Shaken to the Core

By: Jae

Narrated by: Samantha Cook

Kate Winthrop, the only child of a wealthy shipping magnate, has the course of her life charted for her by her parents. She's expected to marry well and produce a successor to the Winthrop empire. But Kate has a very different path in mind. Her true passion lies with photography - and with women.

Alone in the city after losing her brother, Sicilian immigrant Giuliana Russo starts working for the Winthrops as a maid. Despite their different social status, Kate and Giuliana become friends, much to the dismay of Kate's parents.

As the connection between the two women grows, a devastating earthquake hits San Francisco and ignites fires that sweep through the city for three days and nights.

Will the disaster shatter their tentative feelings for each other, or will they find the courage to save each other's lives - and their hearts?

Contains mature themes.

©2016 Jae (P)2020 Tantor

Great story

I LOVED this book. I enjoyed that an actual historic event provided the backdrop for this story. It was nerve wracking, sweet, it made me gasp and cheer. I just flat out enjoyed it.

The story

A very interesting description of the fallout from the devastation caused by the 1906 San Francisco earthquake & fire the survival of which provides the foundation for the development of a romance between a well to do girl & a former housekeeper for her family.

Can love bloom between ‘classes’ and amongst devastation and triumph?

Historical romance meets natural disaster done exceedingly well!! Jae is an amazing author, relishing in the perfect slow burn every time. Samantha Cook brought the story to life with the accents, characters and grasping the morose and wonder of the disaster. I was so often on the edge of my seat, getting choked up and laughing throughout the story! It was wonderful! Highly recommend!

Location and Inspiration

What took me so long to read this?! I mean, one of the main characters is a photographer and photography is a passion of mine; and the setting is San Francisco, a city I know and love. Oh yeah, it's because it is historical fiction. Haha.

I don't read a lot of historical fiction because I don't enjoy reading about the trials and tribulations people suffered in the past. I am busy living through my own, thankyouverymuch, and I typically read for pleasure. That said, although there are lots of trials and tribulations in this story (hello, it does take place in 1906 during the earthquake and aftershocks that flattened and burned most of San Francisco and the mains face misogyny, classism, etc.) this story is rather upbeat and inspiring.
The main characters were both really compelling to me and one notable side character almost stole the show.

One thing Jae does consistently well is write highly developed, likable characters. Another is creating settings that enrich the story and have you considering changing your vacation plans so you can visit them. Both talents are firmly on display here.

I could see myself re-listening to this in the future. Not only did I enjoy the story but Samantha Cook did a very good job narrating it.

Other audiobooks I have enjoyed with main characters who are photographers include Shutter by Ramona Emerson and Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake.

Other audiobooks set in San Francisco which I have enjoyed include Touchwood by Karin Kallmaker, Parasite by Mira Grant and Wild by Meghan O'Brien.

Excellent story

Wonderful, beautiful love story with tasteful love scenes and excellent character development. The descriptions were so vivid both good and bad of what happened to San Francisco on that faithful day and the beautiful ending and love story between Kate and Julianna.