2024 the best novels of the 20th century review
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(as of Dec 14, 2024 11:09:11 UTC - Details)
Readers of The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abé will be captivated as the USA Today bestselling author expertly weaves real historical figures and events into this vivid, surprising, emotionally powerful novel about longing for independence and love—and the moments that irrevocably change even the best laid plans. Based on the true story of the Fortune sisters, three young women each at a crossroads when they boarded the RMS Titanic in the spring of 1912 –and how that maiden voyage would transform their lives in profound and unexpected ways.
“Lush with sumptuous historical details and riveting as the events of that fateful voyage unfurl, readers will love this one!” —Madeline Martin, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Keeper of Hidden Books and The Last Bookshop in London
April,1912: It’s the perfect finale to a Grand Tour of Europe—sailing home on the largest, most luxurious ocean liner ever built. For the Fortune sisters, the voyage offers a chance to reflect on the treasures of the past they’ve seen—magnificent castles and museums in Italy and France, the ruins of Greece and the Middle East—and contemplate the futures that await them.
For Alice, there’s foreboding mixed with her excitement. A fortune teller in Egypt gave her a dire warning about traveling at sea. And the freedom she has enjoyed on her travels contrasts with her fiancé’s plans for her return—a cossetted existence she’s no longer sure she wants.
Flora is also returning to a fiancé, a well-to-do banker of whom her parents heartily approve, as befits their most dutiful daughter. Yet the closer the wedding looms, the less sure Flora feels. Another man—charming, exasperating, completely unsuitable—occupies her thoughts, daring her to follow her own desires rather than settling for the wishes of others.
Youngest sister Mabel knows her parents arranged this Grand Tour to separate her from a jazz musician. But the secret truth is that Mabel has little interest in marrying at all, preferring to explore ideas of suffrage and reform—even if it forces a rift with her family.
Each sister grapples with the choices before her as the grand vessel glides through the Atlantic waters. Until, on an infamous night, fate intervenes, forever altering their lives . . .
“Filled with luscious detail of the Titanic’s maiden voyage and spot on depictions of its many passengers…absolutely riveting until the very last page!”—Shelley Noble, New York Times Bestselling author of The Tiffany Girls
“Vividly detailed and painstakingly researched, Sisters of Fortune threads fact and fiction into a compelling story.” —Bryn Turnbull, author of The Paris Deception and The Woman Before Wallis
From the Publisher
Publisher : Kensington (February 20, 2024)
Language : English
Paperback : 416 pages
ISBN-10 : 1496742699
ISBN-13 : 978-1496742698
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.45 x 1.07 x 8.22 inches
Reviewer: J Yates
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A compelling story woven into Titanic history.
Review: This book was equal parts enjoyable and unbearably sad. The story has been well documented, so the ending is not unexpected. That being said, the Titanic passengers were very real people who experienced both great joy and tragedy. Their stories, as portrayed by Ms Huber, are well written and filled with the mores of the time. Great read!
Reviewer: Chris Philburn
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Sisters of Fortune, travel on the Titanic
Review: We all saw the movie, but this book took you into the lives of three sisters returning from travels abroad with their family. Was fun reading of their hopes and dreams but also dreading what to come. The details of the last few hours were heart wrenching. Could almost picture being there through the clear details.
Reviewer: Rebeca Johnston
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Captivating, Complex, Heartwarming
Review: This book was intriguing from the very beginning. Any story about the Titanic always grabs attention but this one was so well written with complex characters and plots. The stories are all interwoven so well to create a unique, heartfelt story about three different wealthy sisters and their personal struggles. Of course there is tragedy. What book about Titanic isn't? However, the stories of survival, of women who refused to go on lifeboats without their husbands, saying they had lived together, they would die together are reminders of a devoted love we so seldom find anymore. The author explains that while the Fortune sisters were real, she made adaptations to their histories because very little was truly known about what they did on the ship. This is the first book that I have read by this author but it will be far from my last. Outstanding historical novel!
Reviewer: Kindle Customer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Randi's Review
Review: I enjoyed all the characters and time period. Having been to the Titanic museum in Ireland, it all connected more. Such a tragedy and so many historical figures lost but all was brought back to life in this novel. I was hesitant to read because of so much already written but I liked the storyline. Hard to believe how women were viewed before the right to vote and how tight a grip and influence the father figure had.
Reviewer: GroundControll
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Historical novel
Review: Started out as a book for young adults but as it went along the maturity surfaced. Easy reading and kept my attention. Was a good book for our book club!
Reviewer: Gema
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Sisters of Fortune...By Anna Lee Huber
Review: Thank you Ms Huber for the ultimate writer's task of combining true history with literary license leaving us with a wonderful story around the Titanic. Fantastic characters mingling with actual passengers was wonderfully interweaved with many historical facts. I couldn't put this one down! Gema
Reviewer: Amazon Customer
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: a borrowed story
Review: This book was almost hand in glove with the epic movie Titanic. Itâs story line is basically the same boy meets girl , finds love etc etc and other than the happy ending for the 2 main characters⦠it was the same story. Do yourself a favor and watch Titanic the movieâ¦
Reviewer: Mary smith
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: This is a fabulous book
Review: This author combined real people with totally believable characters. These combined with the story of the Titanic were a true page turning dream. Really did like this book. highly recommend
Reviewer: dani
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: COULD NOT STOP READING, A TRUE STORY WITH A PERSONAL LOVE issue ncluded with both a good and sad ending,
Reviewer: Moira
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: I've always loved all stories about the Titanic, and this did not disappoint. I recognized a lot of facts from other stories that I've read both true and fictional. I applaud the author on how she wove a fictional character into the story along with factual events.
Customers say
Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They find the story engrossing and interesting from the beginning. The writing is described as descriptive and well-written. The characters are believable and have unique personalities. The details are accurate and informative, making the book informative. Overall, customers describe the story as heartwarming and heartfelt, providing a bit of joy in the end for some survivors.
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