In a life that spanned nearly a century and witnessed some of the most momentous events in American history, Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley was born a slave. She earned her freedom by the skill of her needle and won the friendship of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln with her devotion. In her sweeping historical novel, "Mars. Lincoln's Dressmaker," New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini illuminates the extraordinary relationship the two women shared, beginning in the hallowed halls of the White House during the trials of the Civil War and enduring almost, but not quite, to the end of Mrs. Lincoln's days.

This book gives a view of the Lincolns" personal life during their days in the White House as well as Mrs. Keckley's extraordinary life. I learned a lot of things I didn't know about the personal life of the Lincolns, as well as, the "goings on" during the Civil War.

This is a copy personally signed by Jennifer to me when I attended her book signing in Lebanon OH. I'll keep it as a memento but do have another copy out in circulation.