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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I enjoyed this 2 book series. The ending could have been better, I feel like there were some unresolved story lines that maybe a book 3 could cover.
Ends like a prequel.
I have never read Gemma Jackson before! She is now my favorite author. What a wonderful story teller.
I’ve enjoyed reading Ms. Gemma Jackson books, because of the reality of the world that she writes about in this book. Most have no idea that women in this time period actually belonged to there husband much like a horse or a piece of land and were treated worse than a horse. Excellent books with lots of twists and turn.
This author has two exceptional series. I read all weekend. The Ha’ Penny series was so good, as was the Dare series. I felt like I was living these stories with the characters. Great writing.
I loved the story. I can’t wait to read more.
I love Gemma Jackson’s Ivy Rose series – this promises to be another great series!
The author brought the late 1800’s England to life. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I have bought the next book and am hoping there will be more in the series.
Very interesting view into the past.
Great book that you can’t put down. Characters are fantastic and plot is so very unusual. Thank you.
This is a fantastic book, taking place around 1898 in Ireland. Some readers may not know that in those days even when a woman brought money into the marriage, it would belong to the husband and if he were a gambler she could be left destitute. In this book it starts with three orphans and the very strict rules the orphans have to follow. It deals with abuse by a husband and how slowly the wife starts to find courage to stand up against him and as a third thing she gets involved in helping young women find freedom from either a forced unwanted marriage or other dependent state where they would work almost like slaves. These women from rich families however were brought up in such a way that they cannot do anything for themselves. So they have to be taught.
I’ve enjoyed both books and I want a third! I have a new appreciation of my rights as a woman now. Also, I love the characters. I root for each of them to thrive and grow. Definitely recommend!
Great book, wonderful women characters. I have read four books by Gemma Jackson and have loved all four of them. Will watch for her books because I know that I will not be disappointed when I read them. My only disappointment is that they end. Can’t wait for more from her.