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Ghosts of Southampton #1
Titanic
You can't outrun your past, not even aboard the Ship of Dreams....
Meg never dreamt she would find herself aboard Titanic, dressed in the borrowed clothes of her lady-in-waiting, hiding from her family, running from her haunting past. Now that she finally has the opportunity to escape it all, she realizes the man she has been engaged to for three years is also aboard the ship. Due to their long distanced relationship, Meg is able to continue her charade, but if Charlie discovers her true identity, she will end up breaking his heart all over again. And the more time Meg spends with Charlie, the more she realizes she's made a terrible mistake; she never should have ran away from him to begin with. Will she find a way to reveal her true identity without destroying their relationship, or will Meg's last chance at true love end up in the abyss?
"A captivating love story you'll want to read again and again...." Emma, Beta Reader
"Meg and Charlie's love story is one for the ages. If you loved James Cameron's movie, you'll love this book even more...." Liz, Beta Reader
Meg never dreamt she would find herself aboard Titanic, dressed in the borrowed clothes of her lady-in-waiting, hiding from her family, running from her haunting past. Now that she finally has the opportunity to escape it all, she realizes the man she has been engaged to for three years is also aboard the ship. Due to their long distanced relationship, Meg is able to continue her charade, but if Charlie discovers her true identity, she will end up breaking his heart all over again. And the more time Meg spends with Charlie, the more she realizes she's made a terrible mistake; she never should have ran away from him to begin with. Will she find a way to reveal her true identity without destroying their relationship, or will Meg's last chance at true love end up in the abyss?
"A captivating love story you'll want to read again and again...." Emma, Beta Reader
"Meg and Charlie's love story is one for the ages. If you loved James Cameron's movie, you'll love this book even more...." Liz, Beta Reader
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2016
496 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
I.D. Johnson
80 books59 followersID Johnson wears many hats: mother, wife, editor, tutu maker, and writer, to name a few. Some of her favorite people are the two little girls who often implore that she "watch me!" in the middle of forming finely crafted sentences, that guy who dozes off well before she closes her laptop, and those furry critters at the foot of the bed at night. If she could do anything in the world, she would live in Cinderella's castle and write love stories all day while sipping Dr. Pepper and eating calorie-less Hershey's kisses. For now, she'll stick to her Dallas-area home and spending her days with the characters she's grown to love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 28, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up.
Meg and Charlie and the O’Connell family are now on the Titanic. You know what happens next. Some of the scenes in this story seem to be lifted right out of the movie.
The book is well paced, although very short; again, more of a novella. But it’s still a good read.
Now on to the third book in the series.
Meg and Charlie and the O’Connell family are now on the Titanic. You know what happens next. Some of the scenes in this story seem to be lifted right out of the movie.
The book is well paced, although very short; again, more of a novella. But it’s still a good read.
Now on to the third book in the series.
February 17, 2020
Even though this book is about a topic that has been written about many times before, this story of star crossed lovers kept my interest and was a great light read.
February 22, 2021
TW: Sexual assault, pedophilia, rape
3.5, rounded up
I liked this book way more than I thought I was going too lol I enjoyed the nods to the movie that the author included with the character of Molly Brown, and the third class party, and the discussion about the life boats. I was super intrigued with the romance between the characters and this does have the have miscommunication trope where I’m like yelling at the book “Just talk to each other!” It was wrapped up quickly and didn’t drag on (the sinking of the ship you’re on will do that, I guess 🤣)
Buddy Read with Averie @ averielovesbooks
3.5, rounded up
I liked this book way more than I thought I was going too lol I enjoyed the nods to the movie that the author included with the character of Molly Brown, and the third class party, and the discussion about the life boats. I was super intrigued with the romance between the characters and this does have the have miscommunication trope where I’m like yelling at the book “Just talk to each other!” It was wrapped up quickly and didn’t drag on (the sinking of the ship you’re on will do that, I guess 🤣)
Buddy Read with Averie @ averielovesbooks
May 29, 2017
Very good!
January 26, 2021
Rather predictable. Did not learn anything new. The story was good but not developed enough. The characters were pretty weak.
March 18, 2017
Please read
Titanic love story amongst the horrors of that day. Heartfelt story. New author meds support, try this one, thank you
Titanic love story amongst the horrors of that day. Heartfelt story. New author meds support, try this one, thank you
July 13, 2019
I have always been fascinated by the history of the Titanic and I still use to enjoy Titanic fiction. “Titanic (Ghosts of Southampton, Book 1)” is no ghost story (although we know from its first page on, that most of the people on this ship are going to die) but a historical romance. A quite good and enjoyable one, but not a perfect one: for example, for me, little Ruthy turned out to be too psychic and made it quite too obvious that the protagonists in this novel would probably experience a happy ending. Furthermore, all those book figures seemed to be so perfect, loving each other, caring for each other… without ever minding neither sexes nor social classes. For a story set in1912 that seemed a little bit odd.
In general, I really liked this novel, though. Meg’s past is quite horrendous; a prequel to “Titanic (Ghosts of Southampton, Book 1) is also already available but I have to admit that I’m not very interested in reading that one. What you have to know about Meg’s past, is mentioned in this official first book of this series, too, which can be read as a standalone although there is also a sequel, “Residuum (Ghosts of Southampton, Book 2), available. Personally, I’m quite interested in that second book as its story seems to be about how some of the survivors struggle with the Titanic’s aftermaths.
Despite Meg’s terrible experiences in the past, “Titanic (Ghosts of Southampton, Book 1)” is a quite kitschy novel about destiny and fate as well as faith. It’s just a historical romance, filled with lots of love – if you like smarmy stories, you’ll probably love it!
[A review copy of this novel had been provided via fiveabook.]
In general, I really liked this novel, though. Meg’s past is quite horrendous; a prequel to “Titanic (Ghosts of Southampton, Book 1) is also already available but I have to admit that I’m not very interested in reading that one. What you have to know about Meg’s past, is mentioned in this official first book of this series, too, which can be read as a standalone although there is also a sequel, “Residuum (Ghosts of Southampton, Book 2), available. Personally, I’m quite interested in that second book as its story seems to be about how some of the survivors struggle with the Titanic’s aftermaths.
Despite Meg’s terrible experiences in the past, “Titanic (Ghosts of Southampton, Book 1)” is a quite kitschy novel about destiny and fate as well as faith. It’s just a historical romance, filled with lots of love – if you like smarmy stories, you’ll probably love it!
[A review copy of this novel had been provided via fiveabook.]
November 19, 2017
Captivating.
When you read as much and as fast as I do, even having Kindle Unlimited isn't always enough to find books to lose yourself. I'm so glad that I found this and the prequel to this, Prelude.
I definitely recommend reading Prelude prior to Titanic: Ghosts of Southampton. I think it's much easier to follow. In Titanic, the story that began in Prelude picks up where Prelude left off. Meg, who has been promised to Charlie since she was a child because of a promise between their fathers has had a terrible life since the night her father died. She is the classic abused girl who feels unworthy of good things and has rebelled against having her husband chosen for her. She feels Charlie is just another of her mothers schemes and is determined to do whatever she just to escape her mother and Charlie.
Quickly after she boards the Titanic she discovers Charlie is also in board. Fate seems to be throwing them together and their lives seem to be fated to be interwoven. The more time she spends with Charlie the more she starts to realize her mistake in hurting and fleeing him. She finds herself falling for the man she was so determined to runaway from.
This was a beautiful story and I can only hope that the author with quickly finish the next story in Charlie and Megs saga.
When you read as much and as fast as I do, even having Kindle Unlimited isn't always enough to find books to lose yourself. I'm so glad that I found this and the prequel to this, Prelude.
I definitely recommend reading Prelude prior to Titanic: Ghosts of Southampton. I think it's much easier to follow. In Titanic, the story that began in Prelude picks up where Prelude left off. Meg, who has been promised to Charlie since she was a child because of a promise between their fathers has had a terrible life since the night her father died. She is the classic abused girl who feels unworthy of good things and has rebelled against having her husband chosen for her. She feels Charlie is just another of her mothers schemes and is determined to do whatever she just to escape her mother and Charlie.
Quickly after she boards the Titanic she discovers Charlie is also in board. Fate seems to be throwing them together and their lives seem to be fated to be interwoven. The more time she spends with Charlie the more she starts to realize her mistake in hurting and fleeing him. She finds herself falling for the man she was so determined to runaway from.
This was a beautiful story and I can only hope that the author with quickly finish the next story in Charlie and Megs saga.
January 8, 2021
A love story with a twist
This book starts with a fiancee fleeing from her intended husband by boarding the Titanic on its maiden voyage. Little did she know that her intended had also boarded the ship, until a 4-year old little girl brings them together. His kindness causes her to fall in love with him. Since he never met her during their engagement, he has no idea she is his fiancee, but he pursues her anyway. Her subterfuge isn't found out until just before the ship hits the iceberg, and His anger at her deception almost ends their relationship. It takes persuasion from his valet and hearing her true story to restore his trust. The final story of the ship sinking is heartwrenching, as he puts her on a lifeboat while he insists on remaining on the ship until the rest of the women and children are saved. This was an engrossing historical novel and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great love story.
This book starts with a fiancee fleeing from her intended husband by boarding the Titanic on its maiden voyage. Little did she know that her intended had also boarded the ship, until a 4-year old little girl brings them together. His kindness causes her to fall in love with him. Since he never met her during their engagement, he has no idea she is his fiancee, but he pursues her anyway. Her subterfuge isn't found out until just before the ship hits the iceberg, and His anger at her deception almost ends their relationship. It takes persuasion from his valet and hearing her true story to restore his trust. The final story of the ship sinking is heartwrenching, as he puts her on a lifeboat while he insists on remaining on the ship until the rest of the women and children are saved. This was an engrossing historical novel and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great love story.
February 3, 2021
Misplaced anger
At the age of 17, Meg's father betrothed her to an American millionaire. The agreement involved her father's failing cloth mill and numerous other conditions in the contract. After her father's death, Meg was left with her wicked mother and uncle (I truly can not think of a more appropriate adjective for those two!). As time went on, her mind grouped her betrothed, Charles, in with the evil duo. Though repeatedly being given opportunities to meet Charles, she had always managed to avoid it. Now, having escaped with her maid and her family, they have just boarded the Titanic when she catches a glimpse of someone she thinks she recognizes.
Don't miss this book. It will drag you through every emotion you can think of and more. One if my favorite stories in a while!
At the age of 17, Meg's father betrothed her to an American millionaire. The agreement involved her father's failing cloth mill and numerous other conditions in the contract. After her father's death, Meg was left with her wicked mother and uncle (I truly can not think of a more appropriate adjective for those two!). As time went on, her mind grouped her betrothed, Charles, in with the evil duo. Though repeatedly being given opportunities to meet Charles, she had always managed to avoid it. Now, having escaped with her maid and her family, they have just boarded the Titanic when she catches a glimpse of someone she thinks she recognizes.
Don't miss this book. It will drag you through every emotion you can think of and more. One if my favorite stories in a while!
July 10, 2023
Such a great story...I literally could not put it down at all. I was 100 pages from finishing the entire book and I literally sat for 2-3hours reading constantly as I just had to know what happened and who survived. I could not help but root for Meg & Charlie and sadly had to google the next book in the series just to make sure certain people survived the sinking or I would've been devastated.
I love when a book can completely engross you to where it is so hard to put it down and go back to daily life and this series is that for me. I keep finding myself picking it up every second I can find just to see what happens next.
I LOVE this series and it is now one of my all time favorites. Fortunately I bought all 3 books on ebay for a great deal so I could instantly pick up the next book to find out what happens next
I love when a book can completely engross you to where it is so hard to put it down and go back to daily life and this series is that for me. I keep finding myself picking it up every second I can find just to see what happens next.
I LOVE this series and it is now one of my all time favorites. Fortunately I bought all 3 books on ebay for a great deal so I could instantly pick up the next book to find out what happens next
February 14, 2020
Good Story...Sloppy Editing
The story was good and kept the readers' attention. However, the poor editing of spelling was a frequent and annoying distraction.
Good story and the writing flowed well and kept the reader's interest. What was annoying however, were the frequent and distracting spelling errors.
When are authors and editors going to realize that just running " Spell Check" on a manuscript is just simply not enough. A human being actually has to read the material; like it or not!
The story was good and kept the readers' attention. However, the poor editing of spelling was a frequent and annoying distraction.
Good story and the writing flowed well and kept the reader's interest. What was annoying however, were the frequent and distracting spelling errors.
When are authors and editors going to realize that just running " Spell Check" on a manuscript is just simply not enough. A human being actually has to read the material; like it or not!
February 9, 2021
A Titanic love story
Against the factual background of the ill fated unsinkable ship, this fictional story of an on again, off again romance really kept me intrigued. Of course you know what will happen to the ship, but who will live or die of the characters we have come to care about. The story of the Titanic has always fascinated me, so I particularly enjoyed this story and I would recommend you read this book if the setting appeals to you as well.
Against the factual background of the ill fated unsinkable ship, this fictional story of an on again, off again romance really kept me intrigued. Of course you know what will happen to the ship, but who will live or die of the characters we have come to care about. The story of the Titanic has always fascinated me, so I particularly enjoyed this story and I would recommend you read this book if the setting appeals to you as well.
May 28, 2017
Good potential
Although There were a few typos and grammatical errors , the author wrote a story that captured and maintained my interest and even
managed to make me feel a bit emotional at times . The fact that this story took place on the tragic maiden voyage of the Titanic and the way the author artfully mixed fact with fiction made the story seem more real .
Although There were a few typos and grammatical errors , the author wrote a story that captured and maintained my interest and even
managed to make me feel a bit emotional at times . The fact that this story took place on the tragic maiden voyage of the Titanic and the way the author artfully mixed fact with fiction made the story seem more real .
March 15, 2020
Yes, another Titanic book for me. Meg's abusive past causes her to ignore her intended. She escapes on board the Titanic with a servant family. The man, she is pledged to, happens to be on board. Being they have never met, before now, will they be attracted to one another and survive the unthinkable?
June 30, 2018
I always enjoy stories about the Titanic. This book was no exception. It read smoothly and quickly. The ending was very good and sets the stage for the next book. But the story had a conclusion to it so it's ok to stand alone too. I will look forward to the next book.
March 19, 2019
Adult subject matter-as far as discussion of rape/incest. Has no sex/love scenes, but has a few instances of bad language. Has an interesting story line. Molly Brown, is one of the characters in the book. She was a real Titanic survivor. :)
February 10, 2020
Very intriguing as it wound between various possibilities. Really liked, and it wasn't so long it took several days to read. Started it yesterday and finished it today. I guess the moral of the story was - Don't overlook the possibilities and power of love. Liked it.
February 26, 2020
Sweet but missing something
I really enjoy anything about the Titanic, and this was no exception. I liked getting to see the journey from two different sides. The sinking, however, was brushed over. And it got a little sappy for me.
I really enjoy anything about the Titanic, and this was no exception. I liked getting to see the journey from two different sides. The sinking, however, was brushed over. And it got a little sappy for me.
February 26, 2021
I really liked reading a Titanic-inspired story, since I have never read one before!
However, this story was far too convenient in certain ways for me.
I also wish that it was longer and we had more relationship development between the characters.
TW: Sexual assault, pedophilia, PTSD
However, this story was far too convenient in certain ways for me.
I also wish that it was longer and we had more relationship development between the characters.
TW: Sexual assault, pedophilia, PTSD
May 13, 2021
Amazing read
Truly remarkable book. Beautiful how a little girl can see that Charlie and Meg belong to each other even if they can't. Ruth's little escapades keeps bringing the to together and helps them both find the love they want.
Truly remarkable book. Beautiful how a little girl can see that Charlie and Meg belong to each other even if they can't. Ruth's little escapades keeps bringing the to together and helps them both find the love they want.
December 30, 2022
Titanic
A twist of events, where a prolonged engagement seems to have been broken only for the two parties meet in unlikely circumstances. Both have a mind set of starting over with a new life but history has other plans.
A twist of events, where a prolonged engagement seems to have been broken only for the two parties meet in unlikely circumstances. Both have a mind set of starting over with a new life but history has other plans.
March 8, 2024
I couldn't read this word for word because Meg wouldn't tell Charlie the truth and it just bugged me too much. The second time Ruth ran off really bothered me.
It's okay, but there wouldn't be a story if Meg had just been honest from the beginning.
It's okay, but there wouldn't be a story if Meg had just been honest from the beginning.
March 24, 2024
Wonderful story.
I really loved the book. I wish, however, the author would have added an epilogue. The matter of her mother and uncle were left hanging in the air. Otherwise it was a great story on the fated Titanic.
I really loved the book. I wish, however, the author would have added an epilogue. The matter of her mother and uncle were left hanging in the air. Otherwise it was a great story on the fated Titanic.
June 18, 2018
First I read Prelude: A Prequel (Ghosts of Southhampton). And this was another 5*, Meg sees Charlie and tries to not let him know who she is, but they keep running into each other.
June 19, 2018
Wow
Loved the book. I have read so many books about the Titanic, but I really loved this one. Great story, great writing.
Loved the book. I have read so many books about the Titanic, but I really loved this one. Great story, great writing.
June 22, 2018
Strong Love
Kept me sitting on the edge of my seat. Shows how strong love is and what prayers can do for you.
Kept me sitting on the edge of my seat. Shows how strong love is and what prayers can do for you.
August 19, 2018
Inspiring story
From the first moment I couldn't put the book down..excellent writing and the story was so inspiring. Loved the characters. Recommend this book highly!
From the first moment I couldn't put the book down..excellent writing and the story was so inspiring. Loved the characters. Recommend this book highly!
March 16, 2019
Good book
A sweet love story aboard the Titanic. An arranged marriage works out after all! I enjoyed this short historical novel.
A sweet love story aboard the Titanic. An arranged marriage works out after all! I enjoyed this short historical novel.
February 26, 2020
Great read!!
This one had me from hello. Charlie and Megan were meant for each other in every way. Thank you very much.
This one had me from hello. Charlie and Megan were meant for each other in every way. Thank you very much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews