Impossible Dream

Percy Place #1

by Gemma Jackson

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 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?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Ireland, Romance, Ebooks, Amazon

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2018

Reviews

[Kymm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book on Kindle Unlimited for free and I'm really glad I chose it. It was really good! The story is about a horribly abused wife in the late 1800's who's husband leaves her penniless and destitute. She struggles to find a way to survive until she decides to open up her house to women going through similar circumstances. She teaches them how to survive in the real world, since many high society women have never learned to take care of themselves without any staff. Then she sends them to America to start a new life away from the abusive men looking for them. There's also another side story going on within the book, but I don't want to give that away, but it's really good. The characters are great and written beautifully. I fell in love with the main character Georgina, she had such guts and really stood up to her ass of a husband. This book ended with such a cliff hanger I had to start book 2 of the series immediately after finishing this one. I had to find out what happened next! Again, this is a great book and it fits my historical fiction bill, but it's more than that, it's a great story with a great female protagonist.

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF on page 4 of the 'book'.

I couldn't stand the formatting anymore. Either this is a duff download or the formatting is appalling. Huge HUGE gaps between paragraphs at times to the extent that the top half of the kindle screen had text and the bottom half was blank, as if it was the end of the chapter. If the whole book is like this then there is NO way I can read it - and I took a look at the second book in the series and the same applied there.

I know 'duff' downloads do occur, but in two books? Is this a deliberate ploy to get more 'pages' read on KU?

I will happily edit/remove this review if this is a duff download, but from the looks of things it isn't.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/12/2019)! 🎁

[Shauna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a winning plot, that kept me reading despite the poor character development and non existent transitions and typos. It seemed like a first draft, hastily thrown together, yet with some work, there could be potential.

For example the main character is beaten mercilessly by her husband and has lifelong scars, she is frightened beyond belief and just one day she decides to stand up to him. We don't get to see her thought process, How or where she finally finds the courage to stand up to a man who will kill her with only the slightest provocation. Suddenly, she is willing to stand up and defend anyone that crosses her path. It is not believable. The protagonist and antagonist and both flat, one being all good to oppose the other, all evil.

Likewise, the transitions are so poorly written they left me confused, so much so that I had to go back and reread bits again to see if I had missed something. I lost count of how many times I had to do this, I finally got so annoyed that I stopped reading about two thirds through the book.

I feel like this has such potential, if an editor could have pointed out that better transitions were needed to make things clear for the reader, and the main characters needed to be more developed to be believed. The editor could have asked these questions of the writer; how does a girl with a good upbringing and self worth get beaten down so much? Yes that does happen all too often, but we all want to know the process, How does that happen? Usually very slowly overtime, her self worth is eroded. Similarly the editor could have asked how did her husband become so evil? Why do people still trust him? There is interesting material there just waiting to be written. Lastly, where/how does she find the courage to finally stand up for herself? That is the meat of the story that is missing.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fan of the Ivy Rose books, I was excited for another series by author Gemma Jackson. I was immediately pleased with the first installment, Impossible Dreams.

This story also placed in Dublin - this time just before the turn of the century (1900) - I was delighted at the first mention of The Lane and soon realized beloved characters Grammy Grunt and Billy Flint (from the Ivy Rose series) are major players in at least this first volume as well. I'd go as far as subtitling this book ' the making of Billy Flint'.

Although set some time before Ivy Rose, this story also features a strong woman ahead of her times. Refusing to continue to suffer physical and emotional abuse from her husband, Georgina has her ENOUGH moment. Almost without meaning to, she becomes a source of assistance for other women seeking to escape violence in their marriages as well as those simply not wanting to be forced into marriage.

I read through this first book in one night and can't wait to continue the adventure in Percy Place series # 2, Dare to Dream.

Whether you are a fan of the Ivy Rose series, enjoy the setting of Ireland and/or turn of the century, or are simply looking to get lost in a fun, easy to read adventure - I highly recommend.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma Jackson What Ending??????

I loved this book!! It's one of those books where the characters grab you by the heart and pull you in. I could have kept reading about the lives of these people!! Instead, the last two pages blew me away. It ended so abruptly that I was shocked. I kept thinking there must be something wrong with my Kindle - where is the rest of the book?? It's the worst ending of all time because there was no ending!!! Come on Gemma Jackson - either write the ending or a sequel. And be quick about it. I miss everyone!!!!

[Anne Pak · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't understand why this is so highly rated. It is yet another among my recent reads that needs an editor. It is disjointed and convoluted; filled with grammatical errors and poorly constructed sentences. The plot was interesting enough but far too many things didn't wrap up meaningfully. There's a second book but it's unclear if the plot points in book one will carry over into the second. I'm going to give it a pass.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kind of book - historical fiction. Set in Dublin and featuring a wonderful main character who is a strong and determined woman saddled with all the wrongs against women of the time - her husband selected by her parents; an abusive husband who is now entitled to her money and who brings the five adult sons from his previous marriages into her home where they have no regard for her and treat her like a housemaid. She takes in 12 year old orphans as her servants and keeps them until they are 16 to minimize the chances the men of the house will take advantage of the girls. I became so invested in the characters that I am now going to get the second book in the series to see what happens next. Wonderful book!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another free Kindle book I decided to try, and I enjoyed it a bit more than the last Gemma Jackson I read in the Ivy Rose series. I like that Jackson has strong women heroines who have to overcome difficult situations (caused by the men in their lives, lol!) and find their inner strength as they grow throughout the book. This one ended on a cliffhanger, of course, so I'll have to decide whether to spend money to buy the next in the series. It's a tough call -- even though I enjoyed this, there are so many other books in my WTR list, many freebies from the library, and other free Kindle books on my Fire, that it can be difficult to justify even $5 for a book. Time will tell....

[Blubonnet1]

08/10/20

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the author’s Ivy Rose books, mainly because the heroine was such a strong character and even though she was ill used, she was still able to take control and improve her situation.
There is a slight overlap between this book and the Ivy Rose stories, even though it is set a quarter of a century early, they share a few places and characters.
There is an interesting start to the story, but I found the abuse of Georgina just went on too long and I became impatient waiting for her to get some control of her situation. Even though the three young maids did lighten the story, I didn’t enjoy the first half of the book as much as I thought I would.

After halfway, the story changes as Georgina starts to take control and joins BOB. The story of the group of women was a much more enjoyable read
The book ends on a much happier note than it started, although there is still the threat of Georgina’s husband and Bridget’s father looming in the background. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Linda A. Cardinale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Ms. Jackson! How cruel of you to make us wait for your next novel.

Once again Ms. Jackson has managed to capture our imaginations and hearts with her wonderfully vivid characters of the Dubin of old. We have the beginnings of insight a st the origins of Billy Flint/ William Armstrong, the "wise woman" Granny Grunt as well as new and endearing characters of this rather unusual household...but we want so much more. We need to know that Georgina will be safe from that scoundrel of a husband. What is in store for the delightful little Bridget. Of course we all want to know of the successes to be found by those ladies under the care and protection of the "BOBS." Please don't keep us waiting.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please be a series

Wow! Gemma did it again. After reading the Ivy Rose series, I knew I had to read Impossible Dream. I was not disappointed!
The references and characters in Georgina's life showed insight into Ivy Rose's life as well. I was so excited when I noticed the connections. I love Georgie's character. I can't wait to see her friendships grow and to lose that awful excuse of a husband. Her three orphan maids are learning and benefiting so much from the entire household! When the "helpless" ladies show up, everyone pitches in and they become an unusual but lovely household. Please Gemma, if you read reviews, let this be a series! I need to see people reunited, married and see justice served!

[GREGORY · Rating 1 out of 5]

More like an impossible waste of your time is this story of nothing.

It is a story of nothing but the conditions under which 3 children, 4 very young women and 3 women live. That's it! There is nothing more! Only a reasonable background of one was presented. No plots, no love stories, no fights, just living and toiling under rather nice conditions. The reason I finished it is because the plan in my house is my being able to read 10 times faster than my wife, I can then recommend or not the book for her. When I told her the preview of book 2 did not include one of the women in book 1 who one would be interested in she thanked me and we hit the delete key in both readers.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whew, I should have expected this degree of intensity after reading the first Ivy Rose book! Gemma Jackson brings turn-of-the-century to life with vibrance rooted in reality. This book gives a window into orphan life, wealthy life, as well as life for someone who wants to make something of himself, reaching beyond poverty and into the circles of the wealthy & connected. The pacing is slower and is very much an everyday perspective vs a strong external plot, but follows a variety of characters and shows each of their perspectives as things unfold. The author chose to use "head-hopping" to share different characters' views sometimes multiple in one paragraph, though the default character you're following in Georgina.
The details of the abuse - verbal and physical - are enough that I think a content warning is worth giving. Yes, it's mentioned in the book description, but there's enough observed/experienced via the perspective shift between abused and abuser that I think it's extra impactful.
I thought the jump from Georgina being abused to deciding to stand up to her abuser felt a bit unrealistic. Why did she endure for so long and then finally find the wherewithal to stand up to it..? But, the fact that she was needed to help protect her childhood friend's daughter helped explain it, for me.
Overall, an interesting look at the compromised position many women of wealth and diminished circumstances could find themselves in, with minimal resources or skills to escape harmful situations and have the ability to provide for themselves. This book ends at a bit of a cliffhanger, so do be prepared to follow this with the second book in the series.

[Patricia Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story

I’ve read a few of the bad reviews and would like to address them. This story should be referred to as a Part One and Part Two instead of a series. ( in my opinion) I understand why and where it was interrupted. I LOVED having a book that was over 200 pages. It seems as if many of the ebook authors are pumping out more of a novella and refer to as a book. I am glad that the next part of this story is ready and waiting for me.
There are very few “swear” words in 5he story. The words that were used are actually words that poor people freely used. They considered the term “bloody” to be a bad word while the other words were normal parts of a conversation.
There is domestic abuse and physical abuse. I am rather sensitive to the subject. I read this book and think because I did not listen to the audio version that I found the scenes easier to deal with. The majority of the domestic abuse is introduced AFTER the fact. The descriptions of injuries does give a mental picture of what occurred.
I really enjoyed this story because it was different from the majority of historical fiction. It’s not a story about a woman being saved by a man. It’s the story of how women learned to save themselves and help each other. I’m now going to start Part Two. Happy Reading!

[Dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Percy Place series

Book 1 and 2
If you purchase a book that says "series", one would think the reader would understand there is to be more books to come, therefore, the answers to some of your questions are yet to yet to be. I start off this review this way because I saw that a number of people were disgruntled by not knowing what happens to all of the characters.
That being said, I enjoyed the two book series very much. The author painted a picture of the suffering of women and their plight. From being owned by their husband's like chattel, and the struggles/abuse they went through in gaining their freedom, dignity and self-worth; others were orphaned or trying to climb out of poverty seeking equality and freedom from the grip that society had cast them in. The series highlights numerous characters, sheds light on their individual plights and shows a way out and a stronger better future. The series is set in the late 1800's/ early 1900's. With the assistance of a woman's organization, those who dare go against all they know to build a brighter tomorrow. I enjoyed the books very much.

[Birgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and will look for the 2nd book. This is a story of a young woman living in Ireland, that takes place in the 1890's. Georgina is in an abusive marriage. In that time period, abuse became the fault of the woman and the townspeople would scorn a divorcee. However she is a strong woman who is just discovering herself. Her husband hopes to leave her penniless as he gallavants around. However, karma plays its hand. In enjoyed the way the authoress, Ms Jackson wrote and kept the story moving along. I found the time period and Ireland interesting. It was interesting to learn how women were just beginning to come out, to get out from under a "mans' world", to become strong and support one another.

[Judi Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an engaging story, very well written with colorful characters and a plot that flowed while not shying from the difficult topic of spousal abuse. Victorian era living and tules of etiquette are often misrepresented in current society, it was interesting to read of this in a unique manner of Georgina and her associates.
I simultaneously loved and hated the ending as it is clearly set up for the sequel as it didn't bring to closure any of the women's stories other than the two who were staying in Ireland and the young maids who would receive additional training in the homes of more wealthy people. I rarely read sequels, but will need to continue this story in order to see these women to their dreams.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew from the get-go that this was #1 in a series of books from the title. Also, it was a free book ... probably hoping that the first book gets you hooked. I thought the book was interesting. The protagonist was the wife of a wealthy man. The setting is in Ireland in the late 1800s, and at that time, when women married, all of their property became the property of the husband. It almost seems like the wife became the husband's property as well. Women of means were trained to be helpless and basically useless while working women worked their fingers to the bone. The main character in this story, Georgina, is this type of woman with a very abusive husband. She plans and finds her escape, but in the process learns to help other women in her shoes.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a new favorite author! This book is enchanting from beginning to end. The abuse that Georgina endured at the hands of her husband is unspeakable. Ultimately, it gives her the strength to help other women in similar circumstances, even as she allows herself to rediscover the woman she was prior to marriage. The unlikely mix of maids, servants, and elites, working together for their common good is heartening. The characters are well-developed and likable (with the exception of her husband and his ilk). This is the first book in a series of three. The editing in the Kindle version could have been better, but the story quality makes it mostly forgivable.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enter a world where all females were the property of fathers,brothers,uncles and husbands. They had no rights at all and no woman would even think such a thing . This the background of this book and at times simply horrifying for a woman of 2019 to even comprehend. But the writing and development of the characters put it all in place. There are plots within plots and many different people within this story to hold your attention in order to follow the various 'goings on' It is a book
rich with the stories of women from all different kinds of backgrounds and it is a well written story.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like two different stories joined together well.

Our h is abused physically, mentally and socially by her Sea Captain husband. She is the worst treated h I have ever read about. Somehow she comes to her senses and with a few encouraging friends she recaptures her dignity and strength enough to help many other women BOB's to escape a tragedy of their lives and to find new adventures and beginnings. Wonderful story of strong women helping one another. Four and a half stars.

[Helen Heavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The baby steps of Women's Liberation.

If I could I would give this book 10 stars, it is that good. A severely abused wife gets her chance to fight back and make a life for herself. She does this by training other abused who have escaped husbands and families. The process of these women having to stand on their own two feet makes a delightful story. There are 3 orphans who are an integral part of the story but you’ll need to read the novel to learn all about them. Get the book, you won’t be sorry.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma Jackson is becoming one of my favorite authors to read! I love the depth of her characters and how unique they are. Her story lines always have developments I don’t see coming, usually by the end of the first chapter of a book I can predict the book’s ending. I get so caught up in her books that I can barely put it down, last night I was up reading Impossible Dream until 2:48 am!
I’m so excited I have the next book in the series to start today!
I will continue to read everything she writes.

[Kaye Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this book it really makes you appreciate "The Women's Rights Movement & also realise how difficult it was to be a woman in bygone days. It also made me angry to think women today will still put up with domestic violence and allow themselves to be dominated by the male species. This negates all that hard work risked and criticised by even by our own peers! Unbelievable! I am keen to read more to see how the plucky Bridget will survive and rise to become a leader! I could just about write it myself!

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't for me. I really like historical fictions, but this plot was a bit all over the place and honestly boring. I couldn't wait to finish the book, but not in a good way; I just wanted to get it over with. I think it was the writing style that was off-putting; Gemma Jackson writes in first person from every character's point of view after they have a moment of dialogue. This was annoying and confusing at times. On top of that, the characters were quite boring. The only character I felt anything towards was Charles Whitemore - hated him!

[Jeanne Loidolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma Jackson is an incredible storyteller

One of the best authors to write about women’s difficulties portraying their lack of rights over their life,economy, love and bodies. She has created characters so realistic that a reader lives and breathes with their fear, terror, helplessness, anger and joy. I loved the English background for the story with all its class prejudice and discrimination. People are portrayed as we are, some good and some evil. Great book, just not finished so you have to get the next in the series - unfortunate.