the same house that I did. But who were the occupants from 1915 to 1940? Who were the natives that lived there before Europeans invaded? That's the premise of Jean Grainger's latest series. I eagerly await Book 2!
Have we ever given much thought to the history that has happened exactly where we live? My mom grew up in the same house that I did. But who were the occupants from 1915 to 1940? Who were the natives that lived there before Europeans invaded? That's the premise of Jean Grainger's latest series. I eagerly await Book 2!
April 27, 2026
wonderful
This author pulls the reader into her stories. The you are pulled into this author’s stories in a way that the characters become personal friends. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
Be sure to read anything you can by this author. All of her books bring out the warm fuzzies.
This author pulls the reader into her stories. The you are pulled into this author’s stories in a way that the characters become personal friends. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
Be sure to read anything you can by this author. All of her books bring out the warm fuzzies.
May 3, 2026
Jean has done it again. I loved If Walls Could Talk. The way she has brought the main characters together and she never forgets to include past story characters.
I hate having to wait for the next book I am so anxious to know what happens to Orla, Audrey and Safira.
I have read all of Jean’s books she is my favourite author.
Carole
I hate having to wait for the next book I am so anxious to know what happens to Orla, Audrey and Safira.
I have read all of Jean’s books she is my favourite author.
Carole
April 23, 2026
Completely Absorbing
As always I was immediately pulled into to this story by Jean Grainger’s wonderful characters. I read this in two sittings and could not put it down. Of course now I cannot wait for the arrival of Book 2
As always I was immediately pulled into to this story by Jean Grainger’s wonderful characters. I read this in two sittings and could not put it down. Of course now I cannot wait for the arrival of Book 2
April 25, 2026
Fascinating
What a great book! Of course as it was written by Jean Granger! This book was quite an experience and kept me glued to the pages from the first page. The characters just grabbed me and refused to let go. Nice story line and locations. I highly recommended this book.
What a great book! Of course as it was written by Jean Granger! This book was quite an experience and kept me glued to the pages from the first page. The characters just grabbed me and refused to let go. Nice story line and locations. I highly recommended this book.
April 26, 2026
a visit to Dunmara house
And what a story is beginning. Jean Grainger always sucks me in with her beautiful prose and strong and interesting characters. Dunmara has a great story to tell and I can’t wait to see all the developments that are hinted at.
And what a story is beginning. Jean Grainger always sucks me in with her beautiful prose and strong and interesting characters. Dunmara has a great story to tell and I can’t wait to see all the developments that are hinted at.
April 28, 2026
Another wonderful story.
The next book can’t come soon enough. Jean Grainger has a way of making you fall in love with her characters so you need to know what happens to them and that they’ll be okay. If Walls Could Talk has added more people to the list of characters and I can’t wait for the next book to know what happens to Orla and Audrey and Safira and Jeannie.
The next book can’t come soon enough. Jean Grainger has a way of making you fall in love with her characters so you need to know what happens to them and that they’ll be okay. If Walls Could Talk has added more people to the list of characters and I can’t wait for the next book to know what happens to Orla and Audrey and Safira and Jeannie.
April 27, 2026
Beginning another wonderful series!
Lovely new characters to follow in a great story! Jean Grainger is the queen of story telling. Impatiently awaiting the next book in the Dunmara series!
Lovely new characters to follow in a great story! Jean Grainger is the queen of story telling. Impatiently awaiting the next book in the Dunmara series!
May 3, 2026
Does not disappoint
What a great read! From start to finish the characters are entrancing and the writing is “ tighter” than in some books in this genre so the reader’s interest does not wane.
Thoroughly enjoyed the various threads and look forward to more,
What a great read! From start to finish the characters are entrancing and the writing is “ tighter” than in some books in this genre so the reader’s interest does not wane.
Thoroughly enjoyed the various threads and look forward to more,
May 7, 2026
All is not Lost
I waited patiently on this book...As with all her Great writing..Jean Grainger always comes through..What a Beautiful..Sad..story The Walls of Dunmera talked and what a great story..they told
I waited patiently on this book...As with all her Great writing..Jean Grainger always comes through..What a Beautiful..Sad..story The Walls of Dunmera talked and what a great story..they told
April 24, 2026
my favorite author
I have read almost all her books ! I can’t wait for the next ! I will be taking my second trip to Ireland in Oct
I have read almost all her books ! I can’t wait for the next ! I will be taking my second trip to Ireland in Oct
April 25, 2026
Jean Grainger does it Again!
Another fabulous story by a wonderful author. Can't wait to read the next story in the series and only hope there are many more to come!!
Another fabulous story by a wonderful author. Can't wait to read the next story in the series and only hope there are many more to come!!
April 28, 2026
If Walls could Talk
Jean Grainger this is a very good book, I can not wait for book 2 to come out when Orla writes about everyone who lived in Dunmara house
Jean Grainger this is a very good book, I can not wait for book 2 to come out when Orla writes about everyone who lived in Dunmara house
May 1, 2026
interesting story
The story was interesting and the prose descriptive and let u see the place in Ireland. The characters were well defined.
The story was interesting and the prose descriptive and let u see the place in Ireland. The characters were well defined.
May 1, 2026
Loved it! I can’t wait for the next in the series!
May 3, 2026
such an enjoyable read
It left me wanting to know so much more! I liked the characters and their stories, which all blended so well. Congratulations to the author.
It left me wanting to know so much more! I liked the characters and their stories, which all blended so well. Congratulations to the author.
May 3, 2026
amazing read
I loved the characters! The stories of each person and each generation intertwined perfectly. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for the next one!
I loved the characters! The stories of each person and each generation intertwined perfectly. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for the next one!
May 5, 2026
Jean Grainger never disappoints
Another wonderful book by a great author! I can't wait until her next book is available!
Love all her great books
Another wonderful book by a great author! I can't wait until her next book is available!
Love all her great books
April 18, 2026
This is a slightly different style to Jean’s usual books but don’t worry - it’s just as engaging, readable and enjoyable as always. It is centred around a grand old house in the west of Ireland and the tales that house could tell spanning years - hence the title! The new characters are intriguing, likeable and relatable and you can tell already that the bad guys are going to cause pain and trouble before hopefully getting their comeuppance!
It’s the first in a series so a great place to start if you have never read a Jean Grainger book before.
I am already eager to see how things play out in book two which hopefully isn’t too far away!
It’s the first in a series so a great place to start if you have never read a Jean Grainger book before.
I am already eager to see how things play out in book two which hopefully isn’t too far away!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews