3.5 stars.
I was so excited for this one and was a big anticipated release for me before it came out. But unfortunately it fell a bit flat. I still enjoyed it as a read but wasn't quite as good as I thought it could be. I would have liked to see more of their time on the Titanic since that is what most know the Astors from (shout out to Eric Braeden). It was still a good read to know more about the couple and their love story and life before the Titanic. I would have liked to also see a bit more of after the Titanic. But it was written well and I did enjoy it still.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

The Second Mrs. Astor tells the story of how Madeleine Force and John Astor meet and their story from beginning to end in a fictional tale.

Overall I did enjoy this book. The story being told in letter format from Madeleine to her child was an interesting one and showed a more personal side of the second Mrs. Astor's life. You get to see what happened from the start of their relationship and how they ended up being together, to a little bit of what Madeleine did once she was on her own after the Titanic had sunk.

For me the part that I found the most interesting was their time aboard the Titanic and what happened afterward. Seeing how they appeared to be on the ship and their friendship with Margaret Brown who I always adore. The friendship between Molly and Margaret is one that is so nice to see and does help Madeleine deal with everything a little bit better. Madeleine's time aboard the lifeboat and the aftermath of the Titanic was also interesting and I felt like we got to see how strong she had become throughout the book more than we had previously.

I am just going to say that the main issue I had with this is the huge age gap between Madeleine and John Astor. Yes, I do realize that it was the early 1900s and things were a little bit different. It still gives me the ick and I just don't like it personally. Did I know about the age gap going into this book? Yes, I just didn't realize how much of this book would be focused on their relationship itself.

I think this book will work well for people who enjoy historical romances more than I do. But they do need to be aware of the age gap and how Madeleine is just 18 when they get married. The parts about their honeymoon and the places they traveled and being aboard the Titanic is fascinating especially compared to what they had been doing back in New York (at least for me it was).

Posting on my blog on November 25th, @ 8am central time

Loved this book. The story of a couple so very much in love, against all odds. It ends with Mr. Astor dying on the titanic. Even knowing how it will end I hoped against hope.

Really great read

It is a rare book that makes me tear up, but cry I did while reading Shana Abe’s new novel The Second Mrs. Astor, a story of Madeleine Force and John Jacob Astor IV’s courtship and marriage, and its tragic end aboard the RMS Titanic. I had no knowledge of Madeleine beyond the slight mention of her in the 1997 film Titanic, so aside from the sinking of the Titanic at the end of the book, this story was completely new to me.

Abe writes The Second Mrs. Astor in the form of a letter from Madeleine to her son John Jacob Astor VI, with whom she was pregnant on that fateful night the Titanic sank and the boy’s father was lost to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Madeleine tells her son about his father: how he, at the age of 47, courted the 17 year old Madeleine; how they fell in love despite their relationship being utterly scandalous for the time; and how they married and honeymooned in Egypt before boarding the Titanic.

I’ll admit that The Second Mrs. Astor did move rather slowly at the beginning of the book, and almost lost my attention at times; however, once Madeleine and John enter into a relationship, I found the pace and interest level of the novel to pick up and I was fully engaged in their story. The book reads like the time period in which it is written - quiet, gentle, and languid - and gives a good sense of the early 20th century and the customs adopted by upper class society. Additionally, I loved that John Jacob Astor’s dear Airedale terrier Kitty played a large role in this story, and as a dog lover, I was thrilled that Abe chose to write her into so many scenes.

If you’re like me and don’t know where Madeleine and John’s story begins, you surely know where it ends, and the chapters of The Second Mrs. Astor written aboard the Titanic are the most fascinating of all. I was a teenager when Titanic (1997) was released, and like all young people across the world, I was completely captivated by the ill-fated ship and her passengers. Having not seen the movie in more than a decade, I quite enjoyed being taken back to the world of the Titanic, and even though I knew it was coming, found myself crying when she went down into the depths of the cold, dark Atlantic.

Read The Second Mrs. Astor if you are interested in learning more about the people who were aboard the Titanic, and especially if you enjoy a good love story!

“As the lifeboat turned again, floating away from the liner, Madeleine tried to find her husband once more. But they were too far aft. All she could see, all any of them could see as they slipped farther out, was Titanic’s stern slowly lifting free of the Atlantic, its three monstrous bronze propellers shedding rivers of water, platinum waterfalls against the glittering sky.” I mean, how beautifully tragic is this passage. 🥺💔

🚢 Ever since I saw Titanic and Rose said to Jack, “That's John Jacob Astor, the richest man on the ship. His little wifey there, Madeleine, is my age and in a delicate condition. See how she's trying to hide it? 𝒬𝓊𝒾𝓉𝑒 the scandal!” I have been interested in exactly what that scandal was. So when I saw this book I jumped on it!

🚢 It is a testament to the authors writing that, even though I’ve seen Titanic probably 100 times (and it still stands as the only movie I have seen multiple times in theater), I was still stressed reading the end as if I don’t know that the boat sinks. I also loved how this whole book was written as a story to Mrs. Astors’ son Jakey.

🚢 The story was both romantic and tragic. The writing superb and wrought with emotion. I just adored this book and can’t recommend it highly enough. It still floors me how, although this was over 100 years ago, divorce was scandalous and could ruin a woman. My my how times have changed.

Madeline Force was the young second wife of John Jacob Astor. This novel takes you inside their courtship (she was 17) and the scandal it brought. Her honeymoon proves deadly as Madeline is rescued from the sinking of the Titanic while her husband becomes one of many prominent figures to go down with the ship. Widowed and pregnant, Madeline must go back to New York to face society and try to carve out her own future and that for her son. A great historical fiction book for anyone who loves the Gilded Age (when JJ Astor's mother ruled NYC) and the turn of the 20th century.

The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe, is a beautiful work of Historical Fiction.. I never knew the story of Madeleine Talmage Force and her whirlwind relationship with John Jacob Astor. Madeleine comes from an upperclassman family and she is beautiful.. she is much younger than Jack and a lot of people have a lot to say about their love affair. Most don’t want tot take her seriously.. his own mom gives her a run for her money. The press can’t get enough of the Meir story and never leave her alone. The only respite she gets is when they take a honeymoon to Egypt. It’s the first time they can be themselves. They enjoy every single second. This is just what Madeleine needed. As they prepare to go back to America, Jack plans a trip on The Titanic. What a wonderful end to their honeymoon. They settle onto the ship and we all knows the ship sinks.. But can their love make it through? Do they make it off the ship to safety? I really enjoyed this story. i loved the authors writing and her development of the characters. I kept reading to see how this was going to end and actually looked up The Astor’s to learn more about them. I want to thank Netgalley for my copy for an honest review.. it was an absolute pleasure to read and review this story. I hope you enjoy it too!!!

5 stars: 5/5 Star Rating Scale
I have always been fascinated with RMS Titanic after teaching a study of it for my middle-school English students. It opened a whole new world for me. The movie starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaperio also fueled my interest. Interestingly enough, that movie was factual except for the storyline romance of Jack & Rose. Mrs. Astor and John Jacob Astor IV were indeed on the ship and he did not get to board one of the lifeboats while his wife and unborn baby were saved via lifeboat and the Carpathia.
This book was mainly fictional since there is not a great deal of information on Mrs. Astor's experiences before, during or after the voyage of the RMS Titanic. I found the fictional account to be captivating. I have begun my own research on the Astors since reading this book.

The Second Mrs. Astor is a gentle walk into the past Haute Society. It reminds us of the days when the only thing a woman of society really had to worry about was if she would be able to make an advantageous marriage to someone whom she wouldn't hate having to share a bed with. To actually be able to love your spouse was a very desired added benefit. And she loved him. And he adored her. The marriage was charmed and she learned, even though she was so much younger than he was, the ins and out's of being a trophy wife: she learned how to get past the innuendoes thrown her way from the society "has beens"; the old guard, the dinosaurs who saw her as an usurper and the reason for much gossiped about breakup of the first marriage. But then....the Titanic. She was pregnant when they boarded the Titanic. She entered the ship a wife and an expectant mother. She landed safely after the evacuation as a widow. It's the story of the sinking that pulled me in, and reading this I knew I'd never forget this story. Yes, it is a piece of fiction but it is fiction based on fact: we all know the story of the Titanic but you leave this book feeling like you were actually on board with her and her beloved John..who she never saw again: he died loving her, but not alone as his beloved dog was with him too. "Gear the tears!"

My first book by Shana Abe, and I'm positively mesmerized. The way she writes, her choice of wording, often leaves me in wonder. This is the kind of literature that makes me love books all the more.

Any history buff, or person who has read up a little on the Titanic, would love the chance to read this remarkable tale of the love story between John Jacob Astor, the richest man in the world (as of 1912), and Madeleine Force. Wow! The writing style is absolutely brilliant! So beautifully descriptive, setting the scenes so well. I was spellbound through the entirety of the book.

Sometimes there are aspects of the plot that actually remind me of the classic novel, Rebecca. Margaret, just like the heroine of Rebecca, finds herself living with the ghost of her husband's first wife; so many details of her married life are set in stone because of the first wife. These are literary similarities that I cannot ignore; these similarities made me love the book even more.

Also, I just have to say that I loooooove it when Kitty (the Airedale terrier) enters a scene. (I'm so happy the author included the dog many times.)

The author must have researched the history behind this story for endless hours. I applaud her work of The Second Mrs. Astor! The fruits of her labor truly show; it makes for a more detailed and believable story. I'll definitely keep my eye out to see if she will write any more historical fiction. I'm a fan of her work!

Keep this book in mind for Christmas gifts.

Recommended for: Adults
Suitable for: Ages 16 & up
(Allusions to mature content. Some mild language.)

The love story that you thought you knew is turned upside down in the most hauntingly beautiful way. I personally have read dozens of books and watched countless documentaries and movies about the Titanic. The story of Madeline and Jack Astor has always left the impression of a stereotypical 2nd wife. Madeline has always been cast as a gold-digging socialite who trapped Jack into marriage. Jack a wealthy and powerful man whose affections only lasts as long as her youth and beauty. This stereotype has been manufactured by the press and gossip, and the pain this falsehood perpetuates is evident in Madeline’s anxiety and fear. The novel reveals a true love story that was based on a strong foundation of respect and admiration, love and support. The 2nd Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe is a shining example of superb historical fiction. A tragic fairy-tale through early twentieth century courtship and the devastating short marriage of Madeline and Jack Astor. Written as a letter to Madeline’s son telling him about the father he never knew, adds a unique element to the story. One of the best novels of the year, a sweeping story that will become a popular book club pick. Thank you to Kensington Paperbacks and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel. All opinion are my own.

This book was beautifully written story about the real-life relationship between Madeline Force and John Jacob "Jack" Astor. It also broke my heart into a million pieces. I will cherish this story in days to come!!

This book had me at “Titanic;” Yes, I loved the movie years ago and I do love a good historical fiction book. If you like romance, a story people with Uber rich, Uber privileged Gilded Era characters, and some small bits of history thrown in, this book may satisfy you. For me, I wanted more…more details on the wild crush of press surrounding the second Mrs. Astor, more on who this woman was, more on the Astors themselves, and definitely more on the Titanic itself (that was just the final 40% of the book)Lots of description of parties, of clothing, of fancy food - I think my taste just ruins to more character depth and history. But it was a nice palate cleanser after a dark and gritty thriller:)

A moving love story which tells how a young immature girl catches the eye of the richest man in America at the beginning of the 20th century and marries him.
Colonel Jack Astor regaling from a public divorce he falls in love with Madeline Force and although she is only seventeen she reciprocated his advances falls in love and marries him.
What follows is that the high society of New York snub the couple and their life is made intolerable by the press.
In order to remove themselves from this situation they take an extended honeymoon taking in Paris and Egypt and returning to New York on the Titanic.
By this time Madeline is five months pregnant and when the Titanic hits the iceberg Maddie is placed on a lifeboat whilst Jack is left to his fate and drowns.
A beautifully written and moving book I can’t recommend it enough

BOOK REVIEW: The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe

In a word... Heartbreaking... Even though we all know how this story ends, the lead character's perspective is so insightful and continues to resonate with the timeless issue of how we treat each other centered at the core of the story. Thrilled to discover a new favorite historical fiction author... ✨😎✨

T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books of 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction
Sub-Genre: Biographical
Time Period: 1912
Location: Titanic

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The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin
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All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Books, Lifestyle & Home Ideas for Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

A solid 5 star read for me! This was my first book to read by Abe, and I was impressed at the way she conveyed detail, the historical fiction accounts, and I adored the way she wrote to her son, and then the novel continued. Wow, a powerful book. Thank you for allowing me to read this!

A wonderfully imaginative telling of the romance and subsequent tragedy of Madeleine Astor and her absurdly rich husband John Jacob Astor. I love all things Titanic and this book was no different. It took me a minute to get into the book, as it starts well before the Titanic sailed, but I found myself falling in love with it as Maddie and Jack fell in love. Rich with details of Knickerbocker society and heartbreakingly sad on the night Titanic sank, this is an engaging book that will stay with me for a while.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

As a historian who has been interested in the story of the Titanic for many years, I was very impressed by this engaging piece of historical fiction. Madeline Astor served as a brilliant nexus for the Titanic and the social history of society’s elite in the years before the tragedy.

It would be hard to believe that a 17 year old naïf could have captured the heart of, and married, the richest man in the world., John Jacob Astor. Abe has made Madeline an extraordinary figure, so young, yet caught up in one of history’s most iconic events. She has tied in many other figures of the time, even Molly Brown, here as Margaret Brown. Abe’s subtle, nuanced descriptions brought the era and the event to life.

I admit to not always loving historical fiction, but this was really beautifully done. I’m looking forward to my next visit to Halifax, the place that has so many connections to the Titanic. This book has inspired me to do more research about Madeline and Vincent.

Thank you Netgalley for this lovely story about a Titanic survivor.

A fascinating (and seemingly romanticized) look at the courtship and short marriage of John Jacob Astor and his very young second wife, Madeline Talmage Force. I really enjoyed this historical fiction book based on the real lives of two of the most notorious elite members of Gilded Age New York City society.

The author did a really good job humanizing one of the most wealthy men in the world (how accurate her characterization was is up for debate but I'm not expert enough to critique). In any case I enjoyed getting to know more about both Madeline and Colonel Astor and their fateful voyage on the Titanic (with a cameo by Molly Brown!).

Highly recommended for historical fiction fans, especially for those who enjoyed the Titanic movie or Renee Rosen's The social graces. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy.

I am a big fan of historical fiction, especially anything related to the Titanic. This book was okay but didn't excite me as much as I anticipated. Any story involving the Titanic is gonna be heavy, and this one was was no exception. 3.5 stars in my opinion.