This is such a great story that the author gives us. As we embark on on the notorious ship Titanic, we know from the start what the outcome will be, sadly.
This is a story of love and loss, but there is hope, along with all the sadness. The author had me caring about these people, some are famous, and others we know now.
This is a story of deep friendship, and sharing of deep loss. We know the facts, and some cowardness, and of course greed.
This is also a story of moving on, forgiveness, and being there for one another.
I did love the epilogue!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and was not required to give a positive review.

Another book by Donna that I loved! Something about her writing style always has me hooked. I wish the titanic sinking scenes were a little more drawn out, and less back and forth between Hannah and Lou at the end, but otherwise I loved it!

The Ship of Dreams is a very moving novel that grips the heart because it demonstrates through characters we come to love, the emotional trauma of what it must have been like for those who went through the horrible loss when the Titanic went down. This massive incident altered many lives forever. Donna Alward takes us up close through the lives of those who were there and who could have been there. She has done her research well. As she notes in the back, there was a lot of information to wade through and choosing what you need is a challenge. But she has utilised it well. The images she created from the event are forever branded in my mind. My heart certainly got a dramatic squeeze, too, to the point it physically hurt! Such is a sign of a good writer who can move you to tears as that means the story is connecting at the deepest levels.

We all know, the Titanic once called the ship of dreams, becomes the ship of nightmares. This novel’s title is apt for many reasons other than the obvious. For two couples, in first class, taking this trip, is a chance to rectify imbalances and make good things happen in their lives. For Hannah, she wants to restore her relationship with her husband, Charles, who has not been himself since the loss of their child. Charles is acting very withdrawn and seems to be avoiding any intimate contact with her. She wonders why and her head is filled with the worst thoughts. She tries to be patient but her patience thins. Is he dealing with grief or something more? Through the first few days on the ship, lots of things happen that are a catalyst for change and we watch as this couple transform. The Titanic is where their love reblooms, just in time to be torn apart.

As for Louisa, best friend of Hannah, she is on this trip to escape her parents’ drive to push her into a loveless marriage she does not want. She is a woman who wants to make her own choices but her parents have threatened to cut her off if she does not adhere to their wishes. Yes, emotional and financial blackmail. She rebels and creates a plan to help fund her own needs. Not one you’d expect but it is of her own making. What she does not count on is suddenly falling in love with a man (Reid) she has known for a while. He transforms her heart. His presence on this trip is based on his desire to have a chance with her. For once, she learns about love and what it is to be loved for herself. Sadly, the Titanic is about to take everything she has gained away and leave her with an eternal broken heart.

Although the Titanic disaster is the backdrop of this novel, this is a story about relationships. Yes, how those relationships change: how they were before, during and after the event. This transformation is definitely a major part of the plot. The relationships covered are those between close friends (friendship), between husband and wife (marital), between adult child and parents (intergenerational) and a dating couple (romance).

This is not only a novel about love but also grief. How over time, the edges of your heat can soften. Although you never recover from a deep loss, the pain can ease enough to move forward. Other activities and people can help fill the void—not replace but offer comfort and new direction. For these two ladies, they never replace their lost loves but a child and a job with a worthy cause help them through the dark valley of death. In this way, I believe the solutions and outcomes for Hannah and Louisa are appropriate. They each have something positive to focus on. For what else can they do? Withdrawing into a shell will solve nothing and is not the best use of the time they have left. Their loved ones would have wanted them to move forward, not stay stuck in the mire of grief. What they both do is honourable. We cannot but feel happy for Hannah and Louisa and the strength of character they exhibit in the face of such trauma. I think the most chilling scene of the novel for me is in Nova Scotia when they are waiting to see whose bodies were retrieved. I will say no more so as not to risk revealing any plot direction but those passages made my heart ache.

I found the letters between Hannah and Louisa very interesting as they provide valuable information in the future. Thinking of the Titanic’s time frame and what follows a few years later (WW1) we are able to see a bit about the effects of that time on these women’s lives. It also made me wonder, will there be a sequel? It would seem like a great idea! Until next time, grab a copy of The Ship of Dreams. This is a very different Titanic novel (and I have read quite a few) but one worthy of the attention of historical fiction lovers. A must read but keep the tissues close! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for a review copy.

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review**

I'd really enjoyed "When the World Fell Silent" by the same author so I was excited to be invited to read this new title. I was even more interested when I saw that it was based around the Titanic.

Donna has a great way of inserting fictional charactes into historical events (she reminds me of Lucy Worsley in this sense) and it makes the story very believable. As readers, knowing that the disaster is coming adds an air of tension too.

Hannah and Louise (Lou) are childhood friends but complete opposites. Hannah is married, although the happiness has disappeared from her marriage, and Lou is determined to remain single for as long as possible. Both have big secrets that they can't quite bring themselves to share with each other.

Hannah is desperate to save her marriage, maybe the trip on the Titanic is just what she needs to reconnect with her husband, Charles.

Lou is running away from her home situation and a potential forced marriage. She isn't interested in relationships but a flirtation with the handsome Reid may be just what she needs.

And we all know that there's an iceberg lurking in the ocean...

Hannah and Louisa are best friends, both dealing with their own troubles. Hannah who is determined to fix her marriage with her husband Charles, while Louisa is looking to escape her parents' expectations to marry and settle down or she will be disowned. Hoping that taking a trip will help them come to some resolution, they find themselves on the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic.

Aboard the Titanic, Hannah works to reconnect with her husband, while Louisa connects with fellow passenger Reid. While on the ship you see both Hannah and Louisa enjoy the luxuries of the ship while meeting some of the more known passengers aboard. Hannah and Louisa look out for one another and help each other through difficult times, and even in moments where they disappoint each other they both want the best for each other.

After the tragic events of the sinking Hannah and Louisa must find ways to forge forward and decide what is best for their lives and how to move on after a traumatic event. Both were strong characters in their own way and have dreams for their lives and after tragedy find ways to bring some purpose to their lives.

I enjoyed reading about Hannah and Louisas time on the Titanic and the descriptions of the ship and the well-known details of the sinking itself. I've always been interested about the sinking of the Titanic and this was a fast and enjoyable read that puts you in the tragedy and the aftermath that follows.

"Ship of Dreams" by Donna Jones Alward is about two friends Hannah and Louisa "Lou". They are on the maiden ship voyage of the Titanic. The book goes back and forth between the narratives of Hannah and Lou. Hannah is in a troubled marriage and she is hoping this trip will bring her husband closer. She is also pregnant and has not told her husband yet. Lou is on this ship to get away from her family who is trying to force her into a marriage she does not want. On board is man she likes and maybe hoping to marry. Each gal has her secrets and have no idea that the ship will hit an iceberg. It starts out a few days before the tragedy . Hannah and Lou meet some of the passengers on the Titanic. Ship of dreams describes the Crash and devastating loss of people.
It also writes of what became of Hannah and Lou. The first weeks and then in the Epilogue years. I found this to be a good read. A quick read too since it had my attention from page one. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I would give this book a 4.5.

This breathtaking and emotional Titanic story will truly leave you wanting more from the story and give you a new perspective on life. This is not only a story about surviving the Titanic disaster itself but also finding a way to heal from grief, forgiving those who did you wrong, and finding a way to move on in a unfamiliar place. I was so impressed with the plot and the characters that this just might be my favorite new book. I usually try to avoid reading stories about the Titanic because they are so sad but this one was different and changed my perspective on the subject.
In April of 1912 Hannah Martin is traveling on the Titanic with her husband Charles who has business in the States. Hannah hopes that maybe this trip will perhaps be an opportunity to heal their marriage after a tragedy that happened a couple of years before. Hannah's dear friend Louise is along as well but Charles seems bothered with her being there but Hannah is grateful to have her along. Along the journey Hannah goes to great lengths to mend her relationship with Charles.
Louise however goes on this voyage in hopes of escaping her unsupportive parents who have always looked down on her for supporting the suffragette movement. When she meets a man named Reid she will be sure to make this affair she will never forget. However, strange jewel thefts occur on the ship. When Hannah finds out the person responsible it puts a huge strain on their friendship.
However things take a turn for the worse when the Titanic hits an iceberg. Thankfully Hannah and Louise manage to make it the safety but some others are not so lucky. Knowing that they will get no where with being mad at each other they forgive each other because they know it is the only way they can move on from this tragedy.
Overall this novel was marvelous. I loved that they included the Astors and the Browns as characters. Hannah and Louise's friendship was truly a strong and beautiful one. Although I did not approve of some of Louise's actions regarding the Jewels the fact that she found an opportunity to redeem herself made me forgive her.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

Ship of Dreams is a captivating historical romance set against the unforgettable backdrop of the Titanic. Donna Jones Alward masterfully weaves the stories of Hannah and Louisa, two women seeking new beginnings amid opulence and peril. The characters are thoroughly developed, each carrying secrets and desires that feel authentic and relatable. Hannah’s journey to mend her marriage and conceal her secret adds layers of tension and emotional depth, while Louisa’s courage to pursue her passion offers an inspiring contrast. The narrative skillfully balances moments of hope with the looming dread of the ship’s tragic sinking, creating a compelling read that keeps you hooked until the very end. The richly detailed setting and well-researched historical context enhance the story, immersing readers in 1912's grandeur and chaos. Though some plot twists are predictable, the heartfelt performances and intricate character dynamics make *Ship of Dreams* a satisfying and thought-provoking novel about love, sacrifice, and resilience. Overall, a beautifully written story that explores what it means to fight for your dreams in the face of unimaginable disaster. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and romantic drama.

I had high hopes for this book but it was all quite predictable and nothing new. It does make me wonder if in our current world if anybody would now abide by women and children first and what would happen today if such a tragedy were to occur.