The Faith of America's First Ladies

by Jane Hampton Cook

Highlights * Abigail Adam's commitment to serving as the primary caretaker for her family during the Revolution shows the worth of working with eager hands.
* Martha Washington's willingness to knit shirts and socks for soldiers during the Revolution shows the value of leading by example.
* Harriet Lane's fashion flair uncovers the true source of beauty in a world of extreme makeovers.
* Helen Taft's investment inklings blossom into a bouquet of benefits.
* Laura Bush's heart of compassion shows the significance of extending hands to the poor and needy in times of crisis. 
* Anna Harrison's words of wisdom and prayers for her children and grandchildren delivers a family legacy of faith and leadership. 
* Louisa Adam's remarkable solo journey to Paris under siege by napoleon shows the value of steadfastness during a time of terror threats.           
* Dolley Madison's wandering journey of faith reaches its final destination, showing the peace that comes through a commitment and reverence to God. 
* Barbara Bush's wit and quips reveal the splendor of celebrating in life.                    
* Nell Arthur's life shows that every woman is a first lady to God and her family.






















 

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Presidents

240 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2006

About the author

Jane Hampton Cook makes history relevant to news, politics, current events, and modern life. She is the award-winning author of nine books, including her newest The Burning of the White House: James and Dolley Madison and the War of 1812 (2016), America’s Star-Spangled Story (Aug. 2014) and Pulitzer-nominated American Phoenix (Thomas Nelson, a division of HarperCollins, 2013), which brings to life the international side of the War of 1812 through the diplomacy of John Quincy and Louisa Adams. A contributor to The Hill, national media commentator and former White House webmaster, Jane is a frequent guest on the Fox News Channel and other television and radio outlets. She also will be featured on the History Channel’s sister network, H2, on United Stuff of America in early summer 2014. Launching her passion for history and writing through a research fellowship from the Organization of American Historians and White House Historical Association in 2003, Jane and her husband, Dr. John Kim Cook, live with their children in the Washington DC area in Fairfax, Virginia.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

This wasn’t really about First Ladies’ faith. This was about how to be a good Christian wife based on Proverbs 31, with some semi-relevant First Lady anecdotes thrown in. It totally missed the mark for me.

[Naomi Starling · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is hard to read at first, and that's coming from someone whose favorite genre is biographies/autobiographies. It's clunky and slow, and the first few chapters were a struggle to get through. However, once you get used to the author's style, it is definitely very well worth the read!

I have to admit, I believe it is this book to which I owe my new understanding of the Scripture as well. I have definitely found my life verse because of it, and since pushing my way through those first several chapters, I am now able to read the Holy Word and understand it better and more clearly than ever before, and I grew up in a church.

I've noticed several reviews on here complaining about how the author includes so much Scripture in her book, and that, to me, is a puzzlement. The book is clearly dedicated to the First Ladies and their Christian faith -- so why complain about something that the book's very basis is on?? It's the same kind of mind style that literally clicks on something that is paying tribute to a character, pairing, or band that the clicker already knows they don't like. They're only looking to spread hate, something that we, as Christians, should never do.

I highly recommend this book to not just anyone looking to broaden their horizon on the strong ladies of the past or their knowledge of Scripture, but also to any women looking to become good leaders, regardless of their religion. There are lots of lessons from which to learn in this collection regardless of which god you serve, but of course, far more for those of us who are of the faith. I especially like that the author even mixes in historical facts of how things were back in the olden days, from what it took to dye cloth to facts about gemstone hunting. It's a brilliant collection, some of which I intend to share with my friends and family alike, and which I definitely, DEFINITELY recommend! The first few chapters may be difficult, but it is WELL WORTH the journey!!

[Lynn's · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first glance, this book seems to be a collection of stories about the faith of America’s First Ladies who served beside their husbands in public service. After reading a few chapters, I came to realize that this wasn’t quite what the book was about! The stories about the First Ladies only comprised about one third of the book. The other two thirds of the volume was a devotion and commentary on Proverbs 31, experiences from the author’s own life and biographical stories about other women - from soccer moms to sports coaches. Now, when there was a story about the First Ladies, I loved them and couldn’t get enough of the unique history! On the other hand, I was disappointed that the whole book wasn’t about the First Ladies and had so much other content, without being upfront about it in the book description. I bought the book because I wanted to read about the President’s wives, and often found myself bored with the other stories that didn’t apply to the theme the book cover hinted at. This book should really be advertised as a study on Proverbs 31 instead of biographical sketches of the First Ladies faith in God.

[Kayleen Reusser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned about religious faith of some First Ladies not so well known -- Julia Grant and others. At times the author used historical documents to create believable scenes of when the women holding the nation's highest positions had to rely on religious faith to get them through difficult situations. I enjoyed reading about more recent women -- Barbara and Laura Bush -- as well. The author also tied in the Proverbs 31 verses and attributes of jewels. Sometimes it seemed like too many attempts to tie them all together. Just hearing about the women's religious faith would have been enough for me. Nice cover too.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting comparisons of our First Ladies to the virtuous woman in Proverbs!

[Janet Skoglund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I like the idea of the book and the history involved, this author’s writing was not cohesive and some of her conclusions seemed to grasp at straws.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing what roles God gave us as women to be the strength and support of our men. Reading this book makes me realize that it takes an enormous amount of understanding, self-sacrifice, prayer, love, and support to be a politician's wife or any wife at all. The book starts off with (Proverbs 31:10-31) which is "The Proverb of the Wife of Noble Character". All those verses made me realize, I have a lot to work on...

"The inspiration of the first lady of Proverbs 31 is best measured by the 'how' of her life, not by the 'what'. This passage's applicable principles are not in what woman achieved but in how she achieved them. Her character is worthy of study. Proverbs 31 gives us insight into her value to God and the worthiness of the roles God gave her. She was first and foremost the first lady of God's heart, and so are you."

- Jane Hampton Cook

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was mostly a very preachy and kind of annoying book with great stories about our First Ladies. I was a little disappointed. I love history, and stories about people. I was hoping for more stories and less "bible study". This will sound as though I don't appreciate Bible study - which is not true. IMO, the author just had to work way too hard to make 200 pp on the subject of Proverbs 31 mingled with stories. Might have worked better to reverse the equation...

[Elizabeth Allen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this was a history book. It's actually a kind of shallow devotional book (sorrrry!).

[KR · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're looking for a historical book, this book isn't it. If you're looking for something along the lines of reading for a devotional or book group, this book might be what you're looking for.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only story I liked was the one about Dolly Madision and her great courage. Other than that it was too faithful for me.

[Martha]

I want the Kindle Edition when it comes out.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book full of short stories on how the faith our our First Ladies made a difference to our country and their families.