The Spymistress: A Novel

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Born to slave-holding aristocracy in Richmond, Virginia, and educated by Northern Quakers, Elizabeth Van Lew was a paradox of her time. When her native state seceded in April 1861, Van Lew's convictions compelled her to defy the new Confederate regime. New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini is back with another enthralling historical novel inspired by the life of 'a true union woman as true as steel.' Born to slave-holding aristocracy in Richmond, Virginia, and educated by Northern Quakers, Elizabeth Van Lew was a paradox of her time. When her native state seceded in April 1861, Van Lew's convictions compelled her to defy the new Confederate regime. Pledging her loyalty to the Lincoln White House, her courage would never waver, even as her wartime actions threatened not only her reputation, but also her life. Van Lew helped to construct the Richmond Underground and orchestrated escapes from the infamous Confederate Libby Prison under the guise of humanitarian aid. Her spy ring's reach was vast, from clerks in the Confederate War and Navy Departments to the very home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. In Chiaverini's riveting tale of high-stakes espionage, a great heroine of the Civil War finally gets her due. Praise for The Spymistress A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Best Book of the Year 'Jennifer Chiaverini's latest bestseller will thrill Civil War buffs and anyone who loves reading about American history and the contribution of women to the momentous events that formed this country.' Bookreporter.com 'Daring and dangerous . . . Based on the real Van Lew's exploits . . . Like the Jane Austen heroines she admired, she used both the courtesies afforded her and the limits placed on her as a woman to get things done.' Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Reviews

Historyand its colorful characterscome alive. USA Today

Required Reading . . . The story of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln and Lizzie Keckley, a former slave who became Mrs. Lincolns seamstress and confidante. After the presidents assassination, Keckley created the Mary Todd Lincoln quilt and also a scandalous memoir. A new spin on the story. --New York Post

Jennifer Chiaverini imagines the first ladys most private affairs through the eyes of an unlikely confidante. Harpers Bazaar

Chiaverini has drawn a loving portrait of a complex and gifted woman . . . Mrs. Lincolns Dressmaker helps to illuminate the path on which her long and remarkable life led her. St. Louis Post-Dispatch

An example of what Jennifer Chiaverini does so well in her enlightening new historical novel,Mrs. Lincolns Dressmaker,occurs late in the book, when a newly widowed Mary Todd Lincoln shares a letter of condolence from Queen Victoria with her dressmaker, a former slave named Elizabeth Keckley. . . . Mrs. Lincolns Dressmakervividly imagines how the Civil War touched daily life in Washington. --Washingtonian

Mrs. Lincolns Dressmaker is a wonderful novel that covers many topics surrounding the events of the 1860s in Washington and the following decades Any reader interested in President Lincoln, Civil War history, or historical fiction should love this book. Bookreporter.com

All the characters are brilliantly written, and readers will enjoy getting to know them. [Chiaverini] brings to life long-forgotten snapshots of Americas past with style, grace and respect. RT Book Reviews

Taking readers through times of war and peace as seen through the eyes of an extraordinary woman, the author brings Civil War Washington to vivid life through her meticulously researched authentic detail. Chiaverini's characters are compelling and accurate; the reader truly feels drawn into the intimate scenes at the White House. Library Journal

Praise for Jennifer Chiaverini and the Elm Creek Quilts series Chiaverinis themes of love, loss, and healing will resonate with many, and her characters stories are inspiring. Publishers Weekly

Chiaverini has an impressive ability to bring a time and place alive. Romantic Times Book Reviews

Emotionally compelling. Chicago Tribune on Sonoma Rose

Jennifer Chiaverini has made quite a name for herself with her bestselling Elm Creek Quilts series. From the Civil War to the Roaring Twenties to contemporary settings, these novels have offered suspense, romance, and, at times, in-depth looks into the social, political, and cultural differences that helped shape a nation. BookPage

Chiaverini excels at weaving stories and at character development. We can relate to the residents of Elm Creek Valley because they remind us of folks we knowa cousin, an aunt, or a grandmother. Standard-Examiner (Utah)

Author Bio

JENNIFER CHIAVERINI is the author of the New York Times bestselling Elm Creek Quilts series and Mrs. Lincolns Dressmaker. A graduate of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and two sons.