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The Breath Between Waves
Penelope Fletcher gave up everything to board the RMS Titanic.
Forced to travel to America for her father’s new job, Penelope left her home in Scotland, her beloved grandmother, and even her girlfriend, who promptly got engaged to someone else. Heartbroken, Penelope isn’t looking forward to the weeklong journey. Or that her parents want her to find a husband in America. To make matters worse, she also has to share a cabin with a complete stranger.
Ruby Cole, her spunky Irish roommate, is unlike anyone Penelope ever met. They become fast friends as they bond over crushing family expectations and sneaking into lush parties together. That Ruby likes women, too, comes as a surprise to Penelope, but she knows their affair can only be temporary. Because as soon as the Titanic arrives in New York, Penelope will have to marry someone of her father’s choosing.
Before long, though, they’ll both have to decide what–and who–is really worth fighting for.
Forced to travel to America for her father’s new job, Penelope left her home in Scotland, her beloved grandmother, and even her girlfriend, who promptly got engaged to someone else. Heartbroken, Penelope isn’t looking forward to the weeklong journey. Or that her parents want her to find a husband in America. To make matters worse, she also has to share a cabin with a complete stranger.
Ruby Cole, her spunky Irish roommate, is unlike anyone Penelope ever met. They become fast friends as they bond over crushing family expectations and sneaking into lush parties together. That Ruby likes women, too, comes as a surprise to Penelope, but she knows their affair can only be temporary. Because as soon as the Titanic arrives in New York, Penelope will have to marry someone of her father’s choosing.
Before long, though, they’ll both have to decide what–and who–is really worth fighting for.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2021
23 people are currently reading
2274 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Anne Hamilton
6 books74 followersCharlotte Anne Hamilton is a blue-haired mermaid-wannabe who lives in Ayrshire, Scotland with her two fur-children, Izzy (chocolate lab) and Smudge (queen cat). She is currently studying Astronomy and Planetary Science and in her spare time she enjoys reading and gaming, as well as dabbling in all forms of art and her craft as an eclectic witch. Her main source of inspiration in writing and in life is the popular phrase: "but make it gay".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
November 3, 2021
i heard "sapphic titanic" and that was enough to make me immediately dive into this thrilling historical romance!
the (relatively slow) first half of the book establishes penelope and ruby, second class roommates aboard the titanic who both know they are doomed to marry men within the next few years. their romance blossoms quickly, and they both wish to enjoy their time together so they will have happy memories to last them through their future loveless marriages. very bleak.
one of my issues with the story is the instalove, which feels shallow and unbelievable toward the beginning. i can understand the necessity of things escalating quickly because, of course, the characters only have a few days together aboard the titanic. but it took a lot of effort to suspend my disbelief to accept that women of this era could stumble upon each other and fall into each others' arms so quickly.
but this is partially redeemed because the love story is ultimately very sweet. at times it feels more like lust than love, and i wish there was more depth to the relationship. but it gels better during the second half of the book, as the ship begins sinking and the drama and desperation are amped up.
the book is very well-researched with regard to titanic itself, and i appreciated the inclusion of old scottish slang. and many real people appear, which is always interesting in titanic fiction. penelope comes across thomas andrews, bruce ismay, guggenheim, officer lightoller, and more.
i will say that with so many references to various decks on the titanic, a simple map at the front of the book would be extremely helpful. even though i looked up some deck maps online while reading, it was sometimes hard to visualize where different locations are in relation to one another. there's a lot of detail in the novel, but i was sometimes confused about where exactly everyone was, and exactly how sunken the ship was at any given time. not sure if this is because of iffy writing, or if it was just me!
it also strikes me as odd that the book hits so many of the same emotional spots as the 1997 movie. sneaking into a third class party, many of the little tragedies penelope witnesses, and all feel like they're rehashing the movie to some degree. obviously all post-1997 titanic media will be informed by the film, but some of these details gave me pause.
while the sapphic romance is one of the main selling points of the book, i also appreciate the focus on family relationships. while penelope's parents are distant, she still cares about them and is determined to find them before the ship sinks.
one of the most well-written parts of the breath between waves is the epilogue.
overall this isn't quite as stellar as i'd hoped. but i love the gay yearning, i'm a sucker for titanic drama, and i appreciate that hamilton put huge effort into researching the novel. if the sapphic titanic premise speaks to you, read this!
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
the (relatively slow) first half of the book establishes penelope and ruby, second class roommates aboard the titanic who both know they are doomed to marry men within the next few years. their romance blossoms quickly, and they both wish to enjoy their time together so they will have happy memories to last them through their future loveless marriages. very bleak.
one of my issues with the story is the instalove, which feels shallow and unbelievable toward the beginning. i can understand the necessity of things escalating quickly because, of course, the characters only have a few days together aboard the titanic. but it took a lot of effort to suspend my disbelief to accept that women of this era could stumble upon each other and fall into each others' arms so quickly.
but this is partially redeemed because the love story is ultimately very sweet. at times it feels more like lust than love, and i wish there was more depth to the relationship. but it gels better during the second half of the book, as the ship begins sinking and the drama and desperation are amped up.
the book is very well-researched with regard to titanic itself, and i appreciated the inclusion of old scottish slang. and many real people appear, which is always interesting in titanic fiction. penelope comes across thomas andrews, bruce ismay, guggenheim, officer lightoller, and more.
i will say that with so many references to various decks on the titanic, a simple map at the front of the book would be extremely helpful. even though i looked up some deck maps online while reading, it was sometimes hard to visualize where different locations are in relation to one another. there's a lot of detail in the novel, but i was sometimes confused about where exactly everyone was, and exactly how sunken the ship was at any given time. not sure if this is because of iffy writing, or if it was just me!
it also strikes me as odd that the book hits so many of the same emotional spots as the 1997 movie. sneaking into a third class party, many of the little tragedies penelope witnesses, and all feel like they're rehashing the movie to some degree. obviously all post-1997 titanic media will be informed by the film, but some of these details gave me pause.
while the sapphic romance is one of the main selling points of the book, i also appreciate the focus on family relationships. while penelope's parents are distant, she still cares about them and is determined to find them before the ship sinks.
one of the most well-written parts of the breath between waves is the epilogue.
overall this isn't quite as stellar as i'd hoped. but i love the gay yearning, i'm a sucker for titanic drama, and i appreciate that hamilton put huge effort into researching the novel. if the sapphic titanic premise speaks to you, read this!
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 20, 2022
The Breath Between Waves by Charlotte Anne Hamilton is a fictional historical romance that is based on real life events. The story in The Breath Between the Waves is set aboard the Titanic ship as it sailed and sank in 1912.
Penelope Fletcher grew up in Scotland and had thought she had found the love of her life in another woman in her homeland. Penelope however is now being forced by her parents to move to America traveliving via the grand Titanic ship. To make matters worse Penelope is forced to share a cabin with a stranger, Ruby Cole.
Being drawn to anything having to do with the Titanic I was immediately drawn to The Breath Between Waves by Charlotte Anne Hamilton especially with that beautiful cover. The story in The Breath Between Waves is not a bad one but I found that it also didn’t seem to be an overly original one. Having read a lot of Titanic recreations I wanted something new to pull me in and it felt a lot like it was simply a LGBT remake of the movie in a lot of parts so this one left me wanting more.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Penelope Fletcher grew up in Scotland and had thought she had found the love of her life in another woman in her homeland. Penelope however is now being forced by her parents to move to America traveliving via the grand Titanic ship. To make matters worse Penelope is forced to share a cabin with a stranger, Ruby Cole.
Being drawn to anything having to do with the Titanic I was immediately drawn to The Breath Between Waves by Charlotte Anne Hamilton especially with that beautiful cover. The story in The Breath Between Waves is not a bad one but I found that it also didn’t seem to be an overly original one. Having read a lot of Titanic recreations I wanted something new to pull me in and it felt a lot like it was simply a LGBT remake of the movie in a lot of parts so this one left me wanting more.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
July 29, 2021
The Breath Between Waves follows a sapphic romance aboard the unsinkable Titanic. With two young women desperate to avoid the marriage awaiting them on the shore, they take advantage of their last days of freedom and begin an affair aboard the famous ship. But we all know how the story of the Titanic goes and tragedy looms.
I enjoyed my time reading The Breath Between Waves. The tension of the main relationship was built up well in the confines of the setting and time scale and was fun to read. The setting was really interesting and worked well with the story and I loved getting to explore the ship. The second half of the book as we got towards the tragedy of the Titanic was particularly well written and emotional. I also loved that the heroine was Scottish and this showed in some vocabulary choices and her reminiscing for her homeland.
However, I wasn’t completely convinced by the characters or romance. I found them to be rather flat and one dimensional and the main relationship not developed enough for me to care, to be frank. This in turn made the tragedy of the story less tragic as I just hadn’t been able to connect with them enough. Additionally, I found the writing clunky and unnatural at times which drew me out of the story, particularly as it most affected the build up of the romance. In fact, the first part of the book, before tragedy struck, felt like an entirely different book to the second part, with far weaker character work and writing.
Overall, The Breath Between Waves was fine. It was an enjoyable read and I did find myself getting emotional towards the end. Unfortunately, the characters and relationships weren’t developed enough for my taste. I would also say that marketing this book as a romance does it a disservice as the romance really takes a back seat for about half of the book and I had gone in expecting more from it.
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*Thank you to the author for an advanced copy. This has not affected my review.*
I enjoyed my time reading The Breath Between Waves. The tension of the main relationship was built up well in the confines of the setting and time scale and was fun to read. The setting was really interesting and worked well with the story and I loved getting to explore the ship. The second half of the book as we got towards the tragedy of the Titanic was particularly well written and emotional. I also loved that the heroine was Scottish and this showed in some vocabulary choices and her reminiscing for her homeland.
However, I wasn’t completely convinced by the characters or romance. I found them to be rather flat and one dimensional and the main relationship not developed enough for me to care, to be frank. This in turn made the tragedy of the story less tragic as I just hadn’t been able to connect with them enough. Additionally, I found the writing clunky and unnatural at times which drew me out of the story, particularly as it most affected the build up of the romance. In fact, the first part of the book, before tragedy struck, felt like an entirely different book to the second part, with far weaker character work and writing.
Overall, The Breath Between Waves was fine. It was an enjoyable read and I did find myself getting emotional towards the end. Unfortunately, the characters and relationships weren’t developed enough for my taste. I would also say that marketing this book as a romance does it a disservice as the romance really takes a back seat for about half of the book and I had gone in expecting more from it.
I also talk about books here: youtube | instagram | twitter
*Thank you to the author for an advanced copy. This has not affected my review.*
August 15, 2021
3.5* – There are two parts to this book. The first was an okay read, not as exciting as I hoped for a Titanic romance. The pace felt slow, and I wasn’t sure where the story was supposed to be going. The relationships between the MCs and their families seemed in the way. Besides, the MCs jumped on each other after only a day, and you know I don’t mind instalust but it seemed a bit extreme. I got confused about whether they’d slept together that first night, since they mentioned kissing all night and touching over clothes but then one of them knew what the other’s skin looked like on her belly and thighs.
Then, around the 50% mark, came the first real intimate scene and it got me back into the story. It’s well-written, at once sweet and hot, and I started to care about the characters. Right on time too, as that’s when all hell broke loose. And the book suddenly picked up. The second half is much better than the first, fast-paced, dramatic and exciting until the end.
If the whole book had been written with the same energy, the same pace, the same tension, my rating would have been much higher. The fact that it’s a debut makes me want to keep an eye out for Charlotte Anne Hamilton’s future books.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Then, around the 50% mark, came the first real intimate scene and it got me back into the story. It’s well-written, at once sweet and hot, and I started to care about the characters. Right on time too, as that’s when all hell broke loose. And the book suddenly picked up. The second half is much better than the first, fast-paced, dramatic and exciting until the end.
If the whole book had been written with the same energy, the same pace, the same tension, my rating would have been much higher. The fact that it’s a debut makes me want to keep an eye out for Charlotte Anne Hamilton’s future books.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2021
Be prepared not to be ok
This made me swing from blissful gay joy to complete devastation approximately 586 times. If you love steamy romance with a bucketload of angst, and lesbians, this is the book for you
This made me swing from blissful gay joy to complete devastation approximately 586 times. If you love steamy romance with a bucketload of angst, and lesbians, this is the book for you
November 19, 2021
The Titanic journey lasted for six days from April 10th to 15th, 1912. It was supposed to arrive at New York on the 17th. To make the main characters fall in love within the timeframe is a huge challenge, and unfortunately, the chemistry between them wasn’t enough for me to be fully invested in their story.
Penelope Fletcher doesn’t want to leave Scotland, but she joins her parents onboard Titanic after being heartbroken by her ex-girlfriend. Her roommate, Ruby Cole, is traveling with her sister’s family. As they spend more time together, they realize there might be something brewing between them, but the clock is ticking as they get closer and closer to their destination.
When I picked up this book, I only knew that it was sapphic, set on the Titanic, and that it is a romance. So, even though I knew that the main characters would remain alive and stay together by the time the book ends (as long as there was no false advertising of it being a “romance”), I still found myself on the edge of my seat as the Titanic hit the iceberg. Despite not being very convinced by the relationship between Penelope and Ruby, I did like both characters and got really worried for them when the ship started sinking. Hamilton captured the anxiety of Titanic sinking incredibly well: the panic, the heartbreak after separation, the sense of dread, etc. I love that some characters are casually queer in this book set in 1912, and even though there is a pressure of getting into a cishet marriage (comp het), there were no other homophobic comment or action.
Not only did I care for the main characters, I was also worried for Ruby’s sister Victoria, brother-in-law Frank, kid brother Liam, niece Julia, as well as some of the partygoers in the Third Class. Despite the book spanning only a few days, Hamilton captured the relatability of the characters and made me care about most of their well-beings.
I didn’t understand why Penelope’s parents seemed to become different people from the couple in her memory on the Titanic though. It was relevant to the story but I didn’t feel like it was explained. Also, I had a little trouble understanding the dialogues in the beginning of the book (not because of the Scottish words), but everything smoothed out a few chapters in.
All in all, The Breath Between Waves was a decent story with likable characters. Make it to the end of the book and you’d be rewarded with the super cute epilogue!
content warnings included at the beginning of the book
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
I received a digital review copy from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Penelope Fletcher doesn’t want to leave Scotland, but she joins her parents onboard Titanic after being heartbroken by her ex-girlfriend. Her roommate, Ruby Cole, is traveling with her sister’s family. As they spend more time together, they realize there might be something brewing between them, but the clock is ticking as they get closer and closer to their destination.
When I picked up this book, I only knew that it was sapphic, set on the Titanic, and that it is a romance. So, even though I knew that the main characters would remain alive and stay together by the time the book ends (as long as there was no false advertising of it being a “romance”), I still found myself on the edge of my seat as the Titanic hit the iceberg. Despite not being very convinced by the relationship between Penelope and Ruby, I did like both characters and got really worried for them when the ship started sinking. Hamilton captured the anxiety of Titanic sinking incredibly well: the panic, the heartbreak after separation, the sense of dread, etc. I love that some characters are casually queer in this book set in 1912, and even though there is a pressure of getting into a cishet marriage (comp het), there were no other homophobic comment or action.
Not only did I care for the main characters, I was also worried for Ruby’s sister Victoria, brother-in-law Frank, kid brother Liam, niece Julia, as well as some of the partygoers in the Third Class. Despite the book spanning only a few days, Hamilton captured the relatability of the characters and made me care about most of their well-beings.
I didn’t understand why Penelope’s parents seemed to become different people from the couple in her memory on the Titanic though. It was relevant to the story but I didn’t feel like it was explained. Also, I had a little trouble understanding the dialogues in the beginning of the book (not because of the Scottish words), but everything smoothed out a few chapters in.
All in all, The Breath Between Waves was a decent story with likable characters. Make it to the end of the book and you’d be rewarded with the super cute epilogue!
content warnings included at the beginning of the book
Buddy read with Gabriella! Check out her review here!
I received a digital review copy from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2021
3.5 Stars
“The Breath Between the Waves” by Charlotte Anne Hamilton is a historical romance set on the Titanic.
Penelope Fletcher is upset to be sailing on the RMS Titanic. Her parents have decided to leave Scotland for better opportunities in America and she’s being made to leave with them. Once on board she meets her roommate for the weeklong trip, Ruby Cole. Ruby is visiting family in America and is happy to be sailing on the brand-new unsinkable ship. They become fast friends and then more once they admit their mutual attraction. Each knows they’re expected to get married and settled once their trips are over so they decide to take the week to be together and enjoy their freedom while they have it.
This felt a little like two different books. The first half is spent on Penelope and Ruby and their time together. I actually didn’t like this half as well because this is told in Penelope’s point of view and while we get to know her really well, Ruby stayed a mystery for the most part. The romance is mostly surface level as they’re more concerned with having a good time and touring the ship than having deep conversations. I wish we had gotten to know them better together than what we got. I feel like it would’ve made the second half pack even more of an emotional punch. I liked each of them but I just wasn’t convinced of them as a couple.
The second half was my favorite half. Hamilton was wonderful in writing the emotional turmoil of Penelope and Ruby not only getting separated from one another but from their families as well. This is one of those books where the setting feels like a character and it really worked here. Titanic is so big and there’s so many people on board that it’s easy to imagine the overwhelming fear of having to navigate it while on the hunt for loved ones, all while the ship is sinking.
Just a note for fans of books not filled with Americans and American lingo. With Hamilton and Penelope both being from Scotland, there were terms that aren’t common in the US and it was fun to see those and google the meanings.
Overall, if you’re a fan of Titanic, you’ll enjoy this. While the romance doesn’t exactly work, I found the end to be satisfying. Also, the rest of the novel is moving and emotional. It’s full of tragedy and I couldn’t put the book down.
I received an ARC from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“The Breath Between the Waves” by Charlotte Anne Hamilton is a historical romance set on the Titanic.
Penelope Fletcher is upset to be sailing on the RMS Titanic. Her parents have decided to leave Scotland for better opportunities in America and she’s being made to leave with them. Once on board she meets her roommate for the weeklong trip, Ruby Cole. Ruby is visiting family in America and is happy to be sailing on the brand-new unsinkable ship. They become fast friends and then more once they admit their mutual attraction. Each knows they’re expected to get married and settled once their trips are over so they decide to take the week to be together and enjoy their freedom while they have it.
This felt a little like two different books. The first half is spent on Penelope and Ruby and their time together. I actually didn’t like this half as well because this is told in Penelope’s point of view and while we get to know her really well, Ruby stayed a mystery for the most part. The romance is mostly surface level as they’re more concerned with having a good time and touring the ship than having deep conversations. I wish we had gotten to know them better together than what we got. I feel like it would’ve made the second half pack even more of an emotional punch. I liked each of them but I just wasn’t convinced of them as a couple.
The second half was my favorite half. Hamilton was wonderful in writing the emotional turmoil of Penelope and Ruby not only getting separated from one another but from their families as well. This is one of those books where the setting feels like a character and it really worked here. Titanic is so big and there’s so many people on board that it’s easy to imagine the overwhelming fear of having to navigate it while on the hunt for loved ones, all while the ship is sinking.
Just a note for fans of books not filled with Americans and American lingo. With Hamilton and Penelope both being from Scotland, there were terms that aren’t common in the US and it was fun to see those and google the meanings.
Overall, if you’re a fan of Titanic, you’ll enjoy this. While the romance doesn’t exactly work, I found the end to be satisfying. Also, the rest of the novel is moving and emotional. It’s full of tragedy and I couldn’t put the book down.
I received an ARC from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 7, 2021
4.25 stars. The synopsis and the gorgeous cover had me really looking forward to this book, and I’m happy to say I wasn’t disappointed!
POV character Penelope Fletcher (20, lesbian) is a relatable, complex heroine who’s easy to root for. She’s forced to move with her parents to the US, but would have rather stayed home in Scotland. To make matters worse, her traditional parents want her to find a husband in the States. Ruby Cole (lesbian?), Penelope’s Irish roommate on the Titanic, is a wonderful mix of fun, earnestness, wisdom, and snappish one-liners, and I loved her the moment she appeared on page. While of course this story leans toward insta-love due to the setting, I liked the romance and thought Penelope and Ruby were lovely together (though, more on this later). There are plenty of tender moments to swoon over, and damn, Ruby has game!!
I loved the details woven throughout, and I was constantly looking up Scottish-isms, historical terms, and pictures of various sections of the Titanic. Also, the horrific sinking of the ship is extremely well-written. The sensory details (the shock of the ship’s lean, the ice-cold water, the terrible sounds of a failing ship) and the passengers’ actions (becoming empowered to do anything to save their family, wanting to give up because of the sheer despair of it all, making peace with the fact that this day would likely be their last) created an immersive sense of despair. It felt like I myself was on the Titanic alongside Penelope, my anxiety growing alongside hers.
I have two main complaints about this book, most notably my confusion regarding Penelope’s parents. There was this really weird shift in their attitudes at one point, and I wish we had been given more context to understand this. Secondly, while the romance development is good given the number of days, I thought it could have been great! I wanted more yearning, more romantic angst, and more intellectual/emotional connection between the leads to make me more invested in their relationship. As it was, I really liked the couple, but I didn’t ache for them like I was hoping to.
Overall, despite my complaints, I enjoyed The Breath Between Waves and I’m anxiously awaiting Hamilton’s next book, Of Trust & Heart. I feel like Hamilton is an emerging star in sapphic historical romance and I can’t wait to see what she does next!
Content warnings are included at the beginning of the book.
I received an ARC from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
POV character Penelope Fletcher (20, lesbian) is a relatable, complex heroine who’s easy to root for. She’s forced to move with her parents to the US, but would have rather stayed home in Scotland. To make matters worse, her traditional parents want her to find a husband in the States. Ruby Cole (lesbian?), Penelope’s Irish roommate on the Titanic, is a wonderful mix of fun, earnestness, wisdom, and snappish one-liners, and I loved her the moment she appeared on page. While of course this story leans toward insta-love due to the setting, I liked the romance and thought Penelope and Ruby were lovely together (though, more on this later). There are plenty of tender moments to swoon over, and damn, Ruby has game!!
I loved the details woven throughout, and I was constantly looking up Scottish-isms, historical terms, and pictures of various sections of the Titanic. Also, the horrific sinking of the ship is extremely well-written. The sensory details (the shock of the ship’s lean, the ice-cold water, the terrible sounds of a failing ship) and the passengers’ actions (becoming empowered to do anything to save their family, wanting to give up because of the sheer despair of it all, making peace with the fact that this day would likely be their last) created an immersive sense of despair. It felt like I myself was on the Titanic alongside Penelope, my anxiety growing alongside hers.
I have two main complaints about this book, most notably my confusion regarding Penelope’s parents. There was this really weird shift in their attitudes at one point, and I wish we had been given more context to understand this. Secondly, while the romance development is good given the number of days, I thought it could have been great! I wanted more yearning, more romantic angst, and more intellectual/emotional connection between the leads to make me more invested in their relationship. As it was, I really liked the couple, but I didn’t ache for them like I was hoping to.
Overall, despite my complaints, I enjoyed The Breath Between Waves and I’m anxiously awaiting Hamilton’s next book, Of Trust & Heart. I feel like Hamilton is an emerging star in sapphic historical romance and I can’t wait to see what she does next!
Content warnings are included at the beginning of the book.
I received an ARC from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2021
Penelope doesn't want to travel on the Titanic and move to New York with her parents - but as an unwed woman in 1912, she has no choice. However, things begin to change when she meets her new roommate, Ruby, and strikes up a romance.
I really enjoyed some parts of this book - others not so much. Ruby and Penelope are both likable, and I was rooting for their romance. The portions of the book concerning the Titanic were first informative and then harrowing. I liked that the author talked about Penelope's relationship with her parents and the position of women in society at the time.
However, I did feel that some parts echoed too closely the movie, and I wish we could have spent some time in Ruby's head, as occasionally she felt somewhat flat. I also would have liked to see more of the romance's development, as the length of the book curtailed it.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I really enjoyed some parts of this book - others not so much. Ruby and Penelope are both likable, and I was rooting for their romance. The portions of the book concerning the Titanic were first informative and then harrowing. I liked that the author talked about Penelope's relationship with her parents and the position of women in society at the time.
However, I did feel that some parts echoed too closely the movie, and I wish we could have spent some time in Ruby's head, as occasionally she felt somewhat flat. I also would have liked to see more of the romance's development, as the length of the book curtailed it.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
February 21, 2022
I’m still scarred from Titanic some 25 years after the movie was released. There was room for Jack on that door, too! You’ll never convince me otherwise. So I went into this Titanic-based romance with a lot of trepidation about the fate of our protagonists. But no spoilers here.
Penelope Fletcher’s family is moving from Scotland to the US for her father’s job at a university in Boston. She’s not happy about the move, especially since she has to leave her grandmother behind. But she’s reeling from a broken heart after her BFF-turned-lover, Caroline, tells her she’s getting married. Ruby Cole, the Irish daughter of an English Duke’s steward, has traversed the Altantic a few times, mostly when her father has to accompany the Duke overseas. Ruby and Penelope are sharing a second-class cabin on the Titanic where they form a quick friendship and, soon, a romantic one as well.
The parameters of the romance really worked for me here. Neither Ruby nor Penelope expect their shared intimacy to last beyond the week they’ll spend together on the ship, both resigned to the fact that they will disembark to their futures of finding suitable husbands, but what happens on the Titanic stays on the Titanic, and they’re both determined to the make the most of the time they have to explore their relationship—their bodies—before their lives will change. (And I just made the book sound far more sexual than it actually is. LOL).
Their one problem is they’re on the Titanic and that plan will go to shit as the ship hits the iceberg and their stories quickly turn to just trying to survive.
Much like the movie, this book is basically equally divided into two parts: before the ship hits the iceberg and after the ship hits the iceberg. The second half of the novel is all the action/suspense of the sinking ship. Who survives?
3.5 stars
Penelope Fletcher’s family is moving from Scotland to the US for her father’s job at a university in Boston. She’s not happy about the move, especially since she has to leave her grandmother behind. But she’s reeling from a broken heart after her BFF-turned-lover, Caroline, tells her she’s getting married. Ruby Cole, the Irish daughter of an English Duke’s steward, has traversed the Altantic a few times, mostly when her father has to accompany the Duke overseas. Ruby and Penelope are sharing a second-class cabin on the Titanic where they form a quick friendship and, soon, a romantic one as well.
The parameters of the romance really worked for me here. Neither Ruby nor Penelope expect their shared intimacy to last beyond the week they’ll spend together on the ship, both resigned to the fact that they will disembark to their futures of finding suitable husbands, but what happens on the Titanic stays on the Titanic, and they’re both determined to the make the most of the time they have to explore their relationship—their bodies—before their lives will change. (And I just made the book sound far more sexual than it actually is. LOL).
Their one problem is they’re on the Titanic and that plan will go to shit as the ship hits the iceberg and their stories quickly turn to just trying to survive.
Much like the movie, this book is basically equally divided into two parts: before the ship hits the iceberg and after the ship hits the iceberg. The second half of the novel is all the action/suspense of the sinking ship. Who survives?
3.5 stars
July 11, 2021
Cue up the music "My Heart Will Go On" and journey back to the maiden voyage of the Titanic. The cover of the book is striking inviting you to begin reading. Add two main characters, Penelope from Scotland and the Ruby from Ireland, who are roommates in second class on the unsinkable ship. They are both traveling with families (parents/siblings) to America. When the get to America they will be expected to marry and get on with their lives. It is a good set up for a sapphic historical romance.
Like Rose and Jack, their relationship won't be accepted, but they can steal some time for talking, dancing, exploring the ship and each other. It is told from Penelope's POV which works for the most part. I wish I knew a little more about Ruby's background with women and her feelings during the perils on the ship. After hitting the ice-berg the book follows the known narrative of people's behavior and the structural aspects of the sinking.
Overall I enjoyed the book and the MC's. I wasn't as emotionally invested in them as a couple only because their time together seems brief. The sinking itself is page-turning exciting and saying goodbye to love ones is what stands out emotionally to my heart. The epilogue seems realistic but didn't answer all my questions about how they were making a living and surviving beyond having a house. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Like Rose and Jack, their relationship won't be accepted, but they can steal some time for talking, dancing, exploring the ship and each other. It is told from Penelope's POV which works for the most part. I wish I knew a little more about Ruby's background with women and her feelings during the perils on the ship. After hitting the ice-berg the book follows the known narrative of people's behavior and the structural aspects of the sinking.
Overall I enjoyed the book and the MC's. I wasn't as emotionally invested in them as a couple only because their time together seems brief. The sinking itself is page-turning exciting and saying goodbye to love ones is what stands out emotionally to my heart. The epilogue seems realistic but didn't answer all my questions about how they were making a living and surviving beyond having a house. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review!
The breath between waves fulfils it's purpose of, in a way, "recreating" the very well known motion picture titanic, which picks up the 1912s tragedy, and giving it a sapphic setting. For all that it's worth, the book is nice, but not extraordinary.
The first half of this book was very fast paced, it almost flew: the writing was easy to get through (in both halves actually), there weren't many characters or any articulate, complex plotline. It is, quite literally, just our two main characters getting to know each other, growing closer and closer, giving in to the attraction between them.
They were a case of insta-love, which slightly threw me off: there was a sheer dedication between the protagonists that almost felt fated, and hard to fathom or rationalize - and, maybe that's exactly what attraction is supposed to feel like. To me, as neatly and passionate as it was conveyed, it just lacked emotion, and was too sudden. The scenario isn't flawless, the setting wasn't completely lacklustre, but it did have a margin to be better, more extensive.
It's when the Titanic finally begins its demise that the book gets impossibly slow. Perhaps it is the cost of having to read through people's suffering. It isn't pleasant, it takes focus, strength - of sorts. Beware that, if you're a reader that vividly can picture whatever might be happening and feel incredible amounts of compassion and empathy, this part might be though on you. There are plenty mentions of death. The trauma suffered is studied lightly in the epilogue, with the promise that whatever they went through will never be forgotten, but it's a burden shared by all.
In sum, the book wasn't bad, and I'd recommend it if you're looking for something mildly fast to get through and with a LGBTQ+ romance.
---
initial thoughts: the first "half" it's quite enjoyable to read, the rest was a pain...
The breath between waves fulfils it's purpose of, in a way, "recreating" the very well known motion picture titanic, which picks up the 1912s tragedy, and giving it a sapphic setting. For all that it's worth, the book is nice, but not extraordinary.
The first half of this book was very fast paced, it almost flew: the writing was easy to get through (in both halves actually), there weren't many characters or any articulate, complex plotline. It is, quite literally, just our two main characters getting to know each other, growing closer and closer, giving in to the attraction between them.
They were a case of insta-love, which slightly threw me off: there was a sheer dedication between the protagonists that almost felt fated, and hard to fathom or rationalize - and, maybe that's exactly what attraction is supposed to feel like. To me, as neatly and passionate as it was conveyed, it just lacked emotion, and was too sudden. The scenario isn't flawless, the setting wasn't completely lacklustre, but it did have a margin to be better, more extensive.
It's when the Titanic finally begins its demise that the book gets impossibly slow. Perhaps it is the cost of having to read through people's suffering. It isn't pleasant, it takes focus, strength - of sorts. Beware that, if you're a reader that vividly can picture whatever might be happening and feel incredible amounts of compassion and empathy, this part might be though on you. There are plenty mentions of death. The trauma suffered is studied lightly in the epilogue, with the promise that whatever they went through will never be forgotten, but it's a burden shared by all.
In sum, the book wasn't bad, and I'd recommend it if you're looking for something mildly fast to get through and with a LGBTQ+ romance.
---
initial thoughts: the first "half" it's quite enjoyable to read, the rest was a pain...
January 21, 2022
4.5*
why do i let one bad review deter me from reading books that sound so fucking great. Could've read this masterpiece a lot sooner.
why do i let one bad review deter me from reading books that sound so fucking great. Could've read this masterpiece a lot sooner.
August 7, 2021
“this voyage was their chance of happiness.”
the breath between waves is a lesbian romance set aboard the doomed titanic. for penelope and ruby, the weeklong voyage to america is one last week of freedom before social and familial pressures force them into marriages they don’t want. rooming together aboard the ship, they bond and begin an affair—a few days to make happy memories before they part forever.
of course, they’re aboard the titanic, so nothing goes as planned.
this was a sweet, fast-paced romance; a bit insta-lovey, but it made sense given the circumstances. (i, too, would fall in love with a pretty irish lesbian if i had to room with her for a week before my dad picked a dude for mer to marry.) it was cute, but not particularly memorable—though i did tear up once or twice during the last ~30%.
i received an arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
rating: 3/5 stars
August 11, 2021
3,5/5
The Breath Between Waves is a sapphic romance set on the Titanic. As a lover of the 1997 movie and as someone who’s also interested in the true story of the ship, this was definitely a book for me. It fulfilled my expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as it gave me pretty much what I was hoping for.
The story is told from Penelope’s point of view, in the third person. It is heavily focused on the romantic aspect, but also develops the two girls’ backgrounds, especially their relationships with their families. I loved reading and discovering the ship through Penelope’s eyes, though at some point it got a bit overly romantic for my taste, a bit repetitive and I would’ve loved to see the girls do something different. That being said, I loved how the romance progressed. We know from the start that they only have limited time together, the characters know it too, and their relationship moves fast but doesn’t feel rushed at all. I loved how they got to spend a lot of time together, which justified the strong feelings and attachment, and made the way they admitted their feelings sound really honest and truthful. The two main characters were interesting people with their own personal stories, which really helped the romantic storyline and created strong foundations for the rest of the novel.
I thought the writing was okay but nothing that I absolutely loved. Some bits could’ve been more subtle, some things were shown and then explained when it was honestly not necessary. The overall was pretty good but didn’t give me all the feels I was expecting! For History lovers and readers who are into the true story of the Titanic, we meet a few famous characters like Ismay and Guggenheim, which I thought was nice. Elements from recent discoveries were also incorporated to make the sinking fit what we today believe happened to the Titanic. I’m not sure that everything was historically accurate but it was mostly believable. A few reactions during the sinking seemed a bit far-fetched but that didn’t keep me from enjoying the book.
Now, there were many similarities to the movie, which is probably what bothered me the most, but I also get that it’s quite personal and that other readers might not care about that. Ideally, I didn’t want to mention it in this review, I wish this book could stand on its own, but sadly that’s not really the case. I mean, I think James Cameron’s Titanic is a massive reference and to anyone creating around the ship’s story, it can be difficult not to take inspiration from it. After all, the movie’s popularity and success really renewed people’s interest in the 1912 tragedy. So there’s nothing wrong with taking inspiration, but I can see how that would annoy some readers. I managed to enjoy the similarities but also found myself wishing things were done differently. Among the aspects that felt very similar to Titanic, there were scenes and bits of dialogue that were basically the same. I clearly saw the scene where Rose and her family walk on the deck and talk about technical stuff, and mention the capacity of the lifeboats. Some turns of phrase felt like they were pulled from the movie. Some cinematographic things clearly inspired the writing of a few scenes too. I don’t think this is bad or considered plagiarism or anything, but there was a sort of in-between that prevented me from really vibing with this. As it was already a romance set on the Titanic, I would’ve maybe loved to see completely different situations for these characters. In terms of rhythm it’s also very similar to the film. The collision happens at around 50% of the book, and from that moment on the second half is pretty tense and fast-paced, which is to be expected because the ship is sinking. But in this half you get moments of action and others where you can take a little breath, and I thought these were organized a bit similarly to the movie. So really a lot of different little things that make this feel like it was maybe built using the film as reference. Titanic by James Cameron is not mentioned as an inspiration, a source, so… I don’t know? I’m a bit confused. Many of the activities and specific places and elements that are mentioned in the book are things that are focused on in the movie. I mean, the Titanic was a massive ship with many rooms and things to do or see, and I would’ve loved to have the characters explore other things than what Kate Winslet and Leo DiCaprio did already.
I really really loved the idea of this book, loved seeing girls fall in love with the Titanic as the backdrop, loved reading about this tragedy. The romance was cute, there were beautiful things in this book, but it also could’ve been so much better and I wish it would’ve gone further. I would recommend this novel to readers who love the movie Titanic and wish it were queer. If you haven’t seen the film, you might actually enjoy this more than I did and I encourage you to try this book!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for this eARC.
Content warnings (provided in the book): death of a loved one, death of a parent, drowning, corpses, shipwreck, vomiting, alcohol
Content warnings (additions): pregnancy, mentions of cancer, misogyny, graphic sex
------- initial thoughts and review
well i just read this book in one day :o - RTC
would recommend if you're looking for lesbians in a historical setting and if, like me, you got hyperfixated on the movie when you were 10
The Breath Between Waves is a sapphic romance set on the Titanic. As a lover of the 1997 movie and as someone who’s also interested in the true story of the ship, this was definitely a book for me. It fulfilled my expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as it gave me pretty much what I was hoping for.
The story is told from Penelope’s point of view, in the third person. It is heavily focused on the romantic aspect, but also develops the two girls’ backgrounds, especially their relationships with their families. I loved reading and discovering the ship through Penelope’s eyes, though at some point it got a bit overly romantic for my taste, a bit repetitive and I would’ve loved to see the girls do something different. That being said, I loved how the romance progressed. We know from the start that they only have limited time together, the characters know it too, and their relationship moves fast but doesn’t feel rushed at all. I loved how they got to spend a lot of time together, which justified the strong feelings and attachment, and made the way they admitted their feelings sound really honest and truthful. The two main characters were interesting people with their own personal stories, which really helped the romantic storyline and created strong foundations for the rest of the novel.
I thought the writing was okay but nothing that I absolutely loved. Some bits could’ve been more subtle, some things were shown and then explained when it was honestly not necessary. The overall was pretty good but didn’t give me all the feels I was expecting! For History lovers and readers who are into the true story of the Titanic, we meet a few famous characters like Ismay and Guggenheim, which I thought was nice. Elements from recent discoveries were also incorporated to make the sinking fit what we today believe happened to the Titanic. I’m not sure that everything was historically accurate but it was mostly believable. A few reactions during the sinking seemed a bit far-fetched but that didn’t keep me from enjoying the book.
Now, there were many similarities to the movie, which is probably what bothered me the most, but I also get that it’s quite personal and that other readers might not care about that. Ideally, I didn’t want to mention it in this review, I wish this book could stand on its own, but sadly that’s not really the case. I mean, I think James Cameron’s Titanic is a massive reference and to anyone creating around the ship’s story, it can be difficult not to take inspiration from it. After all, the movie’s popularity and success really renewed people’s interest in the 1912 tragedy. So there’s nothing wrong with taking inspiration, but I can see how that would annoy some readers. I managed to enjoy the similarities but also found myself wishing things were done differently. Among the aspects that felt very similar to Titanic, there were scenes and bits of dialogue that were basically the same. I clearly saw the scene where Rose and her family walk on the deck and talk about technical stuff, and mention the capacity of the lifeboats. Some turns of phrase felt like they were pulled from the movie. Some cinematographic things clearly inspired the writing of a few scenes too. I don’t think this is bad or considered plagiarism or anything, but there was a sort of in-between that prevented me from really vibing with this. As it was already a romance set on the Titanic, I would’ve maybe loved to see completely different situations for these characters. In terms of rhythm it’s also very similar to the film. The collision happens at around 50% of the book, and from that moment on the second half is pretty tense and fast-paced, which is to be expected because the ship is sinking. But in this half you get moments of action and others where you can take a little breath, and I thought these were organized a bit similarly to the movie. So really a lot of different little things that make this feel like it was maybe built using the film as reference. Titanic by James Cameron is not mentioned as an inspiration, a source, so… I don’t know? I’m a bit confused. Many of the activities and specific places and elements that are mentioned in the book are things that are focused on in the movie. I mean, the Titanic was a massive ship with many rooms and things to do or see, and I would’ve loved to have the characters explore other things than what Kate Winslet and Leo DiCaprio did already.
I really really loved the idea of this book, loved seeing girls fall in love with the Titanic as the backdrop, loved reading about this tragedy. The romance was cute, there were beautiful things in this book, but it also could’ve been so much better and I wish it would’ve gone further. I would recommend this novel to readers who love the movie Titanic and wish it were queer. If you haven’t seen the film, you might actually enjoy this more than I did and I encourage you to try this book!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for this eARC.
Content warnings (provided in the book): death of a loved one, death of a parent, drowning, corpses, shipwreck, vomiting, alcohol
Content warnings (additions): pregnancy, mentions of cancer, misogyny, graphic sex
------- initial thoughts and review
well i just read this book in one day :o - RTC
would recommend if you're looking for lesbians in a historical setting and if, like me, you got hyperfixated on the movie when you were 10
August 14, 2021
3.25 stars. I am always here for a Titanic drama with a sapphic twist. Some things worked really well for me in this version of the tragic sinking, but others didn't quite make it. This is a story about Penelope Fletcher and Ruby Cole, two young women going to America to start new lives, but they have a secret: they are lesbians. There's only a couple of minor points about the back stories of each of these young women but they both view the voyage as them moving into a cage.
I think one of the things that make media about the Titanic work is that they make you care about the ship. We all know what is going to happen, eventually, and we can care about the people on it, but it is just as important to get us to care about the ship. That's what made the Cameron movie work so well. He actually made me care about what happened to it, because it became a symbol for the majority of characters - or at the very least, it made you care about the nameless people you knew were not going to make it. With this one, it almost gets there. I did shed a couple of tears at the end, during the disaster and in the aftermath. Yet, I wasn't as invested in Penelope and Ruby during the lead up, nor did I really care about the ship or the rest of its ill-fated passengers. Like I said before, the ship became a vessel for the two young women's new beginnings; ones that they necessarily didn't want, but it didn't feel like the dread was there. Ruby tried to explain that she was looking for another woman to be around, and to feel satisfied for what could be the last time before she got married, but that feeling of dread at a future she didn't want was mostly just distant.
All the bones of a really great drama are here, and I enjoyed this take on love during a disaster a lot. I do wish that there was a little more time given to the ship itself and the ending. It felt a little rushed, and given that Ruby and Penelope still had some PTSD, it would have been nice to see them together, working through it. But overall, good enough in my book to recommend!
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I think one of the things that make media about the Titanic work is that they make you care about the ship. We all know what is going to happen, eventually, and we can care about the people on it, but it is just as important to get us to care about the ship. That's what made the Cameron movie work so well. He actually made me care about what happened to it, because it became a symbol for the majority of characters - or at the very least, it made you care about the nameless people you knew were not going to make it. With this one, it almost gets there. I did shed a couple of tears at the end, during the disaster and in the aftermath. Yet, I wasn't as invested in Penelope and Ruby during the lead up, nor did I really care about the ship or the rest of its ill-fated passengers. Like I said before, the ship became a vessel for the two young women's new beginnings; ones that they necessarily didn't want, but it didn't feel like the dread was there. Ruby tried to explain that she was looking for another woman to be around, and to feel satisfied for what could be the last time before she got married, but that feeling of dread at a future she didn't want was mostly just distant.
All the bones of a really great drama are here, and I enjoyed this take on love during a disaster a lot. I do wish that there was a little more time given to the ship itself and the ending. It felt a little rushed, and given that Ruby and Penelope still had some PTSD, it would have been nice to see them together, working through it. But overall, good enough in my book to recommend!
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 6, 2021
Sapphic Titanic retelling?! I didn't need to know anything else about this before requesting it. I ended up quite enjoying it, but also having somewhat mixed feelings. It was a very fast read, and a surprisingly fluffy one at times, and while the romance started pretty suddenly I did end up liking it. But also, knowing this would be a Titanic retelling, I was ready to be TORTURED. I was ready for drama, for tragedy, for pure devastation. I guess it's quite masochistic to want that from a book, but I did. But I didn't really get that here. That's more of a mismatch between the book and my expectations though, and it was still a good read, which I might give a reread eventually!
October 9, 2021
I am an absolute wreck right now. I love everything related to the Titanic, and I knew what was going to happen to the ship, yet I SOBBED. This was so, so well done.
The pacing was perfect; I could feel the connection between Penelope & Ruby in the time between when they met and when the crash occurred, but it wasn’t insta-love. Penelope even acknowledged that - it wasn’t love, but what they went through in the short time since meeting tied their souls. To me, their feelings felt more believable this way.
What really broke me (in a good way) was Penelope’s parents. The development of their familial relationship within the book was unexpected by perfect, and made me cry so much that my husband literally came to check on me because he could hear me from the other room. I also really enjoyed reading about Ruby’s family. The bond they had, that they quickly welcomed Penelope into, was lovely. I loved Penelope’s moments with Ruby’s father & brother-in-law, and part of me wishes I could have read about Penelope explaining it to Ruby, but I understand why it was done off page and appreciated that it was actually noted that that was going to be a topic for another day.
I enjoyed the epilogue, and although it had a pretty sad edge to it, I think what was talked about was important & am so glad that even in a story as tragic as the Titanic, a happy ending was able to come out of it.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
The pacing was perfect; I could feel the connection between Penelope & Ruby in the time between when they met and when the crash occurred, but it wasn’t insta-love. Penelope even acknowledged that - it wasn’t love, but what they went through in the short time since meeting tied their souls. To me, their feelings felt more believable this way.
What really broke me (in a good way) was Penelope’s parents. The development of their familial relationship within the book was unexpected by perfect, and made me cry so much that my husband literally came to check on me because he could hear me from the other room. I also really enjoyed reading about Ruby’s family. The bond they had, that they quickly welcomed Penelope into, was lovely. I loved Penelope’s moments with Ruby’s father & brother-in-law, and part of me wishes I could have read about Penelope explaining it to Ruby, but I understand why it was done off page and appreciated that it was actually noted that that was going to be a topic for another day.
I enjoyed the epilogue, and although it had a pretty sad edge to it, I think what was talked about was important & am so glad that even in a story as tragic as the Titanic, a happy ending was able to come out of it.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!
July 24, 2021
Anything Titanic-related always gets me on board right away, and this book had such a sweet vibe to it that I was immediately hooked. Being a sapphic historical romance is always unique, given the times and how secretive anything outside of a heterosexual relationship had to be, and I was excited to dive into this world. The story is, by nature, a forbidden romance, with a friends to lovers theme. Paired with the Titanic tragedy, there is quite a bit of drama and excitements in the latter half, and I was practically crying at the end with all the loss and sadness. The story was on the shorter side, one I could read in a couple of hours, but the reading experience felt much longer, in a good way. The author sucked me in quickly, so that I was fully immersed in the story and the times.
Leaving Scotland was not Penelope Fletcher's definition of a good idea. Having never been outside of Scotland, let alone been on a ship, she is completely out of her element. After recently experiencing a breakup with her lover, who decided to marry a man instead of following her heart with Penelope, the last thing she needs is more change in her life. With her father accepting a new teaching position in Boston, her family has no choice and off they go to America aboard the "unsinkable" Titanic. In second-class rooms, she boards with another passenger named Ruby Cole, a beautiful girl with an obvious zest for life and a warm smile for Penelope's wounded heart. Close quarters bring them closer together, but the topic of attraction isn't an easy one to bring up. When they finally realize they both feel the same way, sparks immediately fly around the room. They know it can only last so long, as Ruby has plans to seek out marriage, but until then, they can enjoy each other. Only neither realizes that their whirlwind romance will soon turn into a battle for survival, where life, let alone love, is not guaranteed.
The different personalities of Penelope and Ruby were wonderfully written, bringing a sense of opposites attract to the relationship. While Penelope seemed the more timid of the two, Ruby was much more outgoing and willing to take risks to enjoy life. It was interesting how things flipped a little when they had to fight for their lives, showing that both had their strengths and weaknesses. They were realistically written, which I really enjoyed. Their romance was very fast, and I would have appreciated a bit longer of a story to see things develop more slowly. However, I knew what to expect since it is taking place on the Titanic, and only so much can happen before the ship sinks. It was obviously a case of insta-lust than insta-love, but that worked for them - they were both very kind and loving towards each other in a comfortable way. I liked that while pleasure was a key motivation behind them both getting together, it didn't stay that way, and you could see the relationship shift more towards an emotional one as time went on.
I'm excited to read more by this author, especially when the setting allows for a slower relationship progression. I love that slow burn romance, and given the opportunity, Charlotte would write an amazing slow burn romance. I can tell.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
Leaving Scotland was not Penelope Fletcher's definition of a good idea. Having never been outside of Scotland, let alone been on a ship, she is completely out of her element. After recently experiencing a breakup with her lover, who decided to marry a man instead of following her heart with Penelope, the last thing she needs is more change in her life. With her father accepting a new teaching position in Boston, her family has no choice and off they go to America aboard the "unsinkable" Titanic. In second-class rooms, she boards with another passenger named Ruby Cole, a beautiful girl with an obvious zest for life and a warm smile for Penelope's wounded heart. Close quarters bring them closer together, but the topic of attraction isn't an easy one to bring up. When they finally realize they both feel the same way, sparks immediately fly around the room. They know it can only last so long, as Ruby has plans to seek out marriage, but until then, they can enjoy each other. Only neither realizes that their whirlwind romance will soon turn into a battle for survival, where life, let alone love, is not guaranteed.
The different personalities of Penelope and Ruby were wonderfully written, bringing a sense of opposites attract to the relationship. While Penelope seemed the more timid of the two, Ruby was much more outgoing and willing to take risks to enjoy life. It was interesting how things flipped a little when they had to fight for their lives, showing that both had their strengths and weaknesses. They were realistically written, which I really enjoyed. Their romance was very fast, and I would have appreciated a bit longer of a story to see things develop more slowly. However, I knew what to expect since it is taking place on the Titanic, and only so much can happen before the ship sinks. It was obviously a case of insta-lust than insta-love, but that worked for them - they were both very kind and loving towards each other in a comfortable way. I liked that while pleasure was a key motivation behind them both getting together, it didn't stay that way, and you could see the relationship shift more towards an emotional one as time went on.
I'm excited to read more by this author, especially when the setting allows for a slower relationship progression. I love that slow burn romance, and given the opportunity, Charlotte would write an amazing slow burn romance. I can tell.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
July 26, 2021
This book quietly won me over. In the first half of the novel, we meet Ruby and Penelope who are setting out on the Titanic. They're placed in a shared room together and over a very short period of time (two or three days) fall into love/lust. It's instalove at its best, as even though we don't get a lot of relationship development between them before they fall into bed together, it is set up to feel as natural as it could in the circumstance. The first half of the book was good but I wasn't completely engaged by the storyline.
And then we got to the second half. The bit that really wowed me was the way this book unfolds during the sinking of the titanic and the rescue of passengers. I was completely gripped and it honestly felt like I flew through the second part of the book. I was so engrossed by the storyline and felt very emotional at points too.
Pick this up if you're into historical sapphic fiction with high stakes and lots of angst!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
And then we got to the second half. The bit that really wowed me was the way this book unfolds during the sinking of the titanic and the rescue of passengers. I was completely gripped and it honestly felt like I flew through the second part of the book. I was so engrossed by the storyline and felt very emotional at points too.
Pick this up if you're into historical sapphic fiction with high stakes and lots of angst!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2021
The Breath Between Waves is a breathtaking Sapphic romance set against the backdrop of the sinking of the Titanic, an event well known for the immense tragedies left in its wake. I appreciated the fresh perspective this story brought to an otherwise conservative and stuffy era.
I adored the characters of Penelope and Ruby. They are incredibly sweet and when they meet each other on the Titanic quite literally sparkly, sapphic sparks fly. Their chemistry on the Titanic will take your breath away.
If you enjoy historical fiction or sweet sapphic romances with lots of sexual tension then this is the book for you. If you’re looking to add more diversity to your reading this is also the book for you. The Breath Between Waves was the book I didn’t know I needed until I dived in.
Thank you very much to Entangled Publishing and Pride Book Tours for the review copy! This book tour was a pleasure to be part of!
I adored the characters of Penelope and Ruby. They are incredibly sweet and when they meet each other on the Titanic quite literally sparkly, sapphic sparks fly. Their chemistry on the Titanic will take your breath away.
If you enjoy historical fiction or sweet sapphic romances with lots of sexual tension then this is the book for you. If you’re looking to add more diversity to your reading this is also the book for you. The Breath Between Waves was the book I didn’t know I needed until I dived in.
Thank you very much to Entangled Publishing and Pride Book Tours for the review copy! This book tour was a pleasure to be part of!
August 16, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled for an advanced copy of this book.
3.5 stars. It was entertaining and I honestly sped right through it, but I'm not sure how well written it was. The romance was alright, I personally don't like insta-love, and had trouble believing Penelope and Ruby were so in love after knowing each other for like three days. I also didn't think either of them had any discernible personalities. The author tried to give them some backstory, but they both had the exact same motivations and situations, which was that they didn't want to get married to a man in America. What I really liked was how the sinking of the ship was written. The emotions of the characters and the atmosphere was very well portrayed, and I would say it was by far my favorite part of the book. I came into this book looking for a lesbian titanic romance, and that's what I got. I wasn't blown away, but I wasn't disappointed either.
3.5 stars. It was entertaining and I honestly sped right through it, but I'm not sure how well written it was. The romance was alright, I personally don't like insta-love, and had trouble believing Penelope and Ruby were so in love after knowing each other for like three days. I also didn't think either of them had any discernible personalities. The author tried to give them some backstory, but they both had the exact same motivations and situations, which was that they didn't want to get married to a man in America. What I really liked was how the sinking of the ship was written. The emotions of the characters and the atmosphere was very well portrayed, and I would say it was by far my favorite part of the book. I came into this book looking for a lesbian titanic romance, and that's what I got. I wasn't blown away, but I wasn't disappointed either.
September 12, 2021
Am I...sad that this didn't devastate me as much as I feared it might? A little! But this was still a fun, cute sapphics-on-the-Titanic, very fast paced romance! However I think I enjoyed the tension of the sinking half of the book more than the romance half of the book as they lacked a little chemistry and it a bit instalove.
July 18, 2021
I got close to half way through this book and had no momentum to continue. It was a perfectly fine story, but I didn't feel any spark of life from the characters and I didn't feel invested in what was being built between them.
June 24, 2022
Titanic, but make it gay (And with a happy ending)
I love the movie Titanic, however, it makes me sad that Jack always dies, so I was super interested in this book and see how it turned out.
I was not disappointed, it was really good.
I love the movie Titanic, however, it makes me sad that Jack always dies, so I was super interested in this book and see how it turned out.
I was not disappointed, it was really good.
August 2, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review!
I have to say, loved this book! Enthusiastic 4.5 stars, rounded up.
I will start by saying that I have been in love with the story of Titanic since I was little...the tragedy, the drama, all the little stories that played out over it's slow sinking. I was interested in it even before the Jim Cameron movie, which I also enjoyed but kinda thought it woulda been better with two women as the love interest.
The Breath Between the Waves gives us a bit of that! This is not the same story as that film, but there are certainly some parallels here and there, especially towards the end. I quite enjoyed that the characters in this story were all situated in second class...you often hear about the disparity between first class and third, and it feels like second is often forgotten, even though it had some of the biggest differences in survival rate (where something like 86% of 2nd class women survived, but fewer 2nd class men then 3rd). The author has done an amazing job at making you feel you were right there on the deck, and has obviously researched her story very thoroughly, the ship and the time period feeling very accurate. The one exception to that being that I wasn't sure how likely it was that in the last 3rd class party where Penelope & Ruby are recognized as a couple by a gay man...that seemed like a modern recognition to me, but I didn't mind it, it was kind of nice.
Speaking of Penelope and Ruby, their romance was very cute. It happens pretty quick, it's true, but I liked their chemistry together. As a narrator, Penelope was interesting, balancing her sorrow at being apart of a cross-Atlantic move she wanted nothing to do with and her wonder at being on the ship, seeing France and Ireland, and the vastness of the ocean. Ruby was so bright and wonderful, and it was understandable that Penelope would have been drawn to her. She was was cute with her niece and younger brother, and I liked the silent communications she shared with her older sister, particularly in regards to Penelope. If I have any minor complaints, I would have liked to get a bit more in their heads, especially from Ruby.
The book is divided basically in half, the impact with the iceberg happening almost exactly at the 50% mark, so you're fitting 4 days into the first half, and the ships final three hours (plus the aftermath in the water and on the Carpathia), and so the first half can feel a touch rushed which is a little unfortunate, and so I can understand why some people think the romance is rushed. The second half of the book, the drama was certainly nail biting at times, and gave me so many feels. It was scary, you feel like you're on the deck, in the confusion of what was going on. And when the girls separate...oof.
All in all, I thought this was wonderful. Well researched, cute romance, harrowing when it meant to be. Great book!
I have to say, loved this book! Enthusiastic 4.5 stars, rounded up.
I will start by saying that I have been in love with the story of Titanic since I was little...the tragedy, the drama, all the little stories that played out over it's slow sinking. I was interested in it even before the Jim Cameron movie, which I also enjoyed but kinda thought it woulda been better with two women as the love interest.
The Breath Between the Waves gives us a bit of that! This is not the same story as that film, but there are certainly some parallels here and there, especially towards the end. I quite enjoyed that the characters in this story were all situated in second class...you often hear about the disparity between first class and third, and it feels like second is often forgotten, even though it had some of the biggest differences in survival rate (where something like 86% of 2nd class women survived, but fewer 2nd class men then 3rd). The author has done an amazing job at making you feel you were right there on the deck, and has obviously researched her story very thoroughly, the ship and the time period feeling very accurate. The one exception to that being that I wasn't sure how likely it was that in the last 3rd class party where Penelope & Ruby are recognized as a couple by a gay man...that seemed like a modern recognition to me, but I didn't mind it, it was kind of nice.
Speaking of Penelope and Ruby, their romance was very cute. It happens pretty quick, it's true, but I liked their chemistry together. As a narrator, Penelope was interesting, balancing her sorrow at being apart of a cross-Atlantic move she wanted nothing to do with and her wonder at being on the ship, seeing France and Ireland, and the vastness of the ocean. Ruby was so bright and wonderful, and it was understandable that Penelope would have been drawn to her. She was was cute with her niece and younger brother, and I liked the silent communications she shared with her older sister, particularly in regards to Penelope. If I have any minor complaints, I would have liked to get a bit more in their heads, especially from Ruby.
The book is divided basically in half, the impact with the iceberg happening almost exactly at the 50% mark, so you're fitting 4 days into the first half, and the ships final three hours (plus the aftermath in the water and on the Carpathia), and so the first half can feel a touch rushed which is a little unfortunate, and so I can understand why some people think the romance is rushed. The second half of the book, the drama was certainly nail biting at times, and gave me so many feels. It was scary, you feel like you're on the deck, in the confusion of what was going on. And when the girls separate...oof.
All in all, I thought this was wonderful. Well researched, cute romance, harrowing when it meant to be. Great book!
September 24, 2021
A beautiful sapphic romance found aboard the R.M.S. Titanic, but which hand of fate will win in the end?
I have loved all things Titanic ever since learning about the tragedy in 6th grade in 1996. Even delving into her sister ships the Britannic (another doomed tragedy) and the Olympic (who had a close run in, but lived a long life for a 4-funnel ocean liner); the Lusitania (tragic)and her sister ships the Mauritania (and Aquitania); as well as the Andrea Doria, etc.
Before this book, I had only known of one other sapphic book surrounding the maiden voyage and sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic, and a long-lasting relationship to boot. The other being Midnight Melodies by Meghan Carter. So, when I found out about this book I was extremely excited!!
Charlotte's well-thought out storyline between Penelope and Ruby is brilliant, a hopeful romantic's dream-come-true, and fate at work (in more ways than just the so-called "Unsinkable Ship") bringing soulmates together in the cruelest time imaginable. These two women together are truly yin and yang -- where one is weak, the other is strong, and vice versa. Will the sinking break apart the good hand of fate, of love? Or will the darkest hand of fate win when the Titanic slips below the water and several miles down hits the Atlantic Ocean floor?
I commend the author on thoroughly doing research on the ships design and whereabouts of particular rooms, especially in first class 1st, 2nd class corridors. Also specific nomenclature used in building the Titanic. The Marconi operator, Jack...the Officers, some of the passengers (such as the true love and bond between Ida and Isidor Straus -- how they lived, loved, and died together ❤) and sticking to so much of the history to a tee. I just wished the band were on deck playing like history states it was...Nearer My God to Thee.
My issues...
Certain things used from the Hollywood versions of 'Titanic' from both 1953 (as well as Walter Lord's 'A Night to Remember' from 1958), and James Cameron's 1997 #1 hit. It was in specific things said, the ways in which they were stated...they just reminded me of lines from other Titanic movies. But, then again, the story is always going to end the same, never going to be a different outcome, sadly. So, I'm sure some lines will be used on multiple occasions.
Either way, I felt the love, the passion, the sadness, the fear/horror, the cold. I laughed, I cried, I "awww'ed". I was bracing myself page to page during the sinking, amidst the water, dead passengers (😔) and debris. I could not read fast enough, nor turn the pages quick enough.
I absolutely LOVED this book, and would love to see more about Penelope and Ruby's future! And I love that most of their family, especially in 1912, just wanted them to be happy! 💞
I give this book: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have loved all things Titanic ever since learning about the tragedy in 6th grade in 1996. Even delving into her sister ships the Britannic (another doomed tragedy) and the Olympic (who had a close run in, but lived a long life for a 4-funnel ocean liner); the Lusitania (tragic)and her sister ships the Mauritania (and Aquitania); as well as the Andrea Doria, etc.
Before this book, I had only known of one other sapphic book surrounding the maiden voyage and sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic, and a long-lasting relationship to boot. The other being Midnight Melodies by Meghan Carter. So, when I found out about this book I was extremely excited!!
Charlotte's well-thought out storyline between Penelope and Ruby is brilliant, a hopeful romantic's dream-come-true, and fate at work (in more ways than just the so-called "Unsinkable Ship") bringing soulmates together in the cruelest time imaginable. These two women together are truly yin and yang -- where one is weak, the other is strong, and vice versa. Will the sinking break apart the good hand of fate, of love? Or will the darkest hand of fate win when the Titanic slips below the water and several miles down hits the Atlantic Ocean floor?
I commend the author on thoroughly doing research on the ships design and whereabouts of particular rooms, especially in first class 1st, 2nd class corridors. Also specific nomenclature used in building the Titanic. The Marconi operator, Jack...the Officers, some of the passengers (such as the true love and bond between Ida and Isidor Straus -- how they lived, loved, and died together ❤) and sticking to so much of the history to a tee. I just wished the band were on deck playing like history states it was...Nearer My God to Thee.
My issues...
Certain things used from the Hollywood versions of 'Titanic' from both 1953 (as well as Walter Lord's 'A Night to Remember' from 1958), and James Cameron's 1997 #1 hit. It was in specific things said, the ways in which they were stated...they just reminded me of lines from other Titanic movies. But, then again, the story is always going to end the same, never going to be a different outcome, sadly. So, I'm sure some lines will be used on multiple occasions.
Either way, I felt the love, the passion, the sadness, the fear/horror, the cold. I laughed, I cried, I "awww'ed". I was bracing myself page to page during the sinking, amidst the water, dead passengers (😔) and debris. I could not read fast enough, nor turn the pages quick enough.
I absolutely LOVED this book, and would love to see more about Penelope and Ruby's future! And I love that most of their family, especially in 1912, just wanted them to be happy! 💞
I give this book: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 31, 2021
Oh wow. This was surely something.
Penelope does not wanna leave her grandmother, her friends and even her (ex) girlfriend when she has to go to America for her father's new job. When she meets her roommate on the Titanic, Ruby, she does starts crushing on her pretty quickly and when she finds out she's also a lesbian, just like her, they decide to have fun with each other so they at least have memories of being with another woman before their dads force them to find a husband.
Some people seem to believe it was instalove but I don't agree. They were both surprised to (finally) meet another lesbian and just wanted to have fun with a woman before they were both forced by their dads to find a husband in America. Penelope even states that it's not love cause she doesn't know Ruby. The love came later.
Their relationship was so pure and I loved their relationship so much. From them getting to know each other to taking care of Ruby's little brother and niece together. To them going to a party together and even both of their family's eating together. And even Ruby's sister, Victoria, KNOWING about them but being totally ok with it.
The relationships between Penelope and her parents doesn't seem like the best at first but I like the author had time to develop that relationship too. A certain scene between them had me crying so hard.
Honestly, the first part of the book (the romance) and the second part (the sinking) felt like two different books. The first part was cute and fun and exciting and the second part was just pure stress.
I loved the ending, I loved the epilogue. I honestly loved everything about this book. Easily one of my all time favorites.
Penelope does not wanna leave her grandmother, her friends and even her (ex) girlfriend when she has to go to America for her father's new job. When she meets her roommate on the Titanic, Ruby, she does starts crushing on her pretty quickly and when she finds out she's also a lesbian, just like her, they decide to have fun with each other so they at least have memories of being with another woman before their dads force them to find a husband.
Some people seem to believe it was instalove but I don't agree. They were both surprised to (finally) meet another lesbian and just wanted to have fun with a woman before they were both forced by their dads to find a husband in America. Penelope even states that it's not love cause she doesn't know Ruby. The love came later.
Their relationship was so pure and I loved their relationship so much. From them getting to know each other to taking care of Ruby's little brother and niece together. To them going to a party together and even both of their family's eating together. And even Ruby's sister, Victoria, KNOWING about them but being totally ok with it.
The relationships between Penelope and her parents doesn't seem like the best at first but I like the author had time to develop that relationship too. A certain scene between them had me crying so hard.
Honestly, the first part of the book (the romance) and the second part (the sinking) felt like two different books. The first part was cute and fun and exciting and the second part was just pure stress.
I loved the ending, I loved the epilogue. I honestly loved everything about this book. Easily one of my all time favorites.
September 3, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the eARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Since pre-teen me was obsessed with Titanic (both the movie and the actual shipwreck), you can imagine my delight when I found this sapphic romance set on this legendary ship which I wrote several essays on in school.
Here two second-class passengers who are booked to share a room plan to make the most of the journey and their time together, knowing that once the Titanic reaches New York they'll probably never see each other again and have to conform to their family's and society's expectations of marrying men and having children. Little do they know what awaits the supposedly unsinkable ship and how one night might change what they thought their future looked like.
This was a very quick, enjoyable read and though short it did provide a lot of depth to the characters, their motivations, and their relationship. I enjoyed that the focus was as much on life on the Titanic and the character's dreams and aspirations as it was on the tragedy itself. There were a few things that I felt didn't entirely make sense narratively but I don't want to go into too much detail here so to avoid spoilers on who makes it out of this tragedy alive and who doesn't. I was also a bit put off at first at the immediate attraction Penelope felt towards Ruby but thankfully this didn't result in dramatic love declarations while facing imminent death. Rather, it's made clear several times that it's not love (yet) but rather a beautiful possibility.
Since pre-teen me was obsessed with Titanic (both the movie and the actual shipwreck), you can imagine my delight when I found this sapphic romance set on this legendary ship which I wrote several essays on in school.
Here two second-class passengers who are booked to share a room plan to make the most of the journey and their time together, knowing that once the Titanic reaches New York they'll probably never see each other again and have to conform to their family's and society's expectations of marrying men and having children. Little do they know what awaits the supposedly unsinkable ship and how one night might change what they thought their future looked like.
This was a very quick, enjoyable read and though short it did provide a lot of depth to the characters, their motivations, and their relationship. I enjoyed that the focus was as much on life on the Titanic and the character's dreams and aspirations as it was on the tragedy itself. There were a few things that I felt didn't entirely make sense narratively but I don't want to go into too much detail here so to avoid spoilers on who makes it out of this tragedy alive and who doesn't. I was also a bit put off at first at the immediate attraction Penelope felt towards Ruby but thankfully this didn't result in dramatic love declarations while facing imminent death. Rather, it's made clear several times that it's not love (yet) but rather a beautiful possibility.
August 20, 2021
Okey, all you need to know about this book is that this is a sapphic romance retelling of the Titanic… Do I honestly need to say more? I mean, that was enough for me, and it definitely did not disappoint.
In The Breath Between Waves we follow the journey of Penelope and Ruby, two young girls traveling towards America, where they are expected to find a husband and become respectable wives and mothers. But, after finding themselves as roommates and deeper feelings developing between each other, they decided to make the best of this journey, make it their last adventure and create good memories before they get married off.
But, of course, tragedy strikes the Titanic (yes, we are looking at you iceberg) and their journey takes a completely different turn.
At the begging I would have love to see more about the developing romance between Penelope and Ruby, since everything feels a little rushed. But the moment tragedy strikes (or should I say iceberg? Yeah, bad joke. Sorry.). I feel that everything is perfect, referring to the writing, not the events, because that’s just sad ( it was at this moment that the crying starts btw). The way the author manages to represent this awful tragedy inside the pages is so well done that it really makes you feel as if you where there with the characters, all that desperation and fear. It literally broke me.
In general, this was a very fast and easy read, I littoraly devoured it in like two days, with a cute romance but also be prepared for a good dose of angst and to cry like crazy but… is a retelling of The Titanic, so why can we expect if not tears? Highly recommend this book.
In The Breath Between Waves we follow the journey of Penelope and Ruby, two young girls traveling towards America, where they are expected to find a husband and become respectable wives and mothers. But, after finding themselves as roommates and deeper feelings developing between each other, they decided to make the best of this journey, make it their last adventure and create good memories before they get married off.
But, of course, tragedy strikes the Titanic (yes, we are looking at you iceberg) and their journey takes a completely different turn.
At the begging I would have love to see more about the developing romance between Penelope and Ruby, since everything feels a little rushed. But the moment tragedy strikes (or should I say iceberg? Yeah, bad joke. Sorry.). I feel that everything is perfect, referring to the writing, not the events, because that’s just sad ( it was at this moment that the crying starts btw). The way the author manages to represent this awful tragedy inside the pages is so well done that it really makes you feel as if you where there with the characters, all that desperation and fear. It literally broke me.
In general, this was a very fast and easy read, I littoraly devoured it in like two days, with a cute romance but also be prepared for a good dose of angst and to cry like crazy but… is a retelling of The Titanic, so why can we expect if not tears? Highly recommend this book.
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