Oh my goodness!!! ALL THE FEELS!!!! I was immediately drawn in and emotional! Such an intense romance and ending!!

This book was well written, well researched and spectacular!! Ms. Abe gained a new fan in me!!!

I really enjoyed this book! I was so happy to read it, because I am a huge fan of novels and such that involve the Titanic. Although its ending is tragic, as expected for a Titanic novel, it was a wonderfully satisfying novel. I appreciated the character development, the setting, and the plot as a whole. It was very engaging and I'm so glad to have been given an early copy! Thank you so much to the publisher, author, and netgalley!

Oh, this one is good! If you have any romanticism about The Titanic and the lives of the Astors and other elite families of that era, here is a description that will captivate you: "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." I love it that the author built do well on the structure of fact from that time, world-crafting and layering such fabulous characters and their inner workings. She brings us aboard so that we are fully present on the fated ship, we're right there at those well-appointed tables, we're holding our breath during tense plot turns. It's marvelous. Get your golden helping of Titanic excess, rub elbows with the luminaries and make this a top choice for your cozy fall reading. It's so perfect for bookclub and for book exchanges with other historical fiction buffs.

This is not a HEA but an in depth look into one woman’s loss on the titanic. A whirlwind courtship and a tragedy. I try to read to escape and I should have paid more attention to asking for this title. I hate reading heavy books, life is depressing enough. Four heavy hearts.

Riveting book. I couldn't put it down. Even though you know how it ends (the Titanic sinks), the level of tension in this novel was palpable. The foreshadowing throughout the book was terrific and beautifully done.

The main character is Madeleine, a teenager who marries the wealthier man in the world, John Jacob Astor The novel begins with the first spark of romance between the two. In one sense, this is a beautiful and engaging love story, as it follows the Astors through their honeymoon in Egypt and deals with the snobbery of their peers and intrusions by the press.

This would make great summer reading, great for book clubs. Highly recommended.

Madeline Astor was on an extended Middle East/European honeymoon with her much older husband, mega-rich Jack Astor, when they decided to return to the United States on the Titanic. Madeline was five months pregnant at the time of their sailing from Cherborg, France. Well we all know what happened to the Titanic and to most of the men on board. Madeline returns home at widow who gives birth to her baby a few months later.

At the outset of their relationship the press, much like the cancel culture tabloids and internet of today, had a field day with portraying Madeline in the very worst light. Twisting most of her words they initially identify her as an opportunistic social climber but after the sinking of the Titanic they adjusted her roll to that of the tragic, floundering widow.

In THE SECOND MRS. ASTOR author Shana Abe presents the tale from Madeline’s perspective and gives readers a behind the scenes look at the woman who took control of her life and future.

I really loved this as an end of summer read. It was easy enough to follow, but compelling enough to finish. Loved the stories and the consideration of society's impacts on the young widow.

Madeleine Force was just 17 when she met John Jacob (Jack) Astor, 46. The man is very wealthy, charismatic and part of America’s “royalty.” While Madeleine’s family is certainly well off, some people feel she and her family aren’t on the same level as the Astors.

Jack is divorced from his wife, Ava, and has a son Madeleine’s age and a younger daughter who lives with Ava. Jack served in the war and has the title of Colonel. He has written a book and is also an inventor. He is taken with Madeleine and her fresh and real self.

As Jack and Madeleine get to know one another more, they fall totally in love and after she turns 18, they marry. Since the cold weather has always bothered Madeleine, they agree to journey to Egypt for the warmth. With them, they take their beloved Airedale dog, Kitty, whom they love dearly. The trip is wonderful for them and that’s where Madeleine realizes she is pregnant. As it becomes time to return home, they decide to sail aboard the Titanic on its maiden journey to New York. We all know what comes next. Madeleine is saved but Jack is not allowed on the lifeboat and thus perishes.

The pain of the ship sinking, the lives lost, and the overwhelming grief Madeleine suffers rips at the reader’s heart. I have other books about the Titanic but this one brought me to tears. The exquisite descriptions by this author made me feel like I was right there in the middle of the story. I had read many books of the Gilded Age and the Four Hundred and loved them all. This book is an absolute classic and on that deserves more than 5 stars.

Copy provided by NetGalley and Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I adore a good historical ficiton, and when a love story is included it makes it that much better. Madeleine Force 18 and John Jacob Astor, 46, the richest man in America are wed and returning from their honeymoon on the ill-fated Titanic. Madeleine soon finds herself alone and pregnant in a world she doesn't know how to navigate.
This was a quick read and I really enjoyed the story. You really feel the love in this story and the author writes it beautifully. I recommend this book to those who love historical fiction.

When John Jacob Astor (the wealthiest man in the world back in 1910) spots Madeleine Force dancing in a production of Ophelia, he is immediately taken by her beauty and her talent. They begin to court, but their affair is considered scandalous for so many reasons. Madeline is not in his league, for one. She is also at least 15 years his junior. Finally, his divorce from Alice (Astor), does not allow for him to remarry as long as she is alive. But he is J. J. Astor and he has all the (money)/ power. Madeleine loves him but detests (and fears), the media (even 100 years ago … the paparazzi was ever present). To escape them, J.J. and Madeleine decide to honeymoon in #Egypt 🇪🇬. J.J. decides to book their return trip home on the #titanic. I love the way Shana Abé tells their story. #5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m so thankful that hydrangea season isn’t over yet. This blue beauty is reminding me that there’s still more summer to go ☀️❤️☀️

I’m also thankful that I’m spending my Saturday afternoon with The Second Mrs. Astor. Listen to this: “I won’t begin with our ending, which everyone in the world knows anyway. Our beginning, however, belonged only to us…” How can you not be instantly drawn in? The Second Mrs. Astor will be in bookstores everywhere this Tuesday, August 31.

What are you reading/watching/listening to today?

Thanks to my partners @bibliolifestyle @kensingtonbooks and @shana.abe.author for my spot on this tour ❤️

Link to post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTIRiecr9uJ/

The Second Mrs. Astor is a fascinating work of historical fiction about the courtship, marriage, and tragic ending of Madeline Force and John Jacob Astor IV. At just seventeen, Madeline is wooed by America’s richest widower, 46-year-old Jack Astor. Their romantic courtship leads to an advantageous marriage for Madeline, but despite his families’ suspicions, she marries him out of love and not for his money. They soon leave on a honeymoon for Egypt, where Madeline becomes pregnant. Sadly, their return trip to America is on the infamous Titanic and Jack Astor becomes one of its many victims. Madeline escapes on one of the lifeboats but is devastated by the loss of her beloved husband. Returning to America, she is hounded by the press and shunned by Astor’s first family.

Vivid descriptions and lyrical prose, as well as a well-researched story gives readers a feel for the time and setting. The affluence of 1910’s New York City’s elite, and the opulence and luxury of the Titanic are brought to life by the author. This was a wonderful addition to stories about the famous and not so famous passengers whose lives were cut short by the Titanic’s sinking.

I highly recommend this for fans of historical fiction as well as those who want to read about the famous Titanic and its passengers.

I love everything Titanic. When I saw this book was about the Astor's and the Titanic, I was overjoyed to get this book. I was not disappointed, although this book wasn't exactly what I thought it would be.; It was so much more.

A sheltered young woman. A man almost three decades her senior, what do they have in common? In bold strokes across the page, the author gave us a look into the beginning of love with this couple, the best of times for them, then the tragic ending, before they could even explore any depth in their relationship.

The book begins as a tale for her son, relating the meeting of his parents, their time together, and her memories of John Jacob Astor. Between the first person story for her son, is the third person tale of their lives as seen by the outside world. The people that don't think Madeline Force is good enough for Mr. Astor. The people who think this man can't possibly love this child. The way the press sees the courtship. Fast forward to their time on honeymoon in Egypt, when you can see the deepening relationship, then their parting on the Titanic. A tragedy that leaves the reader with so many what ifs!

This is the first book I've read by this author. The amount of research that went into crafting this tale of a woman who had much, then had more, then lost everything that mattered to her, was brilliant. Her issues with her family, her friends, the press, and the other over the top rich of NYC and environs at that time, is so believable. You can feel the love she holds for Mr. Astor and also her heartache over the people who want to tarnish her relationship with him.

After a somewhat slow start, the book just gained steam as it went along. The portions of the book recounting the riches and opulence of the summer homes of the rich and famous was fascinating to read. As I knew the ending of this story, I slowed my reading down. I didn't want to read about Madeline's harrowing time in the lifeboat or on the Carpathia, but I did. Then ending was just that. The End. A short epilogue that was somehow abrupt, but appropriate.

Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. The review is my own.

I'm riveted by stories of Gilded Age families and I found this one interesting but a bit slow. The action picked up with the scenes on the Titanic which were emotional and vivid but I wish we'd gotten to know more about Madeleine after Jack's death. Huge props to the art department on this one - the cover is divine!

3.5 stars

Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy to review.

The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe was not what I thought it would be. It wasn't bad - and I think part of my angst is just with who Madeleine is as person, not with the book itself. But it's hard to divorce the two...so let me tell you more.

Shana Abe's writing was lovely. I felt she did an awesome job sharing the stories (both the truth/fiction) of Madeleine , JJ Astor, and a variety of supplemental Titanic characters with her readers. I really enjoyed that each chapter began with a letter that Madeline was writing to her baby about his father and their love story. So touching!! I also found reading about the Astors' honeymoon to be terribly interesting and yet terribly sad knowing what was to come with Titanic. Travel in those days was so different!!

But Madeleine's choices (both the ones she made and the ones made for her) just made me cringe. Like, why did her parents push her towards marriage with an old guy? Just money and status. I felt so sad for Madeleine. She really didn't seem to have any friends or anyone on her side. Even her family (with maybe the exception of her sister) just was into the drama of it all.

All in all, I am glad I read this book but likewise, was also glad I'm not Madeleine Astor.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the free advanced ebook. All opinions are my own.

The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe' was not what I was expecting for several reasons. I love historical fiction but, this book didn't quite hit the mark for me. It was just ok and I found myself taking many breaks and not exactly excited to pick it back up again.

I have to applaud the author for her diligent research. Because of the depth that she went, she encouraged me to look further into Madeleine's remaining years. She died rather young. It was reported she died from heart failure at 46 years of age. She went on to have 2 failed marriages after her Jack.

I found it quite tragic that her parents were supportive of her marriage to a man 29 years her senior. It all boiled down to money and status. She was ripped apart for her marriage and snubbed by high society. Her step son was a year and half older than her and despised her. It was not easy. Jack died during the sinking of the Titanic and left her pregnant, 5 million dollars and his home on Fifth Avenue. She could only keep it if she remained a widow.

The book went between a letter Madeleine Astor was writing to her infant son and third person narration. There were times when the transition was not as smooth as it could have been. I love the letter and her honesty while writing it.

I usually lose interest in biographies and maybe this one was closer to a biography than historical fiction. If you love biographies and historical fiction, you'll love this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you #Netgalley and #KensingtonBooks!

Madeline Force chronicles her whirlwind romance with Colonel John Jacob Astor, for their new son, by way of a journal. While the significant gap in age and Astor's prior divorce made for at-the-time scandal, the two were truly head-over-heels. Though baby Jakey will never know his dashing father, we discover intimacies about the couple along with him, empathize deeply with how Madeline navigates the invasive press and the equally invasive women of society, travel along on their extended honeymoon, and are absolutely gutted by the tragic loss of Astor with the sinking of the Titanic. The very pregnant Madeline is formidable and embodies the definition of absolute heroine in the aftermath. Lyrical in a world of opulence, Abe crafts an unforgettable tribute to the second Mrs. Astor as well as to the everlasting love of her life

‘Marriage especially is more than just hope and luck and a handshake. Marriage is work, enormous work, because it’s a living entity that needs everlasting attention. It will push you and bend you and test you, and if you’re not prepared for any of that, it will shatter you.’

This book was such an incredibly surprising read. It was fabulous! I am a fan of historical fiction as you well know but such tales become even richer when it revolves around true stories tied to unforgettable moments in history. Yes, the events surrounding the Titanic are here but it is not the focus of this story. This is the story of Madeline Astor (the second Mrs Astor) who married the famous John Astor, 29 years her senior. This is a story of their whirlwind romance and marriage, a story of the Gilded Age and the prejudices she was subjected to and we all know how the story ends aboard that fateful trip. Yet, my heart was weeping for Madeline and credit to Shana for writing such a heartfelt tale.

‘It came at them as a fortress, as a castle, as a painted feverscape towering above the ocean. It was the tallest, scariest thing Madeleine had ever seen, bearing down on them in a crest of freshly slaughtered salt water. Titanic arrived eating up the flat horizon.’

Shana’s writing and research is such that it gave what I felt to be a true insight into this love story of the early 1900s. She shone a light on all the established families and expectations, on the socialites and their hurtful gossip and those last frantic moments before the ship went down. I loved this book so much and felt that it was both an accurate and tasteful account of the times. I knew of the famous American Astor family but not of this infamous and controversial second marriage. Madeline was just a teenager and writing in the first person through a letter to her son, Shana sheds light on not only her personality but also the tale of her time spent with Jack Astor - brief as it was.

“They’ll come around,” he said. “They must.” But I didn’t see why they should. They were his set, not my own. I had nothing to offer them beyond myself, and they had already made their feelings about that resoundingly clear.’

Shana is also to be commended on bringing to life the sheer opulence of everything from the majestic New York homes, to the rugged beauty along the Nile, to all the glitter and glamour of those fateful few days aboard the remarkable Titanic. I became a part of Madeline’s world and I was mesmerised and ultimately heartbroken by all that occurred. I found the Reading Guide questions wonderfully reflective at the conclusion. Google was my friend as I looked up key figures such as Vincent from Jack’s first marriage, or Madeline’s sister Katherine, the homes they frequented and of course how their lives played out after I had turned the final page.

“You left him behind to die.” “I didn’t leave him behind! They wouldn’t let him on the lifeboat! They were only letting on women and children ...” “There are men everywhere out there,” he roared. “Men from Titanic all over this ship!”

The Titanic, as I stated, is not the sole focus here. It was, however, a striking way to conclude the book and to think it was all based on fact. I was aboard that lifeboat with Madeline that fateful night and wondered how anyone - especially someone so young, pregnant and alone - would ever truly recover. Shana has written this in such a way that I invested in the magic that was the love Madeline and Jack shared and how it was tragically cut so short. I highly recommend this story, remarkable in its truth and strength to the story of Madeline Astor.

‘The nature of hope is curious to me. It can sustain us through the darkest of times. It can buoy us above every reasonable expectation of despair. Yet hope can shatter us just as readily as the darkness can. People refer to it as false hope, but I think that’s misleading, because the feeling itself is painfully true. It is a treacherous hope, more precisely. A dangerous one.’









This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

REVIEW: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I adored this novel! Of course, if you love Historical Fiction as much as me, especially novels set in NYC (and around the world) during the Guilded Age, you will adore it as well! The story is interesting from start to finish and kept me up until all hours! The characters were so believable...Madeleine was my favorite. Dare I say naive and worldly at the same time??? The love story between John J. Astor and Madeline tugged at my heartstrings and kept me glued to the pages! I highly recommend!! One thing that would have made this even better is if the reader didn't know how the outline of the entire story from the publisher's synopsis.

Madeleine Force, a 17 year old beauty and socialite attracts the attention of John Jacob Astor, 29 years her senior. He also happens to be one of the wealthiest men in the nation and divorced. Scandal ensues as they navigate their love affair. I will not write anymore in this review because I don't want to give any spoilers.

"The Second Mrs. Astor" chronicles the scandalous courtship of Madeleine Force and John Jacob Astor. Madeleine was only 17 when she caught the eye of the 40ish industrial magnate. The story is mainly about her, the months leading up to their wedding, then honeymoon and his tragic death aboard the Titanic. It is her fairy tale of a life that abruptly changes upon her death. It will leave you fascinated for more of the gilded age.