I don’t gravitate to “society” stories, and I’m not sure why I bought “The Second Mrs. Astor,” but I’m grateful that I finally decided to read it. Not only does she bring to life the tone and details of New York’s “Four Hundred,” who determine who is socially acceptable and who isn’t, but she reveals the deepest love story of the era that defied the dowagers who didn’t want it to happen. That love story makes the details of the Titanic’s maiden voyage and its sinking all the more personal, real and tragic. I’ve been to the Titanic Museum in Ireland, but this book made the fear, the heroism and the anguish felt in ways the museum couldn’t. This is one of the two best historical novels I’ve ever read.

This story tells about a brief true love that ends too quickly. They managed to find happiness in spite of cruel treatment by society and the press.

I couldn’t put it down. The author put you right into the story. I could feel the love excitement and sorrow. GEH

I was going to save this book to read in bits and pieces when I had a minute. I got so engrossed in the tragic tale that I finished in just a few day. How horrible that was for all involved.

Great book!