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
This looks like a really good book. Thanks for having the contest!
I would love to read this book! I need a summer escape! Pick me! Pick me!
Thanks for this great giveaway! Sounds like an interesting read.
I love reading about the Presidents and their
women.I have always found it enlightening.They
usually lead very interesting lives.Please
enter me and thanks for the giveaway
I love history and would enjoy this.
I love historical fiction!
Historical reading is the best!
PLEASE COUNT ME IN ON THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY 🙂
I love historial books…would love to read this one!
This book sounds intriguing. I would like to check it out.
I absolutely ADORE historical fiction, I love any books by Philippa Gregory as well. I hope to win this, thank you for a great giveaway!
I hadn’t heard of this book series – sounds really interesting.
This book looks like a great read! Thank you so much for the opportunity to win it!
Would love to win this book. I really like stories from this time period:)
jceko77@yahoo.com
Looks like a great read. Would love to have my chance.
I’ve heard about this book and would love to read it. Thanks!
I just love all things about history. I would like a copy of this book.
I love history and I love reading so this is a perfect fit for me.
I would love to read this story about Mrs. Washington.
love to win this
looks like a great read
Washington’s Lady sounds like a great historical novel and one I would love to read this summer.
I’d love to read this! Historical fiction is great for escaping from modern life… 🙂
I’ve heard of this and been meaning to pick up a copy! I hope to win!
Martha Washington deserves a lot more attention than she has been given.
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!
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.
great prize
Enjoyed your review, sounds like a book I would like as well.
Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
would love to be entered.
please enter me
I love reading and this one looks like something I would enjoy!
Sweet niblets!
I am an avid book reader. I would love to win this!
i have always like HISTORICAL FICTION TY GLA
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.
Sounds Like a Great Bag Turner
I am very interested in reading this book. Thank you!
After watching the Adams show on HBO, I think I would really enjoy this book. Thanks!
Cool
I’d love to win this
Thank you for having this great giveaway!
I love historical fiction!
what a great prize!!!!!
I would love to read this historical fiction book.
I am a total reader demon and love to experience new authors I’ve never read before. This would be awesome!
A great review — I’d love to read this. Please enter me.
I would like to have this book.
Terrific
looks and sounds really good 🙂
just to cool, a great gift
just to cool
please count me in
Sounds like a great book!
I love historical fiction and would love to win.
Count me in!
sounds interesting. thanks for the giveaway!
I’d love to settle into my hammock and read this.
Thank you for the information on this ook, it sounds wonderful I cannot wait to read it!
Love love love books!would love to win this
I would like win–sounds like a good read!
Oh my goodness this looks fantastic!!!! Count me in.
I would love to read this book!:)
looks great add me please
Sounds like a great read! Thank you for the opportunity
enter me
This would be a great read. Thanks for the chance.
enter me!
Sounds like a great book
I would love a chance to win this book! I have heard so many good things about it. Thank you!
I hope that I win!
I love biographies and history so winning this book would be a treat.
love to read this, thanks for the chance to win it!
I love finding new books to read, so I hope I win
You know sometimes ‘5 minutes’ is all I have…lol Hope everyone has a great day and good luck to all.
Sounds like an intriguing read! Count me in, please.
Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.
Hello! Please enter my name in your fabulous book drawing. I enjoy historical books. Thanks, Cindi
Thanks for the contest. i could use a little variety in my reading and this sure would be different.
Thanks. Count me in!
I’m LOVE this part of our country’s history. It will be fun to imagine the events from Martha’s point of view.
Sounds good to me!
It sounds like a great book! I’d love to win!
This sounds like yet another good one, count me in please:)
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!
Looks like a great read. Please enter me.
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!)
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!
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).
I’m always looking for another book to read.
This sounds great! I am going to get Just Jane and read it. Thanks!
Would love to win!
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.
Have read most of Nancy Moser’s books – one of my favorite authors!
I love to read historical novels as it is interesting to read about other times and places so different from our own. Thank you!
I want to win
What a wonderful prize!
This book looks so good!! I would love to read it. Thank you for the chance to win!
Thanks for having a giveaway. I love books and this sounds very interesting.
Sounds wonderful. My husband and I both love history and historical fiction. Thanks for the great giveaway!
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.
I would enjoy this book. If I don’t win, I will probably buy it.
I love to read about great historical women and the obstacles they have overcome!
I am a big reader; I’d love to win.
Sounds like a great read!
I love historical novels. Please enter me in the giveaway.
Sounds like a fascinating read. Please enter me.
I’d love to win a copy!
Sounds like a great book. Would love to read it. Please enter me.
Awesome, love to read!
A nice bit of history.
i love to read.
Thank you for having this contest. I really appreciate it.
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.
I would love to read this book.
Sounds like a great book.
Happy Monday
Sounds very interesting. Thanks.
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!
sounds like a good read
Sounds like a great read!
wow
my mom would love this book.
WOW…what a great book….would love to win this. THANKS 🙂
Living in New England has whetted my appetite for historical reading, fiction and otherwise. This sounds like a wonderful book!
Looks like an interesting read.
I love books of all different genre. This book sounds VERY interestig. Please count me in
Interesting. I had no idea she was a widow and I just learned it by reading your post.
Great book
I LOVE historical fiction. I’d love to win a copy.
you conveyed how much you enjoyed it perfectly snd now I want to read it
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!
thanks for the contest
Great review! Thank you for the nice and educational giveaway.
Wow, I LOVE historical fiction….please add my name in. Thanks girls, y’all are rockin it!! 😀
Looks great.
i love to read!
Can’t wait for another summer read!
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
This sounds like a great read. It also intrigues me to check out the other “Women of History” books in the series.
I’d love to read ‘Washington’s Lady’. Please enter me.
I am really digging historical fiction lately, I’d love this!
Great Prize !
i’ve always loved historical fiction as a genre. I think this book sounds wonderful
I love to read and love a bit of history
I enjoy reading Carrie’s reviews and landed here from her blog Reading to Know. Thanks for the giveaway.
would love to win
like to win this
comment
Wonderful review – I can’t wait to get the book and start reading. I also love history and this sounds fascinating.
I’m an avid reader and would love to win this.
Sounds great!
She’s no Laura Bush…thankfully
George
I read Just Jane last month – and loved it! I would love to read this as well 🙂
Looks like a nice book
Love Historical novels please enter me.
Sounds like an interesting read. Please enter me.
I know my wife would like to read this book.
i’d love to read it
very nice prize
This sounds interesting. I would love to read it!
I would love this book. Thanks for the great giveaway.
I sure hope I win thanks
I would really like to win this.
I love Nancy Moser’s books! Sign me up!
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.
Good summer reading!
Ok, you convinced me it’s more than worth reading! Thanks for the giveaway.
Thank you for the great review. Sounds like a book I would really enjoy!
Nancy Moser’s books always draw my attention. I look forward to reading this one. Thank you for the opportunity to win it!
Enter me! Sounds like an interesting read!
I’d love to read this! I love historical fiction! THANKS!
Oh, I’d love to win this book! I’ve recently gotten back into reading during the warm afternoon!
I enjoy historical fiction too. I’ll have to check out Moser’s books! Thanks for the author tip! 🙂
you won me over with your review. i would love to read this book (by winning it, of course!) count me in.
I love historical fiction, and I have never read this author.
Sounds fantastic!!!
Please enter me. Thanks!
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!
Looks like a good read. anyone read it before??
good luck everyone.
This book sounds so interesting! I’d love to win it!
~Tanya
the4moyers at msn dot com
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.
I’m a history book fiend! Count me in!
Pleasea count me in – historical fiction is my absolute favorite!! Thank you>
This does sound interesting. I’d love to be entered.
I would like to win a copy of this book.
THANKS!
looks like a great read thanks for the contest
Can I win, please?! I love her books. I do have a US address.
I would love to read this book.
Historical fiction is one of my favorites,this looks interesting. I would love to get my hands on a copy.
I love historical fiction!
My kind of reading.I’v always enjoyed historical fiction.
I love historical fiction and there isn’t actually a whole lot about presidential wives. Count me in!
My daughternlaw loves historical fiction.
I’d love to read this 🙂 *Thanks* for the giveaway!
Sounds like a great read!
Please enter me! This sounds like a great book.
I’ve seen some excellent reviews for this book, and I’ve always had a thing for the Revolutionary period. Please count me in!
This looks like an interesting book. I’ll have to read it sometime. Thanks for the cool giveaway!!
Very good review. Really makes me want to read this book. Please enter me in the contest.
This book looks wonderful! Thanks for the great review!
Washington’s Lady sounds like an interesting historical read! I would love to read it!
Sounds very interesting! Would love to read something different 🙂
I love stories of history
Sounds really neat we love history!
Yes I do love to read. Washington’s Lady sounds so fine.
I have been obsessed with revolutionary war era histirical fiction since I was 12 years old. This one sounds great.
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
This sounds fabulous. I would love to be entered, as I really enjoy historical fiction.
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
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!
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.
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/
Ooh that sounds like my kind of book, I deffinetly would love to have something new to read, and the cover looks absolutely enticing!
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!)
I love historical fiction! I’d love to win!
I’d love to read this…I am going to purchase it even if I don’t win. Thanks so much!
I’ve heard of this book, and I’d like to read it. Count me in, please!
I have recently developed a taste for historical fiction, and this books sounds delicious!