I really, really wanted to love this book, but sadly it just didn’t work for me. As soon as I saw that this was a book about Violet Jessop, I immediately requested it. Her life experience is so intriguing and I looked forward to delving into the emotional guts of her story.

Unfortunately, I realized that Violet’s story would have to share space in a dual timeline (not my favorite format) with Daphne. I understand the connection, but it really came across as two separate stories. As I read, I always wanted to come back to Violet’s timeline…this woman survived 3 maritime disasters and witnessed a fourth. I wanted to understand why she kept going back and how these adventures impacted her person. Oddly, the emotion wasn’t there. The sinking ships were like any other day. She was a little too stoic. The story was repetitive and exhibited too much telling/not enough showing. The bilingual piece felt disconnected and forced. And the ending was so overly contrived. I was just disappointed overall. I am sorry because I really did want to love this and really looked forward to reading it.

The narrators, however, were great, expressive, and added to the experience. I especially enjoyed Violet’s accent. I both read and listened to the book.

I received a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this book! The two women in the different timelines were so interesting and I loved how the stories connected. If you like historical fiction with strong female characters this book is for you! I can’t wait to read more from this author. I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I listened to this book on Audio and I really enjoyed it.. Both main characters in this dual time book, Violet and Daphne, were interesting women. Their stories were fascinating, I didn't want either one to end.
Violet survives being on the Titanic and yet returns to the sea to help fulfill a promise she made to her father, support and take care of her mother and siblings.
Daphne struggles with her relationship with her father. He doesn't seem to want her in his life and only pays attention to her when she does something great. In a last ditch effort to get his attention, she volunteers to be part of the spy network for Britian during WWII.
Each storyline is captivating and could have been a wonderful book on its own. I kept wondering how Walsh was going to tie the stories together, how they were going to relate to each other and she does beautifully. I am not going to tell you how as it gives a major thread away. Also isn't more fun to discover this on your own?
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy and enjoy.

I was drawn in by the promise of a historical fiction book about the Titanic but this one wasn't exactly what I was expecting. Jumping around from POV and timelines, this story features a wide cast of characters who were aboard the Titanic and their fates. Interesting and well written/researched. It was also good on audio. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!