Totally Amazing - I think I can safely say that this is my favourite Jean Grainger story, and I have read every single one of them. After all, in this time of Covid-19, what could be better than to have the message 'The World Starts Anew' as in this quote from the book: ‘And as I told your brother, the Talmud tells us that with each new baby, the world begins anew.’

All our much loved characters from the earlier books appear in this Book 4 - Elizabeth and Daniel, Jamie and Liesl, Ariella and Willi, Frau Braun, Rabbi Frank, Father O'Toole and, of course, Erich and all the characters that surround him as he grows into manhood. This book is best enjoyed after reading Books 1-3 in the series, but the author has successfully filled in all the background details so this book can also be enjoyed on its own.

Another quote from the book that really stood out to me is this: 'You’re a good man, but as I know all too well, all it takes is for good men to stand by and say nothing in the face of wrongdoing to enable unspeakable horrors.’

Thank you, Jean Grainger, you have done it once again and extremely well. I am privileged to be one of your ARC readers, and my opinions are completely my own and given under no obligation.
12 s Howard Surdin58

I got caught up in this continuing saga and I loved it. Being able to follow the characters from the start of their journey through the growth of the characters is most enjoying. Sorry for the bad review, not really good at reviewing.5 s Lisa Glad75 2

I really enjoyed this series, and the narrator has the most beautiful Irish and other accents (though I have no way to verify if they're authentic or not; they are very enjoyable!). This is #4 of The Star and the Shamrock series, WWII and following, interactions with Jewish children from the Kindertransport trains taken to Ireland.adult-fiction audiobooks historical-fiction4 s Maggie AntonAuthor 13 books272

I enjoyed The World Starts Anew more than Book 3. In addition to the Jewish content, I especially appreciated how expertly Jean Grainger reintroduced the many characters from Books 1-3 without TMI, and how she kept so many plot balls in the air without dropping them. I was impressed at how well she integrated the scandal of abusive Irish "mother and baby homes" [google it] that came to light in the early 2020's. Of course I d the happy ending that tied up so many loose ends. I feel sad because this is the final book of the "Star and Shamrock" series, however I recommend reading the series novels in order.historical-fiction jewish judaism ...more3 s Sarah551 35

Book four in The Star and the Shamrock Series. This book focuses on Erich, the little Jewish boy who rode the Kindertransport in the first book. At 23, he has found a girlfriend. Will her and her family accept him as Jew? An adventure ensues. Will the community in Ireland still remain as one big happy family? I really enjoyed the whole book series! Would highly encourage reading book one through four in order. 2 s Jrobert303 3

Well glad to be done with this series of books. I must admit this book was better than the book three in the series. I’d give it a 2.5 rating if I could. All the familiar characters are back with a few new ones added. This is the continuing story of the son and his life struggles as a young man in Ireland, post WW2 Berlin, kinder transport refugee whose parents were Jewish and catholic. Interesting twist but I believe she writes for a younger audience so I doubt I’ll pick up another of her books.ww2-holocaust-related2 s Dan Rogers663 13

I enjoyed this addition to the series however I feel a little let down at the end of the story. Not sure what it is other than to say that I didn't feel that the author had as much enthusiasm for this book as she has shown in all her past work. As I've loved everything she's written I don't expect everything to have the same level of intensity and enthusiasm. Still worthwhile to read the book.
2 s Brandi 129 6

The World Starts Anew is book 4 in Jean Graingers’ “Star & Shamrock Series”. The series, follows the lives of two young children Liesl and her younger brother Erich during and after WWII.

We learn in book one, The Star and the Shamrock, Liesl and Erich are sent to a distant cousin Elizabeth while fleeing the Kindertransport. Liesl, Eric and Elizabeth are taken to several places over Europe, finally escaping Berlin in 1939 and residing in the small town of Ballycreggan, Ireland. Ballycreggan is where the farm is located, headed by Rabbi David Frank and becomes home to children and youth from the kindertransport.

The World Starts Anew, picks up in 1955 with the story of Erich Bannon. Erich is in his early 20’s and is fighting the struggle of where does he fit in. His friends who grew up on the farm are moving out to the Promised Land, Europe and some are in America. Erich has the inner conflict of feeling as though Ballycreggan is his home. His family is there, the adults who have become family to him, and his sister Liesl and her new husband Jamie live there too. How can Erich leave them, this is home, but how can he also be his own man?

Erich finds himself keen on an Irish Catholic girl: Roisin. While Erich is away visiting Bud in America, Roisin dissapears. When Erich learns of his loves’ disappearance, Erich returns to Ballycreggan and vows to find Roisin, no matter the cost.

This story also explores how unwed mothers are treated and exploited by the Catholic Church, how criminal allegiances begin, treatment of women in criminal families, the new beginnings of marriages and first time parents, transitioning from child – adult relationships into adult friendships as the younger person ages and finally the profound respect one has for their faith and their rabbi, pastor or priest.

As usual, Jean is keenly aware of the societal issues she brings into her novels and is mindful to approach them with sensitivity. I am a huge fan of Jean Grainger’s writing. I am a huge fan of some of her characters. In the Star & the Shamrock series, we have seen two unique aspects in response to a dire situation. The first being the fictional town of Ballycreggan, Ireland. Where over the course of the series, we see the Jewish community mostly accepted by the town natives, and how through the years the town pulled up their boot straps and supported each other regardless of their faith. It did not matter if you were red haired, blonde haired, brown eyed, green eyed, Jewish, Protestant or Catholic; you are of Ballycreggan and this is what mattered. Would not the world be a much better place if we as humans could all have this view point, regardless of where we live in the world, what we look , where we originate from and what our beliefs are? Humanity was meant to live in community. The Star & the Shamrock series is a beautiful testimony to this belief.

Secondly, we saw the beautiful friendship develop between the men of faith in this community, the Jewish rabbi, the protestant reverend and the Catholic priest. This was a beautiful friendship to witness over the series. I will end this review with the words from Rabbi David Frank, as spoken by Erich:

“‘Remember how the rabbi explained that a leaf grows from the tree and then falls into the soil and nourishes it, and more plants and trees spring up? That’s how life is. Those who live and are kind and righteous, they nurture the lives of others. He said that we nourish the future through the influence we have on those that come after us.”.

The World Starts Anew is available exclusively on Amazon. Paperback is available now. Pre-orders for Kindle (e-book) version are available now. The e-book will be available December 1, 2020.1 Savsandy706 7

Erich Grows Up

At age 23, Erich Bannon feels abandoned by his friends who've all moved away from Ballycreggan, the only home he can truly remember. Even though he was born in Germany, Erich considers himself Irish because that's where his mutti Elizabeth took him and his sister Liesl after their home in Liverpool England was bombed by the Luftwaffe.

Erich was having an old-fashioned pity party when a chance meeting with a local Catholic girl improves his outlook and his attitude. Roisin is smart and beautiful and fun to be with but she insists they can't be seen together. Because the town of Ballycreggan has so generously opened its hearts and its doors to the Jewish community, Erich has never experienced resistance or contempt for being a Jew, so he sees no reason they can't be together just because of some silly archaic 'rules' that forbid the mixing of religions.

When Roisin's brothers discover that she and Erich have been seeing each other, they react violently. Suddenly Erich's life is in danger and Roisin disappears. Following his recovery, Erich remains despondent over losing Roisin, but with some help from Rabbi Frank, he sets out to find her and bring her back home to Ballycreggan.

"The World Starts Anew" is the fourth and final book in 'The Star and the Shamrock' series as it follows Erich across the Channel to America and back to Ireland. Up to now Erich seemed to be frozen in time as a sweet ten year old boy hanging on to his older sister's hand as they boarded the Kindertransport all those years ago. He's refreshing in his naivete but Erich must all too quickly grow up when he realizes he needs help in his effort to rescue Roisin. As previously demonstrated, author Jean Grainger does a masterful job of bringing her characters to life. In the post-war 1950's the ugliness of racial and religious bigotry continues its malevolent growth but Grainger's handling of it holds out hope that the world may eventually become a kinder, more tolerant society. Someday. Surely? Four stars.1 Debi16 3

Not as good as the First three books but still kept my interest1 Lucy Baldes5

Awesome series

Not even close to the genre that I normally read, but I really enjoyed this series and a few of her other books. Don’t be afraid to try something new. I was hesitant, but now I wish the series would continue.1 Amanda Swartzwelder52

A great series ending

So thrilled with how their story has come along through life. I really enjoy all of Jean's books but these 4 have been my absolute favorite. 1 Nancy McShannon14 1 follower

Absolutely loved this series!1 Beth8

This series was one of the best I’ve ever read!1 Lee Ann215 1 follower

If you enjoy historical fiction and exploring the consequences of WWII, this is set of 4 books is really wonderful. Learn about Ireland and the people who found a way to live together after the war.1 Helen Gaye Brewster210 7

I’ve finished the series and loved it. It’s based on true events during World War II. The story of the Kindertransport and the refugee camp in Northern Ireland was new to me. I’ve read a lot of books set during World War II but didn’t know about this.

Jean Grainger tells the characters’ stories so well and shows that in spite of the horrors of the war, there is still good in the world.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction this is a great series.1 Kate41

My least favorite of this series. Read more a romance novel than historical fiction. And lay off the Catholics, geez, not everyone want to be a Jew and not every Catholic is a bigoted bully!1 Pam4,431 54

The World Starts Anew: The Star and the Shamrock Series Book 4 is by Jean Grainger. This book is just as intense and emotional as the others in the series. Through this series, we readers have watched Liesl and Erich Bannon grow up in Ireland among strangers who took them in after they were brought to England by the Kindertransport. They were to stay with a cousin in London, Elizabeth; but after her home was bombed during the Blitz, she took them to Ireland where they stayed in her parents’ home. They became friends with the children at a nearby farm which had been set up for Jewish children who weren??t placed in homes. The entire group on the farm as well as the townspeople became good friends and acceptance was granted to all. After the war, Liesl and Erich’s mother came to Ireland to be reunited with the children. She and the lady who hid her during the war and the lady’s son also came to their town in Ireland. Rather than take the children away from their adoptive parents, their mother stayed and became part of the extended family. Now, Liesl and Erich are grown and are making lives of their own. As usual in people’s lives, real life is not without its struggles and problems. Most of Liesl’s problems were in Book 3 but Erich’s are just beginning.
Jean Grainger does a fantastic job of creating this story and combining her imagination with the beauty and ugliness of life in Ireland after World War II. She tells their story with a truthfulness that makes it necessary to expose some of the dark secrets that life includes. She shows that with the combined strengths of everyone around us, we can overcome the dark secrets and be left with the light of the best life has to offer. Her novels are always well researched and well written. the others in the series, having a box of tissues nearby is advised. This book deserves 10 stars. Jill398

It was great revisiting Ballycreggan, Northern Ireland and all the friends and family in this installment of the Star and the Shamrock series. We have watched little Erich grow into a young man from the beginning of the series when he was a young child separated from his Mutter due to the War.

Erich has grown into a respectable young man. He is a successful builder along with his adopted dad, Daniel and his stepdad Willi. He is saddened to see all of his friends from the Farm leave for Israel and other lands as they seek to find their place in the world. Erich misses his friends but does not wish to leave the life he has made in Ireland. However, he is uncertain what life holds for him - will he someday wish to leave? will he find a girl to spend his life with? His future seems to be open with possibilities but he doesn't yet know what he truly wants. Ms. Grainger expertly weaves a tale of a young man who is searching to find himself. She has developed a very complete and complex character in Erich, and readers truly get to know him in this book. We experience his joys and disappointments and worry along with him what the future has in store.

In addition to learning more about Erich and reading his story, we also get to revisit other old friends - Elizabeth, Daniel, Ariella, Willi, Frau Braun and Rabbi Frank - and learn what is happening in their lives. Reading Ms. Grainger's books is coming home - all of our old friends are there and life feels good. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories of Ireland, of the war, of young love, or just of a sweet tale of the strength and love between friends and family!favorites Mary864 2

This is the 4th book in the Star and Shamrock series. Set in the 1950's, the children who arrived by Kindertransport are now grown and are beginning lives of their own. "Ballycreggan, Northern Ireland, 1955. Erich Bannon is happy in the small Irish village he has thought of as home since he arrived as a terrified, traumatized seven year old, one of the last Jewish children to escape Berlin in 1939. Now twenty three years old, it feels all of his friends are drawn to The Promised Land, and he can understand why, but Israel is not for him. One by one, they leave, and Erich is bereft. Feeling lonely, he wonders if he should just go too, but a chance encounter with an Irish Catholic girl makes him feel hope again. All he and Róisín want is to be allowed to love each other but the traditions and rules of their backgrounds forbid it. When Róisín is spirited away by her family, Erich wonders if their relationship was doomed from the start, and he’s drawn to the bright lights of New York to salve his broken heart. By the time he learns that Róisín wasn’t honest with him about her family and what kind of people they really were, it is too late and he finds himself unwittingly embroiled in a dangerous world from which there seems to be no escape, no matter where he goes. From rural Ireland, to the glitz of 1950’s America, from the orange groves of Israel to the dark streets of post-war Liverpool, The World Starts Anew, is the fourth book in the best-selling Star and the Shamrock series." synopsis copied Margaret Derouleaux6

Just finished this last book in a series of 4. It covers a period in history about which I knew only a little - the Kindertransport of Jewish children of Europe to “safer” places during the worst parts of WWII - in this case, to Ireland. The Republic of Ireland declared itself neutral during the war and thus suffered less damage than Britain and Northern Ireland.

This series follows two Jewish children sent by their widowed mother from Berlin to Britain to the widowed aunt who agrees to care for them. Their home in Liverpool is soon destroyed so they move to Ireland and join a group of children and adults at a farm where they are relatively safe. The story follows the brother and sister over the years of the war, as they wait to hear of the fate of their mother and mature under the care of the woman who has taken them in.

The series is a bit of an emotional roller coaster but does allow for some bright moments that encourage the pursuit of the story of the Kindertransport children as they try to survive the heartache of the Holocaust.

Book 4 also introduces the story of the treatment of unwed mothers in Ireland during the 50s through modern times with harrowing descriptions of the treatment of these young women and the fate of their offspring.

While Grainger’s books provide only an overview of these deep topics, they do encourage the reader to find out more about very important issues. They rate 5 stars overall for this alone. They are also well written and worth pursuing.

Sarah Javier43

This time, the author put the spotlight on Erich, the little kid who rode the Kindertransport to Liverpool in the first novel, frightened and clenched to his sister’s arm. In this new book, Erich is a grown man, hardworking and charming, but as Liesl in The Hard Way Home he is trying to find his place on earth.

Erich falls in love with an Irish catholic girl, and although none of them care a bit about their individual origins, it seems her family did, and it soon became a problem that could end the lovely relationship they’d grown. Erich finds himself having to make some difficult decisions and learning lessons that as his sister learned herself, are most times, too rough but needed.

The novel is mainly focused on the anti semitism hatred of last century beyond World War II. As we know from the prior novels on the series, the kids are raised by two families who had at least one member of their faith and also counted with the spiritual and emotional support of their Rabbi. There is a lot to highlight on the way the author addresses the matter, and the internal battles Erich goes through in his attempt to make peace with his origins. He is happy with whom he is, and his faith is just his faith, not a definition of himself.

“What was the point of it all? Religion just divided people, created barriers where none were needed.

Erich Bannon’s thoughts

Please check out my full review here: https://sarahjavierblog.wordpress.com.... Robin3

Loved this most recent addition to The Star and the Shamrock series. As always Jean Grainger did a marvelous job creating an interesting plot with, mostly, lovable characters. As you read through the story you will feel completely filled in on what has transpired in this series beforehand. This is the story of Erich, one of two children that we were introduced to when they took the Kindertransport from war torn Germany to Ireland. Erich has grown up and is somewhat struggling with what to do with his life. By chance he meets the love of his life only to have her rudely and abruptly taken from him. He learns the truth of what happened while visiting a friend in America and rushes back to Ireland. The bit of suspense and lurking evil added another level to Jean’s writing without taking away her ability to write so that you feel you are friends, or would to be, with all of her characters. Once you read this book you will want to go back and read the previous three in the series if you haven’t already! Almost best of all is the underlying message in this book, at a much needed time in our world, that we should all respect and accept each other’s differences. Help rather than hurt others. Ann Roesinger218 3

A Child is sign that life should go on

As the children of the farm are disbursed to new homes, reunited with family, or begin life anew; Erich and Leisel find themselves surrounded by love and immersed in family.

While Lehrer had imagined herself relocating to Europe and living a great adventure she is settled again in Ireland with Jamie. Having survived both her college years and her nightmare relationship with Kurt, she is at peace and at home.

Erich had always believed he belonged in Ireland with family. As his friends relocate to America, Europe and even Israel, he has no desire to leave. Working alone side Daniel and Willi in a family business, Erich appears serene.

However it is Erich who faces rejection, loss and fear in this, the Fourth Book of the Stars and Shamrock series. Growing up, Erich was always the "little man" protected by Leisel, David and Elizabeth from the realities of war. He was, after all,only seven when he and his big sister arrived on the Kindertransport from Germany.

But now, he us a young man who is seeking a place in his world. When he meets Rossine, he falls helplessly and hopelessly in love. But can Erich face the challenges that await and finally become the man his father dreamed he would be? Elaine 493 5

A Jean Grainger book will tug at your heart and bring a tear to your eye with all the real-world problems she writes about. But in the end, family, love and community come through to warm you back up. The World Starts Anew is no exception. I loved this as much as the other 3 books in the series. They are getting a long letter from your best friend giving you all the happening and love in their life. The books stand alone but you will definitely want to read them all to get the full feeling for how the lives change through time. The series centers on a group of Jewish children transported to Ireland during WWII to save them from the Nazis. But they have to leave their families behind and they turn to each other and their transported rabbi for their new family. This book, which feels the last one, follows Erich as he learns that a relationship between a Jew and a catholic in Ireland is very difficult. Throw in some threats from the IRA and you have a plot that will keep you up late reading. Pat677 6

Ballycreggan, Northern Ireland, 1955

Erich Bannon is happy in the small Irish village he has thought of as home since he arrived as a terrified, traumatized seven year old, one of the last Jewish children to escape Berlin in 1939. Now, at 23, it feels all of his friends are drawn to The Promised Land, and he can understand why, but Israel is not for him. One by one, they leave, and Erich is bereft.

He feels lost, but a chance encounter with an Irish Catholic girl gives him hope. All he and Róisín want is to be allowed to love each other, but the traditions and rules of their backgrounds forbid it.

By the time he learns that Róisín wasn’t honest with him about her family and what kind of people they really are, it is too late, and he finds himself unwittingly embroiled in a dangerous world from which there seems to be no escape.

When Róisín disappears, events take a sinister turn, and Erich wonders if their relationship really was all he thought it was.... Reluctant to place his family in danger, he has to solve his problems alone - something he’s never had to do before. Jane 700 26

The World Starts Anew is a wonderful read, filled with Irish history which so often complicated human interactions. The story focuses on the trials of Erich Brannon, but all the beloved characters from the first three installments play significant roles. If you are new to the series, I recommend you start at the beginning, but the author gives you background if this is a reader’s introduction. This reader will give nothing away that would give spoilers. I will say that should you choose to read your time will not be spent unwisely! Taking place in the fifties, Ms. Grainger has a firm grasp on the divisions of the period...between Northern and Southern Ireland, Jews and Catholics, the unspeakable injustices perpetrated by the Catholic Church’s treatment of unwed mothers, and the pull of Israel for many Jews who had survived WWII. There is much to contemplate and explore when the last word is read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. Most highly recommend. Rrshively1,450

This is the fourth in a series that should be read in order. I enjoyed reading the series even though I rated individual books at a three. This one mainly concentrates on grown up Erich, a Jewish boy who was sent out of Germany on the last train before escaping was no longer possible. It is the mid 50's, and Erich rescues a girl hit by a car and becomes completely infatuated with her. The road to true love is full of obstacles. This isn't just a romance, though. One of the most significant parts of the book is the horrific treatment of unwed mothers in Catholic Ireland by nuns running homes for unwed mothers. We also encounter gangsters and religious prejudice and, conversely, religious respect. This is the time when Israel was being settled by war torn Jews, so we learn a bit about that, too. Most of all we find out what happens to all of our favorite characters from the previous books. Lisa784 6

The World Starts Anew is the 4th book in the amazing Star and Shamrock series. If you have not read the previous books I suggest you do - not just because they are incredible but also to get a more complete background to this family saga. It can however be read without reading the other books.

Erich Bannon was sent over to England with his sister on the last Kindertransport out of Germany and was raised in the Irish Village Ballycreggan. As a young man Erich has yet to find his place in the world. This is his story.
Set in 1950’s Ireland it deals with real issues of that time which makes it an emotional read. With the help of all the wonderful, amazing characters that you expect in this series Erich becomes the magnificent young man he was always destined to be.
I loved this book, and series, and cannot recommend it highly enough.
Rosanne Nutland151

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