Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker and a Giveaway

Jennifer Chiaverini is a well known author, frequently recognized for her delightful books in the popular series of Elm Creek Quilt books.  Her latest book "Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker", published by Dutton press,  was officially released on January 15th.  And, SewCalGal is delighted with the opportunity to review this book, along with hosting a giveaway of a copy for one of my readers.

"Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker" focuses on Elizabeth Keckley, who was born into slavery, yet earned her freedom for herself and her son, through her sewing skills.  She moved to Washington, DC, where she gained recognition as being a talented dressmaker and was sought after by the elite in Washington during a time of political turmoil, pressure of elegance, yet economic disaster, not to overlook loss of life and loved ones during the Civil War.

Jennifer does an exceptional job visually stimulating the reader with the elegance of the period, where rich woman were beautifully dressed, as well as sharing insights on how a talented seamstress could earn a comfortable living with her skills, as well as teach others to do the same.  While prior books, written by Jennifer, spent time allowing the reader to get to know "all" the characters, the primary relationship in this book is with Elizabeth Keckley and Mrs. Lincoln. The  reader is drawn in to seeing this relationship evolve from the point where Elizabeth is initial hired to work for Mrs. Lincoln, to where friendship, trust and respect is formed, on through the years to when Mr. Lincoln is killed, as well as what happened to Mrs. Lincoln as she left the White House and her lifestyle in Washington.

While this book is historical fiction, it is well written and an interesting story.  Jennifer does a great job getting the reader to care about the characters, yet also paint the picture about a painful time in US history.  Sewing enthusiasts will certainly enjoy hearing about costumes of the period.  Fans of Jennifer will enjoy her story telling skills, and those that enjoy fictional history will certainly enjoy reading "Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker".  This book would also be a "must read" for book clubs, which I think would certainly enjoy the discussion that could come afterwards!


SewCalGal hopes you get a chance to check out this book at your local quilt shop or book store.  Jennifer Chiaverini is also making many book signing appearances, where you may have a chance to meet her in person and get a signed copy of this new book.  

Date	Event	Time	City/State
Jan 18	Joseph-Beth Booksellers	7:00 PM	Cincinnati, OH
Jan 19	Warren County Historical Society	12:00 PM	Lebanon, OH
Jan 19	Joseph-Beth Booksellers	7:00 PM	Lexington, KY
Jan 20	Towne Book Center	2:00 PM	Collegeville, PA
Jan 21	Vero Beach Book Center	5:00 PM	Vero Beach, FL
Jan 24	Racine Public Library	6:30 PM	Racine, WI

Jennifer Chiaverini is the author of many wonderful books that you may find in your local Quilt Shop or Book Store, and on Amazon.  Here are a few of her books.

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Did I mention a giveaway?

Dutton Books, Penguin Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway where followers of SewCalGal, that live in the US,  could win a copy of this book.  The sponsor will be shipping a copy of this book directly to the winner.

Enter via this Rafflecopter entry form. SewCalGal will announce the winner of this giveaway next Friday, when a new Fun Friday Giveaway is announced.

Update:  Congratulations to Jocelyn P. (Happy Cottage Quilter)

Enter via this Rafflecopter form

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