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Carmel Sheehan #1-3
The Carmel Sheehan Story #1-3
Carmel Sheehan was raised in an orphanage in Dublin, and always believed what she was told, that her unmarried mother abandoned her as a newborn.
Forty years later, living in rural Ireland, in an unfulfilling marriage, and she has no reason to suspect that version of her past was untrue, until she gets a Facebook message one day from a stranger claiming it was all lies.
In this gripping boxed set, Carmel begins a journey of discovery that takes her back to a time long before she was born when love and loyalty, betrayals and secrets decided her fate. The reality of her true story is both shocking and heartwarming, and Carmel learns that in order to go forward, she must first make peace with her past.
561 pages, ebook
Published October 1, 2018
2681 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
93 books1,604 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 188 reviews
November 29, 2018
Same story retold over and over
Perhaps because this was a series of 3 books, the same story line was repeated again and again which was tiresome. The main characters were insecure due to events in their lives and their insecurities resurfaced and were rehashed to the point of being boring. I think a lively story could of been told in a single book.
Perhaps because this was a series of 3 books, the same story line was repeated again and again which was tiresome. The main characters were insecure due to events in their lives and their insecurities resurfaced and were rehashed to the point of being boring. I think a lively story could of been told in a single book.
August 11, 2019
The Carmen Sheehan Story
Letters of Freedom #1 - Heartwarming. A well written, sad but uplifting story about two women and their losses. The short story is mesmerizing and can't be put down and ends too soon. Although the two don't meet, they end up sharing the same family. The abandoned child finds she had someone all along and now she's part of a real family and treasured. I contacted the author to review her books after reading Shadow.
The Future's Not Ours To See #2 - Starts where Letters of Freedom ends. A well written emotional ride of a story. The plot is fast paced and filled with a gamut of emotions. All the characters have personalities and are realistic, as is their dialog. This author does a wonderful job with descriptions of all sorts; and she carries you from emotion to another as the story unfolds. The agony and growth of the main female character is heart wrenching and uplifting at the same time. The metamorphosis she experiences is awe inspiring; yes, you can say she becomes a beautiful butterfly with all the love and the support. I wish I could say more, but this is a review, not a book report. Everything I've read by this author is well worth the time invested. You walk away with something substantial that actually has meaning. There are so many fun, likable characters that when an evil one appears, it is dramatic. Start with Letters of Freedom and finish the journey with The Future's Not Ours To See.
What Will Be Will Be #3 – Another wonderful, heartwarming period in Carmel’s story. Carmel has grown so much in the past year and that growth brings great happiness and bigger changes to her life. Ms. Grainger’s talent to tell a story, with vivid descriptions; interesting, caring characters; and realistic dialog and adventures makes this book difficult to put down. Nothing different from the other books of the series. The ending is a perfect way to finalize the series, but it also leaves the future open for another book down the road.
The Carmen Sheehan Story end.
Letters of Freedom #1 - Heartwarming. A well written, sad but uplifting story about two women and their losses. The short story is mesmerizing and can't be put down and ends too soon. Although the two don't meet, they end up sharing the same family. The abandoned child finds she had someone all along and now she's part of a real family and treasured. I contacted the author to review her books after reading Shadow.
The Future's Not Ours To See #2 - Starts where Letters of Freedom ends. A well written emotional ride of a story. The plot is fast paced and filled with a gamut of emotions. All the characters have personalities and are realistic, as is their dialog. This author does a wonderful job with descriptions of all sorts; and she carries you from emotion to another as the story unfolds. The agony and growth of the main female character is heart wrenching and uplifting at the same time. The metamorphosis she experiences is awe inspiring; yes, you can say she becomes a beautiful butterfly with all the love and the support. I wish I could say more, but this is a review, not a book report. Everything I've read by this author is well worth the time invested. You walk away with something substantial that actually has meaning. There are so many fun, likable characters that when an evil one appears, it is dramatic. Start with Letters of Freedom and finish the journey with The Future's Not Ours To See.
What Will Be Will Be #3 – Another wonderful, heartwarming period in Carmel’s story. Carmel has grown so much in the past year and that growth brings great happiness and bigger changes to her life. Ms. Grainger’s talent to tell a story, with vivid descriptions; interesting, caring characters; and realistic dialog and adventures makes this book difficult to put down. Nothing different from the other books of the series. The ending is a perfect way to finalize the series, but it also leaves the future open for another book down the road.
The Carmen Sheehan Story end.
April 3, 2020
The collection
I chose this rating because of the missing words n the sentences. Was kinda hard for such a wonderful read. This was so hard to put down. Made me little sad that it was not double checked for mistakes. Still it did not take away from the great story line.
But for this beautiful read it definitely deserved to be checked way better. I hope it can be redone n rechecked for those mistakes..
It's a lovely read that I would love to read again and again without these mistakes...
Jean Grainger is my new favorite Author... More like this. And please get someone who does better recheck work.
Great read Jean..keep them coming . Lovers this collection..
I chose this rating because of the missing words n the sentences. Was kinda hard for such a wonderful read. This was so hard to put down. Made me little sad that it was not double checked for mistakes. Still it did not take away from the great story line.
But for this beautiful read it definitely deserved to be checked way better. I hope it can be redone n rechecked for those mistakes..
It's a lovely read that I would love to read again and again without these mistakes...
Jean Grainger is my new favorite Author... More like this. And please get someone who does better recheck work.
Great read Jean..keep them coming . Lovers this collection..
July 31, 2019
Sweet, but not sappy. Enjoyable characters and a little picture of Ireland.
April 10, 2020
Another great series!
I love all your books. These books is so sweet. Once I start I can't stop. I am part of the family. The relationships are so real. I have been in I Ireland and love it. Enjoyed The tour series as well as this series. Please give me more to read. I would say this series is great for any age . I started reading when I was five . I'm eighty two now. I love a variety of different reading . Fiction, history, news, you name it. Love it a!!. Thank you.
I love all your books. These books is so sweet. Once I start I can't stop. I am part of the family. The relationships are so real. I have been in I Ireland and love it. Enjoyed The tour series as well as this series. Please give me more to read. I would say this series is great for any age . I started reading when I was five . I'm eighty two now. I love a variety of different reading . Fiction, history, news, you name it. Love it a!!. Thank you.
October 14, 2018
Jean Grainger writes the most amazing and believable stories. In Letters of Freedom, Jean Grainger has achieved amazing depth of characters for a 32 page novella. I felt like I was on her journey with Carmel. This is a wonderful tale.
In The Future's Not Ours To See I was delighted to learn where Carmel's journey took her. These characters draw you into their world. Once started I cannot put Jean Grainger's books down. Her stories are so wonderful even though parts make me cry! Carmel had been alone so long. It is great to see her run after (and find) love.
What Will Be is the third and last book in this series. It continues Carmel's journey.
Jean Grainger is a gifted story teller who draws me into each story. I am never ready to reach the end, Ms. Grainger's characters are so very real and personable. Each story is an well crafted, enjoyable adventure. I highly recommend everything Jean Grainger has written.
In The Future's Not Ours To See I was delighted to learn where Carmel's journey took her. These characters draw you into their world. Once started I cannot put Jean Grainger's books down. Her stories are so wonderful even though parts make me cry! Carmel had been alone so long. It is great to see her run after (and find) love.
What Will Be is the third and last book in this series. It continues Carmel's journey.
Jean Grainger is a gifted story teller who draws me into each story. I am never ready to reach the end, Ms. Grainger's characters are so very real and personable. Each story is an well crafted, enjoyable adventure. I highly recommend everything Jean Grainger has written.
September 3, 2020
Great story!
The author weaves the strong points of two very different cultures extremely well. The characters are nicely developed through out the series and kept me interested for days. I highly recommend this book, most especially to fans of
Irish stories. Well done.
The author weaves the strong points of two very different cultures extremely well. The characters are nicely developed through out the series and kept me interested for days. I highly recommend this book, most especially to fans of
Irish stories. Well done.
February 19, 2021
Carmel Is able to change her life at age 40 After growing up not knowing any better. Loved her journey. Loved this 3 book Collection
May 11, 2022
A Joyful Read
This was Such a delightful story that I am sad that it has come to an end. The growth in Carmel is awe inspiring and I only wish I could be as strong as she.
Jean Grainger,don’t Ever stop writing! I wouldn’t know how to live without your fabulous stories! Everyone will Love this collection!
This was Such a delightful story that I am sad that it has come to an end. The growth in Carmel is awe inspiring and I only wish I could be as strong as she.
Jean Grainger,don’t Ever stop writing! I wouldn’t know how to live without your fabulous stories! Everyone will Love this collection!
October 13, 2018
Letters of Freedom #1 - Heartwarming. A well written, sad but uplifting story about two women and their losses. The short story is mesmerizing and can't be put down and ends too soon. Although the two don't meet, they end up sharing the same family. The abandoned child finds she had someone all along and now she's part of a real family and treasured. I contacted the author to review her books after reading Shadow.
The Future's Not Ours To See #2 - Starts where Letters of Freedom ends. A well written emotional ride of a story. The plot is fast paced and filled with a gamut of emotions. All the characters have personalities and are realistic, as is their dialog. This author does a wonderful job with descriptions of all sorts; and she carries you from emotion to another as the story unfolds. The agony and growth of the main female character is heart wrenching and uplifting at the same time. The metamorphosis she experiences is awe inspiring; yes, you can say she becomes a beautiful butterfly with all the love and the support. I wish I could say more, but this is a review, not a book report.
Everything I've read by this author is well worth the time invested. You walk away with something substantial that actually has meaning. There are so many fun, likable characters that when an evil one appears, it is dramatic. Start with Letters of Freedom and finish the journey with The Future's Not Ours To See.
What Will Be Will Be #3 – Another wonderful, heartwarming period in Carmel’s story. Carmel has grown so much in the past year and that growth brings great happiness and bigger changes to her life. Ms. Grainger’s talent to tell a story, with vivid descriptions; interesting, caring characters; and realistic dialog and adventures makes this book difficult to put down. Nothing different from the other books of the series. The ending is a perfect way to finalize the series, but it also leaves the future open for another book down the road.
The Future's Not Ours To See #2 - Starts where Letters of Freedom ends. A well written emotional ride of a story. The plot is fast paced and filled with a gamut of emotions. All the characters have personalities and are realistic, as is their dialog. This author does a wonderful job with descriptions of all sorts; and she carries you from emotion to another as the story unfolds. The agony and growth of the main female character is heart wrenching and uplifting at the same time. The metamorphosis she experiences is awe inspiring; yes, you can say she becomes a beautiful butterfly with all the love and the support. I wish I could say more, but this is a review, not a book report.
Everything I've read by this author is well worth the time invested. You walk away with something substantial that actually has meaning. There are so many fun, likable characters that when an evil one appears, it is dramatic. Start with Letters of Freedom and finish the journey with The Future's Not Ours To See.
What Will Be Will Be #3 – Another wonderful, heartwarming period in Carmel’s story. Carmel has grown so much in the past year and that growth brings great happiness and bigger changes to her life. Ms. Grainger’s talent to tell a story, with vivid descriptions; interesting, caring characters; and realistic dialog and adventures makes this book difficult to put down. Nothing different from the other books of the series. The ending is a perfect way to finalize the series, but it also leaves the future open for another book down the road.
May 31, 2019
Jean Grainger writes the most amazing and believable stories. In Letters of Freedom, Jean Grainger has achieved amazing depth of characters for a 32 page novella. I felt like I was on her journey with Carmel. This is a wonderful tale.
In The Future's Not Ours To See I was delighted to learn where Carmel's journey took her. These characters draw you into their world. Once started I cannot put Jean Grainger's books down. Her stories are so wonderful even though parts make me cry! Carmel had been alone so long. It is great to see her run after (and find) love.
What Will Be is the third and last book in this series. It continues Carmel's journey.
Jean Grainger is a gifted story teller who draws me into each story. I am never ready to reach the end, Ms. Grainger's characters are so very real and personable. Each story is an well crafted, enjoyable adventure. I highly recommend everything Jean Grainger has written.
In The Future's Not Ours To See I was delighted to learn where Carmel's journey took her. These characters draw you into their world. Once started I cannot put Jean Grainger's books down. Her stories are so wonderful even though parts make me cry! Carmel had been alone so long. It is great to see her run after (and find) love.
What Will Be is the third and last book in this series. It continues Carmel's journey.
Jean Grainger is a gifted story teller who draws me into each story. I am never ready to reach the end, Ms. Grainger's characters are so very real and personable. Each story is an well crafted, enjoyable adventure. I highly recommend everything Jean Grainger has written.
April 16, 2023
It’s an engaging enough story to keep me reading, for sure; but it is not well-written at all! She commits so many writing “sins”, the biggest of which is that she tells instead if shows. For instance, instead of having a character say funny things, she will narrate that other characters found that character to be very funny. You can’t believe it if she never actually “shows” us that attribute in the character’s dialogue and actions. Also, usually I’m lucky to find one typo in a book, most are so well-edited nowadays, but this book had at least 2 dozen. Very odd, very distracting and unprofessional. It definitely lowered my enjoyment of the book. Also, I get a little sick of “chick lit” in which the main character “is beautiful but doesn’t know it.” 🙄🙄🙄🙄 So cliche.
So while I don’t regret reading it, I couldn’t say I recommend it!!
So while I don’t regret reading it, I couldn’t say I recommend it!!
October 29, 2018
Wonderful series!
I could not put this trilogy down! I'd read the novella, Letters of Freedom, a few months ago, loved it, and jumped at the chance to download the 3 book box set. If you like Catherine Cookson or Nicholas Sparks novels, you should read Jean Grainger's books. They are always tender, often funny, and thoroughly engaging. The characters are well drawn, storylines are often inspired by real life events, dialog is realistic, but be careful, or you might become addicted like I am! Thanks, Jean! Another 5 star effort from a 5 star author!
I could not put this trilogy down! I'd read the novella, Letters of Freedom, a few months ago, loved it, and jumped at the chance to download the 3 book box set. If you like Catherine Cookson or Nicholas Sparks novels, you should read Jean Grainger's books. They are always tender, often funny, and thoroughly engaging. The characters are well drawn, storylines are often inspired by real life events, dialog is realistic, but be careful, or you might become addicted like I am! Thanks, Jean! Another 5 star effort from a 5 star author!
November 18, 2019
Unique POV in this moving Irish story
Jean Grainger develops her characters very well, which brings me back to her stories over and over. This one revolves around Carmel, who was raised in an orphanage, and her life as an adult. I don’t want to give away plot details, so I’ll just say one of the things I admired most about the story was how JG stayed true to Carmel’s past and how it continues to influence her life, even as it changes so much. Beautifully written and developed. Highly recommend.
Jean Grainger develops her characters very well, which brings me back to her stories over and over. This one revolves around Carmel, who was raised in an orphanage, and her life as an adult. I don’t want to give away plot details, so I’ll just say one of the things I admired most about the story was how JG stayed true to Carmel’s past and how it continues to influence her life, even as it changes so much. Beautifully written and developed. Highly recommend.
December 17, 2022
Re-Pet-I-Tive!!!!
Omg! These 3 books could have been combined into one book. It was so redundant! Every other page repeated Carmel’s pitiful past! I was so sick of it that I started to skip pages. I almost abandoned the books. Painful!
Omg! These 3 books could have been combined into one book. It was so redundant! Every other page repeated Carmel’s pitiful past! I was so sick of it that I started to skip pages. I almost abandoned the books. Painful!
September 24, 2020
From Nobody to Somebody
Carmel Murphy Sheehan has spent her 40 years of life feeling like she does not actually exist. She was born in one of Ireland’s infamous Mother and Baby institutions and then spent the next 20+ years at Trinity House, a Catholic orphanage. She suffered no abuse, just complete indifference and a demeaning lack of preparation for the world outside the institution as she aged out. She agrees to marry a much older widower with 2 daughters who asks for a woman to take care of him, his farmhouse, and his family. After 17 years of being a wife in name only (more like a unpaid housekeeper), her life is turned upside down one afternoon when an attractive but kind Pakastani Doctor brings her proof of her long-lost birth mother’s identity. As her long abandoned dream of finding out who she really is comes true, Carmel slowly begins to realize that she deserves a real life and if she can find the courage, she can begin to change everything about herself to find actual happiness and purpose despite her troubled beginnings. The history of the treatment of unwed pregnant women and their babies in a Catholic Church controlled Ireland for many, many years makes for a fascinating, touching, tearful, and inspiring story, so read these books!
Carmel Murphy Sheehan has spent her 40 years of life feeling like she does not actually exist. She was born in one of Ireland’s infamous Mother and Baby institutions and then spent the next 20+ years at Trinity House, a Catholic orphanage. She suffered no abuse, just complete indifference and a demeaning lack of preparation for the world outside the institution as she aged out. She agrees to marry a much older widower with 2 daughters who asks for a woman to take care of him, his farmhouse, and his family. After 17 years of being a wife in name only (more like a unpaid housekeeper), her life is turned upside down one afternoon when an attractive but kind Pakastani Doctor brings her proof of her long-lost birth mother’s identity. As her long abandoned dream of finding out who she really is comes true, Carmel slowly begins to realize that she deserves a real life and if she can find the courage, she can begin to change everything about herself to find actual happiness and purpose despite her troubled beginnings. The history of the treatment of unwed pregnant women and their babies in a Catholic Church controlled Ireland for many, many years makes for a fascinating, touching, tearful, and inspiring story, so read these books!
February 5, 2021
You are so lucky. You still have this box set to read and enjoy.
Let me come clean. I am an avid reader of the Jean Granger books.
Jean takes time to set the scene in the first book of the three book series. This is entirely necessary but if this had been the first book of hers that I read I may have stopped there. If this is the case for you; don't.
The three books offer a roller coaster ride that made me look forward to my next reading period. You will get insight into human relations, Irish history from the Irish perspective, views on current affairs, and some very emotional scenes. You will certainly experience emotional ups and downs handled by the author with great skill.
I read the books on Kindle and kept checking how long I had got until conclusion. Very satisfying to know when I saw there was still much reading time ahead!
Thank you Jean Granger.
Let me come clean. I am an avid reader of the Jean Granger books.
Jean takes time to set the scene in the first book of the three book series. This is entirely necessary but if this had been the first book of hers that I read I may have stopped there. If this is the case for you; don't.
The three books offer a roller coaster ride that made me look forward to my next reading period. You will get insight into human relations, Irish history from the Irish perspective, views on current affairs, and some very emotional scenes. You will certainly experience emotional ups and downs handled by the author with great skill.
I read the books on Kindle and kept checking how long I had got until conclusion. Very satisfying to know when I saw there was still much reading time ahead!
Thank you Jean Granger.
June 2, 2020
Totally enjoy these books
I became very invested in the characters. I could barely put it down. I’m glad I chose this book because one of my friends as a child, was a foster child. I truly like her and we spent a great deal of time with her until her foster family. When she made her First Communion my mother bought a home permanent and gave her curls just like the other girls in her class. I still wonder how she is. So this book touched my heart because I felt sorry for Jeanette, her mother and father were never around. She had a brother placed with her finally but they wer both sad children. Guess this is why book was so touching to me. I hope my old friend had a good life.
I became very invested in the characters. I could barely put it down. I’m glad I chose this book because one of my friends as a child, was a foster child. I truly like her and we spent a great deal of time with her until her foster family. When she made her First Communion my mother bought a home permanent and gave her curls just like the other girls in her class. I still wonder how she is. So this book touched my heart because I felt sorry for Jeanette, her mother and father were never around. She had a brother placed with her finally but they wer both sad children. Guess this is why book was so touching to me. I hope my old friend had a good life.
June 11, 2020
My current read is an interesting trilogy. Book one: "Carmel Sheehan was raised in an orphanage in Dublin, and always believed what she was told, that her unmarried mother abandoned her as a newborn.
Forty years later, living in rural Ireland, in an unfulfilling marriage, and she has no reason to suspect that version of her past was untrue, until she gets a Facebook message one day from a stranger claiming it was all lies.
In this gripping boxed set, Carmel begins a journey of discovery that takes her back to a time long before she was born when love and loyalty, betrayals and secrets decided her fate. The reality of her true story is both shocking and heartwarming, and Carmel learns that in order to go forward, she must first make peace with her past.
Wonderful story!
Forty years later, living in rural Ireland, in an unfulfilling marriage, and she has no reason to suspect that version of her past was untrue, until she gets a Facebook message one day from a stranger claiming it was all lies.
In this gripping boxed set, Carmel begins a journey of discovery that takes her back to a time long before she was born when love and loyalty, betrayals and secrets decided her fate. The reality of her true story is both shocking and heartwarming, and Carmel learns that in order to go forward, she must first make peace with her past.
Wonderful story!
July 18, 2020
Jean Grainger is a master storyteller, weaving the realism of today’s world in with a woman’s rise from an unloved and unlovely life to surprising fulfillment.
Carmel draws us in at once into her drab, hopeless life in a loveless marriage in rural Ireland. An abandoned infant, raised by nuns, she longed for her mother and a loving family. From a sterile beginning to a life filled with the love of a Pakistani neurosurgeon, discovery of her mother and her father, Carmel becomes the center of a big, blended family. The characters are varied and vivid, and the inclusion of the various ethnic backgrounds and detailed descriptions of Ireland and England, add to the intricate patterns of Carmel and Sharif’s lives. A great, satisfying read. A talented writer.
Carmel draws us in at once into her drab, hopeless life in a loveless marriage in rural Ireland. An abandoned infant, raised by nuns, she longed for her mother and a loving family. From a sterile beginning to a life filled with the love of a Pakistani neurosurgeon, discovery of her mother and her father, Carmel becomes the center of a big, blended family. The characters are varied and vivid, and the inclusion of the various ethnic backgrounds and detailed descriptions of Ireland and England, add to the intricate patterns of Carmel and Sharif’s lives. A great, satisfying read. A talented writer.
April 12, 2022
I could not get beyond 1/5 of the book read. Unlikely to continue. Bizarrely improbable storyline. Agree with the repetition of text. I found her saviour improbable and the saintly mother (no disrespect to her giving up her child intended). I read The Robinwood Trilogy and thoroughly enjoyed it which was my first time reading Jean Grainger. I liked the characters in those books and the fact that they spoke so much with an Irish voice. I should have read the sample, instead of thinking her writing style would not vary so much. Agree with other reviewers that it favours New Age enthusiasts. This seems to be a book that people either love or the polar opposite.
June 21, 2023
I’m usually a Grainger fan, but this trilogy just didn’t do it for me. Lots of repetition, not just from book to book, but within the same book.
Characters were plentiful but I just didn’t love anyone and Carmel, the main protagonist, annoyed me on more than one occasion.
There were continuity issues too. In Book 2 a baby is Ruari. In Book 3 he’s Sean. Carmel’s husband goes from six feet in Book 1 to six-two in Book 3. Missing words in dialogue was prevalent. Nit picky, I know, but troublesome for me.
If you like implausible fairytales, or rags to riches, you’ll enjoy these books. I didn’t.
Back to Mags Munroe. I love her!
Characters were plentiful but I just didn’t love anyone and Carmel, the main protagonist, annoyed me on more than one occasion.
There were continuity issues too. In Book 2 a baby is Ruari. In Book 3 he’s Sean. Carmel’s husband goes from six feet in Book 1 to six-two in Book 3. Missing words in dialogue was prevalent. Nit picky, I know, but troublesome for me.
If you like implausible fairytales, or rags to riches, you’ll enjoy these books. I didn’t.
Back to Mags Munroe. I love her!
August 15, 2020
What all can behold
Wonderful realization of the importance of family. The trending reminds one of the need to love constantly. The stories offer the leadership in our families the Need to Shepard love in each individual and to make them aware of the tribulations we encounter.
Each character shows an example of good characteristics to follow and others to reject. Our souls could reach out and be nourished by each character and life trial. Now I must shake these complicated feelings so I can study them when my spirit is stronger, and my mind is open again.
Wonderful realization of the importance of family. The trending reminds one of the need to love constantly. The stories offer the leadership in our families the Need to Shepard love in each individual and to make them aware of the tribulations we encounter.
Each character shows an example of good characteristics to follow and others to reject. Our souls could reach out and be nourished by each character and life trial. Now I must shake these complicated feelings so I can study them when my spirit is stronger, and my mind is open again.
March 24, 2021
Although "Letters of Freedom," the starting novella is a bit depressing, it is a good introduction. Keep reading. In "The Future's Not Ours To See" Carmel's life begins anew, with many new experiences and love blossoming, with some upsets as well. The story continues in "What Will Be" with more interesting adventures. This is a delightful series, with lovely "scenes" of Ireland by an excellent storyteller. One small criticism: in "Future's" Carmel meets her half-sister's infant, Ruarti. In "What Will Be" his name changes to Sean. A bit confusing.
April 9, 2021
The. Carmel Sheehan Story
I chose this rating because I really enjoyed the story and the setting.
Galway is one of my favorite places in Ireland as most of my family is from that area. My grandmother was from Balleygar in County Roscommon. Relatives still run a pub in Abbey Gray. Your books are so true to the area that you write about that I can't wait for the next one to be published. My only regret is that at 85 my health won't allow me another trip to the old sod. So I am counting on you to keep my memories going.
I chose this rating because I really enjoyed the story and the setting.
Galway is one of my favorite places in Ireland as most of my family is from that area. My grandmother was from Balleygar in County Roscommon. Relatives still run a pub in Abbey Gray. Your books are so true to the area that you write about that I can't wait for the next one to be published. My only regret is that at 85 my health won't allow me another trip to the old sod. So I am counting on you to keep my memories going.
April 28, 2019
The saying goes that life begins at 40. For Carmel, it did. For her first 18 years she was warehoused in an orphanage with no one to care for her except for her basic needs. She married a man who needed someone to care for his home and children. He didn't care about Carmel, as a wife only as a housekeeper. His sister made her life miserable. At 40, she met a man online who knew about her mother. Carmel's life began.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2020
Your story brought sadness, tears, and laughter, and joy. I also found hope. Hope that no matter what our life has brought to us, the possibility of love and kindness can be just around the corner. Thank you.
Your story brought sadness, tears, laughter and joy. I also found hope. Hope that no matter what our life has brought, the possibility of love and kindness can be just around the next corner. Thank you .
Your story brought sadness, tears, laughter and joy. I also found hope. Hope that no matter what our life has brought, the possibility of love and kindness can be just around the next corner. Thank you .
May 8, 2020
A heartwarming story
I love this author and was excited to see this new series. Because these are written as 3 books there is some repetition in them since each could possibly stand alone. That was annoying to me because I read them sequentially as one. Having said that I loved the characters and the story. It was uplifting without being saccharine. I felt like I was experiencing the many cultural aspects of today’s Ireland. It was a “good read”!
I love this author and was excited to see this new series. Because these are written as 3 books there is some repetition in them since each could possibly stand alone. That was annoying to me because I read them sequentially as one. Having said that I loved the characters and the story. It was uplifting without being saccharine. I felt like I was experiencing the many cultural aspects of today’s Ireland. It was a “good read”!
May 16, 2020
Liberal
I absolutely love Jean Grainger so you'll wonder why I'm giving this book four stars. The story line is so enjoyable with its highs and lows and heartwarming family tapestry. I did, however, find myself skipping through large sections of the trilogy. I found it to be a running dissertation on the new age agenda of liberal thought. If your views run in that direction, you will probably give it a five star rating.
I absolutely love Jean Grainger so you'll wonder why I'm giving this book four stars. The story line is so enjoyable with its highs and lows and heartwarming family tapestry. I did, however, find myself skipping through large sections of the trilogy. I found it to be a running dissertation on the new age agenda of liberal thought. If your views run in that direction, you will probably give it a five star rating.
November 16, 2020
I really liked this story. Finally, an author who understands human nature and doesn't try to force it into an unbelievable plot line. I found it quite believable and what could have been ruined by a less talented writer was treated with such love and dignity that I found myself rereading sections just because they touched my heart.
This isn't my first Jean Grainger book and it won't be my last. I highly recommend this book.
This isn't my first Jean Grainger book and it won't be my last. I highly recommend this book.
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