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Mary Todd Lincoln #3
Mrs. Lincoln's Sisters
The New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker returns to her most famous heroine, Mary Todd Lincoln, in this compelling story of love, loss, and sisterhood rich with history and suspense.
In May 1875, Elizabeth Todd Edwards reels from news that her younger sister Mary, former First Lady and widow of President Abraham Lincoln, has attempted suicide.
Mary’s shocking act followed legal proceedings arranged by her eldest and only surviving son that declared her legally insane. Although they have long been estranged, Elizabeth knows Mary’s tenuous mental health has deteriorated through decades of trauma and loss. Yet is her suicide attempt truly the impulse of a deranged mind, or the desperate act of a sane woman terrified to be committed to an asylum? And—if her sisters can put past grievances aside—is their love powerful enough to save her?
Maternal Elizabeth, peacemaker Frances, envious Ann, and much adored Emilie had always turned to one another in times of joy and heartache, first as children, and later as young wives and mothers. But when Civil War erupted, the conflict that divided a nation shattered their family. The Todd sisters’s fates were bound to their husbands’ choices as some joined the Lincoln administration, others the Confederate Army.
Now, though discord and tragedy have strained their bonds, Elizabeth knows they must come together as sisters to help Mary in her most desperate hour.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2020
1211 people are currently reading
24524 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Chiaverini
78 books5,236 followersJennifer Chiaverini is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-three novels, including acclaimed historical fiction and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series. She has also written seven quilt pattern books inspired by her novels. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives with her husband and two sons in Madison, Wisconsin. About her historical fiction, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes, "In addition to simply being fascinating stories, these novels go a long way in capturing the texture of life for women, rich and poor, black and white, in those perilous years."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 866 reviews
November 23, 2020
I almost always have a few reservations about reading a fictional account of a real person, and in particular a well know historic figure. One of the good things, though about reading these types of novels is that I’m usually inspired to read more about the person’s life to see how factual the story is. I’m disappointed when it veers too far off from the truth. In this case, I was not disappointed. This novel begins in 1875 with Mary Todd Lincoln’s sisters reacting to her having been committed to a mental health facility by her son Robert after her erratic behavior and suicide attempt. It’s sad in so many ways and the portrayal here of Mary Todd Lincoln by her sisters is not the prettiest picture at times in this fictional account. If you know anything about her or read anything about her as this book inspired me to do , it appears that a good bit here is true to the facts. As for her sisters and how they respond, I don’t know, but the imagined parts of the story are compelling and reflect the complexity of the woman and the complexity of family relationships.
In alternating chapters from the present of 1875 back to the past in the years around 1825 and in between, we get a view Mary and her siblings as they grow up, as they lose their beloved mother, make their way through the demands of the time and their family in finding good husbands. The relationships between Mary and her sisters are strained over the years, but resentment is mixed with love and concern for Mary during the trying times of her life.
Mary and Abraham’s courtship and marriage, his rise to the presidency, the Civil War, slavery, Lincoln’s assassination - Chiaverini gives us a slice of history through the lives of this family. It’s also about the depths of grief of a daughter, a mother, a wife, a troubled woman, more than likely suffering from depression. Since the narratives are from the sister’s perspectives, what was missing for me was Mary’s perspective. Otherwise, a compelling piece of historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book from WilliamMorrow through Edelweiss.
In alternating chapters from the present of 1875 back to the past in the years around 1825 and in between, we get a view Mary and her siblings as they grow up, as they lose their beloved mother, make their way through the demands of the time and their family in finding good husbands. The relationships between Mary and her sisters are strained over the years, but resentment is mixed with love and concern for Mary during the trying times of her life.
Mary and Abraham’s courtship and marriage, his rise to the presidency, the Civil War, slavery, Lincoln’s assassination - Chiaverini gives us a slice of history through the lives of this family. It’s also about the depths of grief of a daughter, a mother, a wife, a troubled woman, more than likely suffering from depression. Since the narratives are from the sister’s perspectives, what was missing for me was Mary’s perspective. Otherwise, a compelling piece of historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book from WilliamMorrow through Edelweiss.
July 2, 2020
In 1875, ten years after assassination of President Lincoln, Mary Lincoln tries to poison herself. Why? Is it because of a deranged mind or traumatized one?
1875. Mary has been estranged from her sister Elizabeth and other siblings and friends for years. She lost her husband and three sons. Robert, her eldest and only surviving child, believes that his mother is a danger to herself and has begun legal proceedings to have her committed to an asylum. Or is compassion and sympathetic companionship what she truly needs? Instead of asylum. That’s what some of her sisters think.
1825. Mary is a cheerful child, full of entertaining ideas, making others laugh. This merry child loses her mother to fever after giving birth. And this is one of the first tragic events in Mary’s life. With years and different events affecting her, she starts changing from her cheerful side into a more dramatic person.
1875. Mary’s sister Ann reveals that Mary’s “eccentricities had manifested long before she suffered these losses. (…) Mary was a moody girl” and temperamental. She presents Mary as manipulative and that she needs to learn her lesson.
Emilie, half-sister, who also lost a husband, on the other hand, sympathizes with Mary. She knows “how the accumulation of sorrows could burden the spirit.”
I enjoyed how the story was revealed through four siblings, who had different views of Mary and what estranged them. We got to know Mary’s siblings and how they got along with Mary throughout their lives.
And above all, I loved the cheerful, witty and curious side of Mary and what an incredible woman she was. From the young age she was inclined toward politics. She knew exactly what she wanted and that was to wed the president of the US. She was “bright, intellectually curious, and sociable (…) and one of the brightest and most popular students at the school.” She was a devoted wife, unwaveringly standing by her husband, who fought an uphill battle against those who saw him as unequal, thus unfit for politics.
Effortlessly written story, interestingly blending history with different personalities, views and opinions of five sisters (including Mary); taking reader on a journey full of feelings and sisterly events.
P.S. If you’re a fan of Mary Lincoln, I also highly recommend Courting Mr. Lincoln by Louis Bayard and The First Lady and the Rebel by Susan Higginbotham. Keep in mind, there is some overlapping in those three books, which I didn’t mind.
1875. Mary has been estranged from her sister Elizabeth and other siblings and friends for years. She lost her husband and three sons. Robert, her eldest and only surviving child, believes that his mother is a danger to herself and has begun legal proceedings to have her committed to an asylum. Or is compassion and sympathetic companionship what she truly needs? Instead of asylum. That’s what some of her sisters think.
1825. Mary is a cheerful child, full of entertaining ideas, making others laugh. This merry child loses her mother to fever after giving birth. And this is one of the first tragic events in Mary’s life. With years and different events affecting her, she starts changing from her cheerful side into a more dramatic person.
1875. Mary’s sister Ann reveals that Mary’s “eccentricities had manifested long before she suffered these losses. (…) Mary was a moody girl” and temperamental. She presents Mary as manipulative and that she needs to learn her lesson.
Emilie, half-sister, who also lost a husband, on the other hand, sympathizes with Mary. She knows “how the accumulation of sorrows could burden the spirit.”
I enjoyed how the story was revealed through four siblings, who had different views of Mary and what estranged them. We got to know Mary’s siblings and how they got along with Mary throughout their lives.
And above all, I loved the cheerful, witty and curious side of Mary and what an incredible woman she was. From the young age she was inclined toward politics. She knew exactly what she wanted and that was to wed the president of the US. She was “bright, intellectually curious, and sociable (…) and one of the brightest and most popular students at the school.” She was a devoted wife, unwaveringly standing by her husband, who fought an uphill battle against those who saw him as unequal, thus unfit for politics.
Effortlessly written story, interestingly blending history with different personalities, views and opinions of five sisters (including Mary); taking reader on a journey full of feelings and sisterly events.
P.S. If you’re a fan of Mary Lincoln, I also highly recommend Courting Mr. Lincoln by Louis Bayard and The First Lady and the Rebel by Susan Higginbotham. Keep in mind, there is some overlapping in those three books, which I didn’t mind.
June 15, 2020
I had no idea until I finished this book that it is a follow-up to another Chiaverini book, Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker. I was thoroughly taken with Mrs. Lincoln's Sisters and with Chiaverini's writing style and am already on the hunt for the first book in the series. That being said, I'm somewhat of a Civil War buff and have visited Gettysburg, the Appomattox Court House, and Fort Sumter, so I may be a bit biased when it comes to any historical fiction book concerning major players in the war, including Mary Todd Lincoln, but I thought this book was phenomenal.
One of the things I enjoy the most about historical fiction books based upon "real life" characters, is that it always whets my appetite to further research the character, and I did just that with Mary Todd Lincoln, as I personally did not know much of anything about her life following the assassination of her husband. I found much of what was written in this work of fiction to be historically accurate, but I still assume much of the narrative is fiction; however, it was very intriguing.
The book focuses mainly on Mary Todd Lincoln's fate, all told through her numerous sisters' eyes. I have always read that Mary Todd Lincoln was a difficult person, but based on this book, to say that she was troubled is putting it mildly. Her story is both heartbreaking and deeply troublesome, from her only surviving son having her declared legally insane, to a suicide attempt, and her shocking actions following her internment. Although they had long been estranged, Mary's eldest sister, Elizabeth, sets aside her grievances and takes her in after her release from the asylum, as she realizes that Mary's tenuous mental health deteriorated through years of trauma and loss. Some of her other sisters are not so understanding though, and through their characters, you learn that Mary's issues may have started long before the death of her sons and her husband's assassinations.
I thought Chiaverini really excels in writing about this era, in both her language and her descriptions (there is nothing worse than historical characters using twenty-first century speech!). She easily manages to draw the reader into the time period, and with her use of flashbacks alternating with "present" events, she is able to delve into Mary's personality and bring the reader full circle. I loved all of the sisters' varying reflections on Mary and enjoyed each sister's story immensely. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a fiction book, as it read like a biography, and at the end, I found myself questioning the depth of Mary's "insanity" as opposed to selfish manipulation. There were a few times I felt a big bogged down by some of the "backstories," but all in all, it is definitely a 4-star worthy read.
One of the things I enjoy the most about historical fiction books based upon "real life" characters, is that it always whets my appetite to further research the character, and I did just that with Mary Todd Lincoln, as I personally did not know much of anything about her life following the assassination of her husband. I found much of what was written in this work of fiction to be historically accurate, but I still assume much of the narrative is fiction; however, it was very intriguing.
The book focuses mainly on Mary Todd Lincoln's fate, all told through her numerous sisters' eyes. I have always read that Mary Todd Lincoln was a difficult person, but based on this book, to say that she was troubled is putting it mildly. Her story is both heartbreaking and deeply troublesome, from her only surviving son having her declared legally insane, to a suicide attempt, and her shocking actions following her internment. Although they had long been estranged, Mary's eldest sister, Elizabeth, sets aside her grievances and takes her in after her release from the asylum, as she realizes that Mary's tenuous mental health deteriorated through years of trauma and loss. Some of her other sisters are not so understanding though, and through their characters, you learn that Mary's issues may have started long before the death of her sons and her husband's assassinations.
I thought Chiaverini really excels in writing about this era, in both her language and her descriptions (there is nothing worse than historical characters using twenty-first century speech!). She easily manages to draw the reader into the time period, and with her use of flashbacks alternating with "present" events, she is able to delve into Mary's personality and bring the reader full circle. I loved all of the sisters' varying reflections on Mary and enjoyed each sister's story immensely. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a fiction book, as it read like a biography, and at the end, I found myself questioning the depth of Mary's "insanity" as opposed to selfish manipulation. There were a few times I felt a big bogged down by some of the "backstories," but all in all, it is definitely a 4-star worthy read.
June 3, 2020
I won an ARC of Mrs. Lincoln's Sisters in a Goodreads giveaway and I promptly began reading on April 15th. Over the next few days, I would pick it up only to set it down again—unable to get into the story. Once I reached the 6th chapter, I set it aside. As soon as the book released on June 2nd, I obtained an audiobook copy from my local library. In this format, I was able to finish the story and compile my thoughts.
I do admire and respect Jennifer Chiaverini and have spent many enjoyable hours reading her other works. Unfortunately, with this novel, I found it difficult to connect with any of her characters. That's saying a lot given the size of the Todd family. While it was interesting to view the major events of their lives from the viewpoint of each sister, I felt like I was reading the transcripts of a family feud. The jealousy and backbiting among the siblings coupled with Mary Lincoln's fits of hysteria just didn't make for good fiction.
Despite how I felt about this title, I will be among the first to read whatever Chiaverini writes next.
I do admire and respect Jennifer Chiaverini and have spent many enjoyable hours reading her other works. Unfortunately, with this novel, I found it difficult to connect with any of her characters. That's saying a lot given the size of the Todd family. While it was interesting to view the major events of their lives from the viewpoint of each sister, I felt like I was reading the transcripts of a family feud. The jealousy and backbiting among the siblings coupled with Mary Lincoln's fits of hysteria just didn't make for good fiction.
Despite how I felt about this title, I will be among the first to read whatever Chiaverini writes next.
June 4, 2020
I won this book as a goodreads giveaway. Thank you William Morrow and Harper Collins.
I thought this book was very well written. I enjoyed how the author took known information about the Todd sisters and made it into a well flowing narrative.
It’s also a story of how the war between the states tore apart and brought together families.
If you are a fan of 19th Century America give this book a go.
I thought this book was very well written. I enjoyed how the author took known information about the Todd sisters and made it into a well flowing narrative.
It’s also a story of how the war between the states tore apart and brought together families.
If you are a fan of 19th Century America give this book a go.
December 5, 2021
Good history lessons but read like a soap opera
October 6, 2020
Poorly developed, flat characters, dialogue that is awkward and tedious and virtually no plot are the basis for my rating. This book was extremely difficult to engage and a struggle to finish. Mary Todd Lincoln’s life after Lincoln was shot as told from her sister’s point of view. Best to pass on this one.
September 13, 2025
I loved Mrs. Lincoln’s Sisters by Jennifer Chiaverini and found myself immersed in the story-line while reading.
The chapters alternate with flashbacks as the story-line mainly centers around Mary Todd Lincoln, past and present, as well as on her three sisters Elizabeth, Frances, Ann and Emilie. Many of the passages and scenes were moving, especially after the assassination. I never realized some of these sisters sided with the Confederacy and some with the Union and their brothers and even husbands died on the battlefield.
I enjoyed diving into this nice piece of historical fiction. The writing was rich and descriptive, the story flowed smoothly and I ended up googling some of it to see what was true to life or not.
The chapters alternate with flashbacks as the story-line mainly centers around Mary Todd Lincoln, past and present, as well as on her three sisters Elizabeth, Frances, Ann and Emilie. Many of the passages and scenes were moving, especially after the assassination. I never realized some of these sisters sided with the Confederacy and some with the Union and their brothers and even husbands died on the battlefield.
I enjoyed diving into this nice piece of historical fiction. The writing was rich and descriptive, the story flowed smoothly and I ended up googling some of it to see what was true to life or not.
June 15, 2023
A wonderful premise, but ultimately I felt that the style of storytelling, namely, the author's habit of telling rather than showing, made the plot very slow-moving and unexciting. Each sister basically retold Mary Todd's life, and what little dialogue there was felt stilted and awkward, with the characters spouting historical facts in an unnatural manner. This book did, however, motivate me to find a biography on Mary Lincoln and learn more about her early life before she became First Lady. I highly recommend the documentary Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided.
January 30, 2020
MRS. LINCOLN'S SISTERS
BY JENNIFER CHIAVERINI
I really love historical fiction and I realize that parts of this book is fiction. The problem is when this genre depicts real people that were part of a significant important time in history. I have read numerous books about Abraham Lincoln but until reading this I knew little about Mary Todd Lincoln. I knew she was troubled from witnessing her beloved husband President Lincoln get assassinated in Ford's theater and losing three of her four son's. I knew little about her oldest son Robert who had her institutionalized claiming she was insane. When I finished reading this novel I researched this and found this to be true. Mary Todd Lincoln also was released from Bellevue Place to be cared for by her maternal and kind oldest sister Elizabeth. My research also included this also to be true. At the end of the novel their is an Author's note and bibliography listing sources proving this Author clearly did her research. What left me unsettled was not knowing what aspects of this novel is true and what is fiction.
I was surprised to learn by reading this that Mary turned against her oldest son Robert for only looking out for her best interests when he had her committed according to this novel. She turned on her only remaining son with such vitriol and almost hatred that I found hard to fathom any mother could do. That's why I am left wondering how much about that subject alone is fact or fiction. I was wondering a lot at the end of the book aside from known facts how much was true and how much was the Author's creative license to propel the narrative. Upon reflection I have decided when I want to learn about the real life stories without embellishment I should probably stick to biographies or research primary source material.
This was still an informative and enjoyable reading experience. I learned about more than I had known about Mary Todd Lincoln's family background and it held my interest throughout the entire narrative. I think Mary Todd Lincoln had suffered so much loss that realistically who wouldn't be upset and it helps me to feel compassion for her and feel that she could be misunderstood for enduring all that she lost. This novel doesn't paint her in a positive picture. Before I make up my mind about her I need to do further research. Still I am happy I read this novel because it has piqued my interest to read more factual research about her life. And I think that any novel that inspires me to learn more about a subject that I might not discovered interesting previously is a good thing.
Thank you to Net Galley, Jennifer Chiaverini and HarperCollins Publisher for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: June 2, 2020
#Mrs.Lincoln'sSisters #JenniferChiaverini #HarperCollinsPublishers #NetGalley
BY JENNIFER CHIAVERINI
I really love historical fiction and I realize that parts of this book is fiction. The problem is when this genre depicts real people that were part of a significant important time in history. I have read numerous books about Abraham Lincoln but until reading this I knew little about Mary Todd Lincoln. I knew she was troubled from witnessing her beloved husband President Lincoln get assassinated in Ford's theater and losing three of her four son's. I knew little about her oldest son Robert who had her institutionalized claiming she was insane. When I finished reading this novel I researched this and found this to be true. Mary Todd Lincoln also was released from Bellevue Place to be cared for by her maternal and kind oldest sister Elizabeth. My research also included this also to be true. At the end of the novel their is an Author's note and bibliography listing sources proving this Author clearly did her research. What left me unsettled was not knowing what aspects of this novel is true and what is fiction.
I was surprised to learn by reading this that Mary turned against her oldest son Robert for only looking out for her best interests when he had her committed according to this novel. She turned on her only remaining son with such vitriol and almost hatred that I found hard to fathom any mother could do. That's why I am left wondering how much about that subject alone is fact or fiction. I was wondering a lot at the end of the book aside from known facts how much was true and how much was the Author's creative license to propel the narrative. Upon reflection I have decided when I want to learn about the real life stories without embellishment I should probably stick to biographies or research primary source material.
This was still an informative and enjoyable reading experience. I learned about more than I had known about Mary Todd Lincoln's family background and it held my interest throughout the entire narrative. I think Mary Todd Lincoln had suffered so much loss that realistically who wouldn't be upset and it helps me to feel compassion for her and feel that she could be misunderstood for enduring all that she lost. This novel doesn't paint her in a positive picture. Before I make up my mind about her I need to do further research. Still I am happy I read this novel because it has piqued my interest to read more factual research about her life. And I think that any novel that inspires me to learn more about a subject that I might not discovered interesting previously is a good thing.
Thank you to Net Galley, Jennifer Chiaverini and HarperCollins Publisher for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: June 2, 2020
#Mrs.Lincoln'sSisters #JenniferChiaverini #HarperCollinsPublishers #NetGalley
January 30, 2021
I really liked the premise of Mrs. Lincoln's Sisters by Jennifer Chiaverini and I enjoyed how it started off. That said the further I went into the story the less it held my attention. It suffers from too much telling and not enough showing from time to time. I know it's a fictionalized account of Mary Todd Lincoln's life as told by her sisters, but there were points where I began to feel that I was reading a very dull textbook.
April 29, 2020
I received an ARC of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
While I initially was skeptical of this book, I have really enjoyed reading it. The book follows the Todd sisters, specifically revolving around the life of Mary Todd Lincoln. The 27 chapters alternate in focus between the different sisters as well as between periods in time. While time-jumping is sometimes dizzying in books, the movement between their childhood and 'present-day' was smooth and easy to follow.
The content of the book is very historical in nature with fictional dialogue throughout to develop the relationships between the sisters and their families. As a result, the author is successful in telling a historical story in a style that is quite easy and enjoyable to read.
Read this book to learn about the lives of Mary and Abraham Lincoln and to learn more about the aftermath of the President's assassination, a topic that is rarely covered in the history books.
My main complaint with the book is that I didn't really see the need for assigning the chapters to individual sisters. Because most of the chapters involve all of the sisters, this assignment simply led to me wondering 'who's chapter this is' while reading from time to time.
Overall, this is a very interesting and easy to read book!
While I initially was skeptical of this book, I have really enjoyed reading it. The book follows the Todd sisters, specifically revolving around the life of Mary Todd Lincoln. The 27 chapters alternate in focus between the different sisters as well as between periods in time. While time-jumping is sometimes dizzying in books, the movement between their childhood and 'present-day' was smooth and easy to follow.
The content of the book is very historical in nature with fictional dialogue throughout to develop the relationships between the sisters and their families. As a result, the author is successful in telling a historical story in a style that is quite easy and enjoyable to read.
Read this book to learn about the lives of Mary and Abraham Lincoln and to learn more about the aftermath of the President's assassination, a topic that is rarely covered in the history books.
My main complaint with the book is that I didn't really see the need for assigning the chapters to individual sisters. Because most of the chapters involve all of the sisters, this assignment simply led to me wondering 'who's chapter this is' while reading from time to time.
Overall, this is a very interesting and easy to read book!
April 25, 2020
This fictional account illuminates the relationship between Mary Todd Lincoln and the sisters she was closest to: Elizabeth, Frances, Ann, and Emilie. A brief snapshot is given of the the sisters' and the rest of the Todd children's early childhood, but this book mainly features Mary's episode of grief and depression which led to her being deemed insane by the courts and remanded to a mental institution. The description of the many quarrels and periods of estrangement between Mary and her sisters left me quite believing that Mary did in fact suffer from a mental illness, but it also seemed Mary was very disagreeable and hard to get along with. The great tragedies she suffered in the untimely death of her sons and the assassination of her husband can excuse some of her behavior, but I was more sickened and saddened about her treatment of her oldest and only living son, Robert.
This book sympathizes with Mary's family and how difficult it was to deal with her and how upended everyone's lives became when they were in and out of her favor. The story alternately reads like a fictional tale with much dialogue and character interaction, and then abruptly changes to a more text-book style narrative. It was an interesting perspective on Mary's relationship with her peers, and my interest was held because of my visits to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and he and Mary's home in Springfield, IL and the things I learned there about our 16th President and his family. I definitely think there is merit to stormy relationships between Mary and her family members, but the reader would do well to remember this book is a fictional account.
This book sympathizes with Mary's family and how difficult it was to deal with her and how upended everyone's lives became when they were in and out of her favor. The story alternately reads like a fictional tale with much dialogue and character interaction, and then abruptly changes to a more text-book style narrative. It was an interesting perspective on Mary's relationship with her peers, and my interest was held because of my visits to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and he and Mary's home in Springfield, IL and the things I learned there about our 16th President and his family. I definitely think there is merit to stormy relationships between Mary and her family members, but the reader would do well to remember this book is a fictional account.
September 27, 2021
Mrs. Lincoln’s Sisters
By: Jennifer Chiaverini
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A compelling novel about Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln. This novel explores her relationship her sisters.
💛
This novel is about her life and explores a deeper side to Mary. She dealt with depression and had attempted suicide in 1875.
💔
She has lived through the assassination of her husband, the President of the United States and the death of three of their sons at an early age.
💛
Mary’s only surviving son, has declared her insane and wants her in an asylum. Her sister Elizabeth knows that Mary’s mental health has declined over the years.
💔
The sisters have always had a strained relationship. Mary’s sisters Elizabeth, Frances, Ann and Emilie have always counted on each other even though it was difficult.
💔
When the Civil war broke out it not only divided the nation it strained their family. The Todd sisters had husbands who where on both sides. Can they come together and help Mary? #jenniferchiaverni, #mrslincolnssisters, #williammorrow, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #booksconnectus, #stamperlady50
By: Jennifer Chiaverini
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A compelling novel about Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of President Abraham Lincoln. This novel explores her relationship her sisters.
💛
This novel is about her life and explores a deeper side to Mary. She dealt with depression and had attempted suicide in 1875.
💔
She has lived through the assassination of her husband, the President of the United States and the death of three of their sons at an early age.
💛
Mary’s only surviving son, has declared her insane and wants her in an asylum. Her sister Elizabeth knows that Mary’s mental health has declined over the years.
💔
The sisters have always had a strained relationship. Mary’s sisters Elizabeth, Frances, Ann and Emilie have always counted on each other even though it was difficult.
💔
When the Civil war broke out it not only divided the nation it strained their family. The Todd sisters had husbands who where on both sides. Can they come together and help Mary? #jenniferchiaverni, #mrslincolnssisters, #williammorrow, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #booksconnectus, #stamperlady50
July 10, 2025
Mrs. Lincoln was a complex woman. In this story we see her life from the lives of her sisters and half-sisters. A story that details Mary Todd Lincoln's life from when she was 6 years old when her mother died, being ignored and hated by her step-mother, to moving to Springfield and finding love with Abraham Lincoln, loosing children, becoming the First Lady and losing her husband, to the undeniable grief she harbored. The complicated and sometime tumultuous relationship she had with her surviving son. She lived a very complicated life, none other can I think of. But she always had the bond with her sisters, whether in good times, or bad. But they always were there for her, for each other, and where the source or comfort they all needed.
I enjoyed this book very much. I didn't realize it was a series. I read Book 1 years ago, but now I have to go back and read Book 2. Very easy to read, and would recommend to anyone who would like to learn more into the life of Mary Todd Lincoln.
I enjoyed this book very much. I didn't realize it was a series. I read Book 1 years ago, but now I have to go back and read Book 2. Very easy to read, and would recommend to anyone who would like to learn more into the life of Mary Todd Lincoln.
August 3, 2020
Another great book on the life of Mary Todd Lincoln by Jennifer Chiaverini. The focus of this book concentrates on Lincoln's sisters, namely Elizabeth, Anna, Frances, and her half-sister Emilie. The story is written from the perspective of two time periods that eventually connect. The first chapter begins in 1875, ten years after Lincoln's assassination. His wife, Mary, has been committed by her son Robert to Bellvue Hospital for convalescence due to mental instability and severe depression. The court ordered convalescence makes the headlines and the sisters react to the news. Chiaverini then goes back to early life for the Todd sisters to begin telling their story and the events that lead up to Mary's medical issues.
Every other chapter is from either the early days moving forward or from the later days also moving forward. Each chapter also is told from a different sister's viewpoint, cycling through the four women. The second to the last chapter is from Mary's viewpoint. The changes in time and the focal point of characters for each chapter actually works. It seems a little confusing at first but I fell into the rhythm quite well.
There are many books on Mary Todd Lincoln but I enjoy the Lincoln stories by Chiaverini. Although they are listed as historical fiction, Chiaverini does an excellent job of researching her subject and tells an accurate portrayal of real history with creative license on dialogue.
Every other chapter is from either the early days moving forward or from the later days also moving forward. Each chapter also is told from a different sister's viewpoint, cycling through the four women. The second to the last chapter is from Mary's viewpoint. The changes in time and the focal point of characters for each chapter actually works. It seems a little confusing at first but I fell into the rhythm quite well.
There are many books on Mary Todd Lincoln but I enjoy the Lincoln stories by Chiaverini. Although they are listed as historical fiction, Chiaverini does an excellent job of researching her subject and tells an accurate portrayal of real history with creative license on dialogue.
March 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this in-depth look at the life of Mary Lincoln, the author did an awesome job of giving a glimpse into the personal life of the former First Lady.
Such heartbreak, no wonder some of the things that went on in her life happened. How to deal with such grief, enough to break almost anyone.
We meet and get to know a lot of Mary’s family, and of course, her sisters. Now her Dad had two wives and so there is quite a bit of family. We get to meet and know most of them, and how they come in time of need.
I cringed at her feelings for her son Robert, but keep reading. We also see the love, hate relationship of sisters, and then a war that puts siblings on separate sides.
I was quickly drawn into this story, and although fictional, it is rich with history!
Such heartbreak, no wonder some of the things that went on in her life happened. How to deal with such grief, enough to break almost anyone.
We meet and get to know a lot of Mary’s family, and of course, her sisters. Now her Dad had two wives and so there is quite a bit of family. We get to meet and know most of them, and how they come in time of need.
I cringed at her feelings for her son Robert, but keep reading. We also see the love, hate relationship of sisters, and then a war that puts siblings on separate sides.
I was quickly drawn into this story, and although fictional, it is rich with history!
July 10, 2020
All of Mary Lincoln's sisters were born into privilege. They all loved Mary and were always on the helping side.
Elizabeth, the oldest sister helped Mary the most, talking to her in a calm manor with reason.
Ann Marie sided with son Robert as to Mary's mental state. She was with Elizabeth and was part of the sisterly team.
Frances kept Robert informed of Mary's feeling of unjustly called insane. Mary was at Bellevue only for four months. She should have been there longer.
Frances blamed the Bradwells for Mary's spending habits. Frances felt Mary's excessive spending during the Civil War was very insensitive.
Emili , the youngest sister and most beautiful. She was kidnapped as a child only for her beauty. Her father soon intervened. The President referred to her as "Little Sister". Emili often quoted the President.
Emili and her husband were guests at the White House on many occasions . Mary confided in Emili.
It was a joy to read about sister for the most part were loyal to each other and only wanted the best for their sister Mary.
Elizabeth, the oldest sister helped Mary the most, talking to her in a calm manor with reason.
Ann Marie sided with son Robert as to Mary's mental state. She was with Elizabeth and was part of the sisterly team.
Frances kept Robert informed of Mary's feeling of unjustly called insane. Mary was at Bellevue only for four months. She should have been there longer.
Frances blamed the Bradwells for Mary's spending habits. Frances felt Mary's excessive spending during the Civil War was very insensitive.
Emili , the youngest sister and most beautiful. She was kidnapped as a child only for her beauty. Her father soon intervened. The President referred to her as "Little Sister". Emili often quoted the President.
Emili and her husband were guests at the White House on many occasions . Mary confided in Emili.
It was a joy to read about sister for the most part were loyal to each other and only wanted the best for their sister Mary.
July 28, 2020
Both a prequel and a sequel to Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker, which I liked even more. Odd-numbered chapters are mostly set during the year that her son Robert had her committed to a mental institution, but she managed to talk her way out and live with her oldest sister Elizabeth during most of that year. The even-numbered chapters start when Mary was about 8 years old and go all the way through her husband's assassination. Mary's mother died shortly after the birth of her sixth child, and the five siblings soon acquired a stepmother, who had 7 more children. The five surviving children of the first mother were never close to their stepmother, but they were close to each other. The eldest daughter moved to Springfield, IL, when she got married, and Frances, Mary, and a couple of the half-sisters also went to Springfield to "come out" and find a husband. Story is told mostly from the viewpoints of these sisters, and shows how the family was torn apart by the Civil War.
April 20, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
Mary Todd Lincoln has long been one of the most controversial First Ladies in history. Even her relatives didn't know what to make of her.
In 1875, Robert Lincoln commits her to a sanitarium. Her sisters get together to figure out what to do about the scandal. Some of the sisters think she deserves what she got. One wants Mary to come live with her. Another thinks this is all so Mary can get some attention.
Through shifting viewpoints, we get Mary's biography, and find she was always a difficult person. Even her son has problems getting along with her.
Mary Todd Lincoln has long been one of the most controversial First Ladies in history. Even her relatives didn't know what to make of her.
In 1875, Robert Lincoln commits her to a sanitarium. Her sisters get together to figure out what to do about the scandal. Some of the sisters think she deserves what she got. One wants Mary to come live with her. Another thinks this is all so Mary can get some attention.
Through shifting viewpoints, we get Mary's biography, and find she was always a difficult person. Even her son has problems getting along with her.
August 21, 2020
Tedious – boring, dull, dreary, mind-numbing, tiresome, wearisome, wearying. I had high hopes for this historical fiction novel but it became an actual chore finishing it. I must give Jennifer Chiaverini credit, she certainly nailed the dialogue of the time and it is obvious that she did extensive research into not only Mary Lincoln but the civil war. That being said, do you really want to read 336 pages of said dialogue? Sorry, not this girl. P.S. And seriously, did people really talk like that?
August 9, 2020
I enjoyed this book so much! Could hardly put it down! This author is consistently great with historical fiction.
October 5, 2021
I agree with the review from Amanda Geaney. I tried to read the story only to put it down for a while then start up again, again and again. I'll try it another time when I feel I'm ready for another attempt.
But for now, it is a 3 star.
Jennifer Chiaverini is still one of the best authors around. Because of her excellent work on other books ---- I will put this book on my short pile of - give it another chance.
But for now, it is a 3 star.
Jennifer Chiaverini is still one of the best authors around. Because of her excellent work on other books ---- I will put this book on my short pile of - give it another chance.
July 15, 2020
I feel a bit traitorous scoring this so low. This was my first giveaway win and from one of my favorite authors. I adore the Elm Creek Quilt series. Unfortunately, this book just didn't do it for me. It felt disjointed and rambling. The chapters were supposed to focus on one of the many Todd sisters with each chapter alternating between the past and the present time of Mary's insanity debacle. First, I felt that there wasn't much character development, so the switching of focus on each character never really came through for me. Many chapters were just a rambling off of events. There were also a lot of undeveloped storylines. For example, it was hinted that Mary had bipolar disorder and that Elizabeth suspected her eldest daughter also had it, but we never learned anything about that, her behaviors, Elizabeth's personal struggle with it, etc. I also got lost in the past vs. present because the chapters that were focusing on Mary post Lincoln's death had a lot of flashbacks. The structure didn't make sense to me. I felt like the characters and their personal struggles took a backseat to the historical events of the time.
July 22, 2020
Mary Lincoln was an extremely complicated woman, whose mental health has been cause for speculation and study over the years. Seeing her from the perspectives of her sisters reminds a reader that tragedy and mental illness does not limit its effects to the patient, but spreads to everyone in her close circle. Although Mary’s childhood was far from ideal, it was no more difficult than many other people in the early 1800’s Mary’s father had 17 children by two wives; Mary was the fifth oldest. She was intelligent, well educated, interested in politics from an early age, charming, and beautiful when she met Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois. Lincoln was clearly the love of her life, and both Lincolns doted on their sons. Losing two sons in childhood scarred Mary, but her beloved husband’s assassination triggered deep melancholy and suspicion that would plague her until the end of her days. Mary’s sisters, particularly those in Springfield, did everything they could to help Mary. They understood her as only sisters can, and even when she was most difficult, they loved her anyway.
August 20, 2020
A journey through the life of the self centered, frivolous and troubled Mary Todd Lincoln through the eyes of her sisters. IMHO the book could have been greatly shortened...how many chapters are needed to describe Mary’s insecurities and tragedies by one sister who is indulgent and in denial, another sister who is skeptical, and yet another who is jealous. Not sure that chapter 22 added much (unless the author was being paid by the word and hadn’t reached her goal yet)... it could have been shortened and the same point would have been made.
Oh the author also mentions Mrs Keckley, describing her over and over as “a strikingly beautiful colored woman” like it was usual for a woman of color to be beautiful....and it also seemed like she was soliciting readers for her book about Mrs Keckley.
Oh the author also mentions Mrs Keckley, describing her over and over as “a strikingly beautiful colored woman” like it was usual for a woman of color to be beautiful....and it also seemed like she was soliciting readers for her book about Mrs Keckley.
July 10, 2021
I was so happy to win this as a "Goodreads Giveaways" selection when it was initially offered as an ARC. Thank you to the publisher for participating and sending the book.
Although I love historical fiction NOVELS, especially those that are based on true life stories, Mrs. Lincoln’s Sisters read more like a history textbook with endless names, dates, locations and situations affecting the family and our country. Throughout each sister’s alternating chapter, I was being told the history and details of Mary Todd Lincoln, her sisters, half-sisters and various descendants instead of the historical fiction STORY that I was anticipating. The research that went in to the book was impressive, and the author's note at the end was informative as well.
Although I love historical fiction NOVELS, especially those that are based on true life stories, Mrs. Lincoln’s Sisters read more like a history textbook with endless names, dates, locations and situations affecting the family and our country. Throughout each sister’s alternating chapter, I was being told the history and details of Mary Todd Lincoln, her sisters, half-sisters and various descendants instead of the historical fiction STORY that I was anticipating. The research that went in to the book was impressive, and the author's note at the end was informative as well.
August 1, 2020
The story of Mary Todd's sisters might have been more interesting if they had been more developed characters. Evidently, everyone in the family had lives that just existed in relation to the Lincoln family. Which is ironic, since most of the time they were estranged. Anyway, I'd suggest that if the author wants to tell the story of Mary Todd Lincoln, she should just do so. Using the other people in her life to tell her story isn't necessary if you aren't going to actually tell their story as well. And, how much is there really to say about a woman who was devastated by loss and trauma? She acted weird as a result ... big surprise.
September 2, 2020
Fascinating history of Mary Todd Lincoln’s family. I never knew much about them besides some fought for the Confederacy. 16 siblings in all including half so she had a lot of sisters! Some parts of the story were slow for me, but I enjoyed the focus on different sisters going back and forth between different timelines. Clever writing. I’m curious to learn more about the Todd family. I loved the last page sharing how Abraham Lincoln responded when learning of the death of a brother in law who turned down his offer and joined the Confederacy. “I feel as David of old did when he was told of the death of Absalom.”
May 30, 2020
This book reads more like non-fiction. It doesn’t have much dialogue and what dialogue it does have seems a little awkward, as if it was just thrown in to make it more of a novel. The story centers around Mary Todd Lincoln and how her sisters’ react to her but I never felt like I really got to know any of her sisters. I wanted more from this book. I wanted to learn more about her sisters’ lives, not just how they relate to Mary’s.
I won this book in a giveaway on Goodreads.
I won this book in a giveaway on Goodreads.
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