Review with Giveaway: Queen of the Waves

Title: Queen of the Waves
Author: Janice Thompson
Series: American Tapestries

Summary: When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much-anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime—a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there’s a catch: she must assume Jacqueline’s identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women’s lives are forever changed.

My Thoughts: Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson, while centered on the Titanic, is really more a story about love – God’s love – than a story about the tragedy. Unlike other Titanic-centered books I’ve read, this one doesn’t wax poetic about the ship. Yes, the beauty and opulence are mentioned, but never once does it seem the author is in love with the vessel. It was actually kind of nice. Another nice thing is that, while there is tragedy inherent in any story about Titanic, this novel isn’t just one huge, depressing tragedy. There is love and hope, too.

The characters are interesting people. Jacqueline isn’t as prominent in this story as I’d expected her to be; this is more Tessa’s story. It was very hard to feel bad for Jacqueline, despite the possibility of being forced into a marriage she didn’t want. Tessa was easy to feel for. Poor thing. Her story is sad and infuriating all at once. Onboard Titanic, she makes friends with some Christians. She’s understandably wary of this God they’re talking about. Her father is a man who would physically abuse her – in the name of God! Thankfully, she’s able to see God’s love through her new friends and recognize that her father’s actions were not of God.

I really liked Nathan, although I couldn’t stand his mother at all. It’s clear his father had a much bigger role in shaping him into the man we see him as in this book. I found it hard to believe he didn’t see through Tessa’s charade early on. He dismisses it as her being “new money,” but I don’t know. I suppose one could write it off as him being blinded by his attraction. Speaking of which, it’s definitely not the focus of the book. It’s a nice thread throughout the book, but not the central focus.

I liked how the book ended up, but really can’t say more beyond that without spoiling it. Suffice it to say that I was satisfied with how everything turned out.

Source: Received as part of a blog tour promotion on Litfuse Publicity Group. Find more tour stops on the page HERE.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

About the Author: Award-winning author Janice Thompson, who also writes under the name Janice Hanna, has published nearly eighty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more.

She formerly served as vice president of the Christian Authors Network and was named the 2008 Mentor of the Year by the American Christian Fiction Writers.

Thompson lives in Spring, Texas, near her four grown daughters and young grandchildren. She leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends and two mischievous dachshunds.

Readers can keep up with Janice Thompson by visiting janiceathompson.com, becoming a fan on Facebook or following her Twitter.

Find out more about Janice at http://janicethompson.com.

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*** WIN A KINDLE FIRE ***

Celebrate with Janice by entering to win a Kindle Fire!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Where the Trail Ends by Melanie Dobson
• Queen of the Waves by Janice Thompson

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 17th. Winner will be announced at the American Tapestries Author Chat Facebook Party on 10/18. Connect with authors Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson for an evening of book chat, trivia and fun! There will also be gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Queen of the Waves and Where the Trail Ends and join Janice Thompson and Melanie Dobson on the evening of the October 18th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

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FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own. Any exceptions to this are clearly noted in the appropriate posts.

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