The Secrets of Mary Bowser
&#8220;Masterfully written,The Secrets of Mary Bowsershines a new light onto our country&#8217;s darkest history. Balancing fire and grace, the story of Mary Bowser is an ethical journey we won&#8217;t soon forget, one that takes us from hatred to courage to love.&#8221; (Brunonia Barry, bestselling author ofThe Lace ReaderandThe Map of True Places)&#8220;The Secrets of Mary Bowseris a good old-fashioned historical novel packed with drama, intrigue, love, loss, and most of all, the resilience of a remarkable heroine who forges her own destiny from the first page. What a treat!&#8221; (-Kelly O'Connor McNees, author ofThe Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott)&#8220;Deftly balancing history, romance and adventure, Leveen honors the life and historical importance of a brave, resourceful woman.&#8221; (Kirkus Reviews)&#8220;Told with clarity, confidence, and courage,The Secrets of Mary Bowserilluminates an untold and important story about slavery, the Civil War, and the role of women in achieving emancipation. A riveting and powerful book.&#8221; (Naseem Rakha, internationally bestselling author ofThe Crying Tree)&#8220;Lois Leveen has written a captivating novel...[she] demonstrates considerable skill bringing the historical period to life. Mary&#8217;s world is nuanced and complicated, but the reader is thoroughly drawn into it, never lost. The narrative voice carries with it a seamless authority, rare in novels of this type.&#8221; (Oregonian)&#8220;Deftly integrating historical research into this gripping tale of adventure, love, and national conflict, Leveen brings Mary to life and evenhandedly reveals the humanity on both sides of America&#8217;s deadliest war.&#8221; (Publishers Weekly)&#8220;The Secrets of Mary Bowseris not only fascinating reading, but also historical fiction of the highest caliber.&#8221; (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)&#8220;Author Lois Leveen&#8217;s meticulously researched historical fiction is best consumed with sweet tea and a porch swing.&#8221; (DailyCandy.com)&#8220;This novel will sweep you into the world of Mary Bowser without making you feel as if you&#8217;re sitting in school instead of on the beach.&#8221; (Statesman Journal (Oregon))