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Carmel Sheehan #1
Letters of Freedom
Carmel, a forty year old Irish woman is living a life that’s fine, not exciting or awful, just fine. She has a house, a husband, it’s all ok. She never had kids, but that’s just life, right? She knows she should be grateful. She’s better off than a lot of people. Then one day, out of the blue, she gets a Facebook message, from a total stranger. With information that could transform her life, for better or for much worse. It could be a scam. It could be malicious. It could be a crazy person. But what if what they say is true? Her finger hovers over the screen. Delete or reply?
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About the author
Jean Grainger
88 books1,581 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 135 reviews
September 27, 2025
Letters of Freedom is a well-written book, complete with descriptive narrative and realistic characters. The dialogue is relatable.
While I enjoyed the read, I found the plot unrealistic and somewhat predictable.
While I enjoyed the read, I found the plot unrealistic and somewhat predictable.
June 7, 2023
4.5 stars
While looking for a book cover to match a BINGO square I found another novel by the Irish author Jean Grainger! Some have compared her writing to that of Maeve Binchy. Each one causes me to care about her characters as if they were my friends.
In her Afterword Jean Grainger tells us that she heard a woman on the radio retelling her life story of growing up in an Irish orphanage and having no life management skills when she turned 18 and was put out on the streets. Grainger was so touched by what the woman shared, that the character of Carmel was born that night.
As with an earlier book by this author, I was glued to the story and could not put it down until I reached the end. Alas! This was the first book in a series and I don't have the next book. I will have to wait to find out what Carmel finally decides to do and if she is pleased or devastated with the results.
This captivating, riveting, and emotional novel set in the 1900's will pull at your heartstrings. I recommend having a copy of the next book in the series, The Future's Not Ours to See, and some tissues.
4.5 stars
While looking for a book cover to match a BINGO square I found another novel by the Irish author Jean Grainger! Some have compared her writing to that of Maeve Binchy. Each one causes me to care about her characters as if they were my friends.
In her Afterword Jean Grainger tells us that she heard a woman on the radio retelling her life story of growing up in an Irish orphanage and having no life management skills when she turned 18 and was put out on the streets. Grainger was so touched by what the woman shared, that the character of Carmel was born that night.
As with an earlier book by this author, I was glued to the story and could not put it down until I reached the end. Alas! This was the first book in a series and I don't have the next book. I will have to wait to find out what Carmel finally decides to do and if she is pleased or devastated with the results.
This captivating, riveting, and emotional novel set in the 1900's will pull at your heartstrings. I recommend having a copy of the next book in the series, The Future's Not Ours to See, and some tissues.
4.5 stars
August 29, 2017
Letters of Freedom is by Jean Grainger. This novella is different. It is very emotional. It is well-written and realistic up to a point. However, it is good reading.
Carmel was brought up in the children's home and since she didn't have anywhere to go once she turned eighteen, she stayed on to help the Nuns with the other children. She left there to marry a widower who had two young girls. Thinking she would have a home of her own, she agreed to marry him. What she found was totally different. He was very much in love with his deceased wife. He did not let her into his life except to cook and clean. The twin girls did not let her into their lives either. Nothing she did lived up to the dead wife. Then one day, she went to Dublin to meet with a man who had known her mother. Her Mother had been looking for her for many years and had left letters for her if she was ever found. Unfortunately, her Mother died before Carmel was found. What is in the letters? How will they affect Carmel's life?
Carmel was brought up in the children's home and since she didn't have anywhere to go once she turned eighteen, she stayed on to help the Nuns with the other children. She left there to marry a widower who had two young girls. Thinking she would have a home of her own, she agreed to marry him. What she found was totally different. He was very much in love with his deceased wife. He did not let her into his life except to cook and clean. The twin girls did not let her into their lives either. Nothing she did lived up to the dead wife. Then one day, she went to Dublin to meet with a man who had known her mother. Her Mother had been looking for her for many years and had left letters for her if she was ever found. Unfortunately, her Mother died before Carmel was found. What is in the letters? How will they affect Carmel's life?
September 21, 2016
Carmel Sheehan was raised in an orphanage and, as a child of the Irish state, felt unworthy of making her own choices about life, career and marriage. As a result she agreed to a loveless marriage to an ungrateful, uncommunicative widower still pining for his first wife.
She continues to live a joyless existence until the day she receives a letter inviting her to Dublin to meet her recently deceased mother’s doctor. It is the start of a new-found confidence and sense of worth for her, as well as a blossoming romance.
I enjoyed this short, easy to read novella with all the components of a good story and look forward to reading more from Jean Grainger.
My rating: 3.5
She continues to live a joyless existence until the day she receives a letter inviting her to Dublin to meet her recently deceased mother’s doctor. It is the start of a new-found confidence and sense of worth for her, as well as a blossoming romance.
I enjoyed this short, easy to read novella with all the components of a good story and look forward to reading more from Jean Grainger.
My rating: 3.5
July 26, 2025
This story of a young woman growing up in an orphanage and then marrying a widower with two young children could have been so sad and depressing. Unwed mothers in Ireland were subjected to incredible shaming in Magdalene Laundries and the whole subject is seriously distressing. Author Jean Grainger gives us Carmel Sheehan and the unusual aspect of her finding out her mother had searched for her all her life and died without reuniting with the baby daughter she wanted to care for. The letters Carmel gets to read reveal her mother’s efforts and care for her, but it’s mysterious as to why she was never allowed to reunite with Carmel. There’s evil from a horrible man and Carmel finds out about it and now in the next books must decide what to do with the knowledge. I found it easy to care about Carmel and her plight and I’m rooting for her.
August 7, 2025
First in the series . Look forward to the rest of the story. Love Irish tales.
March 13, 2017
I really liked this short read. I suppose everyone has experienced disappointment in love and human relationships. Mrs. Grainger exhibits a special touch of empathy and understanding as she skillfully depicts an all too common human relationship experience. As a reader one can easily choose sides, especially when Carmel experiences mental cruelty, selfishness, thoughtlessness, and being ignored as a wife and companion by her husband and his live-in sister. Unconventional plot convincingly portrayed. Well recommended as a quick, somewhat suspenseful, interesting read to observe how Carmel deals with a harsh and disappointing home situation. Big surprise ending as Carmel proves her mettle to improve her lot in life....
Joe Clark
Joe Clark
July 16, 2025
It was a moving read that made me cry. Carmel's journey was difficult, and we can see that even at the end, she still struggles with being confident in and loving herself. She was raised in a state institution without love, and never being adopted affected her soul. She also did not have a good education or preparation for the real world. On top of all of that, her disastrous marriage left her treated like a maid rather than a wife for nearly 40 years without receiving a single word of appreciation or love until she met Cherif, her mother's friend who was actually a member of the entire family .
What caught me off guard was how harsh and cruel the ending was for Carmel—the realization that she had to face her roots—and how the fact hit her in the face.
What caught me off guard was how harsh and cruel the ending was for Carmel—the realization that she had to face her roots—and how the fact hit her in the face.
August 1, 2017
This short novella is GREAT. It poses a very interesting dilemma, making the reader beg for more, and yet smile in satisfaction and wonderment. I am really looking forward to the sequel to this story which I hope will open a whole new life for the protagonist, Carmel, and give her the happiness she deserves.
This is a smart teaser by Jean Grainger, and I am anticipating a great novel to follow. Well done!
This is a smart teaser by Jean Grainger, and I am anticipating a great novel to follow. Well done!
September 18, 2017
Carmel is such a sad figure. Raised in an institution and then married to a widower. She is in a loveless marriage and has never known love. Then a letter arrives asking her to meet the Doctor who cared for her mom before she died. She meets this man then realizes her Mother loved her and searched for her all her life. Great short story. Looking forward to the continuation in "What Will Be Will Be". Great character development.
February 5, 2017
My review
I really was just getting into the story but then it had such an abrupt ending I was shocked. it is a really good read. I was hoping it would go into the next stage of Carmel life.
I really was just getting into the story but then it had such an abrupt ending I was shocked. it is a really good read. I was hoping it would go into the next stage of Carmel life.
August 8, 2017
Very interesting novella with promises of a novel to follow Soon! I easily get lost in this author's writing.
March 18, 2016
Absolutely loved this quick read and now want to read more of her work.
A beautiful story about a girl who has never known love and a glimpse of her future.
A beautiful story about a girl who has never known love and a glimpse of her future.
April 2, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this Novela. Jean really writes great material. I can not wait for the sequal!
May 28, 2017
Another great story. This one was to short though. I just didn't want it to end.
August 7, 2017
Novella
A beautifully written story of an abandon child's life...from sadness to joy. There is a lot of emotion packed into this expertly plotted story.
A beautifully written story of an abandon child's life...from sadness to joy. There is a lot of emotion packed into this expertly plotted story.
October 26, 2022
The premise was good, but Carmel's story was written as a narrative, a very long, detailed narrative. Not recommending this book.
April 8, 2025
Didn't finish
Just wasn't what I thought it would be
Just wasn't what I thought it would be
July 14, 2025
Don't waste your time on this book
Slow moving. Quite boring and repetitious. Complicated plot at the end. The ending seemed cut short with too many questions unanswered.v
Slow moving. Quite boring and repetitious. Complicated plot at the end. The ending seemed cut short with too many questions unanswered.v
April 29, 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.
March 17, 2022
Last year, when I read Letters of Freedom, it was a short story. It was great, and made Jean Grainger one of my new favorite authors. This year she re-released it as a full novel, and I love it even more!
Carmel Sheehan is an orphan, raised in a children's home and never adopted. Aging out of the system, she accepts the first proposal that comes her way, where she finds herself in a loveless marriage. With no friends or anyone to care for her, she finds solace in facebook groups. It is through one of these groups that she recieves a message from a stranger claiming to have information about her birth mother, a woman she was trained to not think about, although the questions are always there. What follows is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking journey of self-discovery, uncovering the truth, and finding the love and belonging Carmel never thought she deserved.
Recommended for fans of Maeve Binchy.
Carmel Sheehan is an orphan, raised in a children's home and never adopted. Aging out of the system, she accepts the first proposal that comes her way, where she finds herself in a loveless marriage. With no friends or anyone to care for her, she finds solace in facebook groups. It is through one of these groups that she recieves a message from a stranger claiming to have information about her birth mother, a woman she was trained to not think about, although the questions are always there. What follows is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking journey of self-discovery, uncovering the truth, and finding the love and belonging Carmel never thought she deserved.
Recommended for fans of Maeve Binchy.
December 21, 2022
Carmel was an orphan who never got adopted and only left the Catholic orphanage at 17 to get married to a grieving taciturn widower and farmer with 9~year~old twin daughters and a soured spinster sister. At the start of the story. Carmel was a discontented wife of 17 years to an unconsummated union... for Bill Sheehan never got over his first wife, Gretta and married only Carmel to have a housekeeper and to keep his meddling and forceful sister away from his life and the farm. Julia, the bitter spinster, destroyed whatever promising relationships that may have developed between stepmother and stepdaughters, leaving Carmel rudderless... until one day, some doctor wanted to meet with her to inform her about her mother who gave her up to the nuns at Trinity House. It turned out that her mother (who immigrated from Ireland to England) never forgot her and kept coming back looking for her lost daughter. A mystery here.
September 2, 2025
Letters of Freedom
As my mother had an Irish grandfather and grandmother who were not catholic,she was brought up in a confusing time,whereas the two religions were fighting against each other. She was spanked once as a child for playing with a Catholic girl.but hearing about the lack of love that was given to the poor character of the novel,also is a sign of the times during which she was raised in the church. Thank goodness she was treated fairly, was wonderful, because parents during this time were very strict about their children and according to my mom did not spare the rod in discipline.
I enjoyed the novel very much, inner tenacity to finally move on in her life,though the loving letters from her mom.
The written word is always a salvation for kindness.😁 Keep up the great work. Look forward to reading more of your novels
As my mother had an Irish grandfather and grandmother who were not catholic,she was brought up in a confusing time,whereas the two religions were fighting against each other. She was spanked once as a child for playing with a Catholic girl.but hearing about the lack of love that was given to the poor character of the novel,also is a sign of the times during which she was raised in the church. Thank goodness she was treated fairly, was wonderful, because parents during this time were very strict about their children and according to my mom did not spare the rod in discipline.
I enjoyed the novel very much, inner tenacity to finally move on in her life,though the loving letters from her mom.
The written word is always a salvation for kindness.😁 Keep up the great work. Look forward to reading more of your novels
November 26, 2020
Carmel was born to an unwed mother in Ireland. She was given up at birth and raised by nins in a home for "children like her." When she was 18, it was time for her to leave and be on her own. She got into a loveless marriage and always thought that her mother didn't care about her or love her. She felt she got all she deserved. Would the Facebook message she recieved give her answers? Read it and find out. This is a really good story. Right from the beginning you like Carmel and feel sorry for her a little bit. There are only a few main charaters but they are well developed from the beginning. Some you will love, some you will hate and some you will feel sorry for. You may even relate to one of them. I already got the next book and can't wait to start it.
February 20, 2022
Letters of Freedom, The Carmel Sheehan Story, Book 1
Carmel Sheehan was born in an orphanage in Ireland and was raised by the nuns. She was told that her unmarried mother had abandoned her as a newborn. Years later, Carmel learned that this was not entirely true, that her mother had lived about 40 years after her daughter's birth, but the orphanage would not allow her mother to see her. This book is the story behind the lies told.
Read this book to learn the details of her birth, separation from her mother, her loveless marriage, and the man who had loved her mother. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading Books 2 and 3 in this series. Join me in exploring this saga. I hope you enjoy this journey as much as I have so far.
Carmel Sheehan was born in an orphanage in Ireland and was raised by the nuns. She was told that her unmarried mother had abandoned her as a newborn. Years later, Carmel learned that this was not entirely true, that her mother had lived about 40 years after her daughter's birth, but the orphanage would not allow her mother to see her. This book is the story behind the lies told.
Read this book to learn the details of her birth, separation from her mother, her loveless marriage, and the man who had loved her mother. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading Books 2 and 3 in this series. Join me in exploring this saga. I hope you enjoy this journey as much as I have so far.
September 19, 2022
Could not put this book down. The author writes lucidly, fluidly, and at a perfect pace -- a pleasure to read. Most of all, I loved getting to know the protagonist, a woman whose self-esteem begins essentially at rock bottom before eventually makes peace with her insecurities while holding onto her humility. Of course, the plot line about suddenly finding a perfect love with a kind, compassionate, wealthy doctor (who's gorgeous, available, and non-neurotic to boot!) suspends belief. However, I loved the heroine so much, I decided just to enjoy the thrilling turn of events that unfold. Perhaps, as a single "woman of a certain age" who has never met nor ever expects to meet any such prince, I was just happy while reading to live vicariously through the character.
May 17, 2023
Not sure I would classify this as HF, but it does start off in the 70's, which I guess is now technically "historical".
I really do enjoy Jean Grainger books. She is a "new to me" author and I have really enjoyed the 4 I have read.
The reason I did not give this a full 5 stars is because it ended just too abruptly and with a big cliffhanger and leaving the reader wanting and saying "But what about..." I realize that is because this is a series but the author could have at least told us what Carmel was up to next, what she was thinking. And I have to say, reading the blurbs on the second book in the series has me not to interested in reading it, in fact it has me angry. But we shall see.
Narration was wonderful!
I really do enjoy Jean Grainger books. She is a "new to me" author and I have really enjoyed the 4 I have read.
The reason I did not give this a full 5 stars is because it ended just too abruptly and with a big cliffhanger and leaving the reader wanting and saying "But what about..." I realize that is because this is a series but the author could have at least told us what Carmel was up to next, what she was thinking. And I have to say, reading the blurbs on the second book in the series has me not to interested in reading it, in fact it has me angry. But we shall see.
Narration was wonderful!
April 24, 2025
I really have a problem with a book that just stops. If the book is to be continued, please make the transition between the first one to the second a little softer. Carmel’s story is a little intense anyway, and she deserved a more appealing close.
Carmel was raised in an Irish orphanage near Dublin by nuns who were kind but never took the place of family. She was never adopted and never understood why. When she married Bill at a young age, she found he only wanted a housekeeper and not a wife. He would always be mourning his late wife. The marriage was never consummated. Seventeen years later Carmel had occasion to meet a man who had known her mother Dolly, and many details of her early life began to fall into place. TBCSharim Aashna
Carmel was raised in an Irish orphanage near Dublin by nuns who were kind but never took the place of family. She was never adopted and never understood why. When she married Bill at a young age, she found he only wanted a housekeeper and not a wife. He would always be mourning his late wife. The marriage was never consummated. Seventeen years later Carmel had occasion to meet a man who had known her mother Dolly, and many details of her early life began to fall into place. TBCSharim Aashna
July 14, 2025
Superb Telling of a Necessary Story
Jan not Rick (shared account). This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time. I’ve read many, many books set in Ireland and am familiar with the horrible, horrendous way unwed mothers were treated by the Church years ago; and by extension, many of their children. But the strength of Jean Grainger’s writing, her ability to articulate Carmel’s story, is a measure of how evil (or close to it - I’m not as forgiving of the Nuns or Bill and his family as Carmel) can be overcome by goodness and hope for a better, brighter, future for Carmel, one filled with love and happiness. I’ve read and enjoyed many of Jean Grainger’s novels, but this is the standout by far.
Jan not Rick (shared account). This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time. I’ve read many, many books set in Ireland and am familiar with the horrible, horrendous way unwed mothers were treated by the Church years ago; and by extension, many of their children. But the strength of Jean Grainger’s writing, her ability to articulate Carmel’s story, is a measure of how evil (or close to it - I’m not as forgiving of the Nuns or Bill and his family as Carmel) can be overcome by goodness and hope for a better, brighter, future for Carmel, one filled with love and happiness. I’ve read and enjoyed many of Jean Grainger’s novels, but this is the standout by far.
August 24, 2025
The beginning was slow but we see that Carmel is going through the motions as she doesn’t feel emotions. We experienced this hole within her until one day she is able to discover how the hole began. The 8 hours of answers and stories felt like we’ve known for years. The spark of connection between Carmel and sharif! It was nice to see Carmel stand up for herself for once and do something she wants to do! She left for herself and didn’t look back! The character development for Carmel was climatic allowing herself to feel wanted, loved, needed, purposed, etc. I wish we were able to see more closure for Carmel but I am glad we learned a lot of her story and the whys of her childhood and I guess that’s what book 2 is for!The book wasn’t terrible I rate a solid 3.5 but super slow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews