After watching Jackie (played beautifully by Natalie Portman), I became extremely fascinated with Jackie Kennedy. I had planned to read a biography but of course, time got away from me and it never happened. So when I saw this historical fiction novel on Netgalley, I immediately requested it. And while I'm certainly no expert on that time period or the Kennedys, I truly felt the author had given a thoughtful and thorough look inside Jackie's life (I later found out that Thornton tweaked the timeline a bit but that didn't take away from the emotional impact for me). The novel starts with Jacqueline Bouvier and her beginnings as a would-be editor and how meeting JFK put her on the trajectory of wife, mother, and First Lady. But more importantly, how did she juggle that role of always standing next to Jack while maintaining her own sense of self, especially with all the opinionated Kennedys surrounding her. And of course, JFK's assassination and how she held her family and JFK's legacy together in the aftermath. The book really spans almost her entire life and while it did feel long at times, it truly was a fascinating read. I actually want to read a non-fictional account even more now having read this. But what tugged at my emotions the most was the more private side of Jackie as a wife, mother and woman and reading about her marriage (I know it's fiction but I don't doubt the kernels of truth in it).

Do I recommend? I do! If you've ever been curious about Jackie Kennedy, I think this is a great place to start.

And They Called it Camelot entertained me as well as engulfed me in a swirl of American history. I love that this book taught me so much, not only of Jackie Kennedy’s heartaches and triumphs, but also about JFK’s presidency and the world of American politics. Now that is quite a feat—because the mention of politics usually causes my stomach to roil and my eyes to roll. But this partially-fictionalized story of this iconic woman’s life and loves kept me enthralled.

The book is told from Jackie’s point of view. By telling her story from her point of view it somehow makes Jack (JFK) bigger than life. I met him through her meeting, I saw him through her eyes and heart…

I found myself pausing my reading and going on the Internet to view things described in the book, such as Jack and Jackie’s engagement photos, her inaugural ball gown, and Marilyn Monroe’s birthday song fiasco. There’s even a letter Jackie wrote to Jack included in the book (with permission from the Kennedy Collection.)

The romance isn’t overdone. It truly feels raw and authentic, as if I’m hearing Jackie’s own thoughts and heart. Although the historical aspects are accurate, much of Jackie’s story is fictionalized—but it certainly doesn’t feel that way. I smiled, I gasped, I grimaced, and I cried as I traveled through history and through Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis’s life.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

I reviewed this one for Bookreporter and gave it a 5 star review. Very effective and informative telling of her life.

I, like a lot of other people, am very enamored with the Kennedy's, the idea of Camelot, and in particular, Jackie. And They Called It Camelot was an excellent account, albeit fictionalized, of the life of Jackie, Jack, and the rest of the Kennedy family.

I remember where I was and what I was doing when President Kennedy was shot. That event totally took over our lives and we obsessed to know everything about them, sitting glued to our TVs for days. This story took me back to that riveting time and let me take a step into Jackie's life to better understand her, her relationships, her family, and her loves.

This is a very well written novel that delved into the life of Jackie O. I'm in awe of the research that the author had to have done to write such an interesting accounting of her life and the times. I highly recommend And They Called It Camelot.

I absolutely adored this book. Stephanie Marie Thornton did an exceptional job writing this work of fiction. I am fascinated by everything Kennedy or Jackie and was enchanted by this one from the beginning. The research that was conducted to write this book was evident. If you are like me and enjoy reading about the Kennedys whether fiction or nonfiction, then you should definitely read this one.

A young woman becomes a household name as the wife of an up-and-coming politician who gets elected president. She deals with her husband’s ongoing infidelity and helps him through the stresses of his political career, only to have it all snatched away from her in an instant. Author Stephanie Marie Thornton uses her meticulous research methods to give the world an inside look at the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the well-intentioned but long novel And They Called It Camelot.

In the early 1950s, despite her sensible engagement to a long-time beau, Jacqueline Bouvier wants more from life. She’s not content to play the meek housewife or be relegated to the background, and her fiancé doesn’t understand that. While her work as a reporter offers her a chance to travel and assert herself, when she meets John “Jack” Kennedy at a party she’s awestruck. She falls headlong into a whirlwind romance and the glamorous life of the Kennedy political machine.

At first she thinks she and Jack have a love story for the ages, but Jackie isn’t completely blind. She sees how other women act around Jack and is horrified to discover that he reciprocates, even after she marries him. Many times.

Every instinct within her tells her to leave, but her father-in-law, Joe, convinces her to stay. Joe knows that his son’s star is on the rise, and Jackie’s addition to the family offers the American public the complete picture. Without Jackie, his son’s chances to capture the White House decrease dramatically.

Jackie and Jack come to an uneasy truce, but she still feels the sting of infidelity even all the way through her husband’s successful presidential bid. As First Lady, though, she has more matters to occupy her time. She breaks the major trends for fashion for First Ladies, decides to oversee the extensive renovations of the White House, and does her best to mend her fraught relationship with her sister. Vacations to her favorite spots in Europe help too, and so does being a mother.

Motherhood fulfills Jackie in a way that nothing else can, especially considering how hard she fought for it. Miscarriages and the death of two of her babies in infancy leave her heartbroken in a way that even Jack’s affairs can’t, and she adores and cherishes the children she does have. Unlike other politicians’ wives, she’s determined to be a constant in the lives of her son and daughter.

Jack only enjoys a scant thousand days as president, however, when he’s brutally assassinated. After his murder, Jackie finds herself floundering. Even after all his infidelities, Jack was the love of her life. She and Jack’s younger brother, Bobby, form a close bond, but nothing can take away the ache of losing her husband.

Despite overt public criticism, Jackie marries Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. At first, the retreat to Greece is the respite she needs from all the horrifying events of the day Jack was killed. Her relationship with Onassis is nothing like the marriage she shared with Jack, though, and she finds herself yearning for life in the States once again. After Aristotle’s death, Jackie returns to her beloved New York City where she becomes an outspoken advocate for the arts and a book editor. Through it all, her relationship with her children remains her anchor.

Author Stephanie Marie Thornton reveals in her author’s note the depth of research she did to present the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis with as much authenticity as possible. The result is a novel that adds dimension to a figure in history who many may have assumed was just a pretty face. While modern-day readers might associate Jackie Kennedy with the pink suit and pillbox hat she wore on the day of her husband’s assassination, Thornton’s novel reveals her to be much more.

Jackie comes across as a modern woman stuck in the trappings of society. She doesn’t hesitate to fight back and she also gives herself grace when stuck in an impossible situation: with an unfaithful husband. The former First Lady’s anguish and inner turmoil ring true. Never mind that she’s married to the president of the United States. The concessions she makes for his career and family underscore the fact that at her heart, she’s a wife and mother who just wants her husband to stay home every single night.

The book might feel long in some parts; given that John Kenney was president for such a short period of time, Thornton takes time to delve into the Kennedy marriage before he won the White House and after his death. Many readers might appreciate Thornton’s unwillingness to leave them hanging; although Jackie Kennedy retreated from the public eye after her husband’s death, she did continue to have a life. The reminder makes the picture of this incredible woman that much more complete.

Those who enjoy books about the life and times of well-known celebrities with less coverage will definitely enjoy this novel. I recommend readers Bookmark And They Called It Camelot.

I absolutely fell in love with this story and the indomitable Jackie Kennedy. It was intriguing to read a fictional account of her, from her own point of view, and not JFK’s. I fully admit that I cried, really ugly cried, so many times while reading this story. Stephanie really captured the sadness of the tragic losses that Jackie faced in her life, and how she managed to pull through. Truly a must read for those who love historical fiction about strong, notable women.

4 Stars
With my personal love of the First Lady, this was a must read.
It is an interesting take on what was happening then and how she may have received it.

This is a very interesting story and tribute to a beloved first lady, told from her viewpoint. And while it is a work of fiction, it stays pretty true to history and provides a glimpse into much of the joy and heartbreak that Jackie and the entire Kennedy family experienced. It also describes the pain and suffering that JFK endured due to debilitating medical problems, which I think would be surprising to many as it was so well hidden. If you're a fan of historical fiction or just interested in the Camelot era, this book is a must read!

AND THEY CALLED IT CAMELOT, a book about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, by Stephanie Marie Thornton is an epic idea that re-envisions history in a way that only a novel can.

Even though I grew up as this history unfolded, reliving it through this novel brought tears to my eyes all over again. What this family endured is beyond comprehension. Reading it all from Jackie’s point of view is breathtaking and heartbreaking. I kept hoping she’d realize some enduring happiness.

I was enthralled from the beginning. The ambiance of the 1950s political arena is vivid without being overdone. Envisioning the Kennedys’ first date is just like I had imagined it. What an ingenious way to experience their story – in novel form. It’s smart and sweet and sassy and romantic with disappointments layered in.

I found this book deeply moving at times. When Jacqueline steps to a podium the first time to speak in Louisiana, it moved me to tears. She was instinctual and kind. I think that’s because we experience all her disappointments from her point-of-view up until this moment. It made me want to hug her. She was brave and fierce for her time.

Writing a novel in a real person’s point-of-view is a brave endeavor. I knew the whole time I was reading that this book was fiction based on fact. But I couldn’t stop wondering about what really happened and what didn’t. The author does a nice job at the end explaining what she changed to work for her book.

Due to my grandmother’s obsession with JFK, I’ve always followed this family’s history, but there is a lot I didn’t know or remember. President Kennedy was assassinated less than a month before my fifth birthday. But my age didn’t really matter – I was glued to the TV just like everyone else. I remember the children the most. And, like many other families of that era, we went to Washington DC to visit the eternal flame.

AND THEY CALLED IT CAMELOT represents resiliency incredibly well. Jackie was an icon, including her fashion sense. This isn’t a fairy tale, but in many ways, it represents a romantic time in history. There are sweet moments, but truth is also well represented. I’m not sure how Jackie endured everything in her lifetime. It’s excellent storytelling balanced with positives during dark times for this family.

I highly recommend this novel to those who lived this history by watching it play out on their black and white TV. For those who don’t know this era, it may give you a glimpse of strength and resiliency unlike anything you’ve experienced. AND THEY CALLED IT CAMELOT alludes to “you’ve come a long way baby” to women across the world. May we all continue to be Jackie-strong in whatever we face.

Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com.

I have read a few fictional novels about the Kennedy’s over the years, but I’ll admit that I never read one from Jackie’s point of view. Though the book is a work of fiction, I found the portrayal realistic and I found the depiction of Jackie and her plight quite illuminating. As I read the novel, several times I had to stop and google the events and sure enough, the author had done her research. It made the book so believable, realistic and all-the-more heart breaking.

The Kennedy’s appeared to have hand-picked the perfect political wife for their son. She was beautiful and poised, classy and strong-willed. She was well-educated, spoke multiple languages and had a knack for putting people at ease regardless of their economic station.

Jackie believed she was marrying for love and that her unconditional love was reciprocated. She only had eyes for one man. Unfortunately, she married a man who was never satisfied and sought to stroke his ego elsewhere. If he shared a vulnerable moment with his wife; he viewed it as a chink in his armor becoming withdrawn and aloof. This outstanding woman set her own hopes and dreams aside, endeavoring to help her husband achieve his. And while the marriage was far from “storybook”, Jackie found a way to create a story of her own.

I highly recommend this novel. I read it in one sitting, and I continue to think about it.

I received an advance copy of this novel; all opinions are my own.

A fairytale or a nightmare? Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis one of the best known women of the 20th century. A classy woman who lived a complex occasionally tragic life. Stephanie Marie Thornton has masterfully crafted this exceptional fictional biography. The book spans Jackie’s life from the time she first meets Jack two 1979 and the dedication of the JFK library. The story is told in first person from Jackie’s perspective really giving the reader an intimate look into her life. Prior to reading this book I didn’t know that much about Jackie’s life other than the obvious. This story really made me realize what a smart, savvy, strong, industrious, loving, caring, Woman/mother she was. I especially appreciated her Love of books and writing. I admired her strength and her composure in times of tragedy. As well as her dedication to her children, she really was an exceptional mother.

The book was extremely well researched. I’d encourage you to read the author’s note at the end because it does touch on some liberties that Thornton took. The story made me contemplate how some of the actions of the Kennedy brothers in particular would go over now in the time of social media. Another thing that I never realized before was how young John and Jackie Kennedy were. I do realize this was a fictional book based on history, but I thought it really gave me an accurate and compassionate peek into Jackie Kennedy‘s life. I definitely have a new respect for her, not how she dressed but how she conducted herself.

This book in emojis 👩‍👧‍👦 👒 ✍🏻 📰 🇺🇸



*** Big thank you to Berkley for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

I’d love to go back in time and live the world with Jackie Kennedy Onsassis. To see such an amazing woman navigate a life that wasn’t always easy, that had such a great love as she shared with Jack, and to see her love her children so entirely would be wonderful. She had style, grace, and a strong will that no one stood a chance when they pushed her against her morals.

They Called it Camelot is a rare look inside the life of the former First Lady’s life. It is a celebration of the life of Jackie while also sharing the heartbreak that came along with her life in the limelight. There were times I had to remember that this was not a biography of Jackie, it is a historical fiction telling of her life.

When I started the chapters of 1963, I slowed way down in my reading. I knew what happens in 1963 and was not ready to read Jackie’s perspective on her husband’s murder. The tears rolled down my cheeks as I read how she second-guessed what she could have done to save him, how she protected him even in death, and how different her life was going to be with Jack not in her life. The strength that she showed to the nation and for her kids while she mourned the love her of her life showed how truly strong she was.

They Called it Camelot is a top read for 2020.

Breath taking and beautiful. It's a wonderful lyrical tale of a story that I couldn't stop reading. It was amazing to have a peek into the life of one of the most iconic women ever. Once you start reading it's hard to put down. It deserves a spot on your keeper shelf? Happy reading!

As a child in the 70's, I vividly remember combing through the ladies magazines like Good Housekeeping and Ladies Home Journal looking for photos and articles about Jackie O. My parents also had a book on our bookshelf called "The Torch Is Passed: The Associated Press Story of the Death of a President." I wore that book out looking at the photos and text about an event that had occurred before I was even born. Reading this new historical fiction title by Stephanie Marie Thornton was a joy. She brought Jackie to life for me and I hope many others will feel the same. Included along with a bibliography are an interview with the author, and a reading group guide. It would be my hope that a book group could discuss this book in an enlightening way despite the upcoming election.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Even though I knew the history, knew what was coming next, I was so caught up in this story written from Jackie's perspective. Jackie's charm and grace carried her through such emotional trauma. This book truly captures that charm and grace keeping me truly invested in the story and turning the pages!

I've always admired Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and after reading this book, I admire her even more. Even though this a fictionalized telling of her life before, during and after her marriage to John F. Kennedy, it was so very well done that I felt like the way events were written about in the book could have actually happened in that way. My heart ached for her so many times. This woman was a rock. She really did go though a lot and it blows my mind that she held herself together, especially while being in the public eye. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy.

Stephanie Marie Thornton is an American writer (she lives in Alaska) and has written many books about historical women. In this new release she focuses on Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. This fictionalized story is based on historical records. It begins when Jacqueline first meets Jack and ends sometime after the death of Onassis. The novel examines the difficulties she faced, highlighting her strengths. I found myself near tears at times and at others felt the need to google for photos of various events etc. I was only 5 when John F Kennedy was killed but I know it was the 9/11 moment for my parents generation. While bittersweet, the book is a very entertaining read and one that should appeal to fans of historical fiction.

I have been fascinated with the Kennedys for as long as I can remember. I was born just 13 days before the assassination of JFK. My mother always claimed that I watched the funeral on television with my bottle. Perhaps that is what started my fascination, LOL!
I can’t remember how I first heard about this book but as soon I heard about it, I looked to see if the ebook was available on Net Galley for review. It was and I was approved to download it.
I am so glad I did. I have read a lot of fiction and non-fiction about the Kennedys. Some are better than other but ‘And They Called It Camelot’ is now at the top of my list of fiction favorites.
Stephanie Marie Thornton really captured the persona of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. I always knew that she stayed with Jack because she really had no choice while he was president. However, I think it was more complicated than that. Of course, there were the children but perhaps there was love between them despite Jack’s countless affairs. Thornton hints at this.
Thornton must have done a lot of research to dive into Jackie’s persona so deeply. It felt like I was reading Jackie’s diary. I kept having this guilty feeling for reading it. I’m sorry Jackie, I couldn’t help myself!
Thornton really captured Jackie’s thoughts and emotions as well as the events she had been through. I know how much Jackie valued her privacy so I can only guess she would not have approved of the publication of this book however; I do think it was written in a respectful manner. I rarely read a book more than once but I am certain I will revisit ‘And They Called It Camelot’ again! I cannot recommend it highly enough!

This was such an incredible book. The author weaves a tale of Jackie Kennedy's life and she blends fiction and truth together so seamlessly that at times, it did feel like I was reading Jackie Kennedy's words of her own life. The author starts with her meeting of JFK and ends in the 70's. Jackie Kennedy suffered so much loss and heartache and she had to deal with so much. I didn't really know much about her life, beyond the fact that JFK was a notorious philanderer. The author handled those aspects beautifully as well. And when JFK died, I could feel the pain and devastation. This was such a beautifully written book. Highly recommend!