Orphans of the Storm

In this historical novel based on real events and people, Imrie (A Nice Cup of Tea) provides a glimpse into the glamour and heartbreak that was the sinking of the Titanic. In 1911 France, a dreamer named Marcella must find a trade. While studying to become a seamstress, she’s swept off her feet by Michael, an ambitious, handsome classmate. Michael, determined to become the best tailor in Nice and to win Marcella’s hand, proposes marriage, but her parents convince her to wait. In the meantime, Marcella and Michael work to fulfill his dream and open a tailor shop. Michael finally convinces her to marry; three years and two young children later, he has become abusive, jealous, and controlling, and Marcella secretly begins divorce proceedings. When served with papers from the court, Michael is outraged and determined to destroy Marcella. Meanwhile, New York socialite Margaret Hays is touring Europe with friends. Bored with travel and wanting to go home, she books her passage to New York on the magnificent new Titanic. At sea, the three characters’ arcs collide.