Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan

Look closely at this cover. Makes me wonder what this woman is thinking. Gives you a good sense of the waterfront in Savannah in 1838.

The story begins as an elite family of eleven board the luxury steamship Pulaski in Savannah. They’re headed north to escape the heat of a Southern summer. This is a novel but this family is based on a real one.

Present day; Everly Winthrop, a Savannah history professor, is approached by someone from her past to guest curate a new exhibit. The wreckage of the Pulaski has recently been discovered just off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina. She’s long been curious about the secrets kept hidden beneath the ocean all these years. Has heard stories from her family for her entire life. You can almost feel the beating of her heart quicken as she contemplates this amazing opportunity, even if it is presented by someone very much estranged from her life.

Then we are swept back into history as the families board the ship and begin to settle in. We meet them all. Two women stand out: Augusta Longstreet and her niece, Lilly Forsyth. Augusta is a survivor. Lilly is never found, nor is her child. This is their amazing story.

Dubbed the “Titanic of the South” the Pulaski has pretty much avoided publicity until recently. Now that I know of it I am utterly fascinated and think you will be too.

There is nothing as intriguing as learning history through reading a great novel that has been meticulously researched. This is that novel. There are a lot of “what ifs” inside this story. It’s what keeps the pages flying. We know quickly that Lilly Forsyth is being abused by her rich and well-known husband. Of course it’s all hush-hush.

What happens to the people on board? The scenes after the explosion are harrowing. So realistic I found myself holding my breath. Not since seeing the movie TITANIC have I felt such a sense of urgency in print. Callahan leaves you gasping for air.

Come for this amazing story. Stay for the characters who simply will not let you go! I loved this book. Put it at the top of your to-read list this season.

Patti Callahan

Patti Callahan is the New York Times bestselling author of fiction and short stories. Her most recent book is the wildly popular BECOMING MRS. LEWIS.

My gorgeous finished copy of SURVIVING SAVANNAH by Patti Callahan arrived from Berkley publishing in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, it’s over-the-top amazing. Thank you Berkley. Copperfish Books will have copies of SURVIVING SAVANNAH on their shelves tomorrow morning when it goes on sale. They will be discounted 20% and we sure hope you purchase from us. I will be on hand in the store on Friday to hand sell this title. Can’t wait.

Copperfish Books