Read this only if you are really curious about Mrs. Lincoln. The story of the dressmaker is shallow and I didn't feel any true emotion for her - it felt like she was just there to give a reason for a story about Mrs. Lincoln. The info on the president and the war was brief and I didn't get much depth on it.

I had a hard time keeping the very many characters straight, especially when the timeline kept changing. Characters were dwelt on for a while that had little impact to the book. The main story was loose, without any compelling action. Most of the characters were just ordinary people with little to contribute. I was bored throughout the book.

After all the great reviews I was surprised I was not impressed with this book. I found, especially in the beginning, it to be very slow and hard to get into. I kept with it and liked the ending, but so much of the plot seemed too implausible, even for a book. I found the writing style to be almost arrogant in places.

I haven’t like any of her other books , but decided to try this one. It was fun from the start - as a young nonconformlng woman is sent to NYC to live. She experiences life in all manners of people and accepts them as they accept her. It is written in fun but then does get into the seriousness of what we want in life and what we want to be as a person and friend.