A Crown of Stars - Shana Abé

Category: General Fiction
Language: English
Keywords: Biographical Fiction

Written by Shana Abé
Read by Mary Galloway
Format: M4B
Bitrate: Variable
Unabridged

Listening Length
11 hours and 53 minutes

Publication date
24 Feb. 2026

In turn of the century England, the Jolivet family leads a charmed existence. Daughter of a wealthy vineyard owner and a French pianist, vivacious Marguerite, the eldest of three, loves spinning stories and entertaining her family’s well-connected friends. At 18, she announces she will become an actress. Her sister, Inez, a virtuosa violinist, moves to London with her. Soon the two beauties are being celebrated in the highest social circles.

Marguerite, taking the stage name Rita, quickly draws the attention of legendary theatre producer Charles Frohman. From the West End to Broadway, and then in the new medium of silent film, her star burns brighter with every role.

But soon, war is raging across Europe. Rita receives word from Inez that their brother is about to enlist. Hoping to see him before he departs, Rita books a ticket on the RMS Lusitania.

As the ship nears Liverpool, every assumption will be tested, and Rita, her family, and the world will be changed forever by the voyage’s infamous and catastrophic end…