I never cry while reading books, but this one almost got me. Yes, I am still sailing on the Titanic. I am floating aimlessly in the vast ocean with no land TBR shelf in sight. I was enchanted by Gill Paul's Titanic Love Stories: The True Stories of 13 Honeymoon Couples Who Sailed on the Titanic. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Madeleine and John Jacob. So I did some half-assed detective work and found this gem. Book deities smiled upon me. The Second Mrs. Astor was inspired by the real-life t...

This is a well-written, entertaining, historical fiction novel which is based on actual persons and events. It describes the courtship and marriage of John Jacob Astor IV and his young, likable wife, Madeleine, and vividly describes their travels and the heart wrenching tragedy of the Titanic. I was only vaguely familiar with John Jacob Astor IV prior to reading this novel, and Ms. Abe's portrayals of him and Madeleine have prompted me to research their story further. I listened to the audio ver...

I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting to see how Madeleine Force captured the heart of John Jacob “Jack” Astor. How society snubbed her because her family didn't come from money, and she was the "second" wife. The Titanic part brought tears to my eyes because I knew how it was going to end. So many good people died while cowards were overtaking the boats. Astor's son was heartbroken. Never truly accepting his father died at sea. Tissues all around. An excellent read!

(1/2 star)On the surface this seems like it would be a good book. John Jacob Astor, scion of the Astor fortune falls in love with an 18 year-old when he is 47 and the pair marry (his second marriage, her first). Sadly, they are married only a few months before they book a passage on the Titanic and the rest is history: Mr. Astor's now pregnant wife survives the sinking, Mr. Astor does not. A tragic love story right?No. A couple of problems with this book that made it just about unbearable to rea...

Noooo... No!!! NOOOO!! Whay, oh why did I want to read this?

Ah, by the way, I DNF. Yes it was so bad!
The heroine was a total harebrain...

...was totally useless...

... without a will to do anything, always complaining about insegnificant things...

Yes, I know that this is about a socialite, but too much is too much!

The Second Mrs. Astor is a fascinating work of historical fiction about the courtship, marriage, and tragic ending of Madeline Force and John Jacob Astor IV. At just seventeen, Madeline is wooed by America’s richest widower, 46-year-old Jack Astor. Their romantic courtship leads to an advantageous marriage for Madeline, but despite his families’ suspicions, she marries him out of love and not for his money. They soon leave on a honeymoon for Egypt, where Madeline becomes pregnant. Sadly, their r...

Who doesn't like a book about the Titanic?The Second Mrs. Astor is a work of historical fiction which focuses on Madeline Force (Astor). This piece covers the time period of Madeline's first memory of John Jacob (Jack) Astor, their subsequent courtship, marriage, and travels. Of course, everything is leading up to their time aboard the Titanic which ultimately transforms Mrs. Astor into one of the most famous widows in the world. This book started off quite strongly and gave off vibes similar to...

What beautiful and enchanting love story with a hauntingly tragic ending from the amazingly talented Shana Abe!! I've read many of her books but this is my new favorite. With fabulous storytelling and a equally beautiful storyline that flowed flawlessly and page after page of beautifully written words. Its a book that makes you feel as if you are their watching Jack and Madeleine as they fall in love. Even with their age difference you can see that these two souls were meant to be and that a lov...

1912. Madeline Forces narrates her story to her son about the father Colonel Astor, one of the richest men in the world. Madeline at seventeen meets Colonel John Jack Astor, divorced and nearly thirty years older. His courtship begins with a daily delivery of flowers. His wooing continues with his attention, which makes her feel as if she’s the only person in the universe. Followed by intimate excursions, driving along the coast and picnicking on small hidden beach by the sea. “They sat on the b...

The book was okay. I appreciate the degree of research that went into it. It was well written, but not as riveting as I had hoped it would be based on the scandal at the time. The section involving the sinking of the Titanic was reminiscent of scenes in the movie. I think I would have enjoyed it more had it covered Madeline's life after the death of her husband, her loss of inheritance, and her subsequent attempts at finding love again.