I can always appreciate how much time and research goes into novels set on the Titanic to make the setting and timeline as accurate as possible. Weaving in fictional characters and storylines with the grim reality of what happened on that ship is such an impressive skill.

I really enjoyed the build up in this story, and the descriptions of the ship, but mainly how the author spent time with our characters in the aftermath as they tried to come to terms with what happened.

For me, the writing style (including the dialogue) just felt really casual and modern, which did take me out of the story and therefore I didn’t find the book as emotionally impactful as I wanted it to be. Obviously the emotional aspect is the main reason why I wanted to read this one, so I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by this.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read but not one that will stick with me.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: ★★★★

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for sending me an early copy of this arc.

Ship of Dreams brought me on an emotional roller coaster. This book left me emotionally wrecked in the best (and worst) way possible.

At its core, it’s a story about love, friendship, and finding the courage to choose your own path in life. The character development was beautifully done and I found myself fully invested in each of our character’s journeys. I only wish the plot had just a bit more drive and momentum as it felt slow and drawn out at times. Still, the story overall is a thoughtful and well written read that’s definitely worth picking up if you enjoy character driven stories with real emotional depth.

3.5 Stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the advance digital edition of Ship of Dreams by Donna Jones Alward. She lives in Nova Scotia, where I grew up. Her previous book, When the World Fell Silent, was a 5-star read for me. I enjoyed this informative, fictional history, told in the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion by two women who survived all the death and destruction. I was less engaged in this book that followed the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, although it did have a Halifax connection. Bodies of the victims that could be identified were brought to Halifax to be identified and buried. 212 bodies are buried in Forrest Hills Cemetery, and a smaller number in two other Halifax gravesites. The story is told from the perspective of two long-time friends, Hannah and Lou, who love one another like sisters. They are boarding the Titanic as first-class passengers and will travel from England to NYC in luxury.

I rate my books not by literary standards or storyline, but by how well they enhance my enjoyment and provide useful information. The first section of the book was overly emotional and sentimental. The Titanic didn't hit the iceberg until about 60% into the book, but there was always a sense of dread and forboding for the reader, and the passengers were unaware. The opulence of the Titanic was thoroughly researched and well-described. The two women did too much moaning and groaning about the men in their lives. A considerable amount of time was devoted to descriptions of clothing. They wonder if their styles of dresses and hats will fit in with those of the other wealthy passengers, or even outclass them. I did not know that the corset laces and dress buttons on clothing worn by fashionable women required assistance in dressing and undressing, as well as having their hair styled. If no friend was available to help, the duties fell to the ship's stewardess.

Hannah is quiet, cheerful, unobtrusive and dedicated to her friendship with Lou. Hannah is accompanying her husband, Charles, who will continue on for a business trip. She and Lou will spend their time exploring the sights in NYC before returning home. Hannah's and Charles's marriage has become cold due to a past tragedy, and Hannah hopes to rekindle their romance on the journey. Lou is estranged from her family. Her father demands she marry a man of his choice, or be disinherited. She has been writing friendly letters to Reid and hinted that he join her on the Titanic. She wants a fling with him before arriving in NYC, no strings attached. Lou finds herself falling in love with Reid, feelings that she denies and rejects. Lou has a secret, illegal scheme to create a life for herself without Reid or her father's choice of a husband for her.

Lou likes attention and is unconcerned with societal restrictions. She is outspoken, outrageous, and has indulged in a series of affairs. She is also kind-hearted and deeply immersed in the suffragette movement, advocating for women's right to vote and equal wages. Hannah supports Lou's involvement, but is too withdrawn to participate actively.

Hannah is pregnant, and Lou urges her to tell Charles, hoping this will solve her marriage problems. When Hannah learns of Lou's secret, she becomes angry, which causes a rift in their friendship. Not until the Titanic sinks do they reconcile. The story explores themes of deep friendship despite personality differences, disaster, tolerance, grief, forgiveness, trust, profound loss, and the process of moving on.
Hannah and Lou continue to keep in touch by mail. Hannah has returned home, but Lou is afraid of boarding another ship and remains in the United States. Letters reveal the passage of time, including the fight for women's voting rights, Lou's new responsibilities, WWI, Hannah's young boy growing into manhood, WW2, and what happens next for the two separated friends.

Recommended as a fact-filled look at the Titanic disaster and its aftermath. The publication date is August 26/2025

The passengers set out full of hope, adventure and
the thrill of being in the maiden voyage of the Titanic.

The first few chapters were filled with the opulence, the beautiful gowns and the interesting people on board.
Of course we all know what happened on the fateful night and the events that unfolded.

It’s a heartbreaking story of the four main characters, their losses, their bravery and how they lived their lives afterwards.

Thank you to the publisher abd Netgalley for the copy of this book.

Ship of Dreams is beautifully written and emotionally powerful. Donna Jones Alward brings the Titanic to life with rich detail and unforgettable characters. I had a hunch about one of the plot twists and was pleased to be right, but that didn’t soften the heartbreak. As with any Titanic story, the ending hurt but I couldn’t put it down. A moving, memorable read.

Hannah and Louisa are two best friends traveling on the Titanic for a voyage to New York. Lately, Hannah’s marriage to Charles has seemed strained and feels as though they are not connecting anymore, and she’s hoping this voyage will turn the tide for them. Louisa is set to marry a man chosen by her parents, though its the last thing she wants for her life.

*** Dual POV
*** Strong female friendship
*** Resilience in hard times
*** Different love stories
*** Historical women’s fiction

I really enjoyed this one! Obviously, this novel is different in the sense that its based on history so that catostrophic event is not a surprise. However, delving into the lives of these two young women and all the people they meet in this fateful voyage was truly so engaging. I especially loved reading through the aftermath of the sinking, and how these women felt and struggled in moving forward.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

voyage over the sea where no one expected what would happen to the ship of dreams. In this new story of the titanic you follow two best friends. One who’s marriage is struggling, the other struggling with the idea of getting married to someone she doesn’t love.

A heartbreakingly sad novel which still has the hope and love. These main characters may be fictional, but that definitely doesn’t make their stories less heart wrenching. The story is incredibly well researched. You just get transported back to the wonders of the Titanic the unsinkable ship. You see other people who where really on the ship. You see all their wonders at the beauty of it all. It was really well written, like the characters had a lot of depth. Struggling with things in their own ways, but with such different personalities. They had their faults and that was good because that made them human. There were really strong women who speak loudly about the rights for women. But you also had those that do it in a quieter way and it was nice to see that they where not faulted for it. Furthermore the pacing was really well done. Which I expect would have been a challenge with the small time frame you are working with. But it didn’t feel too rushed it was done in a good way. The last 200 pages really hook you to the story with all the different plot lines and the character development. You also have that voice in the back of your mind reminding you this is the Titanic it is going to sink, but you just wish it was an alternative history so you didn’t have to see their heartbreak. Which felt so real, partially because the author shows how all the different people dealed with their grief.

It is a lovely novel although it really has the tragedy of it. It gives you hope and love as well. I really recommend this book for people who are really interested in the titanic as a fictional novel. And anyone who is in for a wild ride of emotions together with these characters.

This is one of the first fiction books I've read related to the Titanic. I loved Alward's descriptions of the ship and the awe that the passengers must have felt in the first few days of the sailing. I think she did a great job of capturing the setting and those feelings. I felt that the book moved along slowly for the first few days of the sailing, which I suppose would have been the same feelings that Hannah and Lou had, given their personal circumstances. You understand the tension between Charles and Hannah, and you can imagine the culminating moment that allows some of that to be stripped away. One can easily imagine the vivaciousness of Lou and how Reid would be drawn to that while keeping up a charade of mystery surrounding their previous relationship. I loved the added intrigue of the jewel thief, though it certainly took an unexpected twist through the middle of the book. The book really picked up speed with the sinking of the Titanic. I appreciate that Alward didn't trauma dump on that experience for either character, but used it as a pivot point for the story. The second half of the book was emotional, raw, and beautifully written. It felt as if you were sitting in the room with Hannah and Lou. There are no magical, easy, happy endings for the characters (as well all know), but I appreciate the truth in the trajectory of the character arcs. It's not a book that will change your life, but it's a quick read with an enjoyable authenticity and humanity of characters that are extremely well conveyed.

I found Ship of Dreams to be a different kind of Titanic story. The main characters, friends Hannah and Louisa ("Lou") are close but also very different - they met at boarding school where they became each other's family. Hannah is married to Charles but their marriage has hit a rough patch and she is hoping that the time aboard Titanic on the way to New York will give them the time needed to heal after suffering heartbreak a few years earlier and growing apart. Lou is running away from her upper crust family, who want her to marry a man she does not love or be cut off financially. The descriptions of their time on the ship were rich and detailed - at times I felt like I was sailing with the two women! No spoilers but of course we all know what happened to Titanic. Will Charles be one of the lucky men who survived? Will Lou's beloved also survive? I was disappointed in the abrupt ending of the book. Still, I enjoyed Donna Jones Alward's easy-to-read writing style and I found the characters likeable. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Ship of Dreams was a wonderfully endearing story of friendship, love and acceptance. The disaster of Titanic is so captivating and Alward made it completely new again, with an intimate and personal portrayal from the two very different perspectives of Louisa and Hannah. The center of this novel is about relationships—sharing love, heartbreak, grief, trauma, humor, forgiveness and the courage of moving on. I very much enjoyed this and am looking forward to more from this author!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

This is a hard review is hard to write for me because I don’t read a lot of historical fiction and I’m also a huge Titanic nerd like it’s just a special interest for me. So if a book even mentions the Titanic, I get really excited, so obviously I had to get this one because it’s literally about the Titanic and historical fiction form which, the Titanic sank a while ago, so it would have to be historical fiction. I also really liked the cover and the title.

The first 18 to 19% were really really great really well written, we have the character dynamics between Charles, Louisa, Hannah and Reid. We are learning about the relationships, social norms and learning about where they are politically. We’re are also learning about the purpose of the trip.

22% in there is a reference to the Titanic being the “Ritz” of the ocean.
I immediately was confused and intrigued because I was wondering when the Ritz was like opened and after some research, it seems like the first Ritz Carlton in Montreal, technically opened in 1912 this still made me slightly annoyed to be honest. I’m just not sure how accurate it would be for someone on the ship to be mentioning the Ritz because it seems like the Ritz Carlton is something that kind of gained more popularity later in the 1900s and is like modern day a reference however, I might be wrong. I just fought that the Ritz Carlton had been founded much earlier than 1912 if they were going to make references to the Titanic being the “Ritz” of the ocean and this might be possible because the Titanic was technically brand new as well and like newspaper spread stories, but it was referenced in a way that took me out of the story a bit because the Ritz seems like a newer brand than the age of the Titanic ship would be culturally.

This is a small gripe for me and a personal thing, but it might be a big thing to other readers as well for me.

It pulled me out of the book enough for me to want to check on the pacing of the rest of the book and see where I was so I kept on with the book after this 20% mark and was slightly disappointed that it seemed like the next 20% was really more character development, which makes up for 40% of the book being focused on character development and not really about the Titanic.

However, character development is really important for a story, but it was the main focus of the book and that was why this novel started to become a little bit boring for me to be completely honest however, this is not a thriller, so I need to set expectations properly, which is why I’m keeping this at four stars - because this is historical fiction. It’s not a horror. It’s not a thriller. It is slow paced, and the characters are the star of the show. I need to find a thriller or horror that is about the Titanic that actually looks good.

This is more historical fiction and I was just kind of thrown out by historical and accuracy. I also was slightly annoyed because the ship, like the whole sinking thing, doesn’t seem to happen until about 60% into the book and I understand that this would be the rising action and the intense thing that happens, but I would prefer for this conflict to have been placed way earlier in the book and further to have just been a lot more emphasis and action on all the characters interact while the ship is sinking, etc., versus a lot of the book being based around the character development of these characters - I picked it up for the Titanic historical event so that’s just me. This should be brought up much earlier and not towards the second half like ending of the book because at that point, I’m just waiting in suspense like I know what’s gonna happen. The thing is, that one could easily argue that a romance book didn’t have kissing early enough in the book so I know that this is a very personal thing for me and once again, I don’t read a lot of historical fiction and I think this is why I tend to read a lot of fantasy and children’s books and non-fiction so my brain I think it’s just gonna point out that inaccuracies and it’s going to ruin it for me.

If you are someone that will be totally A-OK with slower, pacing and more of a historical fiction type of book with less spooky scary vibes. I think you’ll enjoy this one. I enjoyed most of this book and just had a few things that really weirdly bugged me?

Thank you for the ARC. I appreciate the opportunity to leave honest feedback voluntarily.

A somewhat unique twist on the Titanic trope: two friends embark on the fateful journey with very different purposes. One is rather unhappily married and secretly pregnant, the other is escaping a quasi-arranged marriage to a wealthy aristocrat at home. Usual concepts of suffrage and women's rights are woven into Louisa's character while Hannah is the meek dutiful wife.

I enjoyed the book and paths that Hannah and Louisa were on rang most realistic. I particularly cheered for Reid, Lou's love interest who was somewhat duped into joining the voyage and ultimately came out as the strongest and most likeable character for me.

One spec about the ship itself struck me as quite unbelievable and I stopped reading to google - the books says the Titanic weighed 46 tons. I am unsure if this is a typo or simply erroneous but in any event, it is incorrect. Location 901, 18% "The ship began to move, all forty-six off tons of it...."

I've read other stories focused around the Titanic disaster, but this one takes a look at it from two fictional women interacting with people we've read about in other books. Hannah and Louisa are long time best friends taking the journey on the Titanic, but both are weighed down by secrets they are keeping from each other. As the women enjoy the opulence of the ship's food and cabins, they begin to figure out how to repair their relationship from the deceptions. I thought the best part of the story was how the women had to learn to cope and adjust after the disaster. Hannah and Lou stayed in NYC for a few weeks then made their way up to Halifax. That is where they need to make some difficult decisions as they decide on next steps for their lives. I also enjoyed the Epilogue as it shared letters the women wrote to each other for the next few decades. Even though you know the ship sinks, this book engages you with captivating characters, some romance, and Hannah and Louisa learning they are stronger than they ever thought they could be. I definitely recommend this to fans of historical fiction, redemption stories, and transatlantic journeys.
#ShipofDreams #historicalfiction #NetGalley
Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Ship of Dreams…or Nightmares?
Ship of Dreams is a character driven story set against the epic backdrop of the Titanic disaster. The story follows two privileged women who board the Titanic in search of answers. One wants to save a failing marriage, the other to have an adventurous flirtation.
Hannah is loving and loyal wife, distressed by a distant husband, and fearing how he will react to news of her pregnancy. Louisa is rebelling against a controlling father, determined to have one last fling before choosing between a comfortable marriage or being free but disinherited.
The first half of the book focuses on the characters, on their desires and what they are prepared to do to find solutions. In the hands of another author, these dual story lines, up to the point of resolution, would be a complete novel; but not in this case. Just as the two female protagonists find a way to be happy and at peace, disaster strikes in the form of an iceberg.
The second half of the book deals with the aftermath of the sinking, rescue on the Carpathia, recovering in New York, and an onward journey to Halifax to identify bodies.
This absorbing read has a fresh take on the repercussions of the Titanic’s sinking. I found it absorbing and surprising in places. The author does a great job of building empathy for two very different characters, who sometimes behave badly, but such is the insight into their motivation that it is all entirely plausible. I would definitely recommend to anyone who loves well-written characters and is comfortable with shedding a tear or two.

Ship of Dreams by Donna Alward is a heartfelt, sweeping historical fiction that will whisk you away on a journey of love, loss, resilience, and second chances.

Set against a richly drawn historical backdrop of the 1915 Titanic events, this beautifully written novel follows Hannah and Lou, lifelong best friends, each at a different crossroads.
You can’t help but root for both as they navigate hope and heartbreak aboard a legendary voyage.

Alward delivers emotion, depth, and a tender story that lingers like a cherished memory.

If you love stories of destiny and the enduring power of the human spirit, this one’s for you.

Thank you @netgalley and One More Chapter, Harper Collins and Donna Jones Alward for reaching out to me to ask if I'd like to read this in advance of publication! Thank you!

Publication Date: August 26, 2025

A wonderful Titanic story. Well researched, great characters. I enjoyed every word. Titanic stories are so mesmerizing.

I'm giving this novel 5 stars just for the subject alone
I've always found Titanic and her passengers interesting. Im.so glad that her story will never die.
I enjoyed in getting to know her passengers very much. However; I'd love to know how the survivors did after the sinking. It couldn't have been easy to live with
Everytime I read a story about Titanic I feel like I'm on board again but I always make sure I get off at Queenstown.
This author did very well in her research and on the passengers' emotions. I love that they're brought back to life again.
Titanic really was a ship of dreams and it broke my heart that some of those dreams came crashing down on the night of April 14th. I've always felt that that was the real day of infimay or an absolution that never came.
I finished this story in the early morning hours and it was just so good! I loved every minute of it.
I blame the tragedy on arrogance. A tragedy that never should have happened.
I feel that God has taught or maybe shown these arrogant 1st class people a lesson that no one being or thing is more powerful than Him. Put no other god before Me. It's a shame they had to take others down with them. I always felt that it wasn't fair. That's why my heart was sad.
I.will be adding this wonderful book to my shelf of favorites
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Two long-time friends set sail on the Titanic. One is trying to rescue her failing marriage. The other is running away from an impending marriage. Both have secrets that will tests their friendship.

I loved this book's richly detailed historical setting. It was easy to visualize the opulence of the Titanic, the beautiful clothing, and the extravagant meals. I also felt connected to both Hannah and Louise. The horrors of the Titanic's sinking were very real.

Thank you to Harper Collins and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
Donna Jones Alward is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I have read both of her books and enjoyed them. This story deals with the tragedy of the Titanic, but even more it deals with a deep friendship. Hannah Martin and Louisa Phillips have been friends for a long time. They are both hiding some secrets and have been through some hard times in their lives. Now they are both passengers aboard the ill-fated Titanic. As you can imagine, this tragedy changed their lives. I liked the way their friendship endured through both good and bad times. This book also gave a face to some of the victims of the sinking. Excellent story!

Aboard the Titanic, where opulence knows no bounds and the horizon seems limitless, two women fight for the futures they dream of, fraught with secrets that could change everything.

I love a historical fiction, particularly one offering a different perspective of a real life event, and I was pretty excited to get into this one. It did not disappoint, I loved the detail of the clothing, the ship and the meals eaten on board. It offered two great storylines between from Hannah and Louisa's perspectives - both very different woman with different goals in life but a lovely friendship. It was a nice touch having some of the more well known passengers of the Titanic feature.

Being set on the Titanic, there was of course some very sad moments, but the power of friendship shone through. The actual sinking of the ship was done quite quickly, so if you are wanting something focused on the tragedy in great detail, this won't be it. Instead it focusses on the lead up, love stories and people going about their day to day lives on board, and what happened following.

I thought it was well written, with some great character development and a satisfying ending. I think the letters that formed the epilogue could have been done a bit tidier, perhaps less of them - I could see what the author was doing, and I appreciated it as part of rounding the story out but do think it could have been done better.

Overall, a great read and looking forward to reading more by Donna Jones Alward.