Book Review: The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

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The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray is a historical fiction novel that spans many years and tells of the friendship between former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. I don't know if I would have picked up this book if it hadn't been the August selection for one of the book clubs I belong to in my area because I don't read a lot of historical fiction. However, I am so glad that I read it and was able to learn many things I hadn't learned about in any of my history classes.  I don't recall learning anything about Mary McLeod Bethune, and she is an important part of American history. The things she helped spearhead to provide African American people equal rights is quite impressive. One of the things I was horrified to learn about is Franklin D. Roosevelt's resistance to stop lynchings because he was afraid of losing the Southern Democrats backing for his New Deal Bill. Another thing that I fo...
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Book Review: The Housemaid (The Housemaid, #1) by Freida McFadden

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Banner of the Complete Book Series of The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

The Housemaid (The Housemaid, #1) by Freida McFadden is the first book in a series and opens with Millie interviewing for a housemaid position for the wealthy Winchester family. She's relieved when she learns that the job is hers until the gardener warms her of danger. It can't be worse than prison, right?

I purchased a paperback copy of this book from my local BJ's Wholesale Club, and I have to say that I was not disappointed at all. This story helped give me a headstart in getting out of my reading slump because it's a fast, engaging read. With that being said, I was expecting to be completely blindsided by the ending, and I had quite a bit figured out relatively early on, so when the big twist came about, I wasn't really too surprised. I am eager to read the rest of the series to see how it pans out.

The Running Bibliophile's Book Review of The Housemaid (The Housemaid, #1) by Freida McFadden
As far as the characters, I really liked the main character of Millie, who we know from the start has recently been released from prison and on parole. We do know that she has told some white lies, which sets the story up to be told from the perspective of an unreliable narrator. We don't know why she went to prison until the very end, and it wasn't exactly what I expected it to be. I don't want to give away anything in that regard, so I won't say more. 

Nina and Cecelia are both hot messes. I couldn't quite figure out the total 180 in personality change in Nina once Millie started working, but I did have some suspicion that it had something to do with Nina's husband Andrew. Cecelia acts like a spoiled brat and apparently doesn't remember meeting Millie during the interview, which I find surprising because it isn't like the time between Nina interviewing Millie and Millie's start date is that long of a time period.

At first, I really liked Andrew, but when he helped Millie out a time or two, I knew he had to be putting on an act. I absolutely despised him, but I can't entirely blame him due to the way he was raised. 

When it comes to Enzo, I wasn't sure if he was completely trustworthy or not. He did warn Millie of the danger, but I kept wondering if he was putting on an act.

All in all, I enjoyed The Housemaid (The Housemaid, #1) by Freida McFadden. I gave it four out of five stars due to some of the predictability of the storyline. I can't wait until the rest of the books in the series has been delivered to my house!


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