First Lady (Wynette, Texas, 4)

I have just recently discovered SEP. First Lady was my first book by this gifted Author and what a surprise. I loved every minute of it and hated when it ended. I have a younger brother that grew up with four sisters (and he wasn't even the oldest) and I promise you he is just a tad strange about women. (thank heavens he found a woman who grew up with four younger brothers). I found this hero to be realistic in many ways and so wonderful. I loved Neally and I have traveled across country in a motor home with teenagers and babies. I wish I could have had this book then maybe I could have seen the humor in it then that I see now, and hey folks the name of the game is romantic fiction. I read fiction cause I want to get away from the uglies of reality. Stick with it Susan. Make my heros wonderful, my heroines beautiful and their lives funny. I need it. Please!

I'm amazed at the number of reviews that say the story isn't believeable... I say its romance not nonfiction for crying out loud. SEP makes me laugh out loud and I read her books for entertainment not hard hitting facts. I especially enjoyed Nealy's contact with former First Ladies. (Talk about an exclusive club) I absolutely love SEP's depiction of Button/Demon and Mat's frustration dealing with her. Living off of I-270 I could easily picture Nealy's getaway. Bravo!

I usually don't write reviews about books that I have read. I like reading what other people have written, sometimes I agree and sometimes I don't. After reading some of the reviews for First Lady I have to comment! As I was reading these reviews, especially those of the last few days, I had to resist the urge to pick up F.L. and re-read it to make sure we had read the same book. The chacters names were the same, but the characters boring? Please! That was not the book that I read. SEP has a way of delving into her characters until you feel you know them well enough to be your best friends. Nealy and Mat were no exception. Now, I haven't done any kind of research on the subject of politics and first ladies, but it doesn't seem to implausible that the first lady of the US of A could be a little burned out! It also stands to reason that a man who raised 7 (I think it was that many) sisters and was surrounded by women for the first 3/4 of his life would shy away from marriage and the family scene. Unfortunately, some teenagers do act like Lucy. It was annoying, but 14 year olds ARE annoying! There were a few unrealistic scenes, but it wouldn't be a romance novel without them. I don't know about you, but if I wanted more realism I would stick to reading only Oprahs book club selections. I think that's why a lot of us read romance novels, to take a small break from real life. I know I haven't described the book in any detail, you can read some of the other reviews for that. I just wanted to write this review to tell you to READ THIS BOOK! It won't be a waste of your time. SEP promises great books and great escapes and First Lady is no exception.

When you are glued to the pages till 5AM... it's a sure sign that the book is not only captivating, but also, funny, poignant and throughly enjoyable. First Lady by SEP was the book that I was glued to! This romance novel is an original story about a widowed First Lady, Cornelia Case, in search of herself on the roads of suburbs of midwest in a disguise... and in turn, finds herself a new adventure... and love in the form of Mat Jorik. SEP *always* present the most realistic (as realistic as they can get for a romance novel) characters and dialogue and FL was no acception! From the beginning, I was intrigued with the burnt out First Lady and Mat- who seemed to be surrounded by numerous females from birth. When this two most unlikely characters are thrown together in a beat up Winnebago named Mabel along with a baby named Butt and a rebellious teenager... well, you can just guess what happens. Or maybe not. Especially if the First Lady is in a disguise! But the twists and turns in the book had me guessing what was gonna happen next, the entire time. The ending is wonderful and very satisfying... Nealy goes for her goals and achieves it. With the help of everyone around her. Marvelous! I was definitely impressed with SEP's knowledge of past First Ladies facts and details of White House. I wonder what she did for her research! This gotta be the best road romance I've ever read... And probably best "I love you" scene... which totally made me cry. Tears rolling down my cheeks and all! Although, Dan Calebow from It Had To Be You is my favorite SEP hero, Mat Jorik is giving Dan a run for his money! Definitely a keeper! Can't wait for This Heart Of Mine! By the way, if you've never read an SEP novel, start with this one! You *can't* go wrong with FL!

You must read this charming, wonderful, and unusual story of our own American princess, a protected and sheltered political pawn who finds the courage to go on the lamb. But hiding isn't easy for such a famous young woman, that is, until she is rescued by a reluctant, grumbling hero who rides in on..of all things...a Winnebago! I was fortunate enough to read FIRST LADY early and this book delivers everything you have come to expect from the Diva of Romance, Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I just loved it! You will laugh out loud at Nealy's attempts at instant motherhood. You will want to hug Lucy, the sassy, bright and mouthy teenager, close to your chest, and I guarantee you will laugh and cry along with these characters as they travel across middle-America and right into your heart. FIRST LADY is filled with charming yet vulnerable people you will adore. When you read the last page you will be craving more from Susan Elizabeth Phillips because her books are just the best there is today in romance. Enjoy it! I did.