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Publication Order of Carmel Sheehan Books
Publication Order of Conor O'Shea / The Tour Books
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Publication Order of The Kilteegan Bridge Story Books
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Publication Order of Mags Munroe Books
Publication Order of Queenstown Books
Publication Order of Robinswood Books
Publication Order of The Star and the Shamrock Books
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Jean Grainger is an Irish author of historical fiction from Cork. She has a bachelors and masters degree in History and English and has held a number of careers before turning to writing. Some of her most notable occupations have been university lecturer, tour director and secondary school teacher. She has also been involved in script writing and play directing for many high school plays. However, it was her experience as a tour guide which indirectly led to a career as an author. In the early nineties, Grainger rebelled against the notion of getting a traditional job to become a tour guide and director.
Over a few years of practice Jean Grainger learnt the names and stories of every historical location in Ireland, making her one of the most sought after guides.The decision to become a tour guide turned out to be one of the best decisions of her life as she met easy going, fun and incredible people that so enjoyed her stories that they encouraged her to write a book.She gained an appreciation of the Emerald Island that she loved and recited poems, sang songs and told stories that moved even her father an extraordinary storyteller himself. People would confide in her the most extraordinary and amazing of things including lifelong friendships, loves lost and found, marriages finished and fixed, families and reunited that provided fodder for many of her later novels.
Over time Grainger’s visitors clamor for her to write about her experiences got to her and so one winter she dove into it.She sent her first draft titled the Tour to a publisher confident that it would be published and that she would soon have Little Brown, Simon and Schuster, Penguin and Hatchette beating down her door. Things did not come out as rosy as she had expected as none of the big publishers was remotely interested in her stories. Frustrated she dumped her manuscripts in a drawer and got back to teaching English and History at University. She was an expert in the life of Irish Women that lived in the Second World War and wrote a lot on the subject matter. However, it was only a matter of time before the fiction writing bug struck again and she penned her second title So Much Owed.
By this time she had met a few authors that introduced her to self publishing which promised unknown writers such as her a chance at putting out their work. While it had once been believed that self publishing was the place where mediocre writers went to dump their drivel that nobody touched, that did not deter Jean Grainger. She got into Amazon publishing and in a few months had her first novel The Tour published in 2013. The novel went on to become a bestseller and even earned critical praise from historical fiction critics. While she currently sells hundreds of books a month, she is still incredulous at how self publishing has changed her life and made it possible for her to go full-time. While she is not a John Grisham or Stephen King, her novels have been compared to the likes of Maeve Binchy which is quite saying something about her abilities.
Her first novel tells the story of a diverse group of American tourists who experience a life changing experience while on a tour of Ireland. Her second novel is a family saga that tells the story of the Buckley family that lives in Western Cork. The family is in a state of turmoil as the world war sets in. It is a family saga that incorporates romance and intrigue with occupied Europe as its canvas. He third novel is a historical title about an old flag reminiscent of the Easter Up[rising in Ireland. It tells the story of Ireland’s final bid to break away from the United Kingdom. However, the story is more than a retelling of history as it also incorporates the life events of the journalist that found the resistance flag. Her fourth novel is about friendship in socially and economically challenging times. Set in the 1970s it features Hugo, Patrick and Liam, three boys from disparate backgrounds that forge a deep friendship.
The Tour is a story about Connor O’Shea a tour guide who will always be found picking up a group of American tourists eager to experience the Real Ireland. But his current tour group has a range of humorous characters that present dilemmas to even the most experienced of tour guides. The eclectic group of tourists include a gold digging multiple divorcee named Corlene looking to hook a new man; a love starved Boston police officer named Patrick, a goth uilleann piper Dylan;a grumpy college professor Dorothy; a wall street oligarch named Elliot. To top it all of is Ellen a tourist that has come back to the Emerald Isle to discover one of the biggest truths of her life. Add to it the colorful cast of locals that include Grda high-flyers, Ukrainian waitresses, passionate musicians, and a couple of Brits make for some of the most interesting of tours. And of course Oshe’a is in between it all mending hearts and solving problems for his guests.
So Much Owed the second novel by Jean Grainger is a novel set in a 1918 Christmas. Dr Richard Buckley has just come back home to Dunderrig House in West Cork having been damaged and devastated by World War I. With him is Allingham Solange the widow of his best friend that is left destitute by the war. Edith his wife hates that he wore the British uniform and see him as a traitor to Ireland. After she gives birth to two children she disappears leaving Solange to take care of her twins while she heads for greener pastures. Juliet and James soon become the life blood of the estate with their incorrigible ways making them a delight for Solange and their father Buckley. But as they grow up the specter of a new war that may take away everything they have looms yet again. Set in the tranquility of Cork to occupied France, from neutral Dublin to war time Belfast, it is a heart wrenching family saga of hope in the midst of turmoil.
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24 Responses to “Jean Grainger”
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Any issues with the book list you are seeing? Or is there an author or series we don’t have? Let me know!
I just finished reading your book The Carmel Sheehan
Series. I loved it. I have visited Ireland 5 times.
I have family in Dublin, Cork (O’Reilly Family), Killarney and Tralee.
As a RN this series hit a lot of memories for me when
I pulled together a Hospice/Palliative care team together for
Our hospital and is was a great team for the patients.
I can’t wait to read more of your books.
I listened to the Tour series. Unable to read due to an eye condition I got to the last book and it is not in audio. Disappointing
I have read all of your books, they are wonderful!
I haven’t found any new ones in the last couple months. Are there new ones coming?
In looking for something new to read I cam across the Kilteegan Bridge series. I read all 5 books one after the other. They are one of the best book series I have ever read. Looking forward to reading more of your books!
I love all of your books. Have read all but stand alone. Will get them soon. I visited Ireland a few years back, and through your books I can remember the places I visited. I also have learned some Irish history that I did not know.
I just “found” your wonderful books on Kindle unlimited. I just finished the Robinswood series..it was delightful!! You are a fabulous author and I want to read ALL your books!!
Thought I was told that there is a fourth Robinswood book coming out.
True? If so when? Hope so!
I had a quick look and can’t find any details on a new one coming out unfortunately but it’s still possible 🙂
I discovered your books last month and have read almost all of them. They are wonderful stories and are filled with information about the history of Ireland. I was also a big fan of Maeve Binchy. Your descriptions of the Emerald Isle take me back there to a country I love. I have been there more than 20 times and stayed for a month on one trip. I have successfully done my genealogy there and still am working on my maternal side. I was also able to obtain Irish citizenship. I do want to correct one fact which is not valid. The clerks at Ellis Island did not change the names of immigrants. That is a myth! The names were obtained as they boarded the ship in Ireland and presented to the clerks. I can’t wait to get started on my next Jean Grainger book.You are so talented!
I just finished reading the complete series of The Tour. What a delight!! I feel like I have been vacationing in Ireland. I absolutely love Conor O’Shea and his family. What a warm and welcoming cast of characters! Thank you, Jean. Can’t wait to start your next book. Anne
I have read all of the Star and Shamrock books, So Much Owed and the first two books in the Tour group.You are an incredible author. I have loved each book that I have read. I look forward to reading all of the rest of your books. Please don’t ever stop writing. Your books are wonderful!
Loved the three books of Queenstown. Just finished book three and at the end you have the next book Roaring Liberty can be pre0rdered. I do not want kindle, but a book. Thanks Pat Bright
Hi Jean!
My husband has read all your books and loved them and encouraged me to read your books as well. I am so glad he he did! I am lowing through them now and can’t stop, Your are a gifted storyteller and researcher. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
We are wondering if any movie contract is in development and if you are presently writing another series.
The best of good health to you and your family.
Orly and Bob
I’ve been reading Jean Graingers books now for about 2 months & love each one .I’m always sad when the series is over . I’m looking forward to reading more of them !
Dear Jean,
It is terribly odd I picked up The Tour some
years back & as at the time communicated with
you..on how much I had enjoyed your book.
It is also a little odd perhaps I had met you
in your real role as a guide at some time I was
employed as as Head Porter at The International Hotel here in Killarney until my retirement two
years ago..while I am glad that I have retired I
am toying with the idea of becoming a Tour Guide
on the local circuit I will need to do the training first. Maybe its the ramblings of an old
man of 71 but I at times miss the buzz & the interaction with people.
Deligjted to discover you had written more Books
they have to be sought out.
Take care my dear toyou & yours every success.
Regards Frank ( O Sullivan)
I have loved your books. I have read 3 of your series and The Tour.. just finished So much owed and hoped it was a series. I know I will continue to read all your books ! Thank you!
Is Sisters of the Southern Cross a stand-alone book?
Hi Rebecca – yes it is 🙂
Dear Jean, I have read The Star & the Shamrock which was great. Then I read The Emerald Horizon and then The Hard Way Home and finally The World Starts Anew. Loved everyone of them, but wonder if I missed a book about Erich Bannon at 23 yrs old.
Before I go on to the next series,I would appreciate a reply. Thanks again for great reading.
Nope there are only the 4 books in that series currently.
Would like a list of book series in order
Please send me the name of Book 2 in The Tour series by Jean Grainger. I have the remaining 5 books in the series but don’t want to start reading Book 1 until I get Book 2
It’s listed above. Safe At The Edge of the World.
Fantastic reading counting the time u til The West’s Awake comes out