The Second Mrs. Astor: A Novel of the Titanic

(Paperback)

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"Abe is an exquisite storyteller. Rich in detail and deeply moving." -Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue "One of the most beautifully written books I've ever had the pleasure to read. A gorgeous, phenomenal novel I won't soon forget." -Ellen Marie Wiseman New York Times bestselling Author of The Orphan Collector Perfect for fans of Jennifer Chiaverini and Marie Benedict, this riveting novel takes you inside the scandalous courtship and catastrophic honeymoon aboard the Titanic of the most famous couple of their time-John Jacob Astor and Madeleine Force. Told in rich detail, this novel of sweeping historical fiction will stay with readers long after turning the last page. Madeleine Talmage Force is just seventeen when she attracts the attention of John Jacob "Jack" Astor. Madeleine is beautiful, intelligent, and solidly upper-class, but the Astors are in a league apart. Jack's mother was the Mrs. Astor, American royalty and New York's most formidable socialite. Jack is dashing and industrious-a hero of the Spanish-American war, an inventor, and a canny businessman. Despite their twenty-nine-year age difference, and the scandal of Jack's recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong into love-and becomes the press's favorite target. On their extended honeymoon in Egypt, the newlyweds finally find a measure of peace from photographers and journalists. Madeleine feels truly alive for the first time-and is happily pregnant. The couple plans to return home in the spring of 1912, aboard an opulent new ocean liner. When the ship hits an iceberg close to midnight on April 14th, there is no immediate panic. The swift, state-of-the-art RMS Titanic seems unsinkable. As Jack helps Madeleine into a lifeboat, he assures her that he'll see her soon in New York... Four months later, at the Astors' Fifth Avenue mansion, a widowed Madeleine gives birth to their son. In the wake of the disaster, the press has elevated her to the status of virtuous, tragic heroine. But Madeleine's most important decision still lies ahead- whether to accept the role assigned to her, or carve out her own remarkable path... "A touching, compelling, and haunting love story that will delight fans of historical fiction and enthrall those of us for whom the Titanic will always fascinate." -Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of When We Were Young and Brave "An engaging novel told with both heartbreaking care and vivid detail. The Second Mrs. Astor is historical fiction at its gripping and irresistible best." -Patti Callahan, New York Times bestselling author of Surviving Savannah and Becoming Mrs. Lewis

Reviews

Praise for The Second Mrs. Astor

An engaging tale. Ab richly describes the scenery. Everything is opulent, decadent, rich. Were taken from the shores of Maine to bustling New York City, Egypt, and eventually, aboard the Titanic where their romance meets a tragic end in the icy waters. As the story crescendos to that fateful night, readers will remain captivated by both the imagery and the plot This is more than another tale about the Titanic, its a love story, a drama, and a fine historical novel. Recommended.
Historical Novels Review on The Second Mrs. Astor

"Abis an exquisite storyteller, gracefully transporting the reader from Newport to Egypt to the cold seas of the Atlantic. Rich in detail and deeply moving."
Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue

"One of the most beautifully written books Ive ever had the pleasure to read, THE SECOND MRS.ASTORbrings to glittering life the romantic love story between John JacobAstorand his young bride, Madeleine. Youll find yourself glued to every page, falling in love with this dazzling couple, and despite knowing better, hoping against hope that they avoid the tragedy that awaits them on the ill-fated Titanic. A gorgeous, phenomenal novel I wont soon forget.
Ellen Marie Wiseman New York Times bestselling Author of The Orphan Collector

Through Madeleine, we see a young woman fall in love with America's wealthiest man, the society scandal that follows, a level of media intrusion not dissimilar to that endured by a young Princess Diana,and, of course, the tragic events that unfold during Titanic's maiden voyage... Atouching, compelling,and haunting love story that will delight fans of historical fictionandenthrall those of us for whom the Titanic will always fascinate.
HazelGaynor, New York Times bestselling author of When We Were Young and Brave

The Second Mrs. Astor is an engaging novel told with both heartbreaking care and vivid detail. Shana Ab introduces us to the extraordinary Madeleine Astor and her profound love for the enigmatic and famous Jack Astor. Ab's intimate prose brings to life a fascinating and heartbreaking piece of history. A harrowing and yet ultimately hopeful tale of survival and courage, fate and love, and the ultimate question of who do we become after great loss. The Second Mrs. Astor is historical fiction at its gripping and irresistible best.
Patti Callahan , New York Times bestselling author of Surviving Savannah and Becoming Mrs. Lewis

Author Bio

Shana Abe is the award-winning, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including the Sweetest Dark Series and the Drakon Series. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and currently lives in the mountains of Colorado. Visit her online at ShanaAbe.com.