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

It Just Got Boring

I really like historical fiction, and also love all things Titanic, but this book just got boring. Nothing tied me to either character, the story line was too drawn out, and the narrator was just ok.

Audio level not professional for Audible

I loved the story as I love history and this book was excellent. The performer was young but maybe the yelling of Leta at the beginning of the story was her fault but I feel that the director of sound should have been aware of the loudness which made this listener have to adjust the sound level. This was not the only episode… I had to turn the audio up or down throughout… especially with Margaret Brown’s voice toward the end of the performance. So very disappointing for Audible! Please, some of us are blind so we love to listen to our entertainment…and some of us a bit deaf . Please remember those facts.

beautiful love story

well written well spoken beautiful love story with a tragic ending heartbreaking but that young woman handled it so well with complete decorum and respect excellent job

The Second Mrs Astor

Interesting historical story about John Astor and the Titanic. I looked forward to each chapter. Recommend this book.

Fascinating

I have always loved reading about the gilded age. I know this is fiction but, it well written and rich in detail. I can only imagine how horrifying the sinking of the Titanic was and then to live on without your loved one.