Elinor Coombes finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage with no voice regarding how her son will be raised. When her father treats the family to a trip on the Titanic, she sees the voyage as a momentary escape from the constraints of her life. Then the ship hits the famed iceberg, and suddenly what was a pleasure trip becomes an opportunity to escape with her son and start anew.

I found the plot of THE LOST PASSENGER to be very predicatable with plot twists that could be seen a mile away. However, Elinor is such a plucky, likeable heroine that I was able to become invested in her story anyway. Especially during the first half of the book when she's trapped at the family estate with an overbearing, controlling mother and a disinterested husband. The book dragged a bit once she arrived in New York. She spent a little too much time handwringing over her actions, IMO. However, the book picked up speed again in the last quarter and delivered a satisfying and sweet ending.

I will also say that Quinn does a great job of capturing the atmosphere and energy of the Lower East Side. I could see it quite vividly in my imagination.

Overall THE LOST PASSENGER is a pleasant read - the kind of book to be read on a winter's afternoon while curled up with a cup of tea and a blanket. Three and a half stars.

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced read in exchange for this honest review.

The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn

This historical fiction has a young woman, whose father is a successful but "common" businessman, marrying the son of English aristocrats. The family is wealthy but they need more to keep the bloodline going and possessions in the family. They need a son, a male heir! Elinor's inheritance, when her father dies, and the children Elinor will have, will all belong to her new husband and his family. When Elinor has a son, he is basically taken from her to be raised by a nanny. Elinor has no rights, no say in anything, she is heartbroken to realize what she has gotten herself and her son into.

While on the Titanic, Elinor meets someone who will allow her to slide into another existence once the ship sinks. Doing so comes with great fear of getting caught, guilt for the lies she tells a family that only wants to love and protect her and her son, and a world that could not be farther from the world she comes from.

The horrors of women, despite being in a wealthy environment, who have absolutely no rights, children who belong to the husband's family, and being shelved as a nonperson after all that is needed is gotten from the woman, was shocking. Seeing just how badly the Titanic was prepared for a disaster and how, with proper planning and different reactions by others, many more people could have survived the wreck, is heartbreaking. And then to see the vast difference of where Elinor came from to the new life she choses to live, are very eye opening.

This is such an inspiring story and I'm glad I got to buddy read it with DeAnn. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I love historical fiction that both teaches and entertains.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Elinor Coombes is swept up into a whirlwind romance with Frederick Storton of Winterton Hall. It isn't until after she is married that she discovers he only married her out of necessity:; the estate was cash-poor and desperately in need of repairs, and Elinor's father was a millionaire who owned a cotton mill. His family went out of their way to let her know she was lower class, and could do nothing right in their eyes. When she gave birth to a son, her joy was short lived. He was named without consulting her and whisked away and she was locked in her room for weeks with no contact with the baby. Once she was finally released, she was only allowed a few minutes a day with him - the rest of the day he was cared for by the nanny. When Elinor discovered that Frederick had papers drawn up giving guardianship to his parents in the event something were to happen to him, she knew she was boxed into a corner. They were determined to send Teddy to prep school when he turned seven and then on to Eton. Elinor's father arranged for Frederick, Elinor and Teddy to set sail on the Titanic with him, so he could meet his grandson and spend time with his daughter. Frederick didn't want to go - in fact he was livid that the money wasn't being put to better use, like a new roof for their home, but Elinor put her foot down. The trip started out like something from a dream. She met a woman named Molly, who was headed to America to live with relatives she had never met before, hoping to have a better life. She agreed to hire Molly for the duration of the trip to help tend to Teddy, and the two women became quite close. When the Titanic hit the iceberg and sank, Elinor and Teddy made it onto one of the lifeboats. Molly went back to the room to get her life's savings....and never made it onto a boat. So when Elinor discovers that Molly is dead as well as the rest of Elinor's family, she makes a rash decision to take Molly's identity and let Elinor be the one who died that fateful night.

This book reminded me so much of the movie Titanic, even down to the end where Rose changed her identity to hide from her fiancé" , so she could escape him and change the path she was on. This book was captivating, and I was so immersed in it, I felt like I was actually there watching it all unfold. I really liked Elinor. She had so much grit and determination, and the things that she had to put up with when she was married to him, made me cheer her on when she decided to become Molly. If you are a fan of historical fiction, then this needs to be at the top of your TBR pile. You are going to love it!

What a fantastic book! I absolutely loved this book and read it within a few days. I loved Elinor's journey into becoming an independent woman. I liked the mention of the Titanic and it was a glimpse into what other survivors may have faced afterwards. I enjoyed the family in New York and I'm so glad that Elinor found happiness. I laughed, I cried, and felt all the the emotions. I would highly recommend this!

Tale of a woman tricked into a loveless marriage and looked down on by all of her new family and their friends. Her in-laws won't even let her raise her own son, so when the opportunity arises she fakes her (and his) identity and creates a new and better life for them. Who would think the sinking of the Titanic would be the catalyst? I enjoyed reading about this strong, hardworking, and resourceful woman.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction will love this book. Elinor finds herself in an untenable predicament when she realizes her aristocratic husband married her for her money and heir. When the Titanic sinks with both her husband and father, Elinor has a choice to make; go back to England with her son Teddy or disappear in New York. A Downton Abbey flair with more in-depth life. Realistic life of immigrants. Loved the relationships Molly made. Highly recommended!

While I was reading The Lost Passenger I felt so much a part of the story. It was interesting to read how Elinor taking another passenger identity to start a new life was so enjoyable for me to read. To be with her as she built a new life for herself and feeling all the emotions, she had kept me really into the story. I have not read a book by this author before but will now be looking for others to read.
Thank you NetGalley, Frances Quinn and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of The Lost Passenger. This is my personal review

I am not a normal reader of historical dramas, romances, etc., however when I got the opportunity to read The Lost Passenger, I was drawn in by the books description and I can say that I was sufficiently drawn in as soon as I started reading.

Elinor comes from a wealthy family where her father worked tirelessly to build his business from the ground up. When she meets Frederick Storton, who will eventually become the Lord of Winterton Hall, she thought she had found her love match, but it turns out he and his family really just wanted access to the money Elinor's family could provide. After their wedding, things very quickly come into focus for Elinor and life is not as rosy as she thought it would be. Truthfully, it is a nightmare.

When Elinor's father follows through on getting the family tickets on the Titanic, she is thrilled that she will get to spend time with both her son and her father. What she never expected was the ship would sink, putting her in a position where she had to make the most difficult of decisions. Go back to Winterton Hall or continue on to New York to make a new life for herself and her son.

This novel showcases how Elinor took control of her life and made decisions that would change the course of her life in multiple ways. I truly felt immersed in the world in which Elinor was living and felt all she was feeling from elation to heartbreak and everything in between. I enjoyed this novel so much and would highly recommend it!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Elinor Coombes has it all! Newly married to a Prince Charming after a very brief romance and quickly pregnant. Her happily ever after dream is underway, just like in those Jane Austen and Bronte sisters novels that she enjoys reading. Her dream is quickly shattered after overhearing her mother in law's conversation that the marriage was one of convenience for both procuring Elinor's father's wealth and an heir to the Storton estate.
Elinor and her infant son Teddy are about to undergo a life changing event as she boards The Titanic on its maiden voyage to New York.

Elinor's transformation will keep you turning pages. I loved the book's premise and the character's journey. Will she get her happy ending?

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for the eARC.

I adored it.
Run don’t walk to get a copy.

The premise of the book—that a passenger on the Titanic ‘becomes’ a lost passenger was enough to hook me—but this book is so much more. The compelling tale of Elinor Coombs’ road to become a passenger on the Titanic swept me up and I was entirely invested in her survival throughout.

Her role as daughter, wife, and then mother, is riveting. Her strength is inspiring. I was waving the pompoms while she struggled with the multitude of challenges offered by life.

The Titanic portion of the book is actually quite short—which is perfect as there is so much more of Elinor’s life packed into this compelling historical. Pages turn like the wind and it’s very hard to put it down. There are a few spots where I suggest you have a tissue handy.

This is the first Francis Quinn book I’ve read, and I can honestly say I am now an avid fan and will be reading her other two books.

Don’t miss this.

Many thanks to @NetGalley and @RandomHouse @BallantineBooks for an advanced reading copy.

Elinor Combes is the daughter of an American wealthy cotton manufacturer and visiting her friend in England. She is quickly romanced by what seems to be her Prince Charming but after the marriage she Elinor realizes it’s a front. The pedigree family was only 2 things, her money and an heir. Then throw in the fact that she will almost never see her son at all because there they believe in the children being raised by the nanny. On a chance her father sends her tickets, her husband and her son tickets on the maiden voyage of the newest luxury liner for a trip to the US so he can meet his grandson. Eilnor was looking for a way out and it came to her suddenly because of an iceberg and the chance of a taken someone’s identity. Now she has a chance but it means going to a place she has never been before, poor, homeless and struggling to make ends meet. But if she beats the odds she can be very successful in more ways than one.

Frances Quinn has written this an amazing book that catches your attention right from the start and holds on to it. This is a story about things that happened over 100 years ago and how different the world was then, especially for women no matter what class they were in.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an ARC for my honest opinion.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Historical Fiction is normally not a genre I would read, but I can say I really enjoyed this book. It was written very well and the character growth was great! I would definitely recommend this book.

Set in 1910 England, this novel follows Elinor Hayward, daughter of a wealthy mill owner, who enters a loveless marriage with aristocrat Frederick Coombes. Looked down upon by her in-laws and denied a role in raising her son, Teddy, Elinor feels trapped in a life of disappointment and isolation.

When her father secures tickets for the Titanic's maiden voyage, she sees it as a rare chance to spend time with Teddy and escape her stifling existence. But after surviving the disaster, Elinor makes a split-second decision—she assumes another woman’s identity, seizing an opportunity to start over in New York. However, living under a false name brings risks—can she truly leave her past behind?

Rather than focusing solely on the Titanic tragedy, the novel explores the aftermath and the survivors’ struggles to rebuild their lives. The second half follows Elinor’s journey in New York, where she works to create a new, fulfilling life for herself and Teddy, all while fearing discovery.

With rich character development and an immersive historical setting, this is a compelling and emotional tale of reinvention, resilience, and the cost of second chances.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballentine for an advanced copy I exchange for an honest review.

What a great story! This is not a romance but has elements of love, parenthood, and taking on a new identity all tied to the Titanic. Frances Quinn has written such an unputdownable intriguing tale, my first by her and definitely not my last. Not to be missed. 5 stars — Pub. 2/25/25

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Now this is how you write a captivating historical drama. I was hooked from the first page and devoured within 2 days.

A mother would do anything to protect her child, even if that means taking another’s name when tragedy strikes. Elinor’s life was not what she was expecting when marrying Frederick, an aristocrat. His family estate just wanted her money and she is left unhappy, lonely and is supposed to just obey. After having her son & heir, Elinor is shocked to learn a nanny is hired to raise him and is only permitted to see her son for less than 20 minutes a day!

Joining her dad for the maiden voyage of the Titanic, a luxurious new ocean liner with her husband and son, Teddy sounds like a dream. I did guess what was going to happen while the family was on the Titanic but couldn’t put the book down when the titanic started sinking. I felt all the emotions!

Elinor's life in New York is not easy and I was truly impressed she was able to push through. And the pace really picked up. Overall, I really enjoyed this wonderful story and the emotional ride the author took me on.

Elinor Coombes is the daughter of the “Cotton King” and marries above her social class and marries the son of aristocrats. She ends up isolated in her husband’s family home and is only allowed 20 mins a day with her son. I was angry reading the first part of this book. I wanted to scream how unfeeling these people were. Elinor’s dad sends a gift, tickets for the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic, a luxurious new ocean liner for her, her husband, son, and her lady’s maid. Elinor and her son survive, but she has a choice to go on to NYC or to go back to England.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the advanced reader copy. #TheLostPassenger #NetGalley.

3.5 stars. This was an ARC from NetGalley. This book jumps right into the plot with very little backstory of our MFC. This is marked as a historical fiction, but the Titanic was nothing more than a few pages to set up the second half of the story. The real historical fiction element was the in your face reminder of how powerless women were just over 100 years ago. You feel the MFC's desperation to advocate for herself only to be threatened by a socital structure that can discredit and silence women. Overall, the plot wasn't the most memorable, and the characters felt a bit more one note for the challenges they faced. It felt high-level and ensured it ended on a Happily Ever After. Enjoyable quick read, just a lot lighthearted than I thought it would be for a historical fiction based on the Titanic. #netgalley #thelostpassanger #historicalfiction #womensright #titanic

Elinor is the only daughter of a cotton mill magnate. She is tricked into a loveless marriage, where her in-laws are only interested in her money...and her ability to provide an heir to their estate.

As a gift, Elinor's father purchased first-class tickets for the Titanic's maiden voyage. This break from the rigid estate and cold, controlling family and an opportunity to spend time with her son, Teddy.

Then....you know....iceberg, right ahead....

As a first-class passenger, Elinor and Teddy were on one of the first lifeboats. Elinor and the other lifeboat passengers watched in horror as the unsinkable ship split into two and sank deep below. The cries of those who weren't on the boats will stay with Elinor forever.

When the rescue ship arrives and the survivors start to assemble, Elinor realizes that only she and Teddy have survived. She risks it all, taking the name of her lady's maid, Molly. As the ship docks in New York, she sees the family waiting for Molly, and she takes the chance and the family welcomes "Molly" with open arms.

Elinor/Molly needs to survive in New York, the sinking of the Titanic is only the start of her journey.
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"The Lost Passenger" is a pretty middle-of-the-road historical fiction story. I couldn't help but think of the movie Titanic: rich girl, doomed to marry a terrible man, first class on the ship, only survivor of her family, etc.

I wanted a little more gumption from Elinor. I wanted her to really stick it to her in-laws. Her husband was the WORST, and it would have been nice to see him sink into the cold ocean. The confrontations towards the end were just...a little too convenient and wrapped in a bow.

I think this will be a good story for book clubs, but I don't know if I will suggest it to friends/family.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thanks to the publisher and author for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I went in to this with no previous knowledge of the author or this title and found myself quite enjoying it. Well written historical fiction about the Titanic. I enjoyed the characters and the twist of her taking on a new identity to protect her son.

I have always loved stories of the Titanic and was excited when I saw this book! However, this is a different type of Titanic story, much of it not taking place on the actual ship (a few chapters are devoted to time on the ship, but not much else). This story is about the life of one passenger, and starts long before her voyage on the fated ship.

Elinor Coombes is the daughter of the “cotton king” and finds herself swept into what seems to be a fairytale when Frederick, the son of an aristocratic English family, asks her to marry. Their tale is not as fairytale as it seems and after a long and detailed part of the book, much of the terrible truths are revealed including how horrible she is treated by Frederick’s family, and how, once they have their son Teddy (the coveted heir), she would need to give up her rights to her son should anything ever happen to her husband.

However, once Teddy is 2, Elinor’s father books them a trip on the famously lavish new liner, the Titanic. We all know what happens here and now Elinor finds herself a widow and single mother with a quick decision needing to be made of how she will protect her som from being taken from her and the life of becoming an English Lord. Now penniless, she will take on a new identity and try to make their way in New York.

Throughout reading, there were parts that were definitely slower paced and I found myself frustrated with the main character several times. However, the story was intriguing enough for me to want to find out what would happen.

The Lost Passenger was given to me to review by NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts are my own.