This fictionalized account of the intersected lives of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune during the time surrounding Franklin Roosevelt's presidency provides a very readable account of the friendship and the political and social impact that friendship provided. Eleanor's natural bent toward benevolent social change empowered Mary's determination to improve the conditions of the Negro population in the U.S. Chapters alternating between the perspectives of the two women offer insight into their personalities, their priorities, and their motivations. The results of that bond made for impressive social change.

I found the book extremely engaging and informative.

I enjoyed the book - I am a lover of historical fiction and this book hit the spot. Thank you for sharing this story and a different point of view. We see many First Lady books that do not always see them in a more personal setting/light.

Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray's beautiful and moving followup to the superb The Personal Librarian is a magnificent capturing of the relationship between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune.

Through the Depression and World War II, the two women navigate a complex and difficult at times relationship, which has effects on their relationships with loved ones and colleagues. A must read for all who loved The Personal Librarian and thoughtful historical fiction.

Many thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.