This book is based on true events and has been well researched. The pacing is so slow for most of the book. Some of the characters felt fake.
Not a huge fan of it.

It took me a few attempts to get into this book but I am so glad I persevered, it was well worth it. It takes a while to get to the main point of the story but the background and context are important to the outcome. Stick with it!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
The story starts with Marcella commencing divorce proceedings against her husband - a difficult undertaking for a woman in the early 1900s - who is clearly depicted as controlling, a character type which is understood clearly these days. I found it very interesting, and well-written, I was completely engaged from the first page. I thought it was quite a surprise when the Titanic was included in the storyline, the 'storm' in the title didn't seem appropriate. The inclusion of Margaret and the characters in her circle seemed odd, they had come out of nowhere, although their behaviours and beliefs seemed entirely appropriate and almost incredible at times - Margaret seemed self-absorbed one minute, then honourable the next. That aside I was surprised to find that the story is based in fact, and I definitely enjoyed this novel, I'd happily read more by Celia.

This was such an unusual read, I know it’s non-fiction but the amount of research in this book clearly shows and at times I had to keep reminding myself that it was based on research but was not fiction.

This novel tells the story of Marcella, a young mother who is trying to find her children against the backdrop of 1910-12 Nice and the sinking of the Titanic.

I was completely captivated by Marcella’s tragic and haunting love story. Her wants and desires mixed with her impressionable, naive at times ideas made her so fully formed to me.

I must admit that I couldn’t connect with Margaret and found her the most frustrating person in this intriguing tale.

At times it felt a little slow but overall I did enjoy getting lost in this world the author had vividly created and I would recommend . I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Orphans of the Storm told an interesting story based on true events. However, I felt that the writing let it down. immensely. There were a great deal of passages describing a lot about nothing.
I liked the summaries about the real life people at the end.

Orphans of the Storm is a powerfully written historical novel based on true characters and events in the early 1900’s set in France, London, New York and on “the greatest ship ever built”, the Titanic.

In the novel we follow the lives of three main characters; Marcella who dreams of being a famous singer but is trapped in a turbulent relationship with older man Michael, Michael who has a shady background and uses his looks and absolutely passion to deceive others and wealthy young American Margaret who is bored with her life and finds herself and her calling during her Titanic experience.

This is the first book by this author that I have read and was lucky to receive it as a read now on Netgalley. I was blown away with the story and even more so with the research that had been done before and during the book to make sure of accuracy of facts. The writing was vivid and I could imagine myself meeting the characters in the tailors shop, on the ship or in America. The plot with the two boys and their journey was really touching and the meeting of Margaret and Marcella were delicately dealt with. I will definitely be reading more by this author. I also found the background notes really interesting and the differences from the actual people who had lived these lives and the fictional versions of them.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

A quick and easy read that I found myself picking up after a long day to unwind. The characters are beautifully written and I came to love them within the first few pages and was rooting for them all the way to the end. At times I wanted to stop reading because I just wanted the experience to go on for longer.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve never before read a book where the notes at the end interested me more than the book. The Behind the scenes notes are truly fascinating and what an excellent idea of the author to include them.
I have to own up that I didn’t realise till the end that this was based on a true story. Actually if I had I might have enjoyed the story more. Unfortunately I found it too light and also very slow.

Orphans of the Storm by Celia Imrie

Woah this book was emotional. Its a fiction story but based on real people and real events.

Set in Nice in 1912 we meet Marcella, married to a dastardly devious Michael. The opening chapter sees Marcella realising that Michael has taken their two boys.
It then moves between the earlier years of their marriage to 1912 where Marcella is defying social expectations to divorce Michael.

The later part of the book is narrated from Michaels view as we see him flee his messed up life in France...on the Titanic! 🚢

It's beautifully written, cleverly researched and I could picture this as a beautiful TV series.

Thanks to @bloomsburypublishing for the @netgalley edition as the book was released on July 7th in paperback with this gorgeous cover

Remarkable concept and impeccable execution from start to the end. Every single page gives a full-throttle effect. The story moved marvellously. I finished the book overnight. The book supercharged me. That’s says something. For one, I am motivated enough to read her other books. The entire read was a heart-pounding impact on me. Based on a true story of the titanic this book is a must read!

This is a partly true story set on the Titanic that transports us back over 100 years and is filled with period details. I loved the cinematic feel to this and found it a real page tuner. This was the first book I'd read by Celia Imrie and would be keen to read more.

Utterly enchanting, haunting and captivating. It is a really great book and I'd highly recommend it!

This novel is set against the sinking of the Titanic. After three years of marriage, Marcella Navratil has had enough of her husband's nasty and controlling ways so she seeks to divorce him. But whilst waiting for the court to decide upon the custody of their children he spirits them away.

I've always been a fan of Celia Imrie as an actor but now I discover that she is a writer too. The subject is not really my taste but because of who she is I wanted to read it. It is well written but I found it a little slow and drawn out in places. It seemed to take an age to get into any real action and it was quite boring to me. I won’t be reading any more of this authors work although I still will look out for her as an actor.

My thanks to #NetGalley, #CeliaImrie and #BloomsburyPublishingPlc for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I hadn’t read the blurb of this book, foolishly, so I was incredibly taken aback when Michael ended up on the Titanic with his boys but actually I’m so glad I didn’t see what was coming, it made the story all the more gripping. So imagine my complete disbelief when I read at the end that this was all based on a true story!
Absolutely mind blowing. From the dismal life that Marcella found herself living, the drama associated with being brave enough to ask for a divorce from her, frankly abusive, husband. To then finding myself drawn into life aboard the Titanic and the horror of the aftermath of it all.
I thought this story was beautifully written and I can’t imagine the hours and weeks of research required to tell this story faithfully and accurately.

While I was aware parts of this book were set in truth, I was unaware that the whole thing was based on a true story until I read the epilogue on what happened to each character afterwards.

I very much enjoyed this story of Marcella, Michael and their two sons ‘Lolo’ and Edmond. It is well written and engaging. You know that at least some of the family are destined for the Titanic but you have no idea how or why. I found the whole book very moving and I‘d definitely read it again and recommend it to others. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.

This was a fascinating read that I couldn't put down. It was a gripping read that was more emotive than I thought it would be. The writing was good and the characters were well developed, some of which I loved and some I detested. A great read that I highly recommend.

Loved it! Felt every emotion reading this captivating tale of one small group of people caught up in one of the world's most infamous tragedies.

Marcella, young and beautiful falls hopelessly in love with, and marries, Michael Navratil. However, all is not as it first appears with her husband and one day Marcella finds he has disappeared with everything that is dear to her, and headed to New York on a new prestigious ship – RMS Titanic.

Well! Firstly I have to say I have not hated a character as much for a long time. Not how the character is written but the actual character! Michael Navratil – what a piece of work!

I hadn’t realised until the end of the book (and I loved the background information given) that this was based on a true story and real people. I know a lot of it was ‘of the time’ but this man was something else!

Whilst I felt for Marcella, I found myself wanting to shake some sense into her for the first half of the book, but could also feel her panic and frustration throughout, especially with anyone with authority.

The actual sinking doesn't take up a massive part of the book which meant it didn't detract from the events leading up to that point or after. It was thought-provoking how coincidental and innocent decisions made by Michael and Margaret (an American socialite returning home) meant they unexpectedly found themselves on that ship.

It's so easy to think of the film Titanic and its fictional characters when imagining the tragedy that unfolded that night, but so many real families lives were affected and changed forever. Ordinary people with an extraordinary story... and this one was told brilliantly.

I gave this book 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Based on a true story, which I did not realise until I had finished the book, I read the “Behind the Scenes by Fidelis Morgan in fascination. I found myself looking up the people to whom the story was about, and seeing actual photographs of them - Wow.

The main characters in this historical fiction taking us back to 1911 are, Marcella Caretto and Michael Navratil.
It explores the developing relationship and background to this story.
They go on to have two little boys who sadly get caught up in their parents drama.
The famous Titanic a luxury British steamship, is the background of the novel.

I enjoyed reading this, the different characters and their personalities were easy to understand, and get a feel for their emotions.
A mothers love comes through so strongly. It helps you understand what women in that era had to endure.
Family drama, betrayals and loyalty.
A thought provoking book that will stay with me for a long time.

The first book I’ve read by Celia Imrie, I’m certainly going to be reading more of her books in the future.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the e-book. My review is my honest opinion.