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Queenstown #4
Roaring Liberty
New York City, 1922
Harp Devereaux is torn. Part of her desperately wants to return to Ireland to finish what she and her family and friends started, and to witness the departure of the British forces from Ireland after eight hundred long years. But the other part finds life in America during the Roaring Twenties too exciting to trade for the sleepy streets of County Cork.
She and JohnJoe are united and determined to sample all that life after the Great War has to offer, but life Stateside is not as free and easy as Harp first imagines and soon she finds herself longing for the simplicity of her homeland.
She wants to live life on her own terms but life is never simple, on either side of the Atlantic, and there are sinister forces at work, determined to bring them all down...
Harp Devereaux is torn. Part of her desperately wants to return to Ireland to finish what she and her family and friends started, and to witness the departure of the British forces from Ireland after eight hundred long years. But the other part finds life in America during the Roaring Twenties too exciting to trade for the sleepy streets of County Cork.
She and JohnJoe are united and determined to sample all that life after the Great War has to offer, but life Stateside is not as free and easy as Harp first imagines and soon she finds herself longing for the simplicity of her homeland.
She wants to live life on her own terms but life is never simple, on either side of the Atlantic, and there are sinister forces at work, determined to bring them all down...
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2022
1434 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
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 229 reviews
March 12, 2022
I normally enjoy Grainger's books, even though I find that they often tend to follow a formula and feature more one dimensional characters (always a super villain, always a character that is good beyond reproach). I can usually be guaranteed an enjoyable, escapist read, despite the overall issues.
This one, however, fell flat and I'm astounded by the glowing reviews, to be honest, because it really felt like the author gave up with the series while writing this. Roaring Liberty felt like the book equivalent to a sitcom clip show episode, tossed in with an ending that would make a soap opera writer roll their eyes with the absurdity of it all.
What a disappointing end to a series that until this point, was pretty enjoyable.
This one, however, fell flat and I'm astounded by the glowing reviews, to be honest, because it really felt like the author gave up with the series while writing this. Roaring Liberty felt like the book equivalent to a sitcom clip show episode, tossed in with an ending that would make a soap opera writer roll their eyes with the absurdity of it all.
What a disappointing end to a series that until this point, was pretty enjoyable.
January 17, 2022
When you read Jean Grainger books it's hard not to fall in love with the characters. The Queenstown series has definitely done that for me. It has been such a joy and a pleasure "watching" Harp grow up over a 10 year period and turn into a self-assured, confident, intelligent, and lovable young woman. Grainger knows how to craft a story well to keep you interested throughout. And, for good measure, she occasionally throws a couple of "I didn't see that coming" kind of things at you when you least expect it. Although I'm sad to say goodby to Harp, JohnJoe, Rose, Matthew, and all their friends, it comes with a lot of satisfaction knowing that this story truly has run its course. All I can say now is that I'm looking forward to whatever Jean Grainger has for us next.
June 18, 2022
Extremely preachy
I read all four books. I would recommend the first three, but not the 4th one. It was very preachy. I just kept rolling my eyes. I kind of started skimming half way through just to get to the end. I just wanted to see if Ralph got his karma. Disappointed in the ending.
I read all four books. I would recommend the first three, but not the 4th one. It was very preachy. I just kept rolling my eyes. I kind of started skimming half way through just to get to the end. I just wanted to see if Ralph got his karma. Disappointed in the ending.
July 23, 2022
This book took the series down hill.
Really enjoyed this series until this book. Full of drama and love until the heroine got stupid early on in the book. I continued reading but it only got worse. If only Henry could see her now. I couldn't finish. Too bad.
Really enjoyed this series until this book. Full of drama and love until the heroine got stupid early on in the book. I continued reading but it only got worse. If only Henry could see her now. I couldn't finish. Too bad.
January 20, 2022
Fabulous Read !!
I became a Jean Granger Fan when I read her series "The Tour", so what do you do when you love the story and the Characters that made you laugh ,cry and everything in between ?? Why you start another Series she's written of course !! This was the 4 and (maybe??) final book of "The Queenstown Series". Most of the story takes place in Ireland in the Town of Cobh, or Queenstown . We meet Harp as a 'scrap of a girl' and her Mum ,Rose. Jean weaves such wonderful Characters ,with plots that twist and turn as new Characters enter. Many of the people in her stories are everyday people, trying to live their lives is a Country of strife and Civil War all for the rights we also fought for in The American Revolution. Odd how Generations later, we forget how both Countries were brutalized by the same Power. The story is about the people who survive ,sometimes in glory but mostly by the seat of their britches. It's a lovely Irish Story by a lovely Irish Author.
I became a Jean Granger Fan when I read her series "The Tour", so what do you do when you love the story and the Characters that made you laugh ,cry and everything in between ?? Why you start another Series she's written of course !! This was the 4 and (maybe??) final book of "The Queenstown Series". Most of the story takes place in Ireland in the Town of Cobh, or Queenstown . We meet Harp as a 'scrap of a girl' and her Mum ,Rose. Jean weaves such wonderful Characters ,with plots that twist and turn as new Characters enter. Many of the people in her stories are everyday people, trying to live their lives is a Country of strife and Civil War all for the rights we also fought for in The American Revolution. Odd how Generations later, we forget how both Countries were brutalized by the same Power. The story is about the people who survive ,sometimes in glory but mostly by the seat of their britches. It's a lovely Irish Story by a lovely Irish Author.
March 13, 2022
Roaring Liberty: Queenstown Series Book 4 is by Jean Grainger. This is the final book in the Queenstown series. I have to confess that I put off reading this book since it is the final one in the series. I didn’t want it to end since Jean’s books are so good that you want them to just continue forever. However, I couldn’t put it off forever, so on a snowy day when I had to stay home, I finally began this book. It was as good as I thought it would be and it was sad to get to the end. Now, I have to say goodbye to Hope, Rose, Matt, and JohnJoe as well as the rest of those living in New York, Boston, and of course, Cobh, Ireland.
It seems as though Ireland and Great Britain are finally coming to an end to the hostilities over freedom from English Rule. Matt is finally getting to go back to Ireland. His job will be to keep the Irish calm while the treaty ending the war will be signed. As his wife, Rose has gone with him; but still worries about Harp who is staying in New York to go on the stage with JohnJoe.
Harp and JohnJoe make ideal music together on and off the stage. However, Harp refuses to get married since it puts her under Joe’s control as a married woman and she refuses to be under any man’s control. She and JohnJoe together with Will Krauss, Celia, and Jerry head to New York and vaudeville to strike at the music industry as Roaring Liberty. They have no idea how big of a hit they will be.
Meanwhile in Ireland, Matt is busy trying to keep the lid on a civil war over the treaty. Will this treaty hold?
It seems as though Ireland and Great Britain are finally coming to an end to the hostilities over freedom from English Rule. Matt is finally getting to go back to Ireland. His job will be to keep the Irish calm while the treaty ending the war will be signed. As his wife, Rose has gone with him; but still worries about Harp who is staying in New York to go on the stage with JohnJoe.
Harp and JohnJoe make ideal music together on and off the stage. However, Harp refuses to get married since it puts her under Joe’s control as a married woman and she refuses to be under any man’s control. She and JohnJoe together with Will Krauss, Celia, and Jerry head to New York and vaudeville to strike at the music industry as Roaring Liberty. They have no idea how big of a hit they will be.
Meanwhile in Ireland, Matt is busy trying to keep the lid on a civil war over the treaty. Will this treaty hold?
August 18, 2025
Last in a series of 4 books finds Harp and her friends still in Boston and trying to decide on their futures. Her mother Rose and new husband are planning on going back to Ireland but Harp is considering a different future than she had ever imagined. Evil Ralph has taken over the cliff house and a final confrontation ends the series.
July 25, 2022
History!!
I loved the Irish theme and the time it was set in. The family they all formed was very interesting.
I loved the Irish theme and the time it was set in. The family they all formed was very interesting.
April 15, 2022
Excellent conclusion to Harp's tale!
January 18, 2022
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Book 4 of the Queenstown series wraps it up in classic style, resolving the issues in a fast-moving and immersive conclusion. While I was not able to walk in Harp’s shoes, I do so enjoy all the characters, especially JohnJoe and in this entry Jerry, Elliot, and Celia. Harp and JohnJoe hesitantly form a musical vaudeville act upon the insistence of Jerry who will act as manager and promoter.
Rose and Matt have returned to Ireland and Harp feels free to live her life, first in New York where their band finds a lucrative level of success, particularly after Elliot pens an original ballad that is picked as a favorite in their venues.
When Jerry secures a gig in Dublin, Harp and the band will return for a short tour allowing Harp to see her mother again. While in Ireland, however, they discover the tentative and long-awaited peace treaty with Britain divides their country between those who agree with the terms and those who do not. Also, there is the issue of the home that Harp inherited when her “father” claimed her as his heir, leaving his embittered brother in Cliff House.
The well-paced narrative slowed somewhat in the middle as issues were fully examined and possible remedies posited, while song lyrics were introduced and repeated. (The lyrics of Elliot’s “original song” “Your Heart Will Know” are absolutely beautiful.)
There are themes of the societal struggle of women, lifestyle, the troubles with the British, each other, and class distinction.
I am one of the lucky few to receive an advance reader’s copy of this author’s works and I’ve enjoyed them all. Roaring Liberty is out now and highly recommended although you might wish to begin (if you haven’t already) with Book 1, Last Port of Call. 4.5 stars
Book 4 of the Queenstown series wraps it up in classic style, resolving the issues in a fast-moving and immersive conclusion. While I was not able to walk in Harp’s shoes, I do so enjoy all the characters, especially JohnJoe and in this entry Jerry, Elliot, and Celia. Harp and JohnJoe hesitantly form a musical vaudeville act upon the insistence of Jerry who will act as manager and promoter.
Rose and Matt have returned to Ireland and Harp feels free to live her life, first in New York where their band finds a lucrative level of success, particularly after Elliot pens an original ballad that is picked as a favorite in their venues.
When Jerry secures a gig in Dublin, Harp and the band will return for a short tour allowing Harp to see her mother again. While in Ireland, however, they discover the tentative and long-awaited peace treaty with Britain divides their country between those who agree with the terms and those who do not. Also, there is the issue of the home that Harp inherited when her “father” claimed her as his heir, leaving his embittered brother in Cliff House.
The well-paced narrative slowed somewhat in the middle as issues were fully examined and possible remedies posited, while song lyrics were introduced and repeated. (The lyrics of Elliot’s “original song” “Your Heart Will Know” are absolutely beautiful.)
There are themes of the societal struggle of women, lifestyle, the troubles with the British, each other, and class distinction.
I am one of the lucky few to receive an advance reader’s copy of this author’s works and I’ve enjoyed them all. Roaring Liberty is out now and highly recommended although you might wish to begin (if you haven’t already) with Book 1, Last Port of Call. 4.5 stars
January 27, 2022
I just started reading Jean Grainger's writing this past year and everything I read I love! I enjoyed the "Tour" series and now this "Queenville" series. I hated it when this series ended, I felt like I had to say goodbye to good friends, Grainger has a way of introducing her characters to the reader just like a good host or hostess has a talent for bringing people together at a function. Of course I also love reading anything about Ireland and learning something about its history is another bonus. I loved all the characters in this story and even felt some pity for the evil Ralph Devereaux at the end. Thank you Jean Grainger for several evenings of wonderful entertainment. I've been to Ireland several times over the years but now with age and the Covid problem I have not traveled anywhere for about 3 years but now I realize that I must go to Cobh and maybe see a little more of Cork than I have previously seen.
January 24, 2022
Fabulous finale to the Queenstown series! The story picks up with Harp, JohnJoe and Danny in Boston, but we quickly discover that Rose and Matt are there as well while Matt is in hiding from his involvement in the Irish revolution until it’s safe to return to Ireland. I was rather surprised at the direction Harp’s life took in this book but it made for an excellent story and read! It was a pleasure to read about the continued relationship between Harp and Celia, and meet the new characters Jerry and Elliot. Not only do Rose and Matt return to Ireland, but Harp and her entourage have the opportunity to return to perform. It is there that you will learn of the dastardly Ralph Devereaux’ fate! Throughout this book Jean weaves her magic of telling an interesting story along with teaching us some history! Loved how she added storylines involving women’s rights, gay rights and black rights but without going overboard on any of them. This story could be read alone, but it’s much more fun to read all four in the series!
January 15, 2022
This is the final book in Jean Grainger’s immersive “Queenstown” series and is superlative—characterizations are excellent, there are many interesting plot twists, and the action takes place on both sides of the Atlantic. Harp, JohnJoe, Jerry, Elliot and Celia form a musical act called Roaring Liberty which begins performing in vaudeville shows and later performs on its own. They become well-known and very successful, eventually returning to Ireland to perform after touring in the States. Although there has been a long-awaited peace treaty with Britain, Ireland remains turbulent with some from the republican movement dissatisfied with the agreement mounting attacks. The unrest affects Harp’s mother Rose and her husband Matt who had been active with the Irish republicans. Long-time friends like the Devlin sisters become cold over Matt’s support of the peace. The evil Ralph Devereux, living in the Cliff House, plays a significant role in the story as well as the whereabouts of his wealthy wife Pamela are curiously unknown.
My thanks to the author, Jean Grainger, for an advance reader’s copy of the book in return for an honest review.
My thanks to the author, Jean Grainger, for an advance reader’s copy of the book in return for an honest review.
January 15, 2022
Roaring Liberty is the conclusion to the Queenstown series and it’s a good one. Harp has matured into an intelligent woman who in addition to fighting for Irish independence also fights for women’s independence. Living in Boston has opened some doors, but not nearly enough in her opinion. Word of a ceasefire between the IRA and the British spark yearnings for home, but is Ireland really safe for Matt and Rose? Harp and JohnJoe pursue a new career. Then there’s that evil Ralph Devereaux, currently living in the house his brother willed to Harp. Jean Grainger, as always, shines a light on the social issues of the period. The story moves back and forth from Boston to Ireland and finally to a shocking conclusion. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend.
March 6, 2023
Enjoyed until promoting Abortion/Eugenics
I found this series enjoyable but could sense Grainger would inevitably make it not so. And she did but in a way that makes no sense. Her desire to promote racial equality with the friendship of Harp and Celia was one I could easily see myself championing and mirroring. But introducing Margaret Sanger, a woman who believed and built an industry on Killing black unborn children, is insulting and disturbing. Grainger lost me there and took my enjoyment away.
Harp had so many good men and women in her life who supported and believed in her but sadly struggled in seeing them as the examples to emulate. For all of her intellect and being 'being born old' she lacked maturity and held on to a teenager mindset of me,me,me. Perhaps had Grainger not gone down the rabbit hole she did I would have continued to read the story and found out Harp did grow up and realize the institutions she railed against were indeed inherently good.
So no I do NOT recommend this series.
I found this series enjoyable but could sense Grainger would inevitably make it not so. And she did but in a way that makes no sense. Her desire to promote racial equality with the friendship of Harp and Celia was one I could easily see myself championing and mirroring. But introducing Margaret Sanger, a woman who believed and built an industry on Killing black unborn children, is insulting and disturbing. Grainger lost me there and took my enjoyment away.
Harp had so many good men and women in her life who supported and believed in her but sadly struggled in seeing them as the examples to emulate. For all of her intellect and being 'being born old' she lacked maturity and held on to a teenager mindset of me,me,me. Perhaps had Grainger not gone down the rabbit hole she did I would have continued to read the story and found out Harp did grow up and realize the institutions she railed against were indeed inherently good.
So no I do NOT recommend this series.
April 27, 2022
Disappointing finale. I could not stand Harp for the majority of this book. How could she keep breaking JohnJoe’s heart? And really, Harp in a famous band? It seems so completely out of character for both her and JohnJoe. Her decisions in the book are so out of place.
At least Ralph is gone forever, and she made the right call in the end. In the other books I found her endearing, and in this one she was insufferable.
I will say I appreciated how they stood up for Elliott and Jerry.
At least Ralph is gone forever, and she made the right call in the end. In the other books I found her endearing, and in this one she was insufferable.
I will say I appreciated how they stood up for Elliott and Jerry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2024
I read the 4 books of the Queenstown series and enjoyed each one a little less. They got very repetitive, telling the back story of the characters over and over to the point it felt like there was a lot of cut and paste going on! No real innovative plot twists, felt pretty formulaic - good beach read I guess.
June 27, 2024
I really enjoyed books 1 & 2. 3 was a little slow but I wanted to see how Grainger tied up the Ralph storyline. Bad idea. I almost didn’t finish. For someone who talks about how “old soul” she is, Harp comes off as very immature in this book and her repetition of how she doesn’t want to get married got very tiresome. Also the ending? What a letdown honestly. It felt rushed and abrupt.
July 17, 2023
Disappointing ending to an otherwise enjoyable series. The characters seemed less like themselves and the plot felt far fetched.
May 11, 2023
Now that I have finished the whole series, I have to say that I liked it very much. There were a few things that weren't my "cup of tea" but over all I found it entertaining, enlightening & educational. I learned a lot about Irish history that I was not aware of before. Especially the IRA, how they got started & why they were so violent. I remember growing up & hearing about IRA bombings and brutal attacks on the news & I just thought they were a bunch of thug terrorists. I now understand a little of what they were & how they came to be so "brutal". As for the story, I thought the characters were well developed and the story was engaging & kept me interested through all 4 novels. There were parts of this last novel that didn't ring true for me (what happened to Pamela & the whole ending of the Ralph Devereaux issue), but overall it was satisfying and gave me a good sense of closure. I could totally see this series being adapted as a TV miniseries or movie! Here is my casting list: Henry Devereaux-Ewan McGregor; Rose Delaney Quinn-Catriona Balfe; Matt Quinn-Stuart Martin; Adult Harp-Olivia Hallinan; Adult John Joe-Niall Horan; Sissy & Liz Devlin-Sophie & Emma Thompson; Pat Rafferty-Brendan Coyle; Danny Coveny-Tom Holland; Maryanne Pascoe-Lily James; Michael Collins-Hugh Dancy; Ralph Devereaux-Matthew Rhys. (If you'd like to see my entire cast suggestions with pictures, check it out at https://www.mycast.io/stories/the-que...) I continue to be a fan of Jean Grainger and will keep reading more novels by her.
August 27, 2022
This is the final book in the Queenstown series. Set one hundred years ago (hard to imagine), the main character named Harp, goes through many changes in her life. Read the story to understand the title.
"New York City, 1922
Harp Devereaux is torn. Part of her desperately wants to return to Ireland to finish what she and her family and friends started, and to witness the departure of the British forces from Ireland after eight hundred long years. But the other part finds life in America during the Roaring Twenties too exciting to trade for the sleepy streets of County Cork.
She and JohnJoe are united and determined to sample all that life after the Great War has to offer, but life Stateside is not as free and easy as Harp first imagines and soon she finds herself longing for the simplicity of her homeland." synopsis copied
An interesting way to understand some of the history of Ireland.
She wants to live life on her own terms but life is never simple, on either side of the Atlantic, and there are sinister forces at work, determined to bring them all down..
"New York City, 1922
Harp Devereaux is torn. Part of her desperately wants to return to Ireland to finish what she and her family and friends started, and to witness the departure of the British forces from Ireland after eight hundred long years. But the other part finds life in America during the Roaring Twenties too exciting to trade for the sleepy streets of County Cork.
She and JohnJoe are united and determined to sample all that life after the Great War has to offer, but life Stateside is not as free and easy as Harp first imagines and soon she finds herself longing for the simplicity of her homeland." synopsis copied
An interesting way to understand some of the history of Ireland.
She wants to live life on her own terms but life is never simple, on either side of the Atlantic, and there are sinister forces at work, determined to bring them all down..
March 29, 2024
If you don’t know much about Irish history and would like to learn more without weighing through a dense history book, I would recommend this series.
The four Queenstown books by Jean Grainger combine Irish history with realistic characters to produce an interesting and educational historical account of the Irish revolution.
Readers see the history through the eyes of Harp Devereaux, a talented and independent Irish resident who in the final book comes to live in the United States until a truce is reached in the hostilities ripping apart her homeland. Harp is also an excellent vehicle for the author to explore the harsh and discriminatory conditions facing women both in Ireland and the United States at the time. The unjust and cruel restrictions women faced will make most readers cringe. Harp does indeed want to live life on her own terms, not an easy task for a single woman of the time.
Anyone who has some Irish heritage in their background will find this series illuminating and entertaining.
The four Queenstown books by Jean Grainger combine Irish history with realistic characters to produce an interesting and educational historical account of the Irish revolution.
Readers see the history through the eyes of Harp Devereaux, a talented and independent Irish resident who in the final book comes to live in the United States until a truce is reached in the hostilities ripping apart her homeland. Harp is also an excellent vehicle for the author to explore the harsh and discriminatory conditions facing women both in Ireland and the United States at the time. The unjust and cruel restrictions women faced will make most readers cringe. Harp does indeed want to live life on her own terms, not an easy task for a single woman of the time.
Anyone who has some Irish heritage in their background will find this series illuminating and entertaining.
February 7, 2022
Again jean Grainger exhibits her great skill as a story teller and writer. Harp, JohnJoe, and their friends become famous as musicians as Rose and Matt return to Ireland. I enjoyed the way the problems (political, prejudicial and personal flaws) are woven into a tale of friendship, honor, family, and trust. The quotes from literature that Harp introduces to the conversation are thought provoking and add depth to her personality. In spite of the pandemic, I was lucky enough to spend two and a half weeks touring Ireland last fall, including five days in Dublin, so it was fun to picture the places that are mentioned. It is also worth looking up some of the real people (Michael Collins, Patsy Touhey) that Harp and her friends know. While this could be a stand alone book, reading the first three books in the series adds greatly to the enjoyment of this one. In the afterward the author mentions that this fourth book is the end of the series. I can't wait for Jean Grainger's next book.
January 26, 2022
As usual, Jean Grainger has written a winner!! I sincerely love the characters in this book and the plot definitely kept my interest throughout. This book contains many themes - some that a lot of people are familiar with, some that only affect select people, and some that are rather controversial. In Roaring Liberty, we see our characters dealing with emerging adulthood, family difficulties, politics and the fight for independence, economic and civil strife, women's liberation, racial segregation and alternative lifestyles. Ms. Grainger beautifully and sensitively blends these themes into a wonderful story set in both Ireland and America in the 1920s and gives us a glimpse of what life looked like at that time. I have truly enjoyed this series and hope to once again someday be able to visit Cobh through Ms. Grainger's writing.
December 22, 2024
Roaring Liberty (Queensland Series book 4) by Jean Grainger(Audiobook Read On Everand app)
Not Exactly the greatest ending but definitely an ending to the Series. In this book, it is now 1922 and Harp is torn. Part of her wants to return to Ireland now that the British forces are withdrawing, the other wants to stay i. America to follow a unique opportunity.
Meanwhile, her uncle still is Living illegally in her House but he is increasingly reclusive. His current wife’s family has made sure to Cut him off from her funding and his debts are rising,
At the background but still a very important part of the story is the reaction of the Irish people to the compromise to Englands withdraw from their country. Many are not Happy with the terms and fight against Them.
Overall i liked the Series and though I was personally disappointed with the ending id still recommend the Series.
Not Exactly the greatest ending but definitely an ending to the Series. In this book, it is now 1922 and Harp is torn. Part of her wants to return to Ireland now that the British forces are withdrawing, the other wants to stay i. America to follow a unique opportunity.
Meanwhile, her uncle still is Living illegally in her House but he is increasingly reclusive. His current wife’s family has made sure to Cut him off from her funding and his debts are rising,
At the background but still a very important part of the story is the reaction of the Irish people to the compromise to Englands withdraw from their country. Many are not Happy with the terms and fight against Them.
Overall i liked the Series and though I was personally disappointed with the ending id still recommend the Series.
January 17, 2022
Well what a delightful way to begin my 2022 reading, reuniting with Harp, Rose, and an incredible cast of characters. There are some interesting twists that I didn't expect, but it was wonderful to be an armchair traveller and enjoy The States and Ireland through the eyes of a maturing Harp as she grows and learns in her open-minded and progressive ways. It is fantastic to be inspired by Harp who is strong enough to confront her fears and to be true to herself while retaining her joy in life and empathy for others. Of course we get resolution of other storylines, all done in a rollicking fashion that makes me want to both race to the end of the book, but also read slowly and savour the characters and settings. Any Jean Grainger book is a wonderful way to start another year of reading!
January 17, 2022
Although I received an ARC of Roaring Liberty, the review is my own. Jean Grainger does a marvelous job of sharing true Irish history woven with stories of fictional characters you come to love over the course of several books. Roaring Liberty does this well, too. This is the last book in the Queensland series, and although it ties up many loose ends from the previous books it could be read alone. The fight for Irish independence from the British and the fight for women’s rights in America are both important to the storyline in this book.
I have grown up hearing/reading mostly negative news reports of the IRA (if I heard anything at all!). I appreciate seeing the fight for independence from a different lens. Good books expand our worldview and can enhance our perspective.
January 24, 2022
ROARING LIBERTY
A truce has been called in Ireland. Shall the emigres to Boston return to Cobh? Matt and Road decide to return . Harp, JJ, and Jerry Gallagher decide to try their luck in the music world. With Jerry as manager he recruits Eliot to play fiddle, and Celia to handle the accounts and costumes. The Roaring Liberty trio is born. They move to New York where they quickly become famous. After several years they book into Dublin with great approval. It is here that trouble hits the group. Jerry and Elliot return to America, Celia starts an act of her own, JJ goes to Liverpool, and Harp returns home to Ireland. Read ROARING LIBERTY to see what is in store for each of the characters in this story.
A truce has been called in Ireland. Shall the emigres to Boston return to Cobh? Matt and Road decide to return . Harp, JJ, and Jerry Gallagher decide to try their luck in the music world. With Jerry as manager he recruits Eliot to play fiddle, and Celia to handle the accounts and costumes. The Roaring Liberty trio is born. They move to New York where they quickly become famous. After several years they book into Dublin with great approval. It is here that trouble hits the group. Jerry and Elliot return to America, Celia starts an act of her own, JJ goes to Liverpool, and Harp returns home to Ireland. Read ROARING LIBERTY to see what is in store for each of the characters in this story.
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January 26, 2022I loved following the quirky, unusual, highly intelligent and talented, Harp, as her career advances according to her beloved Henry's predictions, but not always in accordance with her loving mother Rose's wishes or desires. This fictional, but yet partly historical, story will keep readers turning pages quickly to the end.
As a reader, I certainly don't always agree with the opinions of the young Harp or with her lifestyle, but the author has done an amazing job of putting this very interesting story together. I was given an ARC copy of this book and enjoyed the opportunity to read it and the chance to share my opinion.
Jean Grainger does not disappoint her readers, and this ending to the Queenstown/Cobh series is a great read.
As a reader, I certainly don't always agree with the opinions of the young Harp or with her lifestyle, but the author has done an amazing job of putting this very interesting story together. I was given an ARC copy of this book and enjoyed the opportunity to read it and the chance to share my opinion.
Jean Grainger does not disappoint her readers, and this ending to the Queenstown/Cobh series is a great read.
March 13, 2022
The fourth book in this emotional, suspenseful and intriguing series based on the final Irish Rebellion and ultimate formation of the Irish Republic delivers the goods. As one of millions of Americans with at least some Irish heritage, it is important to understand the 800 year struggle that the Irish people had to free themselves from British rule. It was an eye-opener that the final British occupation by the Black and tans among other forces was brutal and unfeeling. The IRA was also violent but they were fighting for their own independence. What I did not understand previously is how much dissention existed after the final treaty was signed by those members of the IRA especially who felt that the treaty for Irish independence contained things they felt they could not accept. This violent struggle is the backdrop for the series and it makes the books, especially book 3, tense and scary. You come to care about the Irish characters too much to want anything bad to happen to them. There are several love stories that come to a close in this book and, after the rebellion, futures decided with some hope of fulfillment. Sometimes I felt like the book was so sad but it came yo a good end.
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