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The Tour #3
The Story of Grenville King
Conor O’Shea has had enough of driving and guiding tours of Ireland.
So when an opportunity to renovate and run the magnificent but rundown Castle Dysert as a five-star resort presents itself, he grabs it with both hands.
But problems arise almost immediately when his business partner appears to have more on her agenda than just business.
To add to that, his darling wife seems discontented as a stay at home mom, and his in-laws have moved in.
With his family’s future now entangled in a stunningly beautiful old castle on the coast of Clare, Conor undertakes a mammoth project, and in so doing, he uncovers the troubled past of this ancient stronghold. The mystery of the family who lived, loved, and lost their lives within the walls of the castle are reflected in his own family as they too struggle to let go of the past.
Like in every small Irish village, gossip abounds. But do the ghosts of regret still haunt these ancient hallways? It is now left to Conor to explore the truth and uncover a heartbreaking lesson on the power of memory and the long threads that bind us together.
In The Story of Grenville King, Jean Grainger takes you once again to the real heart of Ireland.
So when an opportunity to renovate and run the magnificent but rundown Castle Dysert as a five-star resort presents itself, he grabs it with both hands.
But problems arise almost immediately when his business partner appears to have more on her agenda than just business.
To add to that, his darling wife seems discontented as a stay at home mom, and his in-laws have moved in.
With his family’s future now entangled in a stunningly beautiful old castle on the coast of Clare, Conor undertakes a mammoth project, and in so doing, he uncovers the troubled past of this ancient stronghold. The mystery of the family who lived, loved, and lost their lives within the walls of the castle are reflected in his own family as they too struggle to let go of the past.
Like in every small Irish village, gossip abounds. But do the ghosts of regret still haunt these ancient hallways? It is now left to Conor to explore the truth and uncover a heartbreaking lesson on the power of memory and the long threads that bind us together.
In The Story of Grenville King, Jean Grainger takes you once again to the real heart of Ireland.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2021
4209 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Jean Grainger
90 books1,598 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 194 reviews
April 29, 2018
The Conor O'Shea Boxed Set gives a heartwarming, funny and entertaining experience by reading these three well written books. The characters are realistic, fun, sad, easy and troublesome. The emotions run the gamut and there are surprises along the routes. The well told stories are full of vivid descriptions that make the reader think they're part of the tours themselves. These books are a perfect escape from the woes of modern life, allowing fun and intrigue to take its place. There's a free download for Letters of Freedom; the start of the Carmen Sheehan Series - a must read.
The Tour #1 - I never get tired of reading Ms. Grainger's books. This is another well written, heartwarming, funny, entertaining, intriguing story. The characters are realistic and run the gamut of personalities. Funny and sad and heartbreaking and uplifting things happen along the route, but the reader never wants to stop reading. The vivid descriptions of Ireland and its culture and its people and the scenery, including buildings, keep the reader immersed in the pages.
Safe at the Edge of the World #2 - What, this is a lot about a couple of Americans. But as I kept reading I forgot that I wanted to read more about Ireland. We still have all our favorite characters from The Tour and the two Americans find safety with the fellow tourists and the crew. Help comes from everywhere and this intense, intriguing story with its surprises is an exceptional book on its own. It was similar to works by Mario Puzo; substantial, heartwarming, heart wrenching and entertaining. Ms. Grainger is very talented in her craft.
The Story of Grenville King #3 - What an amazing collection of stories. No, it's one book but the intertwining stories of the many characters make this a rich, fulfilling, twisting, intriguing story. The characters are well developed, interesting and so real. The dialog is better than average. The plot goes on and on with new happenings, twists and turns. The emotions run the gamut: love, happiness, fear, sadness, hate and more.
This is the first book I've read of the Tour series and I didn't miss anything not having read the previous books. I've read several stories by this author and never have I been disappointed. This book is amazing, substantial and hard to put down. My review doesn’t do justice to this story. I’m glad I contacted the author to review her books.
The Tour #1 - I never get tired of reading Ms. Grainger's books. This is another well written, heartwarming, funny, entertaining, intriguing story. The characters are realistic and run the gamut of personalities. Funny and sad and heartbreaking and uplifting things happen along the route, but the reader never wants to stop reading. The vivid descriptions of Ireland and its culture and its people and the scenery, including buildings, keep the reader immersed in the pages.
Safe at the Edge of the World #2 - What, this is a lot about a couple of Americans. But as I kept reading I forgot that I wanted to read more about Ireland. We still have all our favorite characters from The Tour and the two Americans find safety with the fellow tourists and the crew. Help comes from everywhere and this intense, intriguing story with its surprises is an exceptional book on its own. It was similar to works by Mario Puzo; substantial, heartwarming, heart wrenching and entertaining. Ms. Grainger is very talented in her craft.
The Story of Grenville King #3 - What an amazing collection of stories. No, it's one book but the intertwining stories of the many characters make this a rich, fulfilling, twisting, intriguing story. The characters are well developed, interesting and so real. The dialog is better than average. The plot goes on and on with new happenings, twists and turns. The emotions run the gamut: love, happiness, fear, sadness, hate and more.
This is the first book I've read of the Tour series and I didn't miss anything not having read the previous books. I've read several stories by this author and never have I been disappointed. This book is amazing, substantial and hard to put down. My review doesn’t do justice to this story. I’m glad I contacted the author to review her books.
April 2, 2018
The Story of Grenville King: The Conor O’Shea Series Book 3 is written by Jean Grainger. Jean Grainger lives in Ireland and has set this series in Ireland. Her knowledge of Ireland and the stories and myths that belong to it has made her books so intriguing. While you are reading a wonderful story, you are also learning a little more about this wonderful country. The story is very believable and the characters are realistic. Once you being reading the book, it is very difficult to put it down.
Conor O’Shea was a tour guide in Ireland and was considered by those who had gone on a tour with him to be the best of the tour guides. He had married a Ukranian girl, Ana, and they had twin boys. He was getting tired of being gone so much during tourist season; but it was what he did so he had to adjust or so he thought. Corlene Holbrooke had been on one of his tours with Bert Cooper. Corlene had been with her on while Bert, a very wealthy man was on the tour alone. He liked to do good things for people with his money and had taken a liking to Corlene and set her up in business. She had made a go of her business and was very grateful to Bert. Upon Bert’s death, he had left her some money and also had left Conor some. Corlene came to Conor with an idea. She wanted to go in partnership with Conor to buy Castle Dysert, an abandoned castle, and turn it into a five-star hotel. She knew how to cut through the paperwork and get things done and Conor, with his stories and knowledge of Ireland, would be just the person they needed to promote the hotel. He would also be able to be on-site to make sure things went smoothly. This would enable Conor to be home more with his family. After discussing it with his wife, Conor agreed. Ana wasn’t too sure of his working so closely with Corlene, but it seemed the best thing for her family. Will they be able to make the hotel a success, if they can even get it renovated? Was the castle in too bad shape to work? What about the rumor that it is haunted? The remodeling of the castle brings out the best and worst in some people, will it interfere this time? Will their own pasts come back to haunt them?
This book is a ghost story, a suspense, and a romance all rolled into one. I think this is the best of the series so far, although the first book was pretty good.
Conor O’Shea was a tour guide in Ireland and was considered by those who had gone on a tour with him to be the best of the tour guides. He had married a Ukranian girl, Ana, and they had twin boys. He was getting tired of being gone so much during tourist season; but it was what he did so he had to adjust or so he thought. Corlene Holbrooke had been on one of his tours with Bert Cooper. Corlene had been with her on while Bert, a very wealthy man was on the tour alone. He liked to do good things for people with his money and had taken a liking to Corlene and set her up in business. She had made a go of her business and was very grateful to Bert. Upon Bert’s death, he had left her some money and also had left Conor some. Corlene came to Conor with an idea. She wanted to go in partnership with Conor to buy Castle Dysert, an abandoned castle, and turn it into a five-star hotel. She knew how to cut through the paperwork and get things done and Conor, with his stories and knowledge of Ireland, would be just the person they needed to promote the hotel. He would also be able to be on-site to make sure things went smoothly. This would enable Conor to be home more with his family. After discussing it with his wife, Conor agreed. Ana wasn’t too sure of his working so closely with Corlene, but it seemed the best thing for her family. Will they be able to make the hotel a success, if they can even get it renovated? Was the castle in too bad shape to work? What about the rumor that it is haunted? The remodeling of the castle brings out the best and worst in some people, will it interfere this time? Will their own pasts come back to haunt them?
This book is a ghost story, a suspense, and a romance all rolled into one. I think this is the best of the series so far, although the first book was pretty good.
April 16, 2020
Again, I feel good. What a good feeling I have at the end of this book, much like I felt when I finished The Tour, and Safe At The Edge of the World. These books remind me of the feeling I had when I read Archie comics in the 50s. I liked them because I was infatuated with the characters. They had experiences I could relate to, and characters solved their problems in ways that uncovered their character. I had not the reviews before I started reading Jean Grainger's books, so my conclusion after reading the book that she reminds me of Maeve Binchy was not influenced by others' similar conclusions. I was a Binchy fan. Read all of her writing. I think I would have enjoyed her as a person and I have that same feeling about Jean Grainger. She is a really fine writer, who can spin a great story. Her books are effortless to read, they flow, feel right and piece together perfectly!
April 29, 2018
The Conor O'Shea Boxed Set gives a heartwarming, funny and entertaining experience by reading these three well written books. The characters are realistic, fun, sad, easy and troublesome. The emotions run the gamut and there are surprises along the routes. The well told stories are full of vivid descriptions that make the reader think they're part of the tours themselves. These books are a perfect escape from the woes of modern life, allowing fun and intrigue to take its place. There's a free download for Letters of Freedom; the start of the Carmen Sheehan Series - a must read.
The Tour #1 - I never get tired of reading Ms. Grainger's books. This is another well written, heartwarming, funny, entertaining, intriguing story. The characters are realistic and run the gamut of personalities. Funny and sad and heartbreaking and uplifting things happen along the route, but the reader never wants to stop reading. The vivid descriptions of Ireland and its culture and its people and the scenery, including buildings, keep the reader immersed in the pages.
Safe at the Edge of the World #2 - What, this is a lot about a couple of Americans. But as I kept reading I forgot that I wanted to read more about Ireland. We still have all our favorite characters from The Tour and the two Americans find safety with the fellow tourists and the crew. Help comes from everywhere and this intense, intriguing story with its surprises is an exceptional book on its own. It was similar to works by Mario Puzo; substantial, heartwarming, heart wrenching and entertaining. Ms. Grainger is very talented in her craft.
The Story of Grenville King #3 - What an amazing collection of stories. No, it's one book but the intertwining stories of the many characters make this a rich, fulfilling, twisting, intriguing story. The characters are well developed, interesting and so real. The dialog is better than average. The plot goes on and on with new happenings, twists and turns. The emotions run the gamut: love, happiness, fear, sadness, hate and more.
This is the first book I've read of the Tour series and I didn't miss anything not having read the previous books. I've read several stories by this author and never have I been disappointed. This book is amazing, substantial and hard to put down. My review doesn’t do justice to this story. I’m glad I contacted the author to review her books.
The Tour #1 - I never get tired of reading Ms. Grainger's books. This is another well written, heartwarming, funny, entertaining, intriguing story. The characters are realistic and run the gamut of personalities. Funny and sad and heartbreaking and uplifting things happen along the route, but the reader never wants to stop reading. The vivid descriptions of Ireland and its culture and its people and the scenery, including buildings, keep the reader immersed in the pages.
Safe at the Edge of the World #2 - What, this is a lot about a couple of Americans. But as I kept reading I forgot that I wanted to read more about Ireland. We still have all our favorite characters from The Tour and the two Americans find safety with the fellow tourists and the crew. Help comes from everywhere and this intense, intriguing story with its surprises is an exceptional book on its own. It was similar to works by Mario Puzo; substantial, heartwarming, heart wrenching and entertaining. Ms. Grainger is very talented in her craft.
The Story of Grenville King #3 - What an amazing collection of stories. No, it's one book but the intertwining stories of the many characters make this a rich, fulfilling, twisting, intriguing story. The characters are well developed, interesting and so real. The dialog is better than average. The plot goes on and on with new happenings, twists and turns. The emotions run the gamut: love, happiness, fear, sadness, hate and more.
This is the first book I've read of the Tour series and I didn't miss anything not having read the previous books. I've read several stories by this author and never have I been disappointed. This book is amazing, substantial and hard to put down. My review doesn’t do justice to this story. I’m glad I contacted the author to review her books.
March 21, 2022
This next part of "The Tour" series takes Connor in a new direction - this time making the move from Tour Guide and Bus Driver to Boutique Hotel Operator.
This book also reintroduces us to a number of the characters from the first book both indirectly (by referencing them, their lives and fates) or by directly involving them in this story.
I loved learning more about the character of Corlene, who was initially introduced as a very superficial and selfish character. She has such great character development both off the pages and on and we see a whole new side of her, who she was and who she has become.
I also enjoyed learning more about Anna (Connors' wife) and her family and background. I feel that she has been a 'bit' player up until now but in this book she comes into her own as a primary character.
I listened to the Audible Unabridged version of this book. There was a change of narrator for this book which I found a little disappointing personally but not because there was anything at all wrong with the new narrator. It is simply that I was used to listening to Patrick Moy as Connor and my brain was expecting to hear his voice again (despite already knowing it wouldn't be). The change was probably also more noticeable because it moved from being a male narrator previously to a female one now. At the end of the day, though, it was only a minor issue. Siobhan Waring is a good narrator and did a great job of this book. And the more important thing to me was that this was finally available as an audiobook - I feel like I've been waiting forever for it and a new narrator was certainly not going to deter me from buying it. I'll also be getting the next one as soon as it's out on audio, regardless of who the narrator for it is.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - yes
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes, now desperately waiting for Book 4 to come out in Audio.
This book also reintroduces us to a number of the characters from the first book both indirectly (by referencing them, their lives and fates) or by directly involving them in this story.
I loved learning more about the character of Corlene, who was initially introduced as a very superficial and selfish character. She has such great character development both off the pages and on and we see a whole new side of her, who she was and who she has become.
I also enjoyed learning more about Anna (Connors' wife) and her family and background. I feel that she has been a 'bit' player up until now but in this book she comes into her own as a primary character.
I listened to the Audible Unabridged version of this book. There was a change of narrator for this book which I found a little disappointing personally but not because there was anything at all wrong with the new narrator. It is simply that I was used to listening to Patrick Moy as Connor and my brain was expecting to hear his voice again (despite already knowing it wouldn't be). The change was probably also more noticeable because it moved from being a male narrator previously to a female one now. At the end of the day, though, it was only a minor issue. Siobhan Waring is a good narrator and did a great job of this book. And the more important thing to me was that this was finally available as an audiobook - I feel like I've been waiting forever for it and a new narrator was certainly not going to deter me from buying it. I'll also be getting the next one as soon as it's out on audio, regardless of who the narrator for it is.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - yes
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes, now desperately waiting for Book 4 to come out in Audio.
May 23, 2020
Book 3 in The Tour series:
"Handsome, kind and funny, Conor O’Shea has had enough of driving and guiding tours of Ireland.
So when an opportunity to renovate and run the magnificent but rundown Castle Dysert as a five-star resort presents itself, he grabs it with both hands.
But problems arise almost immediately when his business partner appears to have more on her agenda than just business.
To add to that, his darling wife seems discontented as a stay at home mom, and his in-laws have moved in.
With his family’s future now entangled in a stunningly beautiful old castle on the coast of Clare, Conor undertakes a mammoth project, and in so doing, he uncovers the troubled past of this ancient stronghold. The mystery of the family who lived, loved, and lost their lives within the walls of the castle are reflected in his own family as they too struggle to let go of the past.
Like in every small Irish village, gossip abounds. But do the ghosts of regret still haunt these ancient hallways? It is now left to Conor to explore the truth and uncover a heartbreaking lesson on the power of memory and the long threads that bind us together." synopsis copied
Loved this book as well.
"Handsome, kind and funny, Conor O’Shea has had enough of driving and guiding tours of Ireland.
So when an opportunity to renovate and run the magnificent but rundown Castle Dysert as a five-star resort presents itself, he grabs it with both hands.
But problems arise almost immediately when his business partner appears to have more on her agenda than just business.
To add to that, his darling wife seems discontented as a stay at home mom, and his in-laws have moved in.
With his family’s future now entangled in a stunningly beautiful old castle on the coast of Clare, Conor undertakes a mammoth project, and in so doing, he uncovers the troubled past of this ancient stronghold. The mystery of the family who lived, loved, and lost their lives within the walls of the castle are reflected in his own family as they too struggle to let go of the past.
Like in every small Irish village, gossip abounds. But do the ghosts of regret still haunt these ancient hallways? It is now left to Conor to explore the truth and uncover a heartbreaking lesson on the power of memory and the long threads that bind us together." synopsis copied
Loved this book as well.
June 21, 2018
I absolutely loved this book The Story of Grenville King by author Jean Grainger. This is a take off of her second book Safe at the Edge of the World (The Conor O'Shea Series) but it can be a stand alone. There is so much good in this book. The love story of Conor O’Shea and his wife Ana and the special friendship of Conor and Corlene.
In this book Corlene gets Conor to open up a 5 star resort out of a castle that is maybe haunted. The story goes through the trials and errors of getting a castle in dire condition to that of a 5 star resort. Along the way, we have relationships in trouble, secrets from the past and mystery. Along the way we get a little glimpse of Ireland and a wonderful taste of the language. The ending was refreshing and all wrapped up. I recommend this book to everyone but I also suggest you read the Safe at the Edge of the World to get more of the back story. Both books are beautifully written and the characters are wonderful. Another great book by author Jean Grainger and I’m looking forward to more hopefully in this series.
In this book Corlene gets Conor to open up a 5 star resort out of a castle that is maybe haunted. The story goes through the trials and errors of getting a castle in dire condition to that of a 5 star resort. Along the way, we have relationships in trouble, secrets from the past and mystery. Along the way we get a little glimpse of Ireland and a wonderful taste of the language. The ending was refreshing and all wrapped up. I recommend this book to everyone but I also suggest you read the Safe at the Edge of the World to get more of the back story. Both books are beautifully written and the characters are wonderful. Another great book by author Jean Grainger and I’m looking forward to more hopefully in this series.
September 6, 2024
When a chance comes up to buy a derelict castle on the Irish coast, Conor O'Shea is persuaded to become a partner along with a former tour member. They plan to turn it into a five-star resort. But it's overgrown with weeds, damaged by water and neglect. There's plenty of local legend about the place, too, full of insanity, suicides, heartbreak, and a suspicious fire that claimed the life of a little boy.
Conor is opposed to capitalizing on the "haunted castle" theme. But as he uncovers the castle's secrets, he's faced with something beyond his powers to fix.
This is the strongest book in the series so far, exploring the relationships between Conor, his friends, his children, his wife, and her Ukrainian parents. Keeping people at a distance and deflecting any deeper connections with humor or professionalism are so natural to Conor that he's unprepared for the messiness of friendship and family life. Seeing how these characters grow and change is satisfying and will leave most readers eager to start reading the next installment.
Conor is opposed to capitalizing on the "haunted castle" theme. But as he uncovers the castle's secrets, he's faced with something beyond his powers to fix.
This is the strongest book in the series so far, exploring the relationships between Conor, his friends, his children, his wife, and her Ukrainian parents. Keeping people at a distance and deflecting any deeper connections with humor or professionalism are so natural to Conor that he's unprepared for the messiness of friendship and family life. Seeing how these characters grow and change is satisfying and will leave most readers eager to start reading the next installment.
May 28, 2019
Excellent Series
I became a fan of Ms. Grainger when I read "The Tour". It was shortly before my first trip to Ireland. Ms. Grainger has a way of bringing Ireland alive. In the same way, she turned Conor O'Shea into a beloved character, bringing him to life in the pages of The Tour Series. As I made my way through my own guided tour of Ireland with my family, I felt almost as if I had been there before.
" The Story of Grenville King" brings us closer to the characters of Conor and Ana. It reminds us of the importance of good communication and to treasure the love of our family above all else. This is definitely a "feel good Irish summer read"!
I became a fan of Ms. Grainger when I read "The Tour". It was shortly before my first trip to Ireland. Ms. Grainger has a way of bringing Ireland alive. In the same way, she turned Conor O'Shea into a beloved character, bringing him to life in the pages of The Tour Series. As I made my way through my own guided tour of Ireland with my family, I felt almost as if I had been there before.
" The Story of Grenville King" brings us closer to the characters of Conor and Ana. It reminds us of the importance of good communication and to treasure the love of our family above all else. This is definitely a "feel good Irish summer read"!
January 18, 2018
I adore this author. Her writing is so descriptive it brings back my memories of when I was in Ireland. Her characters are so well developed that they feel like your best friends.
Conor and Ana are perfect together until the green-eyed monster raises his ugly head and they forget how important it is to talk to each other. And then there is the appearance of an evil hearted man who almost ruins everything. And don't forget the ghost. I hope Ms. Grainger has many more stories up her sleeve about this group of characters. I can wait!
Conor and Ana are perfect together until the green-eyed monster raises his ugly head and they forget how important it is to talk to each other. And then there is the appearance of an evil hearted man who almost ruins everything. And don't forget the ghost. I hope Ms. Grainger has many more stories up her sleeve about this group of characters. I can wait!
February 6, 2018
A lovely book.
How delightful to catch up with Conor O'Shea again and some of the other wonderful characters we first met on ' The Tour'. Whilst it is not necessary to read the previous two books in this series to enjoy The story of Grenville King I highly recommend them .. they are beautiful books and set the scene for this book.
This book has everything you could possibly want, fantastic characters, a beautiful location, drama, history and a mystery. It is a wonderful book from a talented author. I definitely recommend it.
How delightful to catch up with Conor O'Shea again and some of the other wonderful characters we first met on ' The Tour'. Whilst it is not necessary to read the previous two books in this series to enjoy The story of Grenville King I highly recommend them .. they are beautiful books and set the scene for this book.
This book has everything you could possibly want, fantastic characters, a beautiful location, drama, history and a mystery. It is a wonderful book from a talented author. I definitely recommend it.
February 10, 2018
Grenville King
This was a great continuation of Conor and his good friends and family. Once again I was drawn into the story completely.
When reading other reviews for a story I might be interested in, folks talk about protagonists, etc. I have wondered why those folks do that, and have surmised that the story didn't/ couldn't captivate them.
Well, believe me, those folks would be captivated by this story!
I loved this story. I hope you give yourself time to read it. You will love it too!
This was a great continuation of Conor and his good friends and family. Once again I was drawn into the story completely.
When reading other reviews for a story I might be interested in, folks talk about protagonists, etc. I have wondered why those folks do that, and have surmised that the story didn't/ couldn't captivate them.
Well, believe me, those folks would be captivated by this story!
I loved this story. I hope you give yourself time to read it. You will love it too!
May 17, 2020
Another winner! Excellent story-telling that was griping and inspired right to the end. I am amazed at the creativity in the author's mind and how she intertwines all the details to keep the reader intrigued. I love the characters who began in story one and find their journeys constantly interesting.
Highly recommend if you have read book 1 & 2 in this particular series. Grainger's prose is wonderful and in this particular novel, I could visualize the remake of the Castle in every detail.
Thanks for a delightful read!
Highly recommend if you have read book 1 & 2 in this particular series. Grainger's prose is wonderful and in this particular novel, I could visualize the remake of the Castle in every detail.
Thanks for a delightful read!
June 30, 2020
Conor's back!
The third installment of "The Tour" series has Conor back as the main character. Another four years has gone by and we find Connor partnering with Corline to renovate a mansion into a five star hotel. Life is real. Ana's parents have moved in, Ana and Conor are having communication issues, Dylan's father is trying to meet him (and that is really bad news) and the hotel has a ghost.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters better. Great story and details.
The third installment of "The Tour" series has Conor back as the main character. Another four years has gone by and we find Connor partnering with Corline to renovate a mansion into a five star hotel. Life is real. Ana's parents have moved in, Ana and Conor are having communication issues, Dylan's father is trying to meet him (and that is really bad news) and the hotel has a ghost.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters better. Great story and details.
March 31, 2021
Compelling Irish series
I started “The Tour” b/c I had been reading sad stuff. The notion of a “feel-good” book was foreign. Admittedly, there are some plot points that are a bit far fetched, but that’s the fun. If I go to Ireland on a bus tour, will someone leave me a lot of money.? The change in Corlene’s character and abilities between books 1 and 2 are also far fetched—but nice for Corlene. “Grenville King”” pulls together these and other plot points. It’s the best of the 3 I’ve read. Looking forward to the other two!
I started “The Tour” b/c I had been reading sad stuff. The notion of a “feel-good” book was foreign. Admittedly, there are some plot points that are a bit far fetched, but that’s the fun. If I go to Ireland on a bus tour, will someone leave me a lot of money.? The change in Corlene’s character and abilities between books 1 and 2 are also far fetched—but nice for Corlene. “Grenville King”” pulls together these and other plot points. It’s the best of the 3 I’ve read. Looking forward to the other two!
October 23, 2023
This is the 3rd book in the Tour series. I loved the first one, 2nd was ok, and really liked this one!
Conor, the tour guide and main character, is opening a new business with Corlene, his American friend and former guest from one of the tours.
They are turning an old, possibly haunted, castle into an upscale resort. There is a ton of work to do, and between Conor, his flirty partner who his wife Ana doesn’t trust, and other characters that are skilled to help get them ready for the grand opening. Lots of twists and turns and interesting characters.
Conor, the tour guide and main character, is opening a new business with Corlene, his American friend and former guest from one of the tours.
They are turning an old, possibly haunted, castle into an upscale resort. There is a ton of work to do, and between Conor, his flirty partner who his wife Ana doesn’t trust, and other characters that are skilled to help get them ready for the grand opening. Lots of twists and turns and interesting characters.
November 5, 2023
Loved the character development's
Getting to know Conner pages was a treat, along with his lively family. Teamwork and problem feature in this book. And then there is the little boy ghost that is released to find his family. And I personally love the which. Each character has a strong dance of self and yet they work together beautifully. The author has a great sense of rhythm and just the right number of words to describe situations as it never gets tiresome, but moves the plot a long. Great job.
Getting to know Conner pages was a treat, along with his lively family. Teamwork and problem feature in this book. And then there is the little boy ghost that is released to find his family. And I personally love the which. Each character has a strong dance of self and yet they work together beautifully. The author has a great sense of rhythm and just the right number of words to describe situations as it never gets tiresome, but moves the plot a long. Great job.
March 1, 2018
Another, brilliant, Conor O'Shea novel by author-extraordinaire, Jean Grainger!
This, third in a series book featuring Conor O'Shea hits the mark on so many levels ... the characters are wonderfully fleshed-out, the dialogue is crisp and often-times humorous, and the story-line is interesting (especially coming with its own twist, as it does) to the point of needing to read what's going to happen, next, even if it means getting dinner started a bit later than planned!!
This, third in a series book featuring Conor O'Shea hits the mark on so many levels ... the characters are wonderfully fleshed-out, the dialogue is crisp and often-times humorous, and the story-line is interesting (especially coming with its own twist, as it does) to the point of needing to read what's going to happen, next, even if it means getting dinner started a bit later than planned!!
April 3, 2018
I enjoyed this book very much! Jean Grainger strikes the right balance between moving ahead with this delightful story and filling in readers on the history of the characters, for those new to the series.
The story kept me engaged from start to finish, even towards the end when I suspected coming events. Jean has a great way of tying all the loose ends together for a satisfying conclusion.
I'm hoping for another in this series!
The story kept me engaged from start to finish, even towards the end when I suspected coming events. Jean has a great way of tying all the loose ends together for a satisfying conclusion.
I'm hoping for another in this series!
April 21, 2018
A fun read!
I gave this book four stars for interesting characters and how Ms Grainger kept the story flowing. It would have received five stars if there had been more about Grenville. His character could have been developed more, perhaps I would have felt closer to him. I did laugh aloud at some of the quirky characters, the author definitely made me see, hear and feel what the village must be like!
I gave this book four stars for interesting characters and how Ms Grainger kept the story flowing. It would have received five stars if there had been more about Grenville. His character could have been developed more, perhaps I would have felt closer to him. I did laugh aloud at some of the quirky characters, the author definitely made me see, hear and feel what the village must be like!
October 19, 2018
A really good Irish read! The CoConor O’ Shea series was really good. All three books were entertaining and gave a good mental image of the people and beauty of Ireland. I hated to finish the last book , “The story of Grenville King” knowing it was the last one in the series.
The Conor O’Shea series was really entertaining. All of the characters were developed from one book to the next, and by the end you felt like family and hated to see them go. Maybe one more?
The Conor O’Shea series was really entertaining. All of the characters were developed from one book to the next, and by the end you felt like family and hated to see them go. Maybe one more?
August 23, 2020
Great adventure in Ireland
This is a real page turner and a great summer read. I am becoming a enthusiastic fan of these books. The plots are engrossing and very romantic in a life affirming way. The characters are appealing and I will read any other books with these wonderful irish people. This is the sixth book by this author I have rad this year and all of them I can recommend.
This is a real page turner and a great summer read. I am becoming a enthusiastic fan of these books. The plots are engrossing and very romantic in a life affirming way. The characters are appealing and I will read any other books with these wonderful irish people. This is the sixth book by this author I have rad this year and all of them I can recommend.
November 6, 2020
Delightful mystery with a magical twist
At times the story became darker than I like, but evened our. Good portrayal of characters, excellent visualization of the countryside. The plot was intricate and interesting. Tied together elements from previous books, and for one book Book, which had been read out of order (Billie Romano) it resolved some plot confusion info that was alluded to in that book.
At times the story became darker than I like, but evened our. Good portrayal of characters, excellent visualization of the countryside. The plot was intricate and interesting. Tied together elements from previous books, and for one book Book, which had been read out of order (Billie Romano) it resolved some plot confusion info that was alluded to in that book.
March 29, 2021
NEVER PREDICTABLE! I really enjoyed the first book and then the second also. I started the third without expectations of furnishing it because series usually become predictable and strained, BUT NOT THESE STORIES! Each one is as fresh as the first. Great reading.
I am ready to start the fourth in the series. Rich historical and modern blend with some romance. I like that every single person in the books don't have to be paired off by the end.
I am ready to start the fourth in the series. Rich historical and modern blend with some romance. I like that every single person in the books don't have to be paired off by the end.
April 18, 2021
This is another engrossing tale of Conor O'Shea and the friends he has made along the way. The Grenville King component was a little strange, but other than that, I enjoyed how the author continued the relationships among the people from books 1 the series. She has a knack for describing people's feelings, though most are expressed how Conor perceives them. Friendship, honesty, and loyalty prevail. I am glad there are additional books in the series.
July 8, 2022
Grand!
Jean Grainger, you never cease to amaze me with your wonderful, awesome GRAND, stories.
Your books/stories are for absolutely everyone. If all would get their noses out off their phones, read your books, maybe they'd be hooked on reading.
A long time ago I got my very rebellious teenage daughter to read a good book, (while she was grounded in her room) and she was hooked.
5 stars , easy peasy!!
Jean Grainger, you never cease to amaze me with your wonderful, awesome GRAND, stories.
Your books/stories are for absolutely everyone. If all would get their noses out off their phones, read your books, maybe they'd be hooked on reading.
A long time ago I got my very rebellious teenage daughter to read a good book, (while she was grounded in her room) and she was hooked.
5 stars , easy peasy!!
March 23, 2023
Although this is Book #3 in the series, it’s the first one I have read. This was an absolutely delightful read! I enjoyed the Irish use of words, a couple that worked through their problems, and twin 7-year old boys. The fact that Ana (one of the main characters) is Ukrainian made the story very timely. And ha! The Russian is the bad guy! I’m going to read book 1 in the series next. I’ll be reading more of Jean Grainger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2023
Read this 3rd book and was amazed at the new story lines that the author developed. A whole different story than what it was in the first book. I thought it was good that the characters had evolved and life had changed for them as it would in real life. A few twists in the background of the characters came out and made some interesting explanations for why they went to Ireland in the first book. I’m intrigued now to see what else this series will have in it.
August 21, 2025
I was pleased to see the story of Conor, Ana, and the HoteL in the Castle in this book. In the Mags Munroe series, she and her husband enjoy visits to the renovated castle. I enjoyed reading about the renovation of the castle, and the "ghost story". I do love how somehow unlimited money to do these renovations fell on him and his partner. I hope as I continue the series, I still enjoy them as much because Conor is no longer a tour guide.
February 11, 2018
Conor O'Shea Strikes Again
I fell for Conor (and Jean Grainger's wonderful, engaging style in telling stories of Ireland that take me back to my visits there decades back) when I read The Tour. His third trip across my e-reader is as positive and entertaining as the first two. I look forward to more!
I fell for Conor (and Jean Grainger's wonderful, engaging style in telling stories of Ireland that take me back to my visits there decades back) when I read The Tour. His third trip across my e-reader is as positive and entertaining as the first two. I look forward to more!
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