As with many gatherings this past week, the Tuesday Afternoon Book Club did not meet this month.  They did read a good book and will discuss it at their next meeting. 

If you are a fan of historical fiction, this may be a book for you.  “Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival “ by Jennifer Chiaverini  is a sequel to “Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker’,  a book the Book Club members previously read. The book is set in Washington, D. C.  in 1861 – 1865 and includes all the turmoil of the Civil War.  It tells of the relationship of Kate Chase, daughter of Salmon P. Chase, the Secretary of Treasury and Chief Justice during Lincoln’s administration, and First Lady, Mary Todd Lincoln. 

Kate, who is only 21 when the book opens manages her father’s household.  Her mother died when she was very young.  In addition to managing the household and planning parties for her father she becomes very involved in the politics of the time.  Kate is determined to see her father elected President of the United States.  She was described by the Washington Star newspaper as “the most brilliant woman of the day – None outshone her!!”  Mrs. Lincoln envied Kate’s beauty and political intelligence.  The intertwining public lives of the two women never failed to inspire headlines. Author Jennifer Chiaverini tells the story of the Civil War from the perspective of these influential women.  It is an interesting portrait of the time. 

When the Library opens again, stop by to check out this book or another of her popular titles.