"The daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune refuses to back down as white supremacists attempt to thwart her work. She marches on as an activist and an educator, and as her reputation grows she becomes a celebrity, revered by titans of business and recognized by U.S. Presidents. Eleanor Roosevelt herself is awestruck and eager to make her acquaintance. Initially drawn together because of their shared belief in women's rights and the power of education, Mary and Eleanor become fast friends confiding their secrets, hopes, and dreams--and holding each other's hands through personal and professional strife. When Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected president, the two women begin to collaborate more closely, particularly as Eleanor moves toward her own agenda separate from FDR, a consequence of the devastating discovery of her husband's secret love affair. Eleanor becomes a controversial First Lady for her outspokenness, particularly on civil rights. And when she receives threats because of her strong ties to Mary, it only fuels the women's desire to fight together for justice and equality. This is the story of two different, yet equally formidable, passionate, and committed women, and the way in which their singular friendship helped formthe foundation for the modern civil rights movement"-- - (Baker & Taylor)

The Instant New York Times Bestseller! 

A novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune—an unlikely friendship that changed the world, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian.

The daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune refuses to back down as white supremacists attempt to thwart her work. She marches on as an activist and an educator, and as her reputation grows she becomes a celebrity, revered by titans of business and recognized by U.S. Presidents. Eleanor Roosevelt herself is awestruck and eager to make her acquaintance. Initially drawn together because of their shared belief in women’s rights and the power of education, Mary and Eleanor become fast friends confiding their secrets, hopes and dreams—and holding each other’s hands through tragedy and triumph.
 
When Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected president, the two women begin to collaborate more closely, particularly as Eleanor moves toward her own agenda separate from FDR, a consequence of the devastating discovery of her husband’s secret love affair. Eleanor becomes a controversial First Lady for her outspokenness, particularly on civil rights. And when she receives threats because of her strong ties to Mary, it only fuels the women’s desire to fight together for justice and equality.
 
This is the story of two different, yet equally formidable, passionate, and committed women, and the way in which their singular friendship helped form the foundation for the modern civil rights movement. - (Findaway World Llc)

Library Journal Reviews

Benedict and Murray offer a second collaborative work (following The Personal Librarian), chronicling the friendship between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune, who meet in 1927 at a women's luncheon and immediately sense a connection. Mary, already a well-known educator and activist, is a loyal member of the Republican party; Eleanor is working on behalf of her husband, currently serving as governor of New York but considering a run for the presidency. The chapters alternate between Eleanor's perspective (narrated by Tavia Gilbert) and Mary's (voiced by Robin Miles) and clearly show how racism and segregation impact their interactions and society's expectations for how they should behave. Eleanor and Mary begin by working together on governmental and educational reforms and eventually develop a warm personal friendship that endures for decades. Miles and Gilbert provide evocative, sensitive performances, although the subtle distinctions between their depictions can be confusing. VERDICT Fans of Benedict and Murray's first book will be delighted with this well-researched account of a groundbreaking friendship. Recommended for those who enjoyed Kelly O'Connor McNees's Undiscovered Country.—Susan Cox