First Ladies

Mary McLeod Bethune is the daughter of once enslaved parents. She was one of the few born free as the fifteenth of seventeen children in a rustic log cabin in South Carolina. When a teacher in her small country schoolhouse recognized her extraordinary intelligence she helped Mary get a scholarship for a much higher level of education. Leaving home alone at a very young age Mary continued to shine at one institution after another. Ultimately, Mary founded a school for girls (later to become Bethune-Cookman University) in Daytona Beach, Florida. She selflessly sacrificed her entire life fighting for civil rights, equality and women. On first glance Eleanor Roosevelt couldn’t be more different, yet when the two women meet they are instantly two peas in a pod. Their goals and shared beliefs coincide on every level. Even though Eleanor hails from one of the most prominent and wealthy families in America, she has experienced her share of sadness and loss. She feels an immediate connection to Mary and their friendship blossoms. Eleanor is onboard with Mary’s struggle for equal rights and what begins as just a whisper in Franklin’s ears become groundbreaking speeches she makes for all to hear. Their agenda places Mary in Federal positions of questionable power but with Eleanor at her side the world cannot ignore her resourceful nature. Through decades of disappointments and amazing triumphs Mary and Eleanor never lose their faith or their beautiful connection as friends, as women, as humans. This latest work of historical fiction by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray is a powerful and inspiring journey you do not want to miss! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️