A review by chars_cats
What Once Was True: Large Print Edition by Jean Grainger

3.0

This is an endearing story that I enjoyed throughout despite its flaws.

We have two families, the Keneficks and the Murphy's. The Keneficks were once rich in means but are now just rich by title and arrogance. The Murphy's have worked for the rich family long enough that their children have grown up together, although at a distance.

I liked the message that just because you are rich does not mean you will be happy, in life or with yourself. Lady Kenefick, although she looks down on Dermot, Isabella, and their three daughters, she cannot help but notice the respect and closeness the couple has and how well they reared the girls. She looks at her own family and sees the flaws, her daughter has no respect for her and she even once referred to her deceased husband as a companion, like a dog.

This would have a higher rating, however there are serious editing issues. Many sentences and parts of paragraphs were simply doubled and certain things did not make sense. I still enjoyed the story and characters enough to continue reading even though the writing/editing got in its own way.