I found Feather Schwartz Foster's book on the First Ladies to be witty and original. She brings the First Ladies to life in a way that is almost autobiographical. Although the book is fiction, it is historically accurate. After reading the book, I felt as though I had gotten to know the First Ladies on a personal level. I can not recommend this book high enough, especially for the serious historical reader.

This book is a real winner with any history buff or someone that enjoys a good laugh. As I read this book I was amazed by how much history our former First Ladies are actually responsible for.
You have definitely done your research. I enjoyed the book and I am not a great history buff. LADIES was written with such great style that you really don't realize you are getting a history lesson. You have done a great job.

Recommendation: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Lynn Young is the Managing Editor of The MWLA review, a Reviewer and Editor

"Ladies - a Conjecture of Personalities" by Feather Schwartz Foster is a delightful treat for history lovers. When you read this book it will be like eating your favorite dessert: you just want more. She has created a minuet of short stories covering 138 years of American History through the eyes and ears of the forgotten First Ladies.

Throughout these well-researched and colorful short stories, you learn interesting facts such as: John Tyler's wife, Julia, was also famous for hosting elaborate White House parties just like Dolley Madison. She was also responsible for Congress establishing pensions for the widows of former U.S Presidents. Although this informative reading is for both men and women, the male reader who pays particular attention may learn something about how women actually think. The male reader will note Hillary Clintons' comment about John Tyler, "It seems no matter what talents or accomplishments a First Lady has, people always seem to make the biggest fuss about her clothes". This easy writing style transcends itself into creative commentaries throughout the book, and if you listen hard enough you can actually hear the voices of the First Ladies tell their story.

What a delightful breathe of fresh air on the arrival of this new historical writer with all her whimsical and humorous reflections. Yet all of this is done with just the right sense of flair and historical balance. This book is a delicious recipe for anyone's reading. Her book captures the spirit and flavor of times gone by, just like the backyard "Yarn" of Margaret Taylor.

Mrs. Foster's book resurrects little remembered or even known facts such as: Jeff Davis was Margaret Taylor's son-in-law, Abigail Fillmore helped educate her own husband and started the first White House Library. Let's not forget Mrs. Wilson's campaign to rid the Capital of squalid slums and Lou Hoover's responsibility for the purchase of what is today Camp David.

Please do yourself a favor and run out and by this book before they all disappear from the bookshelves.