Mount Vernon Love Story: A Novel of George and Martha Washington

by Mary Higgins Clark

In Mount Vernon Love Story -- famed suspense writer Mary Higgins Clark's long-out-of-print first novel -- the bestselling author reveals the flesh-and-blood man who became the "father of our country" in a story that is charming, insightful, and immensely entertaining.

Always a lover of history, Mary Higgins Clark wrote this extensively researched biographical novel and titled it Aspire to the Heavens, after the motto of George Washington's mother. Published in 1969, the book was more recently discovered by a Washington family descendant and reissued as Mount Vernon Love Story. Dispelling the widespread belief that although George Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis, he reserved his true love for Sally Carey Fairfax, his best friend's wife, Mary Higgins Clark describes the Washington marriage as one full of tenderness and passion, as a bond between two people who shared their lives -- even the bitter hardship of a winter in Valley Forge -- in every way. In this author's skilled hands, the history, the love, and the man come fully and dramatically alive.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Book Club, Mystery, Audiobook

254 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

The #1 New York Times bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark has written thirty-eight suspense novels, four collections of short stories, a his­torical novel, a memoir, and two children’s books. With bestselling author Alafair Burke she wrote the Under Suspicion series. With her daughter Carol Higgins Clark, she has coauthored five more suspense novels. Her sister-in-law is the also author Mary Jane Clark.

Clark’s books have sold more than 100 million copies in the United States alone. Her books are beloved around the world and made her an international bestseller many times over.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book! It's an easy read. I hated to have it end and tried to read it as slowly as possible. I read Glenn Beck's "Being George Washington", which gave an insight into his Professional Life. "Mount Vernon Love Story" gave an insight into Washington's personal life with "Patsy". He's more than just the Hero of the Revolution and our First President. He was a man without a formal education who never thought himself good enough and always strived to be better. All he wanted to do was live a quiet life at Mt. Vernon, but duty always called him away.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not remember WHEN I read this, I just know I did [and had forgotten about it]. I went through a phase as a young girl where I was into EVERYTHING George Washington and then even more so with Martha Washington. I read a biography on her so many times that the librarian just rolled her eyes when I would check the book out. And then I found this and loved it.

[Vani Kaushal · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book offers a glimpse into the personal life of General George Washington, the first President of the United States and his wife Patsy. The narrative could have easily drifted onto Washington's professional achievements, and his life as the President of the US, of which he served two terms. However, that is not the case. Clark has maintained a calculated focus on the story, giving it warm undertones and keeping her eyes firmly on the family life that this great man had, and the endearing love and affection he had for his wife and stepchildren. Its a warm read and one that is thoroughly satisfying.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 STARS

"Always a lover of history, she wrote this biographical novel -- her first book -- and titled it Aspire to the Heavens, which was the family motto of George Washington's mother. With all events, dates, scenes and characters based on historical research, the book was published in 1969.

Its recent discovery by a Washington family descendent led to its reissue under its new title, Mount Vernon Love Story.

In researching George Washington's life, Mary Higgins Clark was surprised to find the engaging man behind the pious legend. He was a giant of a man in every way, starting with his physical height. In an era when men averaged five foot seven inches, he towered over everyone at six foot three. He was the best dancer in the colony of Virginia. He was also a master horseman, which was why the Indians gave him their highest compliment: "He rides his horse like an Indian."

She dispels the widespread belief that although George Washington married an older woman, a widow, his true love was Sally Carey Fairfax, his best friend's wife. Martha Dandridge Custis was older, but only by three months -- she was twenty-seven to his twenty-six when they met. Mary Higgins Clark describes their relationship from their first meeting, their closeness and his tenderness toward her two children. Martha shared his life in every way, crossing the British lines to join him in Boston and enduring with him the bitter hardship of the winter in Valley Forge. As Lady Bird Johnson was never called Claudia, Martha Washington was never known as Martha. Her family and friends called her Patsy. George always called her "my dearest Patsy" and wore a locket with her picture around his neck." (From Amazon)

I read this novel when it was reissued because I am a fan of History and Mary Higgins Clark. I think because I expect suspense from Clark I found this story less exciting.

[Darla]

Mary Higgins Clark is one of my favorite authors and I love historical fiction, so this book was a wonderful surprise. Highly recommended.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

After being on my to-read list for years I was surprised that I StRUggLEd to finish this book. I thought it was poorly written and boring. It's billed as a biographical novel but I just didn't feel it. It was more like biography switches to novel and switches back. I visited Mount Vernon earlier this year and I've read parts of "The Real George Washington" so I felt like I started this book with a decent knowledge of George and Martha Washington and Mount Vernon. I felt that was helpful because Mary Higgins Clark references many people without a background information on them. But if you do know a bit about the topic then there are a few themes in the book that will make you go "What?!" I think MHC took too many liberties for this to be called biographical and I thought it was a boring novel. I didn't hate it but my two stars are generous

[Loraine]

Mary Higgins Clark is known for her suspense novels; but before she began writing suspense, a love and interest in the life of George and Patsy Washington drove her to research the often spoken of true love for Sally Carey Fairfax, wife of his best friend. In her research, everything pointed to a deep abiding love between George Washington and Martha "Patsy" Custis. Thus her first published book in 1969 was Aspire to Heavens. A Washington descendent discovered it many years later and asked if it could be republished when it became Mount Vernon Love Story. It shows the history, love, and passion between George and Martha as they shared their lives. A well written, quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It shows that both George and Martha weren't perfect but their love overcame all the difficulties that each of them faced.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rumors have flourished over the years about the true relationship between George and Martha Washington. In Mount Vernon Love Story, Mary Higgins Clark applies extensive historical research to create a fictional account of a love story for the ages. The book includes pictures of various paintings of George, Patsy, Mount Vernon, and other scenes. For those who have only seen Washington's famous portrait on the dollar bill, these give a glimpse into the real person, his home and family.

This story moves back and forth between two eras -1797 as George is leaving the office of President, and George as a young boy from 1745 onwards. The novel depicts George's difficult early life on Ferry Farm and his travels to his half brother's estate of Mount Vernon. George longs to be free of his mother's tight control and to live on a large plantation. Eventually he pursues the career of surveyor and meets George William Fairfax and his beautiful wife, Sally Carey Fairfax. George and George William become best friends through many heartaches and losses. Although George Washington secretly gives his heart to Sally, their relationship does not stray beyond friendship.

George enters the military and gains renown. During a party, he meets Mrs. Martha 'Patsy' Custis, and he gets to know her and her two young children. After Mrs. Custis is widowed, he visits their home, The White House, where he wins the hearts of little Patsy and Jacky. The development of their relationship is a sweet romance, full of joy. Athough not the loveless marriage that has often been portrayed, George and Patsy's life together is not without trial. They are affected by illness, separation, and disagreement about the extent of George's involvement in the discipline of his step-children. Even though these historical figures are often put on a pedestal, they are revealed here as real people who loved, hurt, and experienced tragedy. I was surprised to learn that many issues relevant today (including problems with step-parenting) were around in the 1700's.

Although technically a work of fiction, Mount Vernon Love Story reads like a biography of George Washington, though focusing on his friends and family (there is not much detail either of his military career or his life as President.) I felt like I got to know George Washington as a real person, rather than a political figure. I highly recommend this novel. As can be expected from Mary Higgins Clark, it is well written and a delight to read. Pick it up to gain insight into the history of the United States and to read about genuine people who lived during the 1700s.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This charming historical novel was actually Mary Higgins Clark first novel, originally published in 1968 under the title Aspire to the Heavens (this was the slogan often repeated to George Washington as a child by his austere mother, Mary Ball Washington – a slogan by which President Washington certainly lived his life!). It was re-released in 2002 and it couldn’t be a better time!

With our country suffering both the tragic physical attacks of 9/11/2002 and the verbal attacks of those who detest the freedom which we love so much, it was so nice to read this highly-readable, well-researched yet fictionalized story of George Washington, whose work helped us obtain the liberties we enjoy today. As George Washington passes the presidential torch onto John Adams and returns to his beloved Mount Vernon, both he and Patsy flashback to there younger years. Being accustomed to stodgy accounts of Washington’s military victories and political accomplishments, it was a pleasure to read a well-crafted story about Washington as a man, friend, stepfather and husband.

I’ve always been a fan of Mary Higgins Clark’s mysteries. This historical love story has proven to me that Ms. Clark is more than just a great mistress of suspense – she is capable of entertaining with other literary genres as well! This short novel & fast-read would make a great beach or airplane book and I would love to see it translated into a television movie, perhaps on George Washington’s birthday!

[Gofita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hear this one is Mary Higgins Clark's first book...it shows. I enjoy historical novels as much as the next guy but this one just didn't have the oomph. George Washington didn't really feel real. I didn't really get the love story. I wish she had included her references so I could check up on some of her information. Patsy really didn't seem much of a strong character for me. Clark put this thought into Washington's head about Patsy, "Again he was struck by the realization that this was not a woman who enjoyed the freedom of making her own decisions." Really? That's hot? Yeah, I can take in the culture of the time...but still. Well, I just don't think she had a story here. Maybe Washington really had this view of women, wouldn't surprise me but let's not turn his thoughts into a love story. Meh.

Plus, I just never wanted to keep picking it up. It was slow and I just didn't care what happened to these fictionalized people. Meh again.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the first book written by Mary Higgins Clark and much different that what people are used to from her. It was a quick read and an enjoyable love story. A very interesting look at the relationship between George & Martha Washington.

[Lisa Konet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not know why it has taken me so long to read Mary Higgins Clark's only nonfiction book when I have read everything else she has written. She wrote this nonfiction book just as good, I am beyond impressed. Just like my other favorite nonfiction writers, she writes this as tasteful story and makes history fun. She tells the story of George and Martha Washington so tastefully and concisely. None of this was dull or boring.

So glad I own this book! Highly recommended for any MHC fan and history lover.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was written in 1968, which is clear while reading it. Enslaved persons are given little thought or personhood. However, it does give a pleasant account of George Washington’s young adulthood and his relationship with Martha. I think perhaps it tries to do too much too quickly, since it feels almost like we’re wizzing through George’s life with him as he looks back on it at the end of his presidency. The relationship between George and Martha (or patsy) is sweet but underdeveloped. I felt distant from most of the characters the whole book despite liking them quite a bit. Overall, a nice short read but not one I’ll be enthusiastically recommending.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm disappointed- I love Mary Higgins Clark and I love historical fiction. Unfortunately, this just doesn't work well. As a first novel, it's fine. I'm thankful she chose to go in a different direction and write suspense. This just fell flat for me.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was motivated to read this book after my family visited Mount Vernon a month or two ago. The house and grounds are so beautiful, and George Washington's accomplishments, humility, and service to our country are very impressive.

After finding out that this book was fiction and written by a popular murder-mystery author, I worried that it would be trashy and poorly written, and unfairly portray George and Martha Washington as typical shallow, romance-novel hero and heroine.

To my happy surprise, it turns out that Ms. Higgins did quite a bit of historical research before she wrote Mount Vernon Love Story. I enjoyed learning about the Washington family and its friends, and even learned a few things about our country's battles against the French and the British.

Now I would like to read more about George and Martha Washington. Recommendations, anyone?

[Chris Gleck]

This book was originally copyrighted in 1968 under a different title and re-copyrighted in 1996. My version's date is 2002. I am pretty sure I "borrowed" this book from mother. This is the first book of M.H. Clark that I have read. I know she is popular but I am not familiar with her other work. This is well-researched historical fiction, which is a genre I like. It tells the story of George and Martha through their relationship, so the events are familiar to me but not the personal aspect which I enjoyed. The geography also is familiar to me as I have visited many of the homes mentioned in the story and have spent much of my time in these colonial settings. She provides the dates and location at the start of each chapter which I appreciated. this was pretty easy reading, so I am saving this book to pass along to a granddaughter or grand niece or nephew!

[Marianne Wonnacott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet historical novel. A little choppy, as though it was written in segments and then thrown together, not written from the beginning as a novel. Fun way to read about the personal life of one of our beloved founding fathers. The most interesting part of the book I found to be was his life growing up. I am interested to know more about his mother and father and what made them who they were. He certainly didn't get his greatness from a mother who constantly told him what a great person he was or that he was going to do great things in life. A testament that we grow through conflict and trial.

Mount Vernon is one of my favorite places to visit. I loved being able to picture the very rooms as she described them. I'm very grateful that home has survived all these years.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel really shows its age. First published in 1969, it paints a picture of a weak, submissive, and simpering woman and her strong, commanding, silent husband. It described the Washington's slaves as joyful and devoted, with not even a nod to their actual conditions of enslavement. A half-century later, this highly fictionalized version of the lives of our first First Couple doesn't not appeal to the modern reader any more than Gone With the Wind does.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts of this book I really enjoyed. I did not like how the story kept going back in forth from different time periods. I also wondered if the author took liberties to make the relationship between George Washington and Sally Fairfax more than it was. I would like to think so.

[Stephen James Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Mary Higgins Clark novel. I am a man in my 30s; I imagine I am not the typical reader of Clark or of historical-fiction romance novels. That being said, here I am. Mount Vernon Love Story is a brief novel. Clark skimps out on Revolutionary War details and does not develop her characters as well one hopes she would. To be fair, this is a romance novel and not a war story, so I cannot judge her too harshly. And though I would have enjoyed more character development, the brevity of the novel is also a strength. After all, I can only read so much about Patsy and Sally before I need a dose of war action.

The reason for my high star review is Clark’s ability to well capture the male mind and the dynamics of grief. She captures the tension a man endures as he chooses to leave old love, the “one who got away,” as Washington forsakes his youthful love for Sally to embrace a more difficult path in loving a widow with children. She paints Washington as a stepfather who struggles to understand his role as a disciplinarian and leader while he mourns the lost possibility of Patsy bearing his own biological children. These are complicated issues that women authors typically do not describe well from a masculine perspective. Clark doesn’t capture it perfectly, but she does a better job than most others. Additionally, she does well telling the complications illness and grief can cause in relationships and parenting, particularly the loss of a child.

I am appreciative of this book and was surprised to have a hard time putting it down. I’ll pick up her next book, which was likely popular long before I was even a thought in the minds of my parents.

[Jo-Ann Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet story of George and Martha's relationship. Often all we learn in school is that Martha was older and it is like the man never had a private life. It was nice to see that he did have children and a caring relationship with his wife.

The author makes the historical figures very relatable and gives them some humor and personality that is often overlooked when we view them as political figures.

It is nice to read a nice story about a relationship that seems to have worked for a lifetime.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great short read. I use to visit Mount Vernon frequently so the story just drew me in. Wish it had gone a little further in their life together. Only disconcerting part was the flip flopping of time sequence of the chapters - check date before reading so you know where you are in the story !!!

[Nicky Wills · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a perfectly fine book, enjoyable enough to read and I’m sure if you have a strong interest in Washington or this time period it would be very enjoyable. I am reading through all of MHC’s works so this was the first stop!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay not shocking but I just love George Washington. And I love the love with him and Martha and how this book kind of humanizes the glorious figure we all learned about and gives him anxieties and grief and excessive joy and love.

[Tracy R · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 stars

[Larada Horner-Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful intriguing story of the Washington’s. I loved their love story & the history weaved in. I feel like I know our founding father better & his loving wife, Patsy.

[Marisa Maloney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars
If you would have asked me who wrote a historical love story about George Washington. None of my guesses would have included Mary Higgins Clark.
A good read. Quick, short novel but probably started it at the wrong time.

[Diana Suddreth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seemed an appropriate book to read on a flight headed to a DC excursion. Sort of sets the stage for visiting Mount Vernon on Saturday.

[Launette Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet read and pretty informitive. It didn't keep me on my toes but a sweet love story.

[Kaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet story and seems to be well researched. Easy read and the audiobook was well done.