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The Second Mrs. Astor: Sneak Peek
Special Extended Excerpt Sneak Peek!
Be one of the first to read this sneak peek of the latest thrilling historical novel from New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Shana Abé, an epic story in the tradition of The American Duchess—a sweeping love story between John Jacob Astor, the richest man in America, and teenaged beauty Madeleine Force, set against the backdrop of the drama and tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic.
“I won’t begin with our ending, which everyone in the world knows anyway. Our beginning, however, belonged only to us. . . .”
Madeleine Talmage Force is just seventeen when she attracts the attention of John Jacob “Jack” Astor. Madeleine is beautiful, intelligent, and solidly upper-class, but the Astors are in a league apart. Jack’s mother was the Mrs. Astor, American royalty and New York’s most formidable socialite. Jack is dashing and industrious—a hero of the Spanish-American war, an inventor, and a canny businessman. Despite their twenty-nine-year age difference, and the scandal of Jack’s recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong into love—and becomes the press’s favorite target.
On their extended honeymoon in Egypt, the newlyweds finally find a measure of peace from photographers and journalists. Madeleine feels truly alive for the first time—and is happily pregnant. The couple plans to return home in the spring of 1912, aboard an opulent new ocean liner. When the ship hits an iceberg close to midnight on April 14th, there is no immediate panic. The swift, state-of-the-art RMS Titanic seems unsinkable. As Jack helps Madeleine into a lifeboat, he assures her that he’ll see her soon in New York. . . .
Four months later, at the Astors’ Fifth Avenue mansion, a widowed Madeleine gives birth to their son. In the wake of the disaster, the press has elevated her to the status of virtuous, tragic heroine. But Madeleine’s most important decision still lies ahead: whether to accept the role assigned to her, or carve out her own remarkable path . . .
Be one of the first to read this sneak peek of the latest thrilling historical novel from New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Shana Abé, an epic story in the tradition of The American Duchess—a sweeping love story between John Jacob Astor, the richest man in America, and teenaged beauty Madeleine Force, set against the backdrop of the drama and tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic.
“I won’t begin with our ending, which everyone in the world knows anyway. Our beginning, however, belonged only to us. . . .”
Madeleine Talmage Force is just seventeen when she attracts the attention of John Jacob “Jack” Astor. Madeleine is beautiful, intelligent, and solidly upper-class, but the Astors are in a league apart. Jack’s mother was the Mrs. Astor, American royalty and New York’s most formidable socialite. Jack is dashing and industrious—a hero of the Spanish-American war, an inventor, and a canny businessman. Despite their twenty-nine-year age difference, and the scandal of Jack’s recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong into love—and becomes the press’s favorite target.
On their extended honeymoon in Egypt, the newlyweds finally find a measure of peace from photographers and journalists. Madeleine feels truly alive for the first time—and is happily pregnant. The couple plans to return home in the spring of 1912, aboard an opulent new ocean liner. When the ship hits an iceberg close to midnight on April 14th, there is no immediate panic. The swift, state-of-the-art RMS Titanic seems unsinkable. As Jack helps Madeleine into a lifeboat, he assures her that he’ll see her soon in New York. . . .
Four months later, at the Astors’ Fifth Avenue mansion, a widowed Madeleine gives birth to their son. In the wake of the disaster, the press has elevated her to the status of virtuous, tragic heroine. But Madeleine’s most important decision still lies ahead: whether to accept the role assigned to her, or carve out her own remarkable path . . .
55 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2021
172 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Shana Abe
30 books2,003 followersShana 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 25, 2021
What a awesome sneak peek! Just 4 chapters and I'm already hooked. I love anything with Titanic! And you add a great love story and I'm totally captivied. Shana Abe is a fabulous writer who's words flow flawlessly. I've wait for her to write again and I can't wait to read this new tale.
July 2, 2022
This story is write as if she is telling her new born child about Jack and her love for him. Very well written.
Madeleine Force is only seventeen when she attracts the attention of John “Jack” Astor. Despite their twenty-nine-year age difference, and the scandal of Jack’s recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong into love. This also causes her to becomes the press’s favorite target.
After a few years of seeing each they marry. Because of Jack’s divorce it was not easy. Jack’s ex had a lot of rules they both agreed too. After they been married a few month a friend talks them into going to Egypt. It is at this time she finds herself pregnant. The couple plans to return home in the spring of 1912, aboard a new ocean liner. The state-of-the-art RMS Titanic that is unsinkable. As Jack helps Madeleine into a lifeboat, at first he thinks he can go with her since this was one of the last boats to leave . He assures her that he’ll see her soon in New York thinking he will find another boat off.
FYI this was actually on the full book. Not the sneak pick book as this cover shows.
Madeleine Force is only seventeen when she attracts the attention of John “Jack” Astor. Despite their twenty-nine-year age difference, and the scandal of Jack’s recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong into love. This also causes her to becomes the press’s favorite target.
After a few years of seeing each they marry. Because of Jack’s divorce it was not easy. Jack’s ex had a lot of rules they both agreed too. After they been married a few month a friend talks them into going to Egypt. It is at this time she finds herself pregnant. The couple plans to return home in the spring of 1912, aboard a new ocean liner. The state-of-the-art RMS Titanic that is unsinkable. As Jack helps Madeleine into a lifeboat, at first he thinks he can go with her since this was one of the last boats to leave . He assures her that he’ll see her soon in New York thinking he will find another boat off.
FYI this was actually on the full book. Not the sneak pick book as this cover shows.
August 4, 2024
I read this beautiful and heartfelt story of Madeleine’s love letter to her four-months-old baby son. This beautiful prequel takes us deeper into Madeleine’s story after losing her husband Captain Jack Astor, the richest man in America, when the titanic sunk. I found this strange at first, writing a prequel that begins in the full book’s aftermath. But as the blurb states, the true ending is no surprise to anyone who knows the sad tale of the Titanic sinking. This sneak peek is Madeleine documenting her love for her deceased husband and the journey through their first meeting and their courtship so that her son will one day learn how great his father was, and how deeply they loved one another.
July 14, 2023
Unfortunately Didn't keep my attention everyone was far to nice.......
July 23, 2023
Really enjoyed! It is listed as fiction, but I read it as a non-fiction book. So good!
December 23, 2023
A captivating sneak preview by a remarkably talented author. I can't wait to read the entire story!
May 3, 2022
Page turner of historical times!
I loved learning of the two families and customs of the early days of 1800s. We have all heard of "Mrs. Astor" I believe. Learning about how she became Mrs. Astor is very interesting. I have just read the sample of this book and cannot wait for the rest of it.
I loved learning of the two families and customs of the early days of 1800s. We have all heard of "Mrs. Astor" I believe. Learning about how she became Mrs. Astor is very interesting. I have just read the sample of this book and cannot wait for the rest of it.
May 16, 2022
The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe, was a vey interesting sneak peek at the the life of John Jacob Astor, his wife Madeline, sailing on the Titanic, and life for Madeline following. This historical 55 pages left me wanting for more.
January 23, 2022
I'm not a fan of romance
I learned nothing from this book. To me it was just a book about the "higher" class. Couldn't feel close to any character.
I learned nothing from this book. To me it was just a book about the "higher" class. Couldn't feel close to any character.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews