Price of Privilege

In the wreckage and devastation of this last novel, it is difficult to know how to rate its conclusion. Deus ex machinae seem to appear again and again in the form of a lovely butler (Jamison), an old antagonist (John), and the return of one thought dead (Isaak's brother), but these prove not to transform, but to partake. And yet, there is little resolution to what captivated and kept us on edge for 30+ hours. Christian ideas fade into the one: sacrificial love. There is no satisfaction that the truth is being told before Julia pens the story for posterity. Readers may also find it difficult that Edward plays so small a role in most of the story. The meeting with Kate after the events of the tragic sacrifice are utterly wrenching. What would have helped, I feel, is to have glimpsed more of what good is formed of the broken pieces- to have witnessed the healing in so many injured souls; and it would have been simple, common courtesy, for Dotta to have let Jamison have something wise and amusing to say in the very end- to have let us in on his and Nancy's continuing stories... I rate this novel a full 5 although utterly crushed by it.

While this is most definitely one of the darkest books I’ve read, I am in awe of the author’s magnificent way of transmitting Julia’s emotions to the reader.


**If you have not read the first two books, please be aware of spoilers**


Julia Elliston is about to face her Goliath and her entire world is crumbling in front of her eyes. Her dream of living happily ever after with Edward is snatched away almost the moment it begins. Julia and Edward are forced to return to Lord Pierson as news of the scandalous vicar has reached the village where Edward served. But before they can even begin to settle into their new life, Macy has returned to “collect his wife”. Using his notorious skills of manipulation, Macy has set in motion the charges that will destroy the entire Pierson family, and return Julia to his safe keeping. Lord Dalry brings forth his old school friend Mr. Whitney to fight her case. We meet another friend in this book, Jameson, the fetching butler. Edward offers Jameson a job after his father decides to replace him. Jameson adds some much needed humor to this story. As she prepares for her court date, Julia comes to hate herself for the mistakes that she has made. But with Isaac’s help, in the most touching and tragic way possible, she comes to see herself as God sees her and loves her. She becomes a new person walking in the love and acceptance of the Father. A place that I hope we can all achieve. As tensions grow and truths are revealed, everyone has very severe choices that must be made. How will Lord Pierson protect his daughter? Will Edward be charged with crimes he didn’t commit? Is there anyway Isaac can free Julia from this monster? Has Macy paid off everyone so he will walk free and claim his wife? But most importantly, will Julia’s faith stand firm throughout the trials and the hardships?

I have had completely mixed emotions about the entire story in general. I have come to realize, however, that it is because I prefer a more lighthearted book. The conclusion of the Price of Privilege Trilogy went above and beyond my expectations. It was also hard for me to relate with Julia in a lot of ways. Her decisions and reactions in specific situations are the complete opposite of how I would think to react (Although I don’t have a blood thirsty husband, who could at any moment snatch me away). I also remain uncomfortable with the portrayal of some of the romantic scenes. They are brief and few, but I feel as if they were a little too provocative without being graphic. That being said, as our story concluded, I was moved to tears. The emotions I was reading were very easy to grasp onto. The series as a whole is very dark and depressing, too much for my own emotional health to handle in 2 ½ weeks. (I need about a week just to process everything now.) I wasn’t sure about the books at first, but I am glad I stuck with it. My congratulations to Jessica Dotta on her first series, I look forward to reading any future works!

I received a free copy of Price of Privilege (Price of Privilege Trilogy Book 3) from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.

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.

Excellent writing, with excellent reading. I highly recommend this series!

Update 5/17/23
I loved this series so much, I decided to reread after two and a half years. It was even better the second time. To me, it is a work of genius.
The narrative is very complex, with rich detail, and wonderfully developed characters. History and culture was very well researched. The author's understanding of the psychology of manipulation is excellent.
To read only one volume would be a shame. The first is the cake plate, the second the cake, and the third or final book is the perfect topping. I recommend thinking of them as volumes 1—3.

I’m speechless and o so sad. This book drained me emotionally. That Jessica Dotta can tell a story this good is nothing but amazing. She is really blessed.

This trilogy kept me engaged. Left me weak emotionally and reminded me that there are no guarantees on Earth. Bad things happen to good people and even God’s children but that doesn’t mean God doesn’t love them.

Hard for unbelievers to understand but Christianity is not logical. It’s all about faith.

Thanks for writing this book Jessica, sad as it made me.

This is the third and final book in the Price of Privilige trilogy. To best enjoy this book remember to read these in order otherwise you might be somewhat confused. I enjoyed the story but disliked the way most of the characters acted. I am glad that I live in this day and age because it was very hard to be an independent woman then. Most were thought insane. I look forward to more books by Jessica. I received this book from Tyndaleblog network fir. Fair and honest opinion.

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.

this one was moving slowly and I was already sad for Isaac. I had really hoped he would be the one in the second book. so when things started off bad I will admit I skipped to the last few chapters only to find more tragedy. I am glad I skipped coz I wouldn't have survived the whole book especially after the first two. it was an awesome story but heart wrenching. If I didn't already believe in God I might have been convinced God didn't exist. nothing ever really went right.
the whole trilogy is worth the read though dark and definitely some points of much needed humor. hopefully I never run into another book like this. bitter sweet finishing it though . the characters are so real and easy to get attached to. even the bad guys are easy to love. such mixed feelings but worth the read. it will take a few days to get over this story