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Sunday, October 28, 2012

New Giveaway! Enter for a chance to win Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson (with bonus review)


About the book:

When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Yarborough hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime--a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there's a catch: she must assume Jacqueline's identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women's lives are forever changed.

My review:

I am a total Titanic buff and love to read stories about that fateful voyage. And yes, I've watched James Cameron film "Titanic" about ten times. That said, I enjoyed the premise of this story. The setting appealed to me as well as the plot. The spiritual arc was strong and there were good reasons why Peter sought to help his sister. Now granted, I was disappointed in him, so I hope in the future he resolves his issue. I also wished one of the main characters would have fallen for the man her father arranged for her. Ah, well, sometimes things have a way of going in a different direction and as a reader, you just accept that.

Regarding the romantic aspects of the story, they were heart-warming. I would have loved to have seen more romantic tension, but for whatever reason the story didn't play that out. I know it was a short voyage so not much could be done in such a short time. And we certainly didn't want to see the characters do what Rose and Jack had done in the film. At the same time there is something about staring at death that makes people desperate enough to change their minds about what really matters. The sinking was sad, of course, but it was not shown in a way that would traumatize the reader. The movie did that well enough. In some ways it wouldn't have seemed right to dwell on the negative in this book but rather focus on second chances.

Anyway, I enjoyed this story, though it didn't have quite the zing I'd hoped for. Part of that may be due to the many different points of view rather than the two main characters as is typically done in romantic novels. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read. The best part of the story was probably the healing that took place regarding the issue with fathers in several characters' hearts. In some ways I would have liked to see more of that aspect of the story because it was so rich and deeply felt.

Queen of the Waves was published by Summerside Press and released in Oct. 2012.

10 comments:

Liz R said...

Great review! I always enjoy reading books about the Titanic. Even though it's so incredibly sad it sort of adds a sense of urgency to the story since you know what's coming. The cover is gorgeous by the way! Thanks for the chance to win this one!

ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

Boos Mum said...

Hi. Thanks for the review. I have been wondering about this book and how sad it could be. Please enter me. Thanks.

sweetdarknectar at gmail dot com

apple blossom said...

oh, I love Janice's books thanks for chance to win

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Abbi Hart said...

I've been wanting to read this one for awhile! It looks really good!
gatorade635(at)gmail(dot)com

Andrea said...

I have seen the book reviewed on a couple of sites and have been wanting to read it. Love anything set around the Titanic!

andrea2russia@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I love watching Titanic also. That was a great movie. I can't wait to read this book. It sounds really good.Please enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com

windycindy said...

The cover of this book is lovely...
I also have watched James Cameron's
real search for the Titanic wreckage!
The story line of Queen of the Waves
is fascinating and I like how you say that it doesn't focus on only the tragic aspect of the Titanic!
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Merry said...

I enjoy Janice Thompson's books, I always come away encouraged in some way. The Queen of the Waves sounds like an interesting twist on a Titanic story. Please add me, I'd love to win it. Thanks!
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Putting this on my TBR list, sounds great and I love the Titanic story! Sarah xo
http://youmaysayimadreamer-sh.blogspot.co.nz/

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

and the winner is...

Merry!

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