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Carmel Sheehan #3

What Will Be

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At long last Carmel’s life is working out. She has escaped her miserable existence in Ireland and is truly happy for the first time in her life. She has a wonderful husband, a rewarding career, and is getting to know the warm, funny, extended family she never knew she had.
But when Carmel’s long-lost father suggests a big family trip to revisit the country of her birth, Carmel is appalled. Ireland means nothing but pain, rejection and loneliness. No good can ever come of returning and she promised herself that she never would. But, not wanting to let her friends and family down, reluctantly she goes home, only to discover that to find peace, she must reconcile with her past, and with her country.
What Will Be Will Be is the final book in the Carmel Sheehan Series.

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About the author

Jean Grainger

93 books1,606 followers
Jean 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.

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5 stars
2,208 (64%)
4 stars
880 (25%)
3 stars
304 (8%)
2 stars
46 (1%)
1 star
12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
1,005 reviews3 followers
June 12, 2020
The final book in the series:
"As long as Carmel stays in London, nothing can happen to shatter her perfect life. But something is pulling her home. Should she resist?
She has a wonderful marriage, a rewarding career and a great bunch of friends. As far as she's concerned, the sadness of her past can stay back in Ireland, where it belongs.
For Carmel, Ireland only means misery, loneliness and fear and she never wants to return. The new, confident and happy Carmel only exists on the cosmopolitan streets of Britain's capital. If she ever was forced to return, she fears she would revert to the mousey downtrodden woman she once was.
But when her beloved father suggests a family road trip along Ireland's famous Wild Atlantic Way, she hasn't the heart to turn him down. She tells herself that Sharif will be by her side, and that maybe her father is right and Ireland isn't the terrible place she's made it out to be. But trouble is brewing once more for Carmel and everything she struggled to build looks like it is disintegrating.
As Carmel returns to the land of her birth, she discovers that she cannot fully embrace her future, until she makes peace with her past, and with her country.
A heartwarming story of families, love and loyalty, set against the backdrop of Ireland." synopsis copied
Loved this series!
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,136 reviews45 followers
April 20, 2018
What Will Be, Will Be!!! Well, in Jean Grainger's story telling, what will be - will be a great story every single time. This story of Carmel and Sharif, their life together and their relationships with both his and her family are delightful. In this particular book, Carmel gets to know her father, brother and sister much better and also gets to know more about her Irish homeland. Having Sharif's mother and aunt from Pakistan with them adds lots of fun, and sometimes not so much fun. All characters are well-developed, described and used to weave this story into a book which is hard to put down.

Exciting things to happen in the future in the life of Carmel Sheehan. I read this story as an ARC. Thanks Jean Grainger for another great read.
Profile Image for Dan Rogers.
688 reviews14 followers
July 14, 2018
Several years ago, when I was an English Language Arts teacher I always told my students that good writing always creates a movie in your head. This series has done exactly that for me. I find myself missing Carmel, Sharif, Nadia, and all of Carmel’s extended family. Although they are only characters I feel that I would enjoy meeting them in real life. I would love to see Carmel’s story made into a movie. In the meantime I’ll continue to read, enjoy, and promote anything written by Jean Grainger. Her love for the Emerald Isle makes one want to go out right now to book a vacation there. Definitely on my bucket list.
Profile Image for Lcr.
906 reviews7 followers
April 16, 2018
What Will Be Will Be is the third book in this wonderful series. Whilst it can be read as a stand-alone I definitely recommend you read all the books as they are truly delightful. It is great to meet up with Carmel, Sharif and their friends and family again and to join them on the next step of their journey together. Jean Grainger is a fabulous storyteller and she makes her characters come alive so you feel as if you know them. The touches of Irish history and places just adds another layer to this wonderful story. I cannot recommend this book.. or series .. highly enough
39 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2018
A Lively Tale with Romance and a Few Twists & Turns

What a lovely story! Jean has done it again with a delightful continuation of the Carmel Sheehan take. As the story evolves, we get to know these characters even better. The more we find out about the mysteries of their pasts, the more we grow to love them! The plot twists will definitely keep you reading, not wanting to put the book down until the end. I only hope Jean will consider writing another, since there is more to know about these beloved characters and his their lives will change.
15 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2018
Great author

Jean Grainger never disappoints. All of her books are well-written and edited. You will not find errors in her books. I have been following Carmel's story since Latters of Freedom. If the reader is not familiar with the Irish names, I would suggest having something at hand to help with pronunciation. I recommend all of Iran's books. You will not be disappointed!


Profile Image for Peggy.
141 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2018
Absolutely grand

Truly a wonderful final episode of this top notch series. Such a gift to us readers who enjoy wholesome, insightful, well written narratives. Everything this author has given the literary world has been enriching, keenly well put, and a joy to read. Will follow her with great anticipation and appreciation.
391 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2018
A very sweet story

I’ve read book two and three and enjoyed them so much. All the characters are great, and I learned a lot about Ireland. I’m supposed to be Irish, English and Welch, so many of the scenes were interesting to me as an American. I hope to keep reading more by Jean Grainger.
26 reviews
June 29, 2018
Great story from great author

This was a continuation of development of characters who were already more like living friends than fictional beings. Recommended for those who enjoy happy endings and all things Irish.
Profile Image for Savsandy.
715 reviews9 followers
November 5, 2022
Finding the father she never knew she had was as fulfilling as finding her soulmate, albeit in a different way. Carmel knew she was loved and felt truly blessed. Discovering her extended family was a revelation but getting to know them surpassed all her expectations and quelled all her fears that they might somehow resent her. They not only accepted her, they genuinely welcomed Carmel into the fold.

But when her long-lost father Joe, suggested they travel to her homeland in Ireland, Carmel was appalled. Her memories of Ireland were not ones she cherished. In fact, she long ago swore never to return there and nothing had happened to change her mind. The mere thought of going back made her physically ill but eventually she agreed rather than disappoint her newly found family and friends. What began as a dreaded descent into her personal hell, turned into the path to reconciliation with her past.

"What Will Be Will Be" is the third and final book in the Carmel Sheehan Series by Jean Grainger. As always, the author's characters come to life on the page and this last book in the series successfully unites a large clan while illuminating even the minor characters in a diverse group. Pulling that off truly showcases Grainger's writing skills. Carmel's story is a richly woven emotional tapestry full of interesting and mostly likable characters. Five stars.

#WhatWillBeWillBe #JeanGrainger #TheCarmelSheehanStory #BookThree #KindleUnlimited.savsandy #ReadMyLips.home.blog #Twitter.savsandy #Instagram.sandragarlandhardy #Amazon.Kindle.savsandy #Goodreads.Savsandy
Profile Image for Souska.
175 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2025
In What Will Be, it was supposed to be a nuanced narrative exploring themes of identity, belonging, and reconciliation through the journey of Carmel Sheehan, a woman who has built a comfortable life in London yet remains haunted by her painful past in Ireland. Despite her thriving career, strong marriage, and social circle, Carmel resists returning to the land she associated with fear, loneliness, and emotional trauma. However, when her father invites her on a family road trip along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Carmel reluctantly confronts the ghosts of her childhood. As cracks appear in her carefully constructed life, she discovers that embracing her homeland—including its people, landscapes, and her own history—is essential to resolving her internal conflict. Through this emotional odyssey, Grainger emphasizes that true emotional growth arises from facing painful memories and that peace is forged when one reconciles with both personal history and place.
but the only thing we find in this novel is Weeping and regretting homosexuals and blaming the world for their situation and not accepting this kind of obscenity, as if the world was indebted to them for a million years to come.
I know that all modern novels must mention the homosexuals even if it has no relation to the subject of the novel.
I started my journey with this novel with high hopes, but they were quickly shattered.
Profile Image for Cathie.
101 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2020
A well told Story

I've come to expect wonderful Characters and Stories from this prolific Writer,and I get that every. single. Book ! This time we take a chaotic Family trip to Ireland with Carmel and Sharif, to meet the newly extended family for a Wedding and so much more ! Caramels self realization continues and she grows in strength as a result. Their friend ,Tim, has family ties to face after the death of his Mother that involves a large parcel of Land he's inherited, even be makes a shocking discovery about his younger self. Jean is true to her Characters as their lives weave in and out of the complicated mess large family's experience. You just never loose interest in these books of hers !
Profile Image for Jen Webster.
168 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2023
This is the end of Carmel's story.
This is the story of 40 year old Carmel Sheehan. A woman who has never known love her entire life. A woman that thought she was abandoned as a baby. A woman who didn't know she had a family. A woman who has never traveled outside of her tiny Irish village in County Offaly. Jean Grainger takes us through Carmel's lonely and sad life. She shares Carmel's journey from discovering who she is, to discovering that she was loved very much. A chance encounter changes Carmel's life forever, showing her she is worthy of love and family.

I really loved this series so much.
It is full of heartache and beauty. It is full of love, understanding and acceptance. Most of all it is a story about what a true family is.
20 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2024
Once again

I read this series a few years ago. I found it on my kindle not sure quite sure if I had read it before. I started the first book and soon realized I had read it. I kept reading. All three books. Because these books are fantastic. Jean Grainger is a fantastic author and a very insightful person. The depth of her characters is a reflection on herself. I wish I could visit with her. She must be delightful. I highly recommend this series. It will help you reflect on others and the relationships we engage in. I have read only one other book twice in my life. It was Gone With The Wind. Until now I have never read an entire series twice. It was well worth repeating. Thank you Ms. Grainger. I love spending time with you as you spin your yarns.
3 reviews
September 30, 2021
Great story

I loved the story from beginning to end. All the twists and turns kept me guessing and sitting on the edge of my seat. Reading where Carmel came from and where she ends up can give anyone hope. The reason I didn’t not give this book more stars is because the author changed the names of two characters. In the second book Joe’s late wife’s name was Mary and in the third book it was June. In the second book Jen’s son’s name was Raurie and in the third book it was Sean. There were other editing issues throughout the book, but these two issues are what caused me to take stars away.
154 reviews
September 2, 2024
Wonderful family and friends

I am so enthralled with this series. There are so many places where life's problems are worked out with wisdom. I have actually been helped with this wisdom in issues I have been suffering through for many years. I am with the same philosophical wisdom in treating others like you want to be treated. Walk a mile in my shoes before criticizing me is a very good way to live life. Thank you, Jean, for all the wisdom you have passed on. Keep writing so I can keep reading stories that are so wonderful.
Profile Image for Dixie.
53 reviews
May 18, 2020
The Carmel Sheehan Trilogy


The trilogy tells of a young woman, raised in an orphanage.
The effects of post institutional
malady, lack of nurturing, and deprivation of stimulation and relationship needs.
Leads her to a dysfunctional marriage with a stonewalling husband.
The characters go between UK and Ireland tracing roots, some historical fiction, personal transformation, love of family, cultural diversity and self. Pleasant read.
Profile Image for Mikkel Libby.
238 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2023
I loved this trilogy

I read at least, 3 books a week. But have not truly enjoyed a set like I did these, for a long time. Jean managed mix the nationalities so well and to treat the gay personalities with sensitivity and respect. She also managed to treat those that :have felt outside and rejected for most of their lives, with true sensitivity. It's, almost, like she has lived in this circle. This is a must read.

20 reviews
March 22, 2023
Delightful.I really like your writing style. I now want to visit Ireland. The characters are human and have personalities,good and bad.

The style is intriguing and you want to more about the characters. I have learned a lot about the history from the Irish side and I would like to visit the Country and see the green.I gave this series five stars,the characters draw you in and I can see them.
178 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2023
Love a happy ending!

While it’s sad to say goodbye to Carmel and Shariff, they are such wonderful people that they will continue to live on in my head. I imagine how their lives will change over the years. The entire cast of characters will evolve also, facing tragedy and joy together as family and close friends do. I’m no writer but I can daydream a future continuing for the Sheehan/McDaid clan. ❤️
119 reviews
September 27, 2020
Love this story

Three volumes of a well written story. Carmel and Irish lass with a loveless childhood in a care institute, and a loveless first marriage finds her true love and sense of self. All three volumes were good but volume 3 was wonderful. I did wonder at no thought of adoption occurred because of her childhood, still am satisfied at the ending.
432 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2020
Beautiful ending

I absolutely loved this trilogy! It was beautifully written from beginning to ending! Jean has a way portraying reality in her books that just grasp you and don't let go! If love for this trilogy to continue but the ending couldn't have been more satisfying and inspirational or uplifting!
Profile Image for Myra Orahood.
2 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2024
From an English Transplant to California

Absolutely loved this book as I did all your others. I have read them all and am so sad to finish each one.
You write a lot like Maeve Binchy, who has always been one of my favorite authors.
Thank you for your beautiful stories! I love them all!
1,384 reviews8 followers
April 27, 2018
The continuing story of Carmen and Sharif, with all the insecurities, hopes and fears that come from history on both sides. An emotional rollercoaster, beautifully and sensitively written. Many tears shed here!
15 reviews
April 29, 2018
Thoroughly good story...

The story of three families, different cultures, and how that became one big family was heartwarming. It involved revelations, forgiveness, understanding, and lots of love.

‘Tis true. The future is not ours to see.
Profile Image for Kathy El-Mahmoud.
16 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2018
New Beginnings

I love how all the characters evolved. The security and love Carmel got from her husband and dad allowed her to blossom and move pass the barren years at Trinity house and during her first marriage. I really enjoyed the three books in this series.
44 reviews
June 2, 2020
Nice ending to the series

Grainger did an excellent writing job in dealing with the Gay and Lesbien ongoing drama (in not only Ireland and England) . While the story was not about that problem, it was woven into the series smoothly and with a sensitive care.
26 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2020
The Carmel Sheehan Series.

I am always sorry when a book series comes to an end and the Carmel Sheehan series is no exception. The characters come to life for me. Thank you Ms Grainger. I will now look for another series to enthral me.
8 reviews
November 25, 2020
Great Irish story 😀

This was the second time I read this series. What a wonderful love story. Also I enjoyed the traveling through Ireland descriptions. Wow I love your Irish stories.😊😊😊
28 reviews
January 22, 2021
What a convoluted, fun read

What a convoluted, fun read with lots of Irish drama as well. I love to read about Ireland and the Irish. This trilogy combines pictures of modern Ireland with its catholic roots. I recommend the book to all!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews

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