Today I welcome guest author Sarah Lamb as she shares about her latest release in a series I'm also publishing in later this year.

Excerpt from Louise

 “But the boat is unsinkable,” Mathilda said, her voice filled with surprise. “Why would they load the women and children?”

           Louise shrugged. “I don’t know. But that’s how I shall dress. As a woman. I won’t let the proof of what’s happened to us risk not getting to the authorities. Hurry.”

           Pulling on a dress and snatching up her coat and handbag, Louise waited for Mathilda to do the same. Her sister was only a few breaths slower than she was. Opening the door, several inches of water now stood sloshing about their ankles and filling their room as they left.

           “I’m sure we’ll be back soon,” Louise said uneasily as they made their way to the upper deck. Her shoes were drenched, and she wondered how she’d get them dry. There was a large creaking sound and the water’s speed as it rose increased. Louise glanced over her shoulder, swallowed hard, and moved faster.

           Mathilda said something, but it was lost as they rounded a corner and it grew nosier.

           Around them, on the upper deck, passengers stood. Some were holding glasses of something steaming or bubbly, clustered together talking. A few young men had found a chunk of ice, and were kicking it back and forth, laughing. A large number stood at the railing, pointing in the distance.

           “Why do they not go?” Mathilda whispered to her sister. Her eyes were wide.

           Louise wondered the same as a feeling of panic filled her, but she shrugged. It was important to stay calm. “Because it’s just a precaution. This boat cannot sink. But,” she added firmly, “it is a precaution we will take. We have not made it this far to not take every opportunity afforded.”

As the crowd began to swell, she felt for her sister’s hand. She must get Mattie to a lifeboat. Whether something happened or not, it was her responsibility to keep her sister safe. “Stay close,” she warned.

           A crewman was loading a boat a short distance away and Louise hurried toward him. The crewman was waving his arm and the lifeboat started to lower. There were not many women within it. It was perhaps a third full.

           “Wait!” Louise called as loudly as she could. “Please wait!” She waved her free hand. The crewman saw her.

           “Hold!” the crewman shouted to the lifeboat, then turned to Mathilda and Louise. “Would you ladies like in?”

           “Please,” Louise said. She felt nervous, thinking about being in the dark waters on such a small craft, but pushed the feeling aside. With a smile, she continued, “We shall enjoy the view of the ship from a different perspective until we are allowed to board again.”

           With a nod, the crewman helped Mathilda in first, then her. The sisters sat next to each other. A few more people climbed in after them and the crewman called out for more passengers. None answered his call, and the boat lowered, about half full. Two crewmen were at the oars, and the boat set out a short distance from the Titanic.

           Much as it had been only a short time before when she and Mathilda were on the promenade, the moonless night was clear and crisp. To see the Titanic from his angle was impressive. The massive ship was lit, alive with people and music, and laughter. It was a sharp contrast from their small craft. In the calm water, with only gentle waves lapping at their lifeboat as music, her passengers silent, and a dim light from a small lantern casting a soft glow, it felt strange. And small. Yes, Louise thought, so very small and insignificant in comparison to the enormous ship before them.

           If something were to happen, how long could we stay on this lifeboat? And how would anyone know to rescue us?

           Mathilda’s frightened voice broke through her thoughts, and Louise looked at her sharply, then toward her sister’s pointing finger.

            “The…the ship. It’s listing. The Titanic is sinking.”

Check out the book here:  

https://www.amazon.com/Louise-Rescue-Mail-Order-Brides-ebook/dp/B0BJ9NXZWF

About Sarah:

Sarah Lamb is the mother of two boys and wife to a teacher. She spends her days writing and editing books in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. 

Find out more! https://about.me/sarah.lamb

Website:  sarahlambbooks.com