A Crown of Stars

by Shana Abe, Chloe De Burgh (Narrator)

In turn of the century England, the Jolivet family lives a charmed existence. Daughters of a wealthy vineyard owner and a French pianist, aspiring actress Marguerite, the eldest of three, and her sister Inez, a virtuosa violinist, move to London. Soon the two 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. While filming in Italy, she's courted by a charismatic aristocrat, while Inez has already found love and travels the world with her husband.

Yet soon, war is raging across Europe. While in New York, Rita receives word from Inez that their brother is about to enlist. Hoping to see him, 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. Once aboard, Rita is delighted to discover both Charles and her brother-in-law as fellow passengers. The days pass in a haze of pleasurable pursuits, and the comforts of the luxury ocean liner are almost enough to calm Rita's 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, Adult, World War I, British Literature, War

Audible Audio

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

[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!

[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!

[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
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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!! 📚⭐️

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lives, loves and tragedies of sisters during the Gilded Age

Marguerite, Inez and their brother Alfred Jolivet had a privileged upbringing in England in the late 1800s, an unusual one due perhaps in part to their parents being French rather than English. The Jolivets were wealthy and moved in the top social circles, yet neither daughter wanted to follow the normal path of young ladies of their social status by securing an eligible husband. Marguerite, the vivacious and outgoing beauty and eldest child, was determined to become an actress, while the quiet and shy Inez was a gifted musician, both playing the violin beautifully and writing her own music. Their mother Pauline supported their dreams and persuaded their father to do the same. Marguerite began her career on the London stage, soon catching the eye of legendary theater producer Charles Frohman, and would go on to great acclaim on Broadway and in silent films as Rita Jolivet (and find love with an Italian count). Inez, who accompanied her sister to London, would not only further her training as a violinist and become very successful in her own right, she would meet and fall in love with the handsome George Vernon, a gifted tenor and (perhaps) an agent for the US government. The sisters' happiness and success would be impacted first by the commencement of the Great War and later by a transatlantic crossing in May of 1915....aboard the Lusitania.
A Crown of Stars is a novel of historical fiction that is based upon the true story of British actress Rita Jolivet who was aboard the Lusitania when it was torpedoed by a German U-boat and sank off the coast of Ireland, Author Shana Abe brings the two sisters to life, with letters from Inez to Rita after the tragic events on the Lusitania threaded through the narration of the years that led up to that fateful day. As the story unfolds the reader is shown in great detail the life of young women of their class at that time, the realities of creating a life on the stage, and the strong sisterly bond between the Jolivet girls. As the novel begins, the focus is more on two sheltered girls experiencing life in London, flirting with the rules of society and falling in love. For me the more compelling part of the book comes later on, when Rita is aboard the Lusitania and discovers that both Charles and George are on board as well. Life aboard the luxury liner, the tensions felt by the passengers and crew in the face of warnings from Germany that the ship could be a target, and then the horrible hours after being struck by the torpedo are all described in vivid detail. It is hard not to be moved by what Rita experienced and the effects on her and the rest of her family afterwards. I would rate the book a solid 4; that might have been higher if the book had focused more on the events leading up to and on the Lusitania, but it is still overall an informative and well-written story sure to appeal to fans of the author as well as readers of Marie Benedict, Kate Quinn and Allison Pataki. My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me access to the novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Smithers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Goodreads for my free ARC.

What a great Historical Fiction read about the Jolivet sisters, WWI, and the Lusitania. I even learned a bit of history as I read. Plus, the Author's notes were a nice accompaniment after finishing the book.

Join the lives of the Jolivet family. Mainly the book revolves around the sisters, Rita & Inez. Rita becomes a well known if not famous actress and Inez a very talented violinist. Rita is the sister with dreams of making it big and experiencing all life has to offer. On the other hand, Inez is quiet and thoughtful. Shy but not a total wallflower, even when she tries.

The first half of the book revolved around the sisters when they lived at home interacting in that world with their family. You get a peak into how talented Inez is with her violin. Then we move to New York with the sisters and by now Inez had quite the romance with her husband George Vernon. Their marriage was something may women dream about. While Rita wasn't quite ready to give herself entirely to a man she does eventually. I think she is afraid of losing who she is and what she has accomplished to be a wife. I also think she was afraid to make a mistake with her commitment to one man forever. She was an actress in silent films even the ones of Charlie Chaplain. She then moved onto talkies and was probably more well known for those. She was a star in that time.

The last portion of the novel revolved around Rita's time getting to and sailing on the Lusitania. How coincidental her brother-in-law George and friend Charles were also on the ship. We also heard about other high profile people on the ship such as a Vanderbilt. The description of the opulent and lavish times on the ship were so descriptive. I could see it in my mind and how it related to the story overall.

No one really believed the Germans would torpedo this ship - it was faster than uboats. But they did. It was a horrific scene and aptly described. I teared up quite a bit. What grit Rita had until rescued and in Ireland. She realized she wanted what her sister had with George - a great marriage built on love and trust. I don't want to spoil this for anyone so I won't spill the shocker at the end that had me tearing up.

Right now, this has been my most favorite read of 2026. I laughed, cried, and ultimately had hope and then cried again. I love a great emotional story. That is was based on true people and events was just a bonus. Shana Abe has a way with words and details!

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The angels raised their arms. They summoned a circle of stars, right there in the middle of the day. A crown of stars that descended to her, glorious and spinning, so glorious she had to close her eyes and drop her head and sleep.

The Lusitania. The name invokes images of hopeful passengers, a voyage cruelly cut short, a symbol of the U-boat's tyranny.

When I saw this new offering from Shana Abe, I jumped at the chance to read about Rita Jolivet and her experience on the Lusitania. Some notes:

🎬Marguerite (Rita) Jolivet was a silent screen star who survived the Lusitania and later made a film about it called "Lest We Forget." She starred in the film and produced it making it necessary for her to act in sequences recreating the disaster.

🌟I love the title and the cover. Rita Jolivet's star power shines through in the book. Her sister Inez (Leigh) was luminescent in her own right as a violinist. Inez's husband George was also on the Lusitania and the author incoroporates journal entries of hers within the book. The two sisters were very close.

👶I will never forget reading in Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larsen about a woman in labor while the ship was sinking. In this book I found out that the Lusitania's ship company, the Cunard Line, was known for its excellent health care on board the ship. Pregnant women booked their passage with intentions to give birth on the ship and take advantage of the Cunard health plan.

👭I do think Kate Morton fans will also enjoy this new release. This book featured fabulous characters, unfortunately it took too long for any of them to board the Lusitania. I also felt the story was a bit bogged down at times by attempts to do too much telling about the varied settings.

Happy Publication Day - February 24, 2026. Thank you to Kensington and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[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*

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was terrifically interesting to learn about the life of Rita Jolivet and her sister, Inez Vernon, a talented violinist, Shana Abe sets her novel just before WWI, and winds through rural England, London, New York, Hollywood, Italy, and aboard the Lusitania (in May 1915). If that feels like a whirlwind, it reflects the force of nature that Rita (aka Marguerite and Countess Margarita) Jolivet seemed to be. Even in her late teens she was pushing boundaries asking her parents to allow her to live in London, apart from her parents, to pursue her dreams of being an actress. In the book she charged after the things she wanted, I enjoyed how vivacious Rita was, and how passionate about those she loved--the sibling relationship between Inez and Rita was poetic.

I would have imagined that the author exaggerated Rita's verve but when Cecil B. DeMille and Charles Frohman made appearances in the story, I was curious about how much was for the fiction part of historical fiction. Several searches after the book led me to believe that the character possibly closely resembled the remarkable woman who inspired her, and Shana Abe fashioned a compelling story out of her life.

The description of the Lusitania, and it's terrible end, were painted just as vividly, although in a much more somber tone. The historical importance of this act of war and its aftermath drew a picture possibly more poignant for being told through the eyes of survivors.

I wondered what in her life had made Rita Jolivet so fearful and avoidant of marriage and family, considering that she seemed to have come from a fairly close and loving family. I'm not sure the novel really addressed that, tbh, but I'm not sure it needed and explanation. My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the eARC. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this historical fiction novel from Shana Abe and all opinions are my own

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Crown of Stars is based on the true story of a young actress who survived catastrophic voyage on Lusitania.

Early 1900, England. Marguerite Jolivet comes from a privileged family and from an early age enjoys spinning stories and entertaining her family’s friends. At eighteen, she reveals her intention of becoming an actress.

Her younger sister, Inez, is not happy about Marguerite leaving the house as both sisters have a very close bond. But Inez has a gift of her own. She is a talented violinist. This allows her to follow her sister as they both move to London.

They quickly become celebrated in London, where Marguerite takes the stage name of Rita. Their careers take them in different geographical directions. Inez remains in Europe and Rita moves to Broadway in NYC. Despite the distance, the sisterly bond remains strong with love and support for each other.

The war in Europe makes the brother of Rita and Inez enlist, and that makes Rita rush to Europe on the fastest steamer which is attacked by Germany. The events turn tragically for many, even for some who were on land, and had hard time coping with the events.

The story mainly focuses on the lives of the sisters, with some events presented in vivid and descriptive writing, giving it a slower pace. The pace picks up with the events of Lusitania towards the end of the story.

This historical romance, eloquently written, is a great choice for those who enjoy the focus on relationships presented at leisurely pace.

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another marvelous historical romance from author Shana Abe!

The Crown of Stars is set during the glittering Gilded Age and follows two sisters from a wealthy, privileged family as they chase their very different dreams.

Marguerita “Rita” Jolivet longs to become a famous Broadway actress — and with her beauty and charm, she seems destined to take the world by storm. She lives life boldly, refusing to let any one man claim her heart.

Her quiet, shy younger sister, Inez “Leigh,” finds her own spotlight as a gifted violinist. She falls instantly in love with the powerful and debonair George Vernon — a mysterious gentleman whispered to be an actual spy.

We follow both sisters through love, ambition, fame, and heartbreak, while witnessing the beautiful bond that only sisters share. But everything changes during a fateful voyage aboard the Lusitania, a tragedy that — like the Titanic — still haunts us today. One sister is left shattered by grief, while the other finally stops running from the one thing she cannot control: love.

Shana Abe is a gifted storyteller. Her lush, atmospheric writing and richly layered characters blend romance with real historical events in a way that feels both sweeping and intimate.

This is a clean historical romance that focuses on courtship, relationships, and the enduring strength of sisterhood. It is a heartfelt, emotional read that will stay with you long after the final page.

📅 Releases February 2026 — and it is absolutely one to mark on your calendar.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington and Shana Abe for the ARC!💋😉

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Crown of Stars by Shana Abe is my third book by this author. It is the story of two sisters Rita and Inez Jolivet. This is a true event and the sisters are real people. The story was very well researched. While this is not the first time I have read about the Lusitania Ms. Abe’s attention to detail is awesome but not overwhelming. These are wonderful characters that you will not soon forget. In the beginning I felt that the story was about Rita and Inez an actress and a violinist. Ultimately the story is not only about the disaster of the Lusitania but a story of sisterhood.

One of the interesting parts of the story is that at beginning of each chapter is a quote from Inez. It makes you feel so much closer to her. Rita was a woman before her time. She made her acting career during a time when women were just starting out on the silver screen.

It turns out that Rita was a passenger on the Lusitania. The ship was attacked by a German submarine. This tragedy was a pivotal point in the First World War. The information about the ship and it’s descriptions of it’s interiors and its sinking are still vivid in my mind.

I love how Ms. Abe creates an atmosphere that is not to weighed down but draws you in. Her character creation is exceptional. They are deep and memorable and are brought to life. You feel their happiness, sadness and grief. Well done. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Abe has in store for us next.

[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.

[Perrin Larton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book began very slowly for me. Seemingly unrelated stories of the two sisters, Margarita and Inez Jolivet, along with their parents and brother. Lots of talk about where they were living and scenery. I wanted this book to talk about the ship Lusitania that was sunk in 1915 by a German Submarine...but...once I settled back into the book and reigned in my Lusitania fixation...I enjoyed this very much.

Told in 4 parts, the journey was what this book was about. Rita becoming an actress, Inez becoming a virtuoso violist, family there to bolster them when others thought the girls were too worldly, and a much loved brother. For Rita, a first husband that tried to change her and for Inez a husband that completed her.,

The book picked up speed as it went along and I could hardly swipe quickly enough when the Lusitania disembarked from New York. Historically we know what happened, less than 800 of the almost 2000 aboard died. Emotionally I was shattered when some of Rita's companions died. Heart wrenching for her to have to let loved ones in England know, and much sadness in the family after another tragedy.

After I read A Crown of Stars, I had to do some Googling to find out what was fact and what was fiction. Very interesting and I hope others will do the same. A very worthwhile read. Four stars since the beginning was so slow.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Crown of Stars by Shana Abe was a solid historical fiction novel set before, during and after the sinking of the Lusitania, which took place in 1915 and was a precipitating event to the United States entering WWI. One of the most famous survivors was French actress Rita Jolivet. I didn't know much about her life, so I was caught unaware by some of the plot points. I learned more about the history of the Lusitania while enjoying a beautiful story of the bond between sisters as well as the tragic tale of a famous ship that was torpedoed and sunk by the Germans.

Most of the story takes place before the infamous sinking. In fact, my one beef with the book is that the pacing and tone are uneven: for over half of the book Rita and her sister Inez are living a charmed life with plays, concerts and famous friends. Once Rita boards the Lusitania the action quickly kicks in and leads to the dramatic conclusion. The writing was strong, and the characters fleshed out well. I appreciated the thorough author's note, which explained the history vs fiction and the author's extensive research.

I will recommend this to readers who like historical fiction with Downton Abbey-ish vibes.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Barbara Mates · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me the hallmark of good historical fiction is taking the reader out of today and to that time by recreating it through how the characters go through their days--their conversations, what they are are wearing and eating, news events. By those parameters Abe excelled in her work, A Crown of Stars set in the early 1900's. The reader can picture the characters and root for the Jolivet sisters who were each other's biggest fans. Rita became a star of the silent screen and Inez an accomplished musician and traveled in elite circles but always were there for each other. It was a fascinating time to read about and while everyone has heard about the Titanic, the horror of the Lusitania has been sorely neglected but now luckily brought to light in an accessible and highly readable format. I actually used a few of the excellent resources the author provided to learn more about the sisters and the Lusitania.
Beautifully written... an example this sage advice "Don't wait for someday. Don't wait for a dream to become real. Take a reality and make it your dream ".
Thanks to the author for writing the book, publisher for publishing and providing me with an ARC.

[Marianne Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story of the lives of sisters, Marguerite (Rita) and Inez, as they mature into adulthood remaining close, but taking separate paths, Rita as an actress and Inez as a violinist. Their love and support for each other is strong, and their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Their closeness and the strength of their relationship though is not enough to overcome a heartbreaking twist of events after the Lusitania massacre that affected and destroyed their lives, and the lives of friends and thousands of others.

This story captivated me and it’s one I’ll think about often. I liked the writing style, however there was one line that had me rolling my eyes, and I thought about how lame it was to the end of the story…and then I read the ‘Author’s Note and Acknowledgement’ at the end and chuckled.
The line: “…then stepped, one foot at a time, into the bath.” 🤦🏻‍♀️
My thought: Duh, how else would she get into the bath? Cannon ball it?! Dive? Vault? 🙄
Her Author’s Notes: she praises her editor for her guidance etc. especially when it comes to some precious word or phrase that she foolishly begs to keep…
I figured this must be one of those phrases. 😂

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.
I had expected this novel to be mainly about the sinking of the Lusitania with Rita Jolivet, an actress who survived the disaster, as the star of the story. While Rita is, in fact, the star here, it focuses on her life instead and, around 80% of the way through, brings in the Lusitania catastrophe, which is, of course a large part of her life.
I felt like the description of things throughout the book was sometimes a bit excessive. While I do love good description to put me in the era and location of a story, the amount in this particular one distracted me.
Rita’s life is indeed a fascinating one and I’m happy to have read about her. Shana Abe seems to have done a lot of research around Rita and her dear sister Inez to write the story and gives us a good picture of their life as they come of age and a bit beyond. I enjoyed reading the last 20% of the book more, however, as the Lusitania piece came in. I wish it played a larger part in the book because the sad story has always intrigued me.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating historical fiction based on a real person, Marguerite “Rita” Jolivet who survived the sinking of the Lusitania. That sinking is often lost to history because of the Titanic’s similar fate which occurred three years earlier. In the case of the Lusitania, no berg sealed its fate but rather the cruelty of war did.

The book focuses on the Jolivet sisters, Marguerite and Inez, both brilliant in her own way. “Rita” found her star in acting and Inez in music. Inez fell in love with George Vernon and actor, and their love was of sweetness. The fatal voyage was a last minute decision on Marguerite’s part because her brother had enlisted to fight - it’s 1915 and WWI is in full swing. The description of what happens when and after a U-Boat sinks her is spot on historically.

This novel is well written, bringing alive the splendor and excess of the waning days of the monarchy, peerage and the Edwardian Era. It starts out slow focusing on the Jolivet sisters but they have such a magical quality and bond between that is lovingly portrayed. But once the trip on the Lusitania begins, the pace picks up dramatically. But I felt in reading that this book had such a sweet poignancy - perfect for those moments when you want to be swept away - even though there is a tragedy to the story - as incomprehensible as that may seem - because beneath the events is a story of enduring love.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read this charming ARC.
#acrownofstars
#shanaabe
#kensingtonbooks

[britta ⋆˙⟡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, this story follows two real life sisters, Inez and Marguerite Jolivet from their enchanted fey childhood in an English estate to their bohemian young lives in London with Marguerite (Rita) becoming an actress on broadway and silent films and the more introverted Inez nurturing her talents as a violinist. She becomes involved with a singer who is rumored to be an international spy that sends her postcards from various countries and Rita starts seeing a handsome Italian Count. He brings her picnics on set in the countryside, it’s very La Dolce Vida. Rita eventually makes her way onto the ship Lusitania for its ill fated voyage to see her brother Alfred before he enlists in the war. She goes on to make a movie about the tragedy after she survives to spread awareness. We follow them through love and loss and there are so many lovely characters here. I really enjoyed the sparkling details that gave the story an atmospheric feel and the way history was woven into the narrative.

Releases Feb 24, 2026. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC.



Romances are closed door, TW for miscarriages, death, suicide.

[boundbyjaida · Rating 3 out of 5]

“we all hope to be remembered. even the dead”

Thank you Tantor Audio and Netgalley for this ALC as well as Penguin Random House, Kensington Publishing and Goodreads for this ARC won in a giveaway

This novel is based on the story of a legendary performer, her virtuosa sister, their journey in their careers, love, and the RMS Lusitania. Abé brings us into the late 19th and early 20th century to live with these women, get to know them. Then their brother is enlisted in the war, and not only is history marked but soon the women themselves, as Rita (Marguerite) and Inez lose the ones they love. This book felt like viewing a past life—which is the goal of historical fiction—but Abé’s beautiful writing and detailing adorns the story. I do enjoy description, but the beginning felt a little too slow paced. I would’ve loved more of the dynamic of the siblings, but their careers and loves came at the forefront. Later, when the story reaches its peak, I felt like it was long coming and it would’ve been more impactful if the beginning were not so stretched out. Overall, this novel is solid in its writing, research and emotional weight.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. When I started reading it, I googled Rita Jolivet - wanting to know if she was a real person or completely fictional - and skimming her wikipedia article gave away some of the events that happened in this book. But not being surprised by it, knowing who would survive and who wouldn't, didn't hurt my reading experience at all. This is called "a novel of the Lusitania", but while it all leads up to Rita's fateful voyage on the Lusitania's final Atlantic crossing, it also details Rita and her sister Inez's lives leading up to that: from their childhood to striking out into the world together, chasing their dreams and forging their own paths. (Rita doesn't even board the Lusy until more than halfway through the book.) This was a great historical fiction novel, filled with compelling characters and rich historical detail. I'd recommend this to fans of Kate Quinn or Ariel Lawhon, and I definitely plan to read more of Shana Abe's books.

Thank you to the publisher, Kensington Publishing, for providing a review copy via NetGalley. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Shannon Babin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third book by this author, and once again she has knocked it out of the park. This story will make you smile and make you cry. It is incredibly well-researched. Abe's attention to detail is incredible--I felt like I was in the middle of a movie. The sinking of the Titanic is pretty well-known, but I had never heard about what happened to the Lusitania...a tragedy that was just as great. I originally thought the story was about Rita, the actress, but ultimately the story is about a sisterhood. Rita and Inez were so close--I loved hearing Inez's voice at the beginning of each chapter. It makes what happens even worse. Rita was a woman before her time for sure. I was amazed her parents, especially her father, supported her career as an actress. I know that at one time acting was a career that was considered lowly. Rita may have grown up as wealthy and sheltered, but she made her own way in the world and became a strong woman. If you like fictional stories based on the lives of real women, I highly recommend this one.

[Tamara Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Crown of Stars by Shana Abe had me mesmerized. One of my most enjoyable reads of 2026. I love a good period book and this one did not disappoint.

Description In turn of the century England, the Jolivet family lives a charmed existence. Daughters of a wealthy vineyard owner and a French pianist, aspiring actress Marguerite, the eldest of three, and her sister Inez, a virtuosa violinist, move to London. Soon the two 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. While filming in Italy, she's courted by a charismatic aristocrat, while Inez has already found love and travels the world with her husband.

Chloe De Burgh provided an excellent audible performance. Easy to distinguish characters. Her accents were spot on.

I highly recommend A Crown of Stars. Expected release date is February 24 2026.

Thank you Netgalley and Tantor Media for my ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah Bickings · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Crown of Stars is a biographical historical fiction based on Rita Jolivet's life. I have never heard of Jolivet and...wow, what a life of stardom, love and tragedy she led! The first half is devoted to her family relationships, alternating between her and her sister's perspectives and then action picks up with the sinking of the Lusitania and the aftermath and tragedy. The book ends pretty quickly after that. This is not a happy book, in fact, it's kind of depressing (but again, sinking of a ship and what results afterwards is tragic so that was entirely unexpected, but there was an event that I didn't expect at the end). Shana Abe does bring to life Rita and Inez's characters as they navigate love and their art and it was a really interesting read fairly quick paced read, I do love this genre of historical fiction biographies because it blends so well history and imagination and Abe has a very competent hand in doing just that! 4 solid stars read!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Kensington Publishing | Kensington for the ARC.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads from Kensington Publishing. I found this book to be very readable as a historic fiction book or period piece as I call them. Many times it takes a few pages to get into the story with this type of book but I was drawn in immediately. The author, Shana Abe, has mastered the art of describing sumptuous settings and clothing without getting bogged down in excruciating minute details that don't matter to the story line. She tastefully wrote about the disastrous sinking of the Lusitania by a German submarine. She was able to describe what happened as the ship went down and what the survivors saw in the waters around them as they struggled to survive without a lot of gore. I had a very clear picture of the scene in my mind and felt myself praying for both the survivors and the souls who were lost.

Because of this book I would like to dive deeper into the sinking of the Lusitania and it's influence in the Great War.