A while back, I picked up a book by Jennifer Chiaverini. It was charming, sweet, and pretty easy to read. I somehow got the book for free, so I decided when the time was right, I'd buy another book by Jennifer. Time became right when I saw this stunning cover and I knew instantly... this was it.

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker is a charming, historical read that spins a tale about Mary Todd Lincoln and her friendship with her seamstress, Elizabeth Keckley. Lizzie was a slave who gained a reputation for creating beautiful dresses. She worked hard and got herself an incredible job, slowly working her way up the rank to eventually being the seamstress for The First Lady.

This story follows Elizabeth, but crosses a lot of Mrs. Lincoln's life. It's a great tale of what could have been, and the author herself even says a fair bit was made up to tell the story she wanted to tell. While it might not be accurate, it still gave me a lot of interesting thoughts about the era and I've since been doing some research about Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, their family, and their dressmaker. Why not? Isn't that what historical fiction should do? Be enjoyable and encourage us to learn about the history that influenced it?

The book wasn't exactly a home run for me. It was easy to read, but at times it drags n and becomes a little boring. I didn't mind since it was just a read to disappear into, but if I was more motivated... it wouldn't have worked. There is also a LOT of detail in this book, so if you're like me and reading it while you are utterly exhausted... be prepared to have to read sections over because this book is RICH in it's details. It's a real treasure, but not if you were overly exhausted like I was when I read this book.

There is a lot of sad in this book, so reader beware. My heart hurt many a times, but Jennifer Chiaverini crafts it beautifully and makes it a heartfelt story.

Overall, lovely story. I will eventually pick up another book by Jennifer. Any recommendations?

Three out of five stars. ( )

Elizabeth Keckley was a former slave who purchased her freedom. She became an accomplished dressmaker to such people as Varina Davis, wife of Jefferson Davis and Mary Todd Lincoln. She became Mary Lincoln's confidante and often traveled with her. After Mary left the White House, Elizabeth wrote a book about her experiences as a slave and working with the Lincolns. Elizabeth and Mary became estranged over the things published in the book. ( )

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker: A Novel is an interesting story about a enslaved woman who purchased her way out of slavery. She not only was the dressmaker and close friend of Mrs. Lincoln but she also dressed many of the famous women of the time all along teaching young women how to sew. She wrote her memoir which was highly controversial. Mrs. Elizabeth Keckley's life is an inspiration. Four stars were awarded in this review. ( )

This compelling historical novel unveils the private lives of Abraham and Mary Lincoln through the perspective of the First Lady's most trusted confidante and friend, her dressmaker, Elizabeth Keckley.

The novelized form of the true story of Elizabeth Keckley, a slave who bought her own freedom and turned seamstress. Industry and good luck had her making frocks for the movers and shakers in Washington DC, where she met the most decidedly insane Mary Todd Lincoln. There was a bit too much 3rd person "lecture" on politics and the war, but all in all was a good slice of history.. 384 pages ( )