Ship of Dreams

Praise

“With Ship of Dreams, beloved Canadian author Donna Jones Alward offers a deeply satisfying reimagining of the Titanic story—one that moves beyond the familiar tragedy to uncover new layers of humanity, resilience, and hope. Elegantly written and rich in historical insight, this compelling novel invites readers to see a well-known chapter of history through a strikingly original lens. This is a thoughtful and immersive novel that confirms Alward’s gift for meaningful and character-driven storytelling.”
—Jennifer Robson, international bestselling author of Coronation Year

“Alward’s inviting prose and keen eye for historical detail spotlights two indefatigable women whose grand life-changing plans aboard an unsinkable ship are tested by the rough waters of friendship, marriage, trust and unspeakable tragedy. With Alward’s hallmark Canadian sensibility and deft pen, Ship of Dreams will compel readers of Jennifer Robson and Hazel Gaynor while delighting old and new fans alike.”
—Rachel McMillan, bestselling author of The Mozart Code and The London Restoration

“Donna Alward had crafted an enthralling and beautiful story of love, loss and courage. Alward’s meticulous research ensures the narrative is dripping with rich and authentic period detail that is guaranteed to sweep readers away. Just dazzling.”
—Kate Thompson, author of The Wartime Book Club

“Donna Jones Alward weaves a beautifully intimate and inspiring tale about best friends Hannah and Louisa, two unforgettable women with big dreams who discover, in the face of tragedy, what it truly means to love. You will be up well past your bedtime, glued to the page.”
—Maia Caron, bestselling author of The Last Secret

“Ship of Dreams by Donna Jones Alward is the Titanic novel we never knew we needed—but most certainly do. I read with bated breath as the story pressed forward, the tension quietly mounting until we reach the fateful night of April 14. It’s a novel that will break your heart and mend it again, all within the grip of one unforgettable, compulsive read.”
—Jenni L. Walsh, USA Today bestselling author of Sonora

“There is a seductive undertow of danger that lures the reader into Ship of Dreams, vividly written historical fiction about marriage and suffrage, loyalty, grief and the gift of forgiveness. A multi-layered novel that cleverly blends imagination with history, it poses the question, how do you stay true to yourself when it means hurting the one you love most of all? A magnificent achievement.”
—Shelly Sanders, author of The Night Sparrow

“This novel contains everything readers want from a novel set on the Titanic: its opulence and luxuries, the famous passengers, a passionate shipboard romance. The real pleasure of the novel, however, is the tension between best friends Hannah and Louisa, each with a secret they fear to share, and which is keeping them apart. We all know the fate of the Titanic, but it’s the fate of this friendship that kept me turning the pages. Terrific character development and perfect pacing.”
—Janie Chang, Globe and Mail bestselling author of The Porcelain Moon, The Phoenix Crown, The Library of Legends

“A heart-wrenching story that explores the strength of friendship and the power of love. The historical facts about the Titanic are well-researched and seamlessly woven into the narrative of this fiction novel. Some scenes took my breath away as they came alive on the page. A highly recommended 5* read.”
—Glynis Peters, Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and USA Today bestseller

“Like so many others, the Titanic holds a lifelong fascination for me, and getting to step on deck through the magic of Donna Jones Alward’s novel was beyond my expectations. Donna brings the ghosts of the past to life in this well researched, fascinating story of privilege, progress and heart.”
—Bryn Turnbull, author of The Berlin Apartment

“Using luscious details and inviting prose, Donna Jones Alward masterfully weaves together themes of loyalty, feminism and profound grief to portray a deeply moving portrait of a friendship tested by tragedy. Add in secrets, intrigue and the threat we all know is hovering on the horizon, and you get this must-read story that will keep readers flipping the pages until the very last one.”
—Brianna Labuskes, USA Today bestselling author of The Librarian of Burned Books

“Immersive and spellbinding, Hannah and Lou’s stories are at once captivating, tragic, and filled with hope. As the “unsinkable” ship moves from coast to coast, Donna Jones Alward drew me in with a mystery, an unerring attention to detail, and two beguiling women on the verge of losing what they’d always dreamed of, and the potential to find so much more.”
—Noelle Salazar, author of The Lies we Leave Behind