The Second Mrs. Astor

By: Shana Abe

Narrated by: Lauren Ezzo

Madeleine Talmage Force is just 17 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. Despite their 29-year age difference and the scandal of Jack's recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong into love - and becomes the press' favorite target.

On their extended honeymoon in Egypt, the newlyweds finally find a measure of peace away 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....

©2021 Five Rabbits, Inc. (P)2021 Tantor

will I be able to finish this?

*audible* This is a great story, if you can get past the narrator who alternately whispers and yells. Have your volume dial handy and be ready to use it a LOT. So annoying while driving, it's really a shame.

Better than the movie Titanic

The movie Titanic would have been better if it was based on this book. It was interesting to follow the love story of the famous, real-life Titanic couple from its beginning to tragic end. The narrator did an AMAZING job. While reading the book, I enjoyed looking up pictures from that time period like when they met after her tennis match, taking a stroll with their dog “Kitty,” and other portraits of them. Historical novels are so fun and this story was well written.

Etiquette and true love

I loved this book about the wealthy in The early 1910’s. So Interesting that a young girl Was so drawn to an older man in his 50’s. No one ever let her forget the difference. She did the best she could.

A trip with the Astors

loved this story ! Easy to be back in history with Jack and Maddie.

characters we longed to know brought to life

what art in this book! it is such a challenge to keep the story suspenseful after the climax, but this author succeeds. if you love the gilded age, if you love romance, this is your book.