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The Glass Ocean: A Novel
Written by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig and Karen White
Narrated by Vanessa Johansson, Saskia Maarleveld and Brittany Pressley
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From the New York Times bestselling authors of The Forgotten Room comes a captivating historical mystery, infused with romance, that links the lives of three women across a century—two deep in the past, one in the present—to the doomed passenger liner, RMS Lusitania.
May 2013
Her finances are in dire straits and bestselling author Sarah Blake is struggling to find a big idea for her next book. Desperate, she breaks the one promise she made to her Alzheimer's-stricken mother and opens an old chest that belonged to her great-grandfather, who died when the RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-Boat in 1915. What she discovers there could change history. Sarah embarks on an ambitious journey to England to enlist the help of John Langford, a recently disgraced Member of Parliament whose family archives might contain the only key to the long-ago catastrophe. . . .
April 1915
Southern belle Caroline Telfair Hochstetter's marriage is in crisis. Her formerly attentive industrialist husband, Gilbert, has become remote, pre-occupied with business . . . and something else that she can't quite put a finger on. She's hoping a trip to London in Lusitania's lavish first-class accommodations will help them reconnect—but she can't ignore the spark she feels for her old friend, Robert Langford, who turns out to be on the same voyage. Feeling restless and longing for a different existence, Caroline is determined to stop being a bystander, and take charge of her own life. . . .
Tessa Fairweather is traveling second-class on the Lusitania, returning home to Devon. Or at least, that's her story. Tessa has never left the United States and her English accent is a hasty fake. She's really Tennessee Schaff, the daughter of a roving con man, and she can steal and forge just about anything. But she's had enough. Her partner has promised that if they can pull off this one last heist aboard the Lusitania, they'll finally leave the game behind. Tess desperately wants to believe that, but Tess has the uneasy feeling there's something about this job that isn't as it seems. . . .
As the Lusitania steams toward its fate, three women work against time to unravel a plot that will change the course of their own lives . . . and history itself.
Book Actions
Start ListeningBook Information
The Glass Ocean: A Novel
Written by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig and Karen White
Narrated by Vanessa Johansson, Saskia Maarleveld and Brittany Pressley
Description
From the New York Times bestselling authors of The Forgotten Room comes a captivating historical mystery, infused with romance, that links the lives of three women across a century—two deep in the past, one in the present—to the doomed passenger liner, RMS Lusitania.
May 2013
Her finances are in dire straits and bestselling author Sarah Blake is struggling to find a big idea for her next book. Desperate, she breaks the one promise she made to her Alzheimer's-stricken mother and opens an old chest that belonged to her great-grandfather, who died when the RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-Boat in 1915. What she discovers there could change history. Sarah embarks on an ambitious journey to England to enlist the help of John Langford, a recently disgraced Member of Parliament whose family archives might contain the only key to the long-ago catastrophe. . . .
April 1915
Southern belle Caroline Telfair Hochstetter's marriage is in crisis. Her formerly attentive industrialist husband, Gilbert, has become remote, pre-occupied with business . . . and something else that she can't quite put a finger on. She's hoping a trip to London in Lusitania's lavish first-class accommodations will help them reconnect—but she can't ignore the spark she feels for her old friend, Robert Langford, who turns out to be on the same voyage. Feeling restless and longing for a different existence, Caroline is determined to stop being a bystander, and take charge of her own life. . . .
Tessa Fairweather is traveling second-class on the Lusitania, returning home to Devon. Or at least, that's her story. Tessa has never left the United States and her English accent is a hasty fake. She's really Tennessee Schaff, the daughter of a roving con man, and she can steal and forge just about anything. But she's had enough. Her partner has promised that if they can pull off this one last heist aboard the Lusitania, they'll finally leave the game behind. Tess desperately wants to believe that, but Tess has the uneasy feeling there's something about this job that isn't as it seems. . . .
As the Lusitania steams toward its fate, three women work against time to unravel a plot that will change the course of their own lives . . . and history itself.
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Reviews
‘The Glass Ocean’ is a highly descriptive novel about three women, two from the 1920’s, and one from the present day. Charlotte Hochstetter is married to Gilbert, an iron tycoon from the United States, and while on a trans-Atlantic trip to Great Britain, she meets an old acquaintance from her youth, Robert Landsford, who has been in love with Charlotte for several years. Also, onboard in the 2nd class passenger berth, is Tessa Fairweather, the daughter of a noted con man, who is commissioned by her sister Ginny to forge an important document, a job which is to be their last. In addition to all the intrigue that occurs on board the Lusitania on this fateful final voyage, Tessa develops an attraction for Robert, while also trying to protect her sister Ginny. In the present day is Sarah Blake, the great granddaughter of Patrick, a steward aboard the Lusitania when it was attacked. Because of a mother with alzheimer's, Sarah needs to publish another successful book in order to fund the nursing home care for her mother. She stumbles upon a chest containing old documents that spark an interest in the mystery that occurred aboard the Lusitania. Sarah locates John Landford, Robert’s grandson, and persuades him to assist her with the research she desires. Together they unravel the story aboard the demise of the ship, and discover even more than they initially expect. Although I sometimes thought this story to be perhaps a bit too descriptive with excessive precise details, I found it to be overall thought-provoking and interesting historical fiction, one that I would recommend. If you love historical fiction, this is a notable effort which is worthy of reading.
Rating: 4I loved THE GLASS OCEAN. It beautifully wove the stories of three women and two time periods into a compelling and intriguing story.In 2013, Sarah Blake is desperately searching for an idea for her next book. Her first was a best seller and made her a literary sensation. It also made her a bunch of money. But, with a mother with early-onset Alzheimer's and in need of expensive care, she needs a new idea fast. She decides to break a promise to her mother and open a chest that has been locked since her great-grandparents' time. In it, she finds the effects of her great-grandfather who died on the Lusitania when it was sunk by a German U-Boat in 1915. Some of the things she finds, including a watch with an interesting inscription, sends her to England to try to get into the archives of the Langford family.The owner of the archive is John Langford who happens to be a disgraced politician who was forced to resign because of a scandal caused by his late wife. He isn't interested in sharing potential family secrets with Sarah as he sees her as someone else who wants to exploit him. When the paparazzi catch the two of them together, he decides that sharing his archives with her will have the benefit of getting them both out of London. The other part of the story takes place in April and May of 1915 and follows two very different women who are passengers on the Lusitania on its final voyage. Caroline Hochstetter is a former Southern belle who married an older, wealthy man who made his money in the iron and steel business. She deeply loves him but their marriage is in trouble because Gilbert has become pre-occupied with business and who tries to treat her like a pretty doll. She's hoping the voyage will give them a chance to rekindle their marriage. She's surprised when old friend Robert Langford is also on the trip. She has known him since her debut and considers him a good friend and companion. However, Robert fell in love with her when the first met and he's been pining for her ever since. Tess Fairweather is also on the trip. She and her sister have a long history of con games and various swindles. Tess wants to leave the life and start anew in England. She is an excellent, though untaught, artist and is the team's forger. Her sister wants her to make a copy of a Strauss waltz that is in the Hochstetter's safe. Gilbert gave Caroline the unpublished and priceless waltz as a gift but now has convinced her that they have to sell it in England. Tess keeps running into Robert as she tries to get access to the waltz and she falls in love with him.This book has secrets and spies and romance and heartbreak and happy endings. It was a great story.
Rating: 5Historical fiction (my favorite genre) with alternating timelines, a little bit of romance and the added draw of being set on a doomed oceanliner. Quick-paced and interesting, and I enjoyed some of the characters, but Caroline's character and storyline annoyed me.
Rating: 3Three writers — Karen White, Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willig — teamed up a few years ago to write a terrific novel, The Forgotten Room, and liked the experience so much they got together again to write another.The Glass Ocean features three female protagonists telling their stories. Two of the women are sailing on the Lusitania ship from New York to England in 1915, and one woman in 2013 has gone to England to find out if her great-grandfather who worked on the Lusitania had any connection to its sinking. Caroline is traveling on the Lusitania with her wealthy husband, who is carrying a valuable piece of historical sheet music by Strauss that he sold to someone in England. Her husband seems very distracted on the boat, which concerns her.Robert, a man from Caroline’s past, is also on the boat. Robert has very strong feelings for Caroline. She is torn between her love for her husband and her attraction to Robert.A young woman named Tess is also on board the Lusitania. Tess and her sister have been paid to steal the sheet music and make a copy of it. Tess keeps bumping into Robert on the ship, and they form a bond, one that may endanger Tess’ task at hand.The tension builds with the ship moving closer to England, as the reader knows that historically the Lusitania will be sunk by the Germans off the coast of Ireland. There are rumors that there are German spies on board the ship who are signaling the Germans with their location in order to sink the ship.The Glass Ocean is filled with terrific period details, and the trio of writers clearly did a great deal of research to bring the reader right onto the massive ship. The mystery is masterfully plotted as well, and you will find yourself searching for clues to what is really happening on that ship before it is sunk. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 5In this work of historical fiction, Sarah Blake investigates her ancestry for a new book and discovers not only high-level intrigue but also enduring love. I received a complimentary copy of The Glass Ocean from the publisher and enjoyed it. What made this book especially entertaining to me was its construction. The authors revealed the tale via the perspectives of two of the researched personages as well as that of the researcher while creatively transitioning between the three narratives. Kudos to Team W!
Rating: 3The Glass Ocean is the story of three different women. Sarah is an author looking for a book. Family papers lead her to Devon to research the story of two ancestors who were on the Lusitania when it was hit by a German torpedo. Caroline is a society woman married to a rich industrialist who is on the Lusitania. And Tess is a con artist, also on the Lusitania to perpetuate a scheme involving a lost Strauss waltz and German codes.The story of each woman is written by a different author, and the chapters alternate, but they mesh seamlessly into a story both historically interesting and with romantic intrigue. Sarah and John, the two descendants of people on the Lusitania, research their ancestors and find their own romance. Caroline, her husband Gilbert, and friend Robert have their own complicated love triangle overlaid with political issues from WWI. And Tess falls in love with Robert, but has loyalties of her own to her sister who may or may not be a traitor.I very much enjoyed this book, staying up late to finish it. I like all three authors - Ms. Willig is a special favorite. Their writing is rich with details for each setting, and their characters are realistic. I recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction.
Rating: 5Ever since I read Dead Wake a few years ago, I've been fascinated by the Lusitania. This novel, similar to some of the other books by Beatriz Williams that I enjoyed, moves between two timelines, one in the recent contemporary past and one in 1915 as the doomed ocean liner begins its final voyage. Rumors of spies and military weapons abound and as it turns out, a few of the passengers just may be involved in a complex plot that could impact the ship's fate. It takes a little while for this book to get going, but I thoroughly enjoyed it once it did. This is s a great read for those who enjoy WWI novels, doomed ocean liners and a little espionage.
Rating: 4Booking passage on the Lusitania or any ship during WWI would not seem like a good idea to me, but Caroline Hochstetter and Gilbert needed to get closer, and figured this would be a wonderful way to help their relationship. Did Gilbert really agree to the reason they were going on the Lusitania or did he have ulterior motives?Along with Caroline and Gilbert on a ship in waters that German submarines were prowling, we meet Tess, a female thief, who needed to steal valuable music sheets to pay her bills. We also meet Robert Langford, a man who has been in love with Caroline since the first day he saw her many years ago.All of the characters had a reason to be on the Lusitania, and the reasons were all different.Meanwhile the story line moves from the 1915 Lusitania story to present day and introduces the reader to a struggling author, Sarah Blake, who found a trunk containing things of her great grandfather’s who perished on the Lusitania. This mystery centered around what could these things have to do with Robert Langford and the story.And.....what could Sarah, Caroline, and Tess have in common all those years apart. We knew why Robert was there even though it actually was a coincidence that he and Caroline were booked on the same ship.THE GLASS OCEAN weaves all of these characters together taking us on a ship that was to be a luxury cruise but leads to intrigue, mystery, death, and secrets.The writing is flawless and beautiful even though I was a bit confused at first about how it all was to fit together. Learning the history of the Lusitania, the life style and protocol of the ship’s passengers, and having no sea legs along with the passengers kept my interest.THE GLASS OCEAN is another marvelously researched book that smoothly moves from chapter to chapter and gives the reader a marvelous history lesson. One chapter ended and the next began with a take off from one or two words that ended the previous chapter.ENJOY when you read the newest gem by these lovely, talented ladies. 5/5This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 5This story is told by three different narrators. Sarah is in the present day. Caroline and Tessa are both set during 1915. Sarah has come across some information about her great-grandfather and she is on the hunt to find out more. Caroline is a rich socialite. Her husband has recently distanced himself from her and she wants to know why. Tessa is just a con artist/thief. She is on board the Lusitania to do a very specific job.
Sarah is a struggling author and she thinks she has finally found the topic of her next book, her great-grandfather's story. Trouble is, she can't find enough information. So she heads to England to do research and ask questions. This puts her on to Caroline and Tessa and the Lusitania.
The mystery in this story is intricate and creative. I enjoyed how it slowly unravels and twists around and leaves you unsure of exactly what is happening. There are also love stories weaving about the characters. And you think you know...but you really don't know!
The rich history of the Lusitania and the time period is so well done! I must expand my horizons and read more! Don't miss this one!I received this novel from Edelweiss for a honest review.
Rating: 5
Great read. Worth the length. Can’t wait to read others
Rating: 5
Really enjoyed this story. Titanic like love story
Rating: 4
This story was just wonderful. One of the best books I have ever read (or rather, have had read to me). Congratulations to the authors and thank you for taking me on that journey.
Rating: 5The ending is delicate and moving. Excellent story. Must listen.
Rating: 5This book was okay. It held my interest. Overall, the story was pretty good, although it began to feel a little tedious towards the end. The format is very similar to that of The Gown, where the story moves back and forth from the past to the recent present, as well as a romantic connection that develops between the early characters and their present offspring. A little tiresome, the present romance, and not at all compelling. Also, very similar to The Gown, where I pretty much disliked the modern women in both stories.
I would say this book is worth a listen as part of the SCRIBD subscription, but I certainly would not rush out to spend otherwise good money on it!
I will say that I enjoy listening to Saskia Maarleveld, the voice of Tess, so that part was good. This narrator has a very unusual and unique voice that is quite lovely to listen to!
Rating: 3I would say this book is worth a listen as part of the SCRIBD subscription, but I certainly would not rush out to spend otherwise good money on it!
I will say that I enjoy listening to Saskia Maarleveld, the voice of Tess, so that part was good. This narrator has a very unusual and unique voice that is quite lovely to listen to!
I.never really felt fully engaged in the plot lines - I love espionage intrigue but found I knew ahead how the characters were going to play out and was less than enthusiastic about the male readings - which I found unconvincing.
I didn’t dislike it however couldn’t really recommend it, unlike their other combined novel Saving Missy which I absolutely loved!
Rating: 3I didn’t dislike it however couldn’t really recommend it, unlike their other combined novel Saving Missy which I absolutely loved!
A novel based on the sinking of the Lusitania, facts mixed with treason, mystery and detective work! Smoothly written, the storyline slides back and forth between 1915 and 2915. Beatriz Williams is one of my favorite authors anyway so I may be a bit biased , but hells bells give it a whirl!
Rating: 4I have to note that I did wonder at first if a book written by three different authors would prove to be as seamless as you would expect from a book written by a single person. I’m very pleased to report that if I had read the book without that knowledge I would have assumed it was penned by a single author.The story takes place in two time periods; 2013 when Sarah, a woman who has written a best selling book finds herself struggling to write another. Her finances are a mess and her mother needs round the clock medical care. She thinks she finds the story she is looking for when she goes through her great grandfather’s trunk that was sent back when the Lusitania was sunk.It also takes the reader to 1915 for that final sailing of the Lusitania. There we meet Caroline and her husband Gilbert; Caroline is a Southern belle of an old family who married Gilbert, a self made man. They are traveling to England with a close friend from her childhood, Robert who is going home to see his family. Also part of the narrative are two sisters; one of whom is a forger the other a grifter.Usually when I write about books in dual timelimes I end up preferring the half of the story that takes place in the past. With The Glass Ocean that wasn’t the case! I ended up liking both sections equally. In fact I read the book in one sitting as I really didn’t want to stop until I got the end. Knowing the Lusitania was going to sink didn’t take away from her leisurely passage from New York. I almost hoped history would change as I read but it was not to be.This is a great read with a sweet romance and a solid mystery at its center. It makes for a lovely read that keeps you guessing until the end.
Rating: 5I was hesitant to read this - I recently read Dead Wake... same subject but done VERY DIFFERENTLY!
It was very good - but definitely read like fiction and bypassed so much that was covered in Dead Wake... I guess it was more like a conspiracy theory than anything else, but I enjoyed the rich characters and that nagging feeling that what I'm thinking is going to happen is not what is going to happen... but of course, the ship sinks.
GREAT READ.
Rating: 4It was very good - but definitely read like fiction and bypassed so much that was covered in Dead Wake... I guess it was more like a conspiracy theory than anything else, but I enjoyed the rich characters and that nagging feeling that what I'm thinking is going to happen is not what is going to happen... but of course, the ship sinks.
GREAT READ.
The Glass Ocean is a historical mystery by three authors who have all written popular books on their own. When they team up, the result is bound to be great. This is a dual narrative novel that takes place in 1915 and present day. The two stories are intertwined throughout but there is a mystery that doesn't get solved until the end. The story is centered around the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915. Two of the main characters were on the ship and the other is trying to find out more about one of her ancestors.The lives of the women intertwined throughout this novel and helped create a lot of mystery over what really happened in 1915. There is a tragedy, a little mystery and several love stories throughout the book which make it all more exciting. I didn't know much about the sinking of the Lusitania and found it very interesting to learn some history as well as being involved in these characters lives.Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4I have to note that I did wonder at first if a book written by three different authors would prove to be as seamless as you would expect from a book written by a single person. I’m very pleased to report that if I had read the book without that knowledge I would have assumed it was penned by a single author.The story takes place in two time periods; 2013 when Sarah, a woman who has written a best selling book finds herself struggling to write another. Her finances are a mess and her mother needs round the clock medical care. She thinks she finds the story she is looking for when she goes through her great grandfather’s trunk that was sent back when the Lusitania was sunk.It also takes the reader to 1915 for that final sailing of the Lusitania. There we meet Caroline and her husband Gilbert; Caroline is a Southern belle of an old family who married Gilbert, a self made man. They are traveling to England with a close friend from her childhood, Robert who is going home to see his family. Also part of the narrative are two sisters; one of whom is a forger the other a grifter.Usually when I write about books in dual timelimes I end up preferring the half of the story that takes place in the past. With The Glass Ocean that wasn’t the case! I ended up liking both sections equally. In fact I read the book in one sitting as I really didn’t want to stop until I got the end. Knowing the Lusitania was going to sink didn’t take away from her leisurely passage from New York. I almost hoped history would change as I read but it was not to be.This is a great read with a sweet romance and a solid mystery at its center. It makes for a lovely read that keeps you guessing until the end.
Rating: 5Sarah Blake is a best selling author who needs a new idea for a book. Her finances are in dire need after spending the money from her first book on care for her mother, who has early-onset Alzheimer's. Sarah decides to look into her own family history for inspiration, a chest of belongings from her great-grandfather, Patrick Houlihan a porter aboard the Lusitania. Patrick's effect lead to another passenger, Robert Langford and a conspiracy that might change history. Sarah sets off to find Robert's great-grandson, John Langford. Finding John is an easy task since he is currently a disgraced politician being hounded by the press. Sarah tries her luck with asking John about his family and finds more than she bargained for with John and his family.In 1915, aboard the Lusitania with Patrick and Robert are Mr. and Mrs. Hochstetter. Caroline Hochstetter is the owner of an unknown Strauss Waltz that her husband, Gilbert has found a buyer for. Caroline is reluctant to sell the beautiful piece of music, but trusts her husband, even though he is being secretive and distant lately. Also aboard, are Ginny and Tess, sisters and con-artists who are there to make a copy of the Waltz and sell it abroad. Tess wants out of the con game and decides to trust Robert with her secret. Upon doing so, Tess and Caroline find out that nobody is truly who she thought and everyone is hiding something. Before anyone can confront anyone else, the Lusitania sinks and the secrets are taken into the ocean.The Glass Ocean is an exciting and intriguing historical mystery that pulled me in with interesting characters, an intense plot and fascinating setting. Written by three authors and told from three different points of view, this dual-time story meshes together perfectly. I am a huge fan of dual time stories, so The Glass Ocean really hit the spot for me. Caroline, Tess and Sarah are all wonderfully developed characters who possess different strengths of character and are all attempting to find the best way to use those strengths. I was very pleased that the connection between Caroline and Tess in 1915 and Sarah in 2013 was more about a shared struggle than blood relation. Usually in dual time stories, I find myself being pulled more into the historical side of the story, I was pleasantly surprised that I cared equally about both the past and present sides of this story. I loved learning more about the Lusitania and the many conspiracies her voyage played a part in during World War I. Through Tessa and Caroline I was able to envision the many decks, staterooms and conditions for passengers as well as the many different dishes they were served at various mealtimes. Most impressively done was complex plot of the Strauss Waltz, the hidden formulas and the spy espionage aboard the ship. With masterful writing, The Glass Ocean is one of my favorite reads this year. I hope that these three authors continue to create together.This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Rating: 5Too much breathless romance - didn't really notice that there were three authors of the chapters of different characters - two aboard the ill-fated Lusitania and involved on the edges of a spy scandal - the other writing a book a hundred years after the sinking and falling in love with the great grandson.
Rating: 2A 400-page books seems daunting but The Glass Ocean is an exception. I couldn’t believe that after just an hour of reading I was already ¼ of the way through the book and was looking for more time to pick up the book and read another chapter or two. There were times I thought I’d just read a chapter and then found that an hour later I was still reading. Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White are all authors that I have read separately and I was intrigued by how they would come together to write one book. The Glass Ocean has three different timeframes. 2013 is the story of Sarah Blake who is a struggling author looking for information about the Lusitania. 1915 tells the stories of Caroline and Tessa. Each of these ladies gets their own chapters to tell of their time on the Lusitania. I was not familiar with the story of the Lusitania but the authors combined to give the history of this amazing ship and the people on it that I am looking forward to reading more from them. I loved all three characters. Sarah’s persistence while researching the Lusitania was perfect. She knew there was a story to tell and was only willing to tell the entire story. I loved that she didn’t give up and write half a story, she only wrote what she knew to be true and left some questions unanswered. Caroline was privileged but she was still respected those who worked for her, those who would be seen as a lower class citizen, and she still had flaws. It was great to see that she wasn’t perfect and that she had problems just like everyone else. Tessa had a rough upbringing. She was always looking for the next scam and lived a tough life. Reading how these three ladies stories come together, how their lives intertwine all while taking what was supposed to be a relaxing cruise.
Rating: 5
I was enjoying the story, and the reading, until she came to the German word “lieder” and mispronounced it. Lieder is a well known word to basically any classical music lover. Not uncommon at all. Easy to check on as well. I let it go, and got to chapter 4, where the term “noblesse oblige” came up and was also butchered. Again, a foreign phrase firmly implanted in the English lexicon. If one runs across an unfamiliar term or word, check on it!
Unfortunately, I am now bidding adieu to this audiobook, and I will remember the name of the reader, who doesn’t take her craft seriously enough to doublecheck her work.
Rating: 3Unfortunately, I am now bidding adieu to this audiobook, and I will remember the name of the reader, who doesn’t take her craft seriously enough to doublecheck her work.
I very much liked the historical details in the book But, I wish some reviewer or the critics had warned everyone— this is a total CHICK BOOK!
Rating: 3Books on the sinking of the RMS Lusitania were very popular three years ago as it was the 100th anniversary of the event. Now three years later Team W (Williams, Willig, & White) bring it to the forefront again in THE GLASS OCEAN. This historical fiction novel provides just the right blend of mystery and romance.The book is written with alternating timelines. It begins in 2013 with author Sarah Blake, broke and struggling to come up with her next book idea. Out of desperation she opens an old chest that had belonged to her great-grandmother. Inside it are the items that were found on the body of her great-grandfather, who had been a first-class steward on board the Lusitania and died on its last voyage when it was sunk by a German U-boat. Among those items Sarah believes she not only has a story but one that will change how history saw the sinking of the great ship. Thus she heads for London to find John Langford whose ancestor was also on board that fateful night. She hopes that his family archives may hold the clues she needs to solve the mystery of what really happened on board the ship.Then the story flashes back to 1915. Gilbert and Caroline Hochstetter are preparing for their voyage on the Lusitania. Their marriage is floundering and Caroline doesn’t understand why her formerly affectionate husband has become so distant. She is hoping this trip in first-class luxury will revive her marriage. However, also on board is her old friend Robert Langford who provides the attention she has been lacking.Also on board are sisters Ginny and Tess who are traveling in second-class. However, those are not their real names. Tess is a first-rate forger and her sister learned well from their con-man father. Tess wants out of the game and her sister has promised this will be their last one. When the ship sets sail for England, the lives of the Hochstetters, Langford, and the sisters will be irretrievably linked. The book was written as a collaboration of the three best-selling authors. The story flows so seamlessly it is impossible to determine which author wrote which portion of the book. It is a pure joy to read a book in which the characters come to life and I feel like a participant in the story rather than just an observer. My heart raced as people were frantically attempting to flee the sinking ship. I could feel the fear, hear the screams, see the panic on the faces. This is masterful writing!
Rating: 5