Jean Grainger

Loved this book. I’m so glad I “discovered” Ms Grainger when I read “The Tour”.
This story follows an extended family and their former staff as they embark on fixing up their former family home which has fallen into disrepair. The plan to make it into a small hotel is seriously hindered when they see the condition into which it has fallen. Funny, serious, but always entertaining. Don’t miss it- I couldn’t put it down and read it in two days.

A fast, enjoyable, simple romance. Sometimes too predictable, but the setting in Ireland during the second world war was interesting. I hadn't really known much about the IRA during that time nor the history of Ireland during the uprising and the way the English treated them.

I loved that this book shares a bit of unknown history regarding Irish participation in WW II. Having experienced war first-hand as a medic during, 'The Great War', Richard Buckley tries very hard to shelter his twins, James and Juliet from the horrors he faced and the scars that resulted. However, as they grow and their interactions with the outside world expand, he finds he can no longer hide the truth from them. The story includes three strong female characters whom we follow to discover show more how each woman chooses to find fulfillment, personal recognition or wealth during Hitler's tumultuous rise to power. The book is filled with personal and national intrigue including some spy-craft! I couldn't put it down. show less

Good young adult read geared for non-Jews and those not familiar with the horrors of the Holocaust. But the tone of the novel rang false.

And that Grainger, while clearly noting hitler was the hateful choreographer of the evil unleashed, the non-Jews of Europe were NOT complicit, they simply didn't understand or know better!

They required someone like Elizabeth to explain how Jews were innocent and undeserving of being beaten, rounded up, starved, and worked to death. Really? Outrageous!