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Robinswood #1-3
The Robinswood Story
Robinswood Estate, County Waterford, Ireland. 1939
Life in a stately home is never as it seems, and this is certainly the case for Robinswood. Join USA Today bestseller, Jean Grainger as she takes you deep into the lives of Lord and Lady Kenefick, owners of the estate, whose social status is under threat as funds to keep the estate running ever dwindle.
Their children see no reason for life not to continue as normal, tennis parties and hunt balls, but even a rural backwater in Ireland cannot resist the power of change and as war looms in Europe, one thing is certain, nothing will ever be the same again.
Meanwhile, downstairs the Murphy family, Dermot, Isabella and thier three daughters, are only too aware of the realities of life. Their very existence hangs on the fortunes of the estate and the family they serve, but they too are about to have everything change.
These characters will worm their way into your heart and throughout the trilogy you will cheer the victories and walk beside them in the darkest of days.
With over 1000 5* reviews these books have rapidly become bestsellers. If you like Downton Abbey or Upstairs Downstairs, then you will love the fortunes of those whose lives are inextricably linked with Robinswood.
939 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2019
3156 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
90 books1,589 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 224 reviews
April 1, 2020
Irish love story
I started reading the first book because I love Ireland. I went on to read the rest of the series because I truly fell in love with the characters and wanted to see where they ended up. It was highs and lows, good and bad, serious and sometimes funny. In the end... it’s all about family, life, love, and the journey called life.
I started reading the first book because I love Ireland. I went on to read the rest of the series because I truly fell in love with the characters and wanted to see where they ended up. It was highs and lows, good and bad, serious and sometimes funny. In the end... it’s all about family, life, love, and the journey called life.
February 19, 2021
Loved this 3 book collection. Had a little bit of everything. Family, world war 2 And Hierarchy
December 6, 2021
A heartwarming family saga
I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it and I very much regretted when it drew to a close!
I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it and I very much regretted when it drew to a close!
January 11, 2020
Great Series!
I love reading books in a series because I get to know the characters so well. These books are so well written that the characters felt like family. I cried because of the ending, but I also cried because my time with those in the story had ended. I highly recommend these books!
I love reading books in a series because I get to know the characters so well. These books are so well written that the characters felt like family. I cried because of the ending, but I also cried because my time with those in the story had ended. I highly recommend these books!
November 23, 2019
I read all these books individually and loved them indeed. This is a great collection and well worth the read.
Read
July 29, 2020The Robinswood Story is a wonderful story. It takes place in Ireland and to a lesser extent England in the period 1930 to 1951 and includes the effects of the historic uprisings and wars among the people in these area (and Europe during WWII). Grainger's writing style is straight forward. Her characters are well developed, and I found it impossible not to be sympathetic to them in the challenging situations they face in those difficult times.
The entire series is a detailed look at real people dealing with real prejudices (both those of others and their own) especially with regard to race and class. It illustrates the value of a loving family and especially the devotion between couples. It shows the terrible effects that war (and hate) can have on people even long after the event.
The story does not sugarcoat the bad things that can happen to good people in life, but it makes clear that striving to do your best in all circumstances is nevertheless the way to go.
It is one of the few books to which I can give my top recommendation.
The entire series is a detailed look at real people dealing with real prejudices (both those of others and their own) especially with regard to race and class. It illustrates the value of a loving family and especially the devotion between couples. It shows the terrible effects that war (and hate) can have on people even long after the event.
The story does not sugarcoat the bad things that can happen to good people in life, but it makes clear that striving to do your best in all circumstances is nevertheless the way to go.
It is one of the few books to which I can give my top recommendation.
June 7, 2020
I am absolutely crazy about author Jean Grainger. Having read The Tour series and now this trilogy, I am thrilled with the character development and poetic element in her writing. As an only child without any family apart from my mother who brought me up alone, I found the depth of this entire family along with their joys, sorrows and challenges very heartwarming.
Grainger just pulls in the reader with each and every facet of each individual's nature including temperament, emotions and foibles. Richly portrayed in depth. It was a joy to read all three books and allow myself to feel deeply with every aspect of their struggles and triumphs.
As an Irish-American girl who grew up in Boston and visited the Republic of Ireland for 6 weeks on my own, I love revisiting all the locations mentioned. A total joy.
Grainger just pulls in the reader with each and every facet of each individual's nature including temperament, emotions and foibles. Richly portrayed in depth. It was a joy to read all three books and allow myself to feel deeply with every aspect of their struggles and triumphs.
As an Irish-American girl who grew up in Boston and visited the Republic of Ireland for 6 weeks on my own, I love revisiting all the locations mentioned. A total joy.
July 17, 2020
Awesome, Wow
Having lived in Ireland for a while many years ago, I’ve always felt like It was home to me, so I do gravitate to books on Ireland. But I learned a thing or two from these books which I didn’t know well enough about. So for that I’m grateful. Living in the south myself now I see the whole racism card still at hand which upsets this Canadian girl so much as we never cared what color or nationality you were growing up, we were all immigrants to Canada growing up, being first born Canadian as well as most of my school friends. Thee three books are totally awesome and I loved them so much. Ms Grainger is a great story teller herself so she must be Irish. Thank you for the books. They made me smile, mad and cried at the same time. You will not be disappointed by these books. A great trilogy.
Having lived in Ireland for a while many years ago, I’ve always felt like It was home to me, so I do gravitate to books on Ireland. But I learned a thing or two from these books which I didn’t know well enough about. So for that I’m grateful. Living in the south myself now I see the whole racism card still at hand which upsets this Canadian girl so much as we never cared what color or nationality you were growing up, we were all immigrants to Canada growing up, being first born Canadian as well as most of my school friends. Thee three books are totally awesome and I loved them so much. Ms Grainger is a great story teller herself so she must be Irish. Thank you for the books. They made me smile, mad and cried at the same time. You will not be disappointed by these books. A great trilogy.
March 8, 2020
Beautifully written trilogy!
This is an amazing masterspiece! The characters are all well developed and so real you end up feeling like you know each and everyone personally. The Children are cute cuddly and cunning! Robin'swood Even in it's worst of broken down times is palatial in my minds eye. I read this entire trilogy out loud to my husband and we both laughed at places, cried in others and was so grateful for an author that had such amazing insight both spiritually physically and emotionally! Thank you for an excellent Trilogy! We enjoyed it so very much and would highly recommend to anyone that wants to add in Richmond to their life!
This is an amazing masterspiece! The characters are all well developed and so real you end up feeling like you know each and everyone personally. The Children are cute cuddly and cunning! Robin'swood Even in it's worst of broken down times is palatial in my minds eye. I read this entire trilogy out loud to my husband and we both laughed at places, cried in others and was so grateful for an author that had such amazing insight both spiritually physically and emotionally! Thank you for an excellent Trilogy! We enjoyed it so very much and would highly recommend to anyone that wants to add in Richmond to their life!
May 24, 2020
I loved these books
With COVID-19 in our lives I have opted to read books that were about families and Jean’s books about Ireland and the times of early 1900’s gave me an escape for awhile as I read them. When I would see a year they were talking about I would imagine my grandmother, Dad and families wondering what they were doing in the States. Interesting and also sad to see the conflicts between the Irish and the English and horrifying to see the history of how black humans were treated over here. The story was beautiful and I loved every character. I was in tears to see it end.
With COVID-19 in our lives I have opted to read books that were about families and Jean’s books about Ireland and the times of early 1900’s gave me an escape for awhile as I read them. When I would see a year they were talking about I would imagine my grandmother, Dad and families wondering what they were doing in the States. Interesting and also sad to see the conflicts between the Irish and the English and horrifying to see the history of how black humans were treated over here. The story was beautiful and I loved every character. I was in tears to see it end.
September 6, 2020
Not my favorite
This was a 3 book series that should have been about half the length, and presented as one book. There was so much repetition and stating of the obvious that this could have easily been accomplished.
I enjoy historical fiction, I feel there is a lot that can be learned while reading it. Book 1 was more promising in this regard. I bought the 3 book series after first reading a short preview, and even though I mostly enjoyed the first book, some of the characters, and overall plot, found myself doing a lot of skimming over repeated plot points etc. in books 2 and 3.
This was a 3 book series that should have been about half the length, and presented as one book. There was so much repetition and stating of the obvious that this could have easily been accomplished.
I enjoy historical fiction, I feel there is a lot that can be learned while reading it. Book 1 was more promising in this regard. I bought the 3 book series after first reading a short preview, and even though I mostly enjoyed the first book, some of the characters, and overall plot, found myself doing a lot of skimming over repeated plot points etc. in books 2 and 3.
April 7, 2020
If you enjoy historical fiction you will live this book. Spanning several generations from pre to pot WWII in Ireland and England this trilogy offers an entertaining read of one family’s life and loves. It also address many areas of social discord from that era and our own. From racial prejudice to class discrimination you will live the trials and tribulations of the families from the families connected to the estate. Great characters and setting. A must read for lovers of the era, romance, family stories, and British/Irish history.
July 11, 2020
JOIN THE FAMILY
I just finished reading the Robinswood Story. My tenth Jean Grainger book! Her characters are always special, whether saintly or flawed. All of them become fascinating people whom you would like to know. Whethe
I just finished the Robinswood Story. My 10th Jean Grainger book. Her characters are fascinating, whether they are saintly or flawed. They become real people - people who the reader would like to know. And they get involved in such a gripping variety of problems and accomplishments! Join the family. Read Jean Grainger 's books.
I just finished reading the Robinswood Story. My tenth Jean Grainger book! Her characters are always special, whether saintly or flawed. All of them become fascinating people whom you would like to know. Whethe
I just finished the Robinswood Story. My 10th Jean Grainger book. Her characters are fascinating, whether they are saintly or flawed. They become real people - people who the reader would like to know. And they get involved in such a gripping variety of problems and accomplishments! Join the family. Read Jean Grainger 's books.
November 3, 2021
Very enjoyable. I read straight through all three without stopping, which I truly appreciate. It was a great book to read on vacation because I didn't have to disengage, reengage... It was like 'binge reading'. I hate it when i read the first and second in a series of three and have to wait... and wait.. for the third.
This was a little predictable, but none the less thoroughtly delightful. The writing was engaging, colorful and so many "lessons" in humanity, kindness, grace and forgiveness are taught for those who are willing to read and 'listen'. For that, I am grateful.
This was a little predictable, but none the less thoroughtly delightful. The writing was engaging, colorful and so many "lessons" in humanity, kindness, grace and forgiveness are taught for those who are willing to read and 'listen'. For that, I am grateful.
March 8, 2020
My stay at Robinswood
I so enjoyed being a part of the "Murphy" family. These books brought me into their lives as though I too lived at "Robinswood" I'm going to miss them but like other Dear Friends I've had to move from "Thanks for the Memories" The personalities of each character kept me anxious to see and feel what was happening next. Thank you. If I ever go to Ireland I hope to stay at "Robinswood" 💚
I so enjoyed being a part of the "Murphy" family. These books brought me into their lives as though I too lived at "Robinswood" I'm going to miss them but like other Dear Friends I've had to move from "Thanks for the Memories" The personalities of each character kept me anxious to see and feel what was happening next. Thank you. If I ever go to Ireland I hope to stay at "Robinswood" 💚
April 29, 2020
An Amazing Story of Family, Love and Heartache
This three book series tell the tale of the Power of Love and Fairhfulness that begin with two families. Their loss, trials and triumphs are wound through it with unexpected turns of events. Read for yourselves, how together, they travel through life, making changes within themselves and supporting one another in facing the changing world during and after the war.
This three book series tell the tale of the Power of Love and Fairhfulness that begin with two families. Their loss, trials and triumphs are wound through it with unexpected turns of events. Read for yourselves, how together, they travel through life, making changes within themselves and supporting one another in facing the changing world during and after the war.
May 23, 2020
Magnificent
I almost never give a five star rating. There always seems to be some small(or not so small) thing that could make a story better. However, there is not one thing I world change with these books. The characters are engaging. The plot moves quickly. I want to change my earlier statement about there being nothing to improve. If I was able to make one adjustment,it would be to make them longer so I could spend more time with these lovely people.
I almost never give a five star rating. There always seems to be some small(or not so small) thing that could make a story better. However, there is not one thing I world change with these books. The characters are engaging. The plot moves quickly. I want to change my earlier statement about there being nothing to improve. If I was able to make one adjustment,it would be to make them longer so I could spend more time with these lovely people.
June 7, 2020
Good trilogy
This was a good trilogy. I came to love the Murphy family and wanted to keep reading to see how their lives turned out and how things progressed with Robinswood. The change in some of the characters' attitudes was a good development. You will definitely need tissues. It's a tear jerker. There are, however, a lot of errors that need correcting, such as typos, plot inconsistencies and grammatical errors.
This was a good trilogy. I came to love the Murphy family and wanted to keep reading to see how their lives turned out and how things progressed with Robinswood. The change in some of the characters' attitudes was a good development. You will definitely need tissues. It's a tear jerker. There are, however, a lot of errors that need correcting, such as typos, plot inconsistencies and grammatical errors.
July 20, 2020
Epic story. This book has a big heart!
I loved the story. Ms. Grainger made the characters come alive in the books and it was so easy to feel a part of the story itself. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in about 4 days!
This story takes place from WWll and after and tells the story of the trials and successes of a lovingly blended family.
If you love beautifully written stories about ordinary families you must read this book!
I loved the story. Ms. Grainger made the characters come alive in the books and it was so easy to feel a part of the story itself. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in about 4 days!
This story takes place from WWll and after and tells the story of the trials and successes of a lovingly blended family.
If you love beautifully written stories about ordinary families you must read this book!
August 3, 2020
Love, love, love this book!
I loved the characters in this book, showing the good and bad of each person. I could really relate, I have a very close and loving family.
I was drawn in from the first chapter and couldn't put it down.
There wasn't a hum-dum chapter in this book. It was interesting and exciting beginning to end.
I recommend it highly, you will laugh and cry, but you will not be bored.
I loved the characters in this book, showing the good and bad of each person. I could really relate, I have a very close and loving family.
I was drawn in from the first chapter and couldn't put it down.
There wasn't a hum-dum chapter in this book. It was interesting and exciting beginning to end.
I recommend it highly, you will laugh and cry, but you will not be bored.
September 2, 2020
This was a very interesting twist on WW2. It starts in Ireland and goes to England with a bit of India and then quite a lot about race relations in the US! The family was amazing, great parents, everyone very loving and supportive except when they were not. Lol, but life is all about learning and changing with the world. Some was hard to believe, but mostly I appreciated learning world history. Splitting it into 3
Books was a mistake. Just required repetition. Make
It one book!
Books was a mistake. Just required repetition. Make
It one book!
November 8, 2020
Robinswood
I loved this series. I loved all the characters, the history and all the ups and downs they suffered but they managed through them. This is the third series of books I have read by Jean Grainger, the Star and the Cross, the Tour and now Robinswood. All were excellent reading. Jean Grainger pulls you into each character and their lives. Thank you Ms Grainger your books are excellent and I can highly recommend them.
I loved this series. I loved all the characters, the history and all the ups and downs they suffered but they managed through them. This is the third series of books I have read by Jean Grainger, the Star and the Cross, the Tour and now Robinswood. All were excellent reading. Jean Grainger pulls you into each character and their lives. Thank you Ms Grainger your books are excellent and I can highly recommend them.
January 6, 2021
I read all three of the books over the holidays. Entertaining. Interesting as I didn't know much about Ireland's role (Neutral) in World War II. Definitely more of a family chronicles story with a broad scope that encompassed the political/social climate and history of Ireland from the 1920's to 1950. Very likeable, engaging characters. First time I'd read any of Jean Grainger's books and I would definitely seek out more by her.
February 4, 2021
It's A Robinswood Life
I have read mist of Jean Trainer's books and this one truly pulled me in. She makes you feel like one of the individuals throughout the entire series. I found myself liking and disliking individuals throughout my reading. I cried with the family at the end and wanted their stories to continue.
Jean Grainger us a truly gifted writer.
She is truly a gifted writer.
I have read mist of Jean Trainer's books and this one truly pulled me in. She makes you feel like one of the individuals throughout the entire series. I found myself liking and disliking individuals throughout my reading. I cried with the family at the end and wanted their stories to continue.
Jean Grainger us a truly gifted writer.
She is truly a gifted writer.
April 9, 2021
Jean38no
I enjoyed these novels immensely . I loved how the author weaved the reader through history through WWII the beginning of airplanes for the public. The change of the society after the war. Showing how many big estates could not go on because of the rise of factories countries changed from agricultural to industries many young people left the farm and went to work in cities and offices factories . No longer were there The Toffs and the servant .
I enjoyed these novels immensely . I loved how the author weaved the reader through history through WWII the beginning of airplanes for the public. The change of the society after the war. Showing how many big estates could not go on because of the rise of factories countries changed from agricultural to industries many young people left the farm and went to work in cities and offices factories . No longer were there The Toffs and the servant .
August 9, 2021
Great family saga
I truly enjoyed this series. Before I began reading I thought it would take place over decades and was surprised by the timeline. The characters were realistic and relatable. The writing was tight and elicited emotions because I became invested. It's not perfect as I thought the trajectory of one of the characters regressed from book two to three, but I was rewarded with a satisfactory tale in the end. I would read more if the author continued the story.
I truly enjoyed this series. Before I began reading I thought it would take place over decades and was surprised by the timeline. The characters were realistic and relatable. The writing was tight and elicited emotions because I became invested. It's not perfect as I thought the trajectory of one of the characters regressed from book two to three, but I was rewarded with a satisfactory tale in the end. I would read more if the author continued the story.
October 2, 2021
Wow well done!!!!
This book is very well written. It flows along keeping your attention so focused on what will happen next that even tho hours have passed you can not put it down. I did not find a lot of awkward sentences or out of place words. For the most part I do not like to read about the second world war as I lived thru it. But the author whizzed right thru the ruff stuff and moves on . nu
This book is very well written. It flows along keeping your attention so focused on what will happen next that even tho hours have passed you can not put it down. I did not find a lot of awkward sentences or out of place words. For the most part I do not like to read about the second world war as I lived thru it. But the author whizzed right thru the ruff stuff and moves on . nu
October 30, 2021
Historical and romance. Learn and love
Two of my favorite things to read, with a bit of suspense added. So many characters, sometimes hard to remember who they are and who they are with. Absolutely loved the history . Loved how folks in the book changed in personality and it's okay to be upset with others because it all comes out in the wash especially in the spin cycle. Great storyline. Thank you
Two of my favorite things to read, with a bit of suspense added. So many characters, sometimes hard to remember who they are and who they are with. Absolutely loved the history . Loved how folks in the book changed in personality and it's okay to be upset with others because it all comes out in the wash especially in the spin cycle. Great storyline. Thank you
December 25, 2022
A great story written round a couple as anchors to their family
A well researched story of an Irish couple just coming out of the “troubles” in the 1930s with 3 daughters and going through WWII. A real eye opener on the awful treatment of the Irish by British Lords and Ladies prior to Irish independence. It follow love found and lost. Friends being caught in impossible situations and pulling through. Written by someone who knows how to tell a story.
A well researched story of an Irish couple just coming out of the “troubles” in the 1930s with 3 daughters and going through WWII. A real eye opener on the awful treatment of the Irish by British Lords and Ladies prior to Irish independence. It follow love found and lost. Friends being caught in impossible situations and pulling through. Written by someone who knows how to tell a story.
March 7, 2020
Great Read!
Epic story of two families intertwined by the commonality of The Robinswood Estate. The books cover so many issues from family ties, to social structure, WWII and Ireland’s struggle for independence. The author paints a vivid picture of the familia and their life experiences.
Epic story of two families intertwined by the commonality of The Robinswood Estate. The books cover so many issues from family ties, to social structure, WWII and Ireland’s struggle for independence. The author paints a vivid picture of the familia and their life experiences.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews