For All the World – When the Curtain Rises, Even War Takes a Backseat In the shadow of a world torn apart, four young people dare to dream. Peter Cullen, a penniless Dubliner with buckets of charm, big plans and nerves of steel. May Gallagher, her parents' plans for her weighing heavily as she wrenches free of expectation. Nick Gerrity, a man running from a terrible destiny, his past lurking around every corner. Aida Gonzales, adrift in the wreckage of war, grasping at an unexpected lifeline. As the ashes of the Great War still smoulder, these four unlikely allies find themselves seduced by the call of the stage. In a world where an entire generation has been lost to mud and blood, they choose sequins and spotlights, and refuse to be dictated to by the older generation anymore. But the price of following your heart in 1918 comes steep. Will Peter's raw talent be enough to lift him from the gutters of Dublin? Can May break free without breaking her family? Is Nick truly ready to face the music of his past? And will Aida's newfound hope withstand the harsh realities of a continent in chaos? From the smoke-filled pubs of Ireland to the glittering theaters of London, "For All the World" ignites a dazzling new series that proves the show must go on, even when the world outside has gone dark. From USA Today bestselling author Jean Grainger comes a tale of grit, glamour, and the unbreakable spirit of those who dare to dream.
The Great War is over, and the Roaring Twenties are promising a bright new future. Young people have broken free of the bonds that tied them to propriety and for the members of Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret it’s an exhilarating time to be alive. England offers a world of possibilities, but with audiences desperate to hear them perform, everyone only too happy to put the awful war years behind them, the Irish troupe finds themselves facing their biggest challenge yet. Ireland makes yet another bid for freedom, and British soldiers are dying there. Despite their successes in England, they are now met with resentment and hostility. Their once adoring fans have turned against them, fuelled by a vengeful theatre owner seeking revenge. With their reputation in ruins and their future uncertain, they have no choice but return to Ireland, but can they make the show work in a country torn apart by political and military upheaval? Will Ireland embrace their theatrical antics, or will they reject it as improper? Follow the members of Cullen's Celtic Cabaret as they navigate the treacherous landscape of 1920s Ireland, where their talents may be their only hope of survival.
When Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret rolls into a sleepy Irish seaside town, their eccentric and theatrical presence stirs up a flurry of excitement—the public clamouring to buy tickets for the greatest show in Ireland. Set against the backdrop of a relentless war for Ireland’s freedom, the stakes are higher than ever for Peter Cullen and his troupe as they try to stay out of the conflict. But as they soon discover, that’s a luxury nobody can afford. As well as fighting the forces of occupation, some people are using this time of chaos to settle old scores, and it seems the cabaret has gathered some sinister enemies. With danger lurking around every corner, Peter must fight to protect all he’s worked so hard to build. Rivers of Wrath is the third book in the Aisling Series.
The opportunity of a lifetime lands in Peter Cullen’s lap and nothing is going to stop him taking full advantage, not even the misgivings of his wife. Cullen’s Celtic Cabaret has been flying high, but the real goal, the secret desire of Peter’s heart, America, is finally, incredibly, looking like a reality. The troupe are not at all prepared for what awaits them in prohibition era Atlantic City and they are dazzled by the bright lights. Keeping discipline and ensuring everyone remains focused drives Peter to the edge of his patience, but he soon realises that this is the least of his problems, as the gloss and sheen of the New Jersey shore reveals a dark side, and somehow his cabaret has fallen foul of it. What begins as a summer of fun, looks to be taking a sinister turn, and Peter is in way over his head. He can possibly survive, all he needs now is the luck of the Irish. If you enjoyed The Great Gatsby or Boardwalk Empire, you'll love The Gem of Ireland's Crown, the final instalment of the Aisling Series.