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Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal
A secret. A key. Much was buried when the Titanic went down, but now it’s time for resurrection.
April 1912 - Olive Stanford boarded the Titanic determined to protect all she held dear. Her secret will go with her to the grave—but how can she face the afterlife carrying the burden of her actions?
April 2012 - Portland real estate agent, Ember Keaton-Jones, distrusts men, with good reason. Ever since her great-great-grandfather, Thomas, deserted the family after the fateful sinking of the Titanic, every Keaton male has disappointed. Ember is on the brink of a huge sale when a stranger shows up with a key to a century-old secret challenging everything she believes. She meets forward-thinking Jeff Dawson who is working in the family’s musty antique shop and finds an unexpected ally in unlocking the mystery of her past. But can they undo the legacy of Thomas Keaton's betrayal?
Carefully researched, this engaging tale includes true stories of the Titanic embedded in historical fiction.
April 1912 - Olive Stanford boarded the Titanic determined to protect all she held dear. Her secret will go with her to the grave—but how can she face the afterlife carrying the burden of her actions?
April 2012 - Portland real estate agent, Ember Keaton-Jones, distrusts men, with good reason. Ever since her great-great-grandfather, Thomas, deserted the family after the fateful sinking of the Titanic, every Keaton male has disappointed. Ember is on the brink of a huge sale when a stranger shows up with a key to a century-old secret challenging everything she believes. She meets forward-thinking Jeff Dawson who is working in the family’s musty antique shop and finds an unexpected ally in unlocking the mystery of her past. But can they undo the legacy of Thomas Keaton's betrayal?
Carefully researched, this engaging tale includes true stories of the Titanic embedded in historical fiction.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2012
27 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen E. Kovach
14 books8 followersKathleen E. Kovach is an award-winning Christian romance author published traditionally through Barbour Publishing, Inc. as well as indie. She has ten novels and four novellas published in both contemporary and historical themes. Kathleen and her husband Jim raised two sons while living a nomadic lifestyle for over twenty years in the Air Force. Now planted in northeast Colorado, she’s a grandmother and great-grandmother, a real feat since she’s much too young for either. She presents spiritual truths with a giggle, proving herself as one of God's peculiar people.
Kathleen also enjoys glamping (glamour camping) in her RV, music, (either on a praise team or rocking out to the oldies in her car,) butterflies, caroling snowmen in threes, lilacs, and the color blurple (blue and purple because she loves both.) Her rescue puppy (who is now 50 lbs!) is also high on the list.
Kathleen also enjoys glamping (glamour camping) in her RV, music, (either on a praise team or rocking out to the oldies in her car,) butterflies, caroling snowmen in threes, lilacs, and the color blurple (blue and purple because she loves both.) Her rescue puppy (who is now 50 lbs!) is also high on the list.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 1, 2018
Full review coming soon
March 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this timeslip story. The author's extensive research of the Titanic disaster was brought to life on the page. And the possibility of a missing person would drastically affect future generations was interesting and intriguing. Love the faith thread and the unique way Kovach shared the past with those in the present.
July 22, 2019
Story of betrayal and guilt
I found it very well written and the ending quite sad. I had to finish the book to see the conclusion but was a bit disappointed with the ending felt unfinished
I found it very well written and the ending quite sad. I had to finish the book to see the conclusion but was a bit disappointed with the ending felt unfinished
April 20, 2022
The book was okay, quite predictable though.
September 27, 2012
In April 2012, Ember Keaton-Jones's life is interrupted by the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking. She is a real estate agent in Portland, with the climax of success just on the horizon. Suddenly, a family mystery concerning the Titanic breezes in. She has the choice to leave her sublime life behind to take an offhand chance at the fortune that the secret from the Titanic might be able to give her, or simply discard and ignore this untrodden revelation which is a century old. {I was immediately engaged in the basic plot of this book, if you can imagine.}
In addition to the modern events taking place in Ember's life, the story is also revealed from the point of view of Olive Stanford, a (fictional) First Class passenger aboard the Titanic. She took a riveting secret with her to the grave, which affected not just her own self, but also a family she didn't even know. Olive did leave one pathway open for someone to find out her personal story---specifically about the impulsive decision that she made in the middle of the ocean. A decision that would ultimately define at least 100 years of discord.
The writing style intrigues me. Every word, whether of dialogue or describing a scene, means something. The history embedded into the story is wholly accurate and well-researched. I don't think there is any plot spoiler here, in saying that the Titanic's story is told in full detail---and I felt that I should mention that the part chronicling the actual sinking is written considerably well. It turned out to be my favorite part of the book, even if I've read about that one pivotal moment from so many other tellings.
"Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal" is written and recommended for adults. There is a bit of romance intertwined into the plot. One thing I don't care for is the strain that is vividly shown between Ember's character and her mother's. Aside from than that, I found the book to be quite agreeable.
The book is written by 2 authors living in Colorado: Kathleen Kovach and Paula Moldenhauer. Both are Christian women, and Mrs. Moldenhauer is a homeschool mom, which I found rather interesting, coming from a homeschool family myself. Together, in addition to writing this book, they also maintain a website, where I have enjoyed reading all the Titanic tidbits and such!
If I may say just one more thing about the book in its entirety, it is that looking in retrospect, I found the plot to be altogether set up in twists, so that I never even anticipated the culminating conclusion until it played out in the final chapters. Overall, a positively appealing read! Especially recommended for Titanic enthusiasts.
Paperback or e-book?
The paperback version of this book is available from both Amazon and CreateSpace. Or you can get it in electronic format for B&N Nook or Amazon Kindle.
In addition to the modern events taking place in Ember's life, the story is also revealed from the point of view of Olive Stanford, a (fictional) First Class passenger aboard the Titanic. She took a riveting secret with her to the grave, which affected not just her own self, but also a family she didn't even know. Olive did leave one pathway open for someone to find out her personal story---specifically about the impulsive decision that she made in the middle of the ocean. A decision that would ultimately define at least 100 years of discord.
The writing style intrigues me. Every word, whether of dialogue or describing a scene, means something. The history embedded into the story is wholly accurate and well-researched. I don't think there is any plot spoiler here, in saying that the Titanic's story is told in full detail---and I felt that I should mention that the part chronicling the actual sinking is written considerably well. It turned out to be my favorite part of the book, even if I've read about that one pivotal moment from so many other tellings.
"Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal" is written and recommended for adults. There is a bit of romance intertwined into the plot. One thing I don't care for is the strain that is vividly shown between Ember's character and her mother's. Aside from than that, I found the book to be quite agreeable.
The book is written by 2 authors living in Colorado: Kathleen Kovach and Paula Moldenhauer. Both are Christian women, and Mrs. Moldenhauer is a homeschool mom, which I found rather interesting, coming from a homeschool family myself. Together, in addition to writing this book, they also maintain a website, where I have enjoyed reading all the Titanic tidbits and such!
If I may say just one more thing about the book in its entirety, it is that looking in retrospect, I found the plot to be altogether set up in twists, so that I never even anticipated the culminating conclusion until it played out in the final chapters. Overall, a positively appealing read! Especially recommended for Titanic enthusiasts.
Paperback or e-book?
The paperback version of this book is available from both Amazon and CreateSpace. Or you can get it in electronic format for B&N Nook or Amazon Kindle.
May 21, 2014
Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal by authors Kathleen E. Kowach and Paula Moldenhauer is a well written novel that takes a step into the past and into the future.
In 1912 Olive Stanford was one of the fortunate ones to survive the Titanic, but she paid a horrible price in the end. As she neared the end of her life she knew she couldn't face the afterlife without telling her story. But not just to anyone.
In 2012, Portland real estate agent Ember Keaton-Jones distrusts men and with good reason. Ever since her great-great-grandfather, Thomas, deserted the family after the fateful sinking of the Titanic, every Keaton male has behaved the same way. Ember is on the brink of a huge sale when a stranger shows up with a key to a century-old secret challenging everything she believes about her great-great grandfather. She meets forward-thinking Jeff Dawson who is working in his family’s musty antique shop and she finds an unexpected ally in unlocking the mystery of her past. But can they undo the legacy of Thomas Keaton's betrayal?
I will say first off that although the Titanic was written by Christians it is not necessarily a Christian book. Yes, there is some talk of God but, not enough to thump you over the head with and that's okay. Christians don't have to write Christian books. There is no rule that says we must. The advantage of course is that the authors have written a book that is appealing to all and that is a good thing.
This book, even though fiction does have historical elements to it. How can it not? The authors have done their research and have created such a vivid picture of the Titanic, her opulence and her demise, that it felt at times like I was watching a movie.
The secret of Olive Stanford and the inventive way the authors fit her story into the 2012 timeline of Ember Keaton-Jones, makes this a book hard to put down. I was intrigued and kept reading well into the night. Oh, and did I mention there is a romance too? Mystery, danger, romance combined with the past and future make this one a keeper. I give it 5/5 stars!
In 1912 Olive Stanford was one of the fortunate ones to survive the Titanic, but she paid a horrible price in the end. As she neared the end of her life she knew she couldn't face the afterlife without telling her story. But not just to anyone.
In 2012, Portland real estate agent Ember Keaton-Jones distrusts men and with good reason. Ever since her great-great-grandfather, Thomas, deserted the family after the fateful sinking of the Titanic, every Keaton male has behaved the same way. Ember is on the brink of a huge sale when a stranger shows up with a key to a century-old secret challenging everything she believes about her great-great grandfather. She meets forward-thinking Jeff Dawson who is working in his family’s musty antique shop and she finds an unexpected ally in unlocking the mystery of her past. But can they undo the legacy of Thomas Keaton's betrayal?
I will say first off that although the Titanic was written by Christians it is not necessarily a Christian book. Yes, there is some talk of God but, not enough to thump you over the head with and that's okay. Christians don't have to write Christian books. There is no rule that says we must. The advantage of course is that the authors have written a book that is appealing to all and that is a good thing.
This book, even though fiction does have historical elements to it. How can it not? The authors have done their research and have created such a vivid picture of the Titanic, her opulence and her demise, that it felt at times like I was watching a movie.
The secret of Olive Stanford and the inventive way the authors fit her story into the 2012 timeline of Ember Keaton-Jones, makes this a book hard to put down. I was intrigued and kept reading well into the night. Oh, and did I mention there is a romance too? Mystery, danger, romance combined with the past and future make this one a keeper. I give it 5/5 stars!
November 13, 2013
Two women. One ship. Divided by 100 years Ember Keaton-Jones and Olive Stanford's lives are entwined by one man.
Olive Stanford took advantage of a situation that would suit her problem. Even if it meant hurting others, Olive would do all that she could to protect her wayward grandson, Charles. But eventually the truth would have to be unveiled. So before her death she took care to record her story to cylinders which would be kept locked away until an appointed day in which the descendents of Thomas Keaton would finally know the truth of what happened the night Titanic went down.
Ember was on the verge of making a dream a reality when a mysterious collection of cylinders made their way into her life, disrupting those plans. The cylinders hold secrets about a certain Thomas Keaton, kept hidden for 100 years. All her life Ember has heard about a deplorable ancestor who survived the Titanic disaster only to desert his wife and infant daughter and disappear into history. It is a tragic thing that seems to run in the family. Ember comes from a difficult home; she has never known her father, her mother is always traveling some distant place; and to make matters worse her gramdmother, the only support Ember has ever had, died recently. So it is up to Ember to delve into the long forgotten past which takes her on a long and emotional journey.
Interesting read. The first page immediately snagged my attention. As much as I dislike Olive, I wished that even more of the story was told from her point of view. The use of the present tense was very effective. I tend to stay away from contemporary fiction, but this book's Titanic connection and summary were intriguing. In my humble opinon, it is worth a read. Not one of my favorites, but it is not half bad either. Four stars.
Olive Stanford took advantage of a situation that would suit her problem. Even if it meant hurting others, Olive would do all that she could to protect her wayward grandson, Charles. But eventually the truth would have to be unveiled. So before her death she took care to record her story to cylinders which would be kept locked away until an appointed day in which the descendents of Thomas Keaton would finally know the truth of what happened the night Titanic went down.
Ember was on the verge of making a dream a reality when a mysterious collection of cylinders made their way into her life, disrupting those plans. The cylinders hold secrets about a certain Thomas Keaton, kept hidden for 100 years. All her life Ember has heard about a deplorable ancestor who survived the Titanic disaster only to desert his wife and infant daughter and disappear into history. It is a tragic thing that seems to run in the family. Ember comes from a difficult home; she has never known her father, her mother is always traveling some distant place; and to make matters worse her gramdmother, the only support Ember has ever had, died recently. So it is up to Ember to delve into the long forgotten past which takes her on a long and emotional journey.
Interesting read. The first page immediately snagged my attention. As much as I dislike Olive, I wished that even more of the story was told from her point of view. The use of the present tense was very effective. I tend to stay away from contemporary fiction, but this book's Titanic connection and summary were intriguing. In my humble opinon, it is worth a read. Not one of my favorites, but it is not half bad either. Four stars.
November 13, 2014
Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal is a compelling journey into a world of deceit, deception, and danger. A fascinating historical fiction novel that is difficult to put down.
Olive Stanford survived the sinking of Titanic, but her dark secret certainly went down with the ship. Now, 100 years later, Olive's secret is about to be revealed. Ember Keaten-Jones has sworn off men, but an unlikely relationship with the son of an antique dealer proves to be invaluable in helping her deal with the overwhelming burden of her past. After receiving a key which unlocks mysterious scrolls that lead to a deep dark mystery she never expected Ember needs the help of her new friend more than ever. Can she help clear her great-great-grandfather's good name?
I loved this tale. The historical research is sound and makes the novel not only entertaining, but highly believable. Ember is a character that is easy to sympathize with, but one that I felt myself pushing to step outside her comfort zone to experience the happiness that is waiting for her. The plot is absorbing and readers will be captivated by this creative mystery centered around an iconic event in history.
I highly recommend reading Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal. You won't be disappointed. Available on Amazon.
Olive Stanford survived the sinking of Titanic, but her dark secret certainly went down with the ship. Now, 100 years later, Olive's secret is about to be revealed. Ember Keaten-Jones has sworn off men, but an unlikely relationship with the son of an antique dealer proves to be invaluable in helping her deal with the overwhelming burden of her past. After receiving a key which unlocks mysterious scrolls that lead to a deep dark mystery she never expected Ember needs the help of her new friend more than ever. Can she help clear her great-great-grandfather's good name?
I loved this tale. The historical research is sound and makes the novel not only entertaining, but highly believable. Ember is a character that is easy to sympathize with, but one that I felt myself pushing to step outside her comfort zone to experience the happiness that is waiting for her. The plot is absorbing and readers will be captivated by this creative mystery centered around an iconic event in history.
I highly recommend reading Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal. You won't be disappointed. Available on Amazon.
June 28, 2024
This book was a delight to read. With a present day love story trying to unfold a past tragic mystery. Only to uncover deception and reveals a long time confession. It’s such a great book. The story was engaging and heart pounding but sort of infuriated me all in one book.
December 1, 2014
ending was very abrupt, but I enjoyed the story. would have liked to read more.
April 28, 2015
A great Titanic novel!
April 15, 2017
Wonderful and Engaging!
Enjoyable and attention grabbing. Loved every minute of it. The characters were vibrant and the story engaging. I found myself wanting to continue reading so that I could continue to follow their lives. Highly recommend!
Enjoyable and attention grabbing. Loved every minute of it. The characters were vibrant and the story engaging. I found myself wanting to continue reading so that I could continue to follow their lives. Highly recommend!
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June 13, 2018It was a wonderful read..
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews