😮WOW! I'm speechless....seriously the conclusion of Price of Privilege is so, so good! I could not put this book down! There were so many shocking twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I can't say enough about this Trilogy. It is definitely one of my favorites. I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters. Issac stole my heart. 😔
I am looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Favorite Quotes:

“How does one bear the ache that accompanies seeing the goodness resting in the soul of someone who denies you love because they see only your shortcomings?”

“Each one of us is either building his own kingdom or God's Kingdom on earth. Which of those two realities do you suppose we're in as we sit here, putting on airs, congratulating ourselves on having figured out life to our advantages, amassing our comforts for the sole benefit of our families? While outside our doorstep people are desperate for food. Desperate to know their existence matters. Desperate for us to give them acceptance.”

― Jessica Dotta, Price of Privilege ( )

I so wanted to like this book but, I just couldn't. ( )

Wow.
I have to say that sometimes I hated how helpless the heroine was, I abhor TSTL heroines. BUT at the same time I understand why she did what she did, and she was extremely realistic. This book more than anything relates the status of females in Victorian society and law, it's dark and not your typical happy ending historical.
On a side-note I wished she ended up with Isaac, I fell like he is a lot more assertive and Edward was weak.
Another thing is the Christianity message throughout the book, I didn't like it, and for me it detracted from the story as a whole because I don't like preachy religious messages; but at the same time I really wanted to finish the story becouse it was that engrossing. ( )

I finally finished this book series. The final book was significantly more interesting than the middle one. However, I don't know quite what to make of the message of the trilogy. I noted that the small print makes it clear that these are not stand alone books--I didn't really pick up on that until after I had finished the first one. That makes for a very long book.....

From a secular period fiction perspective I would have rated this with 3.5 stars. If Christian principles are not in play then the story was readable although I did find the second book a little dull. Honestly, I lost track of a few of the fringe characters and some of their activity so maybe the plot was a little too complicated for my tired brain. The main characters were well developed and the descriptive detail well written.

However, as a Christian book and "story of redemption," I found this lacking. I cannot really go into too much detail without spoilers. The conversions in the story are vague and there is only a surface dependence on God. The main characters only turn to God when in crisis and even then the trust wavers. God doesn't seem to be central to these books. It seems that the message of redemption is more about the main character finding peace or contentment on earth despite her circumstances. I think the author is trying to demonstrate that God can heal any of us in our brokenness and sin and that He will meet us where we are at. Also, that He loves us despite our sin. The problem is that because God is not clearly featured the redemption falls short. The requirements and demands of a Holy God are also missing as well as the necessity of obedience. I was bothered by the behaviour of some of the characters even after they had made professions of faith--their conversions didn't seem to make any difference to how they lived their lives. God was just treated as an add on or optional extra most of the time or like a vague presence in the sky.

This book series was just okay hence the 2 stars. It is clean--there is no bad language, some non-graphic violence and some passion but again not graphic. ( )

Price of Privilege is the concluding book in Jessica Dotta’s 3 book series of the same name. Set during the Victorian era, this novel is a wonderful culmination to an excellent trilogy. I cannot say this more clearly — if you like 19th century historical romance with a strong faith message, complex characters and plotting and a fabulous writing style then run, don’t walk, to the nearest book store or online outlet and GET THESE BOOKS!! Seriously, I really loved this series and am so glad that I read them. All 3 books are highly recommended.

In Price of Privilege, all the intrigue surrounding the Emerald Heiress comes to a head. Julia is beset on all sides and turns more and more to God as she faces alienation from her father, danger from Macy, estrangement from Isaac and separation from Edward. I loved that Julia saw in this time God tending her. The novel takes on a Dickensian tone with the marital trial of the century — as a huge fan of Bleak House, I found this to be an asset not a hindrance ;).

I listened to the audiobook, and it was outstanding as well. All three books have the same narrator — a real treat.

So again, I loved Price of Privilege (book and series) and urge you to read and enjoy it too!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults. ( )