The Trouble With Secrets

The Kilteegan Bridge Story #1

by Jean Grainger

Kilteegan Bridge, County Cork 1958

For eighteen year old Lena Mullery, life is predictable and dull. A future of hard work, marriage to a local boy, and a family of her own one day is all she has to look forward to. People from her background know not to expect too much, but Lena yearns for something different.

Malachy Berger was different, for him, the world is at his feet. An only child of a wealthy, if peculiar father, a large inheritance, a beautiful house and a fine education are his due.

Nobody is in favor of Lena and Malachy’s friendship, but why not? What harm are they doing? Why is everyone so dead set against it?

Then fate takes a hand, and Lena realizes that secrets and lies have bound her and Malachy in an impossible situation. And their future seems determined by events that happened long before they were born.

From rural Ireland to post-war Cardiff, Lena and Malachy’s story winds its way back to wartime Germany and occupied France in a web of deceit that threatens to destroy them both.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Ireland, Audiobook, Romance, Adult Fiction

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2022

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
Genre ~ historical fiction (1958)
Series ~ Kilteegan Bridge Story, #1
Setting ~ Ireland & Wales
Publication date ~ May 3, 2022
Est Page Count ~ 329 (29 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 7 hours 41 minutes
Narrator ~ Siobhan Waring
Featuring ~ coming of age, unwed pregnancy, adoption, family drama, secrets up the yang, family heartbreak, minimal steamage

A coming of age story for Lena who already knows heartbreak at the age of 18.

I grabbed this one since it was a Hoopla bonus borrow, but I probably won't pick up the rest of the series. Not because I didn't like it well enough, it's just not my go to genre. It's highly rated, so if you do enjoy HF then you'd probably like this one. It's picturesque, steadily paced and predictable with a cozy feel to it.

Narration notes:
She did a perfectly fine job.

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets? Yes, there is not a family in this world that doesn't have secrets or skeletons in the closet, and the families in this story certainly had their share of them too. I loved how this author, Jean Grainger, wove this story around so many unusual, unique, likeable and unlikeable characters; and while doing so, gave us aspects of a variety of different cultures, thoughts and opinions.

This story will help you see how our world has become, and is becoming, a truly blended world of people from every nature, every religion, every culture, and that we can all work together to become a good community, a caring environment - a better world for our children. This story is an interesting, unique, intriguing story of history, community, love and yes, secrets and lies.

I received this ARC from the author to read and give my opinion, but my opinion is strictly my opinion, and I am blessed to be an early reader.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I love all Jean Grainger’s books but I particularly enjoyed this one. Set in Ireland after WW2, it tells the story of Lena O’Sullivan and her family. Her father has died and her mother has mental health problems. Lena is having a romance with a local boy from a more privileged background but there are secrets they are unaware of and evil characters in their midst who are determined to derail the budding romance. I really warmed to these characters and cared what happened to them. There are both tearjerking and heartwarming scenes and as always with Jean’s books you’re not quite sure what the outcome will be! I read this in a day, I couldn’t put it down. I’m already looking forward to the sequel.

[Karen Forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit plodding

There seems to be a lot of padding in this story, nice enough but lots of narrative with the real story being rather thin. Then the end reveals it’s a series, so more books to buy….

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would rank this as 3.5 stars. The story was an enjoyable read, but pretty guessable on what was going to happen. Characters were realistic and the plot moved along at a decent speed.

How did this book find me? It was a Hoopla Bonus Borrow.

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trouble With Secrets is a wonderfully engaging Irish saga from Jean Grainger. Her books always grab my attention and refuse to let go. She portrays her characters so vividly that I expect to look up and see them. There are some terrible secrets in Kilteegan Bridge and they are going to follow Lena for some time. I especially loved Lena's godfather, the wise doctor who took such good care of Lena after Lena's father died so young. I do not want to spoil anything for a future reader so I will just say that even though this is a complete book, it is obvious that there will be another one in this series. I am eagerly waiting for that.

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Jean Grainger’s newest book. What a treat! I always learn something new about Ireland from her writings. Her descriptions of the countryside make me want to return. The Trouble With Secrets is set in a part of Ireland Jean knows well—County Cork. I love the new characters. Some of them will certainly return in the next book in the series. Not all the secrets are revealed in Book 1. Something to anticipate!

Jean introduces us to the working class O’Sullivan and the upper class Berger families and their inevitable entanglements.
While difficulties, when they arise, are often solved in ways too good to be true, this is fiction—and a fun read.

[Nanette Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series.

[Nancy McShannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this ! Looking forward to #2!

[Dan Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the trouble with secrets is that they'll always get you into trouble. What a great story from my favorite author. Something very different from what she has written previously yet it is still as enjoyable as all of her other works. Already looking forward to Book 2.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Jean Grainger's best books. Didn't want to put it down. Loved the characters and the twists and turns.

[Lisa Crowe smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read

Is so enjoy anything written but Jean Grainger. She makes me feel as if I'm living her story. Always very well researched.

[DonnaBeeSparkly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exceptional historical fiction book from Jean Grainger, which I was so thankful to receive as an ARC. I almost hate to call a book set in the 1950's historical fiction, mainly because at times I feel that I could fit better into this era instead of today's strange dystopian feeling. Nevertheless, the characters are strong, and the settings are wonderful. I actually googled Kilteegan Bridge in case it was a real location that I could visit one day. It was a pleasure to meet Lena and her family, and to be able to take this journey with Lena. A few tissues did not survive this book, and there was some tea and snacks needed for fortification, but I don't want to give away any plot points. It is timeless to me to see that humanity seems fairly constant through the ages, and that we all long for family, connections, and love. I can't wait for the next book, as I want to learn more about Lena and her family and where the journey of life will take them next.

[Mrs G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from Jean Grainger. A young Irish girl, Lena, gets involved with the son of a mysterious wheelchair bound French, as he tells everyone, war veteran. He hates Lenas' family with a vengeance and poisons his son against her. What no-one, except for his manservant, knows is that he was an elite German officer during the war. The local doctor who is Lenas' godfather knows the truth and tries to protect Lena from making a huge mistake. She can't turn to her mother who has mental health issues or her father who has recently died. Doc arranges for her to stay with his friends in London and here the story has a similar theme to The Star and The Shamrock, one of Jean's earlier books. Finally Lena finds the happiness she deserves, after a long journey. This is, hopefully, going to be another wonderful series.

[Eileen Breseman · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok book. Gentle story line with a hidden evil Nazi leftover in Ireland that throws a spanner in the works of a love story. Totally predictable plot.

[Liviu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trouble With Secrets is another unputtable-down historical fiction/romance/secrets from Jean Grainger and it marks a return to the more emotional and intense storytelling of say Robinswood rather than the somewhat more detached one of Queenstown, so much so that when I opened it, I couldn't put it down until the great ending which is at a perfect point in the storyline.

The novel starts with a prologue in 1948 when eight year old Lena O'Sullivan watches her mother Maria- who has long spells of depression and psychological problems and needs monthslong sanatorium rests from time to time -threatening to commit suicide if her handsome and charming husband Paudie, farmer of his modest lands, and occasional handyman to the rich family Berger from the neighboring Kilteegan House estate/mansion, succumbs to the charms of the lady of that house, Hannah, whose husband Auguste Berger, supposedly a former Alsacian French resistance fighter returned paralyzed from the war after a long absence when he was presumed dead and now is confined to a wheelchair and attended by his childhood friend/servant Philippe who takes care of all his needs, but is unable or unwilling to help with the estate and the mansion's keeping

The prologue is quite dramatic and sets the tone for the book as is then followed by a 7-year leap when two tragedies happen at a few months' intervals, first the heart attack death of Hannah and then the accidental death by a malfunctioning shotgun of Paudie at only 41 with Maria pregnant with twins, that would take to five the children of the O'Sullivans, Lena having an older sister Emily and a younger brother Jack who at 12 must become the head of the family and take care of the farm...

Then the real action starts in 1958 when Lena who dropped out of school at 15 when her father died to help with the farm, now almost 18 and working as a secretary for the local doctor, her godfather and Paudie's best friend and keeper of secrets is growing into adulthood as a very pretty woman - the image of her father as everyone says - and has to deal with various issues, from her mother's on and off mental problems, to her sister's sort of engagement with a local boy who is maybe not the brightest bulb but is nice, loves Emily and has their future planned, except that his father and older brother, now absconded to London were not much better than thieves and wasters, and finally to the fact that Malachy Berger, her childhood friend and now a student at a posh boarding school in the capital and driving a Beetle given by his father, big admirer of german engineering despite his supposed past, is quite attracted to her as she is to him for that matter, while he is quite handosme and the spitting image of his mother as everyone says; of course Maria doesn't take this last piece of news well, even striking Lena for the first time in her life, Doc is skeptical though he wouldn't tell Lena why, but Malachy's father seems very polite and accepting of her...

And so it goes with the "the trouble with secrets" being that they can ruin everything and everyone involved if not aired at an appropriate time. But Lena is nothing but resourceful and strong-willed so one wouldn't bet against her regardless of what life and fate have in store...

Excellent novel and highly recommended with the sequel a huge asap in the fall.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean Grainger has been compared to one of my favorite authors---Maeve Binchy; but, I think Grainger's style varies too much from Binchy's style of writing to be considered similar to Binchy. Both have many fans and both have a personal understanding of Irish culture! Grainger's writing appeals to my senses similarly to how I react to Binchy's stories. To contrast the two authors I would describe Grainger's stories as more novel-like and historical, and Binchy's stories as so dependent upon the personality-type of her characters that the plots are built from and then entwined with the personalities of her characters. Grainger creates plot from historical accounts of her characters. Both Binchy and Grainger's stories make me laugh and cry and squirm and make me want to reach into the book and "make" those characters, whom I adore, change direction and head down a different path. I always fall in love with the characters developed by these two authors because despite their flaws and failings, their characters exude so much good. The similarity of these writers is that both authors evoke their Irish heritage while writing---seemingly, in all the books I have read by these two authors, Irish culture is a dominant force.

So, there you have it, I enjoyed this book because I enjoy reading tales of Ireland as much as I enjoy reading Irish nonfiction books describing its religion, superstition, tradition, family ties, British subjugation, and its picture books depicting its emerald landscapes and bucolic farms.

For those who love reading a great tale, Grainger's books are fun to read. You don't have to be in love with Irish culture to fall in love with Jean Grainger's books. But, just like Maeve Binchy books, Grainger's books are like eating a delicious dessert in bed. They make "me" feel safe, cozy, and comforted by reminding me that family and traditions are important and that life goes on happily even after grief and dumb mistakes! Both authors write stories that convey messages of heart break, family bonds, offspring seeking independence away from their home and Irish culture, but, who then, ultimately, are restored by those "ties" of which they thought they needed to escape (Irish lore, religion, tradition, family, culture, and love).

This book, the first in series, was an enjoyable read with just the right amount of intrique: great characters, cleverly developed plot and interesting details of Irish culture embedded throughout story. I surely didn't fall in love with all of the characters, but at end of book I longed to know how the protagonists continued to live with the obstacles posed by their nemesis. Like I said before, I read books by Irish authors because I love the details of Irish culture. My expectations were satisfied by this book because its setting, characters, and plot were peppered with uniquely Irish details (expressions, tradition, superstition, beliefs, family ties, landscape, and charm). I gave it 5 stars!

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

This tells the story of Lena O’Sullivan and her family in the Irish countryside of Kilteegan Bridge and is one of the reasons I love the author’s books—the authentic atmosphere she brings to her storytelling. It’s palpable. It’s the late 50’s and Lena has discovered she’s in trouble.

Lena is luckier than most, however, having a loving father, Paudie, who takes good care of his wife who would probably now be diagnosed as bi-polar. She tends to have manic episodes and when Paudie dies in a tragic accident, Lena is left with her fragile mother and siblings.

The baby’s daddy comes from a well-to-do family who has familial problems of their own. Malachy Berger’s father carries a vendetta against the O’Sullivan’s and makes sure Malachy won’t be involved further with Lena.

I loved most of the support characters, railed against the Berger father who made a despicable antagonist and loved the character of Doc, Lena’s godfather. Eli made a great character, but almost too good to be true, and it was fun to watch Lena’s maturation process.

The trouble with secrets is that they are almost always revealed. The journey through the process of creating a credible story is an interesting one—but one I fear hangs like a loose tooth. And I have a feeling we haven’t truly gotten the whole story yet. 3.5 stars rounded up

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, which takes place both in Ireland and Wales in the 1950s, is mostly about the O'Sullivan family. Lena is one of the daughters and she is the one the book revolves around. Lena, who is from a struggling Farm family, falls in love with Malachy who is from a well-to-do family. There is trouble between both families that goes back in time but neither Lena nor Malachy are aware of this. This book is about Lena's struggles and where they lead her. Lena’s family seemed to have many of the major problems that people in Ireland had at that time. Things were looking up after World War II and people had a chance to become prosperous again. The animosity Auguste held again Jews and Travelers (gypsies) and against Jews was directly from the war as was his insinuation that there was something unnatural going on between Jack and Skipper. Having a child born out of wedlock was one of the realities of the time and how the girl was scorned and the child always looked at as being a bastard, was just what was normal for the time. Her choices were to hastily marry, to have the child and try to survive on their own, for her family to step up and care for her, which was unlikely, or to give the child up for adoption. Usually, she had no choice of her own, it was chosen for her by her family. The manner in which a doctor was paid was also normal for the time. Her themes were varied and were meshed well into the story.

[Nancy L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this engaging story of Lena O’Sullivan and her family in 1950’s small-town Kilteegan Bridge, Ireland. Author Jean Grainger is an automatic must-read for me and her stories do indeed remind me of those of the late Maeve Binchy, another favorite. Lena’s father, Paudie, is a loving paternal figure and takes solicitous care of his wife, Maria, a delicate soul who is prone to episodes of serious depression and some form of mania, perhaps. She is fragile and her mental state and post-partum depression are incredibly well-portrayed. She periodically must be sent away to St. Catherine’s for a “rest,” a regular feature of the O’Sullivan family life.

The passing of Paudie hits Maria, Lena and Lena’s siblings hard; Malachy Berger from the wealthy home Kilteegan House continues the close childhood relationship with Lena until a crisis intervenes. What happens then changes the course of both Malachy’s and Lena’s lives and provides the impetus for the narrative.

As always with Jean Grainger’s books, there are heartwarming characters—Eli and his family, Lena who matures beautifully emotionally, the wonderful “Doc,” Lena’s godfather, and so many others. Her characterizations are marvelous.


“The Trouble With Secrets” was an engrossing read, I couldn’t wait to read what happened next, and I thank the author for an advance copy.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

The trouble with the book "The Trouble with Secrets" is that it has trouble having a discernible plot, indeed, perhaps the book might be entitled "The Trouble Finding the Plot." I suppose if this was a mystery, then you could pass it off as: "Hey, the mystery here is what the book is all about and we will keep you guessing until the very last page" (or almost the last page anyway).

Is this book about a girl who gets knocked up the first time she (hastily and unwisely) has sex with a guy with whom she is completely in love, who proceeds to dump her by (the 1950's equivalent of) text without even bothering to talk to her? Is the book about how she falls in love (kinda sorta) with someone else and marries them? Is the book about the German soldier living in their midst (this seems quite far-fetched to me, but hey, it's a novel am I right?). Or maybe it's a book about going back to your first love even if he is a nitwit. Keep on reading and the mystery of the plot will be revealed...eventually.

I'm not quite sure why this book got such high marks from Goodreads readers, but clearly I am not the target audience.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this new series by Jean Grainger. The characters felt so real to me! Lena is a simple country girl who loves her family and her Irish community. Along with her similar-aged brother, she finds herself largely responsible for her much younger twin sisters since their mentally-ill mother is often incapable of caring for them. Her life is simple but becomes a bit more exciting when she meets Malachy. They begin dating, and she is head over heels about her new beau. However, things soon turn upside down, and she finds herself in trouble. She is advised to keep her troubles a secret and by agreeing, she unknowingly joins a long line of family and friends who have kept secrets of their own. And as they say, secrets have a way of finding themselves out.

A wonderful storyteller, Ms. Grainger has created a truly intriguing new series that I am very much looking forward to continue reading.

[Donna Lundy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. . .OK. I have read other books by this author, so was expecting to like it a lot, but it definitely was not as good as the Robinswood Series https://www.goodreads.com/series/2828... or the Queenstown Series https://www.goodreads.com/series/3161... Those two series' were so rich in character development & had real historical events woven through the stories

I don't even think I will continue this series with the other books, I just didn't connect with the characters or the story line. I definitely recommend those other 2 series over this one. On a positive note the narration on the audiobook was excellent, I really enjoyed listening to her Irish accent and lilting voice. I don't know if it was the same narrator as the other books, Caroline Lennon but she did a great job!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting, nail biting, page turning story of young love, finding yourself, perseverance, surrogate families and creating the life you want. This story is inspiring and is an example of pushing through and persevering through trials and tribulations, in order to create the life you want for yourself.
I am really excited for this new series by Jean Grainger! I love her historical fiction series.
I could not put this book down it was a page turner! I read it all in one day!
I was drawn into the characters and the storyline. I was invested in the story from rural Ireland all the way to post – war Cardiff. I wanted to know what happened with Lena and Malachy. And I was invested in Lena’s story.
The ending was beautiful and leaves room for more stories to be told in the second book What Divides Us, which will release later this year.

[Lcr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trouble With Secrets is a wonderful book and the first in a new series by this incredible author.

This book begins in County Cork, Ireland in 1958. The O’Sullivan family is delightful, complex and incredibly loving. Life is difficult in many ways but simple in others. Lena is expected to do what everyone does - get married, have kids, keep the status quo. But Life has a different plan for her.

All the characters in this book have depth and layers that make them totally believable. Lena is a wonderful main character and her story is not to be missed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Once again Jean Grainger has written with heart and a true understanding of the age she is writing about. She is extremely honest about Ireland and the way of life back then without being critical or judgmental.

[Savsandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Money Doesn't Make the Man

Lena O'Sullivan longs to break away from the confines of her small town upbringing in Kilteegan Bridge. When Malachy Berger asks her out, Lena is impressed, not only because his father is the wealthiest man in town but because Malachy treats her as if she's special.

But there's an unsavory history between their families that neither is aware of and Malachy turns away from Lena, leaving her feeling devastated. As she tries to cope with her grief from losing him and the change in her circumstances, Lena's godfather makes arrangements for her to stay with some of his old friends in Wales. She hates leaving her family but she can't stay in Kilteegan Bridge. Not now.

"The Trouble With Secrets" is the first book in a new series by Jean Grainger, who has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her characters are drawn with such richness that they spring to life on the pages and are easily relatable. Having lived through the 1950s, the era in which this story is set, it's easy to recall the more staid norms and rigid social rules. I shudder when someone suggests those were "the good old days". But it does make for an interesting backdrop in the genre of historical fiction and Grainger portrays it eloquently, warts and all. Five stars.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down ! It's the sort books Jean writes All .The .Time. No kidding ! Always in Ireland, always well researched and always wonderful new Folks with plenty of interest and believable quirks.
This is set in a small Ocean side Town, like thousands all over our world, but the Landscape comes alive and is quite a part of its own character. Let's see, there's small Family trying to survive on an Irish Farm,an awful accident,a Mom who has Mental Health Issues,a beloved Older Town Doctor,a Teen Love affair,mysterious French (?) X Patriots , deaths, lies ,reveng beyond measure .As if that's not enough....there's a Second Book following !! I'm diving in tomorrow on that ! ENJOY !!

[JoAnn Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jean Grainger, Jenny Colgan, Maeve Binchey for their wonderful storytelling of everything Scottish and Irish and English and British. I truly learn many historical details through her. This was a sweet coming of age, making mistakes and falling in love kind of book that doesn’t really come as a surprise because you basically know what’s coming for Lena as the story unwinds but it still keeps me reading because while the story is old as time the characters are likable and the setting is always some lovely countryside that is depicted so well. Not sure I’ll rush to the next book right away but this was a nice relaxing read this writer is known for. A slice of Irish country life with little bits of spice thrown in.

[Tammy Jata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. It is a bit unplausible in its secondary plot, but it is fiction, so I suppose the author can be forgiven. This stands out as a beautiful novel among so many lesser ones in the fiction genre. As you can tell, fiction is not my favorite genre unless it's historical fiction with enough history to qualify for that loftier category. However, the author does a fantastic job with this story, creating just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. I am actually anticipating Book 2, which is set to be released in the fall of 2022. Book 2 is entitled, All That Divides Us. I liked this book well enough that I'm preordering Book 2.