well-researched, poignant portrait of the amazing Eleanor Roosevelt; the political and private life from the First Lady’s point of view.
The novel opens as the Roosevelts move into the White House in 1933, fulfilling Franklin’s lifelong dream of becoming the President. In this dual timeline, Eleanor’s reflections take the reader from meeting Franklin at a party in 1902 to visiting his gravesite in 1948. Stuart covers America’s political climate from before the bombing of Pearl Harbor through the end of World War II. That’s a lot of campaigning, train trips, and elections! Franklin and Eleanor’s political views and news is kept front and center: fireside chats, Eleanor’s daily news column, speaking engagements, and myriad women’s groups. Eleanor’s heart for freedom and justice for all Americans is revealed repeatedly as she makes unbelievable personal sacrifices for the good of Franklin’s career and the country.
Told from Eleanor’s perspective Stuart portrays the couple’s great respect and love for each other with compassion and candor. Eleanor’s discovery of a bundle of violet scented letters creates a great divide in the Roosevelt marriage. Stuart shows discernment and sympathy for Eleanor’s true heart in her bold demand of two marriage conditions rather than divorce, while highlighting family relationships, the separate residences, and Eleanor’s own friends she called ‘intimates’.
Known as First Lady, but also as a writer, broadcaster, campaigner, and friend. This novel celebrates Eleanor’s cerebral bond with Franklin, her uncanny gift of being a great listener and her lifelong stand against prejudice.
The President’s Wife is a stunning jewel in Anna Stuart’s author crown.

World War II raged across Europe, but when Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941, America entered the conflict. Franklin D. Roosevelt, the President, was accompanied by his First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. Amidst their personal challenges and strained marriage, Eleanor had to put aside her own struggles and lead her country through this trying time.

It broke her heart to witness the women bidding farewell to their fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons, some of whom would never return as they embarked on the perilous journey of war.

“The President’s Wife,” an extraordinary novel by Anna Stuart, captivated me from the very first page. It provided me with a profound understanding of Eleanor Roosevelt’s life and her unwavering compassion for her nation. Despite facing numerous challenges, she consistently prioritized the needs of others over her own.

I was immediately drawn into this captivating story, which was beautifully written and left me deeply emotional. Kleenex was undoubtedly essential for getting through the story. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book, from its wonderful characters to the exceptional writing of its author. I highly recommend this remarkable read.

The President's Wife is a very good and extremely well researched historical fiction book about a lady I knew very little about, the First Lady of America during the second world war years Eleanor Roosevelt. The authors writing is good and engaging and the story flows well. I liked that the plot moved from past to present easily and enjoyed reading about Eleanor and Franklin's life and relationship both before The White House and when living in it during Franklins presidency. It portrays Eleanor as a likeable, determined and very focused lady who championed womens rights selflessly. At times I thought the pacing was just a little too slow and my interest did waver then. If you're a fan of historical fiction, particular if its set in world war 2 then I'd recommend this.

3.5 stars

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt phones his wife, Eleanor, it quickly becomes clear to her that America is now at war following the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

In this story, we read about Eleanor’s life being married to Franklin. She didn’t have an easy marriage, but she used her position as the wife of the president to her advantage to help women’s rights.

This was an interesting and informative story. Although it is historical fiction, there will have been an awful lot of research involved to write this book.

Eleanor Roosevelt was a formidable lady, and certainly got things done.

The story is told from the point of view of The First Lady, and I learned a lot from the book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

The book gives an insight into the lives of Eleanor Roosevelt's and her husbands life both before and after his rise to become the president. Se was a very strong lady and fought hard for what she believed in.
A great book for anyone wanting to learn about them both.

Literally read this book in one sitting. I couldnt put it down. What an amazing read this was! Highly recommend it!

Bio-fiction Eleanor Roosevelt. There are many very good biographies of this important women's well as many fictionalized accounts of various aspects of her life. This is a quick overview of her life with Franklin, both before and during his Presidency, It's a good introduction Roosevelt and the challenges she faced.

This was an interesting look into the life of Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a strong woman who helped shape America. Good historical fiction story

The President's Wife was an inspiring WW2 historical fiction book that chronicles the life of Elenore Roosevelt. I was drawn to this novel as I enjoy Anna Stuart's writing and it did not disappoint. It was very interesting to learn more about the time and the behind the scenes information. I really enjoy stories about strong women before their time and this is definitely checks all the boxes. It is very similar to The English Wife which tells the story of Clementine and Winston Churchill during WW2. Both are excellent reads by Anna Stuart.

Thank you Net Galley, Anna Stuart and Bookouture for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.
The President's Wife is expected to be released on Sept. 23, 2025.

It was interesting to read about Eleanor Roosevelt and her role as First Lady to the President during his time in office as the U.S. entered World War II. It was a time of great uncertainty and she was a driving force behind her husband. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC. I’m looking forward to other books by Anna Stuart.

An enthralling historical fiction journey into the life of Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady and wife of Franklin D Roosevelt. Vigorously researched this is a work of fiction but strongly based on the available information about this fascinating woman. Told in the first person this is a story of Eleanor’s life, particularly during the years of World War II and after.

Briefly, Eleanor married Franklin despite opposition from his family and supported him through his four terms of office, most notably during WWII. Throughout her life she was a firm believer in the rights of human beings to live a life free of persecution and championed many groups. Detailing her difficult marriage, with affairs on both sides, but it’s her fervent desire to use her unique position to push the rights of women, particularly in wartime, that is laid out clear to all.

Eleanor was a powerhouse, they say behind every successful man there’s a strong woman and in this case I think it might just have been the truth. An incredible woman, born of privilege, and full of determination from helping her husband in his political aspirations and life, to pushing through the UN Declaration of Human Rights. What a story but more importantly what a woman!

This is my second book by Anna Stuart, and once again, I've really enjoyed it.
This is my first time reading about WWII from the POV of those within The White House and certainly through the eyes of The First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
The book is split into three parts and flicks between the earlier years of her relationship with Franklin and the war years.
Having read the authors notes, I'm aware of the extensive research undertaken, and although this is a work of fiction, it is based on factual information available.
Eleanor came across as a really likeable person. She was a hard-working lady who was unafraid to speak up for those who needed it, often despite it going against what is expected of a First Lady. I also enjoyed seeing how her relationship changed with Clementine Churchill, from the awkward pushed together wives of powerful men to a more comfortable friendship.
I learned a lot from reading this and enjoyed seeing a mix of both public and private matters within. Having finished the book, and found a new interest in Eleanor, I have made a note of the further reading as recommended by the author.

Very interesting biography style book about Eleanor Roosevelt. Being from the UK, I only knew a little about her. She was such a powerful, articulate and intelligent woman. In today's world she would probably give the men a run for their money for President. I believe she would have made an excellent President. I found her childhood and early life was very sad despite the privilege. Coincidentally, I am watching a programme about 3 of the notable FLOTUS and she is one of those portrayed. What a woman!

Wow, what a read! Once started I could hardly put it down.
Eleanor Roosevelt was one remarkable woman who got down to street level and mixed with the very people who elected her husband in the first place. All this was while she was nursing woes of her own. I felt her husband didn’t deserve such a loyal wife, but at the same time thinking would she have been able to achieve all that she did without the position his status gave her, I believe so. She may have been his 1st lady, but was she his no.1 woman?
I definitely recommend this book, it’s fascinating.

I just loved this book and intend to read more about Eleanor who was definitely my favourite character, least favourite was Polly who apart from anything else was irritating.

If I could give this book more than 5* I would
I loved it
So interesting
So beautifully written
So historical and practically but not quite a true story
It’s all about Eleanor Roosevelt’s life as the First lady of America whilst her husband Franklyn serves almost 4 terms as President
I learned more about this American president than I ever knew
The novel tells the story of this pair from when they meet to Franklyns death and beyond
It talks about the worlds war with Hitler the aggressor and how the rest of The world unite to overthrow him
It is heartbreaking in parts and joyous in others
Lots to read and digest
What a wonderful Eleanor Roosevelt’s was and what an inspiration
The whole of the novel was so interesting and very easy to read
Even when the novel ends the authors notes and history at the end are wonderful to read

“The President’s Wife” is a historical fiction book by Anna Stuart. This book can serve as a companion book to Ms. Stuart’s previous book “The English Wife,” as that covered one of the characters who makes an appearance in this book - Clementine Churchill. “The President’s Wife” covers Eleanor Roosevelt’s life focusing mainly on her time in the White House during WWII, though there are chapters recounting her early life, including her courtship/marriage with Franklin Roosevelt. While others have commented that this book is a bit politically heavy, I’ve the feeling that causes were important to Eleanor Roosevelt - whether it be the government assisting working mothers during WWII (something that again came up during COVID-19 for essential workers in the US) or ending segregation. Reading all that Eleanor Roosevelt did - from her “My Day” columns to radio programs to correspondences with Americans let alone her travels during WWII - was incredible and I grew tired for her. Overall, I thought that this was a pretty good book - I did learn a few more things about Ms. Roosevelt that I didn’t know before - and it was also a pretty fast read. My one comment is that at times the pacing dragged a bit and I felt that it was a bit too long in places, but thinking about the overall book, I’m not sure what I’d cut from it to advance the plot.

I’d previously read Anna Stuart’s novel The English Wife, so was keen to follow this up with reading another of her novels. This was equally as good, extremely well researched, a plethora of historical facts and remarkable people who influenced and shaped the world with their actions and commitment.

Eleanor Roosevelt was truly an amazing woman, achieving so much more than any other American woman. Her life had been blighted by Franklin’s affair whilst she was still young, but this did not hamper her career and self worth as a spokesperson for women suffering hardship during the war, giving comfort to injured military personnel and her continual quest for world peace and acceptance of human rights.

I’ll say no more as I wouldn’t want to spoil it for other readers; suffice to say it’s a brilliant piece of writing which touches one’s sensitivities.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers Bookculture for the opportunity to review this ARC

Pick up this gorgeous hug of a book and get transported to a beautiful place wraps itself round you like a cosy blanket. Based on true events!

This story gave me a look into Eleanor Roosevelt's life in America at one of the most stormy times in its history. Starting from the aftermath of Pearl Harbour, I read about Roosevelt and the choices he had to make about entering WW2.

I loved how the book went back and forth in time, going from the start of her budding relationship with Franklin and then to the present day and her role as the First Lady.

Yes, the book featured many political parts, but her personal side was also interesting and emotional.

The war and the journey were obviously tense and sad, and reading about the complicated relationship the couple had made it more real to me.

Eleanor was the First Lady, a wife, and a mother; she had her own fears, doubts, and the desire to help and serve her country.

This is another great read from Anna Stuart. If you want a story that's as compelling as it is historically rich, pick up a copy when it's released on September 23rd!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The President’s Wife by Anna Stuart!

This was my first Anna Stuart book and I absolutely loved being fully immersed in the world of Eleanor Rosevelt. I loved watching history unfold through the eyes of one of America’s favorite women. I learned so much about our country’s history and the creation of the United Nations. Learning about how the United Nations came about and getting a glimpse at what some of the behind-the-scenes conversations could have looked like was definitely a highlight of the book for me.

This book took me through the roller coaster of emotions Eleanor endured and was filled with hope and heartbreak. I can’t read the story about Clementine Churchill!

Some of my favorite quotes:

“Eleanor had traveled as much of America as she could and met a variety of people. Some of them had such different lives to her own that it could feel a little scary, but the moment you got stuck in and talked to them—listened to them—you found out they were fold like any other, with their own sets of hopes and worries.”

“Maybe the most vital work was not, in fact, the “big” stuff, but the everyday, small kindnesses.”