I just finished up reading The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott.

I had high hopes for the book.  It suppose to be a Titanic novel with part of the story told while the characters crossed the ocean.

Here’s what Amazon had to say, “Tess, an aspiring seamstress, thinks she’s had an incredibly lucky break when she is hired by famous designer Lady Lucile Duff Gordon to be her personal maid on the Titanic. Once on board, Tess catches the eye of two men—a kind sailor and an enigmatic Chicago businessman—who offer differing views of what lies ahead for her in America. But on the fourth night, disaster strikes, and amidst the chaos, Tess is one of the last people allowed on a lifeboat.

The survivors are rescued and taken to New York, but when rumors begin to circulate about the choices they made, Tess is forced to confront a serious question.  Did Lady Duff Gordon save herself at the expense of others? Torn between loyalty to Lucile and her growing suspicion that the media’s charges might be true, Tess must decide whether to stay quiet and keep her fiery mentor’s good will or face what might be true and forever change her future.”

It started out good and I was sure I was going to love it…but didn’t.  The story was just told…not much emotion was there…It was the author telling us the person was scared…not me feeling the person was scared.  I just didn’t feel as connected to the characters as I wish I was…then the story just ended without any real preparation.

I am only giving it a 3 stars…not horrible but not something I am going to tell you to run out and get your hands on.  Amazon readers say 4 stars.

Have any of you read it?  What did you think?

The next book in my queue happens to be a Titanic novel too.  I hope this one is better.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to my blog readers who recommended I read Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman.  It was wonderful. I listened to the audio version and it kept my attention.  I found that I was purposely finding things to do so I could keep listening.

After finishing the book I am almost wondering if I read this as a teenager.  The book jacket shown above didn’t seem familiar but then when I was writing this review and looking on line for a picture of the book, I found this original book jacket.

This book jacket I am sure I have seen.  The story just seemed familiar to me too…Whether it’s the first or second time I’ve read it, it doesn’t matter.  It was good and definitely my kind of book.  Besides, whe I read it as a teen, I looked upon the adventure part and admired the story.  Reading it as an adult, I can see the tragic loss and the strength it took to move on.

Here’s what Amazon had to say about it, “A classic tale that has enchanted millions of readers worldwide, Mrs. Mike brings the fierce, stunning landscape of the Great North to life—and masterfully evokes the tender, touching moments that bring a man and a woman together forever.

Recently arrived in Calgary, Alberta after a long, hard journey from Boston, sixteen-year-old Katherine Mary O’Fallon never imagined that she could lose her heart so easily—or so completely. Standing over six feet tall, with “eyes so blue you could swim in them,” Mike Flannigan is a well-respected sergeant in the Canadian Mounted Police—and a man of great courage, kindness, and humor. Together, he and his beloved Kathy manage to live a good, honest life in this harsh, unforgiving land—and find strength in a love as beautiful and compelling as the wilderness around them…”

Amazon readers list 4.5 stars…I am going to over ride them and chalk up five stars.  I loved it that much!

I see that they have written sequels but I also see that the sequels don’t have a very good rating.  Has anyone read them??  What did you think??