First sentence: The letter from America changed all our lives. The postman presented it to me with great ritual, as if it were a fine jewel. In his memory, he said, no one in my small village of Kilcross, in County Donegal, at the northwest tip of Ireland, had ever received such a thing, nor had he himself ever delivered anything so rare. After he pedaled away from our cottage whistling, I stood at the door holding the envelope, with its bright ribbon of stamps, in my hands like a colorful bird.

My thoughts (part 1): I know it is out of character to begin a review with my thoughts, BUT, I think it's unavoidable in this case.

The issues I had/have with The Titanic Sisters are not exclusive to The Titanic Sisters. This isn't the first nor will it be the last historical romance featuring some of my biggest pet peeves.

Characters acting with little to no motivation--just one note characters that are conveniently one note to get the story from point A to point B. If you are going to go down the THIS STORY MUST HAVE VILLAIN(S) TO GET IN THE WAY OF TRUE LOVE'S PATH do readers a favor and at least make them complex enough to be believable humans. Give them a believable, understandable motivation rooted in human nature and not convenience to where you want your plot to go.

Historical romance writers would have us readers believe that 98% of all courtships include kidnapping or attempted kidnapping. Why? I don't know. (The other 2% would not include kidnapping but would include a fire.) Unless the villain doing the kidnapping has been well-developed and the whole story from start to finish has been building up to this one climax--and it is a natural, organic part of the story--then why throw in a situation of "danger" that everyone can spot from space essentially that it exists just to manipulate the couple into declaring their feelings for one another.

That is all.

Premise/plot: The Titanic Sisters star Delia and Nora Sweeney. These two sisters--who do NOT get along not even slightly--set sail on the Titanic in April 1912. These Irish passengers are third class, I believe, but both happen to snag seats on two different lifeboats. Delia sees Nora fall from the lifeboat into the sea, and she's unable to find her aboard the rescue ship, she fears that Nora's death is almost certainly a fact. Delia decides that since Nora won't be going to be a governess at the O'Hanlon house, she might as well go in her place and use her sister's name. Though this is more impulse than a well thought out scheme.

Nora, meanwhile, who did not die, has amnesia until she doesn't.... Happy endings seem unlikely for both sisters... it seems there's an evil force determined to keep throwing obstacle after obstacle after obstacle in their paths keeping the two from knowing fairy tale bliss.

My thoughts (part 2): Readers expecting the novel to focus on the Titanic experience will likely be disappointed. I found it was a rush to get to the Titanic, a rush to get to the sinking, a rush to get to New York. (It was like when Simmers play The Sims on triple speed and are only interrupted by pop-up prompts.) I could easily forgive a story for not being all about the setting or giving me a feel or experience...if the characters felt truly human and complex. So my number one issue with the book has nothing to do with setting. (Though I do wonder about her descriptions of Texas as well.)

Nora was unlikeable. There I said it. Though I would--if I had to choose--pick the new Nora over the old. That bump on the head and time spent unconcious in the ocean did her character a favor? Or maybe it was the weeks not knowing who she was and what her own personality was that improved it? But since half the book was spent with Nora narrating--it wasn't a joy to read.

Delia, our other narrator, I am much more neutral about. Though I didn't necessarily find her believable. At least we always understand Delia's motivations--if Delia acts readers know why. Even if readers don't think she's making the best decisions. This isn't the case with any other character in the book. This is understandable when Nora has amnesia and she truly doesn't know why she's making some decisions over others and is all out of sorts. (Though I'm not sure this excuses all of Nora's poor decisions. For the record I am NOT saying that it was her fault what happened to her at the ball. I am NOT saying that--would never, ever, ever say that. But when she saw HIM behave that way towards a CAT...let's just say that she should have had common sense to see he wasn't boyfriend material.)

The romance between Delia and Aidan O'Hanlan...I didn't find Aidan a well-developed character...but I could see why he was written in a way to make Delia go all weak in the knees and swoon. I thought Lily, his daughter, was much better developed. In fact, I'm going to go ahead and say it, Lily was the best character in the whole book.

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Spoilers ahead



I guess I am angriest at the inclusion of Mrs. Shaw. Mrs. Shaw exists solely to give Nora a safe place to recuperate and regain her memories. The author obviously didn't want Nora staying there and being safe and loved and isolated from the rest of the plot, so she killed off Mrs. Shaw. Why not have Mrs. Shaw tell Nora that she would always be welcome, but she should go seek out her sister and/or go back to her very worried parents? I just found it awfully convenient that Mrs. Shaw died ON HER WAY TO THE BANK when she was going to give Nora a large sum of money to live on IN CASE SHE DIED. Since her ONE-NOTE-EVIL nephew was due to inherit the property and would have control over what happened to her estate/property/money I almost expected her death to be foul play. But the author didn't go there--missed opportunity??? Maybe. (This was the one-note-evil man who attacked Nora at a ball and attempted to rape her. The same man with gambling problems.)

I was really enjoying the character of Mrs. Shaw she was a great influence on Nora. It seemed the more I as a reader liked a character...the more likely it was that the author would turn on the character to remove him/her from the center of the plot.

Dom was another character. He was also on board the Titanic, also third class or steerage, also miraculously survived and made it to New York. He exists solely to be a SYMPATHETIC, COMFORT and FRIEND to both Nora and Delia. But whenever the plot looks like it could veer towards Dom actually actually being more than a minor-minor-side character, the author intervenes to remind readers that nope, he's just an extra. There were moments when I was shipping Dom and Delia together....and moments when I was shipping Dom and Nora together.

One character that irritated me a bit more than she probably should have is Mayflower. She is a friend to Delia in Texas. Her husband works closely with Aidan. She knows KNOWS that Aidan is dead-set against Lily and Delia going to Shotgun City because it is too dangerous and it isn't safe for women or children. The men are too wild and dangerous. Yet when she hears that Aidan is going to be out of town, she drives Lily and Delia to Shotgun City--as a surprise--and then SURPRISE, SUPRISE they get caught there and Lily has gone MISSING. Because both women decided it would be PERFECTLY SAFE for a young girl to GO WONDERING ON HER OWN. I think into a restaurant? Mayflower actually tries to talk Delia into letting the girl be independent???? Anyway, Delia ends up FIRED because of this episode. And Mayflower's intent supposedly was what exactly???? Here she has been trying to play matchmaker and manipulate them to be together????? And we're supposed to intelligently believe that May's intent was to bring these two together? By getting him angry enough to fire her???? It just defies logic why would Mayflower--or any person ever--ever think this was a good thing????

Another character that infuriated me was James Sullivan. This angry-beyond-all-reason-obviously-one-note-villain is not developed enough to have a motivation for being BADDY BAD VILLIAN EXTRAORDINAIRE. So supposedly he's so angry that his daughter, Mary, died that he's determined to spend his whole life making his son-in-law's life hell on earth????? Explain to me how Texas is to blame for her catching a fever and dying? As if you couldn't catch a fever--or die of a fever, a disease, something--anywhere else on planet Earth? As if New York was the healthiest place and the only cause for death was old age??? And what BADDY BAD EXTRAORDINAIRE would be complete without telling readers his whole plot beforehand???

The book was predictable in places--but I never fault romances for being predictable.

Famine and poverty grip Ireland in 1912. Many families do not have much extra. This book follows one such family in a story of love and hate, fear and courage, growth and redemption. Beautifully written, we see humanity throughout, both cruelty and tenderness. Books like this which don't gloss over hardships appeal to me.

The girls' nasty mother dotes on Nora and spoils her while she leaves out Delia and actively despises her. Nora learns to look down on her sister. However, Delia cherishes the special love of her quiet father.

Both girls snap up the opportunity to leave poverty and circumstances so travel by the Titanic to New York to work in different homes. Nora has drowned after the Titanic strikes an iceberg so Delia, after a bit of confusion, takes her sister's place as governess in a wealthy home. Her character grows and matures and she is smitten with her charge, a little girl.

Delia follows her employer to Texas.
Many, many twists ensue as you can imagine. Throughout is a lot of lying, deceit and guilt but along with life lessons come love and hope.

This wonderful Historical Fiction is riveting with both likable and detestable characters. One minute was warm, the next frustrating but that's how life really is. Those who aren't searching for a book of filler and fluff will appreciate this. It's not a crushing read. The time period elements, vocabulary and descriptions are lovely.

My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this delightful book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.

Great book, i was hooked from the start and i can see this being made in a Tv series rather than a film. I look forward to reading more by the Author.

I haven't read many fiction books of this era or pertaining to the Titanic. I like that this story didn't end after the Titanic sank, as seems to be the more popular option. Falvey's latest was enjoyable, but somewhat predictable, especially the ending. I did enjoy the fact that there was drama and mystery.

I received a copy of The Titanic Sisters through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Loving all things Titanic, I was excited to read this book.

Delia and Nora's story was interesting and we'll written. Well researched and full of unexpected twists.

I received a copy of The Titanic Sisters through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Titanic Sisters is a historical fiction novel about two sisters from Ireland, Delia and Nora, who get the chance to set out on Titanic to start new lives in America. The Titanic sinking leaves Delia thinking that Nora has perished and Nora left with no memory of her time before the sinking. Delia steps in and takes the position awaiting Nora in New York and Nora is taken in by a Good Samaritan until she can recollect her memory. After many twists and turns, the two sisters are finally reconnected in the end.

I have always been interested in the Titanic and the stories of the passengers on board so when I found this book I knew it was right up my alley. This was a well written and interesting take on how the Titanic sinking could have affected two sisters on board. I really enjoyed reading The Titanic Sisters and was intrigued by the way their lives after the Titanic tied together. At times some of the characters annoyed me, especially Delia and Nora’s mother, but all in all I found this to be an enjoyable read with just the right amount of Titanic!

i loved this book. After reading everything Titantic i found this a refreshing read.
it tells the story of two sisters Nora & Delia who live in the same house but are two different personalities.
Delia's mother barely tolerates her but dotes on Nora. They get a letter from America and the two sisters head onto the Titanic for her maiden voyage to work in America.
I recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Patricia Falvey.

Two sisters from Ireland board the Titanic for America where they have secured jobs as a governess and house maid. The tragic of the Titanic changes their plans, with one sister assuming the identity of the other, who she thought had been lost a sea. Through a series of events the sister reunite and become closer than they ever were. A nice story, well written, with a plot that seems a bit stretched at times.

As a big fan of the titanic and during this era, I was very eager to read this novel.
Thanks netgallery for allowing me this chance to preview this book.

It was nice to take this from the point of the ship and onwards as most novels I find about the titanic end rather quickly after the sinking.

In this novel we have two sisters Delia and Nora heading to New York for a new life, In the chaos that happens after the sinking, Delia isn’t able to locate her sister Nora and the novel sets off from there, and you read all the trails they face. The ending was nice but not surprising. And although I liked the book I’m unsure if I would personally buy it as it seems the format is rather overdone. Which is a shame as it had a great deal of potential.

Thank you for allowing me to read this and give my honest opinion.

Nora and Delia are leaving Ireland to try to make a life in New York. They are excited and happy to be boarding the Titanic, the "unsinkable ship" to get there.
As sister's two girls could not have been so different. They were at polar opposites on the scales. Nora, being older, was bossy and mean to her younger sister. She was encouraged to be so by their mother. Delia was quiet and reserved. Smart in school. She was tiny and delicate almost sickly looking.
Aboard the Titanic the girls part ways after finding their room in third class. Nora goes out to join in the festivities while Nora stays in and reads a book.
When Nora hears and feels jarring and scraping on the side of the ship, a premonition sends her to grabbing their identity papers, the bit of money they have and going in search of her sister.
This is an interesting and intriguing read. A story of kindness, love , forgiveness and survival! Excellent!

The adventure offered by the Titanic is always one I enjoy. When sisters Delia and Nora head for New York, they have no idea of the journey ahead. In the chaos that follows the sinking, Delia survives but is unable to find Nora.

I enjoyed the book, but feel like the plot line is overdone... I hoped for something new, or a new take on an old tale. In the end, it was good but not spectacular.

Thank you for allowing me to read this and give my honest opinion.

Titanic sisters is the story about Delia and Nora Sweeny and their exciting journey to America or so it was supposed to be.. Delia was hated by her sister Nora and her Mother since Nora is the favorite and Delia is the bookworm. They get a letter for a family looking for a governess for their silent daughter. The obvious choice is Nora not the bookworm Delia. Delia wanting to escape from the contanst put downs from her Mom. Her father gets her a job in New York as a maid. So her sister and Nora go on the infamous ship titanic on their jobs to NEW YORK.

Instead of Nora traveling first class she has to go to steerage with her sister in the titanic. When almost at New York the titanic meets its fate, In its icy cold waters. They both escape to New York, Delia is marked as Survivor she can't find her sister. There interwoven fates for trying to find themselves who they are their bonds. Each other, who comes into their life and leaves. Is important on their journey after and before leaving Ireland. One considered a nobody, one considered perfect, your world changes, adapt or survive.Do they find each other, after seeing the nightmares of boats leaving half empty?

This Arc was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

As if writing about the Titanic isn't dramatic enough, the theft of identities certainly adds on more drama, especially where two sisters are involved. This is the foundation and there is much more to the novel...revenge, intrigue and a passport into the past. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I admit making any book with the word "Titanic" in the title goes onto my reading shelf as quickly as I can add it. I was hoping this one was mainly about the sinking, and as first I was disappointed that the sinking took place rather quickly at the beginning of the book. My disappointment soon vanished as I got into the storyline and realized this was a tale of sisters whose parents treated them differently and therefore the girls were jealous and hated one another. The sinking of the ship may have saved so much about their lives. I hesitate to tell you more because the surprise was nice, so what I will tell you is this a book of guilt, love, jealousy, hate, and redemption. What hit this Titanic lover as a dud at the beginning turned into a very nice, entertaining read. I did end up enjoying the characters I should have liked and loathing the ones I was supposed to hate.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the transformation of Nora. Delia was my favorite of the two. Well written
, possibly a predictable premise, but enjoyable read.

Delia and Nora are escaping their poverty stricken lives in Ireland for a new life in New York. And their voyage will take place on the beautiful and much lauded new ship, Titanic. Nora will become a governess for a wealthy family, while Delia will earn her keep as a housemaid. But when fate intervenes and the Titanic collides with an iceberg, Delia is the sister who survives. Delia has the chance to step into her sisters shoes, taking her place as governess for a little girl with a father that Delia finds herself falling for. But can a relationship built on lies survive, or is their love affair as doomed as the Titanic?

This book is already out bc I didn't realize it was a reprint but I will be honest and say that I love this cover so much better! This cover related to the story that's inside this book so much better!
In all honesty I love anything Titanic! For some reason that ship fascinates me along her passengers.
My heart went out to the younger sister because of the way her mother treated her. Reminds me so much of my husband's mother favoring one child over another. It isn't right!
Imagine Nora's surprise lol! I think it teaches her a lesson about life and learning to appreciate what's in front of her all along!
Sometimes it takes a weird sort of turn or fate in life to happen so that we can appreciate what we have.
I felt sorry for all of those passengers that lost their lives. I couldn't imagine being a survivor and having to live with that tragedy for the rest of your life could you? Over 1500 souls Iost their lives that night
I've often wondered how the survivors coped knowing that their fellow passengers didn't make it. I know I would feel guilty. Why did God spare certain ones?
I didn't mind reading this book again. I loved it the first time I read it.
I really appreciate Patricia bringing Titanic's story to life along with Nora and her sister. She has done a fabulous job!
Sort of like a Cinderella retelling in my opinion. It still good regardless!
I sped through this book because it was so good! I finished it in a couple of hours. I was sad to say goodbye at the end.
Fair warning: this book will make you cry if you don't already know Titanic's story. Even though I do, I still cry.
I highly recommend this book. Let me tell you, it will leave you thinking about this book long after the story is over.
I believe that Titanic has taught us a valuable lesson. May we never forget her.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

This was a wonderful book that ultimately was about character growth, forgiveness and the bonds between sisters despite their many differences.

After traveling to America on the Titanic, sisters Nora and Delia go through own way after the sinking, with Delia assuming Nora’s identity and becoming the governess Nora was meant to be. Nora sustained injuries during the sinking and doesn’t remember who she is. As Nora remembers who she is and as Delia’s cover gets blown, that’s when the story really comes into its own. Delia and Nora each start to assess themselves and what they really want in their lives. Nora and Delia both do some hurtful things but when they’re reunited, it was lovely.

While the Titanic is actually a fairly small part of the story, to anyone who wants a completely accurate portrayal of life on board the ship and r ents that occurred during and after the sinking...there’s definitely some inaccuracies. But if you want to read a book that’s focused on character development, this is a great book!

*Disclaimer* I have received this book free of charge for the sole purpose of writing a book review. I received the book through NetGallery.com direct from the publisher.



When I first looked at the title - I THOUGHT I knew how the book was going to go: Two Sisters board The Titanic - one doesn’t make it, the other assumes her identity.....and that DOES how it seems to start...



Two Sisters - Delia & Nora live in the small town of Donegal, Ireland. The book begins in the year of 1911 where you meet these two women - who couldn’t be more different if they tried. Delia loves the land and her “Da” (Father) and had a very difficult relationship with her “Ma” (Mother) - Delia was a twin and her bother died at birth and Ma believes that Delia is a changing (a fairy baby) and treats her very badly - you wouldn’t even believe she was her daughter if it didn’t specifically say so in the book. Nora, the older sister is DOTED on by Ma - only the finest of everything will do. Here is the “2020 Breakdown” - Nora is part of the Popular Crowd, while Delia is part of the Loser Crowd.

At the beginning of the book , a letter arrives for Ma from America - which is a VERY big deal. The letter states that a cousin has passed away leaving behind a husband and young daughter. The husband is looking for a Governess for the young girl. (A Governess is like a Nanny) Ma is ECSTATIC - the gentleman has sent a ticket for first class passage the following April onboard the Titanic. Ma of course puts Nora ahead of Delia, even though of the two sisters, Nora has problems with school work and Delia is the more scholarly of the two due to her time spent in books. Delia leaves the home and goes to the fields, where Da finds her and asks if she wants to go to America. Of course she tells him yes and he contacts the local Parish Father who finds her work as a servant at a home in America in New York City, and then sells the first class ticket for two tickets in steerage. This INFURIATES Ma and Nora who think that Delia is trying to sabotage this opportunity For Nora.

Finally the time to board the Titanic has arrived. Delia and Nora board The Titanic where they both are headed to start new lives. Nora - who will live in luxury and Delia - who will become a servant. (But really, for Delia, isn’t it the same as being at home, just a different atmosphere?)

Their journey is easy, up until that fateful last day.

Nora has many admirers on the ship, including one of the First Class Stewards who takes Nora up to have breakfast on the first class deck before anyone else really is awake. She then goes back down to lay in her room . Delia hears a strange noice, and all at once Robert (the First Class Steward) is there with lifejackets and is ushering them up to the lifeboats - telling them there isn’t enough to save everyone and to get into one now! Nora rushes off with Robert while Delia has the presence of self to grab her small bag that has their identity papers along with some money in it.



So here is where the sisters end up separating in the story.



It seems that Fate is trying to help Delia and correct the wrong that was made. (Because really, Delia should have been the first thought for Governess, not Nora)

After a series of events, Nora is presumed dead and Delia is taken aboard The Carpathia. A Kindly steward tells her to tell the man when leaving that she was in second class so that she didn't’ have to stay longer on the ship. She by-passes the sign that has her name on it, instead going to tell Nora’s employer of her demise, but says that SHE is Nora.

Unknown to Delia, Nora IS saved, however she is injured and she has no memory of who she is/was/family, etc... AKA - She has Amnesia along with her mind blocking out the terror of the events that happened with the sinking of The Titanic.

While Delia is settling into the life that was not supposed to be hers, (or really, was it??) Nora is dealing with no memory but learning so much, thanks to her rescuer, Mrs. Shaw. Mrs. Shaw is a widow who has taken Nora on as her current cause, and Nora starts to learn that there is more in the universe and world than herself.

The situation takes a turn when Delia is found NOT to be Nora and Nora makes the decision to go to Ireland.

Delia ends up staying on as Lily’s Governess ONLY because Lily speaks! (She has been mute since the death of her mother) and heads to Texas where the family has a home due to being in the Oil Business.

Nora has returned home to Ireland where she is welcomed by her Da and Ma, and Ma has 5000+ questions for her.

After awhile, Nora goes back to New York in search of her sister, when she is recruited by Lily’s Grandfather in a huge oil scheme.



Want to find out how it ends?? You will have to read the book!!



The book releases on January 26th, 2021!

The Titanic Sisters by Patricia Falvey is a great historical fiction that tells the story of two sisters that traveled from rural Donegal aboard the ill-fated steamer, and were separated during the rescue and aftermath. During the mayhem of the tragedy, both sisters lose track of one another and through the confusion, think that the other has perished in the wreckage.

This book is more of the lives created, the separation and eventual reunion of Delia and Nora then necessarily the events and actions among the ship's passengers and the main characters while they were aboard the Titanic itself. I enjoyed the alternating chapters focusing on each sister throughout the novel. It kept the story fresh and interesting.

While I enjoyed their separate journeys, I especially enjoyed their respective growth, changes, maturity, and reunion the most. The added concepts of family, forgiveness, and looking towards the future instead of always living in the past was what really drew me in to the plot. I enjoyed the ending and it definitely made me appreciate the characters and their past mistakes even more.

An excellent historical fiction. 5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.