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Catriona's War
Dublin, Ireland 1940
An Irish journalist goes missing in occupied France and only his daughter can save him.
Nineteen year old Irish girl Catriona McCarthy adores her father. Apart from her late mother’s family in France, he is all she has, but as war looms over Europe, Kieran finds himself away from his daughter much more often than either of them want.
An outspoken journalist from neutral Ireland, he soon draws unwanted attention from the corridors of power in Berlin as he tells the rest of the world the truth about National Socialism.
Catriona is following her father’s instructions, waiting patiently for his return, but an unexpected visitor one day causes her to question who her father really is. The future looks bleak, there is a chance that he is in very real danger and she is presented with a stark choice.
Can she defy his instructions and do as she is asked?
Previously published as part of the USA Today Bestselling Anthology, The Darkest Hour, this standalone novella will take you to the deepest recesses of Nazi power and leave you on the edge of your seat.
'Simply brilliant.' Amazon reviewer.
'Catriona's War is a deeply human story of ordinary people in extraordinary times.' Amazon reviewer.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2019
789 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
90 books1,594 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 75 reviews
April 5, 2020
A young French Irish woman, recently out of a convent boarding school in France, joins the Resistance to find her missing father, a freelance journalist. Not a lot of depth or character development
November 4, 2021
This is not a holocaust. This is nor young or adult book. I chose this book because the book cover is very interesting. I had to find out. It is a short story that has only 11 chapters and 81 pages. It was an eye page turner, moving, suspense that keeps you riveted from the start to the end. I did enjoy the short story. His styling is incredible for any young or adult readers. It does not show any graphic violence or sexual. The story unfolds, the events is about Catriona’s father is a great journalist. Her dad is Irish, and her late mother is French. She spent 12 years in a boarding school in Belgium and was tri-lingual (French, German, and English). She adores her father, and she couldn’t stand being away from him when he was traveling for work. She begged him she want to go to London. He agrees her to London, then he had left her there. She had no idea what he was doing at the time. When her father went missing. A friend knows Catriona in London at the time. She wondered why and decides she will help him continue to work where her father had started “turning” a Nazi officer who hated Hitler and the Nazi party. It was very dangerous where she put herself at risk decision to find the true about her father if he is alive or not.
May 15, 2019
Catriona's War - If you enjoyed Ms. Grainger's book So Much Owed, you'll enjoy this novella. Well written and well thought out, this little story about WWII, France and Britain is intriguing and suspense filled. The characters are interesting and realistic, and their dialog is believable. This is a lovely story with many story lines about that interesting time in history and the heroes that did what they had to do. 4*
Jean Grainger Box Set: 4 stars
So Much Owed - An awesome, must read book. WWII is the time frame and the story is set in Ireland and England. Interesting, multidimensional characters that keep the reader caring about them and their journey during the war. There's past history, WWI and the Troubles, faced by some of the characters that shape the decisions made during WWII. The storyline is mesmerizing and intense, immersing the reader in a world of joy, pain, sorrow and happiness. Ms. Grainger is a talented storyteller and I enjoyed everything I've read so far by her. 5*
Shadow of a Century - A well written, sad but uplifting story set in both Ireland and New York. The characters are well developed and interesting. The storylines are well thought out and hold your attention, especially the last three-quarters of the book. If you enjoyed Maeve Binchy's books, you'll enjoy both books by Jean: Shadow of a Century and Letters of Freedom. I disagreed with the main character's comments on a gun-crazed USA and the Democrats fixing all problems if in power. US politics aside, the story is worth reading. 3*
Under Heaven's Shining Stars - This story reminded me so much of Angela's Ashes. Both stories are so well told about life in a poor Irish neighborhood; although Angela's is a true story written by her son about their lives. The story is mesmerizing and I took days to devour this intense story of love, caring, acceptance and terror. The characters just blossomed, growing into maturity and grace as their lives unfolded. The story and neighborhood is typical regardless of where you live, especially during that time period when people were closer with their neighbors and communities.
Even with the bad parts, the story left warmhearted and loving and happy feelings, along with the horror. There so many ways these characters could have gone and become, but their love and support kept an even keel and good won. All the books written by this author have been very good to excellent; I highly recommend her work. This is my favorite book so far. 5*
Jean Grainger Box Set end.
Jean Grainger Box Set: 4 stars
So Much Owed - An awesome, must read book. WWII is the time frame and the story is set in Ireland and England. Interesting, multidimensional characters that keep the reader caring about them and their journey during the war. There's past history, WWI and the Troubles, faced by some of the characters that shape the decisions made during WWII. The storyline is mesmerizing and intense, immersing the reader in a world of joy, pain, sorrow and happiness. Ms. Grainger is a talented storyteller and I enjoyed everything I've read so far by her. 5*
Shadow of a Century - A well written, sad but uplifting story set in both Ireland and New York. The characters are well developed and interesting. The storylines are well thought out and hold your attention, especially the last three-quarters of the book. If you enjoyed Maeve Binchy's books, you'll enjoy both books by Jean: Shadow of a Century and Letters of Freedom. I disagreed with the main character's comments on a gun-crazed USA and the Democrats fixing all problems if in power. US politics aside, the story is worth reading. 3*
Under Heaven's Shining Stars - This story reminded me so much of Angela's Ashes. Both stories are so well told about life in a poor Irish neighborhood; although Angela's is a true story written by her son about their lives. The story is mesmerizing and I took days to devour this intense story of love, caring, acceptance and terror. The characters just blossomed, growing into maturity and grace as their lives unfolded. The story and neighborhood is typical regardless of where you live, especially during that time period when people were closer with their neighbors and communities.
Even with the bad parts, the story left warmhearted and loving and happy feelings, along with the horror. There so many ways these characters could have gone and become, but their love and support kept an even keel and good won. All the books written by this author have been very good to excellent; I highly recommend her work. This is my favorite book so far. 5*
Jean Grainger Box Set end.
October 3, 2019
Catriona’s War is by Jean Grainger. This book takes place mainly in France during World War II. It is the story of resistance and heroism at its finest. The French Resistance was formed when the Nazis took over France but had a hard time finding weapons to use against the Nazis until the British contacted them and joined up with them in the Resistance. Many men and even a number of women were recruited to help the resistance from inside France. This was a risk that they took because being caught meant death.
Catriona MacCarthy was finally out of school and she had decided to travel with her father, Kieran while he traveled Europe delivering news items back to England. He was her only close relative since her Mother died. While in Belgium in school, she did spend vacations with her Mother’s relatives in France; but they had never liked her Father so he was never there with her. She missed him very much and only wanted to be with him. Instead of traveling with him, he placed her in Ireland and found work for her there while he went back overseas to report on what Hitler was doing. Hitler had already declared war against Poland, Great Britain, and France. She finally convinced him to allow her to come to London and live with him there. That was a farce since he wasn’t there very much. However, it was better than being in Ireland.
One day, a man came to see her. He was looking for her Father, but she had no idea where he was. When she went to various offices looking for news of him, she was surprised to be recruited to help spy. She was sent to France to try to recruit the Nazi that her Father was working on and was certain he would cave and spy for Britain. Her Father had disappeared and no one knew where he was or if he was alive. Catriona was briefed and was sent to France. Would she be able to finish the job her Father started? Would she find him? Would she be successful in her own job?
This is a wonderful novel depicting the brave men and women of the French Resistance and the British spy organization. I highly recommend it.
Catriona MacCarthy was finally out of school and she had decided to travel with her father, Kieran while he traveled Europe delivering news items back to England. He was her only close relative since her Mother died. While in Belgium in school, she did spend vacations with her Mother’s relatives in France; but they had never liked her Father so he was never there with her. She missed him very much and only wanted to be with him. Instead of traveling with him, he placed her in Ireland and found work for her there while he went back overseas to report on what Hitler was doing. Hitler had already declared war against Poland, Great Britain, and France. She finally convinced him to allow her to come to London and live with him there. That was a farce since he wasn’t there very much. However, it was better than being in Ireland.
One day, a man came to see her. He was looking for her Father, but she had no idea where he was. When she went to various offices looking for news of him, she was surprised to be recruited to help spy. She was sent to France to try to recruit the Nazi that her Father was working on and was certain he would cave and spy for Britain. Her Father had disappeared and no one knew where he was or if he was alive. Catriona was briefed and was sent to France. Would she be able to finish the job her Father started? Would she find him? Would she be successful in her own job?
This is a wonderful novel depicting the brave men and women of the French Resistance and the British spy organization. I highly recommend it.
June 16, 2020
This is an exciting novella:
Dublin, Ireland 1940
"An Irish journalist goes missing in occupied France and only his daughter can save him.
Nineteen year old Irish girl Catriona McCarthy adores her father. Apart from her late mother’s family in France, he is all she has, but as war looms over Europe, Kieran finds himself away from his daughter much more often than either of them want.
An outspoken journalist from neutral Ireland, he soon draws unwanted attention from the corridors of power in Berlin as he tells the rest of the world the truth about National Socialism.
Catriona is following her father’s instructions, waiting patiently for his return, but an unexpected visitor one day causes her to question who her father really is. The future looks bleak, there is a chance that he is in very real danger and she is presented with a stark choice.
Can she defy his instructions and do as she is asked?" synopsis copied
Dublin, Ireland 1940
"An Irish journalist goes missing in occupied France and only his daughter can save him.
Nineteen year old Irish girl Catriona McCarthy adores her father. Apart from her late mother’s family in France, he is all she has, but as war looms over Europe, Kieran finds himself away from his daughter much more often than either of them want.
An outspoken journalist from neutral Ireland, he soon draws unwanted attention from the corridors of power in Berlin as he tells the rest of the world the truth about National Socialism.
Catriona is following her father’s instructions, waiting patiently for his return, but an unexpected visitor one day causes her to question who her father really is. The future looks bleak, there is a chance that he is in very real danger and she is presented with a stark choice.
Can she defy his instructions and do as she is asked?" synopsis copied
August 5, 2020
Wonderful historical fiction! Catriona is a young woman ready to make her mark in the world. She's boarding school trained, trilingual, and headstrong. But life in Nazi-controlled Europe has its own hardships and dangers. A chance meeting offers an unexpected opportunity to save her foreign correspondent father and maybe even her countrymen.
Catriona speaks: "You can't blame them though, can you? The French are proud people, and it's humiliating to be occupied" (kindle p.62).
This short story book has an excellent plot, good writing style, and interesting characters. Greatly enjoyed it!
"Vive la France," she whispered..."(kindle p.74)
Catriona speaks: "You can't blame them though, can you? The French are proud people, and it's humiliating to be occupied" (kindle p.62).
This short story book has an excellent plot, good writing style, and interesting characters. Greatly enjoyed it!
"Vive la France," she whispered..."(kindle p.74)
June 27, 2019
When Catriona's father goes missing in war-torn France, she is desperate to find out what has happened to him. The offer of a role helping the French Resistance presents the opportunity for her to investigate. But will it be too dangerous? This is a short read, an easy read, a satisfying read. I read it on the plane flying across Europe, which seemed somehow appropriate. Another enjoyable book from the prolific pen of Jean Grainger.
July 23, 2019
A young woman enters into the Resistance in pursuit of her missing father. The Germans are taking over many towns under the orders of Hitler, and Catriona becomes involved when she learns her father was spying for the British. A well written story, with characters you come to love. Fast paced, an interesting read. Definitely will be recommending this book.
I received this book through an authors promotion in exchange of an honest review.
I received this book through an authors promotion in exchange of an honest review.
October 29, 2019
Not a fan
The plot was interesting but the author failed to get you to invest in the characters. The father practically ignored his “beloved” daughter. Catriona wasn’t an innocent that agrees to seduce a German soldier in hopes of finding her father. It all wraps up neatly with a happy reunion. I found that the characters were not well developed, the plot was too contrite and overall, I just could not get interested in this book.
The plot was interesting but the author failed to get you to invest in the characters. The father practically ignored his “beloved” daughter. Catriona wasn’t an innocent that agrees to seduce a German soldier in hopes of finding her father. It all wraps up neatly with a happy reunion. I found that the characters were not well developed, the plot was too contrite and overall, I just could not get interested in this book.
January 8, 2022
I read most of Jean Grainger's other books and enjoyed them. She is a wonderful story teller who brings history to life. This book is much shorter than her others and it was a quick and pleasant read. I wonder how many .non military people were trained and used by the Allies during World War II. No doubt there were many brave people willing to risk their lives for their country and ideals. This tale is an example of brave resistance fighters and common folks.
July 6, 2025
This fast paced novella set in WW2 was intriguing. Catriona has an Irish father and her French mother has died already. Her reporter father had been covering the Nazi occupation of France and suddenly disappeared. Catriona bravely becomes a spy and goes to learn Nazi secrets and possibly turn a mid level officer to the Resistance. Her bravery and vulnerability made her a good protagonist for a propulsive plot.
July 7, 2019
What is bravery? I think Cameron's war but it on the nail. The drive and passion of one's heart to do the best they can plus some.This war story but in families pulled into the background of the resistanehelps the reality feel.
A lot of small details carried out to win the war. Every one in his place and a place for everyone!
A lot of small details carried out to win the war. Every one in his place and a place for everyone!
July 14, 2019
Okay, but not heart-stopping action.
Without giving away the ending, it just seemed to me that the book came to an abrupt end. I’ve read books with similar plots that were much more exciting. Bottom line- the book lacked the intensity it should have had for such a serious and important subject - the French Resistance during WWII. Nice read but not amazing.
Without giving away the ending, it just seemed to me that the book came to an abrupt end. I’ve read books with similar plots that were much more exciting. Bottom line- the book lacked the intensity it should have had for such a serious and important subject - the French Resistance during WWII. Nice read but not amazing.
August 9, 2019
Disappointing ending
This book, which was so engaging, ended quite abruptly with no resolution for the main characters. The reader is left hanging. I am not sure if there is a continuation but very disappointing. Grainger typically wraps up her novels quite neatly so this came as a surprise to me.
This book, which was so engaging, ended quite abruptly with no resolution for the main characters. The reader is left hanging. I am not sure if there is a continuation but very disappointing. Grainger typically wraps up her novels quite neatly so this came as a surprise to me.
May 29, 2020
3-1/2 stars
This was pretty good...a lot jammed into a fairly short story. Grainger did a good job of building the characters and plot in a short time. It was a bit unbelievable that a young woman of about 20 could pull off what she did as she has grown up naive and not very worldly. The ending was nice albeit predictable.
This was pretty good...a lot jammed into a fairly short story. Grainger did a good job of building the characters and plot in a short time. It was a bit unbelievable that a young woman of about 20 could pull off what she did as she has grown up naive and not very worldly. The ending was nice albeit predictable.
July 16, 2020
Decent Read, but Not Believable
This is a story of mixed emotions. I liked the characters well enough, but felt the story was a weak mixture of truth, fiction, and too fictitious to be believable. I am glad it was a novella. Anything more would have been empty filler. Read it with the understanding that it is not up to Ms. Grainger typical style.
This is a story of mixed emotions. I liked the characters well enough, but felt the story was a weak mixture of truth, fiction, and too fictitious to be believable. I am glad it was a novella. Anything more would have been empty filler. Read it with the understanding that it is not up to Ms. Grainger typical style.
April 29, 2021
Stand alone WWII standout story
Loved the characters, definitely a charming and unforgettable premise. I just could not put this down. It helps immensely if you can speak/read French as many parts of dialogue do not get translated. World War ll storyline, but unlike any other resistance/collaborator plot I have read.
Loved the characters, definitely a charming and unforgettable premise. I just could not put this down. It helps immensely if you can speak/read French as many parts of dialogue do not get translated. World War ll storyline, but unlike any other resistance/collaborator plot I have read.
July 31, 2022
Not her best
If I had read this first I would never have read The Carmel Sheehan, The Robinsons or The Queentown series. This book just ended so abruptly with no warning. Characters and story had no depth which have come to expect from her other series. Maybe because it's a stand alone book?
If I had read this first I would never have read The Carmel Sheehan, The Robinsons or The Queentown series. This book just ended so abruptly with no warning. Characters and story had no depth which have come to expect from her other series. Maybe because it's a stand alone book?
May 27, 2019
Catriona's War
Carolina's War was a book I could not put down! Story really draws you in, and you want an ending, but hate when the story is over! Love all of Jean Grainger's books, and have always given every story I read a five star rating!!!
Carolina's War was a book I could not put down! Story really draws you in, and you want an ending, but hate when the story is over! Love all of Jean Grainger's books, and have always given every story I read a five star rating!!!
July 18, 2019
Could not put this down!
As always I love the way the characters are developed. And the intrigue was so believable. I would recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction. Thanks again Jean Grainger.
As always I love the way the characters are developed. And the intrigue was so believable. I would recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction. Thanks again Jean Grainger.
July 28, 2019
Very Good
I enjoyed this novel involving father and daughter British spies in France during WW2. Although a bit unrealistic , it kept this reader's interest. I would recommend to those interested in the French Resistance.
I enjoyed this novel involving father and daughter British spies in France during WW2. Although a bit unrealistic , it kept this reader's interest. I would recommend to those interested in the French Resistance.
August 9, 2019
A good wwII era book
I always enjoy J.G.'s books and this one did not disappoint. Great characters. I wish the book didn't end so abruptly but, I bet there is more in store for Catriona. Thanks, J.G. from Indianapolis Indiana, USA
I always enjoy J.G.'s books and this one did not disappoint. Great characters. I wish the book didn't end so abruptly but, I bet there is more in store for Catriona. Thanks, J.G. from Indianapolis Indiana, USA
August 31, 2019
Short but packs a punch
I really enjoyed this book. Sadly too short, but having said that, it might have been cos I couldn't put it down and certainly didn't leave anything out. I think this was her best story so far.
I really enjoyed this book. Sadly too short, but having said that, it might have been cos I couldn't put it down and certainly didn't leave anything out. I think this was her best story so far.
April 17, 2020
Catriona's War
Another shorter novella by Grainger. This was very quick and to the point. An Irish daughter and father caught in a web of the Second World War. Each doing their best unbeknownst to the other. Good read!
Another shorter novella by Grainger. This was very quick and to the point. An Irish daughter and father caught in a web of the Second World War. Each doing their best unbeknownst to the other. Good read!
September 30, 2020
Well done.
War stories can be troubling and horrifying. This was both. The heroine comes through and does what needs to be done to keep the world safe. Jean Grainger is a marvelous story teller and makes you feel as if you are in France during WWII
War stories can be troubling and horrifying. This was both. The heroine comes through and does what needs to be done to keep the world safe. Jean Grainger is a marvelous story teller and makes you feel as if you are in France during WWII
November 27, 2020
What a story
I would definitely recommend this book.
So different from all her ( Jean's) books I have read but just like the rest I could not put it down.
Keep up the fantastic work.
I would definitely recommend this book.
So different from all her ( Jean's) books I have read but just like the rest I could not put it down.
Keep up the fantastic work.
February 4, 2022
I've read many of Jean Grainger's books and, while I enjoy them all, I think this is one of the best. She keeps the Ireland connection while going to new locations, telling an intriguing and suspenseful story. And yes, there's even some romance. Highly recommended. It was a very quick read.
May 12, 2022
Excellent as always!
Wow this author is so good at keeping her reader on the edge of the seat! Compelling story with very compelling characters. I always learn things about history about which I have never cared haha!
Wow this author is so good at keeping her reader on the edge of the seat! Compelling story with very compelling characters. I always learn things about history about which I have never cared haha!
June 3, 2022
Jean Grainger is one of my favorite authors. I liked the storyline, however, I would have liked more
development of the characters. Hopefully, she writes more Catriona stories written in novel form.
development of the characters. Hopefully, she writes more Catriona stories written in novel form.
July 14, 2022
I love a good novel of World War 2
Some great research for this book. My French is very rusty after over 50 years( junior high class) but I was able to follow along. Looking for the next book...
Some great research for this book. My French is very rusty after over 50 years( junior high class) but I was able to follow along. Looking for the next book...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews