Sheltering Angel: A Novel Based on a True Story of the Titanic

by Louella Bryant

" Sheltering Angel tells the true story of several lesser-known individuals whose lives were impacted by the Titanic disaster. The stories of Cumings, Cunningham, Siebert and the others are engrossing, and Bryant's passion for the source material shines through on every page." –Tad Fitch, author of Recreating Titanic & Her A Visual History From a working-class family, Scotsman Andrew Cunningham stewards for wealthy travelers aboard elegant cruise ships of the early 20th century, but he resents those who flaunt their inherited wealth. New Yorkers Florence and Bradley Cumings, first-class passengers traveling aboard Titanic, are the exception, and the three discover an ancestral connection. As the ship sinks on the fateful morning of April 15, 1912, Florence watches in horror from her lifeboat. In the darkness of night, she searches the water for her husband and recognizes the man swimming through the frigid water toward her is Andrew. Based on a true story, Sheltering Angel is a must-read!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Book Club, Historical

393 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2023

About the author

Louella Bryant’s novel WILLIE, RUM RUNNING QUEEN launched in early 2025 with Black Rose Writing. Her 2023 novel SHELTERING ANGEL, BASED ON A TRUE STORY OF THE TITANIC, has been a #1 bestseller on Amazon Kindle. Hot Springs and Moonshine Liquor, a family memoir follows the historic trail of bootleg liquor since the Revolutionary War. Louella's WWII novel Cowboy Code is based on the true story of a Virginia mountain town. Other books include While In Darkness There Is Light, nonfiction about the Vietnam era, a story collection, and two Civil War novels for young adult readers. Her award-winning writing has appeared in magazines and anthologies. A graduate of George Washington University and Vermont College of Fine Arts, Louella works as an independent editor. Visit her website at https://louellabryant.com.

Reviews

[Martine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the true story of two survivors - a first class passenger and a first class steward. The story is mainly about their lives before and after the sinking of the Titanic. We learn that for the survivors, their lives were forever marked this way, before and after the tragic event. Although very well written and researched, it took me a while to get used to the author's writing style. I did enjoy reading about the two main characters, their lives before/after and that the author included an afterword with their pictures. Worth the read!

[ᛚᚨᚱᚲᚨ × ᚠᛖᚾᚱᛁᚱ (Semi hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every age is a tragic age. Wars kill youth, disasters maim the living, and storms sink great ships.

As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I was hooked. When I read that it was based on a true story, I had to request it.

I think everybody knows the story of Titanic, the ocean liner that sunk after hitting an iceberg during her maiden voyage. Other details of the tragedy are less known, and you can find them all in Sheltering Angel, a mix of research and testimony.

The book follows the story of two survivors: the Scottish steward Andrew and the American woman Florance. Their lives will start years apart, but they will cross paths in the most devastating and tender way.

Both the protagonists of the book are real life people. The author is personally related to Florance, being the grandmother of her mother-in-law. Louella Bryant felt compelled to write this story not only for the relation, but also because of her interest in societal rules and traditions that isolate classes from each other.

That is one of the symbols the Titanic carries, and what adds to her tragedy – the liner (as others of the epoch), represents a micro-cosmo fluctuating on the ocean. At the deepest levels of the ship, we have third class passengers, on a higher level, the second class ones, and on the highest and most privileged one, the first class.

This is a beautiful and dreadful representation of society, in which second and third classes were not allowed to mix with the most privileged one. On the ship it was a matter of sanitation, and at night they even closed the gates to prevent the spreading of diseases. One of the obvious parallels is how high society regarded the ones below them for economic and societal status, how hostile they were towards the other classes, and how suspicious they were towards people trying to climb the social ladder.

You can expect to find a profound reflection on society in the book, while it also touches on the themes of love, loss, hope, and humanity.

I loved how the characters were slowly introduced, and how the tragedy strikes them only in the second half of the book. In this way, you get to know them intimately and genuinely care about them, a feat that not every author achieves.

The stories of Andrew and Florence were beautifully written: when they finally converged, I also loved their relationship – deep and moving. I was cheering for them until the very last word.

I was hungry for historical and technical details, and I wasn’t disappointed. Louella Bryant shows a deep knowledge of the tragedy, debunking some myths, and adding the most recent discoveries. They were also introduced without being overwhelming, and without interrupting the narrative flow of the book, a big plus!

I honestly don’t have any negative words for Sheltering Angel. I loved it from start to finish and in every detail. I wouldn’t feel like recommending it only to fans of Titanic, but because of the variety of the thematics that can appeal to a vast audience, I encourage anyone to pick this book up.

**Thank you NetGalley, Louella Bryant and Black Rose Writing for an ARC of this book.**

The book will be out on the 27th of July.

More reviews at Inky Lighthouse .

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this late date from April 15, 1912 - the sinking of an entire community of souls - we've developed a set of stories we tell and retell about people we've come to know only through these retellings. The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Mr. Astor, the Brave Band. It is a rare thing when a fresh perspective comes through. . . and here we have one - thank you, Louella Bryant!

I so enjoyed the woven stories the author provided. First readers are introduced to Titanic's steward Andrew Cunningham who by serving so many on board was able to provide an insider's perspective of the goings on during that great catastrophe. He shares his inner thoughts about the follies of the rich, while accepting a livelihood therefrom. He notes all those who are below decks during all parts of the voyage, befriending them and having, at the end, to jump without saving them. His ultimate fate is learned and we have the opportunity to learn of his life before Titanic's sinking, and after. One of his friendships is with a couple on the ship - the Cummings, and it becomes a very important relationship for both of them for the rest of their lives.

A great read, especially if you, like me, are interested in all things Titanic!

Lastly - I'm grateful for the two other take-aways this read gave me. . .

Rainer Maria Rilke's poem Death (Florence Cumming's ponder in the life boat):

Before us great Death stands
Our fate held close within his quiet hands.
When with proud joy we lift Life's red wine up
To drink deep of the mystic shining cup
And ecstasy through all our being leaps --
Death bows his head and weeps.


Celtic Prayer (from which the author found her title, and Andrew drew strength from his family):

May God grant you always
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A Sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you;
Laughter to cheer you,
Faithful friends near you,
and whenever you pray
Heaven to hear you.

*A sincere thank you to Louella Bryant, Black Rose Writing and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #ShelteringAngel #NetGalley

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think out of all of the Titanic stories that I have read this one is my favorite.
This book felt more real than the others because I've felt like I've gotten to know the passengers a little bit more and what they must have felt after Titanic.
I'm thinking how awful it must be to have to live with that the rest of your life. Why this person was chosen and not the other. So very sad.
For the few short days that Titanic had I felt like I had really gotten to know her too. It hurt me to watch her die all over again.
In my opinion everyone talks about the people dying but what about her death? If she were a real person what she went through was terrible.
I saw and felt her death throws along with the passengers on that terrible night. Their screams were unimaginable! I'd never be the same either after a tragedy like that.
The cold ugh So very cold!
I do wonder if some of them ever felt warm again afterwards the tragedy.
I read this in one sitting. It's hard to put down. It was hard reading it because even though I knew what the outcome would be it still made me cry especially towards the end. I wanted to save everyone including the ship but I believe it would alter history some.
If only the passengers knew what was going to happen I'm sure they wouldn't be joking or talking about the afterlife. Mr. Stead was the worst about that. For some reason I didn't like him much.
I would have liked more insight on the aftermath. I felt like this book was a cliff hangar.
Overall; very well done and for giving life to the passengers on Titanic once again
I liked how the author made their feelings come alive and jump out at me from the pages of this story.
Andrew was my favorite character. My heart went out to him. He is forever etched in my memory even though he is a real life character. This is his story.
It's his bravery and being helpful to others right up until the end. I won't give anymore away.
5 staes for a job well done! I highly recommend! My thanks for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Beverly Diehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The end notes on this work were enlightening. The author is related (through her husband) to the main female character, Florence Cumings, who did begin a friendship with steward Andrew Cunningham, who also survived the wreck.

That said, though I love Titanic material, the build-up to the last fateful voyage was somewhat uneven, even tedious in places, and I just never became emotionally invested in the characters. Some of the language felt wrong - there were frequent references to these trans-Atlantic vessels as "cruise ships," and I've never heard them referred to that way in historical accounts, so every time, it took me out of the tales.

There WERE some new details, like the relationship of Cunningham with the men in the boiler rooms, that was interesting. It was clear that the author did a LOT of research and tried to get the details right.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Black Rose Writing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed this novel that is based on a true story of the Titanic. I appreciated that we got to know the people that were on the ship, not just as passengers, but as individuals with families, hopes, and dreams. The reader meets Florence and John Bradley Cumings, who become first class passengers on the ship, and Andrew Cunningham, who later works as a steward on the ship. I felt like I truly knew these people, like I could have guessed what they would and would not have done.

Make sure to read the afterword, and the note from the author at the end. I look forward to reading more from Louella Bryant.

#NetGalley #Sheltering Angel

[Elaine Bueffel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real people…real event

While everyone knows the story of the Titanic, to have such a first person account is heartbreaking and so real. The story is well told and I especially enjoyed reading about the characters lives after the sinking.

[Cindy Vallar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Cunningham, a Scotsman, seeks a life at sea and becomes a steward of the White Star Line’s RMS Oceanic in 1889. The possibility of disaster is always in the back of his mind, but he enjoys his work and is good at doing the bidding of first-class passengers under his care. He marries, has a family, and meets Florence and Bradley Cumings, an American couple, on his last voyage aboard Oceanic before transferring to the newest vessel of the company, Titanic.

In 1888, Florence Thayer, a minister’s daughter, falls quickly for the stockbroker, Bradley Cumings, who joins them for Sunday dinner. She’s intelligent, well spoken, and likes to help the less fortunate. She juggles service with marriage and family while her husband becomes successful in business. Although reticent to leave her sons, the couple enjoy their European vacation until just before they are to come home; a coal strike means only one ship is setting sail for the States: RMS Titanic. The maiden voyage proves to be the icing on their romantic getaway … until the collision. Florence and Andrew find themselves in the freezing Atlantic waiting for someone to rescue them.

One may ask, why read another Titanic novel? Sheltering Angel goes far beyond the usual sinking and dying story. This story is personal for the author; Florence Cumings was her mother-in-law’s grandmother, and this novel recounts how a friendship between two disparate people sprang from tragedy on that fateful night in 1912. Poignant, spellbinding, and gut-wrenching, this tale vividly depicts who these two people were and how the sinking affected them. Readers are transported to the White Star Line’s heyday and get a feel for what it was like to work for the company. It’s also a revealing portrait of what the survivors faced upon arriving in New York.


(This review originally appeared at Historical Novels Review: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...)

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fiction book, based on a true story, is fantastic. It takes the reader to the interesting world of a steward on a cruise ship in the early 1900's. This was a time of opulence and money. If you had money, you flaunted it and showed through your love of ostentatious decor and attire. No one could knew you had precious money; but that you had no control over the way people treated you. Nothing was more ostentatious that the first class passengers on board the Titanic. Their every want was attended to by a steward who was assigned to take care of you. They did everything from bring you snacks to cleaning up your room daily. In this case, one steward for first class on the Titanic was Andrew Cunningham. He was in charge of several rooms; but the one that matters is that of Bradley and Florrie Cumings. The Cummings felt drawn to Andrew and felt they knew him very well. However, Andrew never crossed the line while serving with them.

Not only did Andrew take physical care of them; but they became attached to him and he to them. He made sure they were taken care of first as needed. When they practiced the aftermath of a large problem, we actually experienced it ourselves.
This book tells the story of the downing of the bill. Missy decided she was joining aports; but Jonathan wasn't clear for this.

What happens on board the Titanic on their last morning takes them from friendly apprentices to true elite passengers in the bling of an eye. What made Peter from changing everything around so we can use their actual words to tell us what happened. I am worn out; but have kept up with reading about the Titanic.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sheltering Angel – Synopsis + My Review

Sheltering Angel by Louella Bryant follows the real-life story of Florence Cummings and Titanic steward Andrew Cunningham. The author is connected to Florence by marriage, which adds a personal touch to the narrative. The book blends historical fact with storytelling, exploring the unlikely friendship that formed between these two survivors both before and after the sinking.

The first half of the book felt quite slow and drawn out for me, and I found myself wishing the pacing was tighter. However, around the 50% mark the story truly found its momentum. The latter half takes us directly into the harrowing events of the Titanic’s final hours, and I genuinely felt immersed in Florence and Andrew’s experience.

It’s difficult to “rate” a story that centers around real people who lived through such trauma, and doing so feels almost inadequate in the face of their reality. That said, I appreciate how challenging it must be to write respectfully and accurately about moments that changed someone’s life forever. The second half of Sheltering Angel captured that beautifully, offering both empathy and insight into their survival and the bond they shared.

Overall, while the beginning was slower than I’d hoped, I’m grateful for the emotional depth, historical detail, and the intimate portrayal of courage and connection that emerges as the story unfolds.

[... Lost Bookland... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheltering Angel by Louella Bryant is a remarkable and emotionally resonant novel that delves into the tragic events of the Titanic. Based on a true story, Bryant's storytelling captivates readers from beginning to end, providing a fresh perspective on a maritime tragedy that still reverberates in the twenty-first century. Through sensory details and immersive descriptions, the author transports readers onto the ship, allowing them to experience the opulence, the chilling waters, and the will to survive. Bryant's dedication to historical accuracy shines through, as she highlights the lives of lesser-known individuals impacted by the disaster, infusing the narrative with authenticity and passion.

One of the book's strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Bryant crafts a diverse cast that feels genuine and true to the time period, drawing readers into their lives and making them emotionally invested. The characters' struggles and triumphs, whether they are stewards or first-class passengers, illuminate the stark inequalities present on the Titanic, amplifying the tragedy's impact. Additionally, Bryant's meticulous research and attention to detail add depth and authenticity, making the story feel both realistic and immersive.

[John Buxbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw an ad for this book and the Titanic has always resonated with me due to my family history on the see and with the Cunard Line.
What I wasn't expecting was to get so drawn in to the story, the people in the story. If you allow it, it gets quite personal as a reader.
As the book progresses, you become more wrapped up in the lives that are about to be forever enjoined by such a horrible event. I had one part of my head, as I did while watching Titanic, telling me "You know where this is going.", but my heart kept aching for what I knew was to come. I found myself hoping that their plans would change and they would not be on the ship when she left Southampton. I was especially worried for Bradley and Andrew. I don't want to have any spoilers. It ended up as difficult as you'd expect, even if someone had survived. This was also another aspect I had not really thought about before, the survivors guilt was so terrible especially in a time (and a culture) that simply expected you to carry on.
It was even more touching to read the afterward by the author outlining her family's very personal connection to these very real people I interacted with on the pages. I am so very grateful to her for writing their stories.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a wonderful, sad and insightful book

This is not my sort of book usually but I thought I would give it a go, I loved the book, it was so sad, this disaster was so avoidable, so many messages to tell them that that there were icebergs a float, so much come alive in your imagination blame has to be put on the shoulders of the captain of the titanic who allowed himself to be swayed into taking decisions that were against not only his opinion but rules of sea fairing, The titanic in all its glory is also a message of how one class of people look at other lower classes, while the rich were eating 14 course meals, second and third class passengers were locked into their floors, the doors were only opened to these people in the last hour of the sinking , which by that time most of the lifeboats had gone, with only a few second and third class passengers aboard. But death is a great leveller, The rich and the poor both went down with the ship, and those that survived lived with a survivors guilt that never left them. So overall I give this book 10 out of 10. It is written with compassion , and all characters become alive in your imagination . Very sad story, it still over 100 years later is still hard to believe that this could happen

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

#5: READ A BOOK ABOUT A FAVORITE TOPIC: "I am a fan of the Titanic and I read this book it is outstanding it tells the story of people involved in the sinking of the ship who are not well known The story of Andrew Cunningham who goes to sea as a steward it tell about his life on many ships and then he ends up being a steward on the titanic it is so interesting to find out about his work on board ship and the relationship with the rich and famous in first class and the reaction of the passengers when the ship hits the iceberg and how they try and escape the ship or resign themselves to their fate The section of where he is in the water and struggles to get into a lifeboat is unbelievable . I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the Titanic or wants to know something about what it was like. Very well done!" This was copied from an Amazon fan....and I couldn't have summed it up any better. I loved this Celtic blessing shared early in the book: May God grant you always a sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you. And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you. Highly recommend! KU

[Yvonne deSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in my twenties, I found myself working the circulation desk of my local library minutes before my shift ended, when a patron returned a book about the Titanic. I knew of the disaster of course, but as I killed time, pouring through the images, I became filled with a complex set of emotions- fear, sorrow, anger, and fascination. Those feelings stayed with me for days, even weeks. Sheltering Angel by Louella Bryant invoked those same emotions once again but were so much stronger as by the time the first iceberg warnings are issued, we have come to know the characters facing peril. In this work of historical fiction, told from two narratives, that of a female passenger and a male steward both in first class of the ship’s hierarchy, Ms. Bryant does a phenomenal job of recreating the characters and introducing the reader to their lives years before the fateful night. This has the effect of making the reader part of the journey that ends in the infamous tragedy. A haunting work that will stay with you long after the book ends.

[Tracy Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure if this story would add anything to the plethora of movies and stories of that tragic night in 1912. This story focuses on the life, relations and friends of a first class steward and survivor of the Titanic and a couple, specifically the wife, who shares some heritage and is also a survivor. The epilogue shared how the author married into a family where her mother-in-law’s grandmother was the wife of this novel.

The detail after the sinking of the ship, through the time on the Carpathia and the weeks of trails was something often glossed over in other accounts or stories. The bibliography shows the amount of research to keep the story as true to what happened as possible. I liked the detail on gifts, recognition, and thoughtful gestures that happened after. Things often not shared.

If you have an interest in the Titanic and more detail of the events of the White Star line, this is a good read. I enjoyed it.

[Carolyn O’Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Titanic story based on two survivors. One a First Class passenger named Florence and a First Class Steward named Andrew. The author allows us to really know about the characters lives an ocean away before the catastrophe. I am impressed it didn’t happen until about 75% of the book. We know many characters and in 1912 how society really was divided into classes and how the upper class really felt above the 2nd class and the 3rd class was avoided in case of disease. The story includes how our characters fared after hitting the iceberg. Heartbreaking for most. As for our survivors they never really could get over the event and it was relived over and over in their nightmares every night and how it changed them as a person for the rest of their lives. The author had a family account of her mother-in-law’s grandmother who was Florence. This gives more value than just making up characters. Good read.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book selected for my book club reading, hence my choice for reading it. Otherwise, I would not have selected this to read. I don't like to read tragedies and books where people are suffering and figured that that's what this book would be all about. I thought it would be all about the actual experience that the passengers faced as the ship was sinking. However, I was wrong. The actual sinking of the vessel was a short passage in the book and about 3/4 of the way through. Before that it was a build up to understand the characters and the different classes of society that were on board the ship. Afterwards, the author did something very refreshing. She described the life of the passengers after the tragedy. She delved into everything that they had to go through in dealing with the trauma that they experienced. As a result, the author wrote a book much better than I had initially thought it would be.

[Caren McVicker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding historical fiction by a master storyteller!

Sheltering Angel is a novel based on a true story of the Titanic, but it's so much more than that. The story follows the lives of two very different people—a young man who leaves a coal mining town in Scotland to forge a career as a first-class steward on the White Star Line and a socially-conscious young woman from Boston who marries a Havard man and builds a beautiful family life in New York City. Even though you know what's coming, Bryant expertly weaves these two disparate narratives with such skill that I could not put this book down. A compelling narrative with well-developed characters and spectacular descriptions, Sheltering Angel is an exceptionally well-written and immersive read that checks all the boxes for a historical fiction lover like me. Highly recommend!

[Colleen Ramdial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and haunting. The sinking of the unsinkable Titanic is a very well-known story, so I wondered if this novel would just be another retelling of the rich, famous, arrogant, and privileged who. under estimated nature. Although this is a novel of tragedy and survival, it is so much more. The novel is narrated, with the permission of survivors grandchildren, by the point of view of a first class passenger and also a steward who was employed by White Star and worked on the Titanic. It tells the story of the survivors' families, community, lifestyle of both the privilege New York/Boston rich, upper class society, and the struggling, warm, strong working class Scottish and Londoners. What life was like before the tragic sailing, the doomed voyage itself, and how the trauma impacted them for the remainder of their lives.

[Tammy Via · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, heartbreaking, beautiful, gut wrenching story based on real people and real events. I could not put this book down. I have read many books about the Titanic but I think this one was my favorite. I felt like I knew these characters and I ached for them as they faced unimaginable terror and heartbreak. We’ve heard the Titanic story so many times that we tend to forget that real people were on that ship, and real people, many of them, died a horrible death that night. Getting to know the background of some of these lesser known passengers and crew members was a gift. I felt like I was on the ship with them and I laughed with them, partied with them, cried with them, was terrified with them, and grieved with them. It was an emotional ride, but one that will stay with me for a long time.

[Leslie Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could NOT Put This Down!

An absolutely riveting read! Knowing everything I do about Titanic, this tale provides so much more about the ship, her staff, her passengers, and the tragedy that befell her. I was SO invested in the characters; the telling & the pacing of this story is perfect. This delves so deeply into the humanity of the sinking, that it wrenches your heart open & you are praying for them to survive. That it's based on real people, real events, and that it's documented, is absolutely mind blowing and yet, so very intimate. What an incredible book. I'm so thrilled to have read this!

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched retelling of the Titanic tragedy, containing the stories of real life passengers of the ship.

The author details the lives of main characters Florence and Andrew in the years leading up to the tragedy, and this helps the reader become invested in their outcomes.

I really enjoyed all of the little details the author put into the book, from how the stewards had to be constantly on call and the types of tasks they could be faced with, to the sounds of the ship sinking. Perhaps a tad slow moving at the start, but a worthy read nonetheless.

[Kbarker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book

Ill give this book 4.5 stars. It was interesting and I learned things about the sinking I didn't know. It is still such a terrible loss even though it happened so long ago. I read this book because we recently went to the Titanic museum and also because we recently as a country lost a sub on a mission to the Titanic. It was sad to hear that the wife of that sub commander who perished was related to Isisidor Strauss who perished on the Titanic with his wife. History does repeat itself. Its hard not to be curious of the events.

[Jillian Higham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating story of the Titanic that made the whole tragedy so real for me. I loved all the little historical tidbits like that there was a car aboard and a large dog! This story was so well researched and so very readable. Andrew was a wonderful character and I loved finding out in the afterword that he was a real person. The depiction of the strict class system was so authentic and all those characters from history fairly jumped off the pages. I'd give this book 5 1/2 stars if I could.

[Pamela Signa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I saw the Titanic movie about 9 times in the theater, and also own the blu-ray. I will watch anything related to it.

Some of the moments in the book were very similar to the movie to me, and perhaps they were based in actual events. I loved how in detail the author was on even small things.

This past year the tragedy of the submarine type vehicle happened (2023) so the Titanic has been in the news again.

I believe you will enjoy this book. Now I am off to google some of the persons that the book was about.

[Karen Rippstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story started out slow introducing key characters who play significant roles in Titanic's demise. Once story picks up, it’s extremely informative and reads with authenticity. Bryant captures emotional tone through her characters that bring such poignancy to me as the reader as they face their unexpected and sudden ordeals. I liked the way each chapter heading signified what was happening in the world around the same dates as Titanic’s sinking. This is the fourth novel I’ve read about the Titanic and is the most authentic. Well done.

[Chris MacKechnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read A Night to Remember as a kid, and of course I watched James Cameron's blockbuster movie, but Sheltering Angel put a face to the tragedy in a way I did not experience with the other two tellings of this tale. I loved the depth of the two main characters, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that they were indeed real people who survived the disaster. Although everyone knows how this story ends, the way that final night was written made my heart race and l was genuinely concerned about the fates of the many interesting characters introduced in this novel.

[Cheryl Sokoloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put down Sheltering Angel: a novel based on a true story of The Titanic. Author Louella Bryant has a direct connection to a survivor of the the Titanic.

I received an advanced release copy of Sheltering Angel in return for my honest review. I highly recommend this book. It is particularly relevant with the recent sinking of the submersible vessel that was hoping to explore the remains of the Titanic (another tragedy).

[Terri Wangard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here’s a Titanic book where one of the main characters is a steward on the ship. He doesn’t think highly of most of the “toffs” he serves, but Florence and Bradley Cumings are actually interested in him as a person. I never really warmed up to Florence. The characters are based on real people.

The story begins twenty-three years before the Titanic sailing, before the characters are married and have families. Interesting, but I would have preferred to spend more time on the Titanic.