This dual timeline book, "Unsinkable" by Jenni L. Walsh, is based on several real women and was a page turner for me. Each timeline had me wanting to read just one more chapter and the entire book just flew by.
Violet Jessup grows up in difficult circumstances with a mentally ill mother and many younger siblings. She vows to support her family and goes to work on the Titanic (and later other ships) to make that happen. She puts her family first for many years of her life and bases all of her decisions on what is best for them. As an aside, she has a deaf sister who lipreads well. While at first I was sad to see this stereotype in a book (lipreading is better done by the hard of hearing as they are assisted by what they can hear), it is based on a real person so I accepted this character better knowing that. She plays a very minor part in the book too.
Daphne Chaundanson survives the sinking of the Titanic as a baby (though her mother does not) but grows up privileged but feels unwanted by her father. She bases her decisions on what will get her a nod from her father. She is talented with many languages, and so becomes a spy. She travels all over and impacts the war. (This character is based on several different women). Both women change and grow throughout the story and are interesting characters.
I highly recommend this book for any historical fiction fans. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me the ARC for an honest review.

Great book - loved the ending!

Two women who's lives crossed paths at pivotal times. Great historical novel/love story in one.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for a complimentary copy of this novel!
This is a historical fiction novel about two women…Violet and Daphne…and how their lives intersect unbeknownst to them. It falls on Violet’s shoulders as the oldest of nine siblings to help provide for her family. She does so by being a stewardess and a wartime nurse. She ends up surviving a shipwreck and 2 sinkings, including the well-known Titanic. With so much weight to bear for her family, will Violet be able to finally settle and have a life of her own?
Daphne grows up with an estranged father and mother who died when she was just a baby. She occupies herself by learning numerous languages and eventually is invited by the Special Operations to join as an agent in WW2 due to her language skills. Wanting to help her country and earn her father’s approval, she joins. With all the turmoil she encounters in the war and her fear of being on any floating object, she finally learns the truth about her past.

These two women’s stories are beautifully woven together by Jenni L. Walsh! I enjoyed her previous book, The Call of the Wrens and this one does not disappoint either! Available January 9, 2024

What a fun read!

Unsinkable is a dual timeline story featuring two brave heroines who want to fight to make things better, whether that's for their family or for an entire country.

Violet Jessup (who was a real woman, although her story here is somewhat fictionalized) is Miss Unsinkable. After having survived the sinking of the Olympic in 1911, she then manages to survive the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Both afraid of and called to the sea, Violet must set aside her personal feelings to earn money to take care of her family. As war and tragedy continue to find Violet, she must decide to continue on the path she's always followed or forge her own path to happiness.

Daphne Chaundanson is a whiz at languages but not so much a whiz at connecting with her famous father. With the onset of WWII, Daphne is approached to join the SOE and become a British secret agent in Nazi-controlled France. But being a secret agent is hard, and although she's good at her work, Daphne finds her mission may require more than she ever expected. Although Daphne herself wasn't a real person, the author's note states that her character's story is based on the lives of real SOE women.

Violet and Daphne are both fascinating characters who find themselves in dangerous situations time and time again. Although Daphne chooses to face such dangers, Violet's circumstances are more bad luck than anything. Her survival in ultimately three shipwrecks would be funny if it wasn't so tragic, but Violet finds a well of bravery in order to keep returning to the sea. Her motives are entirely unselfish, too, which makes her decision all the more admirable. Daphne's motives are initially selfish, but once she lands in France and sees the suffering of the people, she refuses to back down from the Nazis. Her exploits are fun to read, even when they're unsuccessful, and her unexpected connection with a fellow Resistance member is sweet.

For about 99% of the book, the connection between Violet and Daphne is unknown. Daphne loves history and occasionally refers to the tragedies in which Violet was involved, but it's unclear as to why Walsh chose these two characters to serve as the dual narrators. It's not until the final few pages that the connection between the two women is revealed--at least to readers--and while I loved the connection and guessed correctly at what it was, I would've liked confirmation a bit earlier in the story. My only other complaint is that there are several large jumps in time in Violet's story, but some of these are explained in the author's note.

Overall, Unsinkable is a great read and a wonderful story of bravery, dedication, and selflessness. Covering several major historical events, Violet and Daphne's stories will keep readers turning the pages and guessing as to what will happen next.

espionage, WW2, multicultural, multi-generational, multilingual, WW1, stewardesses, dual-narrations, dual-time-frames, historical-novel, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture*****

Burdened with inescapable responsibilities, Violet is a stewardess on the White Star line who comes to
survive the sinking of the Titanic, then continues with her life and has two more brushes with death on ships. She was a real person whose life has been researched and some of her story retold as fiction.
Daphne becomes a Special Operations Executive agent during WWII due to her natural abilities in linguistics and a nearly photographic memory. Her story is a composite of many women who served their countries in exceptional ways during the second World War.
These are the women representing so many others whose lives have been unavoidably changed due to unstoppable circumstances. Well written and easily readable.
I requested and received an EARC from Harper Muse via NetGalley. Thank you!

Unsinkable by Jenni Walsh

Well written book, and my first Jenni Walsh book.

I enjoyed this dual timeline historical fiction of the Titanic. I Learned many facts I didn't know. Two different points of view from 2 different time periods. I fall in love with Violet's Point of views.



If you enjoy WW1 WW2 novels or The Titanic, then I highly recommend you read this novel. Pre-order your copy today.

Unsinkable by Jenni L. Walsh is a gorgeously-written and refreshingly clean dual timeline about perseverance, hardships, courage and hope. Two women are highlighted, the real Unsinkable Violet Jessop and fictional Daphne Chaundanson, both determined women who faced danger around every bend in their occupations.

Violet's job as a stewardess serving the uber wealthy on the unsinkable Titanic was interesting to read about. Not only did she survive its deadly sinking but she also survived the Olympic and Britannia tragedies. She wasn't a glutton for punishment but rather needed tips as the sole supporter for her mother and siblings. As she couldn't pursue her dream of medicine she was well placed to help others in a different way. Her life was adventurous and took her to live in the Andes when younger.

Daphne was eager to please her father and mastered several languages. As a clever woman she was willing to learn more and knew a smattering of words in others. She trained for the SOE in WWII and worked in France with several assignments using various code names. Her life was under constant threat of torture, imprisonment or death.

Though both characters and time periods are fascinating, Violet's relentless determination and loyalty to her family grabbed me in particular. She was a true heroine..

The writing and plots are engrossing, the characters believable and convincing and the harrowing details painted vividly. A truly enjoyable book. Do be sure to read the author's notes.

My sincere thank you to Harper Muse for providing me with a digital copy of this spellbinding novel.

Nicely spwritten book. Enjoyed reading many facts that I didn’t know about. Didn’t enjoy so much bouncing back and forth to the different stories but I guess it had to be that way for the outcome to be what it was

Fans of WWI.and WWII era books with dual timelines this book is for us! I initially was drawn to this book for the Titanic tie in but that part of the book is very short. Instead we see the dual timelines of Violet and Daphne.
I found myself more invested in Violet and her storyline. She is truly the unsinkable star of this book.

Overall a nicely written historical fiction book! I definitely recommend giving it a read.

I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I enjoy a good dual timeline historical fiction novel, but as with other books with this sort of setup, I found myself favoring one timeline over another. Violet's character is based on a real person who happened to survive three maritime disasters: the Olympic, the Titanic, and the Brittanic. The other timeline involves a British woman named Daphne involved in special ops during World War II.

I was drawn to the story because of the tie-in to the Titanic disaster, but it surprised me that it only took up a small portion of Violet's story. With every job she takes that's onshore, she finds herself wishing to be back on the sea, Part of it is because she can make good tips and has a family to care for in an invalid mother and her younger siblings. A good portion of her story takes place during WWI when she's working as a nurse and the horrors she sees and worrying about her four younger brothers who all enlisted.

Daphne was an interesting character as was her time in special ops for the British forces in France, but I found myself skimming over those parts as I wondered the connection to Violet. It's not apparent until almost the end of the book, but even with that intrigue, I wanted to stay with Violet and find out more about her life.

While I thought the story was very good overall, I thought it could have been executed a little bit better. I did appreciate the author's notes at the end, explaining there was only so much information available about Violet and the rest was imagination.

What a wonderful book. I enjoyed every minute of it. As a true Titanic buff, I have read hundreds of books from every angle, but this was so different. I so enjoyed the depictions of Violet’s character.and all her experiences. It seemed so true to life…and it was. The other character is a compilation of many who served the SOE. I found this part of the book very interesting and informative. The author does a wonderful job of bringing it all together in a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I did not want this book to end. Absolutely incredible. (I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

It’s everything I could want in a historical fiction novel, with an awesome dual-perspective between Violet and Daphne, who in their own respective times are absolute heroes along perilous journeys. Not to mention both of them surviving multiple ship sinkings? Both on the Titanic? World War I, World War II, romance, espionage, the “what do I want out of life” great questions… I can’t do this book justice with a review, I absolutely loved it. I could’ve read thousands of pages of this story. Thank you so much to Harper Muse and Jenni L. Walsh for this advanced copy. It was a total joy.

I will read just about anything to do with the Titanic so i was really excited to grab this. I was completely intrigued with Violet's point of view, less sk with Daphne, which I felt dragged a little. While the chapters are somewhat long, I was compelled to keep reading. A very well written historical fiction that ties together nicely.

4.5 ⭐️

Unsinkable was a lot different than I imagined--but also better in some ways than I'd hoped!

Violet Jessop, also known as Miss Unsinkable, was such an intriguing character. As someone who has a healthy fear of the ocean and getting on a ship that will sink, watching Violet come back to the sea after not one, but multiple sinking on ships she was aboard gave me an adrenaline rush. Her character was so relatable: she has a family she's responsible for and sacrifices her needs to give them their best shot in life. Her love story was so touching, and then heartbreaking, and once again touching.

Daphne Chaundanson was one of my favorite characters in Unsinkable. As someone who loves history, and especially WWII, I was immediately intrigued by Daphne's role as a Special Operations Executive agent in France. This timeline in the book reminded me of Kristin Hannah's "The Nightingale." It's got all the right elements to tell a gripping story that holds both your attention and your heart.

The only thing that kept me from giving this story a full five stars is that the ending felt too rushed and slightly disappointed me. There wasn't anything wrong with it per se, but I guess I envisioned it playing out differently.

All in all, Unsinkable is a gripping, powerful read, and I’d absolutely recommend it! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of Unsinkable. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.

Content warning: one use of the s*** word.

Unsinkable is a book that will have you not only staying up late night to read but one that when you are not reading you are thinking about.

We have Violet Jessop in 1912 and Daphne during WWII who becomes a secret agent in undercover in France.

Both ladies are a force to be reckoned with are strong, determined, independent and fierce.

Violet in order to provide for all her siblings she is a steward on several cruise ships and loves her job.

Violet was on the Titanic when she sunk, then faces disaster more times than anyone should.

Daphne faces danger at every turn and she manages for the most part to stay two steps ahead of the enemy.

The timelines go so well together and Jenna Walsh writes so well you feel that you are on the sinking ships and also running from danger with Daphne. ( She has the best code names).

Unsinkable is historical fiction at its best and I recommend you get your copy and put it to the top of your TBR pile.

The author's note are fascinating and well worth reading.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for a gripping read.

Another dual storyline piece of historical fiction set p, this one set in 1912 and the 1940’s. Violet is a stewardess aboard the Titanic, working to support her large family in England. Through the years, Violet’s experiences surprisingly include more sinking of ships, as she continues to support her family, sacrificing her own happiness. Daphne becomes part of the SOE, stationed in France to assist the Resistance, and help get pilots back to England. Their stories will intersect as the author creates two strong female characters. Recommended. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

From the blurbs, I thought this book would be more involved around the sinking of the Titanic. However, it's sank within the first dozen pages and the story goes on from there.

It's a dual time line history - Violet Jessop is a stewardess on ocean liners, looking after her mother and family. Her character is well written and very interesting. The second storyline follows Daphne and her various code names as a spy in the war. Her story isn't as fleshed out and I find it a little unbelievable at times. Both storylines are fast moving and were intriguing.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

Unsinkable is a story of two women in different times going towards the same goal, being unsinkable.

In 1912, Violet Jessop worked as stewardess on the Olympic and the Titanic. Where she endures not one, but two sinkings. Taking this job has become her family's only chance at survival and she’s determined to survive. After the second sinking on the Titanic, Violet gets a job on land in England. But, it doesn’t fulfill as she wishes it would. But with the outbreak of WWI, her younger brothers send her to school to serve in the Voluntary Aid Detachment which sends her back to sea… Again on the Britannic.

In 1942, Daphne worked in France as an art curator. She lives under the shadow of the father that never wanted her but financially supported her. When a woman comes into her art museum in the beginning of WWII, alluding to helping the resistance she has no choice but to be interested. Daphne becomes “Katherine” the french resistance fighter; her arsenal being an out of box imagination, fluent in 6 languages, and to do whatever it takes to resist Germany taking France. What happens when two incredibly brave women put aside their lives to aid in a war to end all wars? Find out in Unsinkable.

This book was graciously given as an ARC to me by NetGalley & Harper Publishing for my honest opinion. At first I almost DNF’d this book. But as I kept reading, I got invested in both Violet and Daphne’s role not only in their families but the world wars as well. I honestly couldn’t put it down. Walsh did her research on Violet Jessop (a real person) and went from there. She acknowledges that not all this story is fiction at the end of the book, but wow. It was a different take from the sinking of ships (which happened in the early 1900’s.) and the survivor’s view on it. I gave it five stars for keeping me gripped, on the edge of my seat.

Add this as one of your anticipated reads of 2024!

This book was well written, and if it had just been Violet Jessop's story, I think I would have wanted to keep reading to the end. However, I was not patient enough to see how the two womens' stories were connected , so I gave up.
I do appreciate the opportunity to read this title.

Historical fiction readers will enjoy this dual timed set during the WWI and WWI. The connection between Violet and Daphne is not easily uncovered as the author weaves her story. This novel is full of history and will hold readers' attention throughout. Loved the author's after note.