I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Published by Summerside Press on October 1st, 2012
Source: Litfuse Publicity Group
Genres: Christian, Historical, Love & Romance
Pages: 335
When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Yarborough hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime--a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there's a catch: she must assume Jacqueline's identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women's lives are forever changed.
RMS Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. She was on her maiden voyage—departed from Southhampton, Uk and was on route to New York when she hit an iceberg that pulled Titanic and 1517 of her passengers to their watery graves. The exact number of those that died that day has been a topic of debate for years but I went with the number listed on the Titanic Historical Societies website. Regardless of the number of lives lost—we still carry this tragedy in our hearts. Though the last survivor has now passed away—their stories and lives still touch the hearts of many! Janice Thompson retold this well-known story but in a unique way that showed the work of God and a promise of hope in the midst of a great tragedy. I am so glad that I won a copy of this book from the author party hosted by Litfuse. This book was one of the best books that I’ve read this year—everything from the storyline down to the gorgeous cover was a hit!
About the Story
Jacquie Abingdon is a well-to-do lady that is being forced into a marriage with a man she does not love. The true object of her affection is a young man named Peter, the family gardener. Such a relationship would never be permitted but opportunity presents itself when Jacquie’s mother obtains two tickets to board the highly anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. When Jacquie learns that Peter has a sister, Tessa who has been greatly abused by their father—she devises a plan for Tessa to take her place aboard the ship which will leave her free to marry Peter in secret.
Once aboard—Tessa (under the guise of Jacquie) struggles to fit into high society and with the guilt of her deception. She carries the weight of her past in her heart and though she is now “free” her heart is anything but. It doesn’t help that the girl that has agreed to accompany her holds certain contempt for her. But Titanic is a symbol of hope for many and a new life in America is both frightening and promising. Hope also presents itself in the form of new friends—friends that can introduce Tessa to a loving and faithful God. She must learn that God is our refuge and our strength and that we can put all our trust in Him.
I won’t ruin the conclusion to the story for those of you that haven’t read it—let’s just say that you will shed some tears, with a tragedy of this magnitude it is nearly impossible not to feel the tugging on your heartstrings. Unlike so many other tragic retellings though—this one holds a message of hope and I am SURE that you will be pleased with the resolution of this tale.
About Janice Thompson
Award-winning author Janice Thompson also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over 100 books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh.
Janice was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She currently serves as president of her local ACFW chapter (Writers on the Storm), where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing.
Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. Her tagline, “Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters!” sums up her take on life.
She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. When she’s not busy writing or playing with her eight grandchildren, Janice can be found in the kitchen, baking specialty cakes and cookies for friends and loved ones. No matter what she’s cooking up—books, cakes, cookies or mischief—she does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all.
Thanks Kristin for sharing the review. I will make a not to read this one in the near future!!!! I wish I could time travel back to 1912! LOL
Certainly sounds like a book I would be interested in reading!
Really nice review, your enthusiasm is evident!!
It was really good! It wasn’t “sappy” romantic and at the same time it wasn’t “Jake and Rose” tragic either.
It does sound pretty interesting. Maybe similar to “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” by Tricia Goyer. Only I didn’t like that one too well because I thought the romance in it happened way too fast!