What do readers think of A Crown of Stars by Shana Abe? Write your own review.

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.

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!

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.

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.
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