Book Review: Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal

Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal

written by Kathleen Kovach & Paula Moldenhauer

260 pages
published in 2012

In April 2012, Ember Keaton-Jones's life is interrupted by the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking. She is a real estate agent in Portland, with the climax of success just on the horizon. Suddenly, a family mystery concerning the Titanic breezes in. She has the choice to leave her sublime life behind to take an offhand chance at the fortune that the secret from the Titanic might be able to give her, or simply discard and ignore this untrodden revelation which is a century old. {I was immediately engaged in the basic plot of this book, if you can imagine.}

In addition to the modern events taking place in Ember's life, the story is also revealed from the point of view of Olive Stanford, a (fictional) First Class passenger aboard the Titanic. She took a riveting secret with her to the grave, which affected not just her own self, but also a family she didn't even know. Olive did leave one pathway open for someone to find out her personal story---specifically about the impulsive decision that she made in the middle of the ocean. A decision that would ultimately define at least 100 years of discord.

We both knew I would get what I wanted, no matter how unconventional. An incredulous flicker passed through Mr. Williams’s controlled features. The slightest rise of my left eyebrow squelched his resistance. With a deposit of cash, a signature, and a shake of the lawyer’s hand, the deed was done.

I left his office leaning hard upon my favorite cane, the one topped with the silver bird whose wings stretch forth.

I, too, make ready for flight.
— Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal

The writing style intrigues me. Every word, whether of dialogue or describing a scene, means something. The history embedded into the story is wholly accurate and well-researched. I don't think there is any plot spoiler here, in saying that the Titanic's story is told in full detail---and I felt that I should mention that the part chronicling the actual sinking is written considerably well. It turned out to be my favorite part of the book, even if I've read about that one pivotal moment from so many other tellings.

"Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal" is written and recommended for adults. There is a bit of romance intertwined into the plot. One thing I don't care for is the strain that is vividly shown between Ember's character and her mother's. Aside from than that, I found the book to be quite agreeable.

The book is written by 2 authors living in Colorado: Kathleen Kovach and Paula Moldenhauer. Both are Christian women, and Mrs. Moldenhauer is a homeschool mom, which I found rather interesting. Together, in addition to writing this book, they also maintain a website, where I have enjoyed reading all the Titanic tidbits and such! www.titaniclegacyofbetrayal.com

If I may say just one more thing about the book in its entirety, it is that looking in retrospect, I found the plot to be altogether set up in twists, so that I never even anticipated the culminating conclusion until it played out in the final chapters. Overall, a positively appealing read! Especially recommended for Titanic enthusiasts.

We entered the Titanic by the Grand Staircase. The large glass domes built over it allowed a bath of natural light. The glow of sunshine danced upon the gilt bronze garlands and illuminated the intricate carvings in the polished oak. I brushed a hand across the leg of a cherub on the middle railing. The stairs were aptly named. Grand indeed.
— Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal

Paperback or e-book?
The paperback version of this book is available from both Amazon and CreateSpace. Or you can get it in electronic format for B&N Nook or Amazon Kindle.

Favorite Finds #35

Giveaway: Strawberry polymer clay buttons
{Pixel Berry Pie Designs}

1 winner will recieve a set of these lovely handcrafted strawberry buttons from Dolly Madison Designs!

Beatitudes for Homemakers
{Raising Homemakers}

Blessed is she whose daily tasks are a work of love....

Ballad: Women and Children First
{Andrew Romanowitz}

While in the deep, Titanic lies immersed, But times and seas can never drown the glory Of those who died for "Women and children first!"

21 Great Ways To Cut Kid Clutter
{Babble}

Fun-looking, innovative storage ideas.

For Texas and Freedom
{Bethlehem Books}

Free ebook download of the month.

London Olympics: A Report
{Design Mom}

This family actually was visiting London during the Olympics!

{The End} of the Louisa May Alcott Challenge

"Let my name stand among those who are willing to bear ridicule and reproach for the truth's sake, and so earn some right to rejoice when the victory is won."
— Louisa May Alcott

It is over. The Louisa May Alcott reading challenge is over, my friends!
(Or, at least, today is the last day of the challenge, but if you're still reading books for your goal, then you get to enjoy her beautiful writings for a little bit longer.)

I'm terribly excited for everyone that accompanied me in this literary venture to explore and be charmed by Miss Alcott's writings. I had been planning for months to read the Little Women trilogy, and simply couldn't wait for the extra time I would have in the summer to read the books. My happiness only increased knowing that other girls would be enjoying the same author with me.

To finish off this reading challenge, I would love it if the participants would write up a post to tell what you accomplished reading for the LMA challenge, and perhaps any other thoughts you may have regarding Miss Alcott or her writings! Make sure to link up your post below and visit the other blogs on the list.


My personal conclusion: I immensely enjoyed the 3 LMA books that I buried myself in (Little Women, Little Men, & Jo's Boys). Each individual book has its own delightfulness which is so interesting to read. With each story, new characters were introduced and some taken away. Watching all their lives unfold, develop, and come together as a clan of characters generally do, it was all quite heartwarming. To think it all started with only 4 little March women? All I can say is, I cannot wait for the next time I read a Louisa May Alcott book.

My fellow book-readers, what is your say at the end of this challenge?

I'm leaving the linky open for a few extra days, so that any and all of you can add your final posts. Thank you so much for joining in this summer!!

Sharing Our Bookshelves {August 2012}

Welcome! It's time for the August book link-up. As always, can't wait to see all your bookish posts this month!

I also wanted to throw in a reminder that we're in the last week of the Louisa May Alcott reading challenge! It ends on August 10th, and I hope to be seeing what everyone accomplished for the challenge. Anytime you're ready, you can link up your final thoughts on LMA books on the reading challenge linky.