Stories that recount the tragedy of the RMS Titanic is usually not my cup of tea. In fact until the ABC/ITV film adaptation from earlier this year, I hadn’t even seen a movie. It surprises me that I actually made the time to review this romantic tale but given that I seem to enjoy Thompson’s writing, I hit the “submit” button. Here’s what the story is about.
STORY: Jacquie Abington has a dilemma. Wealthy and able to live comfortable, her future suddenly becomes an image of conformity. Her father has just made a deal with a wealthy business man, setting into motion a merge of their name through business and marriage. Unhappy with the way her future is shaping up, Jacquie desperately tries to find a way to be with, Peter, the family’s gardener
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This prompts Jacquie’s mother to book passage for her daughter on the maiden voyage of the Titanic, hoping it will cure her daughter of further romantic notions. Afraid of being forever separated from Peter, the two of them concoct a plan for Jacque to swap lives with Peter’s sister, Tessa. A poor farm girl who needs out of a bad situation, Peter sees this as a way to protect his little sister, never realizing the consequences these choices may result in.
Queen of the Waves, by Janice Thompson | Book Review
REVIEW: Goodness, gracious but I love this novel. It’s not a typical Janice Thompson story, and yet every nuance captures this refined era. Gone is the hilarious antics and crazy relatives and in its place is a story that invites us again into the gilded age of grand ballrooms and dizzying romances. Although the romantic time frame is too short to believe true love blossoms, it doesn’t stop us from falling in love with a story that’s tenderly heartbreaking.
Two chapters in, I’m swept into Jacquie and Tessa’s world. There’s even a bit of humor in Tessa’s bumbling attempts to be a lady which I do feel is one of the minor failings in the story. Her personality sometimes is too far down the scale of being the complete opposite of Jacquie’s polished, society lady. Obviously Tessa wouldn’t be refined but I think certain of her quirks should have been tapered.
‘QUEEN OF THE WAVES,’ by Janice Thompson. #HistoricalFiction #FWarchives #BookReviews Click To TweetNot being a scholar of the Titanic, I don’t pretend to know facts or horrors but the beauty of the writing seems authentic. I love reading Tessa’s part in the story particularly since she’s who we most root for to find a happy end; although, Jacquie’s wealthy heiress is as likable as the more sympathetic heroine. Everything about the story cumulates as an example of grace. It’s the skilled writing that keeps the story fresh but its beautiful flaws allows readers to relate.
IN CONCLUSION: Fascinating story of broken trust, fear and courage in the midst of it all. Queen of the Waves is first class reading!
About the Book:
Author: Janice Thompson
Publisher: Summerside Press
Publication Date: 2012
Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical
Shop the Book: Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Rating: 4 ½ out of 5
With thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book for reviewing purposes; my sincere apologies to Litfuse, the publisher and author for the delay in posting this review.
Ooh, I'm intrigued! I'll be placing this one on my wishlist. ;)
By the way… two days until Red! ;D lol
Woo-hoo…and THANK you! So glad you enjoyed Tessa's story. Thanks for reading and reviewing. :)
Rosie – this is an intriguing novel! I so enjoyed the setting and characters – let me know what you think of it if/when you read it!
Red = awesome! I've been listening to it over the weekend and will have my thoughts up on the album before the day is out. :-)
Janice – THANK YOU for writing such wonderful fiction. This book is wonderful and I am looking forward to your next novel (Picture Perfect) with more excitement than I can say.
BTW: The cover of 'Perfect' is also perfectly cute!
Definitely want to read this soon…the cover is delightful, and I find stories based around the Titanic to be very interesting! :)
This was the first novel I'd read centered on The Titanic, Charity but I absolutely LOVED it. Hope you enjoy it! :)