Impossible Dream (The Percy Place Series Book 1)

Eye opening read, for that time in history!
Loved the books in this series. Rich in history and the characters depicted the differences in how people were treated because of their station in life. At times it was hard to keep all the people straight because of the multiple names given for the same characters. That is the only reason for only 4 stars.I went on to read the second book in this series. It’s still shocking to see, what women in that time period had to do just to survive. I am now reading “Through Streets Broad and Narrow”, by the same author. It has Granny Grunt as one of the characters as it moves along in time to 1925.I would highly recommend these books, I have definitely enjoyed them.

Excellent!
I must confess–I lost hours of sleep reading the story of three orphans and a young woman who survived domestic violence.Little did they know what life held for them when three orphans left the nuns to begin their training for a life of service. They were placed in the home of Georgina, a young woman who had been victimized by her spouse, but circumstances changed all their lives in an unlikely way.I encourage you to read this first book in a series. I am eager to read the next book.

This is NOT a romance and there is no HEA
This book isn’t what I was expecting at all. I thought that it would be a stand alone book and it is not. Instead, it is a gritty, fascinating tale of life set in Dublin, Ireland in 1898. Women are considered chattel…rich and poor alike. A wealthy woman endows her husband with all of her wealth and all of her personal rights. Domestic abuse is hidden because the shame of it reflects on the wife, not the husband.Georgina Whitmore is the third wife of the bestial Captain Charles Whitmore. He abuses her physically, mentally, and sexually while leading a life as a wealthy man-about-town. Only during his time at sea is she free from his abuse. Once he is involved in a near-fatal accident leading to the amputation of both his lower legs, she is free (almost) to pursue life on her own…but with no funds of her own. She is approached by a wealthy group of women who want to employ her to teach runaway wealthy young women to learn to live life on their own. She is assisted by three industrious young orphans from a Catholic orphanage who bring their unique skills to the household.This is a very interesting story and I was actually riveted by the stories of the various women. The young orphans are the glue that held the story together for me and the youngest, Bridget, is fascinating. Unfortunately, this is not a series of stand-alone stories, but a serial that ends abruptly with each book and you must read the next and the next and the next…. As much as I did like the plot, the characters, and the writing, I do not care to be held captive in the way and will not be reading any more. It’s a shame because I really wanted to know what happened to Bridget.Warning: This book may contain triggers for those who have been victims of physical or sexual abuse.

Excellent Novel
Gemma Jackson is a gifted author that creates characters which learn many things about true life with mystery, tenacity and respect.

I absolutely loved this.Physically and verbally abused by her husband Charles, Georgina Whitmore is feeling quite relieved when circumstances get him out of the house for a long time. Whilst training three new maids from an catholic orphanage, she is approached by an organisation helping women in 19th centure Ireland find a career and escape abusive relationships, and she is asked for support. Is this a chance for Georgina to prove herself and help other women in a situation like hers? And what of the three orphans?Eeverything in this book came together just so! The protagonists, the plot, the vivid description of life in Dublin around the turn from 19th t0 20th century, and a brilliant narration style drew me in from the first words and didn’t let me go until I read the last word in this first book of the series. I found it very hard to put the book aside when “real life” interfered (such as having to go to sleep because of work the next morning…), and I will definitely get the other ones in this series. After all, I want to know what happens to all those characters I fell in love (or in hate) with!

A marvellous book.Wonderfully written…Full of tears..laughter..showing the position of wonder at the turn of the century..Can’t wait to read more about the women who make up Percy Place