The Second Mrs. Astor: A Heartbreaking Historical Novel By Shana Abe

Jennifer Chiaverini and Marie Benedict fans are in for a treat with this riveting historical novel by Abé, praised by Fiona Davis and Ellen Marie Wiseman. Set against the backdrop of the Titanic, the narrative unfolds the scandalous courtship and catastrophic honeymoon of the iconic couple, John Jacob Astor and Madeleine Force.

The tale is a symphony of rich historical details, plunging readers into the opulent world of the Astors. Madeleine, at seventeen, captures the heart of Jack Astor despite their significant age difference and the scandal surrounding his recent divorce. Their extended honeymoon in Egypt becomes a respite from the press, and as Madeleine joyfully embraces pregnancy, tragedy strikes when the Titanic hits an iceberg.

Abé navigates the aftermath with skill, depicting Madeleine's resilience as a widowed mother giving birth to their son. The press transforms her into a virtuous, tragic heroine, but her most crucial decision lies ahead—whether to conform to societal expectations or forge her own path.

Hazel Gaynor commends the novel as a touching and haunting love story, while Patti Callahan praises its engaging narrative filled with heartbreaking care and vivid details. "The Second Mrs. Astor" promises to captivate historical fiction enthusiasts with its compelling portrayal of love, tragedy, and the enduring spirit of a woman navigating the complexities of her role in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster.  📖💖