I have to admit, FAITH OF THE FIRST LADIES is one of the most condensed, yet thoroughly engaging, look at First Ladies throughout history.  Sadly, not all First Ladies are focused upon, but thirty did make it into Jerry MacGregor and Marie Prys' book.

The thirty First Ladies included are:  Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, Elizabeth Monroe, Louisa Adams, Rachel Jackson, Hannah Van Buren, Anna Harrison, Letitia Taylor, Sarah Polk, Abigail Fillmore, Jane Pierce, Julia Grant, Lucy Hayes, Frances Cleveland, Caroline Adams, Edith Roosevelt, Ellen Wilson, Grace Coolidge, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, Rosalynn Carter, Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.  As this is a Christian publisher, there is focus on each woman's religious upbringing, but it isn't lengthy.  Focus remains on the First Ladies' role while her husband was in office and surprising details about each woman that may surprise you.

The book begins with Martha Washington, and I still believe she is my favorite First Lady.  In a nutshell, it is Martha who said, "I think I am more like a state prisoner than anything else, there is certain bounds set for me which I must not depart from..."  Sad, but very true.  First Ladies are expected to be supporting, loving, and become a superb hostess at the drop of a hat--not a life I'd want to lead.  The chapters are not long, but I often found myself going back and rereading little details to pick up anything I may have missed.

There is plenty to be learned from FAITH OF THE FIRST LADIES.  Do you know which former President had a pet black bear?  Which former First Lady was dismissed from The Society Of Friends for refusing to marry inside the Quaker religion?  Who was the first of these women to have a formal education?  Which former First Lady lost her son shortly before her husband was inaugurated and never was able to move past her intense grief?  How about this one-which former First Lady was a Diehard Red Sox fan?

 I'm not sharing!  If you want to know the answer to these questions, you'll have to buy a copy of the book!