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Review: Until the Last Note

Until the Last Note book cover on blue background

For Clearly Christian Readathon's March Buddy Read, I was thrilled to get to read Until the Last Note by new-to-me author, B.M. Baker, in time for the anniversary of the Titanic sinking on April 15, 1912. This poignant story about a modern-day student and a couple navigating a musical stint aboard the RMC Titanic carries repercussions that echo far past the early 20th century.

Book Synopsis

Two couples over a century apart. One antique diary that ties them together.

Present Day: Junior college student Greyslin Rogers enjoys a good challenge. But when she takes on an extra credit assignment in theater class, she realizes she may have overestimated her abilities. Encouraged by her best friend, Stanley Pritchard, to give it her best, Greyslin dives into researching the Titanic encounter and writing her script. After coming across an antique diary as an inspiring memento for her project, little does she know the tragedies and beauties the century-old words will uncover. When concerning signs in Stanley's health cause worries to arise, and as their friendship develops into something deeper, Greyslin finds herself relating with the diary’s writer, whose words shed more light on the present than she ever could have imagined.

Spring of 1912: Newlywed Renita (Davis) Burton’s marriage is off to a bumpy start when her husband, Daniel, accepts an at-sea musician position aboard the RMS Titanic. As she wrestles with the loneliness and unsettled feelings his absence creates, Renita turns to the comfort of a favorite pastime—keeping a diary. Her faith, new friends, and unexpected joys carry her through the long days ahead, but nothing could have prepared her for when she finds out the ship that carries her husband has sunk.

As Renita struggles between hope and grief while she awaits to hear of her husband’s fate and as Greyslin faces the greatest trial of her life, will the lessons unlocked by the diary help Greyslin embrace the same love and courage portrayed in the past to face her own uncertain future with the man she loves?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

I love that this book takes place in the historical and contemporary eras, bringing the story of the Titanic to life in a fresh way. In discovering a journal from this time period, Greyslin is afforded direct access to the emotions around this tragedy from the perspective of a young married woman named Renita. It's a powerful story where the things we can easily take for granted are expounded upon, such as friendship and love. Having dual timelines helps us understand the struggles of two different women who need to walk past fear into faith. In addition to meeting these two strong ladies, Stanley and Daniel are both incredible male characters who are inspiring and completely selfless in devoting their lives to God.

This is an emotional book, and the way that the stories interact with each other is masterful. Those who have a fondness for history will appreciate the author's note and historical facts sprinkled along the way. Demonstrating how our obedience to Christ can have a ripple effect in the lives of others, Until the Last Note is about being a faithful servant to the very end. Readers who are interested in music and the Titanic will find that this story will leave an impact on your heart and have you pondering how our lives can count for God.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍

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