A brilliantly woven historical fiction novel based loosely on the real lives of two women - one of whom survived multiple sinkings including on the Titanic. Fast paced and exciting, with plenty of action and a backdrop of the Great War, I couldn’t put this book down. Sad but never maudlin , it showed how both women - a spy and a nurse - had sheer determination, grit and tenacity, despite the horrors of war and its effect on family life. Highly recommend.

Jenni L Walsh's writing offers a hopeful journey through the struggles of its characters, showing how perseverance can lead to unexpected triumphs. While some moments are undeniably sad, they add depth to the emotional landscape, making the eventual moments of redemption feel earned. Overall, it's an inspiring read that leaves you reflecting on the power of resilience and the human spirit.

#Unsinkable
#NetGalley

3.5 stars rounded up.

I found each of the dual timelines from this book super interesting, with great stories, but I didn’t think they added to each other very well. I would have gladly read each of them as separate novels. The tying together at the end in addition to learning the history behind the characters gave it an extra half star. The narrators were great!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for a copy of this audiobook.

Thanks to NG and the publisher for the chance to listen and review (so sorry it's late!)

In one story we follow Violet in 1912, who is “Miss Unsinkable”. Violet is a stewardess and wartime nurse who not only survives a shipwreck, but also two sinkings—including the Titanic. She has felt like she’s been on borrowed time since childhood, just trying to survive each day. And the other story we follow Daphne in 1942, she’s grown up feeling like the unwanted child of an actor, always seeking his approval, but is now working as a spy in France! Both women have been through a lot, it’s two stories of survival, family, and just trying to find their own happiness.

I did like the spy storyline more. The first is based on a real person who is so blessed to have lived through two sinkings, the second is completely fiction. The audio was fantastic! 4.5 stars! The only thing for me was the ending felt rushed.

I'd be happy to read others by this author

"Unsinkable" by Jenni L. Walsh brings to life the compelling story of Violet Jessop, a historical figure known for surviving the Titanic disaster. The narrative delves into Violet's journey as she strives to fulfill a promise made to her dying father to care for her family. Alongside Violet's story, the novel introduces Daphne, a fictional character set 30 years later. Daphne's story embodies the courage and determination of several real historical figures who bravely paved the way for women in war.

The novel expertly intertwines the lives of these two women, highlighting their incredible journeys of heroism and self-discovery. Both Violet and Daphne face immense challenges as they strive to serve and protect their loved ones. Walsh's vivid storytelling and rich historical context make "Unsinkable" a captivating read. The dual timelines provide a deeper understanding of the societal changes and the evolving roles of women during these tumultuous times.

Overall, "Unsinkable" is a riveting tale of resilience and bravery, showcasing the strength of women who rise above adversity to protect their families and friends.

What a fascinating book, two remarkable women, two compelling stories and beautiful writing. I loved this book so much, perfect for fans of historical fiction. A powerful story about survival and second chances.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for this tour invite.

𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 by Jenni L Walsh released January 9, 2024.

This book just wasn’t for me. It wasn’t a terrible book and I can see where some people will love it. I struggled a lot with the dual timeline. I felt like I was reading two books at once and went back and forth between the two. They just didn't feel connected to me. I also struggled with the ending because I have a tough time with storylines that depend on a huge coincidences. Characters just happen to end up in the same place at the same time. I just wasn’t feeling this one. I do think this author is extremely talented and would try another one of her books.

I thought this was really well narrated. The narrator did a great job. I liked the idea of this story but I just felt it missed the mark a bit for me.

I love a Titanic novel, and though the Titanic disaster is only the very beginning of this story, it’s a lovely piece of Historical Fiction and perfect for readers who love an adventure at sea.

This is a dual timeline novel that is cleverly condensed to a single timeline at the beginning and end. Though only one of the two protagonists is a real person whose real history can be found in this book, Walsh did a terrific job of twining the women’s stories together before and after the wars.

Daphne’s war timeline is more interesting than Violet’s but that’s largely because she’s a spy rather than a nurse, and both stories are compelling.

The ending is a little too convenient, but it’s also exactly what you want for the characters, and as Walsh explains in her author’s note at the conclusion of the novel, she was careful to handle each woman’s ending a bit differently to stay faithful to both Violet’s reality and both characters’ fictional trajectory.

I enjoyed this audio book about a real character from history and the fictional characters that added to a telling of historical events. The narration was really well done. I understand the intent of the author to have the ending she chose, even though it’s not always my favorite type, most readers will like it.

Something has drawn me to books about big ships and the Titanic time period recently. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It’s one of my favorite historical fictions so far this year.

Violet Jessop was one lucky woman. She was forced to work from a young age to support her family. She worked as a stewardess on large steamships and as a wartime nurse during World War I. One of her stewarding roles was on the infamous Titanic, who’s sinking she survived.

We also meet Daphne in this story. She is a Special Operations Executive for France during World War II. She has a painful past but she’s determined to do her duty for her country during the war. While she serves, she finds out a lot about her past.

I was very drawn to Violet’s character. She had a lot on her shoulders and yet she just kept doing what she needed to do. I don’t think I would ever be able to get on another boat after the first one I was on went down. She’s a strong woman. I felt for Daphne also. She was treated like an unwanted burden while she was growing up, but that didn’t stop her from wanting more out of her life. As she finds out her true history, she becomes and even better woman.

I enjoyed the narration of this book. The dual narrators gave more depth to the audio.

Thank you Harper Collins Focus and NetGalley for my ALC of this book.

This was very enjoyable read. I love anything that is about the Titanic. The characters are great! This book had all the feels. I listened to the book and the narrator had a pleasant voice. Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Thank you HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for allowing me to read and review Unsinkable on NetGalley.

Published: 01/09/24

Narrators: Barrie Kreinik, Alana Kerr Collins

Stars: 3

Okay. The Titanic angle grabbed me. I have read a great deal of World War II history and historical fiction and was becoming frustrated with the romanticizing of WW II. While I have paused picking up new WW II books, I couldn't pass on Unsinkable and I wish I had. This was just okay for me. There were highs and lows.

This is another I would buy if asked as gift. I will remember the title, but will struggle remembering the book.

Unsinkable by Jenni Walsh is an absolute gem. This captivating historical novel vividly brings the Titanic to life with meticulous detail and compelling characters. The story features real-life figures like Captain Smith, Molly Brown, and Thomas Andrews, enhancing its authenticity. The protagonist’s bravery and determination are truly inspiring, and the relationships formed add emotional depth. The pacing is perfect, balancing intense action with heartfelt moments. Unsinkable is a must-read for historical fiction lovers, blending education with entertainment beautifully. Highly recommended!

3.5 ⭐️

I loved this book from the first page. The story was not perfect, but I loved how the two life’s merged together. One could noy live with out each other … two unsinkable ladies. Strong, intelligent, independent…. Loved both sides of the story would definitely recommend it.
And the ending ! Was just amazing!

I struggled to get into this audiobook due to the audbible breathing sounds of the narrator between sentences or in the middle of long phrases. I didn't even make it through the first chapter of the audio due to the distraction of the breath sounds

I will try to pick up the physical book and give it a try because I am still interested in the premise of the novel.

This is a great book which tells an interesting story. The audiobook is well narrated and the tone and pacing of the text brings the story to life.

I really wanted to like this book, because I truly love this kind of stories: individual destinies which are so incredible that they sound more like novels than true stories. Violet Jessop has one of these one of a kind stories: she survived all of the incidents and drownings of the three ships of the Olympic type, among which the famous Titanic.

The book had four main issues to me, the first being, that the two main characters, Violet and Daphné are having no common ground, except at the very end, in a way that is actually not linking the stories sufficiently for them to work as a unity. It felt like reading two books at once, with some poor attempts to make them one, when Daphné reflects on the fate of the Titanic. Each one could - and should - have been developed as a single story.

The second flaw for me was that Violet story is actually barely enhanced from the four lines that I wrote above, except for an imaginary romance which is then dismissed. As far as I know, the biography of Violet did not linger onto romantic feelings, because the core of her story is elsewhere and it was actually disappointing to feel like there was a need for a sweetheart to make her story complete.

The third issue in my eyes was that both the characters where described as having a strong focus on feeling responsible for their families or searching for recognition. It felt repetitive and not really bound to any actual actions. It was kind of boring and especially in Violet case, it felt unrealistic and annoying.

Finally, the ending was too out of the blue. I understand where the author was coming from, but this book was sold as inspired from true stories and ends up being a work of fantasy seeking some happy ending.

I am glad that I could hear from the uncommon story of Violet Jessop, but it could have been dealt with in a better way. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for sharing an audio version of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Unsinkable is the perfect way to describe the 2 main characters of this book. I enjoyed listening to the stories of Violet and Daphne. They showed themselves to be strong and smart women during challenging times. It was also fun to see how their lives were connected even though they were from different generations.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#Unsinkable #NetGalley

Unsinkable is written in dual timeline featuring two strong women from very different lives and generations. Jenny L. Walsh weaves the two stories together beautifully and perfectly.

Violet Jessop is the oldest of nine and is thrust into family provider after her mother becomes too ill to work. Violet is working as a nurse and stewardess aboard the Titanic, serving in The Great War . She becomes one of The Titanic survivors, in 1912. She returns to the sea 4 years later and survives the sinking of The Britannic.

Daphne Chaundanson also faces family crisis after her mother dies tragically. She has her father but is unable to earn his love and attention. The Special Operations Executive invites her to be an agent in France in World War II, Daphne sees it as an opportunity to help the country she loves and gain her father’s approval. She never expected the keen dangers and challenges of war yet, is passionate about taking back her country.

Unsinkable is inspired by true stories of Violet Jessop and the thirty-nine women of the Special Operations Executive. Both are unsinkable women. Read these 2 inspiring stories of survival, family, and finding happiness.

If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this account of two amazing women.