Review: Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

 

Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

by Candice Sue Patterson

About the Book

The Safety of the First Lady Rests in Shirley’s Hands

Shirley Davenport is as much a patriot as her four brothers. She, too, wants to aid her country in the war efforts, but opportunities for women are limited. When her best friend Joan informs her that the Coast Guard has opened a new branch for single women, they both enlist in the SPARs, ready to help protect the home front.

 

Training is rigorous, and Shirley is disappointed that she and Joan are sent to separate training camps. At the end of basic training, Captain Webber commends her efforts and commissions her home to Maine under the ruse of a dishonorable discharge to help uncover a plot against the First Lady.

Shirley soon discovers nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust? Why do the people she loves want to harm the First Lady? With the help of Captain Webber, it’s a race against time to save Mrs. Roosevelt and remain alive.

My Thoughts

This book was amazing! I’ll admit that in the beginning it seemed like it may be more of a “light” read, yet as the story unfolded, it really became more layered. It was a really well balanced read.

Shirley was an endearing heroine. Coming from a small town and longing to see the world, in the beginning she is a bit timid and unsure of herself. She’s someone a lot of people can relate to. I loved reading about her leaving home to train with the SPARs, finding her voice, and learning to stick up for herself. As I read, I tried to put myself in her shoes; leaving all she knew to do a job with next to no support from loved ones, then coming home to vicious rumors while having to keep a secret for the government. It would be unimaginably difficult, yet Shirley handles it with maturity and grace.

The book is filled with historical details that make that era come to life. I loved all the touches of mystery and suspense that really kept me turning pages and guessing up until the end.

Those who love WWII fiction with suspense and romance won’t want to miss Saving Mrs. Roosevelt. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.