A Crown of Stars

by Shana Abe

A sumptuously vivid and poignant account of the Lusitania’s fateful last days, drawn from the true story of an extraordinary young actress who survived the unthinkable—for fans of Marie Benedict, Louis Bayard, Fiona Davis, Kate Quinn, and HBO’s The Gilded Age.

In turn of the century England, the Jolivet family lives a charmed existence. Daughter of a wealthy vineyard owner and a French pianist, vivacious Marguerite, the eldest of three, loves spinning stories and entertaining her family’s well-connected friends. No one is surprised when she announces, at 18, that she intends to become an actress. Her sister, Inez, a virtuosa violinist, moves to London with her. Soon the two beauties are being celebrated in the highest social circles.

Marguerite takes the stage name Rita, and quickly draws the attention of legendary theater producer Charles Frohman. From the West End to Broadway, and then in the new medium of silent film, Rita is known for her “sultry eyes, her mystic smile,” and her star burns brighter with every role. While filming in Italy, she’s courted by a charismatic aristocrat and Rita feels on the verge of a life even better than her dreams. Inez, meanwhile, has already found love, and travels the world with her adored husband.

Yet soon, war is raging across Europe. Rita, in New York for the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s The Unafraid, receives word from Inez that their brother is about to enlist. Hoping to see him before he departs, Rita books a ticket on the fastest steamer the RMS Lusitania. But the ship sails under a British flag, and the German government warns that all such vessels are fair game. Few believe Germany would risk attacking a ship carrying Americans, certainly not one as swift and imposing as the Lusy.

Once aboard, Rita is delighted to discover both Charles and her brother-in-law as fellow passengers.The days pass in a haze of parties and pleasurable pursuits, and the comforts of the luxury ocean liner are almost enough to calm Rita’s ripples of unease. But as the ship nears Liverpool, every assumption will be tested, and Rita, her family, and the world, will be changed forever by the voyage’s infamous and catastrophic end . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, World War I, British Literature, War, Adventure

353 pages, Paperback

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Shana Abé is the award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen books, including the acclaimed Drákon Series and the Sweetest Dark Series.

She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and currently resides in the mountains of Colorado with her very patient husband and a lot of pets.

Reviews

[Teres · Rating 4 out of 5]

You'd likely struggle to find a single soul unfamiliar with the famed sinking of the Titanic.

And yet, ask the same of the Lusitania, and I bet you'd be met with blank stares.

Shamefully, prior to reading Shana Abé's latest historical novel, A Crown of Stars, I was one such individual.

Okay, I had heard of the Lusitania. But particulars? Not a one.

Unbelieveable, really. Especially since 1,197 souls aboard were lost in a tragedy that would ultimately change the course of the First World War.

My initial foray into reading Abé was her excellent The Second Mrs. Astor (2021) about the Titanic.

In A Crown of Stars, Abé again takes us inside the splendor and excess of high society, but also depicts the brutal reality of warfare.

Three years after the sinking of the Titanic, the Great War is in full swing.

In May of 1915, stage and silent film star Rita Jolivet boards the Lusitania, the Greyhound of the Seas, for a transatlantic crossing from New York to Liverpool.

The ocean liner sails under the British flag and the German government warns that all such vessels are fair game.

The narrative builds a sense of mounting dread. Abé expertly contrasts the luxury of the first-class cabins with the looming threat of German U-boats hidden in the misty waters.

While the Titanic took two hours to sink, the Lusitania went down in just 18 minutes.

The historical importance of this act of war and its aftermath becomes even more powerful as Abé relays a vivid minute-by-minute accounting, through the eyes of the survivors.

Love historical fiction? A Crown of Stars is another remarkable novel from bestselling author Shana Abé.

[Christy fictional_traits · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Don’t wait for the dream to become a reality. Take the reality and make it your dream.'

Marguerite Jolivet was born into privilege at the end of the 19th century, moving among society’s elite—yet all she wanted was to be on stage. Unconventionally, her mother supported that ambition. Alongside her musically gifted sister Inez, she left for London, where talent and determination began to shape a very different lives for them.

But when WWI erupted, everything shifted. As a survivor of the Lusitania, Marguerite’s connection to storytelling became something far more personal—rooted in memory, loss, and the need to ensure the tragedy was not forgotten.

'A Crown of Stars' takes its time to find its rhythm but once it settles, the writing becomes far more immersive—richly descriptive and evocative.

Told in four parts, Rita Jolivet’s story is less about dramatic rebellion and more about persistence, reinvention, and self-belief. The inclusion of Inez’s memoir-like reflections at the beginning of each chapter, adds an extra layer, grounding the narrative with hindsight.

Once it finds its footing, ‘A Crown of Stars’ becomes easy to sink into—offering not just a fascinating life, but a glimpse into a world on the brink of irreversible change.

'War benefits only power mongers and madmen, and you can’t count on either of those sort for mercy in the end.'

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, beautifully written, meticulously researched WWI historical fiction novel which is based on an actual people and events. It vividly describes the glamorous world of two likable, talented sisters leading up to a fateful voyage. The author's notes are enlightening and are truly appreciated. They have piqued my interest in learning more about this tragic event and the historical figures who are depicted in this book. Chloe De Burgh does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2.5 stars)
Thank you to Kensington and Tandem Collective Global for the advance copy of A Crown of Stars by Shana Abe. This tale is historical fiction that centers around the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915. I have to admit I only knew the bare bones of that tragedy but saw a monument to it when I visited Cobh, Ireland last spring. (Cobh was called Queenstown at the time and that’s how the author refers to it, which confused me at first. Glad the author used the appropriate term, though!)

Anyway, back to the book. Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed in it. The first 70% or so of the book really dragged. We get a TON of description, whether it was what people were wearing, the decor of a room, the plants in a garden, and so forth. It made the pace really slow, and didn’t help the story advance. Other than an enticing prologue, we really get nothing related to the Lusitania until rather late in the book. Those sections were good, but there just wasn’t enough of them. We spent the majority of time learning about the young lives of the two sisters, Rita and Inez Jolivet, how Rita started her acting career and Inez her violin career. It wasn’t until the excellent author’s note at the end that I found out that virtually all the main characters were actual people. I had no idea.

I do wish that an editor had done more editing on this one - it would have been a more enjoyable read if it had moved along at a better, more typical pace, with much less description. In the end, I’m glad I didn’t DNF it, but stuck with it (mostly due to a readalong sponsored by Tandem Collective Global).

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the ending (or I should say the last hour or so…) was terrific, I feel like the first 60-80% of the book could’ve been significantly shortened… and would’ve been a much more enjoyable read.

I thought of DNF’ing this one, and I probably should have…
Instead I kept going.
And, the ending was wonderful!

Strong. Incredible. A real tear-jerker…
And tied up all the loose ends….

BUT….getting through the rest of the book was rough.
I understand the author was painting the picture of two sisters who were so very close their entire lives…but it was not all that interesting for me…

I’m sure there are MANY who totally enjoyed this one, but for me, it was a miss.

3 stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

#ACrownOfStars by Shana Abe and narrated nicely by Chloe DeBurgh.

This one is being released today, 2/24/26… so, look 👀 for it on shelves now!

Since I am not giving a glowing review, I will limit my posts to Goodreads, NetGalley and my personal FB and IG pages…

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars for the first 75% which was just lots of unnecessary description of two sisters, Rita who becomes a successful play actress, and Inez is a violinist in the early 1900s. Just because there's lots of attempted lush description of a book, doesn't make it a worthwhile one.

2.5 stars for the remaining book is where the tragic fall of Lusitania actually happens. A whole lot of nothing, quite frankly. This is my second Shana Abe book, and I'm finding her historical fiction novels to be more surface level, as opposed to becoming enthralled with the story line.

“Yellow horseshoe vetch and magenta corncockles, lacy white cow parsley, and—as they got closer to the sea—pink papery clusters of thrift, clinging tenaciously to rocky ledges.”

Ok cool description, but imagine ten more pages like this on a settle setting. More plot please!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

DRC from Edelweiss and Kensington / Kensington Publishing Corp.
Historical fiction about family, sisterly bond, and the sinking of the RMS Lusitania. Marguerite and Inez are close and have grown up with all the comforts money can buy. Marguerite wants to be an actress and Inez becomes a violinist. As they negotiate first London and then New York, they each thrive in their chosen professions. They also each find love. All falls apart when their younger brother enlists in the war and “Rita” travels back to London to see him before he leaves. Inez is already there - but her husband George is also on his way. Rita and George meet up on the ship RMS Lusitania. The rest, as they say, is history.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly absorbing WWI histfic story about the Jolivet sisters: Rita, an actress, and Inez, a violinist. When learning that their brother was soon to enlist, Rita travels on the RMS Lusitania from New York to try to see him before he departs. She was one of only 763 survivors out of nearly 2,000 on board when the ship was sunk by the Germans. Her brother-in-law died there too, leaving her sister distraught. Inez committed suicide after learning of his death. A beautifully written tale that captures the tragic event and its devastating aftermath with poignance and power. Highly recommended!

[Deanna Lynn Sletten · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Crown of Stars is a sweeping and emotionally resonant historical romance that combines elegance, depth, and genuine heart. Shana Abe once again proves her talent for blending rich historical atmosphere with a love story rooted in loyalty and quiet devotion.

Set in the refined world of European royalty and aristocracy, the novel unfolds with grace and restraint. Abe’s prose is luminous, drawing readers into a world of glittering courts, whispered obligations, and lives shaped by duty. Yet beneath the grandeur lies a deeply human story of longing, sacrifice, and second chances.

One of the most powerful elements of the novel is the voyage aboard the ill-fated RMS Lusitania. Their time on the Lusitania adds a layer of poignant tension and historical gravity to the story. As the looming tragedy approaches, every shared glance and unspoken word carries greater weight. Abe handles this real historical event with sensitivity and care, weaving it seamlessly into the emotional arc of the characters without overshadowing their personal journey.

The heroine is dignified, intelligent, and quietly courageous, navigating a world of rigid expectations with strength and composure. The hero is equally compelling—honorable yet burdened by responsibility. Their romance develops naturally, grounded in shared history and steadfast devotion rather than fleeting passion.

What makes this novel particularly moving is its sense of inevitability—of love tested by circumstance and history itself. The Lusitania scenes heighten the emotional stakes, reminding readers how fragile happiness can be, and how enduring true love must be to survive.

For readers who appreciate historical romance written with depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance, A Crown of Stars is a beautifully crafted and unforgettable read. It is a story of grace under pressure, loyalty in the face of danger, and a love strong enough to endure even the darkest hour.

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

It is a rare gift when an author manages to be both a meticulous historian and a great storyteller. This is my third Shana Abé novel and once more I was transported by her blend of lyrical prose and human emotion. In A Crown of Stars, Abé proves once again why she is a master of the biographical fiction genre. She doesn’t just retell history, she reignites the spirit of the era.

The novel follows the real-life figure of Rita Jolivet (of whom I had never heard) a stage and silent film star of the early 20th century. While her life was already one of glamour and acclaim, Abé focuses on the harrowing pivot point of Rita's biography: the May 1915 voyage of the RMS Lusitania.

The story traces Rita’s journey from the bright lights of the theatre to the fog-drenched Atlantic. As she boards the "Greyhound of the Seas" to return to her family in England amidst the tensions of WWI, the narrative builds a sense of mounting dread. We see the luxury of the first-class cabins contrasted with the looming threat of German U-boats, culminating in a vivid, minute-by-minute account of the ship’s final 18 minutes!

The hallmark of great historical fiction is the "Wikipedia rabbit hole" it often sends one down. Abé clearly spent a significant amount of time in the archives for this one.

* The Details of the Voyage: Beyond the sinking itself, the book captures the specific social atmosphere of the Lusitania - the menus, the specific passenger lists, and the dismissive attitude many had toward the German embassy's warnings.

* Rita Jolivet's Authenticity: Abé is so disciplined with the facts - from Rita’s brother-in-law (the eccentric George Vernon) to her composure during the disaster, the "fiction" in this book acts merely as the connective tissue between well-documented truths.

* The WWI Context: The book brilliantly captures the shift from the "Gilded Age" mentality to the brutal reality of modern warfare.

Shana Abé is renowned for finding "forgotten" women of history and placing them back on the pedestal they deserve. In Rita Jolivet, she finds a protagonist who is both vulnerable and incredibly resilient. Abé is a fabulous writer and this is a poignant tribute not just to the actress, but to the 1,198 souls lost in a tragedy that changed the course of the Great War.

If you enjoyed Abé's previous works like The Second Mrs. Astor (highly recommend) this is a mandatory addition to your TBR. It’s a haunting, beautifully researched exploration of survival and the end of an era.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Crown of Star follows two famous sisters—Inez, a talented violinist, and Rita, a celebrated actress—whose lives are forever changed by the tragic sinking of the Lusitania during World War I. While the premise of the book is certainly intriguing, I ultimately found it to be a rather dull read.

The story is told mostly from Rita’s perspective, with the occasional chapter from Inez’s point of view. Frankly, I think the narrative would have benefited from being told solely through Rita’s perspective. Inez’s chapters didn’t add much to the overall story and often felt like filler meant to pad the page count. There also weren’t enough chapters from Inez’s perspective for me to form a meaningful emotional connection to her as a character.

Additionally, much of the book focuses on Rita’s life and career as an actress leading up to her boarding the Lusitania. I found many of these passages overly detailed and somewhat tedious to read. The story didn’t truly begin to pick up momentum until the Lusitania was attacked and Rita was forced to fight for survival. By that point, I was already ready to be finished with the book.

[Jennifer Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

As others have mentioned, the first 2/3 of the book are slow moving, but I liked the picture the author painted of two sisters (Rita and Inez) in the 1910s making their way with their talent throughout Europe and eventually into the United States. It felt like a very enchanted life for both of them! A time period I don’t know much about, either.

The final third of the book focuses on Rita’s trip from NYC back home to England to see her younger brother before he enlists in the war effort. She travels home on the Lusitania- a ship that ends up playing a role in the increasing hostilities of the Allies and the Central Powers. Fascinating stuff - and this book was based on real people so the author certainly did her homework.

[Sarah W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel about two sisters whose lives are impacted by the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 is compelling. I didn't realize Rita Jolivet and her sister Inez were very real people until the note at the end of the book and I appreciate the author staying true to their stories. A good book from an author I look forward to reading more from.

[Jessica Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just Wow! At first I was struggling with why such a big back story on Rita and Inez. As the story went on I totally get it and found appreciation for it. It was a beautifully told story of the sad sinking ship. I was so heartbroken by George and Inez. So heartbroken for Rita. I really enjoyed this story and getting to know the characters made it more real for me and knowing they themselves were real made it all the more impactful.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about Rita and her family and film career but I would have loved to learn more about her life after the war. Marguerite was destined to become an actress. She knew from a young age that the stage was the place for her and convinced her aristocratic parents to let her move to London with her younger sister Inez. While Marguerite adopted the name Rita for the stage, Inez honed her already developed violin skills. When Inez met George, a singer and government intelligence asset, they fell head over heels in love and married soon after. Rita moved from stage plays to silent movies in Italy where she met a count who wanted to marry her but after a bad experience with a stagehand in London, Rita was skittish about romance. When Rita gets a movie offer from Charles, a US filmmaker, the count encourages her to take it as he could see WWI on the horizon. She is wildly successful in Hollywood, staring in Cecil B DeMille productions, and enjoys visits from Inez and the count. When she learns that her younger brother is going off to war, she jumps aboard a ship to see him before he leaves. The problem is that the ship is the Lusitania and it is 1915. She is pleased to see both George and Charles onboard and spends most of her time with them. They are all concerned about a German attack and make a plan for where to meet if such an event occurs. When the ship is hit by German torpedoes, the three meet as planned but the lifeboats are not positioned correctly to allow for passengers to use them. They hold hands as a wave engulfs them and Rita survives by clinging to an overturned lifeboat. Sadly George and Charles are among those who died. Inez is heartbroken and kills herself. Rita finally accepts the count's proposal and the two wed after Rita produces and stars in a film about the Lusy. I would have liked more about her life after the war but the author says that not much information is available. I also found it a tad confusing when the narrative switched between the sisters as it often wasn't clear which was which. But otherwise I enjoyed this book.

[Henny T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story of a tragedy not widely known. We all know the name Titanic, why is it that Lusitania doesn’t hold the same weight? Shana Abe did a wonderful job bringing The Lusitania and Rita Jolivet back to life.

The book started a little slow, but the beautiful and intricate detail make up for that. The historical lexicon and vivid imagery transport you back in time. I very much enjoyed this book.

[Caitlin Barnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me access to an advance copy of A Crown of Stars by Shana Abé in exchange for my honest review and opinions.

In A Crown of Stars, Shana Abé takes on the tragedy of the Lusitania from a somewhat different direction than most books about this incident. While the sinking of the Lusitania is obviously a pivotal part of the story, that’s not where the book begins. Abé takes a very character-driven approach. Using historical research, she writes the story of a real life family who become affected by the unfolding events.

We follow the lives of the Jolivet sisters, both of whom are chasing their passions across the globe. The older sister, Marguerite, finds her ambition through stage and film. She finds herself famous and adored by the masses of fans that can’t get enough of her. The younger sister, Inez, is somewhat more introverted and seeks her joy through the beautiful music she creates with her beloved violin.

As the two sisters find their way in the world, Inez is blessed with a true love, saying that her husband’s heart is her home. Marguerite, on the other hand, has a somewhat more standoffish approach. She worries that love will make her beholden to another and take away from her aims.

With the war in Europe creating an environment of fear and uncertainty, Marguerite finds herself rushing back to London from New York in an effort to say farewell to her brother after he enlists. She believes she will make it because she is taking the fastest steamer in the world, the Lusitania. Surely the opulence of the ship and the privileges afforded to the rich and famous will shield them from any danger.

They are very wrong.

The harrowing events that take place cause anguish for the Jovilet family, as Marguerite isn’t the only member of the family on board the fated ship.

Abe’s eloquent writing portrays the raw emotion and pain afflicted upon those forced to live and cope with what occurred. By first creating a connection to the family and the characters, the reader is able to feel the ache more keenly. While historical accurate, it doesn’t read like a play-by-play of what happened on the seas that day. It becomes personal and highlights the far reaching implications beyond just what happened to those on board.

I hadn’t read any of Abé’s previous works before this, but if this is a taste of her talents, I am interested to see what else she has in store.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Crown of Stars” is the second novel I have read by Shana Abe, the first being “The Second Mrs. Astor”, and it is similar in that both are about a real-life woman and the tragic misfortunes they both experienced aboard two of the most famous boat sinkings of the early 20th Century (the Lusitania and the Titanic).

The first two-thirds of the novel tell the story of Rita Jolivet and her quest to become a famous actress. Rita is very close to her sister, Inez, a virtuosa violinist. Since they often travel in different circles, we get to know Inez through her letters to Rita. Rita finds true love with George Vernon, whom she marries. Rita, on the other hand, had a bad experience with love (a short-lived marriage that ended in divorce) and is reluctant to give marriage a second chance, even to the dashing and handsome Italian Count Giuseppe de Cippico.

Years later, Rita becomes a famous Broadway and silent film actress in large part due to the help of her mentor, Charles Frohman, a legendary Broadway producer. World War I (The Great War) has started, and Rita and Inez’s younger brother, Alfred, has enlisted in the army. Inez sends Rita a telegram asking her to come home as soon as possible so the whole family can be together to see Alfred off to war. Rita doesn’t hesitate and buys the first ticket she can get on any ocean liner going to England (there were no trans-Atlantic flights in 1915). The ship turned out to be the Lusitania, and aboard, she meets both Charles and George, who are also traveling to England. The last third of the novel covers the final voyage of the Lusitania, which was sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland, resulting in the death of 1,200 men, women, and children.

I would have given the novel 5 stars just for the last third of the book, but the 200 pages leading up to the final third were very slow and drawn out for me. Also, don’t read the Author’s Notes at the end of the book before reading the novel, because there is a huge spoiler that will ruin the final tragic twist.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I won this historical fiction novel in a GoodReads Giveaway but that in no way influenced my review.

i always enjoy a good historical fiction novel that sets the scene of the times with real people and their presumed responses in the light of historical events and this story fills that requirement very well. I felt like I was there leading up to the sinking of the Lusitania in May 1915 (on my birth day and month to be exact). To be honest this was an event I'd heard about but had very little actual knowledge of the facts. And now I know the facts.

[The History Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book about two unknown women from history, sisters Rita and Inez Jolivet. As Rita chases her dreams of stardom on the stage and screen, Inez quietly builds a life as a musician and wife. When WWI begins, their lives are changed irrevocably. As one of the sisters boards the ill-fated Lusitania, neither sister has any idea what lies ahead.

I was captivated by this book. Abe’s descriptive writing and attention to historical details makes the story sing. I loved learning about the behind-the-scenes of early 20th century stagecraft, but the descriptions of the Lusitania was my favorite part of the book. I felt the horror of the event viscerally and couldn’t believe all that happened.

I adored Abe’s previous book (An American Beauty) and look forward to reading more by her!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rich and poignant telling of the life of Rita Jolivet, a renowned and elegant British silent film actress who boarded The Lusitania on its fateful May 2015 voyage.

The story explores and lovingly tells of the bond between Rita and her sister Inez, a professional violinist who possesses a quieter spirit than Rita. The two women approach life differently yet with the strong bonds of familial and sisterly love and with the utmost respect for one another and the loves of their lives.

The writing is captivating and tells every part of the story well. Each person’s desire, the support of family, the harrowing ship ordeal and its aftermath that impacts both Rita and Inez.

The story is about both loss and hope.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I dare anyone to turn to any page in this book and not find the most beautiful descriptive passage. The writing, wow. The story is written in a slow, very “descriptive”style that builds the narrative as you go. It is definitely meant to be read slow so it can be absorbed. The true story of Rita Jolivet, her family and her tale of survival on the Lusitania only added to my pleasure.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read about an actress prior to the 1920s.
The most compelling part was the actual sinking of the Lusitania and how it was depicted.
I could feel all the emotions of the characters but still felt the fear and exhaustion keenly.
The author’s notes at the end provided valuable insight.
Thanks Kensington Books, Edelweiss, and NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Shes_a_book_geek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rita and Inez Jolivet had stolen my heart by the conclusion of this book, and it surprised me that I felt this way. We get to experience the talents of the sisters, the way their lives were similar yet so different, and there was tragedy in ways that were unexpected.

About halfway through the book, I wondered whether I was listening to the right one because I thought it centred around a ship by the name of Lusitania. We did get there with about a quarter of the book being left and when I got to the end, I realised why it came into the story so late in the book.

At the end of the book, the author spoke about the true story around Rita and the Lusitania and this fed my factual, loving soul…I couldn’t help but investigate Rita and the Lusitania further. I love when a book gets you to explore beyond the story in the pages.
If you love a little history and enjoy a little flair, this book is for you.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced audio copy of this book.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book by this author for me. I enjoy her writing style so much. I even won this advance copy! This story will stay with me for awhile.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Tantor Media l Tantor Audio for the ARC of this audiobook.

I really like historical fiction books, but I really think there is a way to write them without the entire story being incredibly boring. This book, unfortunately, wasn't that. Even listening at 2.5x the story took forever to get started. Once I feel bored by a book, the ability to come back from that and start feeling things for the characters is quite slim.

[psych0_4books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and liked the VA's performance. She brought the characters to life in spectacular fashion, where you could feel the difference between the sisters and their journeys.

As for the plot, it is an interesting story following the Jolivet sisters as they pursue careers in the limelight during the Edwardian era. Marguerite (Rita) annoyed me at first but as the story continued, she grew on me. Her approach to performing/acting and owning the stage was admirable but I felt that Rita had a flair for being selfish, like when ignores her younger sister Inez's discomfort and request for a chaperone. But Rita is also a breath of fresh air for a historical fiction story. She is strong-willed and independent, going for what she wants and not apologizing for it. Her approach to romance is very surface as Rita refuses to give up her dreams to sit at home and wither away

I liked Inez, maybe because I could relate to her better. Her love for the violin shines and she delivers shy but powerful performances. While she performs, she toes the line of being humble and ladylike while allowing her passion and talent to shine through. The romantic plot between Inez and George was cute, with Inez being demure and cautious of society's watchful eye while George, the dashing American, brought his charm and different worldview, cueing a change in the quieter Jolivet sister.

The second part of the book picks up as the events leading to World War One happen. Rita ends up in New York and gets a message from Inez that their brother enlisted. Rita boards in the ill-fated Lusitania and discovers that her brother-in-law is also on the craft when the unimaginable happens. Because of the deep descriptions of the Jolivet family and their friends/acquaintances, you feel emotional as they pick up the pieces after the traumatic event.

This is the first book that I have read by Shana Abé and I look forward to reading the others.

*Huge thanks to Netgalley and Tantor Media for the ALC*

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was eager to read more about the Lusitania sinking, but this story was a complete slog. The marketing was off, as the Lusitania section isn't until nearly 70% through the book. The writing offers too much unnecessary description and backstory (and generally I don't mind description and backstory, but it just felt like filler), and overall it was dull.

Don't bother listening to the book, the narrator was awful. Every American character, regardless of class, sounded like they were from Newsies. One upperclass character (George) said "Certainly" but it was pronounced "Soy-tin-ly." Give me a break.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rita and Inez are British sisters from a well-off family. While Inez is a concert violinist, Rita peruses her dream of acting. Inez finds love with an American man and moves to New York while Rita's career starts to take off in Italy (where she starts a love affair with a titled Italian gentleman) and then Hollywood. As WWII breaks out, their younger brother enlists in the British army. While Inez is already in England visiting, both Rita and Inez's husband race home to see their brother off to battle. However, their journey on the Lusitania does not go well.

I have read and really liked Shana Abe's previous historical fictions, and I really enjoyed this one too. There is a ton of character building and not a lot of plot for the first 75% of the book and then the tone and pacing completely change. I really loved the characters and the plotline, especially since they are fictionalized real people and events, but I did struggle a bit with the uneven pacing. However, I knew very little about the fateful voyage of the Lusitania and found this book really interesting. Following two sisters was a very good way to approach this subject and time period.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review. All books are read by me and no AI was used in the writing of this review.

[Amanda Butzen · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are hoping for a book solely about the Lusitania this book is not for you. Our main character does not actually board the Lusitania until page 213.

The first 200 pages of the book are a rather dry story of two sisters and their rise to fame. I enjoyed Inez's character but nothing felt special or really captured me about this part of the story. It felt like a run of the mill historical fiction but from the perspective of two nepo babies who never needed to try too hard for anything. Additionally, for Alfred being the reason she was on the Lusitania, he was barely in the book at all.

The book shifts tone somewhat drastically and it is startling. It needs to be serious since it is describing a tragedy, but after a story of two rich sisters, the transition is tough to swallow. When there are finally some descriptions of the boat and how passengers were acting, I realized how much I had been craving this story that I thought I would be getting.

I really admire that this book set out to tell the story of an event I do not see explored often in fiction. I had hoped that I would learn much more about the book as someone who was previously very interested in the Titanic.

Would have appreciated a warning for suicide, though I am sure the author wanted it to be a surprise and startling. Just feels irresponsible to throw that in at the end.