I've always been fascinated by the story of the Titanic and it was inevitable that, sooner or later, I would write a book based round her maiden voyage. As I researched the project,I found that there was far more to the voyage than I'd realized, and I wanted to include as much detail as possible.

Everything in the book, from the descriptions of the decorations and amusements on board, to the premonitions of disaster and the ship's ultimate sinking, is based on either eyewitness accounts, contemporary newspaper articles or the official inquiries. All the words and actions of real people are also based on eye witness accounts, except where they interact with my characters, and even then I have based the conversations on things the real people actually said wherever possible. The only way in which I have altered history is to improve conditions on Collapsible Lifeboat A, and to put a few extra women on board this boat.

I hope the book will satisfy anyone who is interested in the fate of Titanic, as well as lovers of historical romance.

The love story is that of Emilia Cavendish, who is given a first class ticket on board Titanic and heads towards Ireland in order to start a new life with her godmother. Carl Latimer, a millionaire on board, tries to buy her stateroom from her and is intrigued when she refuses him.

Unbeknownst to Emilia, an enemy of hers from Southampton has slipped on board, and when she explores the ship, becoming lost in the third class section, she finds herself in danger. She finds sanctuary back in first class, but the incident has cost her dear as she has missed her port and finds herself heading for New York.

Forced to spend a few more days on board, Emilia explores the amusements Titanic has to offer and meets some of the famous passengers on board, whilst discovering a growing attraction for Carl. Then the ship hits the iceberg and, as Emilia finds herself once again in danger, it begins to sink . . .

The story continues through the sinking and rescue, and follows the survivors to New York.

I don't think it's giving too much away to say that the story has a happy ending, as this is guaranteed in all my books.

I came across a great deal of fascinating information in the course of my research, and I put as much of it as possible into the book. Inevitably, it wouldn't all fit, and so I include some more information here.

At Queenstown, girls boarded the Titanic to sell lace to the passengers whilst the ship was in port

There were some miraculous escapes. One of the passengers was dragged under by the suction of the ship as it sank, but was then blown clear by a gust of air escaping from a ventilation shaft. After this, he managed to climb into a lifeboat.

The lifeboats had tanks of water and crackers on board but no one knew about this, and so those who survived the disaster passed the night without food or drink.

Some of the card sharps on board Titanic continued to play for money when rescued by Carpathia, carrying on as though nothing had happened.

The actress Dorothy Gibson, a Titanic survivor, co-wrote and starred in a silent movie "Saved From the Titanic" a month after the ship sank.

The suction was less than anticipated because the boilers exploded when the cold water rushed in, and this in some measure counteracted it.

The phrases "tip of the iceberg" and "and the band played on" have their origins in the disaster.

Those who would like to know more about Jacques Futrelle the mystery writer, one of Titanic's passengers, should see the Links page.