A Crown of Stars - by Shana Abe

Book Synopsis

A sumptuously vivid and poignant account of the Lusitania's fateful last days, drawn from the true story of an extraordinary young actress who survived the unthinkable--for fans of Marie Benedict, Louis Bayard, Fiona Davis, Kate Quinn, and HBO's The Gilded Age.

In turn of the century England, the Jolivet family lives a charmed existence. Daughter of a wealthy vineyard owner and a French pianist, vivacious Marguerite, the eldest of three, loves spinning stories and entertaining her family's well-connected friends. No one is surprised when she announces, at 18, that she intends to become an actress. Her sister, Inez, a virtuosa violinist, moves to London with her. Soon the two beauties are being celebrated in the highest social circles.

Marguerite takes the stage name Rita, and quickly draws the attention of legendary theater producer Charles Frohman. From the West End to Broadway, and then in the new medium of silent film, Rita is known for her "sultry eyes, her mystic smile," and her star burns brighter with every role. While filming in Italy, she's courted by a charismatic aristocrat and Rita feels on the verge of a life even better than her dreams. Inez, meanwhile, has already found love, and travels the world with her adored husband.
Yet soon, war is raging across Europe. Rita, in New York for the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's The Unafraid, receives word from Inez that their brother is about to enlist. Hoping to see him before he departs, Rita books a ticket on the fastest steamer available: the RMS Lusitania. But the ship sails under a British flag, and the German government warns that all such vessels are fair game. Few believe Germany would risk attacking a ship carrying Americans, certainly not one as swift and imposing as the Lusy.

Once aboard, Rita is delighted to discover both Charles and her brother-in-law as fellow passengers.The days pass in a haze of parties and pleasurable pursuits, and the comforts of the luxury ocean liner are almost enough to calm Rita's ripples of unease. But as the ship nears Liverpool, every assumption will be tested, and Rita, her family, and the world, will be changed forever by the voyage's infamous and catastrophic end . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for Shana Abé

"This is an interesting examination of a lesser-known figure from the Gilded Age, one whose story extends beyond the confines of late-19th-century New York...This story of one woman's ascent offers a fascinating look at the choices she made to become a Gilded Age titan." --Kirkus Reviews on An American Beauty

"Abé is an exquisite storyteller." --Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace on An American Beauty

"Historical fiction at its finest...with deep character perspective...engaging and intricate detail...passages [that] are brilliantly written and both gut-wrenching and heart-breaking to read." --The Florida Times-Union on The Second Mrs. Astor

"An unexpectedly affecting interpretation." --The Toronto Star on The Second Mrs. Astor

"An engaging tale. Abé richly describes the scenery. Everything is opulent, decadent, rich. We're taken from the shores of Maine to bustling New York City, Egypt, and eventually, aboard the Titanic where their romance meets a tragic end in the icy waters. As the story crescendos to that fateful night, readers will remain captivated by both the imagery and the plot... This is more than another tale about the Titanic, it's a love story, a drama, and a fine historical novel. Recommended." --Historical Novels Review on The Second Mrs. Astor

"One of the most beautifully written books I've ever had the pleasure to read. You'll find yourself glued to every page, falling in love with this dazzling couple, and despite knowing better, hoping against hope that they avoid the tragedy that awaits them on the ill-fated Titanic. A gorgeous, phenomenal novel I won't soon forget." --Ellen Marie Wiseman New York Times bestselling Author of The Orphan Collector on The Second Mrs. Astor

"A touching, compelling, and haunting love story that will delight fans of historical fiction and enthrall those of us for whom the Titanic will always fascinate." --Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of When We Were Young and Brave on The Second Mrs. Astor

"A harrowing and yet ultimately hopeful tale of survival and courage, fate and love, and the ultimate question of who do we become after great loss. The Second Mrs. Astor is historical fiction at its gripping and irresistible best." --Patti Callahan, New York Times bestselling author of Surviving Savannah and Becoming Mrs. Lewis on The Second Mrs. Astor

About the Author

Shana Abé is the award-winning, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including The Second Mrs. Astor and An American Beauty. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and currently lives in the mountains of Colorado. Visit her online at ShanaAbe.com.