In 1898 three young girls leave a Dublin orphanage to enter a life of domestic service. They are placed in the home of Captain Charles Whitmore but soon discover that the household is in turmoil. Charles, hoping to amass a fortune, is preparing to set off on a long sea voyage, deliberately leaving his wife Georgina almost penniless to fend for herself and the servants.Georgina, who has been … been desperate to break free from a life of violent marital abuse, is relieved that he will be gone for some years, but nevertheless the future is frightening.
Then help comes from an unexpected quarter. An organisation that helps women escape lives of abuse or genteel poverty makes Georgina an offer. They propose that her house should become a school designed to train such women to seek employment in the American West. The very idea is at once shocking and appealing.
Can Georgina step into the unknown and lead the women under her care into the future?
The orphan maids listen and wonder. Can they too dare to dream of a better life for themselves?
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A part of history I didn’t know existed. A sobering reality-check that the world of the 19th century rich wasn’t all roses and balls. Fascinating story!
This story touches the heart while holding your interest. I’m getting the sequel.
Totally enjoyed this book, could hardly put it down an want to start the sequel if I can find it,I’m definitely looking.., a must read , lots of characters and yet easy to keep track and very real.
Thought provoking and brilliant problem solving
I have enjoyed ALL the books I have orderec. I like a variety of reading material and am so glad that I can order them from Book Bud. Thank you!
In turn of the century Ireland, an organization was instituted to help gently reared women fallen on hard times to be trained to find employment. The story of their lives as they earn independence is begun in this first book. Well written, nicely developed main characters, a bit of mystery makes for an enjoyable read.
Good reading…
Heartwarming story of a brave woman and how she takes care of herself and so many others with the awful situation she finds herself in. Love her and the staff.
Enjoyed very much
Love Gemma Jackson’s writing. This did not disappoint!
I definitely enjoyed the plot line of this book. It’s an easy, entertaining read (great for a vacation).
An interesting and informative tale of Victorian life, and the struggle of women to find freedom.
everything she writes is excellent!!!!!
I enjoyed learning about life in Dublin at the turn of the century from an author who grew up there. When I finished, I had to buy the sequel.
A little slow getting started, but then could not put down! Tragic how women were treated in the late 1800’s.
I really enjoyed this book, so much that I bought the sequel. Love the characters and the intrigue. It is hard to believe the horrible situations the women were in and that the men were so very bad. I have read enough novels of this time in England to know these things were not uncommon, but I have really enjoyed learning more.
Not the typical plot for a novel about 19th century gentry. I enjoyed it so much that when I finished reading, I was eager to purchase the sequel.
A great look at how orphans and women were treated in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s…
I liked that a very negative situation was turned into a way to help other women. I read the sequel because I enjoyed this one so much.
It reminds us that women have always had to look out for each other in a man’s world.