Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini

A very informative read for historical fiction fans with much detail about the Civil War. This is the story of Elizabeth Keckley, a former Negro slave who purchased her freedom for twelve hundred dollars.

It is 1860 and Abraham Lincoln has just been elected the sixteenth President of the United States. Mary Todd Lincoln, the new First Lady, has a fine taste for fashion and hires Mrs. Keckley as her dressmaker. The Washington elite begin to snub Mrs. Lincoln and she becomes increasingly lonely. Elizabeth is very sympathetic and soon she becomes Mrs. Lincoln's confidante and her only true friend. Mrs. Keckley would never allow anyone to disparage Mrs. Lincoln in her presence --- she remained her best and kindest friend. A lot of insight is revealed about the Lincoln's private life during this time. Also, the story tells about several tragedies that occurred during this period of history, including the death of Willie Lincoln and the assassination of President Lincoln. A truly great read - I highly recommend.