Thank you so much to both @camilledimaio_author and @suzyapprovedbooktours for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In her fifth historical novel, Di Maio - inspired by true event - tells the story of Emma Koehler, whose tycoon husband, Otto, was killed in a crime-of-the-century murder by one of his two mistresses (who were also named Emma!), and her unlikely rise as CEO of Pearl Brewery during Prohibiition.

When a chance to tell her story to a young teetotaler arises, a tale unfolds of love, war, beer, and the power of women.

I love stories that help me learn, and, as someone who enjoys traveling to St. Louis, I found Otto Koehler's connection to Adolphus Busch and the Anheuser-Busch brewery really interesting! I was also truly inspired by Emma Koehler. Her ability to make it not only through her husband's death, but also Prohibition and the Great Depression, without losing "one single employee during that time. Not one. All this while being told that women didn't have the heads or stamina for business," as she told our second protagonist, Mabel Hartley, was not only remarkable, but "heroic," in Mabel's mind.

I was rooting for both Emma and Mabel from the beginning, and watching their relationship develop, as well as observing their own personal growth and what they learn from each other, makes for a very empowering and inspiring read! Learning more about women's roles during Prohibition and war was also very eye-opening and impressive!

Great job, Camille Di Maio! This is not only a wonderfully rich and informative novel, but also one that really demonstrates the strength and talent of your storytelling. It hooked me from the beginning, and I can't recommend it enough!

Thanks to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This story reminded me a lot of The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo as it mostly was about an older woman telling her story. This is based on a real person and her dramatic life. Emma is married to Otto, who owns a brewery in the 1910s. Otto ends up having two mistresses also named Emma, who are also nurses to his wife Emma. This part of the story is rather short and abruptly ends when Otto is killed by one of the Emma’s.

After Otto’s death, Emma becomes the owner of the brewery and a rich successful businesswoman. Many years later when she is old and dying, she decides to hire someone to tell her story. She chooses Mabel, a young woman who is down on her luck. Through the rest of the story we hear Emma’s story.

This was an interesting read and I didn’t realize it was based on a real person until the end. Probably a great choice if you like historical fiction.

“A captivating retelling. Meticulously researched. Historically stunning. Richly drawn characters. Di Maio delivers another exquisite narrative. She Dazzles!"

Set in San Antonio, Texas in 1914, master, storyteller Camille Di Maio, brings her characters to life on the page, delivering another stunning narrative. A genuinely captivating novel THE FIRST EMMA. Her superb research and her attention to detail, does not go unnoticed.

Inspired by the true story of a woman named Emma Koehler, who was the wife of a German-born brewer. After an accident, her husband took on not one but two mistresses, and both named Emma as well.

Otto, the husband, was murdered by one of the mistresses. Emma, the wife, turned into quite the businesswoman after left to take over the brewery business.

She not only took over; she excelled and kept all her employees working even during the Depression. Pearl Brewery was one of the only brewing companies in the country at the time that did not go out of business. She was highly creative and makes you think about the times we are living in currently, that business owners must adapt and be creative.

She builds an empire in the brewing business and became a prominent successful woman against all the odds. The San Antonio pioneer and widow’s story is riveting and fascinating. Once, the Pearl Brewery, today has now been turned into a top boutique hotel called Hotel Emma in San Antonio, Texas. (stunning)

Everything the Author pens is exquisite! If you have had the opportunity of entering her world of historical fiction, count yourself lucky. If not, please do so. It is a rewarding experience.

As with her all her novels, each is meticulously researched. She finely weaves the historical past with the contemporary present, delivering a captivating, absorbing, and satisfying reading experience. You are also assured to learn something new along the way.

With her vivid descriptions, emotions, settings, and likable characters, she is one of the best historical fiction authors I have come across. My favorite!

What enhanced the novel, the author brilliantly crafted a companion character, Mabel, for Emma. She has her own story of love and war. She came to Texas answering an ad at a time when Emma was getting older and in her eighties. (loved this relationship)

She was to write Emma’s memoir and story. However, she got so much more than she could have imagined. She learned from a wise woman and she inspired her to take risks, love, and leave the past behind. I love the way the book was laid out with the snippets about the murder and news articles.

THE FIRST EMMA further reiterates why Camille di Maio is at the "top of her game." Her creativity, impeccable research, intriguing storylines, and her ability to bring the past alive is extraordinary.

I love how she writes about strong women and how their lives intersect across generations. How women made a difference in a man's world. From stunning architecture, vibrant settings, and historical landmarks—each adds intrigue and mystery. A compelling story that will resonate.

What I enjoy about historical fiction is allowing the author to take liberties, while inspired by a true story, but yet get into their heads or as in this case, there was so little material about this courageous woman, that she needed a voice. She gives them a voice, and who doesn’t love that?

Camille breathes life into her characters and gives them the story they deserve. Indeed, she accomplished her goal of taking inspiration from Emma’s life while exploring the feelings she may have had while she was placed in such a unique and remarkable time period.

Just think a woman running a business in a man’s world and taking the beer business and steering the company through the Great Depression. What a beautifully passionate story. Camille truly captured the essence of this astounding woman’s life.

You will be assured to fall in love with the details, the romance, and find yourself doing your own research because you are so pulled into the story. Plus the gorgeous covers! I love the "Author's Note and wish more authors would do this. I adore this because I am so intrigued about the story behind the story.

THE FIRST EMMA is both inspiring and empowering. Well done! This is a Top Books of 2020. I highly recommend all the author’s books. I have read them all and each presents an unforgettable story and characters than linger long after the book ends.

#JDCMustReadBooks @JudithDCollins

A special thank you to the Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, the author, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. Truly honored.

PS, Years ago in Atlanta, I worked for the third-largest beverage company and distributor as Director of Sales. It was such a man’s world, so I cannot even imagine being in the early 1900s.

Read My Reviews on my Blog or Goodreads (all 5 STARS) She is on my Top List of Books each year.
The Beautiful Strangers
The Way of Beauty
Before the Rain Falls
The Memory of Us

3.5 Stars

I enjoyed reading about The First Emma (as well as the second and third) and have previously enjoyed a number of Di Maio's books. Venturing into prohibition is always an era I enjoy reading about - the brewery stories were also enjoyable. With shifting timelines and perspectives (with multiple Emma's) the book was a bit hard to follow at times which is why I've rated it slightly lower, but was overall enjoyable.

An absolute must read for me and for you too. Camille Did Mail writes a beautiful story filled with lyrical prose. I always make time for her books because I know I am not going to want to put it down. Pick up this dazzling winner of a book and prepare to be enthralled. Wish I could give it more than five stars. Happy reading!

I’ve enjoyed this author’s work in the past and definitely look forward to more in the future.
This is a story for all women everywhere. At least that is my opinion. A strong woman taking over her husband’s business after his death and during the prohibition era. It was unheard of yet Emma did it. She rose about the odds and became a success in her own right.

The characters in this story are so real and likable. Of course it’s based on a true story so they should feel real but you will love them all. Even the mistresses. The husband I didn’t care for so much but he was murdered so there is that. The mistresses were named Emma also and were the wife’s nurses. Emma, the first Emma, was a very kind woman who had to fight for her business and her employees. She did’n’t let them down and that is something to be proud of.

This story takes you to a time you won’t soon forget. The town in Texas, the wife, the death of her husband, his mistress confessing. It has all the things you want from a good story.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #CamilleDiMaio, #Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing for this great ARC. This is my own thoughts about this book.

I give it 4 stars and a high recommendation..

Thank you to Netgalley and Wyatt Mackenzie for this advanced reader's copy in return for my honest review. I'd never before heard of Emma Koehler so I was intrigued to read this book especially as I'm a massive fan of historical fiction. Well crafted, well researched and beautifully written.

Happy publication day! This book is my first experience with Catherine. This one is a historical fiction book. So if you love this genre, you probably want to check this out.

No, I think you should.

It's about Emma Koehler, who's the First Emma we were talking about when we saw that title. She's a widow from Otto Koehler, the owner of the mega brewer company in San Antonio. Back when the WWII happened, Emma struggled to keep her business afloat. Mind you, she was keeping her business without a man by her side, struggling with her disability and overcame the losses of her family as well. Oh, I forgot to mention, she even dealt with her husband's infidelity with her two nurses and tragic death. Years later, Emma's health was failing, it's time for her to tell her story to the world. So she hired Mabel for writing her story. From this, we sailed through Emma's fortune and misfortune in her life.

This is slow paced book but I found it soothing in a time like this. The writing was calming. The way it portrayed Emma Koehler's up and down in her marriage and life is well organized and sweet. Emma Koehler's character is exceptionaly strong, it sent me to an awe. I can feel the power of women in this book through Emma Koehler, Mabel, and even Emma's nurses! It is all about how women struggled in the man's world.

The greatest part of this book is Emma Koehler is a real woman. I can't believe it at first, but she's real and the murder of her husband is a real tragedy too. I always loved to find new things in the book I read, and discovered this woman ferocious way to help others and love herself was the treat I am grateful for. Yes, of course there is some romantic spice in this book, but it is sweet nontheless. It didn't ruin the vibe or cringe in some way. So for anyone who wanted to avoid hot and juicy scene, don't worry.

I thank the author for this amazing and powerful story. I loved it! Also, I am grateful for the ARC been given to me by Netgalley and Wyatt-McKenzie Publishing Company. It's out guys, come grab this beautiful book!

A true story of Emma Koehler - a success story at a time when women did not become professionals or enter business and especially this business which started with a brewery. This told in the form of a dictated memoir to a young employee begins at the very end of Emma's life and is such a rewarding, but sad story.

Emma had two distinct lives. One her married one, which she tried so hard to make a success of. Her husband Otto was not interested. His biggest love was making money and after that two women both named Emma, both nurses of his wife who looked after her very well. It was a strange arrangement in one house until he moved both the mistresses into one house with his wife in another. His death or rather murder became the crime of the decade because his mistress admitted to it, and she got off by a very sympathetic jury.

Emma was not bitter about her marriage and towards the two girls. Her love was for her employees and she was always thinking of them particularly because she knew no one else would. The book details much of American history from the Prohibition and the fight against it and the emergence of women though this was a slow process.

Very fascinating reading of a remarkable woman.

3.5 Stars rounded up

The First Emma was an unexpected story within a story. It wasn't until I reached the end that I realized she was a real person and Pearl was a real brewery in San Antonio, TX, which has since been converted to a hotel known as Hotel Emma that still stands to this day. It always brings me an added sense of excitement knowing that the story that I'm reading is based on true events!

The characters were well developed and you got a sense and feel of the time and places that were detailed in the story. Each character had a purpose including the minor ones such as Frieda and Helga. Mabel was one of my favorite characters. She was lost not knowing where she belonged anymore or how to be happy again until she found that advertisement that changed everything. That is how she met Emma Koehler who hired her to write her story before her death and perhaps to make a love match for her nephew Bernard aka Erik.

Emma's story (and Emma herself) was empowering, inspiring, showing strength, character, and passion in the face of adversity. By writing Emma's story, Mabel was unknowingly creating a new one of her own. I don't want to give away any spoilers but this was a beautiful historical fiction/romance based on true events. I loved the newspaper tidbits between chapters and loved the pictures at the end that showed who the True Emma was and the real life brewery she loved so much and worked so hard to keep. I would have rated it higher but the story was a bit slow and dragged a bit so it made me lose focus several times. That could also be because there is a mood for every story and maybe I wasn't in the right mood for it at the time but it is a beautiful story nonetheless. Camille Di Maio did well in telling the true story of Emma Koehler, very real and very well known history.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wyatt-Mackenzie Publishing for an advanced readers copy of The First Emma for review. All opinions are my own.

In THE FIRST EMMA, Camille Di Maio takes a strong woman and true events from history that not much is known about and creates a story with characters you want to know more about.
In 1914 San Antonio, Otto Koehler is found dead in the house he purchased for his mistresses, both named Emma, leaving his wife to take over and try to keep his brewing company open and successful. Fast forward to 1943 in Baltimore, where Mabel Hartley’s life keeps getting worse. The War has taken her brothers, her father has disappeared, her fiance’ found someone else, and her boss could care less about his employee, other than the fact that she is young and pretty. When she takes a chance and answers an advertisement for a writer, she is shocked when chosen and leaves everything for a new start in San Antonio. When she meets the octogenarian, Emma Koehler and starts to hear her story, she is instantly drawn into the wonder of Emma’s life and her strength over the years when women still (in 1943) weren’t in positions of leadership. As Emma shares her story and Mabel records it, she begins to find her own strength and direction.
This is another well-written historical novel by Camille Di Maio. I discovered her novels several years ago, and she has become a must-read for me and I have yet to be disappointed. Her characters are well-developed, and her historical events and settings are well-researched. Prior to this, I had not had much experience reading about Prohibition or the Great Depression and how the businesses weathered them and the challenges. Emma Koehler weathered these, the scandal of her husband’s murder, and other devastations in her life to come out successfully on the other side and Di Maio captured this and more with the way she developed the novel. I was drawn in and transported.
If you are looking for a historical novel with strong, resilient female characters, this one is for you. Find a quiet place, maybe a nice beer, and jump in.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
#TheFirstEmma #WyattMackenziePublishing #CamilleDiMaio

The First Emma by Camille Di Maio contains the trinity of good books for me: 1- historical fiction (my favorite genre), 2-history about a powerful woman not yet told, and 3-An aspect of Texas history I didn’t know about.

This is the story of Emma Koehler, the woman behind Pearl beer in San Antonio, TX. In 1943, Emma tells her story to Mabel, the writer she hires from Baltimore, who she also sets up romantically with her nephew Erik. Emma’s husband, Otto, first works for Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis but leaves them to move to Texas and start his own brewery. Life is good for the Koehler’s until Emma’s accident. After that, Otto starts affairs with his wife’s nurses, both named Emma. Otto ends up murdered by one of the Emma’s.

This was a good story. I loved that it had a strong woman who prospered after her marriage ended, and who lived through prohibition and the Depression successfully.

Thank you to #Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced e-copy of this fantastic story!

Camille DiMaio's THE FIRST EMMA is a wonderfully researched and beautiful istoriacal fiction story about the brave and strong women and their complicated roles in history especially that in the early 1900's, the Prohibition era, and the amazing history of the breweries in San Antonio.

The story begins dramatically in 1914 as we hear about the murder of one of the richest and influential men in the country, Otto Koehler by one of his many mistresses ( the other Emma). The first Emma despite the misfortune of being in a wheelchair from a tragic accident takes over the helm of their business in the brewery, mining and hospitality.

Mabel Hartley answers a plea from Emma Koehler to help write her memoir. This develops an unlikely friendship between these women, and through this journey upon Emma's death bed, we are privey to these amazing stories, and what stories Emma had to share.

Di Maio is an exceptionally talented storyteller that delivered such an amazing story of not only a strong woman but one that is inspiring, fearless and one to be admired. This is a and moving true story that I enjoyed reading about.

I really enjoyed this beautifully written book. Camille Di Maio did a wonderful job with the characters, especially the main characters - Mrs. Emma Koehler and Mabel Hartley. I instantly liked Mabel. Even though life had dealt her a difficult hand, she dared to take a chance and responded to the ad that Mrs. Koehler (or Emma as she preferred to be called) placed for a writer. I loved the relationship that they developed, with each being what the other really needed. As can be expected, I very much disliked Otto (Emma's husband) and found Emma (the first Emma, not her subsequent nursemaids of the same name) to be very inspirational. She wasn't just the driving force behind her husband's success...she became the CEO of Pearl Brewery and helped the company survive during Prohibition. A truly remarkable woman that I very much enjoyed reading about in this book.

Thank you to Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I went into reading The First Emma with some curiosity about the story. After reading the first couple of chapters it became quite obvious that it was going to be a predictable story about two women, of different generations, coming together to accomplish their very different goals. And while I dislike a predictable story I was willing to push through and finish it because it wasn't a bad story, the characters seemed interesting enough, and I wanted to know more about Emma. However, as I kept reading I came across an inaccuracy in the historical context that I could not overlook, and I tried for days to overlook it and come back to reading. This was a piece of history that I did not even have to look up to know that it was incorrect because it is a subject that my family has followed for their entire lives. As a lover of history and a lover of books, I find it critical that the historical context surrounding a story, be it time, character, place, etc. all be accurate. As the key piece of a great historical fiction novel is that the reader leaves it wanting to find out more about all of the true things in the book; we want to run down rabbit holes online looking for more information, and when that turns out to be wrong within your novel it is deceptive to your readers. As much as I wanted to finish out the story I felt I could not trust the remaining historical context within the book or anything that I had read before that point within the story. I am disappointed that I may have missed a decent story, but I have to stand with my integrity and not give it any more attention.

The older lady, Emma, hires Mable to come write her life story and perhaps be a love interest for her nephew Erik. The woman has had a very long and interesting life. She tells her story in pieces, as the author uses newspaper articles to tell the official story of the murder of her husband, by one of 2 other Emmas in their lives. Good story, based on actual people and events in San Antonio, Texas.

Bevery successful man is a successful women. Nothing proves this more than The First Emma. The First Emma is the true story of Emma Koehler and her tycoon husband Otto. They owned the Pearl Brewing Company along with mines and a Hotel Hot Springs in 1914. Otto is killed by one of his mistresses and it becomes the crime of the century.

Emma, now in her 80's, hires Mable to write her story. The story starts from Emma and Otto falling in love to moving to Texas to run the Pearl Brewery. Ema was just as much a part of running the Brewery as Otto. After Otto's death, Emma successfully kept the brewery open through prohibition with keeping all the employees working.

I liked that between chapters there are news clippings of the Murder Trial. Not only does Emma find her strength through her life, but so does Mable. It is a tale of love, war, and the power of women. I have read all of Camille;s books and the stories always have me interested in the characters. I always do a search to see if I can find information on the characters and era. Thank you to Camille DiMaio, Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, and Netgalley for a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

I love learning through historical fiction. I enjoyed the premise of having Emma Koehler telling her story to Mabel who has had a lot of obstacles in her life. Both fulfill holes in each other’s lives. I think it would have been better to have shown what happened to Otto...as part of Emma K. telling her story to Mabel. I enjoyed Mabel’s storyline more. The first several chapters were confusing with two mistresses named Emma in addition to Otto’s wife. Thank you Wyatt-MacKenzie and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Although this book is fiction, it features many nonfictional characters. This was such an excellent way to capture a reader's attention while telling the story, no stories, of an exciting time in American history. THE FIRST EMMA refers to the young woman who built her life during times when being a woman made any career outside the home almost impossible. When her husband is murdered by one of his mistresses, he always chose women named Emma, guess it made it easier to remember, the first Emma takes over their business. Operating a brewery is not for the faint of heart. Add in that this was the Prohibition era and you'll see the cards were stacked against this young widow. But succeed she does.
Camille Di Maio gives us this story as told by an aged Emma as she recites her story to a ghost author. Recording her trials and triumphs at the end of her life, the first Emma is an engrossing read. There are no clear breaks or slow spots to stop and pick up the story later, so plain on a binge reading.

First off,
Thank you so much NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

One day. It took me only one day to read this book. Not just because it is short or anything; but, because I was so engrossed. I loved this!

It takes place during the Vietnam war, but also travels you back to the prohibition times. We follow a young woman, Mabel (fictional character), from Baltimore, Maryland. She is a young assistant at a notable company at the time. She was engaged to a man who ended their engagement through a letter because he fell in love with another. Mabel's boss had been fresh with her that same day as well. It was all but too much and Mabel had to leave and quit. She is riding a bus home when she comes across the classifieds, when an ad peaks her interest. Mabel travels all the way to San Antonio, Texas to receive this new position. In Texas, she learns from the woman, Emma Koehler (a non-fiction woman), all about her life story; including the story of her husband being murdered by one of his mistresses whom is also named Emma. Emma Koehler teaches Mabel more than just her story, but about love, trust, and other necessities needed in life as a young adult, especially a young woman.

This book has romance, history, and mystery. I didn't want to finish it so quickly because I loved it so much. Anyone a fan of historical romance, this is a must read. There are so many exquisite details that draw you in as a reader. This was my first book by Camille Di Maio, and it will not be my last.

I recommend you do a little bit of research on the history of Emma Koehler, the family, and the brewery which still stands today on San Antonio river walk. Which, I highly recommend going to by the way!

5/5 stars for this gem!