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Cold April
Englishwoman Elizabeth Shallcross has big plans for her future, and they do not include remaining a lowly governess. First she has one last obligation to fulfill; she must accompany a dashing American widower and care for his child on a luxurious voyage to America. Their ship? The Titanic. On this fateful trip two men vie for her attention. But when the ship hits an iceberg, who will survive?
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2010
12 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis A. Humphrey
21 books6 followersI was born Phyllis Ashworth in Oak Park, Il., went to Morton High in Cicero and then Northwestern. Got married and divorced a couple of times, had three great kids, then moved to California where my "real" life began.
As a child I read everything I could get my hands on and I knew then that I wanted to be a writer. But life got in the way until I reached California and settled down with my third husband...the perfect one. We lived in the Bay Area for many years, then moved to the San Diego area for a while, but now live in a beautiful community in Palm Desert.
Here I write and am active in our local performing arts club. But mostly I write. I'm a member of Romance Writers of America as well as Mystery Writers of America and have recently formed a local writer's group in my community, dedicated to helping aspiring writers to network.
My credits include eight romance novels, the latest being ROMAN HOLIDAY, which was published in print in July 2009. I have also published a mainstream novel and a memoir of my husband's aunt. A member of Romance Writers of America, one of my books was a Golden Heart finalist and my romantic suspense novel won the San Diego Book Award. I was also a finalist in the 2009 St. Martin's Press Malice Domestic "Best First Traditional Mystery" contest. And I've sold a few short stories.
My non-fiction book, Wall Street on $20 a Month, was published by John Wiley & Sons, and I have sold many articles to such magazines as MS, Thin World, Savvy, Fact, Indianapolis, Campus Life, O-T-C Review, South Bay Accent and others. I have ghost-written three books, one published in the religious field and two self-published by a businessman client. Finally, I have had two radio scripts produced by American Radio Theater. My article, "Two-Part Harmony," was published in The Writer Magazine. The article, "Critique Groups, A Writer's Best Friend," appeared in San Diego Writers Monthly.
I have been on radio and television (for my non-fiction book), have participated in book signings in stores, plus book fairs, and have been featured in national and local magazines.
Finally, I am a member of Mensa and am listed in Who's Who in American Women. Oh, I should mention that my husband and I have a total of seven children and twenty-one wonderful grandchildren. But we don't have a lot of spare time!
As a child I read everything I could get my hands on and I knew then that I wanted to be a writer. But life got in the way until I reached California and settled down with my third husband...the perfect one. We lived in the Bay Area for many years, then moved to the San Diego area for a while, but now live in a beautiful community in Palm Desert.
Here I write and am active in our local performing arts club. But mostly I write. I'm a member of Romance Writers of America as well as Mystery Writers of America and have recently formed a local writer's group in my community, dedicated to helping aspiring writers to network.
My credits include eight romance novels, the latest being ROMAN HOLIDAY, which was published in print in July 2009. I have also published a mainstream novel and a memoir of my husband's aunt. A member of Romance Writers of America, one of my books was a Golden Heart finalist and my romantic suspense novel won the San Diego Book Award. I was also a finalist in the 2009 St. Martin's Press Malice Domestic "Best First Traditional Mystery" contest. And I've sold a few short stories.
My non-fiction book, Wall Street on $20 a Month, was published by John Wiley & Sons, and I have sold many articles to such magazines as MS, Thin World, Savvy, Fact, Indianapolis, Campus Life, O-T-C Review, South Bay Accent and others. I have ghost-written three books, one published in the religious field and two self-published by a businessman client. Finally, I have had two radio scripts produced by American Radio Theater. My article, "Two-Part Harmony," was published in The Writer Magazine. The article, "Critique Groups, A Writer's Best Friend," appeared in San Diego Writers Monthly.
I have been on radio and television (for my non-fiction book), have participated in book signings in stores, plus book fairs, and have been featured in national and local magazines.
Finally, I am a member of Mensa and am listed in Who's Who in American Women. Oh, I should mention that my husband and I have a total of seven children and twenty-one wonderful grandchildren. But we don't have a lot of spare time!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 1, 2012
This started decently enough. A common theme I’m finding in Titanic books is the working class versus titled snots and this one certainly pounded it in enough. Not a soul could be introduced in the novel without their location in the boat announced somehow.
Nevertheless, Beth is working on the ship as a governess to a handsome, widowed man. She’s caring for his daughter and get a side order of Richard’s attentions. Her plan: once she lands in America, she’s making her own way. By the way, she’s in first class. Another common theme in Titanic tales is two men vying for the same woman: one from a lower class, one from the high class. In this novel, the high class man is obviously Richard. The lower class man is a magician. He can’t work enough magic to save the Titanic, however...
Full review here: http://litasylum.com/?p=1241
Nevertheless, Beth is working on the ship as a governess to a handsome, widowed man. She’s caring for his daughter and get a side order of Richard’s attentions. Her plan: once she lands in America, she’s making her own way. By the way, she’s in first class. Another common theme in Titanic tales is two men vying for the same woman: one from a lower class, one from the high class. In this novel, the high class man is obviously Richard. The lower class man is a magician. He can’t work enough magic to save the Titanic, however...
Full review here: http://litasylum.com/?p=1241
January 11, 2016
Seeing that it was exactly 100 years ago that the TITANIC sank, I thought I'd rather read a book based on the tragic events than spend the whole day watching BBC or HISTORY. OK, I did a bit of that as well. This was a simple story, but quite enjoyable.
March 10, 2021
I bought this (although not at the price it's currently being sold for online), because I liked the title and I liked the cover art/the fact it was about the Titanic.
It's a nice easy book to read, and the characters are quite likeable, if a little two dimensional. Having finished the book, I don't really think the title makes much sense - apart from some slight insinuations towards the end of the book.
The storyline is quite simple and predictable with a love triangle (which goes nowhere really) between the main characters. They are quite well described, but something about the characters fell a little flat for me, and how easily there seemed to be an attraction between them - but perhaps I'm just getting cynical in my old age. There's a lot of focus on class and romances between governesses and higher up people, but this is to be expected from the period, but Elizabeth's internal dialogue does sometimes get a bit repetitive when she thinks about what she should do.
The Titanic does not sink until page 140 and the ending is wrapped up fairly speedily and abruptly - it's only 195 pages long. It does keep you reading though, as there are a few heart racing moments that occur.
It was quite a good quick read, just nothing really new here from other Titanic fiction books that are out there. I would recommend NOT paying the prices that various online sites have it currently listed as - potentially it's now out of print. Although my self published copy appears to have come from Sun City Palm Desert Library, so it may be worth checking a few sites to get it for a semi reasonable price. Just don't spend too much if you want another book in your Titanic collection.
It's a nice easy book to read, and the characters are quite likeable, if a little two dimensional. Having finished the book, I don't really think the title makes much sense - apart from some slight insinuations towards the end of the book.
The storyline is quite simple and predictable with a love triangle (which goes nowhere really) between the main characters. They are quite well described, but something about the characters fell a little flat for me, and how easily there seemed to be an attraction between them - but perhaps I'm just getting cynical in my old age. There's a lot of focus on class and romances between governesses and higher up people, but this is to be expected from the period, but Elizabeth's internal dialogue does sometimes get a bit repetitive when she thinks about what she should do.
The Titanic does not sink until page 140 and the ending is wrapped up fairly speedily and abruptly - it's only 195 pages long. It does keep you reading though, as there are a few heart racing moments that occur.
It was quite a good quick read, just nothing really new here from other Titanic fiction books that are out there. I would recommend NOT paying the prices that various online sites have it currently listed as - potentially it's now out of print. Although my self published copy appears to have come from Sun City Palm Desert Library, so it may be worth checking a few sites to get it for a semi reasonable price. Just don't spend too much if you want another book in your Titanic collection.
August 15, 2023
I would have liked to see a little more to the story at the end (no spoilers!). I feel that it ended just a bit abruptly and we could have learned a little more about what happens after the ending.
January 28, 2014
When Elizabeth Shallcross gets off the ship in Southampton she realizes she has lost sight of her employers Lord and Lady Wheatley. Searching through the throng of people for them leaves her unfocused on the dangers of the docks and suddenly she is yanked violently to the side by unseen arms.
A voice calms her as she realizes she has almost been trampled by a horse and cart. Her heart races as she turns to face her hero. She is stunned by the handsome face of a dapper gentleman who introduces himself as Richard Graham.
It turns out he has come to meet the Wheatley party and Elizabeth and Richard disappear into the crowd in search of the others in the group.
Elizabeth is the Wheatley nanny and has returned from the United States to visit her family. Once her visit is complete she will return to New York to look after one of the Wheatley's homes.
It turns out that once Richard finds out that she is part of the Wheatley's staff he treats her differently. Elizabeth thought he might be different but it turns out he's just like every other aristocrat in the world--stuck up, or so she thinks.
Richard is in need of a nanny for his young daughter after his wife's death and since Elizabeth will be returning to New York at the same time he employs her to help him make the voyage back to New York with him and his daughter, Kathleen.
The Wheatley's have already offered to pay for Elizabeth's trip back to the United States so she will travel first class with Richard and Kathleen. Once settled on the ship they realize they are in a suite with bedrooms that open into a shared living area.
Elizabeth soon finds herself enamored with Kathleen and the affection is returned by the little girl. As the voyage continues Richard also finds himself enjoying Elizabeth's company.
As the ship continues its passage towards the United States the trio makes friends with first class passengers and steerage passengers alike. They eat with the captain and fly kites of the 3rd class deck.
One evening as the ship slips quietly through the chilly waters of the ocean icebergs are spotted. Word spreads quickly through the passengers that an iceberg has been struck and that a hole has been torn in the hull of the massive ship. Even in the midst of the pandemonium there are many passengers who ignore the warnings because this ship has been deemed, "unsinkable."
Richard and Elizabeth gather Kathleen from her bed and bundle in warm clothes for the trip out onto the deck.
Will the trio make it to safety and will their steerage friends make their way to the upper decks and the life boats?
Although we all know the outcome of the doomed Titanic maiden voyage Cold April by Phyllis A. Humphrey is a book with a few surprises in the pages. It was a nice change to read a book that doesn't feel rushed and the reader is given time to develop feelings for characters.
A voice calms her as she realizes she has almost been trampled by a horse and cart. Her heart races as she turns to face her hero. She is stunned by the handsome face of a dapper gentleman who introduces himself as Richard Graham.
It turns out he has come to meet the Wheatley party and Elizabeth and Richard disappear into the crowd in search of the others in the group.
Elizabeth is the Wheatley nanny and has returned from the United States to visit her family. Once her visit is complete she will return to New York to look after one of the Wheatley's homes.
It turns out that once Richard finds out that she is part of the Wheatley's staff he treats her differently. Elizabeth thought he might be different but it turns out he's just like every other aristocrat in the world--stuck up, or so she thinks.
Richard is in need of a nanny for his young daughter after his wife's death and since Elizabeth will be returning to New York at the same time he employs her to help him make the voyage back to New York with him and his daughter, Kathleen.
The Wheatley's have already offered to pay for Elizabeth's trip back to the United States so she will travel first class with Richard and Kathleen. Once settled on the ship they realize they are in a suite with bedrooms that open into a shared living area.
Elizabeth soon finds herself enamored with Kathleen and the affection is returned by the little girl. As the voyage continues Richard also finds himself enjoying Elizabeth's company.
As the ship continues its passage towards the United States the trio makes friends with first class passengers and steerage passengers alike. They eat with the captain and fly kites of the 3rd class deck.
One evening as the ship slips quietly through the chilly waters of the ocean icebergs are spotted. Word spreads quickly through the passengers that an iceberg has been struck and that a hole has been torn in the hull of the massive ship. Even in the midst of the pandemonium there are many passengers who ignore the warnings because this ship has been deemed, "unsinkable."
Richard and Elizabeth gather Kathleen from her bed and bundle in warm clothes for the trip out onto the deck.
Will the trio make it to safety and will their steerage friends make their way to the upper decks and the life boats?
Although we all know the outcome of the doomed Titanic maiden voyage Cold April by Phyllis A. Humphrey is a book with a few surprises in the pages. It was a nice change to read a book that doesn't feel rushed and the reader is given time to develop feelings for characters.
December 15, 2012
I downloaded this book as it was free for a day on amazon and as i am quite fascinated by the Titanic and all its happenings i thought that this woud be a good book to read.
Elizabeth, or Miss Beth is a governess who has recently returned from living and working in America for three years. She longs to go back and begin a career as a typist but before she can do this she is asked by her previous employers to be a governess for a friend of the family. She agrees, but only for the crossing between England and America and until someone else suitable can be found.
The man in question is Richard Graham, an American gentleman who sadly lost his wife a few years ago and left his daugher without a mother. Beth hits it off with him almost at once and the class barrier seems to fade away between them.
They board the ill fated Titanic and its here that the two characters really seem to start getting to know each other. I did like how some parts of the book were told from Richards point of view and it explained how he was feeling and i felt it added more depth to the book.
Beth also meets another man, Harry, who is a magican and an acrobat who entertains the children on the ship. Harry seems very smitten with Beth and although Beth doesnt really feel the same she sees him as a good friend.
I liked how the main facts of the actual event were put into the story. For example the fact that there werent enough lifeboats and this was a well known fact. As the Titanic was supposedly an unsinkable ship the makers didnt see the need for lifeboats to be made available.
Once the iceberg stuck i liked how many people didnt think the ship could sink so they werent too bothered about getting up on deck or getting into a lifeboat to start with. I liked how the story of Elizabeth and Richard was weaved around the iceburg.
I ended up shedding a tear at the end of the book as so many people lost there lives on this ship. It was an event that could have not maybe been avoided but if more lifeboats were on board more people could have been saved. I would be interested in reading more about the Titanic event itself now.
This is not a massive book, i read the majority of it in one sitting and it has a lot of information in it about the real life event. I did think that i woud have liked to read more about the characters after the actual event but that was just a personal thing. I did really enjoy this book though.
Elizabeth, or Miss Beth is a governess who has recently returned from living and working in America for three years. She longs to go back and begin a career as a typist but before she can do this she is asked by her previous employers to be a governess for a friend of the family. She agrees, but only for the crossing between England and America and until someone else suitable can be found.
The man in question is Richard Graham, an American gentleman who sadly lost his wife a few years ago and left his daugher without a mother. Beth hits it off with him almost at once and the class barrier seems to fade away between them.
They board the ill fated Titanic and its here that the two characters really seem to start getting to know each other. I did like how some parts of the book were told from Richards point of view and it explained how he was feeling and i felt it added more depth to the book.
Beth also meets another man, Harry, who is a magican and an acrobat who entertains the children on the ship. Harry seems very smitten with Beth and although Beth doesnt really feel the same she sees him as a good friend.
I liked how the main facts of the actual event were put into the story. For example the fact that there werent enough lifeboats and this was a well known fact. As the Titanic was supposedly an unsinkable ship the makers didnt see the need for lifeboats to be made available.
Once the iceberg stuck i liked how many people didnt think the ship could sink so they werent too bothered about getting up on deck or getting into a lifeboat to start with. I liked how the story of Elizabeth and Richard was weaved around the iceburg.
I ended up shedding a tear at the end of the book as so many people lost there lives on this ship. It was an event that could have not maybe been avoided but if more lifeboats were on board more people could have been saved. I would be interested in reading more about the Titanic event itself now.
This is not a massive book, i read the majority of it in one sitting and it has a lot of information in it about the real life event. I did think that i woud have liked to read more about the characters after the actual event but that was just a personal thing. I did really enjoy this book though.
February 18, 2012
There is a bit of a mild love interest that is involved between a Gentleman and the Governess that seems to be developing. This book is set on the Titanic in that fateful April and it looks at a slice of the lives of some of those that was travelling on Titanic. Mostly it focuses on a lonely Widower and a Governess who was hired by his wife that takes care of his daughter. For myself, having been a Widower it's striking a chord within me as I'm reading through the pages. It's quite well written in a fairly accessible writing style.
Probably, for me the most interesting scene in the book is of flying a kite off of the back end of the Titanic as it's sailing along. I want to do that now on some other ship, it sounds like fun to me. Another scene that is also memorable is when the Gentleman compliments the Governess. While the particular compliment that was said wouldn't be taken as inappropriate now I could imagine it would have been in 1912. Victorian England was a rather segmented society back then. It's incredible to think now that there was anyone that you couldn't directly speak to but it was a hierarchical society then.
Probably, for me the most interesting scene in the book is of flying a kite off of the back end of the Titanic as it's sailing along. I want to do that now on some other ship, it sounds like fun to me. Another scene that is also memorable is when the Gentleman compliments the Governess. While the particular compliment that was said wouldn't be taken as inappropriate now I could imagine it would have been in 1912. Victorian England was a rather segmented society back then. It's incredible to think now that there was anyone that you couldn't directly speak to but it was a hierarchical society then.
August 16, 2012
I found this book for free on my Kindle and was excited to read it. I have a weak spot for Titanic romances and there are so few that are well written.
I did, however, find the book lacking in several spots. It was a nice premise, not original but interesting enough, but it could have been so much more. The romance was quick and pretty undeveloped. I wouldn't have minded if there was more to the story but since the book was marketed as a romance, I was disappointed with what I read.
Also, the whole sinking was over so fast that I barely remember it. I expected it to be a little more drawn out. The ending also left me wanting.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The historical accuracy was there and the characters were relatively true to the time period but I can't help but feel like this book could have been so much better.
I did, however, find the book lacking in several spots. It was a nice premise, not original but interesting enough, but it could have been so much more. The romance was quick and pretty undeveloped. I wouldn't have minded if there was more to the story but since the book was marketed as a romance, I was disappointed with what I read.
Also, the whole sinking was over so fast that I barely remember it. I expected it to be a little more drawn out. The ending also left me wanting.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The historical accuracy was there and the characters were relatively true to the time period but I can't help but feel like this book could have been so much better.
October 1, 2013
I got this book as a free book from amazon kindle. I was very skeptical when I bought it wondering if another Titanic love story could be different enough to captivate me. This book is. It is one of those books that engulfs you to the point that you do not want it end and when it does if left me wanting more of the story and not ready to read another book. It is well written story that follows a girl who lived in New York as a governess and is now returning to New York. On her voyage back she will be guaranteed a job as a governess, but once she returns to New York she will be searching for a new life. How will the voyage change her life? Will she, the family she is accompanying, or the friends she made even complete their journey to New York or will they be lost with the Titanic?
August 28, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. The Titanic fascinates me. A wonderful love story amidst the horror of that terrible night. The ending is rather abrupt. I would love to read a sequel. The writer does hold your interest. If you are looking for a quick page turner full of wonderful description and excitement this book will do it.
February 19, 2013
Doomed love story aboard the Titanic. This book was right down the middle, I really don't have anything good or bad to say about it. Pretty short and very easy to read, no big plot lines to follow or think about. More romance than history, the ship didn't hit the iceberg until about 75% of the way through and it went down very quickly. The ending was rather abrupt.
October 26, 2013
It was too short. The synopsis of the whole tragedy of the ship sinking was far too brief. The love story itself was weak. The characters were very real to the timeline, it just wasn't long enough. I was glad I read it. It wasn't a waste of time.
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February 25, 2016kindle 205 titanic
June 18, 2016
Just started it. Liking it so far. A nice take on the historical fiction genre.
August 16, 2012
Another love story on the Titanic :-)
September 26, 2012
The book was alright, I didn't like the ending at all. I would of liked to know how things went when they reached America.
December 24, 2012
As I am not normally a fan of anything Titanic related, I was unsure about this book in the beginning. Fun romp through an otherwise incredibly distressing event.
kindle-i-own-to-read
January 11, 2013Amazon Freebie 01/11/2013
August 31, 2013
I've ready many great stories about the sinking of the Titanic and this was yet another one. Written very well.
April 6, 2014
Well written story taking place on board the Titanic. An enjoyable read.
February 6, 2012
Fun, romantic read. Nothing too exciting. Just plain entertainment.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews