Hearts That Survive by Yvonne Lehman

In April 1912, Lydia Beaumont is on her way to a new life with a boundless hope, against all that Craven Dowd desires for her and himself. Her friendship with Caroline Chadwick deepens as they plan Lydia’s wedding on board the “grandest ship ever built.” Then both women suffer tragic losses when the “unsinkable” Titanic collides with an iceberg and there are only 20 lifeboats for 2207 passengers. They struggle to keep their families and dreams together.

Decades later, Caroline’s granddaughter, working at the museum in Halifax, Nova Scotia, plans for the 50th memorial for the sinking and contacts survivors and descendants of survivors. Alan Morris feels like a failure until he discovers he is the descendant of an acclaimed novelist who lost his life when the Titanic sank. He becomes caught up in finding his identity in the past and must come to terms with his present and the meaning of true success.

Characters struggle to answer whether love is more powerful than the pain of loss and learn what it means for a heart to survive.

Hearts that Survive – A Novel of the Titanic is Yvonne Lehman’s 50th novel. She is a best-selling, award winning author who founded and directed the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference for 25 years and now directs the Blue Ridge “Autumn in the Mountains” Novelist Retreat held annually in October (www.lifeway.com/novelretreat). She lives in Black Mountain, amid the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge. She mentors students for the Christian Writers Guild. She earned her Master’s Degree in English at Western Carolina University and has taught English and Creative Writing on the college level.

You can visit Yvonne Lehman’s website at www.yvonnelehman.com.

My Thoughts:

I was attracted to this novel right from the start because of its beautiful cover AND anything about the Titanic is absolutely fascinating.  This tour was definitely one that I wanted to be a part of!  I was very happy to see it was one of the featured deals at Barnes and Noble recently, I am sure there were many who wanted to take advantage of that deal!

I love this twist on the love story aboard the Titanic...the author really does a magnificent job drawing you in and making you a part of Lydia and John's story.  Her description of the actual events (incorporated into her story of course) are spot-on and really do enhance the story.

The best way I can describe this story is REAL - in every sense of the word.  Lovers of Titanic history will be drawn right in, and will follow every page with anticipation of what is to come.  It's emotional, raw, and right in line with what readers interested will want.

I love this author...she is an amazing writer and I look forward to following her career!