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The Second Mrs. Astor
Perfect for fans of Jennifer Chiaverini and Marie Benedict, this riveting novel takes you inside the scandalous courtship and catastrophic honeymoon aboard the Titanic of the most famous couple of their time—John Jacob Astor and Madeleine Force. Told in rich detail, this novel of sweeping historical fiction will stay with readers long after turning the last page.
Madeleine Talmage Force is just seventeen when she attracts the attention of John Jacob “Jack” Astor. Madeleine is beautiful, intelligent, and solidly upper-class, but the Astors are in a league apart. Jack’s mother was the Mrs. Astor, American royalty and New York’s most formidable socialite. Jack is dashing and industrious—a hero of the Spanish-American war, an inventor, and a canny businessman. Despite their twenty-nine-year age difference, and the scandal of Jack’s recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong into love—and becomes the press’s favorite target.
On their extended honeymoon in Egypt, the newlyweds finally find a measure of peace from photographers and journalists. Madeleine feels truly alive for the first time—and is happily pregnant. The couple plans to return home in the spring of 1912, aboard an opulent new ocean liner. When the ship hits an iceberg close to midnight on April 14th, there is no immediate panic. The swift, state-of-the-art RMS Titanic seems unsinkable. As Jack helps Madeleine into a lifeboat, he assures her that he’ll see her soon in New York…
Four months later, at the Astors’ Fifth Avenue mansion, a widowed Madeleine gives birth to their son. In the wake of the disaster, the press has elevated her to the status of virtuous, tragic heroine. But Madeleine’s most important decision still lies ahead: whether to accept the role assigned to her, or carve out her own remarkable path…
Madeleine Talmage Force is just seventeen when she attracts the attention of John Jacob “Jack” Astor. Madeleine is beautiful, intelligent, and solidly upper-class, but the Astors are in a league apart. Jack’s mother was the Mrs. Astor, American royalty and New York’s most formidable socialite. Jack is dashing and industrious—a hero of the Spanish-American war, an inventor, and a canny businessman. Despite their twenty-nine-year age difference, and the scandal of Jack’s recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong into love—and becomes the press’s favorite target.
On their extended honeymoon in Egypt, the newlyweds finally find a measure of peace from photographers and journalists. Madeleine feels truly alive for the first time—and is happily pregnant. The couple plans to return home in the spring of 1912, aboard an opulent new ocean liner. When the ship hits an iceberg close to midnight on April 14th, there is no immediate panic. The swift, state-of-the-art RMS Titanic seems unsinkable. As Jack helps Madeleine into a lifeboat, he assures her that he’ll see her soon in New York…
Four months later, at the Astors’ Fifth Avenue mansion, a widowed Madeleine gives birth to their son. In the wake of the disaster, the press has elevated her to the status of virtuous, tragic heroine. But Madeleine’s most important decision still lies ahead: whether to accept the role assigned to her, or carve out her own remarkable path…
323 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2021
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55047 people want to read
About the author
Shana Abe
30 books1,993 followersShana Abé is the award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen books, including the acclaimed Drákon Series and the Sweetest Dark Series.
She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and currently resides in the mountains of Colorado with her very patient husband and a lot of pets.
She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and currently resides in the mountains of Colorado with her very patient husband and a lot of pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,703 reviews
January 5, 2024
Who doesn't like a book about the Titanic?
The Second Mrs. Astor is a work of historical fiction which focuses on Madeline Force (Astor). This piece covers the time period of Madeline's first memory of John Jacob (Jack) Astor, their subsequent courtship, marriage, and travels. Of course, everything is leading up to their time aboard the Titanic which ultimately transforms Mrs. Astor into one of the most famous widows in the world.
This book started off quite strongly and gave off vibes similar to Wild Women and the Blues. However, this book read a bit YA to me. First of all the foreshadowing was way too heavy to the point that it came off as incredibly fake (such as the time that Jack rescues passengers from another ship and Madeline asks about how cold the water is or a fortune teller saying that bad things will happen on a ship). The book seemed a bit low on excitement. Keep in mind most of us have seen the movie, Titanic, so I really was expecting this portion of the book to be really entertaining. The romance wasn't written particularly well, and the book went into way too much detail about how invasive the press was (the author channeled Princess Diana too much). When I read the author's closing notes, she said that she wanted to write this book as an older version of Princess Diana. But I really craved something that was unique. In the end, the book end up feeling ho hum with an entirely forgettable ending. In terms of historical fiction, this book did inspire me to look up additional information about John Jacob Astor and Madeline Force Astor.
Overall, a solid historical fiction book about John Jacob Astor's wife, Madeline, but it was a bit too low key for my tastes.
*Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.
2024 Reading Schedule
Jan Middlemarch
Feb The Grapes of Wrath
Mar Oliver Twist
Apr Madame Bovary
May A Clockwork Orange
Jun Possession
Jul The Folk of the Faraway Tree Collection
Aug Crime and Punishment
Sep Heart of Darkness
Oct Moby-Dick
Nov Far From the Madding Crowd
Dec A Tale of Two Cities
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The Second Mrs. Astor is a work of historical fiction which focuses on Madeline Force (Astor). This piece covers the time period of Madeline's first memory of John Jacob (Jack) Astor, their subsequent courtship, marriage, and travels. Of course, everything is leading up to their time aboard the Titanic which ultimately transforms Mrs. Astor into one of the most famous widows in the world.
This book started off quite strongly and gave off vibes similar to Wild Women and the Blues. However, this book read a bit YA to me. First of all the foreshadowing was way too heavy to the point that it came off as incredibly fake (such as the time that Jack rescues passengers from another ship and Madeline asks about how cold the water is or a fortune teller saying that bad things will happen on a ship). The book seemed a bit low on excitement. Keep in mind most of us have seen the movie, Titanic, so I really was expecting this portion of the book to be really entertaining. The romance wasn't written particularly well, and the book went into way too much detail about how invasive the press was (the author channeled Princess Diana too much). When I read the author's closing notes, she said that she wanted to write this book as an older version of Princess Diana. But I really craved something that was unique. In the end, the book end up feeling ho hum with an entirely forgettable ending. In terms of historical fiction, this book did inspire me to look up additional information about John Jacob Astor and Madeline Force Astor.
Overall, a solid historical fiction book about John Jacob Astor's wife, Madeline, but it was a bit too low key for my tastes.
*Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.
2024 Reading Schedule
Jan Middlemarch
Feb The Grapes of Wrath
Mar Oliver Twist
Apr Madame Bovary
May A Clockwork Orange
Jun Possession
Jul The Folk of the Faraway Tree Collection
Aug Crime and Punishment
Sep Heart of Darkness
Oct Moby-Dick
Nov Far From the Madding Crowd
Dec A Tale of Two Cities
Connect With Me!
Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta
April 10, 2025
I never cry while reading books, but this one almost got me. Yes, I am still sailing on the Titanic. I am floating aimlessly in the vast ocean with no land TBR shelf in sight.
I was enchanted by Gill Paul's Titanic Love Stories: The True Stories of 13 Honeymoon Couples Who Sailed on the Titanic. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Madeleine and John Jacob. So I did some half-assed detective work and found this gem. Book deities smiled upon me.
The Second Mrs. Astor was inspired by the real-life tragic romance between Madeleine Talmage Force and Colonel John Jacob Astor IV. John Jacob's nickname was Jack, but I'll refer to him by his full name.
I won’t begin with our ending, which everyone in the world knows anyway. Our beginning, however, belonged only to us.
*Spoilers*
Madeleine Talmage Force was a daydreamer with a love of theatre and horses. John Jacob Astor IV was one of the wealthiest men in the world. He owned The Astoria Hotel and co-owned The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel; he was an inventor, science fiction author, and war hero. Madeleine was seventeen. John Jacob was a divorcee 29 years her senior. The two struck up an unlikely friendship. John Jacob was smitten with Madeleine's personality and wit; Madeleine was captivated by John Jacob's charm and gallantry. They eventually began courting. Photographers shadowed their every move. Madeleine couldn't escape comparisons to John Jacob's first wife, Ava, who was renowned for her beauty and elegance. Madeleine was upper class; John Jacob belonged to one of America's greatest dynasties. As the saying goes, there's levels to this shit. It's not just that Madeleine was much younger; she wasn't American royalty. The unlikely couple paid no heed to gossip. New York's elite was scandalized. Madeleine and John Jacob couldn't care less. They were married on September 9, 1911. He was forty-seven years old, and she was eighteen.
Madeleine and JJ were shunned by The Four Hundred - a term used for the crème de la crème of New York's high society. Ironically, the group's leader was John Jacob's mother, the late Caroline 'Lina' Schermerhorn Astor, the queen bee of New York society.
The colonel smiled. “Like no woman I’ve ever known before. Your mind is a mystery to me.”
“Oh,” I said, “sometimes it is to me, as well! But I’m not really very mysterious, I’m afraid.”
He leaned back his head and laughed. I felt the sudden spark of the power of that, of making a man like John Jacob Astor laugh in genuine amusement. Of making him react. It rushed like lightning through my veins, hellish and bright.
I think, from that instant, we were both doomed.
Madeleine and John Jacob art by Storybird from The Scandalous Affair
Madeleine had to learn how to navigate the treacherous waters of high society. Vincent Astor, John Jacob's son from his first marriage, did not like his father's young bride. (He did not like their son either. But that's a story for another time). Reporters shadowed the second Mrs. Astor's every move. Privacy became a distant memory. Not all was bleak, however. Madeleine had John Jacob. She had Kitty, their beloved Airedale Terrier. She had the support of her parents, sister, and Margaret Brown, aka the Unsinkable Molly Brown (played in the movie by Kathy Bates). Her fierceness and non-judgmental attitude endeared her to Madeleine. Mrs. Brown befriended the famous couple and traveled with them to Egypt. The trio would meet again on the Titanic's fateful voyage.
I read in another book how Madeleine was ostracized by the other first-class women aboard the Titanic, who gossiped about her clothes and hairstyle. Among the few who showed her kindness were the legendary Margaret Brown and Helen Bishop. I've always believed that the upper class was taken aback by the union of Madeleine and Jack, not merely due to their age gap as they suggested, but because they deemed her unworthy of marrying into the ultra-rich Astor family.
I loved the dynamic between Madeleine and her sister Katherine. In this house, we support females supporting females.
Madeleine linked their arms again, leaning against her sister’s side as the wind brushed by, and the fish smell came and went, and the Noma sliced towards the future.
After a while, she whispered, “I wish I were as brave as you.”
Katherine was leaning back; they’d found their careful balance. “Isn’t that queer? I’ve always wished to be as strong as you.”
The ocean slid past. The moon beamed down, scattered white fireflies across the water.
“Perhaps I’ll become a mermaid instead of all that other nonsense,” Madeleine said to the view.
Katherine glanced at her.
“Mermaids still get to wear pearls, so that part’s fine. And they live forever, or very nearly forever, don’t they? Enchanted lives that go on and on. No curly piles of hair, however. I’ll wear it down, with a crown of sea flowers.”
🎵And they said "There goes the last great American dynasty"
"Who knows if she never showed up, what could've been"🎵
Titanic makes its appearance towards the end of the book. I wasn't ready. I've grown attached to Madeleine and John Jacob. I didn't want them to board the doomed ship. Feelings of sympathy and melancholy descended upon me. Madeleine, who was five months pregnant at the time, sailed on board the Titanic with John Jacob and their dog Kitty. What happened next is history. I'll leave it at that.
Madeleine and John Jacob's love story began in Maine, took flight in New York, and ended on a cold night in the North Atlantic.
Madeleine's life was a mixture of the telenovela Los Ricos También lloran (the rich also cry), Bridgerton, and Gossip Girl. The book doesn't tell the whole story. *my spoilers* Madeleine followed her heart no matter where it led. She wasn't afraid to live and love. She remarried two more times. Both marriages ended in divorce. Madeleine was only 46 when she died. A happy ending wasn't meant for her. Real life isn't a fairytale.
“How happy you make me,” he said, unexpected.
She curled her fingers tighter around his. “Good. Because I’ve decided that mermaids definitely have husbands. At least, this one will. So become accustomed to happiness, Colonel Astor.”
“I will,” he said, sounding almost bemused. “I plan to. I will.”
My 'The Second Mrs. Astor' playlist:
Taylor Swift - The Last Great American Dynasty
Sara Farell - Faded
Lana Del Rey - Born To Die
Lana Del Rey - Art Deco
Lana Del Rey - Old Money
Lana Del Rey - Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard?
The Civil Wars - Poison & Wine
Billie Eilish, Khalid - Lovely
NF - Trauma
Sleeping At Last - Saturn
Balmorhea - Remembrance
Message To Bears - You Are A Memory
MIIA - Dynasty
Hey Violet - Guys My Age
Sasha Sloan - Dancing With Your Ghost
I was enchanted by Gill Paul's Titanic Love Stories: The True Stories of 13 Honeymoon Couples Who Sailed on the Titanic. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Madeleine and John Jacob. So I did some half-assed detective work and found this gem. Book deities smiled upon me.
The Second Mrs. Astor was inspired by the real-life tragic romance between Madeleine Talmage Force and Colonel John Jacob Astor IV. John Jacob's nickname was Jack, but I'll refer to him by his full name.
I won’t begin with our ending, which everyone in the world knows anyway. Our beginning, however, belonged only to us.
*Spoilers*
Madeleine Talmage Force was a daydreamer with a love of theatre and horses. John Jacob Astor IV was one of the wealthiest men in the world. He owned The Astoria Hotel and co-owned The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel; he was an inventor, science fiction author, and war hero. Madeleine was seventeen. John Jacob was a divorcee 29 years her senior. The two struck up an unlikely friendship. John Jacob was smitten with Madeleine's personality and wit; Madeleine was captivated by John Jacob's charm and gallantry. They eventually began courting. Photographers shadowed their every move. Madeleine couldn't escape comparisons to John Jacob's first wife, Ava, who was renowned for her beauty and elegance. Madeleine was upper class; John Jacob belonged to one of America's greatest dynasties. As the saying goes, there's levels to this shit. It's not just that Madeleine was much younger; she wasn't American royalty. The unlikely couple paid no heed to gossip. New York's elite was scandalized. Madeleine and John Jacob couldn't care less. They were married on September 9, 1911. He was forty-seven years old, and she was eighteen.
Madeleine and JJ were shunned by The Four Hundred - a term used for the crème de la crème of New York's high society. Ironically, the group's leader was John Jacob's mother, the late Caroline 'Lina' Schermerhorn Astor, the queen bee of New York society.
The colonel smiled. “Like no woman I’ve ever known before. Your mind is a mystery to me.”
“Oh,” I said, “sometimes it is to me, as well! But I’m not really very mysterious, I’m afraid.”
He leaned back his head and laughed. I felt the sudden spark of the power of that, of making a man like John Jacob Astor laugh in genuine amusement. Of making him react. It rushed like lightning through my veins, hellish and bright.
I think, from that instant, we were both doomed.
Madeleine and John Jacob art by Storybird from The Scandalous Affair
Madeleine had to learn how to navigate the treacherous waters of high society. Vincent Astor, John Jacob's son from his first marriage, did not like his father's young bride. (He did not like their son either. But that's a story for another time). Reporters shadowed the second Mrs. Astor's every move. Privacy became a distant memory. Not all was bleak, however. Madeleine had John Jacob. She had Kitty, their beloved Airedale Terrier. She had the support of her parents, sister, and Margaret Brown, aka the Unsinkable Molly Brown (played in the movie by Kathy Bates). Her fierceness and non-judgmental attitude endeared her to Madeleine. Mrs. Brown befriended the famous couple and traveled with them to Egypt. The trio would meet again on the Titanic's fateful voyage.
I read in another book how Madeleine was ostracized by the other first-class women aboard the Titanic, who gossiped about her clothes and hairstyle. Among the few who showed her kindness were the legendary Margaret Brown and Helen Bishop. I've always believed that the upper class was taken aback by the union of Madeleine and Jack, not merely due to their age gap as they suggested, but because they deemed her unworthy of marrying into the ultra-rich Astor family.
I loved the dynamic between Madeleine and her sister Katherine. In this house, we support females supporting females.
Madeleine linked their arms again, leaning against her sister’s side as the wind brushed by, and the fish smell came and went, and the Noma sliced towards the future.
After a while, she whispered, “I wish I were as brave as you.”
Katherine was leaning back; they’d found their careful balance. “Isn’t that queer? I’ve always wished to be as strong as you.”
The ocean slid past. The moon beamed down, scattered white fireflies across the water.
“Perhaps I’ll become a mermaid instead of all that other nonsense,” Madeleine said to the view.
Katherine glanced at her.
“Mermaids still get to wear pearls, so that part’s fine. And they live forever, or very nearly forever, don’t they? Enchanted lives that go on and on. No curly piles of hair, however. I’ll wear it down, with a crown of sea flowers.”
🎵And they said "There goes the last great American dynasty"
"Who knows if she never showed up, what could've been"🎵
Titanic makes its appearance towards the end of the book. I wasn't ready. I've grown attached to Madeleine and John Jacob. I didn't want them to board the doomed ship. Feelings of sympathy and melancholy descended upon me. Madeleine, who was five months pregnant at the time, sailed on board the Titanic with John Jacob and their dog Kitty. What happened next is history. I'll leave it at that.
Madeleine and John Jacob's love story began in Maine, took flight in New York, and ended on a cold night in the North Atlantic.
Madeleine's life was a mixture of the telenovela Los Ricos También lloran (the rich also cry), Bridgerton, and Gossip Girl. The book doesn't tell the whole story. *my spoilers* Madeleine followed her heart no matter where it led. She wasn't afraid to live and love. She remarried two more times. Both marriages ended in divorce. Madeleine was only 46 when she died. A happy ending wasn't meant for her. Real life isn't a fairytale.
“How happy you make me,” he said, unexpected.
She curled her fingers tighter around his. “Good. Because I’ve decided that mermaids definitely have husbands. At least, this one will. So become accustomed to happiness, Colonel Astor.”
“I will,” he said, sounding almost bemused. “I plan to. I will.”
My 'The Second Mrs. Astor' playlist:
Taylor Swift - The Last Great American Dynasty
Sara Farell - Faded
Lana Del Rey - Born To Die
Lana Del Rey - Art Deco
Lana Del Rey - Old Money
Lana Del Rey - Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard?
The Civil Wars - Poison & Wine
Billie Eilish, Khalid - Lovely
NF - Trauma
Sleeping At Last - Saturn
Balmorhea - Remembrance
Message To Bears - You Are A Memory
MIIA - Dynasty
Hey Violet - Guys My Age
Sasha Sloan - Dancing With Your Ghost
March 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting to see how Madeleine Force captured the heart of John Jacob “Jack” Astor. How society snubbed her because her family didn't come from money, and she was the "second" wife. The Titanic part brought tears to my eyes because I knew how it was going to end. So many good people died while cowards were overtaking the boats. Astor's son was heartbroken. Never truly accepting his father died at sea. Tissues all around. An excellent read!
October 20, 2021
(1/2 star)
On the surface this seems like it would be a good book. John Jacob Astor, scion of the Astor fortune falls in love with an 18 year-old when he is 47 and the pair marry (his second marriage, her first). Sadly, they are married only a few months before they book a passage on the Titanic and the rest is history: Mr. Astor's now pregnant wife survives the sinking, Mr. Astor does not. A tragic love story right?
No.
A couple of problems with this book that made it just about unbearable to read:
1. The "love" story between the two is no love story at all. They meet, they fall in love practically instantly and then...it takes 135 more pages to get married. What happens in those 135 pages? Nothing. Zilch. Nada. The book got so boring that I could only read one chapter at a time in order to make it through the whole thing. If you're going to write historical fiction about a love story, at least make it interesting!
2. There isn't really a plot in this book per se. The pair meet. They court. They get married. They go to Egypt. Then comes the Titanic. That sums up the book quite well. It has the fatal flaw of being a boring story! And I mean b-o-r-i-n-g!! Mind-numbingly so. You do not care about these two at all.
Is it possible to write an interesting historical fiction book about the second Mrs. Astor? Perhaps. Did this book succeed in doing so? No.
On the surface this seems like it would be a good book. John Jacob Astor, scion of the Astor fortune falls in love with an 18 year-old when he is 47 and the pair marry (his second marriage, her first). Sadly, they are married only a few months before they book a passage on the Titanic and the rest is history: Mr. Astor's now pregnant wife survives the sinking, Mr. Astor does not. A tragic love story right?
No.
A couple of problems with this book that made it just about unbearable to read:
1. The "love" story between the two is no love story at all. They meet, they fall in love practically instantly and then...it takes 135 more pages to get married. What happens in those 135 pages? Nothing. Zilch. Nada. The book got so boring that I could only read one chapter at a time in order to make it through the whole thing. If you're going to write historical fiction about a love story, at least make it interesting!
2. There isn't really a plot in this book per se. The pair meet. They court. They get married. They go to Egypt. Then comes the Titanic. That sums up the book quite well. It has the fatal flaw of being a boring story! And I mean b-o-r-i-n-g!! Mind-numbingly so. You do not care about these two at all.
Is it possible to write an interesting historical fiction book about the second Mrs. Astor? Perhaps. Did this book succeed in doing so? No.
December 4, 2021
What beautiful and enchanting love story with a hauntingly tragic ending from the amazingly talented Shana Abe!! I've read many of her books but this is my new favorite. With fabulous storytelling and a equally beautiful storyline that flowed flawlessly and page after page of beautifully written words. Its a book that makes you feel as if you are their watching Jack and Madeleine as they fall in love. Even with their age difference you can see that these two souls were meant to be and that a love like theirs was a once in a lifetime love. From beautiful ballrooms to lovely summer homes where the elite and rich go to be seen all will watch the courtship of one of the richest and most handsome war hero's colonel John Jacob Astor and his pursuit of the lovely madeleine.With charm and charisma and a easy manner its no wonder that Madeleine falls head first in love with him. I loved both these characters so much and reading their last moments together on the titanic had me crying and so emotional. This is a beautiful story and I can't say it enough how much I enjoyed reading it. I'm so glad Shana Abe is back! I've missed her books so very much. Until next time Luv's 💕💋
Thank you Netgalley and KENSINGTON BOOKS for this copy💋
Thank you Netgalley and KENSINGTON BOOKS for this copy💋
May 7, 2021
The book was okay. I appreciate the degree of research that went into it. It was well written, but not as riveting as I had hoped it would be based on the scandal at the time. The section involving the sinking of the Titanic was reminiscent of scenes in the movie. I think I would have enjoyed it more had it covered Madeline's life after the death of her husband, her loss of inheritance, and her subsequent attempts at finding love again.
June 21, 2021
1912. Madeline Forces narrates her story to her son about the father Colonel Astor, one of the richest men in the world.
Madeline at seventeen meets Colonel John Jack Astor, divorced and nearly thirty years older. His courtship begins with a daily delivery of flowers. His wooing continues with his attention, which makes her feel as if she’s the only person in the universe. Followed by intimate excursions, driving along the coast and picnicking on small hidden beach by the sea. “They sat on the blankets and dined on Limoges porcelain so translucent Madeline could see the shadows of her fingers through it.” When the nosey newspaperman upset Madeline, he teaches her how to handle them.
The beginning of the story is very strong with getting to know the characters and their courtship. However, it slows down with the wedding preparations. It picks up again, when they decide to winter in Egypt.
The journey back home on the opulent Titanic brings vividly the interior of the ship and life for the elite. If you’re interested in a Titanic story, then this might be a good choice. I want to say that at least one third of the book is set on Titanic.
The story is written with beautiful prose and reveals a very talented writer.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Madeline at seventeen meets Colonel John Jack Astor, divorced and nearly thirty years older. His courtship begins with a daily delivery of flowers. His wooing continues with his attention, which makes her feel as if she’s the only person in the universe. Followed by intimate excursions, driving along the coast and picnicking on small hidden beach by the sea. “They sat on the blankets and dined on Limoges porcelain so translucent Madeline could see the shadows of her fingers through it.” When the nosey newspaperman upset Madeline, he teaches her how to handle them.
The beginning of the story is very strong with getting to know the characters and their courtship. However, it slows down with the wedding preparations. It picks up again, when they decide to winter in Egypt.
The journey back home on the opulent Titanic brings vividly the interior of the ship and life for the elite. If you’re interested in a Titanic story, then this might be a good choice. I want to say that at least one third of the book is set on Titanic.
The story is written with beautiful prose and reveals a very talented writer.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2021
Noooo... No!!! NOOOO!! Whay, oh why did I want to read this?
Ah, by the way, I DNF. Yes it was so bad!
The heroine was a total harebrain...
...was totally useless...
... without a will to do anything, always complaining about insegnificant things...
Yes, I know that this is about a socialite, but too much is too much!
Ah, by the way, I DNF. Yes it was so bad!
The heroine was a total harebrain...
...was totally useless...
... without a will to do anything, always complaining about insegnificant things...
Yes, I know that this is about a socialite, but too much is too much!
September 1, 2021
The Second Mrs. Astor is a fascinating work of historical fiction about the courtship, marriage, and tragic ending of Madeline Force and John Jacob Astor IV. At just seventeen, Madeline is wooed by America’s richest widower, 46-year-old Jack Astor. Their romantic courtship leads to an advantageous marriage for Madeline, but despite his families’ suspicions, she marries him out of love and not for his money. They soon leave on a honeymoon for Egypt, where Madeline becomes pregnant. Sadly, their return trip to America is on the infamous Titanic and Jack Astor becomes one of its many victims. Madeline escapes on one of the lifeboats but is devastated by the loss of her beloved husband. Returning to America, she is hounded by the press and shunned by Astor’s first family.
Vivid descriptions and lyrical prose, as well as a well-researched story gives readers a feel for the time and setting. The affluence of 1910’s New York City’s elite, and the opulence and luxury of the Titanic are brought to life by the author. This was a wonderful addition to stories about the famous and not so famous passengers whose lives were cut short by the Titanic’s sinking.
I highly recommend this for fans of historical fiction as well as those who want to read about the famous Titanic and its passengers.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Vivid descriptions and lyrical prose, as well as a well-researched story gives readers a feel for the time and setting. The affluence of 1910’s New York City’s elite, and the opulence and luxury of the Titanic are brought to life by the author. This was a wonderful addition to stories about the famous and not so famous passengers whose lives were cut short by the Titanic’s sinking.
I highly recommend this for fans of historical fiction as well as those who want to read about the famous Titanic and its passengers.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
September 23, 2021
The book was okay. The writing in my opinion was weak. Too romanticized considering the heavy topic it covered.
May 30, 2023
This is a well-written, entertaining, historical fiction novel which is based on actual persons and events. It describes the courtship and marriage of John Jacob Astor IV and his young, likable wife, Madeleine, and vividly describes their travels and the heart wrenching tragedy of the Titanic. I was only vaguely familiar with John Jacob Astor IV prior to reading this novel, and Ms. Abe's portrayals of him and Madeleine have prompted me to research their story further. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Lauren Ezzo, has a lovely voice and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.
June 23, 2021
Finally, a historical fiction book about the Titanic that didn't disappoint! I loved everything about this book, from Abe's lyrical storytelling to the vibrant descriptions of the opulent lifestyles of New York's wealthiest class in the 20th century. This book also did what all great historical fiction books do - made me google everything about the various players. I had to know what ultimately happened to Madeline Astor, if their dog, Kitty, was ever recovered from the Titanic, etc.
Each chapter begins with a personal message from Madeline Astor to her newborn son, followed by third person narrative of the storyline. It was a deviation from the norm, and I thought it worked very well. Madeline's character fascinated me, and her love story with John Jacob Astor felt very real and accurate from everything I have since read about it. Madeline was only 18 years old when she married the much older, newly divorced, John Jacob Astor, and had to deal with being shunned by nearly all of society's elites, as well as by JJ's son, Vincent (who was the same age as Madeline). I was totally drawn in by the slow build-up to their marriage, their honeymoon trip to Egypt, her pregnancy, and finally their fateful voyage back to New York aboard the Titanic.
I thought Abe did a fantastic job at portraying plenteous information about the Astor's time on the Titanic in just the last one-third of the book. I have read many books about the Titanic, and I thought this one was one of the few that did justice to the events and especially the hours right after the lifeboats were launched and the boat sank. I was fascinated by the relationship between Madeline Astor and Margaret Brown (aka Unsinkable Molly Brown), and her intense dislike of Bruce Ismay (even before the Titanic sank, and he "miraculously" survived when very few others closely associated with the ship or crew did), and her difficult relationship with JJ's son, Vincent. My only wish was that the book had been longer, with more insight into what happened to Madeline after JJ's death and the birth of their son, as she was still a teenager. It was interesting but sad to read (from Wikipedia) that she married two more times after JJ's death and neither one of seemed very happy, as she was also twice divorced before her death at the age of 46.
Overall, a beautifully written, insightful look into the lives of an ill-fated couple. I highly recommend this one to all of my Titanic-loving GR friends! 5 stars.
Each chapter begins with a personal message from Madeline Astor to her newborn son, followed by third person narrative of the storyline. It was a deviation from the norm, and I thought it worked very well. Madeline's character fascinated me, and her love story with John Jacob Astor felt very real and accurate from everything I have since read about it. Madeline was only 18 years old when she married the much older, newly divorced, John Jacob Astor, and had to deal with being shunned by nearly all of society's elites, as well as by JJ's son, Vincent (who was the same age as Madeline). I was totally drawn in by the slow build-up to their marriage, their honeymoon trip to Egypt, her pregnancy, and finally their fateful voyage back to New York aboard the Titanic.
I thought Abe did a fantastic job at portraying plenteous information about the Astor's time on the Titanic in just the last one-third of the book. I have read many books about the Titanic, and I thought this one was one of the few that did justice to the events and especially the hours right after the lifeboats were launched and the boat sank. I was fascinated by the relationship between Madeline Astor and Margaret Brown (aka Unsinkable Molly Brown), and her intense dislike of Bruce Ismay (even before the Titanic sank, and he "miraculously" survived when very few others closely associated with the ship or crew did), and her difficult relationship with JJ's son, Vincent. My only wish was that the book had been longer, with more insight into what happened to Madeline after JJ's death and the birth of their son, as she was still a teenager. It was interesting but sad to read (from Wikipedia) that she married two more times after JJ's death and neither one of seemed very happy, as she was also twice divorced before her death at the age of 46.
Overall, a beautifully written, insightful look into the lives of an ill-fated couple. I highly recommend this one to all of my Titanic-loving GR friends! 5 stars.
October 13, 2021
Another book that didn't live up to the hype (when will I learn?). The author tries very hard to breathe some life into the story but, given that she also tries to stick to the facts, there is simply not enough material. She offers a mix of princess Diana-like romance, adds a bit of Cinderella flavour and even a hint of Rebecca and mrs Bennett, but none of this really works. There is no escaping the fact that we have a bland heroine who supposedly falls in love with an extraordinary man (why is he so extraordinary? It doesn't show in the novel) and he falls in love with her (why? because she is young and fresh, there are no other qualities to her as far as I could see). Her family is happy and eager for the marriage, there are no real obstacles, so the greatest "ordeal" she has to suffer, are the obnoxious paparazzi, what a sad life. Since the marriage lasted less than a year, the author has to linger on almost every day or week of it (unfortunately, nothing important happens, so we are treated to lovey-dovey about the protagonist's feeling cold in her new splendid house or the description of grey sky in Paris). The tragic final, when it comes, is also disappointing. Yes, the protagonist mourns her husband, but since she is so precise in enumerating all the jewels she took with her from Titanic, her grief and anguish left me far less moved than the fate of "ordinary" people from the ship.
August 23, 2021
After reading a book a short time ago about Mrs. Astor, the mother of Jack I have been highly anticipating reading this book detailing Jack's second wife.
Jack Astor was American royalty, the richest man in the world at the time.
Being that historical fiction is my go to genre to read I devoured this. Historical fiction is fascinating because you learn so much from . A well researched book with many details such as this one is just what I am looking for.
This took place in a different time that most of us can not even comprehend. The gilded era, where opulence ruled. I did a little research on the characters myself and saw pictures of the inside of the New York mansion. Nothing was ordinary believe me. It's such a shame it was torn down and not preserved.
A scandal develops when ultra wealthy Jack Astor who is in his 40's courts and marries a teenager.
She came from money so she was used to having high expectations of herself but nothing like she was thrust into after marrying a man three decades older than herself.
This joyful union was not to last as a tragedy upon the Titanic takes his life during the honeymoon.
A haunting love story that will be remembered long after it's read!
Pub Date 31 Aug 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Jack Astor was American royalty, the richest man in the world at the time.
Being that historical fiction is my go to genre to read I devoured this. Historical fiction is fascinating because you learn so much from . A well researched book with many details such as this one is just what I am looking for.
This took place in a different time that most of us can not even comprehend. The gilded era, where opulence ruled. I did a little research on the characters myself and saw pictures of the inside of the New York mansion. Nothing was ordinary believe me. It's such a shame it was torn down and not preserved.
A scandal develops when ultra wealthy Jack Astor who is in his 40's courts and marries a teenager.
She came from money so she was used to having high expectations of herself but nothing like she was thrust into after marrying a man three decades older than herself.
This joyful union was not to last as a tragedy upon the Titanic takes his life during the honeymoon.
A haunting love story that will be remembered long after it's read!
Pub Date 31 Aug 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
October 10, 2022
Sometimes I don't get all the ARCs I really want to read on NetGalley, thankfully Kindle unlimited has this historical fiction up for grabs. Our main protagonist is the youthful Madeline Force, a young Manhattanite who catches the eye of Colonel John Jacob Astor, the richest man in America. Through a series of letters and flashbacks, Madeline recounts for their son, Jack, the couple's courtship and their last days together on the Titanic.
As interested as I was in the novel, I knew very little of this couple besides the fact that they were on the Titanic. I must confess to enjoying it immensely and while I did get to know "the second Mrs. Astor" the Astor family themselves definitely did not get as much limelight as I anticipated. Aside from my personal quibble, it certainly was a solid historical fiction. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to others.
Goodreads review published 10/10/22
P.S. I have created a new folder in my library called " NETGALLEY REJECTS THAT I STILL READ."
As interested as I was in the novel, I knew very little of this couple besides the fact that they were on the Titanic. I must confess to enjoying it immensely and while I did get to know "the second Mrs. Astor" the Astor family themselves definitely did not get as much limelight as I anticipated. Aside from my personal quibble, it certainly was a solid historical fiction. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to others.
Goodreads review published 10/10/22
P.S. I have created a new folder in my library called " NETGALLEY REJECTS THAT I STILL READ."
August 1, 2022
I knew very little about Madeleine Force Astor before I read this book. Basically all I knew was that her husband, John Jacob Astor, probably the wealthiest man on the planet at the time, died on the Titanic, and she survived.
This is a very romanticized version of their lives. How they met when she was 17 and he was in his 40s and divorced; all the social mores of the upper upper class; how they married soon after she turned 18; how they went on an extended honeymoon abroad, partially to avoid the censure of their social class and the hounding by the press; and how they were to sail home on the Titanic. As the story draws closer to April 15, 1912, you want to scream at them “Don’t get on that ship!” But alas, nothing can stop the inevitable.
The story is told from two perspectives: Madeleine as she is relating her history with John Jacob Astor to her newborn son, a few months after the Titanic disaster; and an omniscient narrator who gives a more impersonal, factual perspective. It is interesting how the two perspectives coincide and diverge at times. I wouldn’t say that Madeleine’s perspective is ever wrong, since we all own our own perspectives, but she is obviously too close to the subject matter to be objective. And why should she be?
The book is very well written and moves along at a good pace. I would have liked to know more about her life after the trauma of the Titanic. After all, she was only 18 when she married and was widowed within a few months, and she was then one of the wealthiest women in the world (with a stepson who allegedly blamed her for his father’s death and a stepdaughter she only met at her husband’s funeral.)
For everyone who thinks that time period sounds so lovely here’s a reality check: women played tennis in long dresses with corsets and gloves…in the heat. They wore woolen neck to ankle “swimming costumes” to go swimming…sounds refreshing, no?There was no air conditioning; there was feces and urine in the streets; women were basically the property of their fathers or their husbands; there were social rules that governed their lives and the society of the upper crust could be brutal in its condemnation of any one who stepped outside the social conventions of the times. (After their marriage, the Astors were snubbed by their social peers because of his divorce and remarriage and her age…though many of the mothers would have loved for their daughters to marry him because of his astounding wealth.)
That said, this book was a compulsive read, and I definitely recommend it. And now I want to watch “Titanic” again!
This is a very romanticized version of their lives. How they met when she was 17 and he was in his 40s and divorced; all the social mores of the upper upper class; how they married soon after she turned 18; how they went on an extended honeymoon abroad, partially to avoid the censure of their social class and the hounding by the press; and how they were to sail home on the Titanic. As the story draws closer to April 15, 1912, you want to scream at them “Don’t get on that ship!” But alas, nothing can stop the inevitable.
The story is told from two perspectives: Madeleine as she is relating her history with John Jacob Astor to her newborn son, a few months after the Titanic disaster; and an omniscient narrator who gives a more impersonal, factual perspective. It is interesting how the two perspectives coincide and diverge at times. I wouldn’t say that Madeleine’s perspective is ever wrong, since we all own our own perspectives, but she is obviously too close to the subject matter to be objective. And why should she be?
The book is very well written and moves along at a good pace. I would have liked to know more about her life after the trauma of the Titanic. After all, she was only 18 when she married and was widowed within a few months, and she was then one of the wealthiest women in the world (with a stepson who allegedly blamed her for his father’s death and a stepdaughter she only met at her husband’s funeral.)
For everyone who thinks that time period sounds so lovely here’s a reality check: women played tennis in long dresses with corsets and gloves…in the heat. They wore woolen neck to ankle “swimming costumes” to go swimming…sounds refreshing, no?There was no air conditioning; there was feces and urine in the streets; women were basically the property of their fathers or their husbands; there were social rules that governed their lives and the society of the upper crust could be brutal in its condemnation of any one who stepped outside the social conventions of the times. (After their marriage, the Astors were snubbed by their social peers because of his divorce and remarriage and her age…though many of the mothers would have loved for their daughters to marry him because of his astounding wealth.)
That said, this book was a compulsive read, and I definitely recommend it. And now I want to watch “Titanic” again!
April 19, 2022
Oh my heart 😭 This book was so beautifully written. The journey I went on while read this book—what a ride of beautiful highs and heartbreaking lows.
I’m not an emotional reader. I don’t believe I’ve ever cried when reading a book. But this one—I’ll admit, it brought me close to tears. It made me feel so deeply on so many levels.
This book is inspiring, raw, honest, tender, touching, crushing, and a million other adjectives. It’s a must read. A five star read.
“The nature of hope is curious to me. It can sustain us through the darkest of times. It can buoy us above every reasonable expectation of despair. Yet hope can shatter us just as readily as the darkness can. People refer to it as false hope, but I think that’s misleading, because the feeling itself is painfully true. It is a treacherous hope, more precisely. A dangerous one.”
☆☆☆☆☆
Content warning: a few mentions of the d*** word, but no other profanity beyond that.
I’m not an emotional reader. I don’t believe I’ve ever cried when reading a book. But this one—I’ll admit, it brought me close to tears. It made me feel so deeply on so many levels.
This book is inspiring, raw, honest, tender, touching, crushing, and a million other adjectives. It’s a must read. A five star read.
“The nature of hope is curious to me. It can sustain us through the darkest of times. It can buoy us above every reasonable expectation of despair. Yet hope can shatter us just as readily as the darkness can. People refer to it as false hope, but I think that’s misleading, because the feeling itself is painfully true. It is a treacherous hope, more precisely. A dangerous one.”
☆☆☆☆☆
Content warning: a few mentions of the d*** word, but no other profanity beyond that.
March 15, 2021
The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe is an excellent historical fiction novel that tells of the short, but passionate (and famous) relationship and marriage of Madeleine Force and John Jacob Astor.
I really loved this book. I am a huge fan of anything Titanic, as long as it is done tastefully. I already knew quite a bit about the controversial second marriage of Astor and his young, teenage wife, so I was curious to learn more about their relationship in this fictional narrative. Ms. Abe did a fabulous job bringing to life Ms. Madeleine Force and shedding light on her star-crossed pairing with “Jack” Astor. I was able to follow along to see where she came from, a bit of what her personality was like, and how she met and married Jack. I then was able to travel along with them as they were passengers on the ill-fated Titanic, permanently ending their partnership and future together.
It was heartbreaking to see how Madeleine lost so much, her life changing before it had really ever begun. Still a teenager, pregnant, and now forced into a very devastating situation with a left-over family by law that were not the picture of nurturing to say the least. I felt sympathy and sorrow for her and the child she would bring into this world. I love how the author was able to paint her realistically. She was imperfect, flawed, and had her weaknesses as much as the next person, but one has to remember how sheltered and young she was during all of this. Anyone would have difficulty responding. I think she was stronger and braver then she realized, because she had to be...for her and for her child.
This was a fabulous story, sad in places yes, but ultimately the story of a survivor...and survive she did.
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and Kensington for this amazing arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
I really loved this book. I am a huge fan of anything Titanic, as long as it is done tastefully. I already knew quite a bit about the controversial second marriage of Astor and his young, teenage wife, so I was curious to learn more about their relationship in this fictional narrative. Ms. Abe did a fabulous job bringing to life Ms. Madeleine Force and shedding light on her star-crossed pairing with “Jack” Astor. I was able to follow along to see where she came from, a bit of what her personality was like, and how she met and married Jack. I then was able to travel along with them as they were passengers on the ill-fated Titanic, permanently ending their partnership and future together.
It was heartbreaking to see how Madeleine lost so much, her life changing before it had really ever begun. Still a teenager, pregnant, and now forced into a very devastating situation with a left-over family by law that were not the picture of nurturing to say the least. I felt sympathy and sorrow for her and the child she would bring into this world. I love how the author was able to paint her realistically. She was imperfect, flawed, and had her weaknesses as much as the next person, but one has to remember how sheltered and young she was during all of this. Anyone would have difficulty responding. I think she was stronger and braver then she realized, because she had to be...for her and for her child.
This was a fabulous story, sad in places yes, but ultimately the story of a survivor...and survive she did.
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and Kensington for this amazing arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
October 30, 2022
This is one of those novels you know is going to be sad but you want to read it anyway. The writing in this general market novel is just gorgeous, and of course the topic in the subhead is endlessly fascinating. But don't be deceived--the entire story isn't just about the Titanic. It's the love story of John Jacob Astor and his second (very young) wife Madeleine. We get to know them from the first moment of their courtship through to the aftermath of the sinking ship. And I will say that this couple's story was far, far more satisfying than Jack and Rose's (from the film Titanic). There were several times where I really could have cried. But it was never melodramatic. It was the small details, the subtle touches, in fact, that brought me to tears.
The language was so lovely that I put myself at risk on the treadmill to highlight lines while jogging. (I'm not coordianted. I really shouldn't do that.) I loved the Author's Note, as well, and really admire the author's research. I'll be looking for more to read from her for sure.
The language was so lovely that I put myself at risk on the treadmill to highlight lines while jogging. (I'm not coordianted. I really shouldn't do that.) I loved the Author's Note, as well, and really admire the author's research. I'll be looking for more to read from her for sure.
February 6, 2024
If you are a Titanic enthusiast, I highly recommend it. If you love historical fiction, I highly recommend it. This was a lady with a backbone, before ladies were allowed to have one. She faced many hardships and challenges, with dignity and grace and determination.
October 10, 2021
Not being a fan of romance novels I should not have liked this one, but I did. Perhaps because it is about real people and the writing is truly haunting.
As the author notes there are few known facts about Madeleine Talmage Force but she has managed to create a fascinating love story for Madeleine and the well-to-do John Jacob (Jack) Astor.
Because Astor was twenty-nine years older than the eighteen year old Madeleine, and a divorced man at that, their courtship and marriage was cause for much unkind and unpleasant speculation. At least that much is fact.
Shana Abé’s novel paints a beautiful romance and love story that ended sadly and much too soon with the sinking of the Titanic on which the couple were bound for New York at the end of their honeymoon, with Madeleine carrying their first child.
The book begins as Madeleine is writing down her love story with Jack so that their son (unborn before Jack’s death on the Titanic in 1912) will know about his father and their love for each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
As the author notes there are few known facts about Madeleine Talmage Force but she has managed to create a fascinating love story for Madeleine and the well-to-do John Jacob (Jack) Astor.
Because Astor was twenty-nine years older than the eighteen year old Madeleine, and a divorced man at that, their courtship and marriage was cause for much unkind and unpleasant speculation. At least that much is fact.
Shana Abé’s novel paints a beautiful romance and love story that ended sadly and much too soon with the sinking of the Titanic on which the couple were bound for New York at the end of their honeymoon, with Madeleine carrying their first child.
The book begins as Madeleine is writing down her love story with Jack so that their son (unborn before Jack’s death on the Titanic in 1912) will know about his father and their love for each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
November 23, 2021
For a book that has the Astors, touched a little on Gilded Age society and had the Titanic, three things I usually love reading about, this book was quite the bore.
There's nothing particularly wrong with this story, but nothing exciting happens. You don't really feel the things that happen in this book, they're all just told to us.
The courtship of John Jacob Astor and Madeleine Force is so....blah. Their small wedding and their trip through Egypt felt lifeless; almost like reading a textbook biography of their lives.
The reason I love Historical Fiction is the added excitement of the 'Fiction' part. The story is based loosely on actual events and people, but the good parts are the fiction parts, and that's where the excitement is.
While the writing was perfectly fine here, I feel like there was very little drama to keep me engaged. It took me 9 days to read this book. NINE days to read a 350-page book. I got to the point where I dreaded picking this up because it was just so boring. Even when they finally got on the Titanic! Booooored.
Overall, while this didn't do it for me, I don't discourage anyone from reading this. If you love the Titanic, the Astors, or the time period, then give it a shot. A lot of other people here really enjoyed this, so this may be a case of 'right book at the wrong time' for me, but I just couldn't get into this.
There's nothing particularly wrong with this story, but nothing exciting happens. You don't really feel the things that happen in this book, they're all just told to us.
The courtship of John Jacob Astor and Madeleine Force is so....blah. Their small wedding and their trip through Egypt felt lifeless; almost like reading a textbook biography of their lives.
The reason I love Historical Fiction is the added excitement of the 'Fiction' part. The story is based loosely on actual events and people, but the good parts are the fiction parts, and that's where the excitement is.
While the writing was perfectly fine here, I feel like there was very little drama to keep me engaged. It took me 9 days to read this book. NINE days to read a 350-page book. I got to the point where I dreaded picking this up because it was just so boring. Even when they finally got on the Titanic! Booooored.
Overall, while this didn't do it for me, I don't discourage anyone from reading this. If you love the Titanic, the Astors, or the time period, then give it a shot. A lot of other people here really enjoyed this, so this may be a case of 'right book at the wrong time' for me, but I just couldn't get into this.
December 12, 2021
Once again I judged a book by it's cover and I definitely was not disappointed. As I listened to the story on audible I fell in love with the characters, the narrator and everything about the book. In the middle of the story I decided to research the book and it was then I found out the book was about the Astor's who were aboard the Titanic. I learned so much about their lives and the sinking of the Titanic. A great love story yet a horrible death. The author did an amazing job on this book and she could not have enlisted a better narrator.
Totally enjoyed the story and highly recommend the audiobook!!
It is books like this that keeps me Reading❤
Totally enjoyed the story and highly recommend the audiobook!!
It is books like this that keeps me Reading❤
April 21, 2022
First of all, EWWWW. I couldn't get past the fact that a 40 year old man was courting a 17 year old girl....that's high school age! I know attitudes were different in the early 1900's but it grossed me out and i wasn't able to connect to JJ at all. He seemed like a perv to me. Secondly, this book was 70% about the courtship and "love story" between JJ and his childbride. I was hoping for way more titanic history but that part was a meager 15-20%. The last 10% is grief focused. The audio was average, nothing special. Not a historical fiction I'd recommend.
February 22, 2024
Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this book about the romance of young Madeleine Force to John Jacob “Jack” Astor. He is much older, recently divorced, and considered the highest ranks of American “royalty”. He is smitten by her, and she is equally enamored. Their romance is sweet and genuine, and he is concerned for her age. He’s unprepared though for how society will shun their union. The public though is relentless and they are followed incessantly by reporters and photographers.
Despite this, they are very much in love and set off for a fateful trip to Egypt. Madeleine discovers she is pregnant and they are overjoyed. Through circumstances they end up on the Titanic to return home.
The book is written as a memoir to her newborn son, as a story of his father and their time together. I found it very interesting, even knowing basically what was going to happen from the summary. Now it makes me interested to find out more about her later life and her son. Also interesting to read about other people on board (and on their Egypt trip), like Margaret Brown.
Despite this, they are very much in love and set off for a fateful trip to Egypt. Madeleine discovers she is pregnant and they are overjoyed. Through circumstances they end up on the Titanic to return home.
The book is written as a memoir to her newborn son, as a story of his father and their time together. I found it very interesting, even knowing basically what was going to happen from the summary. Now it makes me interested to find out more about her later life and her son. Also interesting to read about other people on board (and on their Egypt trip), like Margaret Brown.
January 11, 2022
I hesitated to read this at first, but when I saw it was about the Titanic, I decided to give it a try. The writing style is a bit flowery for the first half, but overall the story is well written. It was interesting to learn about John Jacob and Madeleine Astor. I didn't realize their every move had been scrutinized by the press. The section on the sinking of the Titanic had me riveted to the book and I couldn't put it down. An enjoyable and well researched novel.
September 13, 2021
Such a beautiful book. Meticulously researched and exquisitely detailed, "The Second Mrs. Astor" is wonderful historical fiction, but it is also a lush, consuming romance. 'A love story for the ages', as they say. Madeleine Force has no idea what she is getting herself into when she allows the charming, powerful, and wealthy-beyond-imagination Jack Astor into her heart, but she couldn't have stopped herself if she tried. She's loved him all her life, and he cannot imagine how he lived before he met her. Ms Abé has captured the magic and reality of true love in her words, and I wished it would never end. But of course this isn't just about a love story. There's so much more. Madeleine is like the Princess Di of her generation - not with her husband, but with the media - and even when the unthinkable happens - the unsinkable happens - she must face the hordes again. I loved the story, but especially the telling of it.
February 8, 2022
DNF at 20%
This book was sooooo drawn out! Literally nothing happened. How am I supposed to believe these two fell in love when all he did in the first 20% of the book was speak a handful of sentences to her and send flowers daily? And why are people asking her already if she is ready to say yes if he asks her to marry him? I know its a different time period but gosh if I had to pick a husband just from the flowers he sent me....
Also why did he go after her? She was 17! And he was 46! Gross! (And yes I'm aware this is based on 2 real people) What could they have in common!?! He was just looking for a pretty young thing apparently.
I dont recommend. Unless you need something to fall asleep to.
This book was sooooo drawn out! Literally nothing happened. How am I supposed to believe these two fell in love when all he did in the first 20% of the book was speak a handful of sentences to her and send flowers daily? And why are people asking her already if she is ready to say yes if he asks her to marry him? I know its a different time period but gosh if I had to pick a husband just from the flowers he sent me....
Also why did he go after her? She was 17! And he was 46! Gross! (And yes I'm aware this is based on 2 real people) What could they have in common!?! He was just looking for a pretty young thing apparently.
I dont recommend. Unless you need something to fall asleep to.
October 7, 2021
The story told in Madeleine words to her unborn son John Jacob Astor VI of how she loved his father John Jacob Astor IV, their honeymoon in Egypt and their trip home on the Titanic and how heroic his father was to help women and children in the life rafts.
I really enjoyed this book.
Thanks to Kensington books for this copy.
I really enjoyed this book.
Thanks to Kensington books for this copy.
July 5, 2021
This book was a pleasure to read! Shana Abe’s lush descriptions transported me back in time to the opulent world of John J. Astor and his second wife Madeleine Force. Their tender romance drew me in right away. Ms. Abe’s thorough research and eye for detail are evident throughout the novel, but particularly in her depiction of the Titanic and its tragic end. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and anyone with an interest in the Titanic.
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