Book Review & Excerpt: Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic

Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic

(Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency series, #4)

written by Iain Reading

320 pages // published in 2014 // young adult fiction



My Review...




If you're looking for a thrilling tale of hidden treasure, secret codes, and... sure, jet-skiing down River Thames! -- then you need to read this book.

Kitty Hawk is continuing her big journey across the world and, somehow, a treasure hunt is simply dropped in her lap. Who wouldn't want a cool experience like that? (This is the 4th volume of the Kitty Hawk series, but it reads just fine as a standalone book, if you haven't read the other books yet.) She's a confident young woman (well, she's still a teen -- with a lot of spirit!), who's not afraid to get into scrapes -- except, of course, when she's worried that police in a foreign country might be after her...

"That's quite a story," Ellie said, somehow managing to look impressed and puzzled at the same time. "Stolen paintings, Jack the Ripper, Sherlock Holmes, the Titanic -- it's got it all."
-- Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic

This has to be my favorite installment in the Kitty Hawk series yet. It covered so many topics I love or that intrigued me, and which I'm sure will be highly interesting to most other readers... Kitty visits London, England, and Dublin, Ireland to track down a priceless bounty that has been in hiding since 1912 -- back when the RMS Titanic sank to the bottom of the Atlantic. I can't imagine how the author did it all, but he even included Egyptian history and hieroglyphs into the mystery, and then added the serial killer, Jack the Ripper -- just for good effect, I'm sure! It's a lot to pack into one novel, but Iain Reading does it well. I even feel like I can sort of "read" a tiny smidgen of Egyptian hieroglyphs now. Like, what?!

Titanic buffs, like myself, will be thrilled to know that the descendants of First Officer Murdoch and J. Bruce Ismay not only make appearances, but are integrated deeply into the plot. Way cool. The author incorporated so many fun historical details about the Titanic in this one, and I loved it.

NOTE to the discerning reader & parents: I wanted to express a couple things about the content. Some minor language is used throughout the book. Also, the word "prostitute" shows up several times, at least 30+ (the word is used often when the characters are discussing the story of Jack the Ripper, and his lady victims). And also, just for reference, a man briefly disguises himself as a woman.

"...I've chased my share of so-called treasures, and I've realized that the real treasures in life are moments like tonight and all the adventures that brought us here. Those are the things that make life unusual and special."
-- Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic

Wise words, indeed, Miss Kitty Hawk.

I don't know how the next books in the series could top this one, but I'll be excited to read them, nonetheless.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the free review copy.




P.S. Like and vote for this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

About the Author:

Iain Reading is passionate about Root Beer, music, and writing. He is Canadian, but currently resides in the Netherlands working for the United Nations.

Iain has published 5 books in the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency Series (Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold, Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway's Ghost, Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue, Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic), and Kitty Hawk and the Mystery of the Masterpieces. For more information, go to http://www.kittyhawkworld.com/.

Iain is also the author of The Wizards of Waterfire Series. The first book in the series The Guild of the Wizards of Waterfire was published in April 2014. Also check out one of Iain's newest books, The Dragon of the Month Club, published December 2013.

Connect with Iain on Twitter and Goodreads.

Excerpt from Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic:

I found myself surrounded by an all-consuming blackness so thick that it felt as though I could touch it. It was such a deep inky blackness that it made me realize that even when we think we’re in complete and utter darkness, there is almost always light emanating from somewhere: light in the hallway sneaking under the doorway, perhaps, or the light of the stars on a moonless night in the wilderness. But this inky blackness wasn’t like that at all. It was so dark, as the saying goes, that I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face. It was so intense and absolute that the longer I stood there, the more I felt it seeping into my pores.

To make matters worse, it was also cold—bitterly cold. And while I stood there waiting, I was forced to pull my jacket more tightly around me in a vain attempt to protect myself from the freezing air. Just a few days earlier, I’d been in the tropics, wearing shorts and sandals and suffering in the oppressive, sweltering heat of equatorial Africa. But now I’d returned to the colder climate of Ireland by backtracking north on commercial airliners along the path I’d already taken across Europe and Africa.

Six months earlier, I’d filled out an entry form on a whim, and that’s how I found myself standing there on that cold December morning, but I wasn’t alone. Surrounding me on all sides were others waiting with me for the sunrise. I could feel their presence somehow, and I could hear them breathing the icy air. They were even close enough for me to feel their warmth, but in the invisible blackness, they might as well have been a million miles away. I felt isolated and alone as though I were a lost soul floating aimlessly through the universe.

I looked up at the ceiling. I couldn’t see a thing in the darkness, but I knew it was up there—the writing that we’d discovered so many months ago—the final clue that had unlocked the secret to everything.

I had to remind myself that I was supposed to be looking down, not up, so I peered down toward my feet where at any moment the light of the rising sun would begin to carve its way across the floor of the chamber.

Just imagine being in this place so many thousands of years ago when it was first built, I thought to myself in wonder as I stared blindly into the black. Far underground, cold and frightened, and probably wondering if the sun would ever rise again, but they knew it would. That’s why they built this place. And with the rising sun their world would be reborn.

My breath caught suddenly in my throat as I thought I caught a glimpse of light in motion in the endless dark. Was it the first rays of the sun breaking over the distant horizon? Or was it just a trick of my imagination?

The seconds passed, and my eyes detected a flicker of light in the gloom as the curtain of darkness slowly lifted from my eyes. Seconds turned into minutes, and I stared in utter amazement as a thin rapier of pure liquid light knifed its way across the stone floor and poured a golden heavenly luminescence into the crowded chamber, filling it with light and warmth.

My mouth was hanging open in complete astonishment at the sheer and absolute beauty of it. I glanced around me and saw that the others were every bit as breathless as I was. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

It was numinous.

It was sublime.

But in truth there were absolutely no words to describe it, and yet my mind raced to find some linguist hook upon which I could anchor the experience and never forget it, not that I ever would. I would remember it for the rest of my days.

As the heavenly fire continued to fill every nook and cranny of the underground chamber, I couldn’t resist lifting my head again to look at the ceiling. Somehow, I just had to be sure that the writing was still there, and of course it –was; it had been there for many, many years before I ever laid eyes on it, and it would remain there for many years more, perhaps for all eternity. But I just had to know for sure, so for a quick moment I tore my eyes away from the radiant beam of light splitting the floor and glanced upward. It took a moment to orient myself and find it again, but there it was, waiting to be found again.

So many months and a thousand memories had passed since I’d last been inside this underground temple of light, and yet it felt like yesterday.

With a lump growing in my throat and tears of emotion in my eyes, I lowered my gaze and watched the dagger of light slowly recede across the floor. Before I knew it, and as mysteriously as it had arrived, the beam soon retreated up the tunnel and out into the reborn world outside, plunging our underground world into the same thick and utter blackness from which we’d just emerged.

And then there was silence. A silence so complete that not a single one of us dared to breathe. For a moment, I was a lost soul again, set adrift in the universe and floating on the memory of the adventures that had led me to this place so many months before.

RMS Lusitania, 100 Years later

If you've followed my blog for very long, you might know that I do enjoy learning about historical and maritime events. Studying about the Titanic has been the biggest research project I've shared about on the blog. Several other historical events intrigue me, but the Titanic still fascinates me, perhaps because of all the mysteries that we'll never solve about the ocean liner's ill-fated maiden voyage.

There's another ship I've become quite interested in learning more about -- the RMS Lusitania. Many differences exist between it and the Titanic, but with several similarities at the same time. Both were huge ships in their day -- in fact, each briefly held the title as "world's largest passenger ship" at some point -- until they each sunk. The British ocean liner Lusitania wrecked not because of an iceberg, but because she was shot at by a German U-boat during World War I -- a true war crime. 1,198 passengers and crew went down with Lusitania (slightly less lives than the 1,500+ on Titanic).



The Lusitania was torpedoed and sunk 3 years after Titanic.

May 7, 1915.

100 years ago today.

In honor of this being the century anniversary, I'm sharing a poem I discovered a while back in a delightfully-old hardbound book entitled A Treasury of War Poetry. The following poem is called 'The Passengers of a Retarded Submersible'.

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
What was it kept you so long, brave German submersible?
We have been very anxious lest matters had not gone well
With you and the precious cargo of your country's drugs and dyes.
But here you are at last, and the sight is good for our eyes,
Glad to welcome you up and out of the caves of the sea,
And ready for sale or barter, whatever your will may be.

THE CAPTAIN OF THE SUBMERSIBLE
Oh, do not be impatient, good friends of this neutral land,
That we have been so tardy in reaching your eager strand.
We were stopped by a curious chance just off the Irish coast,
Where the mightiest wreck ever was lay crowded with a host
Of the dead that went down with her; and some prayed us to bring them here
That they might be at home with their brothers and sisters dear.
We Germans have tender hearts, and it grieved us sore to say
We were not a passenger ship, and to most we must answer nay,
But if from among their hundreds they could somehow a half-score choose
We thought we could manage to bring them, and we would not refuse.
They chose, and the women and children that are greeting you here are those
Ghosts of the women and children that the rest of the hundred chose.

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
What guff are you giving us, Captain? We are able to tell, we hope,
A dozen ghosts, when we see them, apart from a periscope.
Come, come, get down to business! For time is money, you know,
And you must make up in both to us for having been so slow.
Better tell this story of yours to the submarines, for we
Know there was no such wreck, and none of your spookery.

THE GHOSTS OF THE LUSITANIA WOMEN AND CHILDREN
Oh, kind kin of our murderers, take us back when you sail away;
Our own kin have forgotten us. O Captain, do not stay!
But hasten, Captain, hasten: The wreck that lies under the sea
Shall be ever the home for us this land can never be.

For another excellent poem on the sinking of the Lusitania, read The Lusitania by John Weber.

To read an interesting account of the shipwreck, read the newly-posted BBC News article Remembering the Lusitania: One passenger's remarkable story of survival.

Book Series Review: Return to Titanic

Return to Titanic (Series)
#1 Time Voyage, #2 Stowaways, #3 An Unsinkable Ship, #4 Overboard

written by Steve Brezenoff

4-book series, children's fiction
published in 2012

My Review...

Return to Titanic is a set of 4 books about a couple of modern-day 14-year-old kids who are whisked back through time to experience the Titanic's first -- and only -- voyage.

After reading just the first book, I was most definitely "on board" with the plot Brezenoff created! He has interwoven the important facts of the RMS Titanic into a relatable story that kids today will understand and relate to... and they'll even enjoy learning about history this way. In a similar way to the popular Magic Tree House series, two friends, Tucker and Maya, are in a museum warehouse in 2012 one minute... and open their eyes in 1912 the next.

In Book #1, Time Voyage, Tucker and Maya arrive on board Titanic, interact with other passengers and learn true facts about the giant ship... even meeting important people who were aboard. The element of time travel used in the book will intrigue young readers, and they'll be gaining historical knowledge without even realizing it.

Book #2, Stowaways, picks up where the first left off... the 2nd day of Spring Break. All Maya and Tucker want to do is get the chance to visit the Titanic again. I enjoyed how Book #2 shows young readers how large the ship really was, by telling of Maya and Tucker's adventure on board. It also accurately captures the essence of 1912 finery and fashion, and then comparing it to how the 3rd-class passengers were poorly treated and restricted. The author did such a good job with this series by showcasing some of the important historical figures concerning the Titanic's story.

In Book #3, An Unsinkable Ship, Tucker and Maya, the two brave friends, want to visit the sinking ship again, in an effort to save the life of their new friend, Liam, whose family is aboard. Along the way, readers will learn more details about the interesting history of the giant ship, including some of the famous passengers aboard, like the millionaire John Jacob Astor and his wife. Particulars about the segregation of different classes of passengers are revealed too.

Book #4, Overboard, This last book chronicled the actual sinking of the ship well. So many accurate facts were included about the lifeboats, rescue and the final disembarkation. I love the futuristic twist these books have, because the modern-day kids go back in time 100 years to the time of Titanic's maiden voyage (I think this is what really sells the history to youngsters).

Steve Brezenoff has written a great account of the epic shipwreck, fitting in lots of details that young readers will latch onto and remember about the RMS Titanic. Overall, a very cool book series that kids will enjoy learning from (whether they realize it or not!).

The series is written for a 3rd grade reading level, although slightly older readers would probably enjoy breezing through the series too (like myself, obviously). Each book is only about 100 pages long. Little children could easily enjoy this as a read-aloud with parents too, because there are so many pages with cool illustrations to look at. The artwork certainly added some great features to the story.

Recommended for ages 8-11.

These books are a good read, packed with fun facts! Definitely a great series!

Book Review: Eyewitness to Titanic

Eyewitness to Titanic
From Building the Great Ship to the Search for Its Watery Grave

written by Terri Dougherty, Sean Price, Sean McCollum

162 pages, non-fiction (ages 10 & up)
published in 2015

To start this review off -- I've read a lot of books about the RMS Titanic (as readers of my blog already know) and I have personally learned much about its history. So going into this particular book, I wasn't exactly sure how "Eyewitness to Titanic" could be much different, but I have to say... it is UNIQUE in its own way, and I truly enjoyed it.

Here's the deal: This books offers tidbits of information on everything there is to know about the ill-fated ship, RMS Titanic. How does this differ from other non-fiction Titanic titles on the market? Most other books may center on only one of the topics touched in "Eyewitness". For example, one book may focus only on the history behind the ship, while another book may tell about the passengers' lives, the crew, or Dr. Ballard's discovery of the shipwreck. (I know this, because I've personally read all those individual types of books.) But instead of reading 4+ different books to get the overall facts about Titanic... READ THIS ONE FIRST. It's an excellent starting place, and it makes for light reading material. Or try it out even if you are already familiar with the Titanic, because it might bring out a few impressive points you hadn't heard of yet -- as it did for me!

"Eyewitness to Titanic" is perfect for both children and adults. It covers the most basic information you need to know, and serves it to you in an easy-to-read manner. You won't drown in a sea of words in this book (AKA, plenty of pictures and visual content). After reading it, (if you have an inquisitive mind like my own!) you'll want to graduate into the bigger, in-depth books to find out the details behind your favorite part of the story. Perhaps you'll be more drawn to the building process, the iceberg, the aftermath of the tragedy, or the hunt for the wreck decades later. Regardless, it's all in there, ready for you to explore.

What I love: All 162 pages feature good information and fascinating facts. There are dozens of photos and illustrations to really set the scene and help the reader dive into the Titanic and her history. In addition, there are plenty of charts, lists, short quotes, quick facts and other types of content to keep one interested. Not only will you learn about the history of the ship, the architecture, and building process, you'll also have a chance to meet passengers aboard the ship and come in contact with the personal side of the disaster too.



Keep in mind, April is always an excellent month to read a book on the Titanic to commemorate the anniversary, since the tragedy happened on April 14-15. 2015 marks the 103rd anniversary since the fatal disaster.

The bottom-line: This is the perfect starter guide for a person with an interest in learning about The Unsinkable Ship, or as a refresher course for someone who already has been studying the Titanic. Since the book is packed with so many morsels of history, it's worth an occasional perusal after the initial reading too.

Thanks to NetGalley and Capstone Young Readers for the free ebook.





P.S. See this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

Book Review: Sally's Movie Diary

Sally's Movie Diary

written by Catherine Harriott

112 pages, children's fiction
published in 2014

"Sally's Movie Diary" is the brand new companion book to Catherine Harriott's "Missing in Time" (see my review).

Summary: In "Missing in Time", Sally Soforth happened to fall backwards in time, to 1912. While she was trapped as a housemaid over a century ago, she made a new friend -- a boy named Adrian Merryweather. They got along well, although, due to their time difference, Adrian couldn't always comprehend Sally's comments about the films she enjoyed so much.

In this new book, Sally pens down her thoughts on movies, since she wants Adrian to learn more about the fantastic world of cinematography. Reviewing some of her own favorites, Sally covers quite a variety, from black-and-white classics to modern-made movies (the perfect kind of selection for my taste). I'm not saying that I would watch all of the movies included, but it was fun to read about them in a diary/story format.

Within each chapter, you're not just reading a girl's point-of-view about movies, but you're learning interesting tidbits and behind-the-scenes facts (things that will make you look cool when you tell other people about the movie!). Some of my favorite diary entries were about "The Wizard of Oz", "Mary Poppins", and "Up". I became interested in other films Sally talked about like "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" and "The Secret of Roan Inish". I'm sure you'll find some "new" movies to interest you when reading the diary.

Overall, this is a great book, and makes for a fun read -- especially if you're interested in getting the scoop on the magic of the cinema.

So happy to have been a beta reader for this book!

Sally's Movie Diary is now available on Amazon.com as an e-book, which can be read on a Kindle, computer, iPad, etc. *Currently available for FREE!

Favorite Finds #42

I have some Favorite Finds to share with you this week. It's always nice to find random articles online that are worth reading...




Titanic offices to be re-opened
{Telegraph}


10 Places to Download AudioBooks for FREE
{Bookly Books}


Grefrairs Bobby statue is retouched
{Tartan Footprint}


A Letter to the Child Me;
How A Princess Can Become A Missionary
{Inspiring Daring}


Antiques collector finds camera once owned
by officer on doomed Titanic
{Examiner}

Favorite Finds #40

Giveaway: 'Tea Time' necklace
{Pixel Berry Pie Designs}


As I Have Loved You
{Let My Life Be a Light}


Drawn by a China Moon (Free ebook)
{Dave & Neta Jackson}


A Book by It's Cover
{Alainn}


Idea
{Rhapsody in Pink}

Sharing Our Bookshelves {May 2013}

I'm looking forward to this month's edition of Sharing Our Bookshelves! The linky is now open, so come add links to any of your bookish blog posts. It's already time to start thinking about summer reading plans. Do you have any specific books to tackle over the summer?

I have a few things in mind that I plan to read, but I'm especially excited about once again hosting the Louisa May Alcott reading challenge again. Any takers? Check back later this month for more details. :-)

Now then! On to my favorite books that I read last month:

The Discovery of the Titanic by Dr. Robert D. Ballard
{my review}


The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
{my review}



{Click here for the button code.}

In the meantime, link up your bookish blog posts!

Book Review: Promise Me This

Promise Me This

written by Cathy Gohlke

416 pages
published in 2012
adult fiction

This novel has such depth, that I was genuinely amazed at each new twist introduced throughout the chapters.

The plot begins in 1912, with two sides of the story. There is Michael, an Irish boy in England, having to deal with an uncle who mistreats him severely. Finding a need to escape from his gutter-rat life, he becomes a stowaway in hopes of finding a new life in America. On the other side of the story, there are the Hargraves, a well-to-do family consisting of a scheming, depraved aunt, and her niece and nephew. Her nephew Owen, now becoming a young man, feels the desire to leave and start a safe life for himself and his sister before it's too late to depart from his aunt's house.

Owen and Michael both find refuge and a place to stash their dreams... on the R.M.S. Titanic. With hopes of creating something better for themselves, each is sailing to America. After the unforeseen, historically epic shipwreck shatters everything they had planned, the hopeful dreams dissolve into the ocean. But a promise is made.

One thing I really enjoy about this book is that it spans across a series of years. The story doesn't end when Titanic does, but it goes on, stretching into World War I. Annie, Owen's sister, takes up an important role in the war effort, becoming a nurse. The vivid descriptions of nurses, and the scenes they had to face every single day throughout that entire war---just horrid. Yet they pushed forward and became stronger women for it. I also enjoyed learning about gardens, roses, and landscaping, as these subjects becoming a recurring theme in the novel. It provided life in the center of a war where no life remained.

In the midst of all the years, a new love blooms, reaching from one side of the ocean to the other. It happens so tenderly, in a way almost imperceptible, but without this romance, much would be lost from the overall story.

The Christian themes running throughout were also quite pleasurable. Just the simple act of hearing the characters pray to God or offer their thanks to Him added extra emotion that can really tug on your heartstrings. Sometimes it is only with God that a person's true feelings emerge.

I personally savored this book, and it was well worth the read! I'm looking forward to reading more by Cathy Gohlke.



~*~I'm linking up to Book Review Wednesdays on Cym Lowell's blog!

Win 'Dangerous Waters, An Adventure on Titanic'

It was brought to my attention by Miss J.G. that Titanic-Titanic.com is giving away a copy of a book that I personally enjoyed last year.

Win a copy of Dangerous Waters, An Adventure on Titanic by Gregory Mone.

Click here to enter the contest!
(Entry deadline is March 29th)

You just have to answer the Titanic trivia question that is asked on the entry page. (Psssttt... You can easily find the answer in my Titanic posts from last year if you need to.)

Favorite Finds #38

Here's a few articles on the web that interested me lately. So, I thought I'd share these with you for today's edition of Favorite Finds.


Gibson Edwardian Shoes Giveaway
{American Duchess}

Win a pair of lovely "Gibson" Edwardian-style shoes!

Billionaire’s plan for Titanic II
{The Spec}

An actual replica of the Titanic is going to be built! Maiden voyage in 2016.

Free audio download of God's Smuggler
{Christian Audio}

Only free until the end of February.

Announcing.... A Writing Contest
{Noveltea}

Arthur Conan Doyle's house put up for sale
{BBC News}

All I can say about this story is... fascinating!

New blog that looks promising
{Young Christian Writers}

My favorite books in 2012

It has been a wonderful year of reading for me. What about you?

The first few months of the year were taken up with Titanic research for the 100th anniversary, afterwhich I drifted into some classic literature lasting throughout the summertime. Then I really started tackling some of the extra books that I had been stocking up on (including the e-books!)... and I had a very satisfying year filled with great stories, wisdom, and learning.




Here are my top 10 favorite reads from 2012 (in no particular order):


The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom
The biography of Corrie ten Boom's life during World War II is amazing. So much is packed into this profound book! A very inspirational story that everyone should read.
{See my full review.}

A Night to Remember by Walter Lord
Tells about the sinking of the Titanic, as seen and quoted by the surviving passengers. It is interesting to read the different points of view the passengers had, sometimes with their stories contradicting each other.

The Night Lives On by Walter Lord
This book has so many details about the Titanic packed into it, that it's hard to believe one author wrote it all! The entire story of the ship, her passengers, survivors... everything you wish to know on the subject is found in this book.

In His Steps by Charles Sheldon
One of those rare inspirational stories with so many moral lessons in it which you'll remember for a lifetime. Through this fictional story, these words of wisdom shine forth: "What would Jesus do?" This question becomes both a thinking pattern and a lifestyle for all to learn.

Running for My Life by Lopez Lomong
The wonderful, inspirational, true story of an African boy who faced many challenges. If it hadn't been for the deaths occurring around him, the hot, dry land that Sudan is made of, and the deep poverty of his people, he wouldn't have made it to the Olympic Games as a triumphant athlete.

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
This is David Copperfield's story---from childhood to adulthood. Barely a chapter passed by that I didn't laugh at a scene, or a particular sentence, or even a certain word, the way Dickens wedged it in there. If you're looking for a work of classic literature that has some humor in it... read David Copperfield!

A Shepherd Looks at the Good Shepherd by Phillip Keller
After reading this book, I understand now, more than ever, exactly what it takes to be a shepherd of sheep. And, in turn, exactly what our Shepherd does for His sheep, and how much He loves us. An excellent read!

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen
A beautiful story that takes place in England during the 1800's. My favorite parts pertain to the medical side of the story, like the natural medicines with Latin names that Lilly prepares in her father's apothecary. Overall, quite charming!

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Miss Alcott's writings always evoke such a timeless charm. I also wanted to include Little Men and Jo's Boys in my top 10 list this year, but felt it would take up to many spots. Nonetheless, each of these books are a favorite of mine!

A Christmas Home by Greg Kincaid
The third installment of Kincaid's series about the McCray family. Another beautifully-written Christmas story! I so enjoy taking in the elements that these books offer... dogs, country life, farms, a small town... growing and enduring as a family.


What books did you enjoy this past year?

Favorite Finds #36

Here's a few links I've enjoyed recently, and you may like too:


Exciting Announcements
{Pixel Berry Pie Designs}

Come read my most recent post with updates about what is coming soon!

Written for Our Learning
{Life of a Stay At Home Daughter}

Flat-Bread Pencil Case
{Drool'd}

The Crystal Snowstorm
{Bethlehem Books}

Free ebook of the month.

Women and Children First
{Joyful Jewels for Jesus}

A fictional essay about the Titanic.

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!