July 14, 2008
5 Minutes for Books — Washington’s Lady
I’m sure that by now you know about the launch of our new site where you can find daily postings about books–5 Minutes for Books. If you haven’t already, click on over.
I’m proud to be managing editor, but don’t think that you can get rid of me that easily. I will still be writing the weekly book review column here at 5 Minutes for Mom–most weeks. However, my team of reviewers over at 5 Minutes for Books have been working hard. So hard that I have quite a few book reviews waiting in the wings there, and since I’ve been busy getting the site ready to launch (and preparing to teach VBS at my church next week), I’ve been spending more time at the computer than reading this week. This is a perfect time to showcase one of our new writers.
I reviewed another of Nancy Moser’s historical novels, Just Jane, in a column here last fall, and it’s still stands out as one of the favorite books I’ve read this year.
Meet Carrie:
Carrie comes by her book obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.
Inventive. Intriguing. Tasteful. Unforgettable. This book was all those things and more.
This was the first book by Nancy Moser that I have had the opportunity to read and, I assure you, it will not be the last. I loved every minute of it.
Washington’s Lady is the third in Moser’s “Women of History” series. It “details” the life of Martha Washington, wife of our country’s first president. We meet her just as she has become the widow of Daniel Custis and follow along in her journey with George and the birth of the United States.
Mrs. Moser does take liberties with Mrs. Washington’s history. However, she admits it in a truly fantastic and humbling way. At the end of the book she clearly sets out what was fact and what was fiction. I think this is very tastefully done. I enjoy history very much and also have a healthy love of fiction. I admit to confusing the two at times, although I try my best to get the facts straight. Mrs. Moser states that when she had letters or quotes to go on regarding Martha’s life, that said information received “first dibs.” She elaborated and guesses at what Martha might have done or said at times, using the information that she found about Martha. It is tasteful and respectful. This is a historical novel and she does not make any pretenses about what may or may not be true. The truth is: there is a lot that we cannot ever know. Some secrets are buried in the past (burned letters and lost property, etc.) that prevent us from having full knowledge.
Mrs. Moser is particularly artful in the way that she weaves the story of Martha’s life together, however. In her epilogue she stresses that the most important thing that this book could represent to be true would be the fact that many brave men (and women) sacrificed their lives so that we could live in a land of liberty. I can honestly say that I feel their sacrifice after having read this book. She painted the sufferings of our brave forefathers in such a manner that you can’t close the book and forget about your own personal history. She makes you acutely aware of the fact that how much you have is the direct result of what they did NOT have in the late 18th century. It’s cleverly done.
If you have yet to infer the obvious in this review, let me state it clearly: I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I am eager to spend more of my time bonding with Nancy Moser and the historical characters she so clearly brings to life. Two thumbs up and more if I had them.
If you’d like to win a copy of Washington’s Lady, leave a comment here. We’ll announce the winner in next week’s column.
I am so glad that I conveyed my true pleasure at Ruby Among Us. Over 200 of you wanted to win Tina Ann Forkner’s first novel. The lucky three are:
#88 Jody
#112 Belinda Shaw
#14 Nikki
Filed under * Feature Columns, 5 Minutes for Books, Books, Contests by Jennifer
Thank you soooooooooo much for sharing this post! (ps. Kirtsy and StumbleUpon are our favorites)
221 Comments on 5 Minutes for Books — Washington’s Lady
#1 - Beckie @ 12:17 am
I have recently developed a taste for historical fiction, and this books sounds delicious!
#2 - Hillary @ 12:24 am
I’ve heard of this book, and I’d like to read it. Count me in, please!
#3 - Jackie @ Our Moments Our Memories @ 12:30 am
I’d love to read this…I am going to purchase it even if I don’t win. Thanks so much!
#4 - Beth @ 1:36 am
I love historical fiction! I’d love to win!
#5 - Krista @ 1:39 am
I read this book as part of the CFBA blog tours. It was GREAT! It’s really stuck with me and I think helped give me a greater perspective on that time in our history. Like, duh, but it never occurred to me that before the revolution they didn’t think of America as her own country. Her other books are on my to-be-read list!
(I hope it goes without saying that I don’t need to win this one!)
#6 - Sarah @ 4:59 am
Ooh that sounds like my kind of book, I deffinetly would love to have something new to read, and the cover looks absolutely enticing!
#7 - happyathome @ 6:22 am
This book review sounds like a very good read. I will be going on vacation next month and would love a copy. As for sacrificing lives for freedom, fully understand this not only for then but amso for now. What we have is not to be taken for granted and there rae many who have none! Kudos for pointing this out. My little patrotic ranting!
http://www.lifeislikechampagneblog.com/
#8 - Aisling @ 6:29 am
I really enjoy history turned into a story. I tend to read more about English history than American, so I’d be very interested in reading this book.
#9 - sam @ 6:40 am
I would love to win a copy of Washington’s Lady as I love historical novels with a basis in fact!
In addition to which this sounds like a great book!
#10 - Evelyn in Mich. @ 6:54 am
Love historical fiction! Also will have some gasp! free time on my hands next month when son goes on vacation with his aunt and uncle. Perfect combination–new book, son on vacation! Keeping fingers crossed.
Evelyn
#11 - Michelle @ 6:57 am
This sounds fabulous. I would love to be entered, as I really enjoy historical fiction.
#12 - lylah ledner @ 7:02 am
first…got to say…what a lovely new look. love it.
second…i’d love to be chosen for this book…i’ll pass it to my daughter for her 33rd bd….and then i’ll ‘borrow’ it back.
thanks! love what you guys do! lylah
#13 - Meredith Peters @ 7:09 am
I have been obsessed with revolutionary war era histirical fiction since I was 12 years old. This one sounds great.
#14 - Marilyn @ 7:20 am
Yes I do love to read. Washington’s Lady sounds so fine.
#15 - Happy Mama @ 7:43 am
Sounds really neat we love history!
#16 - Evelyn Murray @ 7:54 am
I love stories of history
#17 - Amanda D. @ 7:54 am
Sounds very interesting! Would love to read something different
#18 - Angie Erickson @ 8:31 am
Washington’s Lady sounds like an interesting historical read! I would love to read it!
#19 - Lauren@Baseballs&Bows @ 8:48 am
This book looks wonderful! Thanks for the great review!
#20 - Tina L @ 8:51 am
Very good review. Really makes me want to read this book. Please enter me in the contest.
#21 - Alecia Gibson @ 8:57 am
This looks like an interesting book. I’ll have to read it sometime. Thanks for the cool giveaway!!
#22 - Wendy @ 9:03 am
I’ve seen some excellent reviews for this book, and I’ve always had a thing for the Revolutionary period. Please count me in!
#23 - Heather J. @ 9:19 am
Please enter me! This sounds like a great book.
#24 - Nodins Nest @ 9:28 am
Sounds like a great read!
#25 - Cheryl Free @ 9:29 am
I’d love to read this
*Thanks* for the giveaway!
#26 - charline s @ 9:34 am
My daughternlaw loves historical fiction.
#27 - Liz @ 9:36 am
I love historical fiction and there isn’t actually a whole lot about presidential wives. Count me in!
#28 - Linda @ 9:37 am
My kind of reading.I’v always enjoyed historical fiction.
#29 - Knitting Queen @ 9:54 am
I love historical fiction!
#30 - Jenn S. @ 10:01 am
Historical fiction is one of my favorites,this looks interesting. I would love to get my hands on a copy.
#31 - Crystal B. @ 10:27 am
I would love to read this book.
#32 - Mozi Esme's Mommy @ 10:32 am
Can I win, please?! I love her books. I do have a US address.
#33 - mindy @ 10:34 am
looks like a great read thanks for the contest
#34 - Sarah VM @ 10:37 am
I would like to win a copy of this book.
THANKS!
#35 - Barbara H. @ 10:43 am
This does sound interesting. I’d love to be entered.
#36 - Leigh Anne Wilkes @ 10:48 am
Pleasea count me in - historical fiction is my absolute favorite!! Thank you>
#37 - Mya Brooks @ 11:07 am
I’m a history book fiend! Count me in!
#38 - Rita M @ 11:14 am
After watching the John Adams series on HBO I got a real appreciation for the first ladies, I would love to read about Mrs. Washington.
#39 - Tanya Moyer @ 11:58 am
This book sounds so interesting! I’d love to win it!
~Tanya
the4moyers at msn dot com
#40 - c. clemens @ 12:17 pm
Looks like a good read. anyone read it before??
good luck everyone.
#41 - Nicole @ 12:20 pm
Cokie Roberts has done a fantastic job piecing together the lives of historical women in her books LADIES OF LIBERTY and FOUNDING MOTHERS. These are must reads! Check them out!
#42 - Linda Howard @ 12:24 pm
Please enter me. Thanks!
#43 - Megret @ 12:37 pm
Sounds fantastic!!!
#44 - TopazTook @ 12:52 pm
I love historical fiction, and I have never read this author.
#45 - gail @ 1:00 pm
you won me over with your review. i would love to read this book (by winning it, of course!) count me in.
#46 - Deanne @ 1:07 pm
I enjoy historical fiction too. I’ll have to check out Moser’s books! Thanks for the author tip!
#47 - Anne @ 1:29 pm
Oh, I’d love to win this book! I’ve recently gotten back into reading during the warm afternoon!
#48 - Jaime @ 1:35 pm
I’d love to read this! I love historical fiction! THANKS!
#49 - Annie - Savor This Moment @ 1:35 pm
Enter me! Sounds like an interesting read!
#50 - Judy J. @ 1:36 pm
Nancy Moser’s books always draw my attention. I look forward to reading this one. Thank you for the opportunity to win it!
#51 - Cynthia @ 1:53 pm
Thank you for the great review. Sounds like a book I would really enjoy!
#52 - Elizabeth M. @ 1:58 pm
Ok, you convinced me it’s more than worth reading! Thanks for the giveaway.
#53 - Louise Brouillette @ 2:29 pm
Good summer reading!
#54 - Laurie Moudy @ 2:30 pm
This sounds like it would be a good book. To be reminded what this country was founded on and learn about the heart of the first first lady of our AMERICA.
#55 - Kristin @ 2:41 pm
I love Nancy Moser’s books! Sign me up!
#56 - Rhonda Struthers @ 2:54 pm
I would really like to win this.
#57 - Rodney K @ 3:04 pm
I sure hope I win thanks
#58 - Shilo Beedy @ 3:05 pm
I would love this book. Thanks for the great giveaway.
#59 - Amy from Occupation: Mommy @ 3:10 pm
This sounds interesting. I would love to read it!
#60 - Maja @ 3:35 pm
very nice prize
#61 - Ana @ 3:35 pm
i’d love to read it
#62 - Angel @ 3:36 pm
I know my wife would like to read this book.
#63 - Lisa (Morning Rose) @ 4:42 pm
Sounds like an interesting read. Please enter me.
#64 - Peggy Doty @ 4:54 pm
Love Historical novels please enter me.
#65 - Susan Smith @ 5:13 pm
Looks like a nice book
#66 - Amy @ 6:12 pm
I read Just Jane last month - and loved it! I would love to read this as well
#67 - Alicia @ 6:17 pm
George
#68 - Brian @ 6:26 pm
She’s no Laura Bush…thankfully
#69 - Hil'Lesha @ 6:49 pm
Sounds great!
#70 - Linda B @ 7:05 pm
I’m an avid reader and would love to win this.
#71 - Deborah Armstrong @ 7:06 pm
Wonderful review - I can’t wait to get the book and start reading. I also love history and this sounds fascinating.
#72 - susan varney @ 7:15 pm
comment
#73 - Tonya Froemel @ 7:21 pm
like to win this
#74 - dorothy lazorchik @ 7:22 pm
would love to win
#75 - Sherry @ 7:48 pm
I enjoy reading Carrie’s reviews and landed here from her blog Reading to Know. Thanks for the giveaway.
#76 - Nora Scott-Platt @ 7:51 pm
I love to read and love a bit of history
#77 - Catherine copeland @ 8:05 pm
i’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre. I think this book sounds wonderful
#78 - Karen Gonyea @ 8:13 pm
Great Prize !
#79 - Dayna @ 8:27 pm
I am really digging historical fiction lately, I’d love this!
#80 - bob @ 8:31 pm
I’d love to read ‘Washington’s Lady’. Please enter me.
#81 - Amanda @ 8:48 pm
This sounds like a great read. It also intrigues me to check out the other “Women of History” books in the series.
#82 - Heather @ 9:20 pm
I have enjoyed several of Nancy Moser’s previous books, and I’m sure would enjoy this one as well! Thank you for the drawing.
Heather
Lalycairn at gmail.com
#83 - Rebecca Doherty @ 10:03 pm
Can’t wait for another summer read!
#84 - Trisha Dowling @ 10:05 pm
i love to read!
#85 - Linda Moeller @ 10:20 pm
Looks great.
#86 - Kari @ 10:28 pm
Wow, I LOVE historical fiction….please add my name in. Thanks girls, y’all are rockin it!!
#87 - Susan Ledet @ 10:31 pm
Great review! Thank you for the nice and educational giveaway.
#88 - valerie mabrey @ 10:55 pm
thanks for the contest
#89 - Virginia Murr @ 12:15 am
I’m a glutton for history, particularly history that involves women of strength and valor. It is great that you are including reviews of this nature, since it is hard to find great new books in the plethora of new publications!
#90 - Noreen @ 12:53 am
you conveyed how much you enjoyed it perfectly snd now I want to read it
#91 - Kim @ 12:54 am
I LOVE historical fiction. I’d love to win a copy.
#92 - Fortune @ 2:23 am
Great book
#93 - Belinda @ 3:59 am
Interesting. I had no idea she was a widow and I just learned it by reading your post.
#94 - Cathie @ 4:27 am
I love books of all different genre. This book sounds VERY interestig. Please count me in
#95 - Terra Heck @ 5:30 am
Looks like an interesting read.
#96 - Susan S. @ 5:58 am
Living in New England has whetted my appetite for historical reading, fiction and otherwise. This sounds like a wonderful book!
#97 - Sharon Jones @ 6:23 am
WOW…what a great book….would love to win this. THANKS
#98 - Adrienne Gordon @ 7:16 am
my mom would love this book.
#99 - James Jenkins @ 7:42 am
wow
#100 - Kari Follett @ 7:44 am
Sounds like a great read!
#101 - david basile @ 8:15 am
sounds like a good read
#102 - Carol G @ 8:22 am
Martha Washington has been largely overlooked in history except as a background figure. She has to have been a strong person in her own right, and it sounds as if this book might be a vehicle to show this. I really like GOOD history, even when fictionalized, and if the author is willing and able to point out where known history and imagined separate, that is a huge plus. Many a good story has been ruined by too many liberties taken!
#103 - David @ 8:27 am
Sounds very interesting. Thanks.
#104 - Stephen Saunders @ 9:00 am
Happy Monday
#105 - Washington’s Lady by Nancy Moser | Contests 4 Moms @ 9:20 am
[...] Where: 5 Minutes for Mom [...]
#106 - Courtney @ 9:21 am
Sounds like a great book.
#107 - Gloria Walshver @ 10:00 am
I would love to read this book.
#108 - Flora Presley @ 10:00 am
I love historical fiction and Americana (especially western) is my favorite. I’m always amazed at how really knowledgeable so many of these authors are. I like when the publisher provides a bio of the author so you can truly appreciate their talent.
#109 - Pat Boutin @ 10:23 am
Thank you for having this contest. I really appreciate it.
#110 - Vicky Boackle @ 10:43 am
i love to read.
#111 - Zoly @ 11:11 am
A nice bit of history.
#112 - jamieweisberger@gmail.com @ 12:07 pm
Awesome, love to read!
#113 - Anita Yancey @ 12:43 pm
Sounds like a great book. Would love to read it. Please enter me.
#114 - Leah @ 1:27 pm
I’d love to win a copy!
#115 - Jennifer M @ 1:46 pm
Sounds like a fascinating read. Please enter me.
#116 - Linda Pinto @ 2:10 pm
I love historical novels. Please enter me in the giveaway.
#117 - Mama Zen @ 2:18 pm
Sounds like a great read!
#118 - Patricia Simpkin @ 2:39 pm
I am a big reader; I’d love to win.
#119 - Carolyn @ 2:54 pm
I love to read about great historical women and the obstacles they have overcome!
#120 - Susan @ 3:22 pm
I would enjoy this book. If I don’t win, I will probably buy it.
#121 - Kathy Scott @ 3:26 pm
I love historical fiction. I like to get a feel for time gone by even if it isn’t 100% true. Thanks for the chance.
#122 - Melissa @ 4:04 pm
Sounds wonderful. My husband and I both love history and historical fiction. Thanks for the great giveaway!
#123 - Trish @ 4:16 pm
Thanks for having a giveaway. I love books and this sounds very interesting.
#124 - lovedandamazed @ 4:37 pm
This book looks so good!! I would love to read it. Thank you for the chance to win!
#125 - Valerie Mitchell @ 4:55 pm
What a wonderful prize!
#126 - Mike Weisberg @ 5:15 pm
I want to win
#127 - Mary @ 5:22 pm
I love to read historical novels as it is interesting to read about other times and places so different from our own. Thank you!
#128 - Lynne @ 5:29 pm
Have read most of Nancy Moser’s books - one of my favorite authors!
#129 - Pat @ 5:38 pm
Thank you for the contest–it’s fun to think of sharing someone else’s vision of Mrs. Washington after imagining her for a long time.
#130 - Denise @ 5:40 pm
Would love to win!
#131 - Cheryl W @ 5:50 pm
This sounds great! I am going to get Just Jane and read it. Thanks!
#132 - Angela J @ 6:13 pm
I’m always looking for another book to read.
#133 - rutgersgal @ 6:30 pm
As a history fan this book sounds like it is right up my alley! Will have my eyes out for it even if I do not win (which I am crossing my fingers that I will).
#134 - Alexia @ 6:58 pm
I love historical fiction - it’s one of my most favorite genres to read. I like reading about other people’s lives in story form (a list of facts can get so boring!) - please enter me!
#135 - Jennifer Bogart @ 8:52 pm
I don’t see my first comment, but if it’s in queue, please delete this one! I love historical fiction, an this book look sgreat (literally - super cover!)
#136 - megan @ 9:35 pm
Looks like a great read. Please enter me.
#137 - Mel from SC @ 10:31 pm
Oooh, this sounds like a fantastic read. I’m fresh from reading John Adams and I’d love to continue in the same time period. Great giveaway!
#138 - Belinda A. @ 10:51 pm
This sounds like yet another good one, count me in please:)
#139 - Andrea R @ 11:32 pm
It sounds like a great book! I’d love to win!
#140 - Michelle @ 12:04 am
Sounds good to me!
#141 - Judy @ 12:43 am
I’m LOVE this part of our country’s history. It will be fun to imagine the events from Martha’s point of view.
#142 - Terri D @ 12:54 am
Thanks. Count me in!
#143 - judy brittle @ 2:09 am
Thanks for the contest. i could use a little variety in my reading and this sure would be different.
#144 - Cindi @ 2:50 am
Hello! Please enter my name in your fabulous book drawing. I enjoy historical books. Thanks, Cindi
#145 - Lisa @ 8:21 am
Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.
#146 - Diana Corlett @ 12:09 pm
Sounds like an intriguing read! Count me in, please.
#147 - paula @ 1:33 pm
You know sometimes ‘5 minutes’ is all I have…lol Hope everyone has a great day and good luck to all.
#148 - Jennifer Jozwiak @ 3:57 pm
I love finding new books to read, so I hope I win
#149 - israel y @ 5:58 pm
love to read this, thanks for the chance to win it!
#150 - Elva Roberts @ 9:26 pm
I love biographies and history so winning this book would be a treat.
#151 - Carolyn Nedrow @ 11:05 pm
I hope that I win!
#152 - Becky @ 11:20 pm
I would love a chance to win this book! I have heard so many good things about it. Thank you!
#153 - Michelle Rosborough @ 7:05 am
Sounds like a great book
#154 - Sarah @ 9:32 am
enter me!
#155 - Tammy @ 12:06 pm
This would be a great read. Thanks for the chance.
#156 - Anthony Hedden @ 12:09 pm
enter me
#157 - Heather B @ 4:34 pm
Sounds like a great read! Thank you for the opportunity
#158 - Daniel M @ 5:51 pm
looks great add me please
#159 - katika hope @ 6:14 pm
I would love to read this book!:)
#160 - The Diaper Diaries @ 9:13 pm
Oh my goodness this looks fantastic!!!! Count me in.
#161 - Cassandra @ 10:08 pm
I would like win–sounds like a good read!
#162 - Patricia Elliott @ 12:08 am
Love love love books!would love to win this
#163 - sabb266 @ 12:28 am
Thank you for the information on this ook, it sounds wonderful I cannot wait to read it!
#164 - Laurie L. @ 2:21 am
I’d love to settle into my hammock and read this.
#165 - P. Adams @ 9:38 am
sounds interesting. thanks for the giveaway!
#166 - Lisa writes... @ 10:19 am
Count me in!
#167 - danielle @ 10:46 am
I love historical fiction and would love to win.
#168 - Julie Donahue @ 3:26 pm
Sounds like a great book!
#169 - william causey @ 3:59 pm
please count me in
#170 - jan koontz @ 6:37 pm
just to cool
#171 - jan koontz @ 6:38 pm
just to cool, a great gift
#172 - Karrie @ 7:52 pm
looks and sounds really good
#173 - Leslie @ 9:09 pm
Terrific
#174 - Catherine Gildea @ 10:47 pm
I would like to have this book.
#175 - Renee @ 11:57 pm
A great review — I’d love to read this. Please enter me.
#176 - Pauline M @ 12:05 am
I am a total reader demon and love to experience new authors I’ve never read before. This would be awesome!
#177 - Ms. Perry @ 12:07 am
I would love to read this historical fiction book.
#178 - Carol Drury @ 12:13 am
what a great prize!!!!!
#179 - Carla Gade @ 1:47 am
I love historical fiction!
#180 - Jean F @ 6:50 am
Thank you for having this great giveaway!
#181 - Paula S @ 10:45 am
I’d love to win this
#182 - David Trent @ 10:55 am
Cool
#183 - Annie G @ 12:01 pm
After watching the Adams show on HBO, I think I would really enjoy this book. Thanks!
#184 - Tracy Ackroyd @ 12:11 pm
I am very interested in reading this book. Thank you!
#185 - Kathy D @ 12:39 pm
Sounds Like a Great Bag Turner
#186 - Betty Curran @ 2:44 pm
I’m always looking for new material and I read just about every type of book. This sounds like a great new addition to my wish list.
#187 - Suzanna Pickering @ 3:01 pm
i have always like HISTORICAL FICTION TY GLA
#188 - Hesper F @ 3:05 pm
I am an avid book reader. I would love to win this!
#189 - Ed Nemmers @ 3:28 pm
Sweet niblets!
#190 - shawna f @ 3:29 pm
I love reading and this one looks like something I would enjoy!
#191 - Delores B @ 4:06 pm
please enter me
#192 - romero @ 4:06 pm
would love to be entered.
#193 - Karincs @ 5:54 pm
Enjoyed your review, sounds like a book I would like as well.
Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
#194 - philip halter @ 6:55 pm
great prize
#195 - Dorothye Abramson @ 6:58 pm
Martha Washington was an individual on my family tree. I don’t know much about her and I would like to know alot more. I think the book would be very interesting reading for me.
#196 - loki @ 7:01 pm
Interesting! I really don’t know much about Martha except for some vague facts in history class long ago, it is interesting to get to know her and her life!
#197 - Jean @ 7:40 pm
Martha Washington deserves a lot more attention than she has been given.
#198 - Meredith Rowe @ 9:43 pm
I’ve heard of this and been meaning to pick up a copy! I hope to win!
#199 - Go Amie @ 10:04 pm
I’d love to read this! Historical fiction is great for escaping from modern life…
#200 - Pamela White @ 10:12 pm
Washington’s Lady sounds like a great historical novel and one I would love to read this summer.
#201 - Sherri Siler @ 11:58 pm
looks like a great read
#202 - christopher h @ 12:02 am
love to win this
#203 - Veronica Garrett @ 12:55 am
I would love to read this story about Mrs. Washington.
#204 - txfilly @ 1:14 am
I love history and I love reading so this is a perfect fit for me.
#205 - kathleen Yohanna @ 2:47 am
I just love all things about history. I would like a copy of this book.
#206 - ROSEANN KIES @ 6:54 am
I’ve heard about this book and would love to read it. Thanks!
#207 - Dawn Fiske @ 9:07 am
Looks like a great read. Would love to have my chance.
#208 - Jo @ 9:24 am
Would love to win this book. I really like stories from this time period:)
jceko7