I will read anything by Marie Benedict. I love well-researched historical fiction that sticks to facts, but told in a way that grabs hard and doesn't let go.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Let's Talk Books for the advanced reader copy and to PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

I loved this historical fiction. I have long admired Eleanor Roosevelt since I learned about her in high school. So I was especially excited to read about her friendship with Mary McLeod Bethune, a civil rights leader.

Before becoming First Lady, Eleanor began an unlikely friendship with Mary. At a time when Jim Crow segregation laws meant they could not sit together in some public spaces, they learned to listen to each other, work together, and admire each other.

I especially appreciated the debates about the best way to effect true and lasting political change: from inside with a seat at the table or external pressure through votes and protests. So much of what they discussed and advocated for is still relevant today. (Most notably, an antilynching law at the federal level was only just passed last year.)

I want to learn more about Mary McLeod Bethune now and am so grateful to this book for introducing me to her life and work. I especially appreciated the historical note that clarified which aspects were fictional and what sources helped to shape the research for this book.

The author's notes brought me to tears. Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray wrote separate notes depicting their own friendship and the tough conversations they have had working together as a white and black woman. Like their protagonists, they had to learn to listen to each other and lean in to difficult topics.

The audiobook was especially powerful with two different women, Robin Miles and Tavia Gilbert, voicing the two perspectives. And the audiobook included all of the notes at the end, a choice that I especially appreciated.

Well done historical fiction about two strong women who were critical to shaping the way we live today. Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune came from very different places but were united in their desire to stop racism. They both tell this story (and know that it might seem repetitive when they both focus on the same thing but keep reading and you'll realize this allows a more rounded look at an issue or event). I learned while reading-always a plus-and sought out more information on both women and others referenced, Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, Great storytelling, Recommend for fans of historical fiction.

I have long thought the Civil Rights movement was in the 1960s—with Martin Luther King, John Lewis, Malcom X and others. However, this book chronicles the movement from 1927 to 1943 through the friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. Mrs. Roosevelt was of course the First Lady of the United States, while Mrs. Bethune was known as the First Lady of the Struggle.

The two women met in 1927, only to discover that they shared many of the same aspirations for improving the lives of women and minorities. Mrs. Bethune headed a college in Florida and was devoted to the Republican party of Lincoln. Mrs. Roosevelt’s husband was a Democratic politician. The women had to negotiate differences in race and customs, as well as political parties. Mrs. Roosevelt’s eyes were open as she saw first-hand the chilly reception Mrs. Bethune received at restaurants and hotels. The women gently educated one another and worked to further their common goals.

I appreciated learning about Mary McLeod Bethune. She was the sole black student at Moody Bible Institute, hoping to become a missionary to Africa. But alas only white missionaries were sent to Africa at that time. Mrs. Roosevelt’s marriage difficulties were also portrayed in the novel. Both women moved pass their disappointments and channeled their energies into making a difference.

There were several scenes in the book where Mrs. Bethune expressed her preference to be addressed as “Mrs. Bethune” instead of “Mary.” At that time in history, many white people referred to black citizens by their first name as a form of condescension. Because of that, I was surprised that the chapter headings in the book were: “Mary” or “Eleanor” respectively. It was also a bit jarring to find 2020s phrasing of race relations put into the mouths of characters set in the 1930s and 40s. It didn’t fit with the historical time period. Nevertheless, the book expanded my understanding of both of these remarkable women.

(Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.)

I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary Bethune. These are two fascinating and strong women, each interesting on her own. The friendship between these women and the history of that time is brought to life in the narrative of this book. Benedict and Murray do a thorough job or reconstructing the lives and atmosphere of that time with these compelling and history making figures at the center.

Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune, two women from radically different backgrounds, initially join forces to advance women's rights but end up changing the lives of so many more. I was fascinated by this amazing friendship between two women who were dismissed by many due to race, gender and appearance and yet they continued to fight for what was right. These two women contributed so much to not only history of women's rights but also to the history of Black Americans. A compelling read from start to finish, I only wish I could have met these two incredible women. Thanks to the excellent writing of Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, we are given a glimpse of what can be accomplished when we all work together despite our differences for a better world!

Normally political history is not my cup of tea, but this book is perfect. I don’t care who you are, you need to read this book. The history that both Mary McLeod Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt impacted is just astonishing. Why is this not something that we learn more about in school. A friendship that changed how the United States delt with African American relations across the entire country. It is amazing that two women were able to do so much. Especially since they had to still deal with it being a man’s world, one where woman didn’t always have the power to put in place such impactful changes. I can not say enough positive things about this book. I will be recommending this one to anyone who will listen.
Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read and advance copy of this title.

Eleanor Roosevelt enjoyed a decades long friendship with civil rights activist Mary Macleod Bethune, who was called the First Lady of the Struggle. Together they urged FDR to make strides toward improving the lives of black Americans. Because Eleanor was white and Mary black, even meeting for tea in a segregated society was sometimes a challenge. But together they accomplished quite a bit, from ensuring that Negros could enlist in the military, having Negros appointed to various WPA departments, and seeing that WPA programs benefitted Americans of different races. Their life experiences were radically different, but Mary and Eleanor had honest and difficult conversations and became true friends. It saddens me that 80 years later, we still have a long road to racial equality in America.
I appreciate that the two authors, one white and one African-American, feel that their friendship mirrors that of the two First Ladies.

This fictionalized rendering of the friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune Is a deep dive into the era. I knew quite a lot about both women but never knew of their close relationship. This book left me in wonder at all they accomplished in spite of the barriers consistently in their way. The Civil Rights Movement has much to thank these women for. Their friendship is an exemplar of what two women can do to change their world.

I wanted to love this book so badly. I love history, especially women’s history, so this sounded right up my alley. I own a copy of THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN that I’ve been meaning to get to for some time by the same authors and just never got around to it, and after trying to read THE FIRST LADIES I’m worried I won’t like it.

I’m DNFing THE FIRST LADIES at 13%. I feel like I have read 700 pages of this book when I have barely just gotten started — it is so so so dull. The writing is incredibly stilted and very much “telling”, instead of “showing.” I find myself dreading picking this up, so it’s just not worth it to continue. I’ve seen some great reviews but also reviews that feel the same way I do. I’m sad I didn’t love this, but I’m still grateful for the ARC. Better luck next time!

I received a gifted galley of THE FIRST LADIES by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray for an honest review. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, PRH Audio, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!

THE FIRST LADIES is a fictional account of a real world friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. Eleanor was first lady to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, pushed into a political life she never really wanted. Still, she finds that the position gives her privilege and the ability to influence her husband’s work.

Mary was the daughter parents who were enslaved and she’s seen firsthand the horrible racism and the impact of white supremacists around her. She is a fierce woman who doesn’t back down from her beliefs and her work bringing education to young Black students. She and Eleanor initially meet over women’s rights, but their friendship allows them to openly discuss issues of race and civil rights. Together they turn heads, breaking with convention to promote equality.

I really enjoyed THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN written by this same author duo last year and I remember reading their afterwards about the friendship that developed between them during that process. I was really excited that they had another co-authored book coming up.

I didn’t know a whole lot about either of these impressive women from history and this is the type of book that had me googling to find out more as I was reading. The book switches back and forth between both women’s POVs and I really enjoyed both story lines as their lives intertwined and separated at various points.

Set in a time where Mary was breaking lines to support a Democratic president and where Eleanor was stirring up controversy even to sit down to tea with a Black woman, there are many potent, often difficult conversations between the pair as each is learning more about the other. Again, the authors’ afterwards address this as well as they speak to how the conversations between Mary and Eleanor often mirrored those between them as both friendships deepened.

I really enjoyed this book and will look forward to anything these authors bring out in the future!

Mary McLeod Bethune is the daughter of once enslaved parents. She was one of the few born free as the fifteenth of seventeen children in a rustic log cabin in South Carolina. When a teacher in her small country schoolhouse recognized her extraordinary intelligence she helped Mary get a scholarship for a much higher level of education. Leaving home alone at a very young age Mary continued to shine at one institution after another. Ultimately, Mary founded a school for girls (later to become Bethune-Cookman University) in Daytona Beach, Florida. She selflessly sacrificed her entire life fighting for civil rights, equality and women. On first glance Eleanor Roosevelt couldn’t be more different, yet when the two women meet they are instantly two peas in a pod. Their goals and shared beliefs coincide on every level. Even though Eleanor hails from one of the most prominent and wealthy families in America, she has experienced her share of sadness and loss. She feels an immediate connection to Mary and their friendship blossoms. Eleanor is onboard with Mary’s struggle for equal rights and what begins as just a whisper in Franklin’s ears become groundbreaking speeches she makes for all to hear. Their agenda places Mary in Federal positions of questionable power but with Eleanor at her side the world cannot ignore her resourceful nature. Through decades of disappointments and amazing triumphs Mary and Eleanor never lose their faith or their beautiful connection as friends, as women, as humans. This latest work of historical fiction by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray is a powerful and inspiring journey you do not want to miss!

The First Ladies tells the very special and very real friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. Set during segregation, these two women were pioneers in Black/white relations, and each made important contributions to the United States. While an intriguing and important story, the plot was dense and felt lengthy at times. Still, I can recognize that the detail the authors provided was both necessary and the product of their meticulous research. This book is recommended for fans of historical fiction who seek out “lesser told stories.”

Strong women in history always inspire in me hope for an improved future. In this case, Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune meet in the late 1920s and form a friendship based on their desire to improve the lives of children. Over time that desire cements their friendship as they confront racism in so many areas and forms that include not just children and schooling, but really every facet of life. Their work together is responsible for all of the early strides in civil rights and equality accomplished in FDR’s administration. This is both a discouraging and uplifting read, one that highlights the depth and length of the struggle for human equality.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley/Penguin Random House for the ARC to read and review.

The First Ladies is about the remarkable and beautiful partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bellune. Eleanor Roosevelt was the first spouse interested in the policies and making a difference. Mary McLeod Bellune was the founder of the National Council of Negro Women and had a constant fight for racial equality. She was committed to providing better lives for African Americans. By working together through a world war and three terms of presidencies, Eleanor and Mary formed a tight alliance fighting against segregation and discrimination.

The authors, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray did a great job of captivating me with the partnership of Roosevelt and Bellune. I loved that both ladies found a common goal to help the lives of African Americans and women. They also had compassion for each other. However, It was a little dry in parts and not as fast-paced as I anticipated, but it still brought a powerful message of how hard work and dedication can help to change the world. Alternately narrated by both Roosevelt and Bellune, the story will give an honest and sincere fictional account of the challenges and difficulties both ladies faced to influence change in history.

Thank you to NetGallery and Berkley Publishing for giving me a copy of the book.

I thought I would love this book when I started it. At first, Mary McLeod Bethune jumped off the page with personality, and their meeting was great. However, after 21% and several chapters in, I feel like I'm reading the same chapters over and over again. I've become bored and have decided to set the book aside.

Another collaboration with these 2 authors, and it's a winner for anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction. I think I was drawn to it because while the time period is the same as so many others that are being cranked out lately it was different as it focused on US History. I like how it focused on the friendships. There were a few parts that had a lot of background and historical information en mass, and some of political/social issues with who the characters are but didn't feel like a lot was being pushed at you with an agenda like some can feel.

My book group very much enjoyed the first collaboration by these two authors “The Personal Librarian” about a black woman who passes as white and is hired by JP Morgan to run his library. The first ladies referenced in the title are Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune and the story is told in their alternating voices which works wonderfully in this situation.
Mrs. Bethune, a daughter of slaves, was known as the First Lady of the Struggle – the struggle being that of Black Americans in getting jobs, (even in the military which during war years seems unimaginable), getting equality in housing, and their continued suffering of horrible violence by Whites even years after the Civil War.
Mrs. Roosevelt was known for being a fierce advocate of women’s and minority rights. The two of them became long time friends as Mrs. Roosevelt sought her husband’s help in getting laws passed to aid in that fight.
This is the third book on Eleanor that I’ve read and added another dimension to the amazing woman she was and introduced me to another equally amazing woman.

"Sisters in the Struggle", that's what they were. Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune became close friends and compatriots in the fight for civil rights. This story of their friendship and their fight for equal rights for African Americans is absolutely wonderful. Once again Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray used their considerable talents to write an historical novel with heart and soul. They have captured the horrors of inequality and lynching and have shown us many times in history when even a first lady of the U. S. could be threatened by those who were absolutely evil in their beliefs. I learned quite a bit about the lives of these remarkable women that I didn't know before and came away a better person for it. I highly recommend this book.

This is the second collaboration between Victoria Christopher Murray and Marie Benedict (after The Personal Librarian) and focuses on the friendship between Mary MacLeod Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt and on the whole works well, even if it comes across as a little too earnest. It's told in the first person with alternating chapters from Mary and Eleanor's viewpoints. Unfortunately, because of this format, there is a lot of information dump, often framed as dialogue. The result sometimes comes across as a little bit stilted, a little bit artificial. Nonetheless, it's easy to see how each woman grows through the years of their friendship in understanding the challenges the other faces in their (sometimes misguided) efforts to create the better, more equitable world for both blacks and other disadvantaged people. This at a time when meeting for a meal or even shaking hands in public was seen as something taboo for black and white individuals to do together due to Jim Crow segregation, especially in the South, but certainly not confined there. I came away from this book with huge respect for Mary McLeod Bethune, who I really didn't know much about before reading the story, but also about her deep friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt and what the two of them were able to accomplish by working together. This is well worth the read.