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The Kilteegan Bridge Story #3
More Harm Than Good
Kilteegan Bridge, Ireland 1974
For each member of the O’Sullivan family there are turbulent times ahead.
Eli’s need to do his best for his patients is a cause for a bitter divide in the community. Emmet seems hell bent on going down a path in life his parents dread but they’re unable to stop him. Jack’s life and liberty are in grave peril as his secret faces exposure, while Emily’s troubles are, it seems only just beginning with the return of someone she would much rather had disappeared forever. And Maria must decide, is blood really thicker than water, and should family always come first, no matter the cost?
In More Harm than Good , the Kilteegan Bridge Series continues, as the modernity of the 1970’s challenges Irish traditional ways, and generations clash, sometimes with deadly consequences.
For each member of the O’Sullivan family there are turbulent times ahead.
Eli’s need to do his best for his patients is a cause for a bitter divide in the community. Emmet seems hell bent on going down a path in life his parents dread but they’re unable to stop him. Jack’s life and liberty are in grave peril as his secret faces exposure, while Emily’s troubles are, it seems only just beginning with the return of someone she would much rather had disappeared forever. And Maria must decide, is blood really thicker than water, and should family always come first, no matter the cost?
In More Harm than Good , the Kilteegan Bridge Series continues, as the modernity of the 1970’s challenges Irish traditional ways, and generations clash, sometimes with deadly consequences.
414 pages, Paperback
Published November 10, 2022
2503 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
87 books1,571 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 119 reviews
November 22, 2022
Keep them coming Jean!
Once again Jean Grainger has skilfully shown what life was like in rural Ireland in the 1960s. Her captivating characters face the challenging attitudes of the day and she pulls no punches when it comes to dealing with the lack of gay rights, women’s rights, the issues around mental health and unplanned or teen pregnancy. Her humanity shines through in the attitudes of those who are devoted to being kind and supportive in their community. As in past stories Jean produces fascinating historical facts, weaving them into the plot so we never feel it’s a history lesson. Can’t wait for the fourth in the series! Roll on January.
Once again Jean Grainger has skilfully shown what life was like in rural Ireland in the 1960s. Her captivating characters face the challenging attitudes of the day and she pulls no punches when it comes to dealing with the lack of gay rights, women’s rights, the issues around mental health and unplanned or teen pregnancy. Her humanity shines through in the attitudes of those who are devoted to being kind and supportive in their community. As in past stories Jean produces fascinating historical facts, weaving them into the plot so we never feel it’s a history lesson. Can’t wait for the fourth in the series! Roll on January.
December 18, 2022
love this series
I have read nearly everyone one of Jean’s books and I love this series! I am glad I read near the end of December so I won’t have so long to wait for the next book.
I have read nearly everyone one of Jean’s books and I love this series! I am glad I read near the end of December so I won’t have so long to wait for the next book.
November 16, 2022
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Master Irish storyteller Jean Grainger adds Book 3 to the emotional family drama Kilteegan Bridge series. Eli and Lena have seen their little ones become teens and the teens are exploring and rebelling. Some of the exploring is serious and will spell significant upheaval for both Lena and Eli as well as the extended family.
What secrets are Jack and Skipper keeping? Emmet and Nellie? Too young to know what they don’t know, too young and naïve to be aware they are being played.
The author wields a skillful touch as she builds her characters into flesh and blood. The village of Kilteegan is so real, atmospheric, the people still under the heavy hand of the Catholic church that governs with an iron fist and manipulates their lives.
I love that daft sense of humor she brings to her tales. The analogies often break the tension from the serious themes of religious control, homosexuality, unwed pregnancy, and mental illness.
The author can weave a historical chronicle into an Irish family drama that clutches at the heart. Few have not confronted similar situations and can easily understand the impact.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts and I’m looking forward to Book 4. Recommended!
Master Irish storyteller Jean Grainger adds Book 3 to the emotional family drama Kilteegan Bridge series. Eli and Lena have seen their little ones become teens and the teens are exploring and rebelling. Some of the exploring is serious and will spell significant upheaval for both Lena and Eli as well as the extended family.
What secrets are Jack and Skipper keeping? Emmet and Nellie? Too young to know what they don’t know, too young and naïve to be aware they are being played.
The author wields a skillful touch as she builds her characters into flesh and blood. The village of Kilteegan is so real, atmospheric, the people still under the heavy hand of the Catholic church that governs with an iron fist and manipulates their lives.
I love that daft sense of humor she brings to her tales. The analogies often break the tension from the serious themes of religious control, homosexuality, unwed pregnancy, and mental illness.
The author can weave a historical chronicle into an Irish family drama that clutches at the heart. Few have not confronted similar situations and can easily understand the impact.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts and I’m looking forward to Book 4. Recommended!
December 2, 2022
I really liked this story of the continuing saga of Kilteegan Bridge, and WOW, there is so much happening in this little community, and the worse tragedies seem to be caused by the newest Monsignor who thinks he owns the church building and the members who attend services there. This story actually makes me sad to think that things like this actually happened and are still happening in real life in the Catholic church community. I have lost a number of young Aunts much too soon in their young lives because they were forced to bear children one after another, and they died leaving families of 10 or more children behind. I wasn't brought up in this way of life, but I certainly knew about it and heard about it, and it hurts. So much misinterpretation of God's word and His love! For shame!
I love the story of Eli and Lena, and Blackie and Emily and how normal their families are. They experience all the many things that happen in families around the world. Their lives are real and relatable. Some things in this story will make you smile, and some things will make you angry - not everything is pretty. I rated it as a 5, because we can't do 4.5's, :). It's not my favourite, but it is a great read.
I was given this book as an ARC and am happy to be able to express my opinion. Ms. Grainger's books are all great, they represent a lot of research, a lot of knowledge, and a lot of courage as she speaks out on the wrongs of the world around her through her characters. Good work!
I love the story of Eli and Lena, and Blackie and Emily and how normal their families are. They experience all the many things that happen in families around the world. Their lives are real and relatable. Some things in this story will make you smile, and some things will make you angry - not everything is pretty. I rated it as a 5, because we can't do 4.5's, :). It's not my favourite, but it is a great read.
I was given this book as an ARC and am happy to be able to express my opinion. Ms. Grainger's books are all great, they represent a lot of research, a lot of knowledge, and a lot of courage as she speaks out on the wrongs of the world around her through her characters. Good work!
November 17, 2022
More Harm Than Good: The Kilteegan Bridge Story, Book 3 is by Jean Grainger. After reading three books in this series, I still have problems really getting into the story. The books are different from the first several series and just don’t have the same effect. That said, this series is still really good and this book in particular is wonderful. It is set in the present; but you still have overtones of the past.
Lena is now the mother of three young children and the wife of the doctor in town. Eli is Jewish and living in a totally Irish Catholic town. The Catholic priest is after him for advocating the use of contraceptives in order to save the life of another woman. Their son, Emmett, is distracted from his family duties by a con man who is just related to the family. Cousin Nellie tries to exercise her feelings of being grown up, and Lena’s Mother has to face the past.
The book is really good, just a little tough for me to reconcile that the author is the same one I like so very well. With Jean’s books, you can not like the book as well as others and yet find yourself enjoying it as well.
Lena is now the mother of three young children and the wife of the doctor in town. Eli is Jewish and living in a totally Irish Catholic town. The Catholic priest is after him for advocating the use of contraceptives in order to save the life of another woman. Their son, Emmett, is distracted from his family duties by a con man who is just related to the family. Cousin Nellie tries to exercise her feelings of being grown up, and Lena’s Mother has to face the past.
The book is really good, just a little tough for me to reconcile that the author is the same one I like so very well. With Jean’s books, you can not like the book as well as others and yet find yourself enjoying it as well.
December 4, 2022
Although I have generally preferred others of Jean Grainger’s series, this third book in the Kilteegan Bridge series was a blockbuster, full of human failings, quirks and heart. The involvement of Emmett with “Jingo,” who takes advantage of the boy, snd how it was resolved, how Emmett matured, evidenced true character-building for Emmett. The character of the stern, unbending “Monsignor” Collins was very interesting to me, especially how he railed at ANY form of birth control, no matter the health consequences; I knew many Roman Catholics in my 1970’s youth, and most had a laissez-faire attitude to the Church’s teachings. Yes, the Pope said x but reality intervenes type of attitude. Lena and Eli, Emily and Blackie, Nellie, jack and Skipper, and Maria and Klaus, all were well-drawn and sympathetic characters, though so different. Highly recommend this installment of the series.
December 5, 2022
More Harm Than Good is the third book in the wonderful Kilteegan Bridge Story series.
It is now the 1970s and Lena and Eli have three children and a comfortable life. In fact all the extended family are happy and settled. All that changes abruptly in a very short time frame.
As always Jean Grainger invites us into the past and brings it alive. She cleverly walks the line between historical fact, the Catholic Church and the changing attitudes of that time .. all without bias. This, combined with a wonderful family saga and incredible characters, makes the book a joy to read.
Whilst I enjoyed this book very much and felt it nicely wound up this particular series; I was left feeling as if it was all a bit too tame and it lacked the edge of the other books. Having said that, I definitely recommend both this book and the series. You will not be disappointed.
It is now the 1970s and Lena and Eli have three children and a comfortable life. In fact all the extended family are happy and settled. All that changes abruptly in a very short time frame.
As always Jean Grainger invites us into the past and brings it alive. She cleverly walks the line between historical fact, the Catholic Church and the changing attitudes of that time .. all without bias. This, combined with a wonderful family saga and incredible characters, makes the book a joy to read.
Whilst I enjoyed this book very much and felt it nicely wound up this particular series; I was left feeling as if it was all a bit too tame and it lacked the edge of the other books. Having said that, I definitely recommend both this book and the series. You will not be disappointed.
February 19, 2023
More Harm Than Good
Yet another great story from Jean Grainger! To be honest, I'm suffering Writer's Block from writing reviews for her books! How many different ways can I say the same thing? Every one I have read so far have been great books! The characters are all well written, both good guys & bad guys, except perhaps those who have only been really introduced at the end of this book. I expect we will learn more in the next book! I enjoy how Ms. Grainger makes the landscape come alive as much as she does the people! I have never set foot in Ireland, but I have seen it's beauty through her words! Iook forward to the next in this series, & the next series for me to start!
Yet another great story from Jean Grainger! To be honest, I'm suffering Writer's Block from writing reviews for her books! How many different ways can I say the same thing? Every one I have read so far have been great books! The characters are all well written, both good guys & bad guys, except perhaps those who have only been really introduced at the end of this book. I expect we will learn more in the next book! I enjoy how Ms. Grainger makes the landscape come alive as much as she does the people! I have never set foot in Ireland, but I have seen it's beauty through her words! Iook forward to the next in this series, & the next series for me to start!
March 3, 2023
I struggled with this book some. I have read all of Ms. Grainger's books and loved them but this is the first one that I put aside a couple of times and came back to later. It seemed that by the middle of the book all the characters were having problems and there were some nasty people in the middle of it. I love the characters and the setting in Ireland and the themes. An I had to keep reminding myself that the author always ties things up with a happy ending but this book lacked the characteristic humor and some of the lighter moments of her other series. I will read the last 2 books because she is such a good writer and her books are so full of family and love and culture, but I am bracing myself for lots of angst and problems too.
November 30, 2022
Another gem!
Something about Jean Grainger's novels always immediately hook me in and keeps the pages turning. She makes you feel like you are part of the story sitting and enjoying a cuppa with any of the characters. She includes real life dilemmas and joys and never fails to throw in a great story twist. This is a delightful series that you could read as onsies but together in order let's you enjoy watching characters grow and develop over the course of their lives. There are villains and good guys, family, friends, faith and all of the life trials that help make the characters so believable.
Something about Jean Grainger's novels always immediately hook me in and keeps the pages turning. She makes you feel like you are part of the story sitting and enjoying a cuppa with any of the characters. She includes real life dilemmas and joys and never fails to throw in a great story twist. This is a delightful series that you could read as onsies but together in order let's you enjoy watching characters grow and develop over the course of their lives. There are villains and good guys, family, friends, faith and all of the life trials that help make the characters so believable.
July 18, 2023
The continuing saga of the people of Kilteegan Bridge, Ireland, and the control of their lives by the Catholic Church in the 1970's.
"Eli’s need to do his best by his patients is a cause for a bitter divide in the community. Emmet seems hell bent on going down a path in life his parents dread but they’re unable to stop him. Jack’s life and liberty are in grave peril as his secret faces exposure, while Emily’s troubles are, it seems only just beginning with the return of someone she would much rather had disappeared forever. And Maria must decide, is blood really thicker than water, and should family always come first, no matter the cost?" synopsis copied
"Eli’s need to do his best by his patients is a cause for a bitter divide in the community. Emmet seems hell bent on going down a path in life his parents dread but they’re unable to stop him. Jack’s life and liberty are in grave peril as his secret faces exposure, while Emily’s troubles are, it seems only just beginning with the return of someone she would much rather had disappeared forever. And Maria must decide, is blood really thicker than water, and should family always come first, no matter the cost?" synopsis copied
November 6, 2022
More Harm Than Good, book 3 in Jean Grainger’s Kilteegan Bridge series. It’s now 1975 and a lot is changing in the world outside of Ireland. Within Kilteegan Bridge, however, the changes are mostly in relationships…some welcome but not all. Attitude changes are difficult between the power of the Catholic Church and the inborn superstitions of the Irish people. Author Jean Grainger’s novels in this series present Ireland as it was and as it’s becoming…worts and all. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend.
November 12, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2022
This author again picks me up mentally and sets me down in the middle of an Irish family during the mid-1970. Life has been running rather smoothly until now it is not! The Church is losing its grip on its people and sins that have been hidden are now lifting their heads and causing problems for the.family. Birth control practices and homosexuality are coming out of the closet and shocking many.
A truthful telling of the.problems in the era kept me reading to the end. As usual a well told story.
This author again picks me up mentally and sets me down in the middle of an Irish family during the mid-1970. Life has been running rather smoothly until now it is not! The Church is losing its grip on its people and sins that have been hidden are now lifting their heads and causing problems for the.family. Birth control practices and homosexuality are coming out of the closet and shocking many.
A truthful telling of the.problems in the era kept me reading to the end. As usual a well told story.
November 12, 2022
The third installment in Jean Grainger's Kilteegan Bridge series continues the story of the O'Sullivan clan. Set in the early 1970's, life is now becoming more challenging for the next generation as they work through the trials and struggles of being a teenager. We also see how powerful an influence the Catholic Church still held in the daily comings and goings of the Irish people. Grainger's characters are both multi-dimensional and relatable. I look forward to seeing where the next installment of this unputdownable series will take us.
November 14, 2022
I can't say enough good things about Jean Grainger's novels! She has once again woven a fascinating story set in beautiful Ireland. This book is the third installment of the Kilteegan Bridge series and continues the saga of Lena, Eli and family. They encounter a few difficulties, have a few laughs, and share lots of love.
Ms. Grainger is such a gifted writer and storyteller! The characters are very richly developed. I feel as if these are my friends, not just words on a page. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-written story.
Ms. Grainger is such a gifted writer and storyteller! The characters are very richly developed. I feel as if these are my friends, not just words on a page. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-written story.
November 16, 2022
A fascinating continuation of the o’Sullivan saga, detailing the activities and trials of all members of the extended family. The challenges of living in a small Irish town ruled by a powerful Catholic priest adds a further element of suspense for the reader in anticipation of how far the inhabitants will go in making their own decisions.
As always, Jean Grainger entices the reader in to become an integral participant of the characters and events in her book.
I received a free ARC copy and have written an honest review.
As always, Jean Grainger entices the reader in to become an integral participant of the characters and events in her book.
I received a free ARC copy and have written an honest review.
November 26, 2022
Why You Should Read This Series
A riveting, nail biting, page turning story all the way to the epilogue!
What I Liked About This Book
I am a long time reader of Jean Grainger’s work. I appreciate Jean’s ability to branch out in her writing. I am very excited about her current series! I love her historical fiction books! I could not put this book down it was a page turner! One of my favorite aspects of Jean’s writing is she has a knack for writing relatable characters. We may not go through the same experiences as her characters; but we are able to empathize and relate to them. This makes me want to continue to invest in reading the Kilteegan series.
I know there is another book in this series, however the final chapters of this book tied the story together. I look forward to the next book in this series!
The Kilteegan Bridge Story is available exclusively on Amazon.
REVIEW TEAM
Thank you Jean Grainger for a copy of this book. I am apart of Jean’s book review team. I was provided this book, in order to write an honest book review.
#brandireads #brandireadsandreviews #booklover #bookblog #booknerd #bookaddict #bookcommunity #bookaholic #bookrecs #bookcommunity #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #bookaesthetic #bookreviews #bookreviewer #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #bibliophile #reviewteam
#historicalfiction #britishfiction #jewishhistoricalfiction #jeangrainger
A riveting, nail biting, page turning story all the way to the epilogue!
What I Liked About This Book
I am a long time reader of Jean Grainger’s work. I appreciate Jean’s ability to branch out in her writing. I am very excited about her current series! I love her historical fiction books! I could not put this book down it was a page turner! One of my favorite aspects of Jean’s writing is she has a knack for writing relatable characters. We may not go through the same experiences as her characters; but we are able to empathize and relate to them. This makes me want to continue to invest in reading the Kilteegan series.
I know there is another book in this series, however the final chapters of this book tied the story together. I look forward to the next book in this series!
The Kilteegan Bridge Story is available exclusively on Amazon.
REVIEW TEAM
Thank you Jean Grainger for a copy of this book. I am apart of Jean’s book review team. I was provided this book, in order to write an honest book review.
#brandireads #brandireadsandreviews #booklover #bookblog #booknerd #bookaddict #bookcommunity #bookaholic #bookrecs #bookcommunity #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #bookaesthetic #bookreviews #bookreviewer #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #bibliophile #reviewteam
#historicalfiction #britishfiction #jewishhistoricalfiction #jeangrainger
November 17, 2022
As usual, Jean Grainger doesn't disappoint. I loved this book. The continuing saga of this family is gripping and it makes you feel that you know them personally. Now, I have to wait until January to find out about Nellie and see what develops with the arrival of Maria's brother's family. I also REALLY want to see that nasty monsignor get his comeuppance. I was raised Catholic, but NOT in Ireland so my experiences aren't quite so bad. Most were quite the opposite with the exception of a couple of nuns who should have had jobs in a federal prison.
May 30, 2024
More Harm Than Good
I am enjoying getting to know all the characters in this contemporary story. This post -war time series is a pager-turner. The characters in Kilteegan Bridge still struggle with church values vs.modern medicine, homosexuality that was highly against the law and unwed -mothers and their punishment by the church if ever found out by the church. I find all topics extremely interesting and intriguing. An uplifting and inspirational story you're going to love. As always happy reading.
I am enjoying getting to know all the characters in this contemporary story. This post -war time series is a pager-turner. The characters in Kilteegan Bridge still struggle with church values vs.modern medicine, homosexuality that was highly against the law and unwed -mothers and their punishment by the church if ever found out by the church. I find all topics extremely interesting and intriguing. An uplifting and inspirational story you're going to love. As always happy reading.
October 4, 2025
This is a poignant tale. I am enchanted by the storytelling in the series. The characters are like my own neighbors, full of flaws and deep love.
Poor Emmett gets taken in by the con artist. Yet his kind Skipper uncle helps him redeem himself as he learned a powerful,life lesson.
Oh that awful priest. I am not surprised he let the woman die , as if her faith were not strong enough. What narrow minded bigotry!
The way Emmett goes into the car dealership to obtain the three letters was my favorite part of the story.
I love taking a visit to Kiltegan bridge.
Poor Emmett gets taken in by the con artist. Yet his kind Skipper uncle helps him redeem himself as he learned a powerful,life lesson.
Oh that awful priest. I am not surprised he let the woman die , as if her faith were not strong enough. What narrow minded bigotry!
The way Emmett goes into the car dealership to obtain the three letters was my favorite part of the story.
I love taking a visit to Kiltegan bridge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2022
In More Harm Than Good, many changes occur. There are cultural changes in the community. The children are growing and face their own troubles. Ms. Grainger always delivers a historically accurate, emotional, impactful story with very relatable characters who could easily be my friends and neighbors. It is easy to lose myself in the daily lives of the people in Kilteegan Bridge. Thankfully there will be more books in this amazing series.
November 24, 2022
Once again another winner for Jean Grainger. Loved catching up again with Lena Eli and all the family. The story continues to draw you in as the family grows and the children grow up. The trials and tribulations they go through most readers would identify in one way or another. It was a most enjoyable read and yes you do feel sadness when you farewell these fictional characters that are part of your life for a short while.
December 30, 2022
Thank God
As a Catholic I must say Thank you god that I have never had a Priest or any other member of the clergy in my life like the Mom sign or in this book. But I do know they and worse are out there.
Other than that I loved the book and the family in the book reminds me of my own family. We had a gathering this past April and I think the count was around 145 and 4 generations.
As a Catholic I must say Thank you god that I have never had a Priest or any other member of the clergy in my life like the Mom sign or in this book. But I do know they and worse are out there.
Other than that I loved the book and the family in the book reminds me of my own family. We had a gathering this past April and I think the count was around 145 and 4 generations.
January 26, 2023
Great read
After reading Book 1, for which I did not leave a review, I hesitated to read any further in the series. However, since the end of Book 1 did begin to be interesting, I continued reading and am glad I did.
If you are looking for a typical Jean Grainger book filled with Irish history, this isn't going to fit your desires. It is a series dealing with family dynamics through times of war and post-war, and through generations. A good study of character.
After reading Book 1, for which I did not leave a review, I hesitated to read any further in the series. However, since the end of Book 1 did begin to be interesting, I continued reading and am glad I did.
If you are looking for a typical Jean Grainger book filled with Irish history, this isn't going to fit your desires. It is a series dealing with family dynamics through times of war and post-war, and through generations. A good study of character.
January 24, 2024
Each book in this series is outstanding!!
I loved everything about this book! I never got bored and could not put it down! It is the 3rd I have read in this series and I am so glad it is a series because one is not enough. It has stirred so many emotions in me and covers so many issues in such an interesting way!!!!! I highly recommend it and the rest in the series! I will be sad when I finish the series!
I loved everything about this book! I never got bored and could not put it down! It is the 3rd I have read in this series and I am so glad it is a series because one is not enough. It has stirred so many emotions in me and covers so many issues in such an interesting way!!!!! I highly recommend it and the rest in the series! I will be sad when I finish the series!
November 16, 2022
Another book of Jean Grainger's that I just couldn't stop reading and kept reading until the end through the wee hours of the morning. I thought it was really fun to jump ahead in the timeline for this next book in the Kilteegan Bridge series. From the last book ending, I thought we were going to find out about Eli's lost relative, but it was covered in a different way, and I'm not disappointed. Several times in the story I thought I knew which way the story was heading and instead was tenderly escorted to other beautiful story paths, and I am not disappointed in any way. Lovely to see a story for Maria (no spoilers from me though) and great to catch up with Lena and Eli, and the struggle of women's health and the perspective hold of the Roman Catholic church on the culture of Ireland. A very sensitive portrayal of Jack and Skipper's relationship. Great storyline with Blackie and Jingo; sometimes it's really satisfying to see the bad guys get their due. All in all just situations that seem timeless and applicable to our current modern life. Just another great book with depth of character and story, refreshing and touching at the same time.
November 20, 2022
It is now 1970, and the Kogan family faces more difficulties from within and beyond their family. Eli’s medical practice is threatened by a radical parish priest, Emmet must make difficult decisions about his future, Jack and Skipper face isolation sue to their love, and many more subplots ensue. I will anxiously be awaiting the 4th installment due out in January!
November 30, 2022
The Family Saga Continues
The story of the O’Sullivan family continues in this book and we meet some new characters. Some wonderful and some awful. I love how real the characters are and how the relationship between the family members feels so normal and real. They have all the problems most families experience.
The story of the O’Sullivan family continues in this book and we meet some new characters. Some wonderful and some awful. I love how real the characters are and how the relationship between the family members feels so normal and real. They have all the problems most families experience.
December 20, 2022
An Irish Family’s Story
In the mid-1970s an Irish family living in a secluded Irish village where traditions and religion run deep is challenged by the tragic consequences of WWII, a fanatical pastor who threatens the livelihood of a compassionate doctor, the stigma of mental illness, and the changing morals of the modern age.
In the mid-1970s an Irish family living in a secluded Irish village where traditions and religion run deep is challenged by the tragic consequences of WWII, a fanatical pastor who threatens the livelihood of a compassionate doctor, the stigma of mental illness, and the changing morals of the modern age.
December 26, 2022
Thank you, Jean Grainger. I have been reading your books for a few years now and this is definitely my favorite so far. I am descended from Irish immigrants from Kerry and each time I read one of your books I feel like I am experiencing the lives of my ancestors. Can't wait to read the next Carmel Sheehan book. Blessings on you and your family.
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