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The Tour #6

Kayla's Trick

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When Conor’s dream for Castle Dysert is facing ruin by circumstances outside his control he refuses to be beaten. Surely there must be a way to save everything they’ve worked so hard for? Then, as all hope seems lost, a solution in the form of a reality TV show called ‘Grandma says we’re Irish’ presents itself. The producers are convinced Conor is just the man they need to host the show, and what better setting than the gorgeous castle, but is will this new venture save Castle Dysert or destroy it? A bunch of so-called celebrities are installed, all looking for their Irish roots, and the cameras are rolling, but not everyone is as they seem, and soon, Conor finds himself stuck in the middle of something that even he can’t manage.

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2021

1708 people are currently reading
311 people want to read

About the author

Jean Grainger

88 books1,581 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
4,310 (69%)
4 stars
1,535 (24%)
3 stars
318 (5%)
2 stars
49 (<1%)
1 star
17 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
Profile Image for Dan Rogers.
684 reviews14 followers
August 5, 2020
For long time fans of Connor O'Shea you're going to love this one as much as any of the previous ones. Connor is back with a huge problem to solve. A storm has caused the Atlantic to breach the sea wall and flood the hotel. Now, unless he can find a way to come up with 3 million Euros to rebuild the sea wall and install flood gates, the insurance company won't reinsure them and the hotel will be out of business. In this one all the usual cast of characters are back along with some just passing through. Among those joining the tale will be some you like, some you can't stand, and some who just plain are obnoxious and full of themselves. As Connor works through the challenges it is helpful to have Ana and Katherine to keep him on an even keel. I dare not say anymore lest I give away important details. All I can say is if you are already a fan of The Tour series, you need to read this one. For those who have yet to read a Jean Grainger book I would say, no matter what book you select you can't go wrong. because she doesn't do anything but top notch every time.
25 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2022
Although I have enjoyed most of Ms. Grainger's previous novels in this series, this was a BIG disappointment:
1. too much rehashing of plots from previous works;
2. too many ill drawn new characters who could not touch the heart or capture the imagination of this reader;
3. Title character is entirely abusive, immoral, offensive and despicable; the resolution showing the "why" behind her behavior is WHOLLY UNSATISFACTORY; and the main character (who the author has developed into a very likeable, ethical man of integrity andvintelligence) just meekly accepts it along as no big deal. It was as if she got tired of writing and needed to just end the book.
I threw my kindle on the couch in disgust.

I won't be reading this author's work again.
790 reviews27 followers
August 2, 2020
Kayla’s Trick returns Jean Grainger’s fans to Castle Dysert, where Connor O’Shea is in a world of hurt. A storm has destroyed the sea wall and flooded the castle. While insurance will restore the castle damage, Connor must come up with three million Euros to replace the sea wall or the insurance company will not renew the policy. The solution seems to be letting a reality show film there in exchange for the money. Centered around discovering the Irish roots of the contestants, the author has created a story filled with characters readers will love, some they will hate, some they will pity, but most of all will keep readers engaged. Long time fans will be delighted to catch up with The Tour series favorites, but it is this reader’s opinion that the book can be read as a stand-alone. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend this excellent story.
7 reviews
August 25, 2020
Loved this book, please write a seventh tour book or more.

I have loved the tour books . Once I start reading these I can't stop. Such heartfelt stories. I love Conner and Ana. And their whole family. I enjoy all the people in each book, I have read all of Jean Grainger s books and enjoyed every one. I do admit that the Tour books are my favorite. We went to Ireland a few years ago and I am sure Conner was our tour guide. Just kidding of course. We live in Minnesota and love it but Ireland would certainly be my second choice. My husband and I both loved it. Thank you.
Profile Image for Pam.
4,625 reviews67 followers
August 23, 2020
Kayla’s Trick: The Tour Series Book 6 is by Jean Grainger. This book is the most current in the Tour series starring Conor O’Shea and his family at Castle Dysert in Ireland. Conor use to be a single tour guide; but now is married, the father of three, and the owner of a wonderful hotel. He runs it with the help of his wife, Ana; Katherine; Carlos; Olga; and his father-in-law Artur; his mother-in-law, Danika, and his father, Jamsie, help take care of his twin boys and newly born daughter, Lily. It is a wonderful life in a beautiful old castle until it isn’t.
A violent storm hit Ireland and destroyed the sea wall that kept the water from the castle. The first floor was flooded and the hotel had to be closed. Insurance money would pay for repairs; but the seawall and extra flood measures would have to be paid for by him. Salaries for his people was covered by a loan from his father; but the sea wall was still unpaid for. Things looked dire for them until they contacted a film company that had wanted to use their castle for a reality show. They were still looking for a place and agreed to use the castle. Surely, things would work out well. Conor’s optimism was clearly at work here.
As they attempt to get the hotel back on its feet and do justice to the reality show being filmed there, Conor wonders if he had lost his mind. Would this ever end?
Jean keeps the suspense going as well as the fun with Conor and his family. Even the twins get in on the fun. The reader is swept along with the family and friends into the fanciful world at Castle Dysert. The reader feels like they are all good friends and they are welcomed to the fun.
4 reviews
June 2, 2021
A-TmxCNlRCVGtsdWdadklZd2VBY2xMUk5SS25yQmxCVGJrVmVGTGhlUmN5dElsRkxITUhuL1BXcmpjSEdCSDY2Tis5RVRqNk5xek9OV1hyN3Z5dzUwRkpaSXNIQzhiK2tYUnRzRmlHMHVVTzhiRFJEYndaUjhlcGZZNnpTKy9zM09aR2crc0oxTS9JNHRQbXBHWTNhck9tV3paNmN6SlBpczVMcmpsZ0ZFTVg3d0FhSEwrQ1Zja2NvRHE1SlUwWjlvOXNUUEJKdXhCcklPNVBWTHE4V0ttVTE0aDNqV2VBOFZ0Y3FrOEp2OHo0ODMwTU9tVHA1RGp1by94bWhSSnZpUitJYTByeGxVd0M5dUlnOW02Z1c3Vlo5aXNpU0RwSFVBRzkrV29hMmhQTUYyRStHY3NtT2hPa0FrWCttQWZmUyt2cVRRSVdNYWdjcVFvMkU0elorUkgwaVdYUmR3cmJCMVZmeUY4NXVTZisraEFITk52VXhPYjdtNG1EVVVwbE11Vk5wT3NBbVdFL1A4TDJmMG5tMnB4bk9rWlNubURCSWJSVzlLa0xCU1RWOD0tLWJuY09BVTlaMk8wa1drb1oyL2h1Smc9PQ==--cce57976a3fee25002fa867ba5f8769160d5b67e,a25720a9-8c96-4d7f-85ac-9c56afd87491,order_status_pagenyone who loves feel good reading. I learned a great deal of Irish history from this series.

This was a wonderful ending to this series. I could not drag myself away from it. I learned a great deal of Irish history from this book and would recommend it to all who enjoy feel good reading.
Thank you.
438 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2020
I've yet to read one of Jean Grainger's books that I didn't like. Whether she's writing about a tour guide and his family, someone caught in the horrors of war and its aftermath, or the upstairs/downstairs sort of story about the once rich family trying to maintain the facade while the never rich help goes about life, Mrs. Grainger manages to delve into the depths of people. Her characters are wonderfully portrayed. In Kayla's trick, I read enough in just a couple pages to realize that I really didn't like the woman. In previous books, we've met and grown to love Conor O'Shea and his family. Now that family and the community may be in trouble as disaster strikes the castle hotel. Kayla and company have the resources to save the day, but does Conor really want to get involved with them? Once again, this author creates a wonderful story. What troubles me most is that now I have to wait for her next book.
Profile Image for Anne.
520 reviews
June 12, 2024
This is the sixth book in the Tour series, and it was just ok. In this story, Castle Dysert is hit by a storm, experienced water damage and ends up with a wall that needs to be rebuilt in order to be insured. Conor doesn’t have the money for that so Ana convinces him to let an American tv show be filmed there to get the money. It’s a reality show about American celebrities trying to learn about their Irish roots. Not surprisingly, the celebrities range from a handful to obnoxious and bring chaos to the hotel staff.

I read the first half of this before a trip to Ireland and finished when I got home. I had a better sense of some of the references in the second half - from the drive from Dublin down to some of the other parts of the country and even a reference to a bottle of high end Irish whiskey from the Midleton Distillery where we happened to tour. Glad to have saved the end for when I was home!
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,133 reviews47 followers
August 20, 2020
A fun read with lots of laughable situations with a number of the already loved characters from this Tour series and some very unusual new characters. I loved getting to see how Conor, Ana and their twins were doing and to also read about their new addition, and to also get updates on Artur, Danika and all the hotel staff. The story has Castle Dysert going through some real tragedies after extreme water damage, and shows how all the hotel staff put their heads together for ideas on how to make enough money to do the required renovations and to keep the luxury hotel open. They came up with a very unusual idea and it worked, causing some hilarious situations within the walls of the Castle, and our lovable Conor was put to the test once again and came out squeaky clean.

Well-done and a delightful read!
Profile Image for Jill.
462 reviews
September 18, 2020
I've never met a Jean Grainger book I didn't adore!! I love reading about Conor and crew, and this book certainly had lots to love. Conor and Ana are facing a very difficult situation with Castle Dysert and a seemingly impossible solution to preserve this historical landmark as well as save the livelihoods of all who depend on its existence.

Ms. Grainger utilizes her superb storytelling skills to craft a delightful story that is very entertaining as well as realistic. That's what I love so much about her books - I feel that I am a part of the story along with the characters. I can easily imagine the settings, the characters and the adventures taking place.

While this could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend readers to begin with The Tour and read through the series to get a very well-development view of the characters and the beautiful land of Ireland they call home!
1,001 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2020
Book six in the tour series has Conor facing yet another problem at the castle.
"When Conor’s dream for Castle Dysert is facing ruin by circumstances outside his control he refuses to be beaten. Surely there must be a way to save everything they’ve worked so hard for?
Then, as all hope seems lost, a solution in the form of a reality TV show called ‘Grandma says we’re Irish’ presents itself. The producers are convinced Conor is just the man they need to host the show, and what better setting than the gorgeous castle, but is will this new venture save Castle Dysert or destroy it?
A bunch of so-called celebrities are installed, all looking for their Irish roots, and the cameras are rolling, but not everyone is as they seem, and soon, Conor finds himself stuck in the middle of something that even he can’t manage." synopsis copied
100 reviews
September 2, 2025
I tore through this one, book 6 of "The Tour". I like that it came in "Large Print"! In this book, the Hotel Dysart is badly damaged by a storm which created waves that breached the sea wall. Repairs would have to include a brand new and unbreachable sea wall if the property would be insured for the future. While damages to the hotel were covered by insurance, the construction of the sea wall, etc. was not and cost many millions. In order to get the money, Conor and the staff agree to have a reality TV show filmed at the castle to their dismay. The "guests", ostensibly there in a sort of "Finding Our Roots" format had skeletons in the closet and outsized and sometimes unpleasant personalities. Conor was forced to play a role on the show. We get to see the twins growing up, and the addition of "microqueen" baby Lily O'Shea!
4,507 reviews38 followers
August 13, 2020
Kayla's Trick may be the best Conor book yet. It was so good to be back in Ireland at Castle Dysert with Conor, Ana, Ana's parents, the twins, the castle employees and the townspeople. Ms. Grainger has created a wonderful background for this series. The castle has flooded for the second year - and the sea wall has washed away. The repairs and renovation are beyond Conor's ability to fund. You will not want to miss this fascinating story as Conor agrees to let a reality TV show film at the castle. This book has all the heart and more that you expect from one of Ms. Grainger's books. I stayed up far too late because I could not bear to put it down.
Profile Image for Cathie.
101 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2020
This is such a delightful series. Not an edge of your seat page turner , but just a lovely story. As in all of Grangers books (and there's a plethora of them!) She tells a "Story"like no other. Funny ,quirky,and endearing Characters that engage in each others lives with the backdrop of Ireland. If you crave a gentle read in our world of disorder and anxiety,this is your series. I've loved every book of hers and this grouping especially. The Dysert Family is out in an awful set of circumstances and may loose the very Castle that is holding the whole Community together. To tell you more would not be fair !
54 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2020
Wonderfuul!

A very ending (that is suppose to be enjoyable) read! Funny,sad, ☺😂 all rolled into one. This Kindle sometimes picks its own words to write so I'll be brief just for my sanityg (See what I mean)😠. Anyway, Jean, your be are amazing, I have read most of them! You are brilliant! You make this Viking shield maiden want to see the beautiful country that my forefathers raided. It's weird but my Grandmother on my Father's side (his Mom) is defended from a whole host of Kings and raiders. Does Ireland have a green marble underground? Don't know why I'm asking you probably won't have time to read this. 😂 Again I love 💘 your books! A fan, m j

















Profile Image for Sharon Davis.
79 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2022
So sorry the series are at the end.

Wonderful, wonderful and wonderful.
I could keep on reading this series forever but I suppose it really is best to leave on an upbeat.
Of course, I've been following you for a year so, nothing wrong with another year huh?
I'm from Texas, USA. so many many phrases, shortened sentences down to one word and unless someone is a transplant then they don't get us. Like yourself and the Ireland you love are we here from "real" Texans.

I'm looking forward to reading more of your books and all should read. There are plenty of good, bad and ugly people should learn.
See ya later!
154 reviews
August 26, 2024
The Tour Series WOW

I loved all 6 books and during the reading of these books I lost a lot of sleep because I was unable to find a good stopping point! I visited Ireland with two other women a year ago and now I would love to go back and spend a whole month exploring parts we did not get to in six days. I have a little Irish blood in me and I bet I could find it hard to return to South Dakota, USA! I felt like I was there experiencing this whole series in person. Jean Grainger, you have a way of creating the characters as individuals with diverse personalities and explaining life in Ireland over the centuries that explains a lot that history books gloss over. Thank you
Profile Image for Laurie Cole.
74 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2020
I received this book as part of the Advanced Reader Team...Jean Grainger does not disappoint....Imagine,if you will,owning a old castle in Ireland, turned hotel, now imagine a horrid winter storm causing the waves of the Atlantic to topple your sea wall and flooding your hotel,right before the Christmas rush begins....This is how our story begins...Connor is in need of money, lots of money. Enter Havie and Kayla,looking for a place to film a reality show... If Conor, Ana and the staff survive this the hotel will be saved.
7 reviews
August 10, 2020
I have enjoyed every book in this series and this one did not disappoint either. Loved being back with all the familiar characters, especially Conor! Castle Dysert is in serious trouble and needs 3 million euros for major structural reinforcements to stay in business. Along comes an American reality tv show and celebrities to shake things up in Ireland. It is a fun read, pure entertainment and relaxation. It can be read as a stand alone,but why miss out on all the other good books in the series?
Profile Image for Brandi .
129 reviews5 followers
August 13, 2020
I am a huge fan of Jean Grainger’s writing. I have yet to find a book of hers that I was not intrigued by. Kayla’s Trick is no exception!

In book 6 of Conor O’Shea The Tour series we are back at the hotel with Conor, Ana, Katherine and the gang! Natural disaster threatens the hotel’s existence and Conor is forced into a situation he does not want to be in. Desperate he turns to his management team for ideas.

Kayla’s trick is Jean Grainger’s writing at her best! Full of Irish history, drama, romance, friendships and humor
this is one book that you must read!
94 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2020
Another great one.......

Jean writes such wonderful books, filled with history and such an obvious love for her country. I have been in love with Conner, and actually the whole of the cast since The Tour. Having read every single book written by this great author, I have to say this is one of my favorites. Her characters are so real, and in between all the interesting history and descriptions of this beautiful country, Jean weaves a story that will leave you crying a little and laughing a lot.
3 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2022
A return visit to Dysert Castle

I have no idea why it took me such a long time to read Book 6 of The Tour series, but just having finished “Kayla’s Trick” I can honestly say it was worth the wait! It’s such a pleasure to spend time with the O’Shea extended family and friends! No matter what adversity befalls, the strength and love sees all that come in contact with Connor and Ana through to a bright future. Jean Grainger’s stories…all of them…leave me uplifted and grateful that I found her.
Profile Image for Mary Barrett.
809 reviews11 followers
January 15, 2023
Five stars

Each of the books in this series is outstanding! I enjoyed reading each one of them very much. ( It has me wondering if I shouldn't change my plans from a visit to Scotland to an Irish vacation this September. Lol. ) As with a huge number of people in the USA who have Irish ancestors, I enjoy reading any novel that takes place in Ireland. Better yet I have recently discovered several Irish authors and thoroughly enjoyed their writing.
I'll miss Connor, Anna and their family. This series was outstanding.
1,078 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2024
A seawall collapses in a storm and Conor O'Shea's luxury hotel, housed in a historic Irish castle floods. The insurance will cover the indoor damage, but unless Conor can protect the property from future floods, the insurance company won't renew their coverage. The cost of the repairs and improvements is so high that Conor fears it will be impossible to rebuild or sell the castle. But an American producer wants to use the castle as the location for a reality TV show. Reluctantly Conor agrees, and the on-screen and off-screen drama will delight readers as this series reaches its finale.
19 reviews
August 22, 2020
Great pandemic read!

Loved this book. Read it in 2 days because I couldn’t wait to see how the ugly Americans from Hollywood were going to act. Wonderfully competent as Jean researches all the historical pieces so well. Wish I could afford the tracing of my Irish roots as well as my Italian side. Lots of twists and turns and Conor and family add so much to all the books but I thought more this time. Great job again, Jean ( I feel like I know her—Americans being pushy again😍)
97 reviews
September 23, 2020
Lovely series.

I've read most of this writers books. This series was/is so much fun. Makes me want to visit Ireland. Is there a hotel like this somewhere there? Probably but I couldn't afford it. If you've just stumbled into this series, be sure to read the others. I just might start over myself. I don't usually re-read anything but the way she writes really takes you there. And the characters are a joy. Thank you Jean! Can't wait for the next one! Hopefully there is...
270 reviews
January 28, 2021
I loved this series! This is the sixth and final book in The Tour series and I must say I am a little disappointed that the story of the Conor O’Shea family and their friends is over. I highly recommend the entire series but I suggest that you read them in order. Many of the characters are often used in later books and it is helpful to have their backstory. Give them a try and I am sure you will love them!
Profile Image for Kathy Veltri Witt.
48 reviews5 followers
June 1, 2021
I have now finished Grainger's tour series, and this one does not disappoint. Connor, Ana, and the whole family once again come alive in this final novel. While having a reality show being filmed at the castle was hard to believe at first, all of the celebrities came off very authentically. I liked how Connor was able to help most, but not all of those who participated. (Having him help everyone would have been unrealistic.) I was not expecting what Kayla's trick actually was, but it worked.
40 reviews
June 12, 2021
Fun and fascinating read!

I’m honestly sad Kayla’s Trick is the last of this wonderful Tour Series. Through her descriptive writing, Conor, Ana, Eddie and all the other colorful characters take readers to a lovely place where kindness and compassion are the norm. Having been to Ireland, the books in this series bring back great memories of the magic that is Ireland. Highly recommend!
19 reviews
April 1, 2022
Sorry for this series to end

Grainger has created a fascinating world at Castle Dysert, with characters who will stay with you. Conor O'Shea is a believable hero with his own legacy of family pain, as many readers will share. Although the plot is somewhat predictable, readers will enjoy each character's story and the enchanting Irish setting. The history lessons artfully woven into each story are a bonus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews

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