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The Rector's Daughter: The Dunmara Series - Book 2
Yorkshire, England / County Clare, Ireland, 1918
Billy DeVere has spent his boyhood in the shadow of expectation — the heir his aristocratic father needs him to be. Then the Great War claims his father and both his brothers, and the life mapped out for him simply vanishes. In its place comes something freedom. As Billy comes of age, he dares to imagine his own future — and the path he chooses will leave its mark on Dunmara for generations to come.
Dunmara, County Clare, Ireland
Orla Daly is still finding her footing. Her marriage is over, her children's lives are unsettled, and the career she's building feels as precarious as it is exciting. But Dunmara — the house that was the backdrop to her whole life — has revealed a connection she never expected, and she can't turn away from it now. When she discovers an extraordinary painting hidden within its walls, Orla is pulled into a mystery a century old, and begins to understand that saving this house may be bound up with finding herself.
Two lives, a century apart, held together by one enduring house. As Orla follows the trail the painting has left her, Dunmara slowly gives up another of its secrets.
The Rector's Daughter is the second novel in the Dunmara Story.
Billy DeVere has spent his boyhood in the shadow of expectation — the heir his aristocratic father needs him to be. Then the Great War claims his father and both his brothers, and the life mapped out for him simply vanishes. In its place comes something freedom. As Billy comes of age, he dares to imagine his own future — and the path he chooses will leave its mark on Dunmara for generations to come.
Dunmara, County Clare, Ireland
Orla Daly is still finding her footing. Her marriage is over, her children's lives are unsettled, and the career she's building feels as precarious as it is exciting. But Dunmara — the house that was the backdrop to her whole life — has revealed a connection she never expected, and she can't turn away from it now. When she discovers an extraordinary painting hidden within its walls, Orla is pulled into a mystery a century old, and begins to understand that saving this house may be bound up with finding herself.
Two lives, a century apart, held together by one enduring house. As Orla follows the trail the painting has left her, Dunmara slowly gives up another of its secrets.
The Rector's Daughter is the second novel in the Dunmara Story.
- GenresFictionFriendshipIreland
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Jean Grainger
110 books1,734 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 5, 2026
Loved the history, less so the Contemporary themes
I gave The Rector's Daughter four stars because there was so much I genuinely enjoyed about it. I loved the history of the house and the way the story moved back and forth between the 1920s and the present day. The dual timeline was beautifully done, and watching the past slowly reveal itself through the present kept me fully engaged.
The mother-daughter storyline was touching, and Billy was a favorite character. He added warmth, heart, and authenticity to every scene, and I found myself looking forward to his chapters.
My biggest disappointment, however, was the repeated inclusion of modern ideological themes that felt out of place in the story. I read historical fiction to be immersed in the characters, relationships, and history, not to encounter contemporary social messaging. Those moments pulled me out of the novel and distracted from what was otherwise an engaging and emotional story. I also didn't care for the Eastern spiritual elements, and the Australia storyline never captured my interest the way the Irish story did.
Even with those reservations, Jean Grainger is a talented storytellerand absolutelyone of my favorites. The historical setting, the mystery surrounding the house, and the emotional family relationships were more than enough to keep me reading. While this wasn't a perfect read for me, it was still a worthwhile one, and I'm glad I picked it up.
I gave The Rector's Daughter four stars because there was so much I genuinely enjoyed about it. I loved the history of the house and the way the story moved back and forth between the 1920s and the present day. The dual timeline was beautifully done, and watching the past slowly reveal itself through the present kept me fully engaged.
The mother-daughter storyline was touching, and Billy was a favorite character. He added warmth, heart, and authenticity to every scene, and I found myself looking forward to his chapters.
My biggest disappointment, however, was the repeated inclusion of modern ideological themes that felt out of place in the story. I read historical fiction to be immersed in the characters, relationships, and history, not to encounter contemporary social messaging. Those moments pulled me out of the novel and distracted from what was otherwise an engaging and emotional story. I also didn't care for the Eastern spiritual elements, and the Australia storyline never captured my interest the way the Irish story did.
Even with those reservations, Jean Grainger is a talented storytellerand absolutelyone of my favorites. The historical setting, the mystery surrounding the house, and the emotional family relationships were more than enough to keep me reading. While this wasn't a perfect read for me, it was still a worthwhile one, and I'm glad I picked it up.
July 1, 2026
This is the just published second book of the Dunmara Series.
Orla Daly is writing a book on the Dunmara House and Estate history. She has researched, and they have discovered artifacts during the renovation also.
Orla is a little distracted, though, because she recently discovered that her parents, johnny and Ursula, were not related to her by blood. She only has a note which was written when she was ten years old and was signed as M. Johnny and Ursula had died, so it was difficult to find out anything. Another distraction was that Orla was getting a divorce from the unscrupulous Bernard Moriarty. He was living with Paula, the hairdresser, but they weren't getting along. He wanted to reunite with Orla, but she wasn't at all interested.
One stormy night, as Orla was driving home, she ran into the river and was badly hurt. She was taken to the ICU and put into an induced coma. It was possible that the safety cautions about the bridge being swept away had been removed because she drove straight into the river. The atrocious Mr. Kennedy had been to Dunmara House that day, and he was angry at Orla for obstructing his purchase of the Dunmara land.
Jeannie Lithgow is Orla's birth mother. She had begged Johnny and Ursula to raise her daughter so that she wouldn't be taken from her and adopted out to strangers. Jeannie decided after many years to go to Ireland and find her daughter Orla. She knew that Johnny and Ursula were dead, so she had respected Ursula's request not to have any contact with her daughter.
Jeannie's grandson Chase suggested that they go to a retreat and scope out Orla because Jeannie was very wealthy and she wouldn't want to be exploited.
Audrey, Orla's best friend, was in Australia reuniting with her family after she had fled years ago. Audrey had kept a horrible secret that she accidentally ran over her sister Nicki in a hit and run accident. She ran away to Ireland to avoid prison. Nicki was a dancer, and she was wheelchair bound. Audrey wanted to tell the truth to her family and accept her punishment.
Safira and Christopher, the health food store owner, have married and are traveling in Bali to see her family. Christopher hired a full-time person to manage his store so that he could help safira run her retreat business at Dunmara House.
Professor Donnacha O'Reilly at the University of Galway and Orla were romantically involved. He loved Dunmara House and the artifacts, which kept appearing.
A second story is told of Billy DeVere, who owned Dunmara House in 1920 with his mother Thea. She had lost her husband and two other sons in the war, so they left a wealthy estate in the yorkshire dales to live a quiet life in Ireland. Billy bought a beautiful stallion, and they hired local staff to help with cooking and cleaning.
The rector Reverend Parkes lived on the Dunmara Estate. His daughter checked on the house before Billy moved in. Billy filled the house with young people, parties, shooting, and tennis. Thea enjoyed their new life because she was Irish, and it was nice to be home. Billy was high-spirited, and once he rode his stallion, Blaze in through the house and up the stairs on a dare from his friend.
Billy was attracted to Bronwyn, the reverend Parkes daughter. She wore black
and rarely spoke, but he felt something beneath her surface. Billy and his mother liked to paint. Thea preferred watercolor landscapes, and he liked to paint portraits.
Even though Billy and Thea were English, which was considered the enemy in the IRA era in Ireland. Billy was spying for the IRA so he was protected and allowed to keep Dunmara House. Bronwyn had also helped the rebels. She came to Billy for help to hide her after the British killed her father, the reverend Parkes.
Bronwyn 's father and her sisters were killed by the British for helping with the IRA. Bronwyn and her lover Billy were smuggled out of Ireland. They married and moved to Santa Barbara. Thea sold Dunmara House and joined them. The painting of The Rector's Daughter was left in a hiding place so that the British wouldn't know about the connection to Bronwyn and the Dunmara owner Billy.
Orla and Jeannie were joyfully reunited, but the horrible Larry Kennedy bought Dunmara Estate, leaving only the House protected for three years under a lease purchased by Safira. Her retreat was damaged badly since many activities were dependent on the surrounding land. Kennedy put up ugly fences all over the property which was guarded so that no one could wander onto his land.
Orla Daly is writing a book on the Dunmara House and Estate history. She has researched, and they have discovered artifacts during the renovation also.
Orla is a little distracted, though, because she recently discovered that her parents, johnny and Ursula, were not related to her by blood. She only has a note which was written when she was ten years old and was signed as M. Johnny and Ursula had died, so it was difficult to find out anything. Another distraction was that Orla was getting a divorce from the unscrupulous Bernard Moriarty. He was living with Paula, the hairdresser, but they weren't getting along. He wanted to reunite with Orla, but she wasn't at all interested.
One stormy night, as Orla was driving home, she ran into the river and was badly hurt. She was taken to the ICU and put into an induced coma. It was possible that the safety cautions about the bridge being swept away had been removed because she drove straight into the river. The atrocious Mr. Kennedy had been to Dunmara House that day, and he was angry at Orla for obstructing his purchase of the Dunmara land.
Jeannie Lithgow is Orla's birth mother. She had begged Johnny and Ursula to raise her daughter so that she wouldn't be taken from her and adopted out to strangers. Jeannie decided after many years to go to Ireland and find her daughter Orla. She knew that Johnny and Ursula were dead, so she had respected Ursula's request not to have any contact with her daughter.
Jeannie's grandson Chase suggested that they go to a retreat and scope out Orla because Jeannie was very wealthy and she wouldn't want to be exploited.
Audrey, Orla's best friend, was in Australia reuniting with her family after she had fled years ago. Audrey had kept a horrible secret that she accidentally ran over her sister Nicki in a hit and run accident. She ran away to Ireland to avoid prison. Nicki was a dancer, and she was wheelchair bound. Audrey wanted to tell the truth to her family and accept her punishment.
Safira and Christopher, the health food store owner, have married and are traveling in Bali to see her family. Christopher hired a full-time person to manage his store so that he could help safira run her retreat business at Dunmara House.
Professor Donnacha O'Reilly at the University of Galway and Orla were romantically involved. He loved Dunmara House and the artifacts, which kept appearing.
A second story is told of Billy DeVere, who owned Dunmara House in 1920 with his mother Thea. She had lost her husband and two other sons in the war, so they left a wealthy estate in the yorkshire dales to live a quiet life in Ireland. Billy bought a beautiful stallion, and they hired local staff to help with cooking and cleaning.
The rector Reverend Parkes lived on the Dunmara Estate. His daughter checked on the house before Billy moved in. Billy filled the house with young people, parties, shooting, and tennis. Thea enjoyed their new life because she was Irish, and it was nice to be home. Billy was high-spirited, and once he rode his stallion, Blaze in through the house and up the stairs on a dare from his friend.
Billy was attracted to Bronwyn, the reverend Parkes daughter. She wore black
and rarely spoke, but he felt something beneath her surface. Billy and his mother liked to paint. Thea preferred watercolor landscapes, and he liked to paint portraits.
Even though Billy and Thea were English, which was considered the enemy in the IRA era in Ireland. Billy was spying for the IRA so he was protected and allowed to keep Dunmara House. Bronwyn had also helped the rebels. She came to Billy for help to hide her after the British killed her father, the reverend Parkes.
Bronwyn 's father and her sisters were killed by the British for helping with the IRA. Bronwyn and her lover Billy were smuggled out of Ireland. They married and moved to Santa Barbara. Thea sold Dunmara House and joined them. The painting of The Rector's Daughter was left in a hiding place so that the British wouldn't know about the connection to Bronwyn and the Dunmara owner Billy.
Orla and Jeannie were joyfully reunited, but the horrible Larry Kennedy bought Dunmara Estate, leaving only the House protected for three years under a lease purchased by Safira. Her retreat was damaged badly since many activities were dependent on the surrounding land. Kennedy put up ugly fences all over the property which was guarded so that no one could wander onto his land.
June 30, 2026
The Rector’s Daughter has an immersive dual-timeline plot which ranges from present times back to the Irish War of Independence. Central to the plot of both timelines was the history of Dunmara House in Ireland. Main characters from If Walls Could Talk appear again in the persons of Orla, Bernard and their children, as well as Audrey and her family, who during the book travel to her birthplace in Australia. The current efforts to preserve the historic Dunmara House, ring fort and tower, in which Orla, Safira and Professor O’Reilly are heavily involved, run headlong again into the greedy developer Larry Kennedy. And Jeannie, now 72, who had been at Dunmara House when it was a home for unwed mothers, returns to Ireland with her grandson, Chase, and are significant to the plot.
The characters of Billy DeVere and his widowed mother, Thea, originally from Ireland though they live in Britain, play a major part in the story. Both are happy to leave Britain and the mansion that gave both such unhappy memories. Billy, the sole remaining heir of his family, purchases Dunmara in Ireland in 1920 and they move there. Though they are happy, the War of Irish Independence grows in intensity, and British individuals and homes increasingly become targets as British military forces exhibit more brutality.
Again, characterizations and plot are excellent, there is developing romance on several fronts, and I found myself eager to read on to the next chapter consistently. My only small point, and it is a tiny criticism, is I could have been happier without prologue and epilogue, as to me the excellent story stood on its own. Well-done, and I am looking forward to the final book in the series. Jean Grainger remains my favorite contemporary author.
The characters of Billy DeVere and his widowed mother, Thea, originally from Ireland though they live in Britain, play a major part in the story. Both are happy to leave Britain and the mansion that gave both such unhappy memories. Billy, the sole remaining heir of his family, purchases Dunmara in Ireland in 1920 and they move there. Though they are happy, the War of Irish Independence grows in intensity, and British individuals and homes increasingly become targets as British military forces exhibit more brutality.
Again, characterizations and plot are excellent, there is developing romance on several fronts, and I found myself eager to read on to the next chapter consistently. My only small point, and it is a tiny criticism, is I could have been happier without prologue and epilogue, as to me the excellent story stood on its own. Well-done, and I am looking forward to the final book in the series. Jean Grainger remains my favorite contemporary author.
July 16, 2026
📖 5 stars for THE RECTOR'S DAUGHTER by Jean Grainger (Dunmara Series, Book 2)!
I had to get this one quickly after finishing the first one earlier this month, and wow, this series just keeps getting better. 🏡✨
This is such a wonderful new series and I've already gotten fully attached to these characters. The plot here is so well developed and multi-faceted — Jean weaves a gentle romantic story with real action and mystery, all built into this fictional historic plotline centered around Dunmara House. Every main character gets greater development this time around, and it shows.
One thing I have to call out: in the beginning, Jean gives a wonderful short recap of where each character is at in their respective storyline. If you're like me and space your series reads out further than intended, you will appreciate that reminder so much. It's such a thoughtful touch. 🙏
I'll say — I've seen a few readers mention they weren't fully sold on the wellness-retreat thread or Safira's storyline, finding it a bit different from Jean's usual tone. I didn't feel that way at all. Safira felt like a natural part of this ensemble to me, and having a character bring a different background into the story is exactly the kind of richness I want from a book with this many moving pieces. It never once felt like a departure from what makes Jean's writing so good.
Bottom line: gentle romance, real mystery, characters I'm already mourning having to wait for book 3 to see again. Highly recommend if you loved book one. 💚
#TheRectorsDaughter #JeanGrainger #DunmaraSeries #IrishHistoricalFiction #BookstagramReview
I had to get this one quickly after finishing the first one earlier this month, and wow, this series just keeps getting better. 🏡✨
This is such a wonderful new series and I've already gotten fully attached to these characters. The plot here is so well developed and multi-faceted — Jean weaves a gentle romantic story with real action and mystery, all built into this fictional historic plotline centered around Dunmara House. Every main character gets greater development this time around, and it shows.
One thing I have to call out: in the beginning, Jean gives a wonderful short recap of where each character is at in their respective storyline. If you're like me and space your series reads out further than intended, you will appreciate that reminder so much. It's such a thoughtful touch. 🙏
I'll say — I've seen a few readers mention they weren't fully sold on the wellness-retreat thread or Safira's storyline, finding it a bit different from Jean's usual tone. I didn't feel that way at all. Safira felt like a natural part of this ensemble to me, and having a character bring a different background into the story is exactly the kind of richness I want from a book with this many moving pieces. It never once felt like a departure from what makes Jean's writing so good.
Bottom line: gentle romance, real mystery, characters I'm already mourning having to wait for book 3 to see again. Highly recommend if you loved book one. 💚
#TheRectorsDaughter #JeanGrainger #DunmaraSeries #IrishHistoricalFiction #BookstagramReview
July 30, 2026
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Safira and Professor O’Reilly from the first installment are heavily involved in the fight for the preservation of the historic grounds of Dunmara House. Jeannie, who has personal history with the Dunmara House and her grandson, Chase, are also among the main characters.
Characteristic of the author’s complex storytelling, there is a solid litany of characters from both this and the split timeline that reverts to the time of the War of Irish Independence.
There are individuals whose alliances appear questionable as the plot begins a tight weave into conflict politics and the escalating brutality perpetrated on both sides.
The main characters are fully fleshed as their development heaps additional tension on the present-day plot involving the preservation.
I greatly enjoyed the detailed description of the application of historical paints as well as the explanation of words we use today and Celtic lore.
The pace begins rather fast then slows well into half of the narrative, which left me easily distracted by continued contemporary arguments.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
Safira and Professor O’Reilly from the first installment are heavily involved in the fight for the preservation of the historic grounds of Dunmara House. Jeannie, who has personal history with the Dunmara House and her grandson, Chase, are also among the main characters.
Characteristic of the author’s complex storytelling, there is a solid litany of characters from both this and the split timeline that reverts to the time of the War of Irish Independence.
There are individuals whose alliances appear questionable as the plot begins a tight weave into conflict politics and the escalating brutality perpetrated on both sides.
The main characters are fully fleshed as their development heaps additional tension on the present-day plot involving the preservation.
I greatly enjoyed the detailed description of the application of historical paints as well as the explanation of words we use today and Celtic lore.
The pace begins rather fast then slows well into half of the narrative, which left me easily distracted by continued contemporary arguments.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
June 24, 2026
Following the lives of each of the main characters in book two became even more interesting and heartwarming as I continued to turn the pages.
Jean cleverly connects the chapters in both the past and present, all with the house, Dunmara, as the main character, again set in Ireland.
Highlighted are the social injustices people experience from different eras yet they are not so very different for everyday occurrences and difficulties for many people and families are brought the fore.
How I want to see Kennedy get what’s coming to him. There are too many people in this world that have and continue to put making money and their own greed ahead of everything and everyone, hence willing to endanger peoples lives or destroy heritage buildings that mean a great deal to many folk.
I was so engrossed into the lives of Billy, Bronwyn, Thea then onto Orla, Jeannie, Chase, Safira, Christoper and the rest of the family and friends, then suddenly it was the epilogue!
Roll on book three!
Jean cleverly connects the chapters in both the past and present, all with the house, Dunmara, as the main character, again set in Ireland.
Highlighted are the social injustices people experience from different eras yet they are not so very different for everyday occurrences and difficulties for many people and families are brought the fore.
How I want to see Kennedy get what’s coming to him. There are too many people in this world that have and continue to put making money and their own greed ahead of everything and everyone, hence willing to endanger peoples lives or destroy heritage buildings that mean a great deal to many folk.
I was so engrossed into the lives of Billy, Bronwyn, Thea then onto Orla, Jeannie, Chase, Safira, Christoper and the rest of the family and friends, then suddenly it was the epilogue!
Roll on book three!
July 5, 2026
This series continues with our main characters continuing to strive for peace and opportunities in their lives, while we also get to discover further details about the history of Dunmara House. A wonderful idea to me, to appreciate the history of a building and the human ties throughout its existence. I am so rooting for the trio of wonderful women of Orla, Audrey, and Safira as well as their friends and family. As well, very interesting to meet the characters from the past during the Troubles. Jean Grainger writes well researched historical fiction, and this book is a way to enjoy both contemporary and historical fiction and their ties through time. As always, the plot is engaging and well paced. Such well written books sometimes make me shy about leaving my own attempt at a written review, but you cannot go wrong with a Jean Grainger book for such a great investment of your time.
July 12, 2026
What a page turner!
We are taken back to Dunmara where the house is the narrator- that's quite a refreshing idea!
We meet up again with Orla, her lovely family, Samira and Christopher who are renting the house, and Audrey with her Australian family.
Then of course there's gorgeous Donnacha who is helping Orla with the research for her book about the house and its history.
We meet Jeannie again from Book 1 with her story and Billy and Thea who lived at the house in very dangerous times. All very interesting characters of course.
It was nice to see Conor O' Shea and his family get a mention with his son and Orla's daughter getting romantically involved. I loved the O'Sheas in The Tour.
I am looking forward to Book 3 hope it's soon. What does the future hold for Orla and the rest? Will she get the better of the odious Kennedy?
We are taken back to Dunmara where the house is the narrator- that's quite a refreshing idea!
We meet up again with Orla, her lovely family, Samira and Christopher who are renting the house, and Audrey with her Australian family.
Then of course there's gorgeous Donnacha who is helping Orla with the research for her book about the house and its history.
We meet Jeannie again from Book 1 with her story and Billy and Thea who lived at the house in very dangerous times. All very interesting characters of course.
It was nice to see Conor O' Shea and his family get a mention with his son and Orla's daughter getting romantically involved. I loved the O'Sheas in The Tour.
I am looking forward to Book 3 hope it's soon. What does the future hold for Orla and the rest? Will she get the better of the odious Kennedy?
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Rector's Daughter is book 2 in this fascinating Dunmara series. Ms. Grainger's characters always come alive for me. I am fascinating by the history of this house and the various people who have called it home. There are great descriptions of the Irish countryside, twists, turns, WW II, proposed commercial development and a developer willing to do anything to secure his project. I urge you to get invested in this series. You will not be disappointed - but your to-do list will suffer. I almost wish I had waited until the entire series was done so I could binge the whole thing. But maybe, I appreciate it more because I have to wait for the next book. I know it stays with me for many days after I finish one of these books!
July 3, 2026
Another stunning book from my fav author
Oh my gosh! Once again I was saddened to turn the page and see Epilogue. Just like when reading the first book. BE sure to read all series in order. Read “The Tour” series (in order) while awaiting book three.
I love these characters except of course the bad guys which are so well developed they are “hate-able” and awful.
Once again I was schooled about “the troubles” in Ireland (I’m a quarter Irish) and made to understand again how completely wrong the British empire was in subjugating that country for 800 years.
Cannot wait for book three. Was so exited about book two coming I actually prepaid to get it. I never do that as I pay for kindle every month. But this author is worth it!!
Oh my gosh! Once again I was saddened to turn the page and see Epilogue. Just like when reading the first book. BE sure to read all series in order. Read “The Tour” series (in order) while awaiting book three.
I love these characters except of course the bad guys which are so well developed they are “hate-able” and awful.
Once again I was schooled about “the troubles” in Ireland (I’m a quarter Irish) and made to understand again how completely wrong the British empire was in subjugating that country for 800 years.
Cannot wait for book three. Was so exited about book two coming I actually prepaid to get it. I never do that as I pay for kindle every month. But this author is worth it!!
June 22, 2026
This is the second book in the Dunmara series where we get to hear more of the history of the house and its residents over the years. I already feel as if I know Safira, Orla and Jeannie and here we are introduced to some new and interesting characters. I love how you read things in Jean’s books that you know are going to have significance further down the line but it’s impossible to tell what that might be! There’s the usual mix of good guys and bad, and again, it’s not always obvious who is who! As usual, the book is captivating, funny, educational, happy in places, sad in others and leaves us wanting more. I defy anyone to start a Jean Grainger series and not have to read the rest to see what happens.
July 14, 2026
Wow! This book contains so many characters, so many situations and so much to think about. Jean Grainger knows how to take Irish mythical places and turn them into breath-taking and memorable places of interest, not only for this current era but for years gone by.
I read this book as an ARC reader, and even though my reading times were highly stretched during the summer pool and grandchild time, I managed to fit the reading of this Book 2 of The Dunmara Series into my time, and I am happy I did. Although I finished two days ago, my brain hasn't stopped thinking of the many situations that she introduced in this novel.
I read this book as an ARC reader, and even though my reading times were highly stretched during the summer pool and grandchild time, I managed to fit the reading of this Book 2 of The Dunmara Series into my time, and I am happy I did. Although I finished two days ago, my brain hasn't stopped thinking of the many situations that she introduced in this novel.
October 14, 2026
This is a very good series and I have started Book 3. The main character, Orla, was an infant who was born to an unwed mother at Dunmara, a medieval mansion now being used as a mother/baby home. Her story, that of her birth parents, adoptive parents, and the history of Dunmara are woven in the series. This book delves into the history of Dunmara and its owner Billy DeVere, his mother, the "Troubles" between the British landlords and the Irish residents. It was exciting and I look forward to the next book.
June 30, 2026
As expected, another wonderful book. Totally capturing! Such fun to meet up again with the lovely and authentic characters from the previous book and to get to know some more delightful ones (and a few nasty ones as well). All the storylines are beautifuly woven together, some completed and some leaving the reader wondering what on earth is going to happen next. It's such a wonderful idea to have a house tell it's story in this way and I can't wait for the next one in the series.
August 5, 2026
a historical novel
In this second installment of the Dunmara series, Jeannie is introduced to the daughter she gave to Johnny Daly and Ursula. Orla finds love after her cheating husband ananda her for a younger woman. Browyn, the rector’s daughter falls in love with Billy Van Devere. They must flee to the US because the helped the Irish IRA. There is a fight for Dunmara House and its grounds. Who will win?
In this second installment of the Dunmara series, Jeannie is introduced to the daughter she gave to Johnny Daly and Ursula. Orla finds love after her cheating husband ananda her for a younger woman. Browyn, the rector’s daughter falls in love with Billy Van Devere. They must flee to the US because the helped the Irish IRA. There is a fight for Dunmara House and its grounds. Who will win?
September 29, 2026
Book 2 in the Dunmara series the saga continues about the Inhabitants of this beautiful estate on the Wild West coast of Ireland. Told over several periods of time, this one features the continuing saga in present day and their efforts to preserve the estate from a greedy developer. It also goes back in time to the Irish Troubles in the early 1900s and introduces Billy and his mother Thea. Love the characters, the beautiful Irish scenery and of course the history woven into this saga. Book 3 is beckoning me!!!
July 3, 2026
Intriguing pieces of history here.
I always give Jean Granger 5 stars. Because it is deserved.
I enjoyed all the pieces of this book. There were many different stories and timelines going on that helped to make the whole more brilliant. I didn't want to finish it too quickly, but I couldn't help it.
Can t wait for Book 3.
I always give Jean Granger 5 stars. Because it is deserved.
I enjoyed all the pieces of this book. There were many different stories and timelines going on that helped to make the whole more brilliant. I didn't want to finish it too quickly, but I couldn't help it.
Can t wait for Book 3.
July 4, 2026
Dunmara Continues
I’m so happy to read this second book in the Dunmara series. The history woven into the personal stories of the fascinating characters…it’s all spellbinding. As with every Grainger book, I struggle with wanting to read through to the end yet not wanting the story to be finished. I’m comforted knowing that there is a third book coming!
I’m so happy to read this second book in the Dunmara series. The history woven into the personal stories of the fascinating characters…it’s all spellbinding. As with every Grainger book, I struggle with wanting to read through to the end yet not wanting the story to be finished. I’m comforted knowing that there is a third book coming!
July 5, 2026
different
First, I want to say I enjoyed this book. I’ve read Jean Grainger books from the beginning. This book seemed different -as in other influences determined the narrative. Perhaps the style of a different author? Maybe not but it did seem different. Bottom line-I did like it-just pondered the difference.
First, I want to say I enjoyed this book. I’ve read Jean Grainger books from the beginning. This book seemed different -as in other influences determined the narrative. Perhaps the style of a different author? Maybe not but it did seem different. Bottom line-I did like it-just pondered the difference.
July 8, 2026
Another fantastic book by Jean Grainger
Loved it and couldn’t swipe my Kindle’s pages quick enough
How the characters became real on the pages and Thankyou Jean for help with pronouncing Irish names I always struggle ….maybe I will become fluent in my old age
Thankyou again Jean Now I have to wait for book 3 …..
Loved it and couldn’t swipe my Kindle’s pages quick enough
How the characters became real on the pages and Thankyou Jean for help with pronouncing Irish names I always struggle ….maybe I will become fluent in my old age
Thankyou again Jean Now I have to wait for book 3 …..
July 9, 2026
The Rector’s Daughter
I loved disappearing into this amazing series. I have pre-ordered Book 3 and anxiously awaiting the release date 9/30/26. I learn ever so much about Irish life for all the characters and laugh, weep and rejoice as if they are my distant cousins.
Thank you, Ms Grainger for another inspiring book.
Ali
I loved disappearing into this amazing series. I have pre-ordered Book 3 and anxiously awaiting the release date 9/30/26. I learn ever so much about Irish life for all the characters and laugh, weep and rejoice as if they are my distant cousins.
Thank you, Ms Grainger for another inspiring book.
Ali
July 10, 2026
A Great Story
The story of Dunmara lives on in Book 2. The reader learns more about the families introduced in Book 1. The book is well-written as expected of Jean Grainger. I love the characters and the beautiful descriptions of Ireland. I look forward to Book 3. This is a great series that I highly recommend.
The story of Dunmara lives on in Book 2. The reader learns more about the families introduced in Book 1. The book is well-written as expected of Jean Grainger. I love the characters and the beautiful descriptions of Ireland. I look forward to Book 3. This is a great series that I highly recommend.
July 18, 2026
The rectors daughter
Absolutely loved this story and all the people except for Kennedy. My God I hate that man and that English ham guy. Don't know how you could even stand to write about such hateful people. Guess you needed villians. Glad there is a follow-up book. Going to get it now
Absolutely loved this story and all the people except for Kennedy. My God I hate that man and that English ham guy. Don't know how you could even stand to write about such hateful people. Guess you needed villians. Glad there is a follow-up book. Going to get it now
July 20, 2026
just keeps getting better
But I am now horrified to discover only one more book in this terrific series. Ms. Grainger is a dab hand at storytelling. This series has it all: history, action, romance, humor and the most compelling cast of characters. You must start at book one to capture all the magic.
But I am now horrified to discover only one more book in this terrific series. Ms. Grainger is a dab hand at storytelling. This series has it all: history, action, romance, humor and the most compelling cast of characters. You must start at book one to capture all the magic.
September 17, 2026
THE RECTORS DAUGHTER by Jean Grainger
Another wonderful Irish story from Jean Grainger following on from If Walls Could Talk. My mother's ancestors were Irish and were transported to Australia for their involvement with the IRA, so I love/hate reading about these terrible times when they were just trying to keep their own country. Looking forward to the next book.
Another wonderful Irish story from Jean Grainger following on from If Walls Could Talk. My mother's ancestors were Irish and were transported to Australia for their involvement with the IRA, so I love/hate reading about these terrible times when they were just trying to keep their own country. Looking forward to the next book.
October 11, 2026
Ireland in turmoil is the harsh reminder.
Imminent domain rampantly destroys heritage and honor. The removal and destruction of thousands of years of history is unconscionable. Adding characters that represent the loss and actual abandonment of an entire people group echoes in this riveting story
Imminent domain rampantly destroys heritage and honor. The removal and destruction of thousands of years of history is unconscionable. Adding characters that represent the loss and actual abandonment of an entire people group echoes in this riveting story
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beautiful!
I've read all Jean's books and love them. There's a lot of interesting historical background, places where you melt into the book, and characters to love - and others to hate!
She always leaves me impatiently waiting for the next in the series!
I've read all Jean's books and love them. There's a lot of interesting historical background, places where you melt into the book, and characters to love - and others to hate!
She always leaves me impatiently waiting for the next in the series!
July 3, 2026
Amazing
I loved the prologue as it refreshed my memory of the first book. This story moves from the past and present with memorable stories from both eras. I read it in one sitting as it captivated me. Enjoy!
I loved the prologue as it refreshed my memory of the first book. This story moves from the past and present with memorable stories from both eras. I read it in one sitting as it captivated me. Enjoy!
July 7, 2026
A Lot of History
This series is full of history and fiction. Ireland had a lot of both to share, and although the author does a good job of blending it together, it is often hard to keep all the action and characters separate.
This series is full of history and fiction. Ireland had a lot of both to share, and although the author does a good job of blending it together, it is often hard to keep all the action and characters separate.
July 7, 2026
An amazing series
I've read almost all of Jean Grainger's books and loved them all. I believe this series is my favorite though. Historical fiction is my go to genre and I learn so much from each of books I'm addition to stories I can't put down. I can't wait for book 3.
I've read almost all of Jean Grainger's books and loved them all. I believe this series is my favorite though. Historical fiction is my go to genre and I learn so much from each of books I'm addition to stories I can't put down. I can't wait for book 3.
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