The First Emma by Camille Di Maio is an excellent historical fiction piece that is centered on a real life amazing woman, Emma Koehler.

I have been a huge fan of Ms Di Maio and have loved reading all of her works, and this one did not disappoint.

I knew nothing of this strong, feisty, fiery, imaginative, innovative, and amazing woman that was unappreciated during her time. After reading, I was inspired to learn more about Emma online. I am so glad I was able to read about a strong, passionate woman that held her own, especially at a time that was plagued by so many problems at home, and across the globe at war. It is also remarkable considering that this was still “ a man’s world” at this time. Keeping all of these factors in mind, it just awes me at just how impressive Emma had been.

I also learned a great deal about the history of breweries in America, as well as some of the information on how it is made and produced. I a absolutely love reading books were, not only do I enjoy myself, but I also learn something new.

I enjoyed the author’s spin on creating Mabel, and telling Emma’s story through this character. I thought Mabel was a great addition, and a like able and strong character that I most certainly was able to identify with. I also enjoyed the dash of romance.

I loved the ending and the Author’s note giving us fact vs fiction and adding more information to the history of Emma Koehler.

Only the amazing Ms Camille Di Maio could do it all, and do it all so well. Another treasure from an excellent author.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Wyatt- MacKenzie Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.


Only

Going into this novel, I'd never heard of any of the people involved, nor even heard of the crime itself.
So, I went into this with a completely open mind and relied solely on the author's ability to tell a good story in order for it to engage me, and keep me suitably entertained.
The author definitely did not fail in any way. Giving the characters solid and believable personalities (how much of it was a true reflection on their actual personality and how much was artistic licence I don't know). But what I do know is this was a thumping good book!
Definitely will be one I'll be recommending and should be held up as a prime example of what I hope and pray the quality will be, this coming year.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and netgalley for my arc. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

What a fascinating tell of a true story. DeMaio has written another winner. It did takes me a few chapters to figure out which of the 3 Emma's was which. Today she kept me guessing until Stevens of the book is an understatement. Loved this book and the history it brought to life. Bootleg liquor, murder and betrayal are only a few things this book hits you with. Throw in a love story and you have a five star winner

Another winner from Camille De Maio
A story of an extraordinary woman who saved her company and herself. Based upon the life of a woman and a murder trial I'd never heard of, I enjoyed this book. Well-researched, well-written, and fast moving. The older main character became someone I wish I had known. Like other books by Camille De Maio, this one is sure to be a hit. Thanks, netgalley for the ARC

True story of Emma Koehler, whose husband Otto was killed by one of his two mistresses. Tells of her rise as CEO of a brewing empire in San Antonio during Prohibition.
Retold to a young lady, Mabel Hartley in 1943 who was hired by Mrs. Koehler to write the memoir at the end of Mrs. Koehler's life. An amazing story of love, loss and the women who were the backbone of businesses during the Great Depression. This was the first novel I've read of Ms. Di Maio and certainly won't be the last.

Thank you to Wyatt Mackenzie publishing and NetGalley for the eARC

No one writes strong women characters in a historical setting better than Camille!

Emma Kohler, the mother of home brew, is the first "real" historical figure that Camille has based a full novel on (a real ghost and a compilation of women appear in her other novels) I feel she did a great job. The amount of research that went into this novel is outstanding. From the clothing to the setting to the cars, Di Maio did not miss anything

I enjoyed the characters that Camille created to round out the story. I loved the side story of the romance of these characters and the lurid scandal that surrounded the historical figures

one of my most anticipated books of 2020 and is sure to be one of the best

I have read each book Camille Di Maio has written and each one is better than the previous! This is just a wonderful, informative trip back in time that everyone will enjoy!

This is a historical fiction novel retold in 1943 to a young lady named Mabel Hartley.
She has been hired to write the memoir of the brilliant Emma Koehler, a quiet trend setter, that began in the early nineteen hundred's at Pearl Brewery in Texas.
As life is winding down for Mrs. Koehler, there are other pressing needs on her agenda to finish up before she leaves this world.
Hence- the need for Mabel; who will also learn many invaluable lessons from this lovely woman.
There are no coincidences in life and this is proven throughout this journey with Mrs. Koehler and Mabel!

Let me say it again- I loved this novel!

A well written, gentle novel which I enjoyed; that a true story provided a springboard for the tale was an added bonus. It was thoughtfully constructed, with likable characters and the details were carefully researched.
In some ways the main surprise was that is was so gentle, given the violent murder of a key character, as the basis for the tale.

The First Emma by Camille DiMaio published by Wyatt-MacKenzie is a full length, stand alone historical romance novel. The story is inspired by true events and tells a tale of strong women.

Emma Koehler dreams of the picked fence life. But reality shows a different picture. She's rich but lonely. Her beloved husband has other interests and when tragedy strikes, Emma must decide between loyality and independence.
Emma Koehler is such a strong heroine, an extraordinair woman in a time where it's more than difficult to be female and successful she manages to be on top of her world.
But there isn't only Emma's story to be told.
Fast forward, 3 decades later, another young woman has decisions to make. Mabel Hartley travels to San Antonio to write the memoir of an outstanding woman. And what she never dreamed off comes true, there's more than a job in Texas.
The First Emma is a gripping read, unputdownable, excellent written and totally on my re-read list.
I recommend the book, 5 Stars.

What an amazing story!! So many women were the backbones of industries all those years ago, and did not receive any recognition for it. I loved how Mabel’s sense of family never wavered, and she never forgot where she came from. So beautifully written.

This amazing book is the first book I’ve read by Ms DiMaio. I’ll be looking for more. Emma Koehler was an incredible woman who was a forerunner to the women’s movement. Her husband, Otto, was not a loving husband, and eventually had two mistresses, both named Emma. He owned several businesses, one of them a brewery. When he asked for a divorce, Emma refused, and seized the opportunity to be on the board of the brewery in exchange for her silence about his mistresses. After his death, she played an active role in keeping the brewery in business through Prohibition and the Great Depression. In the book she tells her story to a young woman she hired to write her memoir. The book switches back and forth between her past and 1943. I’m not always fond of authors switching back and forth in time because it can be confusing, but Ms DiMaio writes in such a way that the changes are easy to follow. Historical fiction readers should not miss this book! I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.