About Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker
- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Plume (September 24, 2013)
Jennifer Chiaverini departs from her New York Times bestselling Elm Creek Quilts series to debut her first stand-alone novel, MRS. LINCOLN’S DRESSMAKER. This compelling historical novel unveils the private lives of the Lincolns from the time of their rise to White House glory, through the President’s shocking assassination and its tumultuous aftermath, until the end of Mary Todd Lincoln’s troubled life—all told from the perspective of the First Lady’s most trusted confidante and friend, her dressmaker Elizabeth Keckley. A New York Times bestseller, MRS. LINCOLN’S DRESSMAKER (Plume / September 24th / $16.00) is now available in paperback from Plume.
The Lincolns have been immortalized in countless works, but Keckley’s story has really been told only once—and that was in her own controversial memoir, published in 1868. Meticulously researched as well as highly imaginative, MRS. LINCOLN’S DRESSMAKER brings an all but forgotten piece of history back to life.
Born into slavery, Elizabeth Keckley earned freedom for herself and her son by the skill of her needle. She moved to Washington, DC, where she quickly made a name for herself as the city’s most talented dressmaker. It didn’t take long for Washington’s political and social elite to take notice of her intricate designs, flawless needlework, and the flattering fit of her dresses. After moving into the White House, Mrs. Lincoln called upon Keckley to be her personal modiste—but she soon became much more. A devoted friend, Keckley supported Mrs. Lincoln through political scandal, the loss of a child, her husband’s assassination, and her eventual descent into poverty.
Chiaverini is no stranger to creating poignant and relatable historical fiction; her long-standing Elm Creek Quilts series has hit the New York Times bestseller list fourteen times. She is often praised for her ability to create complex characters and powerful story lines that bring history to life in her novels.
An engaging story of strength and perseverance, MRS. LINCOLN’S DRESSMAKER illuminates the remarkable friendship between a First Lady and an extraordinary freedwoman.
About Jennifer Chiaverini
Jennifer Chiaverini is the author of the New York Times bestselling Elm Creek Quilts series, as well as five collections of quilt projects inspired by the novels. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives with her husband and sons in Madison, Wisconsin.
Connect with Jennifer on her website, elmcreek.net, and on Twitter @jchiaverini.
Jennifer Chiaverini’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:
Monday, November 18th: BookNAround
Tuesday, November 19th: Always With a Book **book spotlight and giveaway
Thursday, November 21st: Bibliotica
Monday, November 25th: A Bookworm’s World
Tuesday, November 26th: Red Headed Book Child
Wednesday, November 27th: Lit and Life
Friday, November 29th: Tiffany’s Bookshelf
Monday, December 2nd: Book-alicious Mama
Tuesday, December 3rd: Peppermint Ph.D.
Thursday, December 5th: The Daily Mayo
Friday, December 6th: West Metro Mommy Reads
Monday, December 9th: Ageless Pages Reviews
Wednesday, December 11th: Bookchickdi
Thursday, December 12th: Broken Teepee
Friday, December 13th: Must Read Faster
Tuesday, December 17th: Kritter’s Ramblings
Wednesday, December 18th: Lavish Bookshelf