What do you think?
Rate this book
Ivy Rose #3
The Ha'Penny Place
Through hard work and determination, Ivy Rose Murphy has come up in the world. She still begs for discards from the homes of the wealthy which lie only a stone’s throw from The Lane, the poverty-ridden tenements where she lives. These discards she repairs and sells around the Dublin markets.
But being in the ha’penny place may soon be a thing of the past for Ivy. She is fast turning herself into ‘Miss Ivy Rose’, successful businesswoman. With her talent for needlework and a team of neighbourhood helpers, she has begun to supply an upmarket shop in Grafton Street with beautifully dressed dolls.
Her fiancé Jem’s livery business is going from strength to strength, and Emmy, the little girl Jem is raising, is thriving and happy.
Then Ivy’s wealthy friend Ann Marie Gannon, with her beloved camera, spends a day at the airport photographing planes.
Little does she know that her visit can destroy all Ivy’s hopes for the future.
A fascinating account of life in the tenements of old Dublin with all its harshness, courage, humanity and humour.
But being in the ha’penny place may soon be a thing of the past for Ivy. She is fast turning herself into ‘Miss Ivy Rose’, successful businesswoman. With her talent for needlework and a team of neighbourhood helpers, she has begun to supply an upmarket shop in Grafton Street with beautifully dressed dolls.
Her fiancé Jem’s livery business is going from strength to strength, and Emmy, the little girl Jem is raising, is thriving and happy.
Then Ivy’s wealthy friend Ann Marie Gannon, with her beloved camera, spends a day at the airport photographing planes.
Little does she know that her visit can destroy all Ivy’s hopes for the future.
A fascinating account of life in the tenements of old Dublin with all its harshness, courage, humanity and humour.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2015
1455 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
November 10, 2018
Loved
Loved all three books. I hope there will be a fourth to tie up all the loose ends. Wonderful storyteller.
I want to mention something here in regards to the author. Writing a book is never as easy as one might think. And even harder for the person writing it.
Think please before you write an opinion.
1. A person spends long hours putting a story together.
2. A person has two main characters, along with minor ones.
3. The storyline is mostly centered around these two main characters, and everyone else, unless there is a purpose for their trials and tribulations, they ARE NOT important.
4. The manuscript goes out to be read and critique by editors. And if it’s good enough, these editors make their suggestions on word length and characters changes.
I don’t know a single person in my life who remembers another persons name two min after meeting them, much less what they eat for dinner or even which pant leg they step into first. Please remember it’s more important to mention all the good things about a book. And instead of criticizing about a lost thought, ask questions instead. I am pretty sure you either missed the answer in the book, or the author can address it if important in the hopefully next installment.
Sandy
And by the way. I have now read her books three times. She has four books out and I love , love her way of telling a story.
Loved all three books. I hope there will be a fourth to tie up all the loose ends. Wonderful storyteller.
I want to mention something here in regards to the author. Writing a book is never as easy as one might think. And even harder for the person writing it.
Think please before you write an opinion.
1. A person spends long hours putting a story together.
2. A person has two main characters, along with minor ones.
3. The storyline is mostly centered around these two main characters, and everyone else, unless there is a purpose for their trials and tribulations, they ARE NOT important.
4. The manuscript goes out to be read and critique by editors. And if it’s good enough, these editors make their suggestions on word length and characters changes.
I don’t know a single person in my life who remembers another persons name two min after meeting them, much less what they eat for dinner or even which pant leg they step into first. Please remember it’s more important to mention all the good things about a book. And instead of criticizing about a lost thought, ask questions instead. I am pretty sure you either missed the answer in the book, or the author can address it if important in the hopefully next installment.
Sandy
And by the way. I have now read her books three times. She has four books out and I love , love her way of telling a story.
September 24, 2016
I've fallen for all the characters in these books. Now that I've finished the third book I find myself waiting for the fourth book. Please tell me there are going to be many more books about Ivy and her neighbors!
February 2, 2019
The Ha'Penny Place, the third book in the Ivy Rose series by Gemma Jackson, is a bit predictable with few surprises.
Many issues brewing since the first novel finally coming to a boil and are resolved in the usual Ivy Rose creative, if expected, ways.
I am not sure how I would view this as a stand alone novel but having already read the first two booked of the series, I found it entertaining.
With most loose ends wrapped up in this installment it would have been a satisfying place to end. I am curious to see what is left for the fourth and final book.
Many issues brewing since the first novel finally coming to a boil and are resolved in the usual Ivy Rose creative, if expected, ways.
I am not sure how I would view this as a stand alone novel but having already read the first two booked of the series, I found it entertaining.
With most loose ends wrapped up in this installment it would have been a satisfying place to end. I am curious to see what is left for the fourth and final book.
November 2, 2023
With grit, smarts, grueling work, Ivy and her Beau are moving on up
If one is to read these books, they absolutely must be read in order .
In book 1, Ivy is a starved, overworked young lady without a penny. Her individualism, independence is looked upon with both admiration and disgust.
Book 3 has her as an actual employer. She still does her haggling and thrifting, but has delegated work to her impoverished neighbors.
Although she is now comfortable and doing well, she is detirmined to fond even more ways to make money.
Doom looms when it comes to her little "niece" and the evil Parish priest is out and about.
I just cannot get enough of this series.
If one is to read these books, they absolutely must be read in order .
In book 1, Ivy is a starved, overworked young lady without a penny. Her individualism, independence is looked upon with both admiration and disgust.
Book 3 has her as an actual employer. She still does her haggling and thrifting, but has delegated work to her impoverished neighbors.
Although she is now comfortable and doing well, she is detirmined to fond even more ways to make money.
Doom looms when it comes to her little "niece" and the evil Parish priest is out and about.
I just cannot get enough of this series.
July 23, 2019
The Ha'Penny Place is the third book in the Ivy Rose series and I loved following the characters into the continuation of their lives. Ivy Rose gets married in this book and becomes Mrs. Ryan, but she does so on her terms, which is just what you'd expect after getting to know Ivy Rose. She's got guts and never gives up when she wants something and will do anything to help a needy neighbor. She's still pushing her pram throughout the streets of the Dublin upper class to collect her treasures for resale and is doing quite well with her businesses. She's got her enemies though that are jealous of her success, but doesn't let them get her down. With a cup of tea any problem can be solved! In the second book we were introduced to one of her brothers. She helped raise her three brothers after her mother left when she was only 9 and the brothers all left not long afterwards. Leaving her to take care of her father. a drunk, unemployed man who spent every penny she made. In this book we meet her other two brothers and her mother. They aren't what you'd expect. The characters in this series have become like family to me and after I finish the fourth and final book I don't know what I'll do without Ivy, Jem, Ann Marie and Emmy to mention a few. I just love how the author brings them to life. I also enjoy all the information about living in the Land, which is what they call the tenements they live in. The social divide between the rich and the poor is so prevalent in these books, and they both share a neighborhood, living mere steps away from each other. As Ivy and Jem move up the social ladder they continue to live in The Land where they feel more comfortable. The book has a bit of romance, mystery, suspense and lots of historical fiction. Great read for me and I've already started the fourth and final book.
June 11, 2017
This book completes the trilogy and is just as easy to read as the other two in the series. However, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much. Sometimes the story feels a little disjointed, at times I felt like a ‘chunk’ of the story was missing, as if I had skipped a few pages. After three books it is clear this is how the author likes to write her narratives but I do find it disrupts the flow of the story. However this is a minor problem, what I found more annoying were the stories around Emmy and Father Leary. The Emmy story came to a satisfactory conclusion but it felt very clumsy with big gaps. The situation with Father Leary was left completely unresolved even though Ivy is obviously intelligent and has developed many influential contacts, absolutely nothing was done to stop this psychotic monster.
I should just add that the whole series provides an amusing but wonderful insight into the life of the poor living in Dublin in the 1920s. Ivy is an inspiring heroine as she battles against poverty, bigotry and an appalling catholic church. I hope this isn’t the last book as there are so many stories unfinished and I would certainly buy any future book about Ivy.
I should just add that the whole series provides an amusing but wonderful insight into the life of the poor living in Dublin in the 1920s. Ivy is an inspiring heroine as she battles against poverty, bigotry and an appalling catholic church. I hope this isn’t the last book as there are so many stories unfinished and I would certainly buy any future book about Ivy.
November 18, 2018
Truly great reading
This third book of the series is as good it better than the previous two. Gemma Jackson does a realistic job of bringing the lives of her characters in 1926 Dublin, Ireland to life. The story is filled with memorable characters and both sad and funny moments that kept me reading almost nonstop. No dead spots....just great writing. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this lively, intelligent and wonderfully created series.
The character Ivy is a force of nature and her 'Jem' is a true 'gem.' The child Emmy is a delight. And the true meaning of family is defined here in an unusual, but in a heartwarming way.
Readers of historical fiction should read this series. I highly recommend it.
This third book of the series is as good it better than the previous two. Gemma Jackson does a realistic job of bringing the lives of her characters in 1926 Dublin, Ireland to life. The story is filled with memorable characters and both sad and funny moments that kept me reading almost nonstop. No dead spots....just great writing. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this lively, intelligent and wonderfully created series.
The character Ivy is a force of nature and her 'Jem' is a true 'gem.' The child Emmy is a delight. And the true meaning of family is defined here in an unusual, but in a heartwarming way.
Readers of historical fiction should read this series. I highly recommend it.
July 17, 2017
The saga continues and it's wonderful.
My review title says it all. I have so enjoyed this well written tale of Ivy Rose Murphy, her best beau Jem, her wealthy upper class, trying-to-be-real friend, Ann Marie, the entirety precocious Emmy and the entire cast of characters in Ivy's world.
Book 3 sees Ivy's continued progress to improve her lot in life, more about her brother Douglas, as well as her two other brothers and her mother at the very end of this installment. I've said it previously, but the author is very clever about this series of books. The books end in a 'semi' cliffhanger. You could close the cover and move in to something else, but why would you want to if there more to learn about the people of The Lane?
My only criticism of this installment is the too easy resolution of the situation surrounding Emmy. It just felt too easy and a bit contrived. That said, this is a very good book in a wonderful series. Off to buy book 4...
My review title says it all. I have so enjoyed this well written tale of Ivy Rose Murphy, her best beau Jem, her wealthy upper class, trying-to-be-real friend, Ann Marie, the entirety precocious Emmy and the entire cast of characters in Ivy's world.
Book 3 sees Ivy's continued progress to improve her lot in life, more about her brother Douglas, as well as her two other brothers and her mother at the very end of this installment. I've said it previously, but the author is very clever about this series of books. The books end in a 'semi' cliffhanger. You could close the cover and move in to something else, but why would you want to if there more to learn about the people of The Lane?
My only criticism of this installment is the too easy resolution of the situation surrounding Emmy. It just felt too easy and a bit contrived. That said, this is a very good book in a wonderful series. Off to buy book 4...
July 15, 2021
Looking for a good read? Go no further...check this book out. (And there are 4 in the series.) You will feel as though you have dined to elegant sufficiency. It will do your heart and your head good. This is book 3 in the Ivy Rose series of books.
Gemma Jackson has a gift for bringing characters to life...in this book of a life and time far different than the one in which most of us have ever lived. It is a tale of doing what has to be done by a woman born in to the slums of Dublin, Ireland...her trials, tribulations, woes, disappointments and most of all, her joys and her successes no matter how small. Seriously, read this book - you won't regret it. As a matter of fact - read all 4...if you want to give yourself something special -you can do far better than eating a pint of ice cream with chocolate syrup with potato chip crumbles - this book and its companions in the series will make you feel so much better than ice cream and potato chips. I promise.
Gemma Jackson has a gift for bringing characters to life...in this book of a life and time far different than the one in which most of us have ever lived. It is a tale of doing what has to be done by a woman born in to the slums of Dublin, Ireland...her trials, tribulations, woes, disappointments and most of all, her joys and her successes no matter how small. Seriously, read this book - you won't regret it. As a matter of fact - read all 4...if you want to give yourself something special -you can do far better than eating a pint of ice cream with chocolate syrup with potato chip crumbles - this book and its companions in the series will make you feel so much better than ice cream and potato chips. I promise.
December 6, 2020
3.5 Stars for
The Ha'Penny Place
~ By Gemma Jackson ~
The third book in the Ivy Rose Murphy saga, this is an enjoyable return to Ivy's world, the slums of Dublin, Ireland in the mid-1920's.
The story continues, including new challenges with the main characters, and new entanglements with other characters introduced in the earlier books.
I've found the lives of Ivy, Jem, Emmy, Ann Marie, and others, entertaining and satisfying. Part of that satisfaction comes from my family heritage.
Reading this early 20th century Irish Historical Fiction has been intriguing, and just plain fun. Again my one complaint is how poorly the Catholic church is represented. The one compassionate member of the church, Brother Theo, has a very small part in this book.
I understand there is a fourth book. From reading the first three, I expect the next (last?) book should be a worthy sequel.
The Ha'Penny Place
~ By Gemma Jackson ~
The third book in the Ivy Rose Murphy saga, this is an enjoyable return to Ivy's world, the slums of Dublin, Ireland in the mid-1920's.
The story continues, including new challenges with the main characters, and new entanglements with other characters introduced in the earlier books.
I've found the lives of Ivy, Jem, Emmy, Ann Marie, and others, entertaining and satisfying. Part of that satisfaction comes from my family heritage.
Reading this early 20th century Irish Historical Fiction has been intriguing, and just plain fun. Again my one complaint is how poorly the Catholic church is represented. The one compassionate member of the church, Brother Theo, has a very small part in this book.
I understand there is a fourth book. From reading the first three, I expect the next (last?) book should be a worthy sequel.
April 16, 2018
Wonderful series.
I am so enjoying this series. Ms Jackson has introduced us to the horrid reality of the Irish poor in Dublin during the first quarter of the 20th century. The survival skills needed were appalling and grueling, yet there were some who would not be defeated. You’re going to learn so many details of daily life in that era, and the personalities that developed from it, that you would think the author had lived it. She is accurate to a fault. I’m about to start the next book now, as soon as I put on the kettle for some Ivy tea!
I am so enjoying this series. Ms Jackson has introduced us to the horrid reality of the Irish poor in Dublin during the first quarter of the 20th century. The survival skills needed were appalling and grueling, yet there were some who would not be defeated. You’re going to learn so many details of daily life in that era, and the personalities that developed from it, that you would think the author had lived it. She is accurate to a fault. I’m about to start the next book now, as soon as I put on the kettle for some Ivy tea!
July 16, 2021
The saga continues
The novel opens in 1925,the age of change and innovation for society and Ivy Rose Murphy Ryan.
As a married woman, Ivy again spends her days scrounging materials for her doll business, bookkeeping for Jem’s livery and organizing her team of seamstresses.As the book progresses, we see Ivy’s life changed by innovations like the telephone, automobile, and even aviation. Fully embracing the changes, Ivy disowns her birth family and is even more committed to her adopted family of friends. Interesting plot as we follow the heroine of Ireland.
The novel opens in 1925,the age of change and innovation for society and Ivy Rose Murphy Ryan.
As a married woman, Ivy again spends her days scrounging materials for her doll business, bookkeeping for Jem’s livery and organizing her team of seamstresses.As the book progresses, we see Ivy’s life changed by innovations like the telephone, automobile, and even aviation. Fully embracing the changes, Ivy disowns her birth family and is even more committed to her adopted family of friends. Interesting plot as we follow the heroine of Ireland.
February 18, 2022
Best Series Ever Gamma Jackson !
I've started following you precisely because of this ha penny Place( Ivy Rose Series)
I know authors have to do research and imagination, but you've outdid yourself. Each b character with there own identification, problem, and joys.
It takes a village and Emmy Emerald, A real prize
The only thing that bothered me was the constant description of Ivys same outfit cor the longest.That's it.
Everything else is a prize to read.
Young adult I hope would appreciate your books, if they have good sense. Grin
I've started following you precisely because of this ha penny Place( Ivy Rose Series)
I know authors have to do research and imagination, but you've outdid yourself. Each b character with there own identification, problem, and joys.
It takes a village and Emmy Emerald, A real prize
The only thing that bothered me was the constant description of Ivys same outfit cor the longest.That's it.
Everything else is a prize to read.
Young adult I hope would appreciate your books, if they have good sense. Grin
May 28, 2017
A very enjoyable series. I did find the first book to be more polished than the two next ones. The main characters (Ivy and Jem) are well developed, but many of the secondary characters are only scratched at the surface. We don't know what happened to Father Leary to be so angry all the time. Ann Marie was such an important friend in the first book, even with her own narrative, but we are left not hearing from her perspective anymore.
May 20, 2019
Oh my, another fun, interesting and exciting installment in Ivy's story. Ivy is still finding ways to climb up out of poverty, helping anyone else she can on the way.
This book introduced us to new and old members of different families all around the lane. That evil priest rears his evil head, but hopefully not for long.
I can't wait to get through the next installment, seeing how everything works out, or not. Super story!
This book introduced us to new and old members of different families all around the lane. That evil priest rears his evil head, but hopefully not for long.
I can't wait to get through the next installment, seeing how everything works out, or not. Super story!
November 16, 2019
Addictive
Well, this third book in the Ivy Rose Murphy series did not disappoint. After reading the first book in the series, I just had to continue with the second and third books. Now I’m ready for the fourth. I love Ivy’s spunk and determination to overcome all of the challenges of her life. I love learning about the cultures of Ireland in the 1920s. I enjoy all of the surprises the author includes. Great read!
Well, this third book in the Ivy Rose Murphy series did not disappoint. After reading the first book in the series, I just had to continue with the second and third books. Now I’m ready for the fourth. I love Ivy’s spunk and determination to overcome all of the challenges of her life. I love learning about the cultures of Ireland in the 1920s. I enjoy all of the surprises the author includes. Great read!
February 18, 2020
Excellent third book
In this third book in the Ivy Rose series there are more ups and downs in her life but she manages to come out ahead. It’s been interesting to read about all the ways Ivy thinks of to make money and better her living situation. Her soon to be husband Jem is just as enterprising. I love how the characters come to life in these books, looking forward to reading the fourth book in the series.
In this third book in the Ivy Rose series there are more ups and downs in her life but she manages to come out ahead. It’s been interesting to read about all the ways Ivy thinks of to make money and better her living situation. Her soon to be husband Jem is just as enterprising. I love how the characters come to life in these books, looking forward to reading the fourth book in the series.
January 9, 2018
Overcoming poverty with hard work, a head for business and luck
This was the best book so far of the series. Ivy and Jem are moving up in the world. This is an exciting time in the world and Gemma captured the sign of the times in a very interesting way without being maudlin. I love to read books that highlight extraordinary woman.
This was the best book so far of the series. Ivy and Jem are moving up in the world. This is an exciting time in the world and Gemma captured the sign of the times in a very interesting way without being maudlin. I love to read books that highlight extraordinary woman.
May 12, 2018
Ivy Rose, born in the tenements of Dublin, is making a better future for herself and friends. She is turning into a business woman and moving up in the world.
The rapid improvement of Ivy is rather unbelievable at times, this is still a very enjoyable story. Despite lots of set back, Ivy keeps plugging along and making the world a better place.
The rapid improvement of Ivy is rather unbelievable at times, this is still a very enjoyable story. Despite lots of set back, Ivy keeps plugging along and making the world a better place.
July 17, 2018
Critique
Enjoyable ,refreshing; this ok was great! This whole series was great. The characters were alive in my hands. Charity, love, hate, family, friends, and how they lived was just to interesting to put down. Poverty and wealth are all too real then as now. A+ for this author.
Enjoyable ,refreshing; this ok was great! This whole series was great. The characters were alive in my hands. Charity, love, hate, family, friends, and how they lived was just to interesting to put down. Poverty and wealth are all too real then as now. A+ for this author.
September 3, 2018
An easy, enjoyable read. I found myself picking up my kindle throughout the day reading a chapter here and there. Reminded me of how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop, you finally just give in and bite it and the next thing you know you've finished the book. I'm on to the fourth in the series.
October 16, 2019
I'm currently reading the 3rd in the series, so I've enjoyed them enough to continue, and look forward to the next in the series. A sweet story, no sex or shocking language. Not that I'm easily offended, but it's a nice change of pace. I'm enjoying the characters from The Lane. Most Historical Romance novels are about the rich aristocrats.
March 10, 2020
Marvelous
Marvelous series set in 1926 Dublin where the tenements of the very poor are just under an archway from the mansions of the wealthy ... and the coming up gap from one to the other is closing. Each book is separate if you don’t want to go back and start with the first, but I suggest readying them in order. Love!
Marvelous series set in 1926 Dublin where the tenements of the very poor are just under an archway from the mansions of the wealthy ... and the coming up gap from one to the other is closing. Each book is separate if you don’t want to go back and start with the first, but I suggest readying them in order. Love!
October 21, 2020
I never want this series to end!
Ivy Rose is a force to be reckoned with. This story she has more life changing events than any of the books preceding it, and I couldn’t put it down. The language is delightful, the characters are deep, and the dichotomy of friends and family riveting. Read it and see for yourself!
Ivy Rose is a force to be reckoned with. This story she has more life changing events than any of the books preceding it, and I couldn’t put it down. The language is delightful, the characters are deep, and the dichotomy of friends and family riveting. Read it and see for yourself!
January 10, 2021
Just gets with each book!
I LOVE this series!!😍😍 The characters are so wonderful, the storyline keeps you turning pages till your fingers hurt, and though I can't wait to finish the next book, I'm also dreading it being over! You will not regret reading this series...but please, start at the beginning.
I LOVE this series!!😍😍 The characters are so wonderful, the storyline keeps you turning pages till your fingers hurt, and though I can't wait to finish the next book, I'm also dreading it being over! You will not regret reading this series...but please, start at the beginning.
November 13, 2016
Enjoyable series
A peek into the poverty in Dublin in the 1920's. Though poor, Miss Ivy Rose is determined to improve her life. Using quick wit, business sense & working all the hours God sent her, she's on her way.
A peek into the poverty in Dublin in the 1920's. Though poor, Miss Ivy Rose is determined to improve her life. Using quick wit, business sense & working all the hours God sent her, she's on her way.
July 21, 2017
Rich Irish woman
Ivy continues to come up with ways to make money while staying humble. She continues to find people in her community to teach a new skill and pays them well. A. Couple of end of book twists you can't miss
Ivy continues to come up with ways to make money while staying humble. She continues to find people in her community to teach a new skill and pays them well. A. Couple of end of book twists you can't miss
August 24, 2017
Good story
I would give this series a higher rating if it seemed more authentic. Modern language creeped into the conversation between the characters at times. I enjoyed the story and the upbeat spin on hard times.
I would give this series a higher rating if it seemed more authentic. Modern language creeped into the conversation between the characters at times. I enjoyed the story and the upbeat spin on hard times.
October 2, 2017
Moving On Up!
Each book in this series just keeps on getting better and better. A lot of changes happen for each of the characters that kept me reading when I should've been sleeping! That's alright though, I appreciate the story and talented author.
Each book in this series just keeps on getting better and better. A lot of changes happen for each of the characters that kept me reading when I should've been sleeping! That's alright though, I appreciate the story and talented author.
July 15, 2018
Good story
Found the people interesting and the story full of ideas. This time period was a time of great changes. The story handled some of the changes with great imagination. The forerunners of the middle class forming. Looking forward to book 4
Found the people interesting and the story full of ideas. This time period was a time of great changes. The story handled some of the changes with great imagination. The forerunners of the middle class forming. Looking forward to book 4
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews