Name: A Crown of Stars
Rating: 4.5 (12 reviews)
Author: Shana Abe

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Book Summary

A sumptuously vivid and poignant account of the Lusitania's fateful last days, drawn from the true story of an extraordinary young actress who survived the unthinkable—for fans of Marie Benedict, Louis Bayard, Fiona Davis, Kate Quinn, and HBO's The Gilded Age.

In turn of the century England, the Jolivet family lives a charmed existence. Daughter of a wealthy vineyard owner and a French pianist, vivacious Marguerite, the eldest of three, loves spinning stories and entertaining her family's well-connected friends. No one is surprised when she announces, at 18, that she intends to become an actress. Her sister, Inez, a virtuosa violinist, moves to London with her. Soon the two beauties are being celebrated in the highest social circles.

Marguerite takes the stage name Rita, and quickly draws the attention of legendary theater producer Charles Frohman. From the West End to Broadway, and then in the new medium of silent film, Rita is known for her "sultry eyes, her mystic smile," and her star burns brighter with every role. While filming in Italy, she's courted by a charismatic aristocrat and Rita feels on the verge of a life even better than her dreams. Inez, meanwhile, has already found love, and travels the world with her adored husband.

Yet soon, war is raging across Europe. Rita, in New York for the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's The Unafraid, receives word from Inez that their brother is about to enlist. Hoping to see him before he departs, Rita books a ticket on the fastest steamer available: the RMS Lusitania. But the ship sails under a British flag, and the German government warns that all such vessels are fair game. Few believe Germany would risk attacking a ship carrying Americans, certainly not one as swift and imposing as the Lusy.

Once aboard, Rita is delighted to discover both Charles and her brother-in-law as fellow passengers.The days pass in a haze of parties and pleasurable pursuits, and the comforts of the luxury ocean liner are almost enough to calm Rita's ripples of unease. But as the ship nears Liverpool, every assumption will be tested, and Rita, her family, and the world, will be changed forever by the voyage's infamous and catastrophic end ...

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

Rita's childhood could be considered sheltered, even enchanted. There's no question her parents had wealth and status, moving in some of the most rarified social circles. How did her childhood prepare her for the real world? Or did it? Do you think Rita would have been a successful actress if not for the initial support of Pauline?
The Jolivet sisters shared a deep and abiding bond, but Rita was always the leader. Was it fair of her to drag her little sister along with her to London, just to get her own way?
Rita's first experience acting in live theatre was a disappointment. In real life, she would allude to it when pressed, but never openly discuss it. Even so, she didn't give up her dream. What kept her going? Would you have given up...

Please be aware that this discussion may contain spoilers!

See what our members are saying about this book in our Community Forum.

What did you know about the sinking of the Lusitania before reading A Crown of Stars? What did you think of Shana Abé’s depiction of the event?
I knew little about the sinking of the Lusitania but now I want to dive deeper into this history. That's what makes me love books like this… learning more about historical events that I would not really research on my own. Shana Abe did a great job writing about this event.
-Sandra_C1

Overall, what did you think of A Crown of Stars? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
A Crown of Stars was a marvelous read from start to finish. The Jolivet family, with international connections and a vibrant life in the arts, were also spectators to events in the World War I era. This catastrophic conflict- before, during and after it- provided the backdrop for an amazing tale ...
-Carol_Sullivan

What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (2/26/2026)
...my notes on The Man In the High Castle by Philip Dick for the 1000 Books to Read Before You Die book club discussion on March 1. Then I want to read A Crown of Stars by Shana Abe. It is another book currently discussed on Book Browse online Book Club.
-Lynne_G

Have you read any of Shana Abé’s previous novels, and if so, how do they compare to A Crown of Stars?
I have not read Shana Abe before but enjoyed the book so much I will be looking for more.
-Wendy_F

What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (2/12/2026)
I'm reading A Crown of Stars by Shana Abe for the upcoming discussion. Enjoying it!!
-Holly_K

What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (2/5/2026)
Let's see… I finished https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/23258/im-not-the-only-murderer-in-my-retirement-home I'm Not the Only Murderer in my Retirement Home by Fergus Craig for our upcoming book discussion. It was fun, with some interesting twists. That wa...
-kim.kovacs

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This information about A Crown of Stars was first featured in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.

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Reader Reviews

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Wendy_F

Crown of Stars
This beautifully written book tells the story of the Jolivet sisters heading out on their own for the first time with, God Forbid, no chaperone. The two are close and so supportive of each other throughout the story. It is both a coming of age and love story for both of the young women starting their paths into adulthood. While I of course was familiar with the name Lusitania, I really knew little about that tragedy. This book looks at the war through the eyes of Rita and Inez who are wonderfully creative women in a simpler time. Author Shana Abe gives us a glimpse of the difficulties faced by the French during WWII through vivid writing and character development. Yes, it’s a love story but so much more. I now will be seeking out other books by Abe as well as more on the Lusitania.

Ruth_Hollandsworth

Talent, Romance and Sorrow
Could not put this book down!! So well written, wonderful characters, some romance and an outlandish historical event. The sisters, Rita and Inez, are so likeable with all their escapades and romance. Rita decides on an acting career while Inez is gifted on the violin. Both entertain audiences and receive accolades for their specific talents. As young women, they are being noticed by young men, each having their own romantic adventures. One cannot help falling in love with the wonderful gentlemen, George, Charles, or Giuseppe (who would you pick!?!) Overall I am very glad to have read this ARC sent to me from Book Browse and have added a new favorite author to my list! P.S. The ending is not for the weak of heart!

Rebecca_R

Brings a Famous Historical Event to Life
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I am glad that I had an opportunity to read A Crown of Stars. The book is well written and researched, and I think fans of this genre will enjoy the book. The reason this book was a strong 4 rather than a 5 star read for me is that the beginning with the childhood story did not immediately interest me.

Janine_S

Poignant and captivating
Captivating historical fiction based on a real person, Marguerite "Rita" Jolivet who survived the sinking of the Lusitania. That sinking is often lost to history because of the Titanic's similar fate which occurred three years earlier. In the case of the Lusitania, no berg sealed its fate but rather the cruelty of war did.

The book focuses on the Jolivet sisters, Marguerite and Inez, both brilliant in her own way. "Rita" found her star in acting and Inez in music. Inez fell in love with George Vernon and actor, and their love was of sweetness. The fatal voyage was a last minute decision on Marguerite's part because her brother had enlisted to fight - it's 1915 and WWI is in full swing. The description of what happens when and after a U-Boat sinks her is spot on historically.

This novel is well written, bringing alive the splendor and excess of the waning days of the monarchy, peerage and the Edwardian Era. It starts out slow focusing on the Jolivet sisters but they have such a magical quality and bond between that is lovingly portrayed. But once the trip on the Lusitania begins, the pace picks up dramatically. But I felt in reading that this book had such a sweet poignancy - perfect for those moments when you want to be swept away - even though there is a tragedy to the story - as incomprehensible as that may seem - because beneath the events is a story of enduring love.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read this charming ARC.
#acrownofstars
#shanaabe

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Shana Abé is the award-winning, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including The Second Mrs. Astor and An American Beauty. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and currently lives in the mountains of Colorado. Visit her online at ShanaAbe.com.

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