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The ST✡R and the SHAMROCK #1-3
The Star and the Shamrock Trilogy #1-3
Ariella Bannon has no choice. She must put her precious little children, Liesl and Erich on the last Kindertransport out of Berlin, or allow them to become prey for the Nazis. She is a Jewish woman alone, her husband Peter was picked up for defending someone in the street, never to reappear. Whatever hope she has of making it on her own, with children she has none.
A childless widow, Elizabeth Klein never met her cousin Peter Bannon, that side of the family were never talked about, some ancient, long forgotten grudge, but when she receives a letter from his wife, begging her to take care of her children, she doesn’t hesitate.
The Star and the Shamrock trilogy tells the story of Liesl and Erich as they embark on a new and strange life. From the terrifyingly regimented streets of the Third Reich, to the bombed out streets of Liverpool, and finally settling in the lush green valleys of Northern Ireland. It is a story of the love, light and hope which can be found, even in the darkest of situations, and of the ultimate goodness of humanity.
A childless widow, Elizabeth Klein never met her cousin Peter Bannon, that side of the family were never talked about, some ancient, long forgotten grudge, but when she receives a letter from his wife, begging her to take care of her children, she doesn’t hesitate.
The Star and the Shamrock trilogy tells the story of Liesl and Erich as they embark on a new and strange life. From the terrifyingly regimented streets of the Third Reich, to the bombed out streets of Liverpool, and finally settling in the lush green valleys of Northern Ireland. It is a story of the love, light and hope which can be found, even in the darkest of situations, and of the ultimate goodness of humanity.
- GenresWorld War II
618 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2020
1280 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
90 books1,590 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 69 reviews
September 10, 2020
All I can say is OMG
This is one of the BEST series I’ve read in a long, long time. It’s also my first time reading Jean Grainger. Believe me, I can’t wait to get my hands on more of her books.
It was so easy to read and to follow from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down. I read it in two days and didn’t want it to end. The characters all had great parts in all three books. You couldn’t fall in love with just one. Learning a lot about the Kindertransport and the many humanitarians was a plus.
Thank you for the History behind this book. Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing it!!
This is one of the BEST series I’ve read in a long, long time. It’s also my first time reading Jean Grainger. Believe me, I can’t wait to get my hands on more of her books.
It was so easy to read and to follow from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down. I read it in two days and didn’t want it to end. The characters all had great parts in all three books. You couldn’t fall in love with just one. Learning a lot about the Kindertransport and the many humanitarians was a plus.
Thank you for the History behind this book. Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing it!!
August 27, 2021
Mesmerizing story that stays with you
These characters and the well-developed plot made this a compelling read. It was a story hard to put down . I found myself returning to some of the most poignant scenes and tearing up all over again.
These characters and the well-developed plot made this a compelling read. It was a story hard to put down . I found myself returning to some of the most poignant scenes and tearing up all over again.
December 18, 2020
The trilogy
I just read yer three books that started as The Star and the Shamrock. Loved these stories. There was a personal connection since my own grandmother took in boys from the Kindertransport and kept them in the English countryside. Amazing story about the goodness of people.
I just read yer three books that started as The Star and the Shamrock. Loved these stories. There was a personal connection since my own grandmother took in boys from the Kindertransport and kept them in the English countryside. Amazing story about the goodness of people.
July 9, 2020
In The Star and the Shamrock, Jean Grainger has written a gut wrenching, heart warming story about the Jewish children send abroad to escape Hitler's purge. I love everything Ms. Grainger writes even though I hate reading about the atrocities of war. This book focuses instead on the love, support and community that took care of some of these children. I could not put the book down. It is amazing.
The Emerald Horizon details life as WW II is ending - in Ballycreggan for the Liebers and Ariella's children and in Germany for Ariella Bannon. This sweeping saga began in Book 1 - The Star and the Shamrock. Book 2 can be read as a standalone - but if you plan to read Book 1, read them in order because Book 2 gives away some things from Book 1. Ms. Grainger's books are always an emotional read for me. I become completely immersed in the story and it becomes my reality until I finish the book. Nothing much gets done while I read. This book has amazing characters and a completely realistic plot. You must read this book!
In The Hard Way Home, the war has ended. Once again these characters who have become my family, leap off the page and wrap me in their struggles. Reading about war and the aftermath is difficult, but Jean Grainger always makes it worth while. This is an amazing story of faith, love, family, overcoming fear and seeing if you can go home again. It will make you laugh, make you cry and make you rejoice at the human spirit.
The Emerald Horizon details life as WW II is ending - in Ballycreggan for the Liebers and Ariella's children and in Germany for Ariella Bannon. This sweeping saga began in Book 1 - The Star and the Shamrock. Book 2 can be read as a standalone - but if you plan to read Book 1, read them in order because Book 2 gives away some things from Book 1. Ms. Grainger's books are always an emotional read for me. I become completely immersed in the story and it becomes my reality until I finish the book. Nothing much gets done while I read. This book has amazing characters and a completely realistic plot. You must read this book!
In The Hard Way Home, the war has ended. Once again these characters who have become my family, leap off the page and wrap me in their struggles. Reading about war and the aftermath is difficult, but Jean Grainger always makes it worth while. This is an amazing story of faith, love, family, overcoming fear and seeing if you can go home again. It will make you laugh, make you cry and make you rejoice at the human spirit.
February 6, 2021
Going Home?
The children of the Kinder transport have formed a ragtag family in Northern Ireland. Due to persecution by the Nazi Party, these little ones were sent away from home by their parents. The sacrifice snd pain of thus decision ripples through the star and Shamrock Trilogy.
The Hard Way Home explores the life of the Bannon children after the end of WWII. Reunited with their mother, Erich and Leisel are trying to find their place in the world. While Erich seems content to remain in Ireland with both his families, Leisel is adrift.
Attending Trinity College, Leisel is on a path toward a degree in linguistics and possibly a future in government. When her debate performance affords her a chance to compete in Berlin, Leisel believes it may be the opportunity if a lifetime. and it is. Her performance is stellar and stone finds the voice if her heart during the competition. In addition, she is reintroduced to a childhood friend and rediscovery memories from her prewar life. Is Germany her home? Can she find happiness with Kurt as she rediscovery Berlin? Or us there more to the definition of home?
In Book 3
The children of the Kinder transport have formed a ragtag family in Northern Ireland. Due to persecution by the Nazi Party, these little ones were sent away from home by their parents. The sacrifice snd pain of thus decision ripples through the star and Shamrock Trilogy.
The Hard Way Home explores the life of the Bannon children after the end of WWII. Reunited with their mother, Erich and Leisel are trying to find their place in the world. While Erich seems content to remain in Ireland with both his families, Leisel is adrift.
Attending Trinity College, Leisel is on a path toward a degree in linguistics and possibly a future in government. When her debate performance affords her a chance to compete in Berlin, Leisel believes it may be the opportunity if a lifetime. and it is. Her performance is stellar and stone finds the voice if her heart during the competition. In addition, she is reintroduced to a childhood friend and rediscovery memories from her prewar life. Is Germany her home? Can she find happiness with Kurt as she rediscovery Berlin? Or us there more to the definition of home?
In Book 3
November 22, 2020
This trilogy will bring the horrors of WW11 alive as we learn of children being wrenched from their parents, fathers being taken away from their wives, full families disappearing, and yet it will also bring the joy of survival, the finding of friendships and family, the heart-warming goodness of people who are willing to help and to love, to teach and to adopt. These stories will forever stay in your minds.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to read ARC copies of these stories from this best-selling author, and my opinion is given freely.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to read ARC copies of these stories from this best-selling author, and my opinion is given freely.
January 17, 2022
I read all 3 of the books in this Trilogy over only a few days. I only gave 4 stars because the middle book in the series could have been a bit stronger. However, middle books in series' are usually not quite as strong. There is a 4th book, and I'm going to go find that to read now. The characters are engaging, and I liked that she was accurate with the history between Northern Ireland and the Republic, and how Britain treated/treats Ireland. I've seen her compared to Maeve Binchey, and she's not quite there- but I see why the comparison happens.
July 8, 2020
I can’t recommend these three books highly enough. As a matter of fact, I already have as I read them before they were offered together. My reviews of books 2 & 3 said to be sure and buy, borrow, or check out The Star and the Shamrock. You may learn some history you didn’t know and you will for sure fall in love with the characters. I knew I loved the Irish, but this cemented it for me.
September 8, 2020
These are the first books I’ve read byJean Grainger and I can’t recommend them enough. This trilogy is a heart warming yet sorrowful story that follows the children of the kinder transport to a small Irish village. It is a story that shows us that through perseverance and love survival is possible.
November 26, 2020
Wonderful
I choose a five star because of the historical value as well as the beautifully compelling story of each characters life. History that I never knew , history that I knew intertwined with the lives of people both good and bad. Characters caught in a terrible time in our history. It is a story of the human spirit both good and bad. I loved this story!!
I choose a five star because of the historical value as well as the beautifully compelling story of each characters life. History that I never knew , history that I knew intertwined with the lives of people both good and bad. Characters caught in a terrible time in our history. It is a story of the human spirit both good and bad. I loved this story!!
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January 12, 2021I loved this book from beginning to end,,revealing the horror and compassion of the human mind along with a good history lr
Lesson,Jean is truly a ta!ented and compassionate author,,thank you for showing me the strength of the human mind and body and I was delighted with the happy ending
Lesson,Jean is truly a ta!ented and compassionate author,,thank you for showing me the strength of the human mind and body and I was delighted with the happy ending
February 15, 2021
It combined my interest in the plight of those separated and rescued Jewish children and love for Ireland. I knew of other rescue efforts where the children went to England, but this was intriguing because it also reveals a mother's experience of losing her children and then being reunited after the war. It also was revealing at how much anti-semitism remained after the war was over.
February 28, 2021
A touching story!
The book is multi layered with children that escaped from Germany with a devoted rabbi. This book will bring tears to your eyes! It's an emotional and loving account if different people from different walks of life that step out of their comfort zone and begin to care for children that had been traumatised by Hitler's regime!
The book is multi layered with children that escaped from Germany with a devoted rabbi. This book will bring tears to your eyes! It's an emotional and loving account if different people from different walks of life that step out of their comfort zone and begin to care for children that had been traumatised by Hitler's regime!
March 16, 2021
loved it!
I just read books 1-3. At first, it took me a bit to engage with the story, but soon after I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. The insights of what issues might have arisen with the families of those on the kinder transport were thought provoking to be sure! I encourage anyone who has an interest in the people of ww2, to read and enjoy this series.
I just read books 1-3. At first, it took me a bit to engage with the story, but soon after I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. The insights of what issues might have arisen with the families of those on the kinder transport were thought provoking to be sure! I encourage anyone who has an interest in the people of ww2, to read and enjoy this series.
July 28, 2021
I felt like this was a true story
My late husband was from the Nether,ands during the war. He worked for the Dutch underground. He saved Jewish classmates of his endangering his mother who wore the Star of David for the last months of the war. So this story rang true and was obviously well researched. Thank you.
My late husband was from the Nether,ands during the war. He worked for the Dutch underground. He saved Jewish classmates of his endangering his mother who wore the Star of David for the last months of the war. So this story rang true and was obviously well researched. Thank you.
December 21, 2021
A Page Turner
This book and it's characters captivated my heart and soul. The cha
Easte
I could not put this book down and it captured my heart and soul. Strong characters with principles and courage made all the difference. Makes one believe in humanity again.
I
This book and it's characters captivated my heart and soul. The cha
Easte
I could not put this book down and it captured my heart and soul. Strong characters with principles and courage made all the difference. Makes one believe in humanity again.
I
February 9, 2022
Australia
Really enjoyed the book apart from it saying Austraila “didn’t” partake in the war
I googled and they did helped fight the war
I know it’s a fiction book but googled quite a lot of the info through the book about the war and what was wrote was true to form apart from what was wrote about Australia
I’m British not Australian
I’d recommend this to family and friends
Really enjoyed the book apart from it saying Austraila “didn’t” partake in the war
I googled and they did helped fight the war
I know it’s a fiction book but googled quite a lot of the info through the book about the war and what was wrote was true to form apart from what was wrote about Australia
I’m British not Australian
I’d recommend this to family and friends
April 7, 2022
Heartwarming and Emotional
I loved this, the first of 4 books about Jews and the diaspora of war. The characters were well fleshed out, the language gentle and kind.
As the generations progress we need many, many more stories like this to remind us of the pain of hate.
I look forward to beginning the remaining volumes
I loved this, the first of 4 books about Jews and the diaspora of war. The characters were well fleshed out, the language gentle and kind.
As the generations progress we need many, many more stories like this to remind us of the pain of hate.
I look forward to beginning the remaining volumes
November 5, 2023
Jean38no
I love reading a Jean Grainer book. So I’ve read this over again . There were parts I had forgotten. It was just as good as before. The author sweeps you into a time of WWII to another country. Ireland were they helped in the war by taking in refugee Jewish children in some of their villages. A time of spies and love.
I love reading a Jean Grainer book. So I’ve read this over again . There were parts I had forgotten. It was just as good as before. The author sweeps you into a time of WWII to another country. Ireland were they helped in the war by taking in refugee Jewish children in some of their villages. A time of spies and love.
June 19, 2024
The Star and the Shamrock
This is a beautiful story. What a wonderfully historical read that's gripping, beautiful in all the ugly things life kept delivering,there was always hope, faith, happiness, and love. Jean Granger weaves a beautiful story from the heart. A must read. As always happy reading.
This is a beautiful story. What a wonderfully historical read that's gripping, beautiful in all the ugly things life kept delivering,there was always hope, faith, happiness, and love. Jean Granger weaves a beautiful story from the heart. A must read. As always happy reading.
September 5, 2024
Heartwarming
The history told in these books is so heartwarming. The strife endured by the world during the war was tragic and will never be forgotten. It was so good to see people survive and thrive in life after such horrifying experiences they suffered through. I love your story telling, Jean, and felt like I was living the experiences also. THANK YOU SO MUCH
The history told in these books is so heartwarming. The strife endured by the world during the war was tragic and will never be forgotten. It was so good to see people survive and thrive in life after such horrifying experiences they suffered through. I love your story telling, Jean, and felt like I was living the experiences also. THANK YOU SO MUCH
July 24, 2020
Jean Grainger at her best
Historical fiction is my favorite, especially the WWII and Great Britain. I have read eleven or twelve of Jean Grainger's books and am starting another of her series next.
Historical fiction is my favorite, especially the WWII and Great Britain. I have read eleven or twelve of Jean Grainger's books and am starting another of her series next.
September 2, 2020
Wonderful read! Love this trilogy. I can't wait to read more by Jean Grainger.
I loved the characterization! I fell in love with the characters. This is a story that you remember. A wonderful read.
I loved the characterization! I fell in love with the characters. This is a story that you remember. A wonderful read.
November 1, 2020
The Star and Shamrock Triology
This book touched my heart in so many ways. I can’t imagine what the people of Germany and the Jewish folks went through. This book helped me to see and understand more.
This book touched my heart in so many ways. I can’t imagine what the people of Germany and the Jewish folks went through. This book helped me to see and understand more.
November 22, 2020
fabulous!
i read this trilogy in record time! i was hooked from the beginning. the story and plot and characters were excellent. i liked seeing the horror of WWII through the eyes of ordinary people who did extra-ordinary things for others. although sad at times, the joy is what i am left with. amazing! well done!
i read this trilogy in record time! i was hooked from the beginning. the story and plot and characters were excellent. i liked seeing the horror of WWII through the eyes of ordinary people who did extra-ordinary things for others. although sad at times, the joy is what i am left with. amazing! well done!
January 9, 2021
Wow
What an excellent book. It tore at my heartstrings throughout. So much of this has "been forgotten", and it really needs to be taught in schools again. The horror and atrocity of it all really did happen. We must never forget so it doesn't happen again.
What an excellent book. It tore at my heartstrings throughout. So much of this has "been forgotten", and it really needs to be taught in schools again. The horror and atrocity of it all really did happen. We must never forget so it doesn't happen again.
January 27, 2021
This was a very good book. I liked and knew the characters. The plot was easy to follow.
It was 3 continuing books made up into the one book. More authors should do this.
I would highly recommend this.
It was 3 continuing books made up into the one book. More authors should do this.
I would highly recommend this.
April 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. And it was an easy read. Fiction based on historical facts,(the transport of Jewish children to Ireland during Hitler’s reign) it had great, believable characters: a strong, loving, woman, two really great kids and of course a handsome love interest. I’m anxious to start the second book to see how the rest of the saga unfolds.
April 24, 2021
Another view of WWII very interesting
I enjoyed watching WWII from view of those waiting not fighting or a concentration camp. This takes place in Ireland , a little town , a cohesive community , Jewish children sent to safety by their parents. So interesting
I enjoyed watching WWII from view of those waiting not fighting or a concentration camp. This takes place in Ireland , a little town , a cohesive community , Jewish children sent to safety by their parents. So interesting
October 3, 2021
Wonderful Story. It kept me in suspense through most of the tale. Jean Grainger is a great writer
I plan to read moYre of her books. She has a great talent for creating suspenseful stories.
A fine writer.Y
I plan to read moYre of her books. She has a great talent for creating suspenseful stories.
A fine writer.Y
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews