On Sunday, September 7th, Donna Jones Alward hosted a Cream Tea to celebrate the launch of her historical fiction novel Ship of Dreams- A Novel of the Titanic. Held at the St. Mary’s Boat Club overlooking the Northwest Arm, 40 people stepped back in time to the four days before the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. At each of the guests’ seats sat a place card with the name of a passenger of the R.M.S. Titanic and a bit of information about that person. Crisp white linens and dishes adorned the tables, along with Titanic monogrammed napkins, and a vase of stunning flowers resembling the “A” deck. Music that was played on the Titanic could be heard floating in the background.
On each chair sat a goodie bag that contained a serving of Ship of Dreams Loose Tea by NovelTea in Truro, a custom English Breakfast and Rose Black Tea special blend made exclusively for Ship of Dreams. A beautiful bookmark made by Green Oasis Crochet and a Ship of Dreams mini chocolate book made by Sue Slade. A first-class favour bag.
Along with tea, the guests were served luscious raisin and plain scones made by 24 Carrot Bakery, with strawberry jam (made by Donna) and clotted cream. This highly anticipated event sold out in a matter of hours.
It was discovered during the tea that a jewel thief sat at each of the tables. Once they were uncovered, they were given a pair of Ship of Dreams earrings made by Auntie Tricia Designs, so that the rest of the guests could identify them and protect their valuables.
Donna Jones Alward spoke about the R.M.S. Titanic and her novel Ship of Dreams, her research and writing process, and read a selection from her book. At the end of the event, she signed copies and chatted with attendees. The afternoon was described as having a fun and lovely atmosphere with many thoughtful and personal touches and was a celebration of community!
Lucile Stewart Carter Brooke (October 8, 1875 – October 26, 1934) was an American socialite and the wife of William Ernest Carter, an extremely wealthy American who inherited a fortune from his father. The couple and their two children survived the RMS Titanic disaster after the ship struck an iceberg and sank on April 15, 1912. She was said to be one of the heroines of the tragedy as she, with some of the other socially elite women, assisted in the rowing of one of the Titanic’s lifeboats.
From the author of the internationally bestselling novel, WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT, comes a breathtaking tale of secrets, betrayal, and the enduring power of friendship.
Aboard the Titanic, where opulence knows no bounds and the horizon seems limitless, two women fight for the futures they dream of, fraught with secrets that could change everything.
Hannah Martin is clinging to the hope that six days on this grand ship will heal the wounds in her marriage to Charles. Beneath her poised exterior lies a desperation to mend what was shattered and conceal a secret that could upend their lives forever.
Louisa Phillips, spirited and uncompromising, is escaping her family’s insistence on a passionless marriage. But this daring step could also sever the deepest bond in her life.
As the ‘unsinkable’ ship strikes the iceberg, amidst the chaos and icy waters, lives are changed forever. In the face of impending doom, what dreams will Hannah and Lou decide are worth saving, and at what cost?
This evocative historical fiction will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, this is a poignant tale of love, choice, and survival against the odds.