Impossible Saints

A Novel

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Pub Date 2 Jan 2018 | Archive Date 31 Dec 2017

Description

Escaping the constraints of life as a village schoolmistress, Lilia Brooke bursts into London and into Paul Harris’s orderly life, shattering his belief that women are gentle creatures who need protection. Lilia wants to change women’s lives by advocating for the vote, free unions, and contraception. Paul, an Anglican priest, has a big ambition of his own: to become the youngest dean of St. John’s Cathedral. Lilia doesn’t believe in God, but she’s attracted to Paul’s intellect, ethics, and dazzling smile. As Lilia finds her calling in the militant Women’s Social and Political Union, Paul is increasingly driven to rise in the church. They can’t deny their attraction, but they know they don’t belong in each other’s worlds. Lilia would rather destroy property and serve time in prison than see her spirit destroyed and imprisoned by marriage to a clergyman, while Paul wants nothing more than to settle down and keep Lilia out of harm’s way. Paul and Lilia must reach their breaking points before they can decide whether their love is worth fighting for.

Escaping the constraints of life as a village schoolmistress, Lilia Brooke bursts into London and into Paul Harris’s orderly life, shattering his belief that women are gentle creatures who need...


A Note From the Publisher

LibraryReads nominations due by 11/20.

LibraryReads nominations due by 11/20.


Advance Praise

“Harwood brings us vividly and convincingly into the past, as we see the whirlwind of social changes in early twentieth century England through the lives of two passionate and authentic characters.” - Jessica Brockmole, internationally bestselling author of 'Letters from Skye'

“Clarissa Harwood’s historical novel Impossible Saints vividly portrays the difficulties—familial and societal, physical and emotional—faced a century ago by suffragettes in Great Britain who struggled to gain equal rights for women. It’s a story beautifully told, both absorbing and illuminating.” - Patricia Bracewell, author of 'Shadow on the Crown' and 'The Price of Blood'

“Clarissa Harwood illuminates her characters’ strengths and foibles with keen insight and understanding. Caught in the push-and-pull between time-honored traditions and fresh new sensibilities, they grapple with the compelling questions of what is lost and what is gained by following either path. She captures the spark of wonder that occurs when two people with very different views of the world discover they are more alike than they’d imagined. A thoughtful and intriguing picture of the suffragettes and the society they wished to change.” - Jennifer Delamere, author of 'An Heiress at Heart' and 'The Captain's Daughter'

Impossible Saints is a tale about passion, putting your life on the line for what you believe in, and sometimes being blindsided by the urge to compromise. This book is so readable the pages practically turn themselves. Make yourself a cup of tea and cancel all your appointments—once you start reading this novel you won't want to stop” - Elizabeth LaBan, author of 'The Restaurant Critic's Wife' and 'Pretty Little World'

Impossible Saints is the meeting of ferocity and tenderness, a story with brave questions for both heart and head. It unfolds a hundred years in the past, but its roots are unmistakably—aptly—of the moment.” - Alison Atlee, author of 'The Typewriter Girl'

“Harwood brings us vividly and convincingly into the past, as we see the whirlwind of social changes in early twentieth century England through the lives of two passionate and authentic characters.”...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781681776248
PRICE US$25.95 (USD)

Average rating from 22 members


Featured Reviews

This book is so beautifully written I felt as though I glided though each page. I found Lilia and Paul both believable and likable. I am typically not as drawn to romance centered stories but I was quickly rooting for the love story and was interested to see what happened. My favorite part of the book was definitely the dialogue between Lilia and Paul...it was so witty and clever while still being believable. I loved the quotes that preceded every chapter and I loved the repeated mention of Mary Wollstonecraft. The historical aspect of the book was so interesting and inspiring. I loved Lilia's personality and her drive for change. The penitentiary aspect was a particular favorite of mine.

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It is hard to wrap your mind around the fact that barely over a 100 years ago, women were giving up their lives for the right to vote. Women were imprisoned for fighting for the right to vote. Women were ostracized for wanting the right to vote.

Impossible Saints reminds us of all these facts and more. I definitely recommend adding it to your to read lists.

Lilia Brooke is a protagonist you root for as she leaves a small town in England to fight for the right to vote. You see a relationship where she must choose doing what feels right for HER or fighting for ALL. You see her other relationships/friendships and how some want her to fit into what THEY think a woman should do. We all need to give thanks to the real women who fought for us!

This is one of those books you think please make a limited run series (hint HBO) because too much to cover in a 2 hour movie but soo much to learn and realize.

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