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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Not a great book but entertaining.
I did not like the ending, felt like the author just quit writing. I like stories about bettering oneself. This was very original, just left me hanging at the end.
An unusual plot with wonderful characters. I loved it.
well written, satisfying story line
I wish there was a 4.5 stars. I would definitely read the next in the series.
it is a great book. People can rise from the ashes, so to speak and change their plight. I was captivated with the characters and their lives. Seeing their growth in spite of their fears was inspiring.
Like all of Gemma Jackson’ s books. They realistically show how life in Ireland was in those times for the poor and how her characters strive to improve their lot in life.You get quite fond of them.
I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I am reading the next one in the series. I hope the author will continue writing more about the women in this story.
I had read another series by this author and after that Book 1, got the whole series and loved it. After I read this book, I immediately got Book 2 in this series as well. Wonderful writing, engaging characters, interesting story line. I always appreciate when a historical novel gives me new insight into the times and the people – as was (once again) the case with this book. I just love this author!
What a great book! I really enjoyed the unique story line, the interesting and well developed characters, and tales of something other than “ton” balls and events. I got to know each of the characters and felt vested in their futures. Enough so that I hurried to get the next book. I only wish there was a third!
This is a wonderful historical novel. I just could not put it down. I was always wondering what was going to happen next. Great characters who are strong women. The main character has prevailed through much to take control of her life and help others along the way.
Gemma Jackson is a GEM
The book was fast moving and true to the times when women had no voice
I enjoyed Jackson’s previous series so I thought I would give this one a try. This series highlights the problems women and girls faced at the turn of the century in Ireland as well as immigration to the United States around that time. The story highlights some of these problems and makes me so grateful that things have changed for the better! Imagine if you could not work to pay your bills or even to save money because anything you earned belonged to your father or husband! It does make you think. Just be aware that you are going to want to read the next book when you finish.
Good story. Kept us guessing. Good characters.
Loved it!!
This book offers a rare look into a certain aspect of women on the 19th century and the turn of the century. Their dependence on the male of the species and the heartbreaking efforts of a rare few to break lose.
I found myself caring so much for Georgina Corrigan Whitmore who opened her home as a transition station for women who ran away from oppressive circumstances in an effort to forge their own destiny. And also for the 3 orphan girls, neither of them masters of their fate. But a least one of them, the feisty Bridget, wishing to break lose.
Beautifully told. Real characters. A gem if a book.
The plot was not believable in the timing of the novel. Yet the characters drew you in so that you wanted to follow their journey.
Good story
I have read both books in this series and am eager to see if there will be a third! Following the stories of these remarkable women and those who help them has me eager to know more.