I am amazed at how much historical data, some fictional historical data, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray put into this book. These women are already extraordinary writers and from reading their last book, The Personal Librarian, I knew I would be reading this one and the next one.
I knew a lot of history on Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune, but this book added a whole lot more. Eleanor, a strong woman, wanted to make changes in this world, growing up with a wealthy family who sometimes did not see the real her and a mother who did not love her as a child should be loved, but she had a mother in law, Sara, who did provide some support, especially when her son became president. She also had a close, very close relationship with another woman.

Mary, on the other hand, was born free in 1875. She became an educator, a business woman, self-funded her first school by selling sweet potato pies, President of the NACWC, an advisor to President Roosevelt, the list of accomplishment goes on. Her school, Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls became Bethune-Cookman University which still stands today.
This is a historical fiction book, and there are some characters who were not part of history, but what is the best of this book, is how history was made because these two women took a risk and endangered their lives, should be studied (Get it together Florida, Texas and other states trying to cover up history), and acknowledge fully how their friendship, intelligence, humor, warmth, fighting for civil rights, helped them survivor. While this book is a historical fiction and not every character will be true or the events that took place happened in that order, it will show you that these two women, from different backgrounds, who developed a friendship that endured hostility to, create civil rights movements that are still being done today and should continue. You cannot white wash this.
One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Eleanor flies with one of the Tuskegee Airmen, Mary, who is unable to take that ride says “As Mr. Anderson brings the engine to life, its roar drowns out all the noise of the airfield. Right as the plan begins to tax, Eleanor turns to the window, and I grin widely and waive. But then, as the aircraft moves father away, tears pool in the corners of my eyes. I am overcome with emotion. Yes, I am thankful for the opportunities that will come for these well-trained pilots and others who follow. But the gratitude that fills me is beyond that. In just minutes, I will watch my friend take an unprecedented flight—for both of us.” That made me cry and proud to be black.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Berkley Publishing Group for an ARC of this book.

I was really excited to see a new book by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. I love Historical Fiction and both of these authors, so I was excited to dig in and start reading.

This book is about two strong and powerful women (Elanor Roosevelt and Mary Bethune) in their own rights. This was a great story of friendship and overcoming adversity, and I loved every page of it.

This book is really fast paced, and I felt like I was actually there in this story with them. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys History or Historical Fiction. I really learned a lot about this amazing friendship and their journey.!

4.5 stars Wonderful historical fiction. I learned a lot about the struggles of black Americans in the 1930's and 40's. The frustrations and set backs and the small incremental successes.

Thank you to @netgalley @berkleypub and @berkleyromance for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to @prhaudio for a free download of the audiobook. And thank you to @berittalksbooks and @dg_reads for including me on this buddy read.

I absolutely love the historical fiction books based on real peoples lives and all the research that Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray put into each of their books. This one about Eleanor Roosevelt is probably my favorite. I was aware of the women’s equal rights activism Mrs. Roosevelt took part in but learned a great deal about her being a pioneer for civil rights too.

5 stars

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Marie Benedict's books have been a hit or miss for me. But The First Ladies was a hit. Eleanor has always been a favorite first lady of mine but this one made me love her even more.

The First Ladies is hands down one of the absolute best historical fiction books I've read this year.
It was written as a collaboration between author's Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. Each chapter alternates between the viewpoints of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. Very well researched the book has an authentic ring to it.
Taking place in a time period when there was a strong racial division this didn't stop the not only partnership these women had but a personal friendship they had as well.
Growing up Mary was the daughter of enslaved parents and now she refuses to back down, uplifting and bettering her race. Though putting herself in danger she marches and protests. This strong-willed activist is at the forefront educating people on women's rights.
Elanor Roosevelt is drawn to Mary as she shares the same beliefs as her. When her husband is elected to his presidency the women use this to their advantage to get the word out there as they collaborate for justice and equality.
I very much enjoyed the book, reading about the strong-willed women and how they didn't let their race or sex hold them back. I learned a lot and highly recommend this book.

Pub Date 27 Jun 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Marie Benedict has another hit, focusing on the early days of the Civil Rights Movement in the US through Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune's partnership. The reader will learn a lot about these extraordinary women and the battles they waged for both African American and women's rights. Well-researched as always, Benedict and Murray take a deep-dive with beautifully-written prose. Another absolute must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction.

What a wonderful historical fiction that tells the story of Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. I love reading about Eleanor Roosevelt and I sadly didn’t know anything about Bethune. I’m so glad I do now! This was a wonderful story and one I learned real information from this fiction.

Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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This one was a miss for me. I really did not like the writing style. It was very simple and saccharine. The history is interesting and important -I’m definitely going to do some research on it after writing this review- but I had a hard time making it through this book.

THE FIRST LADIES by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray is another wonderful and informative historical fiction collaboration by these two best-selling authors (The Personal Librarian). This time, they are focusing on Eleanor Roosevelt and renowned activist and educator Mary McLeod Bethune. Taking readers behind the scenes and musing about relationships and attitudes ("funny how the same women who talk with me about the advancement of women in a formal meeting space open to whites and Negroes pretend not to even see me in this social setting"), Benedict and Murray highlight racial tensions from the late 1920s to the mid-1940s. The public and private strength of both famous women is evident as well as the parallels in how each had to rely on her own fortitude to ignore hurtful comments and actions. As Bethune says, "their racism isn't my problem. Racism belongs to the people who are racists." Weaving in other historical characters, like FDR, Lucy Mercer, Missy LeHand, Lorena Hickock, and even Billie Holiday lends authenticity and immediacy to the storyline which is told from alternating perspectives. THE FIRST LADIES received starred reviews from Booklist ("impeccably researched, relevant novel is a must-read and destined to be a book club favorite") and Library Journal ("unshakable bond of sisterhood"); plus this title was a LibraryReads selection for June 2023.

The First Ladies is a fictionalized story about the friendship between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Black civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. This book describes how these two passionate women came together in an unlikely partnership and describes their friendship and collaboration from the 1920s-1940s.
I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but I was intrigued when I heard about this book featuring two strong and powerful women. I loved this book and learned so much from it about both Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. It was really interesting to read about some of the same events from their very different perspectives and how it gave a much clearer picture of what segregation looked like and its impacts. It was also a bit concerning to this about how much hasn’t changed and how much of what these women fought for is still relevant today.

What really makes this book powerful however, are the authors’ notes. Not only do they describe why it was so important to depict this friendship and the research that went into this book, but they also shared glimpses into their own friendship and some of the challenging conversations they have had as a white woman and a Black woman. Seeing how they relate to Eleanor and Mary in this way really adds an extra special layer to the story they have written.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Another stellar collaboration. The relationship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune is deftly written about in a captivating fashion. I will be recommending this wonderful book to many.

Unearthing the history of a countries trials, tribulations and triumphs, thru the lived experiences of two unlikely individuals can only make for a story filled with, courage, tragedy and most of all love. Reading this text was like watching a movie in my mind as I looked back and thought about images, events and holidays past in which I shared many of the same feelings of the characters in this book. A different time, but the emotions and experiences shared across an era of uprisings, unsettlings and uncompromising battles, looks all the same whether now or then. Built from the ruins of those shattered and crumbling pasts arises opportunities to build characters of courage and resilience like the two in this text. An inspiring read but also one that leaves the schism of societies ills dormant within every standing pillar.

I love historical fiction that introduces me to women in history that I didn’t know about! The First Ladies did just that! I had not heard of Mary Bethune before reading this book but I thoroughly enjoyed learning about her and all she accomplished in history! I loved the friendship that was illustrated between her and Eleanor Roosevelt. I also learned a lot about Eleanor and how she pushed for legislation to help black people at the time. This book was well researched and well written. I especially liked getting the perspective of a strong black Roman leader at the time. It was also was educational for me to read the exchanges between Mary and Eleanor regarding race. I would recommend this book to any reader that loves historical fiction’

Eleanor Roosevelt, The First Lady of the United States, formed a friendship with Mary McLeod Bethune, a civil rights activist, years before Franklin D Roosevelt became president. The unlikely friendship continued for many years, through his election, 3 presidential terms and after his death. They were both remarkable, strong woman who came together to make change in the world. It was a time of segregation and lynchings and where seeing mixed races even sitting together or having tea was not allowed. But these two ladies didn’t care and they tried to normalize being seen together and fighting for civil rights together. Mary became known as the First Lady of the Struggle and she was persistent, determined and brave during her pursuit of change.

I am a big fan of historical fiction and love strong female characters. I adored the friendship between these women and how they had real conversations about race and civil rights. I have always liked Eleanor Roosevelt and was so happy to learn about Mary McLeod Bethune and all she accomplished. It did get a little long in some parts is my only complaint. I enjoyed the alternating POVs between the ladies and think most fans of HF will enjoy this one.

Thanks to @berkleypub @letstalkbookspromo and @netgalley for the arc for review.

This book has a great message, but it’s not something you can binge. It’s informative but it’s a lot while at the same time being a slow burn.

Thank you NetGalley for eARC in exchange for an honest review.

At times a little slow, very enticing with history and inspirational.
I had no idea Eleanor did so much behind the presidency of her husband.
Epic. Engaging. Spellbinding. I truly enjoyed this one!

Another solid read from this incredible duo! I enjoyed THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN, so I was very excited to read this one.

I feel like I’m pretty well-versed in U.S. history, especially 20th century history, but this book opened my eyes to how much I still have to learn. I knew very little about Mary McLeod Bethune prior to reading THE FIRST LADIES, which is such a shame considering how instrumental she was during the civil rights movement and in working with FDR to make him prioritize advancing rights for African Americans in the U.S.

As expected, this book is well-written and well-researched, and the authors truly brought the very real people to life. I found myself googling people, events, laws, etc. as they were introduced — the marking of an impactful historical fiction read.

I highly recommend this one and can’t wait to chat with others as more people read it. Thank you so much to Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one early.

Another great collaboration between Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, this time exploring the friendship and partnership between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. This book begins in the late 1920's and follows their endeavors in improving the lives of Americans, with an emphasis on equality and desegregation and in providing educational opportunities for youth. They face strong opposition, particularly from the southern democrats, who are determined to maintain segregation. Despite these obstacles, Bethune and Roosevelt develop a strong friendship and continue to fight for change. Overall, an engaging story about two women dedicated to helping uplift others. The main focus is more on the historical events than their friendship and readers who are already familiar with the history may find it a bit repetitive. The two points-of-view do often cover the same event, but they are told from each woman's perspective which provides insight to their changing outlooks.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre because I love learning about people in history that I hadn’t heard of before. This book checked all the boxes. Exceptional writing, impeccable research, and the story of an incredible friendship. The First Ladies brings history to life!