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The First Lady and the Rebel
From celebrated author Susan Higginbotham comes an incredible book about Abraham Lincoln's First Lady and, on the other side of the Civil War, her sister. A Union's First Lady: As the Civil War cracks the country in two, Mary Lincoln stands beside her husband praying for a swift Northern victory. But as the body count rises, Mary can't help but fear each bloody gain. Because her beloved sister Emily is across party lines, fighting for the South, and Mary is at risk of losing both her country and her family in the tides of a brutal war. A Confederate Rebel's Wife: Emily Todd Helm has married the love of her life. But when her husband's southern ties pull them into a war neither want to join, she must make a choice. Abandon the family she has built in the South or become a true rebel woman fighting against the sister she has always loved best. With a country's legacy at stake, how will two sisters shape history? A Civil War book about two women determined to do the right thing, The First Lady and the Rebel is sure to inspire fans of Marie Benedict and Stephanie Dray.
387 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
145 people are currently reading
3060 people want to read
About the author
Susan Higginbotham
20 books1,024 followersWelcome! I write historical fiction and nonfiction set in medieval and Tudor England and, most recently, nineteenth-century America.
As a writer of biographical fiction, one of my main goals is to avoid the stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions that have gathered around historical figures over the centuries. At the same time, I strive to remain true to known historical facts and to the mores of the times in which my characters lived. I use both primary sources and modern historical research to bring my characters to life.
As a writer of biographical fiction, one of my main goals is to avoid the stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions that have gathered around historical figures over the centuries. At the same time, I strive to remain true to known historical facts and to the mores of the times in which my characters lived. I use both primary sources and modern historical research to bring my characters to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
September 11, 2019
WONDERFUL PREMISE, BUT STILL ODDLY LACKING 😕
Sadly, I have had this problem with Higginbotham's books before. They are well written with interesting subjects, but there is always just something lacking, keeping me from fully getting into and loving her books.
👍 THE THINGS I LIKED 👍
The premise: The American Civil War narrated through two high profile sisters, one backing the Union, the other the Confederacy. That is a truly enticing and interesting premise, especially when the one sister is the wife of the, perhaps, most famous Civil War man, President Lincoln. That premise was a hook like few others!
👎 THE THINGS I DISLIKED 👎
Spectators: The story is told from the alternate POVs of the sisters Emily and Mary. But here's the things - Mary and Emily are no more than spectators in their own stories! They take no action whatsoever and play no part in the unfolding of the overall plot.
Characters: Both Emily and Mary felt underdeveloped and lacking in depth, which made it really hard to connect with them. I simply couldn't feel them.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Sadly, I have had this problem with Higginbotham's books before. They are well written with interesting subjects, but there is always just something lacking, keeping me from fully getting into and loving her books.
👍 THE THINGS I LIKED 👍
The premise: The American Civil War narrated through two high profile sisters, one backing the Union, the other the Confederacy. That is a truly enticing and interesting premise, especially when the one sister is the wife of the, perhaps, most famous Civil War man, President Lincoln. That premise was a hook like few others!
👎 THE THINGS I DISLIKED 👎
Spectators: The story is told from the alternate POVs of the sisters Emily and Mary. But here's the things - Mary and Emily are no more than spectators in their own stories! They take no action whatsoever and play no part in the unfolding of the overall plot.
Characters: Both Emily and Mary felt underdeveloped and lacking in depth, which made it really hard to connect with them. I simply couldn't feel them.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book goodness: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
August 21, 2020
This is a story of two sisters: Mary Todd Lincoln and Emily Todd Helm. Both women chose to be loyal to their husbands. Abraham Lincoln stood for the rights of humanity. Benjamin Helm decided to be loyal to the South.
1839: Mary Todd lives in Lexington, Kentucky. She visits her sister Elizabeth in Springfield, Illinois, where she meets Abraham Lincoln. She finds him fascinating from the first glance. As a short person, she never cared for tall men, but he is certainly worth tipping the head up. “It was not handsome face by any means, but after years of enduring the good-looking and vacuous young men of Lexington, Mary had concluded long ago that handsomeness was overrated. This man had character in his face, character and intelligence. She had never seen the like.”
“With her habit of saying what she thought and her unladylike interest in politics,” resulted in her preferring men of the North rather than the South.
Emily Todd not able to meet a man of her liking in Springfield, returns to Lexington. In Frankfort, at the first ball of the season, she meets Benjamin Hardin Helm, a new legislator.
February, 1861: The Lincolns are moving to the White House. As President, Abraham quickly becomes a rare trait, listening to all sides of an issue.
Emily’s husband gets an offer of the paymaster’s position by the President, but he declines. Instead, he decides to be loyal to the South, not leaving his wife any choice.
Set against the Civil War, weaving many battles fought, but with details not overwhelming the story; bringing the effects of the war, not only the casualties, but also the unpreparedness to handle the large number of wounded soldiers; and the tragedy of the families being split between the North and the South, resulting in reading about losses of their relatives from the newspaper instead of each other.
Narrated between two sisters, adding humor to tragedy, in the process creating a touching portrait of two sisters divided by the Civil War.
Informative story, beautifully executed through action, with engaging dialogue moving the story forward. Not a line of stagnation. Superbly written.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
1839: Mary Todd lives in Lexington, Kentucky. She visits her sister Elizabeth in Springfield, Illinois, where she meets Abraham Lincoln. She finds him fascinating from the first glance. As a short person, she never cared for tall men, but he is certainly worth tipping the head up. “It was not handsome face by any means, but after years of enduring the good-looking and vacuous young men of Lexington, Mary had concluded long ago that handsomeness was overrated. This man had character in his face, character and intelligence. She had never seen the like.”
“With her habit of saying what she thought and her unladylike interest in politics,” resulted in her preferring men of the North rather than the South.
Emily Todd not able to meet a man of her liking in Springfield, returns to Lexington. In Frankfort, at the first ball of the season, she meets Benjamin Hardin Helm, a new legislator.
February, 1861: The Lincolns are moving to the White House. As President, Abraham quickly becomes a rare trait, listening to all sides of an issue.
Emily’s husband gets an offer of the paymaster’s position by the President, but he declines. Instead, he decides to be loyal to the South, not leaving his wife any choice.
Set against the Civil War, weaving many battles fought, but with details not overwhelming the story; bringing the effects of the war, not only the casualties, but also the unpreparedness to handle the large number of wounded soldiers; and the tragedy of the families being split between the North and the South, resulting in reading about losses of their relatives from the newspaper instead of each other.
Narrated between two sisters, adding humor to tragedy, in the process creating a touching portrait of two sisters divided by the Civil War.
Informative story, beautifully executed through action, with engaging dialogue moving the story forward. Not a line of stagnation. Superbly written.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2019
3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for a digital galley in exchange for an honest review.
Alternating in the narrative between sisters Mary Todd Lincoln and Emily Todd Helm, Susan Higginbotham takes readers back to American Civil War where politics separated families.
The conflict between North and South has been one of my favorites since I was a teenager. I hope I am not the only Canadian who feels this way! Tensions did run high and the fact that brother against brother(or in this case sister against sister)extended right up to the seats of political leaders and into the house of the president makes for a good story.
I felt that Emily Todd was much more likeable in this story than her more well known sister. I felt that the way Higginbotham portrayed the relationships of Emily and her husband, Hardin more appealing to the reader. Their relationship and commitment to one another was endearing and I felt I had a good sense.of who they were as people
The author admits to a great love of Lincoln and that is apparent throughout the novel. But I could have done with a bit more life breathed into them. Their courtship in chapter one was quite dull. Mary Todd Lincoln definitely appears in this story to be a staunch advocate of there being no shades of grey. As many of her siblings become supporters of the Southern cause, the First Lady stands firmly beside her husband and sees their actions as foolishness and has an air of "they reap what they sow." But I couldn't help but get the impression that she was also not a generally warm person who failed to connect with the people. Lincoln alone was her lighthouse and what he cared and thought was her main focus.
Overall, I was interested enough to follow these ladies right to the bittersweet end.
Goodreads review published 27/09/19
Publication Date 01/10/19
Thanks to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for a digital galley in exchange for an honest review.
Alternating in the narrative between sisters Mary Todd Lincoln and Emily Todd Helm, Susan Higginbotham takes readers back to American Civil War where politics separated families.
The conflict between North and South has been one of my favorites since I was a teenager. I hope I am not the only Canadian who feels this way! Tensions did run high and the fact that brother against brother(or in this case sister against sister)extended right up to the seats of political leaders and into the house of the president makes for a good story.
I felt that Emily Todd was much more likeable in this story than her more well known sister. I felt that the way Higginbotham portrayed the relationships of Emily and her husband, Hardin more appealing to the reader. Their relationship and commitment to one another was endearing and I felt I had a good sense.of who they were as people
The author admits to a great love of Lincoln and that is apparent throughout the novel. But I could have done with a bit more life breathed into them. Their courtship in chapter one was quite dull. Mary Todd Lincoln definitely appears in this story to be a staunch advocate of there being no shades of grey. As many of her siblings become supporters of the Southern cause, the First Lady stands firmly beside her husband and sees their actions as foolishness and has an air of "they reap what they sow." But I couldn't help but get the impression that she was also not a generally warm person who failed to connect with the people. Lincoln alone was her lighthouse and what he cared and thought was her main focus.
Overall, I was interested enough to follow these ladies right to the bittersweet end.
Goodreads review published 27/09/19
Publication Date 01/10/19
February 6, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley, Edelweiss, Sourcebooks and Susan Higginbotham for giving me the chances to read her new book: The First Lady And The Rebel.
I must admit at the very start of the book I was a little unsure if I would like it and if I would find it boring? Not the case at all, I really enjoyed reading it and it's a brilliant book.
It's a interesting story about two sisters, they married two very different men and when the American Civil War starts they support opposite sides.
Mary Todd is married to President Abraham Lincoln and Emily Todd is married confederate officer Benjamin Helm.
Mary Lincoln is the Union's First Lady, she supports her husband Mr Lincoln, his job is a stressful one, it's extremely demanding, with very long hours, making tough decisions, it takes its toll on her husband and his health.
Mary is hoping for a Northern victory, but she's very concerned for her family living in the south, members of her family are fighting in the confederate army and she now has very little contact with them.
Emily is hoping for a Southern victory, her husband is a confederate officer, she and her children live like nomads. They follow her husband around the south never staying in one place for very long and she lives with the constant fear of her husband being wounded, maimed or killed in battle.
The war is a long brutal one, a shocking loss of life, terrible injuries, and thousands of men who will live with the physical and mental scars for the rest of their lives.
The war rages on, both women have to deal with the challenges of motherhood, being separated from each other and accepting their husbands choices.
The sisters may have been supporting different side in the war, but they both show incredible strength, they both suffer terrible personal loss, they both have to deal with grief, they had no time to properly grieve and have to be strong for the sake of their children.
I really enjoyed The First Lady And The Rebel, it's a story about two strong and incredibly brave sisters. They loved each other, their children, and husbands. Separated by politics, war, illness, and both men made personal sacrifices for what they believe in. I gave the book 4 stars and I look forward to read Hanging Mary!
I shared my review on Goodreads, Twitter, NetGalley, Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble, Amazon Australia and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
I must admit at the very start of the book I was a little unsure if I would like it and if I would find it boring? Not the case at all, I really enjoyed reading it and it's a brilliant book.
It's a interesting story about two sisters, they married two very different men and when the American Civil War starts they support opposite sides.
Mary Todd is married to President Abraham Lincoln and Emily Todd is married confederate officer Benjamin Helm.
Mary Lincoln is the Union's First Lady, she supports her husband Mr Lincoln, his job is a stressful one, it's extremely demanding, with very long hours, making tough decisions, it takes its toll on her husband and his health.
Mary is hoping for a Northern victory, but she's very concerned for her family living in the south, members of her family are fighting in the confederate army and she now has very little contact with them.
Emily is hoping for a Southern victory, her husband is a confederate officer, she and her children live like nomads. They follow her husband around the south never staying in one place for very long and she lives with the constant fear of her husband being wounded, maimed or killed in battle.
The war is a long brutal one, a shocking loss of life, terrible injuries, and thousands of men who will live with the physical and mental scars for the rest of their lives.
The war rages on, both women have to deal with the challenges of motherhood, being separated from each other and accepting their husbands choices.
The sisters may have been supporting different side in the war, but they both show incredible strength, they both suffer terrible personal loss, they both have to deal with grief, they had no time to properly grieve and have to be strong for the sake of their children.
I really enjoyed The First Lady And The Rebel, it's a story about two strong and incredibly brave sisters. They loved each other, their children, and husbands. Separated by politics, war, illness, and both men made personal sacrifices for what they believe in. I gave the book 4 stars and I look forward to read Hanging Mary!
I shared my review on Goodreads, Twitter, NetGalley, Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble, Amazon Australia and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
October 1, 2019
Ever since first reading Gone With the Wind when I was eleven years old, I've been fascinated by stories set against the backdrop of the Civil War but as a lover of historical fiction, I was drawn to The First Lady and the Rebel because I wanted to learn about Mary Todd Lincoln and Emily Todd Helm, two sisters torn apart by the tragedy of war. Although I have read about Lincoln and Mary before, I only had a passing knowledge that her sister was a Confederate married to a Confederate General, but my first novel by Susan Higginbotham is a beautifully executed account of these sister's lives during this devastating period in America's history.
Told through chapters alternatively narrated by Mary or Emily, the novel begins in 1839 when Mary Todd meets Abraham Lincoln on a visit to her sister Elizabeth in Springfield, Illinois and ends with the horror of Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theatre, so it's a novel filled with a lot of information. Emily, Mary's younger half-sister, falls in love and in 1856 marries Benjamin Hardin Helm, a new legislator for Kentucky.
When Lincoln is elected president in 1860, he offers Helms the position of paymaster, but Helms decides he must be loyal to the South and takes a position as a colonel in the Confederate Army. With each sister's husband effectively on opposing sides of the war, they are now on opposite sides. Will they be able to keep their family bonds together or will the devotion and love each has for their husbands come first?
The novel is historically fascinating and heartbreaking as it shows not only the division between Mary and Emily but of so many other families torn apart in a country divided by turmoil, loss, and tragedy. It's so hard to believe just a little over 150 years ago that families were fighting against each other, but Higginbotham weaves an emotional and enlightening tale of grief, loss, and tragedy. The research is extensive, and I enjoyed learning about Emily Helms since I knew very little. Both she and Mary Lincoln had my sympathy throughout the novel and were excellently characterized.
I would recommend this one to any historical fiction fan.
**Thank you, Sourcebook Landmarks, Amy at HFVBT, and Susan Higginbotham for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.**
Told through chapters alternatively narrated by Mary or Emily, the novel begins in 1839 when Mary Todd meets Abraham Lincoln on a visit to her sister Elizabeth in Springfield, Illinois and ends with the horror of Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theatre, so it's a novel filled with a lot of information. Emily, Mary's younger half-sister, falls in love and in 1856 marries Benjamin Hardin Helm, a new legislator for Kentucky.
When Lincoln is elected president in 1860, he offers Helms the position of paymaster, but Helms decides he must be loyal to the South and takes a position as a colonel in the Confederate Army. With each sister's husband effectively on opposing sides of the war, they are now on opposite sides. Will they be able to keep their family bonds together or will the devotion and love each has for their husbands come first?
The novel is historically fascinating and heartbreaking as it shows not only the division between Mary and Emily but of so many other families torn apart in a country divided by turmoil, loss, and tragedy. It's so hard to believe just a little over 150 years ago that families were fighting against each other, but Higginbotham weaves an emotional and enlightening tale of grief, loss, and tragedy. The research is extensive, and I enjoyed learning about Emily Helms since I knew very little. Both she and Mary Lincoln had my sympathy throughout the novel and were excellently characterized.
I would recommend this one to any historical fiction fan.
**Thank you, Sourcebook Landmarks, Amy at HFVBT, and Susan Higginbotham for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.**
October 2, 2019
This is a story of two sisters living during the Civil War. Each happens to be on a different side—one a Rebel and one in the Union. The sisters are none other than the wife of Abraham Lincoln (Mary Todd Lincoln) and her half-sister Emily.
"The First Lady and the Rebel" by Susan Higginbotham is a dual perspective novel, told from Emily and Mary’s points of view. I loved learning about these women and this time period. It was fun to read about their love stories and I especially enjoyed Mary’s personality and seeing Abraham Lincoln through her eyes.
This is not just another Civil War story. It is a deeply personal tale of loss, love and family. There are both good and bad people on either side of the War. The issues surrounding the War aren’t as cut and dry as we like to think. The lives of these two sisters show that love and loss are universal. If you love the Civil War Era or reading about real life characters, you will love this book!
Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: mention of a woman’s bosom; mention of alcohol and drunkenness; a character refers to the “marital act;” the word “Negro” is used in context; the word “da**” is used; mention of alcohol and men getting drunk; the word “b**ch” is used; some gore related to descriptions of war; some talk of making love, but not super descriptive; a man talks of visits from spirits and mediums.
Rating: I give this book 4 stars.
I want to thank Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, Sourcebooks and Susan Higginbotham for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
"The First Lady and the Rebel" by Susan Higginbotham is a dual perspective novel, told from Emily and Mary’s points of view. I loved learning about these women and this time period. It was fun to read about their love stories and I especially enjoyed Mary’s personality and seeing Abraham Lincoln through her eyes.
This is not just another Civil War story. It is a deeply personal tale of loss, love and family. There are both good and bad people on either side of the War. The issues surrounding the War aren’t as cut and dry as we like to think. The lives of these two sisters show that love and loss are universal. If you love the Civil War Era or reading about real life characters, you will love this book!
Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: mention of a woman’s bosom; mention of alcohol and drunkenness; a character refers to the “marital act;” the word “Negro” is used in context; the word “da**” is used; mention of alcohol and men getting drunk; the word “b**ch” is used; some gore related to descriptions of war; some talk of making love, but not super descriptive; a man talks of visits from spirits and mediums.
Rating: I give this book 4 stars.
I want to thank Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, Sourcebooks and Susan Higginbotham for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
October 15, 2019
When I pick up a Susan Higginbotham book I know I'm going to learn a lot and be entertained at the same time, which is exactly why I read historical fiction, and in The First Lady and the Rebel we get both in spades.
Of course the first thing that drew me to reading this book is the abslutley gorgeous cover. I mean, come on....it's an eye-catcher! Then I saw that it was a Higginbotham book AND that it was on Mary Todd and Lincoln, two figures in history that I haven't read about yet. I was fascinated with them both, but especially Lincoln.
The story is told in alternating voices between Mary Todd and her sister, Emily. It was great to learn more about the Todd family as well. There were so many of them! We begin when Mary meets Lincoln and through their courtship and marriage, to when he becomes elected as President, and into the Civil War and beyond.
In a time when families are torn apart by the war, their bonds as sisters are tested when they find themselves on opposite sides. It was very sad to see and to be honest, it seems like the divide is happening again in our country and it's heartbreaking to witness first hand.
I highly recommend The First Lady and the Rebel! The writing is superb, the research excellent, and I genuinely enjoyed my time reading it. I can't wait to see who Higginbotham writes about next!
Of course the first thing that drew me to reading this book is the abslutley gorgeous cover. I mean, come on....it's an eye-catcher! Then I saw that it was a Higginbotham book AND that it was on Mary Todd and Lincoln, two figures in history that I haven't read about yet. I was fascinated with them both, but especially Lincoln.
The story is told in alternating voices between Mary Todd and her sister, Emily. It was great to learn more about the Todd family as well. There were so many of them! We begin when Mary meets Lincoln and through their courtship and marriage, to when he becomes elected as President, and into the Civil War and beyond.
In a time when families are torn apart by the war, their bonds as sisters are tested when they find themselves on opposite sides. It was very sad to see and to be honest, it seems like the divide is happening again in our country and it's heartbreaking to witness first hand.
I highly recommend The First Lady and the Rebel! The writing is superb, the research excellent, and I genuinely enjoyed my time reading it. I can't wait to see who Higginbotham writes about next!
April 18, 2019
I received this book as an ARC from Sourcebooks Landmark in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am familiar with the story of how Abe and Mary met and fell in love with each other that started the relationship of one of America's most famous presidential couples. The presentation that Susan Higginbotham laid out throughout the book was descriptive enough to be right there in the story with the conflict the reader will feel for Mary during the war especially when her family is involved with the other side. She has a choice between her family and the man she loves. Such a compelling story that will leave you speechless and breathless.
We will consider adding this book to our Historical Fiction collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I am familiar with the story of how Abe and Mary met and fell in love with each other that started the relationship of one of America's most famous presidential couples. The presentation that Susan Higginbotham laid out throughout the book was descriptive enough to be right there in the story with the conflict the reader will feel for Mary during the war especially when her family is involved with the other side. She has a choice between her family and the man she loves. Such a compelling story that will leave you speechless and breathless.
We will consider adding this book to our Historical Fiction collection at the library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
October 17, 2019
This duel perspective novel is my first read by Susan Higginbotham. Mary Todd Lincoln and Emily Todd Helm are sisters. Both are married to important men. Mary becomes the wife of Abraham Lincoln, and Emily becomes the wife of General Benjamin Helm, a southern general.
I found this an intriguing look at the Civil War from a woman's perspective. The author begins the book by tracing both sister's courtships and marriages. The courtship of Abraham Lincoln and Mary was quite interesting as they did more discussing of politics and books then they spent get to know one another. I got tickled at Mary saying to herself she would prefer a little more hand holding and kissing than discussion. But once married, Abraham was always supportive of his "Molly." Both Mary and Emily were married to men who were away from them a great deal of the time: Abe because of his political life and then become president and Ben due to his military assignments.
Mary and Emily both felt conflicted throughout the war. Mary was supportive of the union, but had family in Kentucky and wanted them safe including Emily. She also had brothers and stepbrothers serving in the Confederate forces. Emily was a staunch supporter of the confederacy but was close to Mary as well as Abe. Abe even nicknamed her Little Sister. Higginbotham shows the deep angst that developed in families as they were torn asunder by opposing viewpoints. As both sisters lost their husbands, one to assassination and the other to war casualty; their later lives weren't what they hoped them to be.
Well written and very informative, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Civil War from a woman's viewpoint. The historical research was evident throughout this book. The closing information on the later lives of both Mary and Emily was very interesting.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sourcebooks Landmark through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
I found this an intriguing look at the Civil War from a woman's perspective. The author begins the book by tracing both sister's courtships and marriages. The courtship of Abraham Lincoln and Mary was quite interesting as they did more discussing of politics and books then they spent get to know one another. I got tickled at Mary saying to herself she would prefer a little more hand holding and kissing than discussion. But once married, Abraham was always supportive of his "Molly." Both Mary and Emily were married to men who were away from them a great deal of the time: Abe because of his political life and then become president and Ben due to his military assignments.
Mary and Emily both felt conflicted throughout the war. Mary was supportive of the union, but had family in Kentucky and wanted them safe including Emily. She also had brothers and stepbrothers serving in the Confederate forces. Emily was a staunch supporter of the confederacy but was close to Mary as well as Abe. Abe even nicknamed her Little Sister. Higginbotham shows the deep angst that developed in families as they were torn asunder by opposing viewpoints. As both sisters lost their husbands, one to assassination and the other to war casualty; their later lives weren't what they hoped them to be.
Well written and very informative, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Civil War from a woman's viewpoint. The historical research was evident throughout this book. The closing information on the later lives of both Mary and Emily was very interesting.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sourcebooks Landmark through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
October 4, 2019
Mary Todd leaves home to spend time with her married sister Elizabeth in Illinois. There it is hoped she will find a husband. She goes to a number of parties and balls but it’s only one man who appeals to her – Abraham Lincoln. A lot of other men are put off by her interest in politics and the news of the day. But Mr. Lincoln finds her fascinating. Their relationship goes through some bumps as does his political career but ultimately they get married and as we all know he gets elected president.
Mary’s sister Emily also comes to Illinois but does not find a husband so she looks elsewhere and finds the love of her life in Hardin Helm, a lawyer and politician from Kentucky. The two sisters are close but when the war breaks out they find themselves on opposite sides as Emily’s husband refuses a post from President Lincoln as he feels he must stay loyal to Kentucky.
What follows is the compelling, heartbreaking tale of sisters separated by War, finding themselves on opposite sides due to their loyalty to their husbands. The Civil War tore so many families apart in this way. The First Lady and the Rebel shares how the divide impacted even the family of the man trying to hold the union together.
Ms. Higginbotham builds this story at a nice pace with lots of historical detail about these very human people, some of whom have attained an almost mythical allure. Most of us know the stories about Abraham Lincoln and some about Mary Todd Lincoln. I knew nothing about her sister or about this break in the family due to the Civil War.
The book is told in not quite alternating chapters from either Emily’s or Mary’s point of view. It starts before the war, carries the reader through the horror and suffering of those living through it and those trying to manage it and breaks the readers’ hearts with the deaths of both men; one in battle and one through assassination. I don’t think I’m spoiling anything here as history is history. It continues the sisters’ lives post War as widows – both fighting for relevance in different ways.
I will admit it took me a little time to engage with this book but once I did, I was hooked and couldn’t stop reading. It’s a compelling and ultimately sad story of finding love and losing it.
4.5
Mary’s sister Emily also comes to Illinois but does not find a husband so she looks elsewhere and finds the love of her life in Hardin Helm, a lawyer and politician from Kentucky. The two sisters are close but when the war breaks out they find themselves on opposite sides as Emily’s husband refuses a post from President Lincoln as he feels he must stay loyal to Kentucky.
What follows is the compelling, heartbreaking tale of sisters separated by War, finding themselves on opposite sides due to their loyalty to their husbands. The Civil War tore so many families apart in this way. The First Lady and the Rebel shares how the divide impacted even the family of the man trying to hold the union together.
Ms. Higginbotham builds this story at a nice pace with lots of historical detail about these very human people, some of whom have attained an almost mythical allure. Most of us know the stories about Abraham Lincoln and some about Mary Todd Lincoln. I knew nothing about her sister or about this break in the family due to the Civil War.
The book is told in not quite alternating chapters from either Emily’s or Mary’s point of view. It starts before the war, carries the reader through the horror and suffering of those living through it and those trying to manage it and breaks the readers’ hearts with the deaths of both men; one in battle and one through assassination. I don’t think I’m spoiling anything here as history is history. It continues the sisters’ lives post War as widows – both fighting for relevance in different ways.
I will admit it took me a little time to engage with this book but once I did, I was hooked and couldn’t stop reading. It’s a compelling and ultimately sad story of finding love and losing it.
4.5
December 3, 2022
The premise and blurb made it so interesting so i dove right into it with high expetations, but something was lacking. I found myself not enjoying it quite as i had hoped. It just wasn`t enough character development or things really happening..it felt like it was chatting all the time...and lots of characters comming in and out that did not need to.
I got this eARC from Netgalley
I got this eARC from Netgalley
October 9, 2019
This book is a perfect example of what everything good about historical fiction. How much I loved this book!! Let me count the ways 😆👏🏻I loved the historical accuracy!! The author didn't take unnecessary liberties with history. And what was supposed on her part and what wasn't was clearly outlined in the author note (another sure sign of a well researched, well done HF) mostly all factual. I learned new things and I was entertained and completely sucked into the story. I was so immersed in this book, I actually caught myself mentally categorizing people as "Rebel" depending on what state they live in. Hello, I'm still in 2019. I believe. A story that completely swept me away, I highly recommend to all HF lovers!
September 7, 2020
"I wonder how Father would feel," Emly said. "The children from his first marriage on one side of this war, and the children from his second on the other. A house divided, just like Mr. Lincoln said."
Five stars for a book about complex family ties!
After Mary Todd's father remarried, the Todd family gradually grew to include several more siblings. While Mary did not quite get along with her step-mother, she did have cordial relationships with her half-siblings, in particular Emily (who was eighteen years younger than her). Mary went on to marry Abraham Lincoln and Emily married Benjamin Hardin Helm. The two couples got along very well until the war put a tremendous strain on their once afable relationship. Abraham Lincoln became President and head of the Union while Hardin Helm decided to fight for the Confederacy. The Todd sisters were now on opposite sides of the war. The question remained as to wether they could still be a family.
This book is amazing! I must admit that I thought the first chapter to be long and dull. However, past that point, the book was a complex exploration of an aspect of the war I had never thought about. Mary Todd grew up in Kentucky. When her father remarried, the family grew. While Mary was at odds with her step-mother, her half-siblings she got (mostly) along with. Emily, in particular she grew close with and so did Lincoln, referring to her as "Little sister". The war forced them apart when they both had to choose sides. Mary, a firm believer of her husband and the North now became a traitor to her Southern relations. Emily, naturally, also sided with her husband and their Souther roots. Helm, Mary's brother-in-law, fights for the Confederacy as do four of her brothers. Mary frets for her family while still remaining loyal to the Union (yet her Southern background still has many questioning her loyalties). As the war advances, this rift threatens the sister's once close bond. Can the war that is splitting the country, separate the Todd sisters as well?
This is not the first I read about Mary Todd Lincoln. Some time back, I read Mary: Mrs. A. Lincoln by Janis Cooke Newman and found it fascinating. Nor is this the first time I read a book by Susan Higginbotham. Having read Hanging Mary before, this other title by her enticed me. Switching the narration between Mary and Emily, the progression of the Civil War is seen through their eyes and experiences with their respective husbands. I found the pace slow at first but thought it to be very complimentary to the narrative by the end. Characterization is well done. The nuances of each character, wether they represented the Union or Confederacy, was greatly done as it showed off their complex and complicated relationships. There is heart as well as tension on these pages. The blending of fact and fiction is superb. I never before thought of Mary Lincoln as a Todd and how difficult it must have been to be considrered a traitor by her own family (what were the odds that she would wind up marrying the leader of the Union?) and yet still suffer their losses severely. Conversely, it had to be complicated to be the sister of Mary, wife of the president, while living in the South where tensions ran so high and still feel affection for her. Higginbotham brought these struggles to life on these pages with finesse.
Five stars for a book about complex family ties!
After Mary Todd's father remarried, the Todd family gradually grew to include several more siblings. While Mary did not quite get along with her step-mother, she did have cordial relationships with her half-siblings, in particular Emily (who was eighteen years younger than her). Mary went on to marry Abraham Lincoln and Emily married Benjamin Hardin Helm. The two couples got along very well until the war put a tremendous strain on their once afable relationship. Abraham Lincoln became President and head of the Union while Hardin Helm decided to fight for the Confederacy. The Todd sisters were now on opposite sides of the war. The question remained as to wether they could still be a family.
This book is amazing! I must admit that I thought the first chapter to be long and dull. However, past that point, the book was a complex exploration of an aspect of the war I had never thought about. Mary Todd grew up in Kentucky. When her father remarried, the family grew. While Mary was at odds with her step-mother, her half-siblings she got (mostly) along with. Emily, in particular she grew close with and so did Lincoln, referring to her as "Little sister". The war forced them apart when they both had to choose sides. Mary, a firm believer of her husband and the North now became a traitor to her Southern relations. Emily, naturally, also sided with her husband and their Souther roots. Helm, Mary's brother-in-law, fights for the Confederacy as do four of her brothers. Mary frets for her family while still remaining loyal to the Union (yet her Southern background still has many questioning her loyalties). As the war advances, this rift threatens the sister's once close bond. Can the war that is splitting the country, separate the Todd sisters as well?
This is not the first I read about Mary Todd Lincoln. Some time back, I read Mary: Mrs. A. Lincoln by Janis Cooke Newman and found it fascinating. Nor is this the first time I read a book by Susan Higginbotham. Having read Hanging Mary before, this other title by her enticed me. Switching the narration between Mary and Emily, the progression of the Civil War is seen through their eyes and experiences with their respective husbands. I found the pace slow at first but thought it to be very complimentary to the narrative by the end. Characterization is well done. The nuances of each character, wether they represented the Union or Confederacy, was greatly done as it showed off their complex and complicated relationships. There is heart as well as tension on these pages. The blending of fact and fiction is superb. I never before thought of Mary Lincoln as a Todd and how difficult it must have been to be considrered a traitor by her own family (what were the odds that she would wind up marrying the leader of the Union?) and yet still suffer their losses severely. Conversely, it had to be complicated to be the sister of Mary, wife of the president, while living in the South where tensions ran so high and still feel affection for her. Higginbotham brought these struggles to life on these pages with finesse.
August 17, 2019
The First Lady here is Mary Todd Lincoln, while the Rebel is her sister Emily Todd Helm, in a depiction of their lives during the war years of the 1860’s. The situations of the two sisters differ significantly, but their lives are forever marked by the events we meet here.
I found this book fascinating. I have a particular interest in the Civil War, as several of my ancestors fought in it on one side or the other. Some came home again, some did not. The author here gives us a taste of what it was like to have a war going on, literally, in your front yard and in your family.
Of course, I knew the broad outlines of Mary Lincoln’s story (the author tells us she did not include “Todd” in her name after her marriage) but I came out of this reading experience with what felt like a better understanding of that story. As a psychotherapist, I was impressed with the many serious traumas Mary Lincoln sustained in her life. It seems to me it is no wonder her behaviors were odd and eccentric at times.
I appreciated the vivid, well-researched double portrait offered in this book. My thanks to author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an advance copy to read and review.
I found this book fascinating. I have a particular interest in the Civil War, as several of my ancestors fought in it on one side or the other. Some came home again, some did not. The author here gives us a taste of what it was like to have a war going on, literally, in your front yard and in your family.
Of course, I knew the broad outlines of Mary Lincoln’s story (the author tells us she did not include “Todd” in her name after her marriage) but I came out of this reading experience with what felt like a better understanding of that story. As a psychotherapist, I was impressed with the many serious traumas Mary Lincoln sustained in her life. It seems to me it is no wonder her behaviors were odd and eccentric at times.
I appreciated the vivid, well-researched double portrait offered in this book. My thanks to author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an advance copy to read and review.
October 14, 2019
Mary Todd Lincoln and Emily Todd Helm are two strong willed sisters who happened to marry two men of equal conviction. Abraham Lincoln is elected to the presidency just as his nation begins to split. Mary is in support of his views for the nation, but finds that many of her family members are not. Emily encourages her husband, Benjamin to travel to Washington upon Lincoln's election and ask for a post within the government. Ben finds that he respects Lincoln deeply, but does not share his views and returns to his family. As war breaks out, Ben takes a post in the Confederate Army as Mary hopes for a speedy end to the conflict. While the North and South are divided the sisters can't directly communicate and feel the loss of the other in their lives as each woman champions for their own victory.
With astounding historical accuracy, the plight of the Todd family during the Civil War is brought to life. I always love when history is told from the woman's point of view and Emily and Mary have equally interesting stories. The point of view switches between Mary and Emily and begins with their courtships. I did find it harder to get into the story this early, but it did give some insight into their relationship. The pacing and interest picked up as the war began and the women were feeling the effects of having family on each side. While there was a lot of insight in the writing as to the impacts of the war and some of the decisions that Lincoln and Helm made, I really wanted to feel the emotional connection to each of the women and their direct impacts on the War through their husbands, I felt more of just a description of what happened around them. Overall, the strength of Mary and Emily shines through as well as their dedication to family in all forms.
This book was received in return for an honest review.
With astounding historical accuracy, the plight of the Todd family during the Civil War is brought to life. I always love when history is told from the woman's point of view and Emily and Mary have equally interesting stories. The point of view switches between Mary and Emily and begins with their courtships. I did find it harder to get into the story this early, but it did give some insight into their relationship. The pacing and interest picked up as the war began and the women were feeling the effects of having family on each side. While there was a lot of insight in the writing as to the impacts of the war and some of the decisions that Lincoln and Helm made, I really wanted to feel the emotional connection to each of the women and their direct impacts on the War through their husbands, I felt more of just a description of what happened around them. Overall, the strength of Mary and Emily shines through as well as their dedication to family in all forms.
This book was received in return for an honest review.
October 2, 2021
I am so very late in reviewing this book - but I could not put this one down!
The tale of two sisters - stuck on the opposite sides of the war. The war between the states tore families apart, and even the president of the United States was not spared this tragedy. For Mary and Emily, it was a tenuous time that they were going to have to learn to navigate - as the country was upended and families were pitted against each other.
Susan Higginbotham never disappoints in her writing. This is one where you are going to need to cancel your plans, settle in, and prepare for book hangovers. Fabulous, engaging, and heartbreaking in areas - this family will work their way into your hearts.
The tale of two sisters - stuck on the opposite sides of the war. The war between the states tore families apart, and even the president of the United States was not spared this tragedy. For Mary and Emily, it was a tenuous time that they were going to have to learn to navigate - as the country was upended and families were pitted against each other.
Susan Higginbotham never disappoints in her writing. This is one where you are going to need to cancel your plans, settle in, and prepare for book hangovers. Fabulous, engaging, and heartbreaking in areas - this family will work their way into your hearts.
July 8, 2022
It was decent. What I liked about it was getting a piece of understanding of how difficult it would be if a civil war happened. Would you move, leaving behind your home and relatives for your beliefs?
October 5, 2019
Two sisters, Mary and Emily, divided by war and on different sides of history itself. Mary is wife to President Lincoln and Frist Lady of the United States of America. Emily is the wife of Benjamin Helm, a general of the Confederate army and aiding the Confederate cause. What follows is the story of a family, like many others, that is spread across both sides of the divide and the hardship that result.
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Very slow start. Not because the writing was dry, but because the starting chapters were so very long in order to introduce us to our main characters and how Mary and Emily came to be with their husbands. And where the first chapter about Mary(covering three years) ends, the next chapter about her younger sister, Emily, starts two years later(and covers an additional two years). Those first two chapters alone filled 18% of the entire book and so I had to push myself to get through them so I could get to some actual plot progression. The third chapter then picks up 5 years later, at which point it did begin to pick up.
I know the author likely felt it important to dedicate time to establishing each woman's connection and dedication to the men who would become their husbands, which it is. But... it just felt far too drawn out.
Although Mary is more personalized, human, and relatable in this book than she has been in other books that focus on Lincoln or the Civil War, I still didn't feel as though we got to know her all that well. I wasn't invested in her or really any of the other main characters. They all felt flat and 2-dimensional.
In this book, the more mundane seemed to be focused and expanded upon far more than need be. Whereas it felt that several major plot points were glossed over or merely mentioned in passing.
The book had such a promising premise, but overall I found it to be dry and a little dull. If you are looking soley from a historic point of view, to read a book that delves into the views and loses of those on both sides of the Civil War, than this would be a great book for you. But if you are looking for a human connection with characters from history, displaying emotion and depth, than I'm afraid you will find this book lacking. I am a bit disappointed. For a book about one of the most divided times in American history, I felt almost no deep emotion from or connection to the two ladies whom were supposed to be sharing their experiences of this time.
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Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for sharing an electronic copy of this book with me for reviewing purposes, this is my honest review.
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Very slow start. Not because the writing was dry, but because the starting chapters were so very long in order to introduce us to our main characters and how Mary and Emily came to be with their husbands. And where the first chapter about Mary(covering three years) ends, the next chapter about her younger sister, Emily, starts two years later(and covers an additional two years). Those first two chapters alone filled 18% of the entire book and so I had to push myself to get through them so I could get to some actual plot progression. The third chapter then picks up 5 years later, at which point it did begin to pick up.
I know the author likely felt it important to dedicate time to establishing each woman's connection and dedication to the men who would become their husbands, which it is. But... it just felt far too drawn out.
Although Mary is more personalized, human, and relatable in this book than she has been in other books that focus on Lincoln or the Civil War, I still didn't feel as though we got to know her all that well. I wasn't invested in her or really any of the other main characters. They all felt flat and 2-dimensional.
In this book, the more mundane seemed to be focused and expanded upon far more than need be. Whereas it felt that several major plot points were glossed over or merely mentioned in passing.
The book had such a promising premise, but overall I found it to be dry and a little dull. If you are looking soley from a historic point of view, to read a book that delves into the views and loses of those on both sides of the Civil War, than this would be a great book for you. But if you are looking for a human connection with characters from history, displaying emotion and depth, than I'm afraid you will find this book lacking. I am a bit disappointed. For a book about one of the most divided times in American history, I felt almost no deep emotion from or connection to the two ladies whom were supposed to be sharing their experiences of this time.
___
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for sharing an electronic copy of this book with me for reviewing purposes, this is my honest review.
July 1, 2019
The First Lady and the Rebel is the story about two sisters: Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Todd Helm. The book does an excellent job alternating between the sisters telling the story of their lives from 1842 to 1876.
The thing with this type of story is you know what is going to happen in the end. The fascinating part was in the details about their lives and how their stories unfold from chapter to chapter. This book kept me interested throughout and I did not want it to end. I finished the book feeling a little more sympathy for Mary Todd Lincoln and that history might have judged her too harshly.
I do wish this book had photographs of the key players. More than once, I found myself heading to my browser to google for photos of the people in the book.
I recommend this book for historical fiction readers and any reader who is a history buff. 4.5/5
Thank you to Netgalley, Sourcebooks, and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The First Lady and the Rebel. Release date: October 1, 2019
Review was posted simultaneously on goodreads and will be published on Instagram @lowkey.bookish closer to the release date.
The thing with this type of story is you know what is going to happen in the end. The fascinating part was in the details about their lives and how their stories unfold from chapter to chapter. This book kept me interested throughout and I did not want it to end. I finished the book feeling a little more sympathy for Mary Todd Lincoln and that history might have judged her too harshly.
I do wish this book had photographs of the key players. More than once, I found myself heading to my browser to google for photos of the people in the book.
I recommend this book for historical fiction readers and any reader who is a history buff. 4.5/5
Thank you to Netgalley, Sourcebooks, and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The First Lady and the Rebel. Release date: October 1, 2019
Review was posted simultaneously on goodreads and will be published on Instagram @lowkey.bookish closer to the release date.
July 8, 2019
I was disappointed in this book.
As a disclaimer, I have two degrees in history. My biggest problem with this book was the lack of depth/interest in the characters. No matter the length of time spent with any individual, I never felt like I was getting to know that person. Everything felt very surface-level. Truthfully, it felt like I was reading a history textbook with one of those inserted stories the midst of facts to try to make students/the reader feel like they weren’t just reading pages of dry facts.
Additionally, the characters didn’t seem to care about anything. Obviously, in a story about the American Civil War, there will be death and loss. Upon hearing of the death of a beloved younger brother, one character reads the telegram, sighs, and thinks, “I wonder if I should write to our mother.” What?!?! This happened repeatedly throughout the book. The only time grief is portrayed well is with the death of Willie Lincoln and how Mary deals with the death. I felt this was explained more because it’s been widely written about in various sources and because it directly contributes to actions later in the book.
Bottom line: In a book linking an extensive family across battle lines in a 5 year war there was very little connection between that family. I was greatly disappointed.
Stars: 3
Would I Recommend? Maybe
As a disclaimer, I have two degrees in history. My biggest problem with this book was the lack of depth/interest in the characters. No matter the length of time spent with any individual, I never felt like I was getting to know that person. Everything felt very surface-level. Truthfully, it felt like I was reading a history textbook with one of those inserted stories the midst of facts to try to make students/the reader feel like they weren’t just reading pages of dry facts.
Additionally, the characters didn’t seem to care about anything. Obviously, in a story about the American Civil War, there will be death and loss. Upon hearing of the death of a beloved younger brother, one character reads the telegram, sighs, and thinks, “I wonder if I should write to our mother.” What?!?! This happened repeatedly throughout the book. The only time grief is portrayed well is with the death of Willie Lincoln and how Mary deals with the death. I felt this was explained more because it’s been widely written about in various sources and because it directly contributes to actions later in the book.
Bottom line: In a book linking an extensive family across battle lines in a 5 year war there was very little connection between that family. I was greatly disappointed.
Stars: 3
Would I Recommend? Maybe
October 10, 2019
Sisters Emily and Mary Todd lived through some unimaginable trials and heartbreaks, and this book humanizes them in their struggles. The story alternates from each of their perspectives, one the First Lady praying for a swift Northern victory, and the other supporting her husband, a young Confederate general. Emily is perhaps the more appealing character, but Mary is at least given a depth beyond the "madwoman in the attic" trope that is often unfairly attached to her. Fans of historical fiction will appreciate this, while Lincoln superfans probably know the story well already.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC!
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC!
October 13, 2019
3.5 stars
The first thing that caught my eye about this book was its absolutely stunning cover, and it’s even more beautiful in person! I couldn’t take my eyes off of it and easily found room on my schedule to read it.
I also thought the time period and setting would be appealing as I am a Civil War historian, I couldn’t wait to crack it open and discover the story of two sisters on opposite sides of the Mason Dixon line!
The two sisters were none other than Mary Todd Lincoln, future first lady, and Emily Todd Helm. Right away I was curious to see how this one unfolded. There are often stories about brother versus brother in the Civil War but not many stories about sister versus sister, especially such a well known sister in history!
What I think surprised me most about this one was how much I liked Emily. I was fully prepared to like Mary the best as she is the most well known and often most adored of the first ladies. But for me, I thought that Emily was much more relatable and I simply just liked her more. The biggest thing I thought this novel lacked was a true in-depth development of each characters. The story alternates between Mary and Emily and of the two, Emily was more developed in my opinion, which is why I think I liked her better, but I though that both characters could have done with a little more digging deeper into their characters.
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That said, I did think this novel was interesting and had so much potential. I enjoyed the idea of two sisters being on the opposite sides of the battlefield as it were and I thought that even though they could have done with more development, I did like seeing how their relationship evolved over the course of the novel and thought it would intrigue readers—especially book clubs as there is sure to be a lot of interesting discussion to be had over the two sisters and their choices and how their relationships evolved throughout the war.
History buffs and historical fiction fans will enjoy a book like this. There are lots of historical bits about the war and for someone like me, I found it enjoyable and fun—a little on the long side—-but lots of facts added to its authenticity. I ended up giving this one 3.5 stars because I loved the history and the concept behind this book! If you love Civil War you will most assuredly enjoy this book!
See my full review here
The first thing that caught my eye about this book was its absolutely stunning cover, and it’s even more beautiful in person! I couldn’t take my eyes off of it and easily found room on my schedule to read it.
I also thought the time period and setting would be appealing as I am a Civil War historian, I couldn’t wait to crack it open and discover the story of two sisters on opposite sides of the Mason Dixon line!
The two sisters were none other than Mary Todd Lincoln, future first lady, and Emily Todd Helm. Right away I was curious to see how this one unfolded. There are often stories about brother versus brother in the Civil War but not many stories about sister versus sister, especially such a well known sister in history!
What I think surprised me most about this one was how much I liked Emily. I was fully prepared to like Mary the best as she is the most well known and often most adored of the first ladies. But for me, I thought that Emily was much more relatable and I simply just liked her more. The biggest thing I thought this novel lacked was a true in-depth development of each characters. The story alternates between Mary and Emily and of the two, Emily was more developed in my opinion, which is why I think I liked her better, but I though that both characters could have done with a little more digging deeper into their characters.
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That said, I did think this novel was interesting and had so much potential. I enjoyed the idea of two sisters being on the opposite sides of the battlefield as it were and I thought that even though they could have done with more development, I did like seeing how their relationship evolved over the course of the novel and thought it would intrigue readers—especially book clubs as there is sure to be a lot of interesting discussion to be had over the two sisters and their choices and how their relationships evolved throughout the war.
History buffs and historical fiction fans will enjoy a book like this. There are lots of historical bits about the war and for someone like me, I found it enjoyable and fun—a little on the long side—-but lots of facts added to its authenticity. I ended up giving this one 3.5 stars because I loved the history and the concept behind this book! If you love Civil War you will most assuredly enjoy this book!
See my full review here
May 30, 2019
Who has been the most worthy occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? Susan Higginbotham believes it’s Abraham Lincoln. This is a deeply personal accounting of the Civil War told from the point of view of Mary Todd Lincoln and her half sister, Emily Todd Helm. The intimate memories of Mary and Abe’s first encounters and subsequent engagement in contrast to Emily and the love of her life, Hardin Helm, will keep the reader traveling in time and place between the North and South, as the nation marches toward a Civil War. The novel opens with five foot two Mary meeting the “off putting” tall Mr. Lincoln; a cousin letting him know that Mary “will talk politics like a man if you allow her!” This close look into Mary’s personal views on slavery, how she manages grieving for a child while on national display, maintaining her family life in spite of news of the battles -is all quite a feat and so revealing through the author’s excellent research! Mary visits hospitals to honor the wounded and endures the horror of the assassination-quite a journey for the reader. The love of Emily for Hardin Helm and his refusal of a position in the Northern army offered by Lincoln leads to the sisters fighting on opposite sides of the Civil War. A novel of relationships and how families endure and maintain through the hard and brutal years of war. “With a country’s legacy at stake, how will two sisters shape history?”
October 9, 2019
Susan Higginbotham is an author I respect for the research in her historical novels. I’ve read a number of them and appreciate her attention to detail.
The First Lady and the Rebel is not just a story about sisters but of a country torn apart by war. It was informative on one hand and entertaining in the other. I learned a lot. I’ve read a number of books on Mary Todd Lincoln but not from her point of view, this was a nice change. While her character wasn’t as likable as her half-sister Emily I could still empathize with her bad decisions and heartache. I liked Emily and sensed her emotional conflict more.
The story is told with alternating POV’s, both Mary and Emily, which kept me on my toes. Beginning in 1939 and without saying when it ends this book does not shine on Abraham Lincoln, but rather on his wife and her struggles during the war, her grief and loss are profound and something I was not aware of. The Todd family in the South with its heartache as well is portrayed vividly. I can’t even begin to imagine what it was like for sisters to be in that situation.
I really enjoyed reading this book, thanks to Amy at HFVBT and the Publisher (via Netgalley) for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The First Lady and the Rebel is not just a story about sisters but of a country torn apart by war. It was informative on one hand and entertaining in the other. I learned a lot. I’ve read a number of books on Mary Todd Lincoln but not from her point of view, this was a nice change. While her character wasn’t as likable as her half-sister Emily I could still empathize with her bad decisions and heartache. I liked Emily and sensed her emotional conflict more.
The story is told with alternating POV’s, both Mary and Emily, which kept me on my toes. Beginning in 1939 and without saying when it ends this book does not shine on Abraham Lincoln, but rather on his wife and her struggles during the war, her grief and loss are profound and something I was not aware of. The Todd family in the South with its heartache as well is portrayed vividly. I can’t even begin to imagine what it was like for sisters to be in that situation.
I really enjoyed reading this book, thanks to Amy at HFVBT and the Publisher (via Netgalley) for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2021
Susan Higginbotham is an absolute treasure. Her research is meticulous, but she works all she knows into the story without info-dumps. She renders 150-year-old events edge-of-your-seat. She had me chuckling at times and weeping more than once, most of all during Lincoln's assassination, which we witness through his wife Mary's point-of-view. The lead-up is also haunting because we know what will happen. I've admired Lincoln since I was a child, and Higginbotham calls him "my personal hero" in her delightfully lengthy Author's Note. But he's no marble god here; he's a convincing human being. Higginbotham's other challenge is to make a sympathetic character of Mary's sister Emily, the devoted wife of a Confederate general, "who, as far as I know, went to her grave an unreconstructed Southerner" (Higginbotham's "Conversation with the Author" in the backmatter). Higginbotham pulls it off for both Emily and her husband, Benjamin "Hardin" Helm. I may despise what the South was really fighting for, even Hardin's fatal sense of honor, but Higginbotham renders the couple as rounded humans, loving and lovable though very much of their time and place without a twenty-first-century makeover. Bravo, Ms. Higginbotham. I can hardly wait to savor your novel about the abolitionist Brown family.
October 11, 2019
I enjoyed this moving story of Mary Lincoln and her rebel family very much. All that I knew ábout her before reading this captivating historical novel was that she came from the South, and she suffered from mental illness. Susan Higginbotham brings her to life, and she also tells the tales of her half-sisters who actually married men who fought for the Confederacy! As Lincoln himself said, America was truly a 'house divided'.
It would have been easier to just tell Mary's story, because many readers may find it difficult to sympathize with Emily and Elodie Todd. However, Higginbotham manages to show all points of view, and she made me interested in learning more about this complicated family.
I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
It would have been easier to just tell Mary's story, because many readers may find it difficult to sympathize with Emily and Elodie Todd. However, Higginbotham manages to show all points of view, and she made me interested in learning more about this complicated family.
I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
June 4, 2019
Told in alternating chapters by Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Lincoln, and her southern-sympathizing sister Emily Todd Helm, this book offers a glimpse of daily life during the Civil War like no other. While I found it a little slow at times, it was fascinating seeing Abraham and Mary Lincoln in a completely different light than they are usually betrayed. I read "Courting Mr. Lincoln" just before this one and I found them a great supplement to each other. Fans of realistic historical fiction are going to love this one!
April 13, 2021
Spellbinding
I rarely read books on American history as I find it quite dull. Probably due to the horrible teaching we had in the 70s. I only chose to read this book because I adore this author and she never disappoints. I positively loved this book and getting to know about Mary Lincoln, her sister Emily and, of course, Abraham. Historically accurate and never boring. I promise you that you will be happy you chose to read it too.
I rarely read books on American history as I find it quite dull. Probably due to the horrible teaching we had in the 70s. I only chose to read this book because I adore this author and she never disappoints. I positively loved this book and getting to know about Mary Lincoln, her sister Emily and, of course, Abraham. Historically accurate and never boring. I promise you that you will be happy you chose to read it too.
October 31, 2023
Every chapter felt like a somber, rainy day. The book touches the surface of Lincoln, Mary and Emily, but lacks depth during historical moments. I was bored the entire book and it felt like a mountain climb to reach the end. The time period is dark and sad, but Lincoln lacked charm and personality. I think this is a good book for a young adult or high school reading level.
2.5 ⭐️⭐️
2.5 ⭐️⭐️
June 26, 2025
This book is very interesting and well written. The main characters are Mary Lincoln, the wife of Abraham Lincoln and her rebel sister who is married to a confederate officer during the Civil war time period. The only thing I didn’t like was the occasional swearing but there wasn’t much of it.
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