I love reading about lesser known women of the American Revolution. Folks can't possibly believe that only men existed in the founding of our country, right?? So well done by Susan Scott! I will absolutely read another novel she writes. I loved how she dropped little bits of information that we as readers found out was useful later on in the plot. Loved it!

Well done historical fiction that might send you, like me, off for more information. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is both entertaining and educational.

Love me a good secret family book! This one was well done and I really enjoyed it! The pacing did feel a little slow for me though.

Everyone has heard of Aaron Burr, who was infamous for killing Alexander Hamilton. Yet, hardly anyone has ever heard of his secret wife, Mary Emmons. Even though she is not mentioned in biographies of Aaron Burr, her legacy remains with her children, especially John Pierre Burr, the famous abolitionist. In this novel, Mrs. Scott reimagines what Mary Emmons’ life may have been like, and why Aaron Burr married her.

Mary Emmons was brought up in a poor household in Pondicherry, India. One day, her uncle sells her into slavery to the Beauharnais family. Through a series of events, she eventually makes her way to America where she is a slave to Theodosia, the wife of a British officer. Theodosia later marries Aaron Burr after the death of her husband. Through Mary Emmons' eyes we see the courtship and eventual marriage between Theodosia and Aaron Burr. We also see Aaron Burr’s growing attraction towards Mary Emmons.

I found Mary Emmons’ story to be compelling, and I could hardly stop reading because I kept hoping that things would get better for her. Mary Emmons’ life was full of tragedy. As a slave, her life was not her own. She was regarded and treated like property. Despite her circumstances, Mary Emmons was a smart and courageous woman. She never gave up fighting for her freedom. She was a very admirable character. I empathized with her and rooted for her to achieve her goal.

All of the characters were complex and realistic. Theodosia was a hard character to like. Even though she was intellectual and had a fondness for reading, I did not like how she treated Mary and prevented her from marrying her love, Lucas Emmons. The most fascinating character was Aaron Burr. He was really complex. He was very hot-headed and impulsive. He did many horrible things. Yet, in Mary Emmons’ eyes, he was shown to be a tragic figure who was highly instrumental in his own downfall. Thus, I still could not decide if I found him a sympathetic character or if I dislike him immensely.

Overall, this novel does justice in bringing a forgotten woman to life. The novel was meticulously well-written with vivid descriptions. It felt as if I was there during the early days of the founding of America walking alongside Mary Emmons. The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr is a page-turner, for it kept me reading until dawn trying to finish the novel. Even after I finished the novel, Mary Emmons’ story lingered with me. Therefore, this book will definitely be a re-read. The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr is a tribute to Mary Emmons. I hope that since this novel has been released there will be more scholarship on this obscure woman. The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr is a must read for fans of America's First Daughter, Sally Hemmings, and The President’s Daughter!

This book was interesting, but it was clear that the author did not care for Aaron Burr at all. The details surrounding the heroine were all highly speculative, as explained in the author's note.

This book is well written, but a bit hard to read. Holloway Scott does an excellent job at telling Mary Emmons' story and heart break. It just reminds me of where we have been and where we must go.

When it comes to historical research the author did on the book - brilliant!
The plot of slavery made me less interested for a simple reason - topic. Saying that, the cover of the book matched the beautiful creative writing if this author.

I was really surprised by this book as I'm not sure I ever read the description and I did not know that Mary was a slave. This book was primarily a book about slavery and more secondary were the stories of our forefathers and foremothers. If you enjoyed books like My Dear Hamilton and America's First Daughter, you will love this book.

I really enjoyed this book except maybe the last 75 pages where it got a little to political for my taste.
The author did a great job with her research even though finding information on Mary was hard.
I liked how she went into detail on how Mary learned quickly and made herself useful and knowledgeable on everything. I was able to relate to Mary and how she felt. I felt sorry for her when she never felt love and used. I felt for her when she was punished for something that wasn't her fault.
She wasn't African American but was still a slave because of her skin color.
Her life was tough but she made the best of it. At the end I was upset because what she chose but she eventually did the right thing.
I would highly recommend that you read this book.

While I find myself knowing a bit about Alexander Hamilton (thanks to the current craze because of the musical), I realized I knew next to nothing about Aaron Burr. All I really knew was that he had a daughter named Theodosia and he killed Hamilton in a duel.
So, when I saw the title of this book, I requested it.
It’s from the perspective of Mary Emmons (who was born Veeya and had her name also changed to Eugenie), who was sold into slavery to a Frenchwoman in India at a young age. It follows her eventual journey to the household of Theodosia Prevost, who begins an affair with and later marries Aaron Burr.
After finishing this book, I found myself googling Mary Emmons because there was no mention of her in anything I read about Aaron Burr, yet she was a real person who played a very big role in his life. There is very little that is actually known about her, so the author had to flesh out this story with her own reckonings of what she believed happened between them.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I wish the author had put some historical information at the end of the book about what is known/facts about Mary. I did read an e-ARC, however, so perhaps this is remedied in the print and/or final version.

A very moving account of the second wife of Aaron Burr. Touching and well written, also well researched.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr. I was fascinated from the beginning to the end. It is getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me.

This historical fiction book offers a glimpse into the possible life of the woman Burr became involved with after his wife died. It was very interesting though hard to read I recommend to any lover of historical fiction

Intriguing from start to finish, this historical romance about a little known woman captivated me from start to finish. Mary Emmons started life in India as the Mulatto baby, Veeya, the child of an Indian woman raped by a British soldier. Her mother dies at birth, and Veeya is left with an uncle who despises her because of her mixed race. She is sold off at the age of 8 to a French lady and begins her life of servitude that takes her from India to Santo Domingo and finally to the United States where she becomes a slave to Major Provost and his wife with her name changing from Veeya to Eugenie, and finally to Mary. Mrs. Provost hosts many of the pre-Revolutionary greats from both sides while her husband is on assignment including Aaron Burr who weds Theodosia Burr after her husband's death and changes Mary's life forever.

Aaron Burr often considered a villain for his slaying of Alexander Hamilton in a duel was also was a war hero, a brilliant lawyer, a devoted father, a skilled politician who very nearly was elected president, and became Jefferson's Vice President. But he led a secret life that has only come to light recently due to the new advances in DNA. Mary, who married Lucas Emmons who was one of the Black Americans who died in the Revolutionary war, became the love of Burr's life even while he was married to Theodosia Provost Burr. They shared two children a boy and a girl who both left a legacy of fighting for black rights. Mary Emmons was a survivor who learned to read and write and spoke English, French and Tamil and left a legacy that her descendants can be proud of. Scott brings her to life in this fascinating book along with the pre-Revolutionary and Revolutionary era and all of the famous characters involved.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review

This was an interesting read into the life of Aaron Burr and his wife's "slave" Mary Emmons. It gave a good insight to the life Mary may have come from, and how she came to live with Theodosia Prevost and become her closest friend really. How she was sold into slavery in India, saved from her rather dire life in Saint-Domingue, and raised through the ranks to become a highly respected housekeeper. But it was also the secret affair she had for many years with Aaron Burr, who would become the husband of Theodosia Prevost, and the birth of her two children. Mary had a good heart, and seemed to be very educated and opinionated for the day, especially for her status. Once she got to America, she learned of freedom and began dreaming of being a free woman with her children.

It was a good story, it was insightful as to what her life may have been like in those days. It was interesting how it really did a story of not only Mary Emmons, but also Aaron Burr during that time. I would recommend this book to others.

I received a free copy from Kensignton Books and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr by Shirley Holloway Scott is a tale woven with fiction and facts. A Bibliography Historical Romance. Told in first person, in Mary's POV.

This is the story of Mary Emmons, and Aaron Burr. Mary was sold into slavery, as a child in India, she was ill-treated and misused, she
was brought to a war torn America, eventually. She was toughened by her experiences of her young life, but Mary is intelligent, her strength, and resourcefulness, help her to survive. The notorious Aaron Burr, is known more for the fatal duel where his rival Alexander Hamilton was killed. He fathered two of Mary's children, each making huge
accomplishments in their own lives. He also married Mary before his total downfall in secret, of course.
Mary and Burr are drawn together into a world of power, passion, secrets, slavery, into a tangled web of slavery, that would have shocked a nation if known.

Packed with political, emotional, historical
and domestic details, Susan Holloway Scott, certainly describes an emotional tale, while, showing her cast of characters in an unforgettable story of drama, and lead by a woman whose courage, strength and spirit sparked a story infused with heart and details that will keep readers turning pages.
Mary and Aaron's story is a little known Historical fact, based on this author's research. A rollercoaster of emotions, confusion at times, but Mary's strength and courage kept her moving forward. Be warned some details or descriptions, that Mary went through may concern some readers. However, it was done with taste and dignity.
A surprisingly, enjoyable read. This is a new author to me, and I will certainly read her next book.

"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however,  these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
#NetGalley, #TheSecretWifeofAaronBurr

Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild to hot
Reviewer: AprilR

Such a gift of writing to bring history to life. The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr was told by Mary Emmons as her name came to be. At a young age, she was sold by her uncle in India to a well to do French couple. Where she was less than human in their eyes. Her story is riveting as her voice is clear and her determination of her worth drives her to survive what most people can not fathom. Her young life takes many turns and the one that led to Aaron Burr's path is when she was rescued from her cruel master by Major Prevost as a gift to his wife. That is where she was given the name Mary and the beginning of a relationship with Mrs. Prevost that begin to change her life. Their relationship is complicated to say the least.

Now in the Americas, she begins to hear the word freedom. Was freedom possible for her? She believed that it was and when she met Lucas a free black man, he shared with her how it could be possible. Lucas also shared with Mary that love was possible. Their romance is one that you cheer for as they are against so much odds, slavery and the American Revolution.

With Mrs. Prevost's husband gone fighting with England, she plays both sides. A learned woman that Mary learns much from. Mary's mistress though firm, takes pride in Mary that she trust her implicitly. A trust that they eventually they share the same man Aaron Burr.

After reading I, Eliza Hamilton by Susan Holloway Scott , Burr was not put in a good light, however, Mary's account gave him a human side. More pragmatic than his counter part Hamilton; they both sacrificed much for this country along with the women behind them as well.

Both Burr and Hamilton have tragic ending but what is inspiring the women they left behind continued their own legacy of freedom. Highly Recommend.

A Special Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Completely absorbing! This was the story of the life of an Indian woman who spent the vast majority of her life at the beck and call of someone. It was an eye-opening read. Before reading the novel, I had thought myself familiar enough with the depravities of slavery, but experiencing the life of a slave through their own eyes gave that knowledge another dimension. I will add that based on the title, one might assume that this is a romance. However, that is far from the truth. There is love in the book, but the more prominent themes include control, perseverance, and hope against all odds. Though the book was full of multi-faceted characters, Aaron Burr was especially well thought out. He is at times admirable, many times the very opposite, but real. I would recommend this for any historical-fiction lover.

The author did a brilliant job of capturing the time period in this novel. The characters and plot were also well written. This was a great piece of historical fiction!

What an interesting, fascinating, and unknown history, as Mary has virtually been erased from history. This book first came onto my radar because a bookstagrammer was RAVING about it. I just had to read it, too, and I'm so glad I picked this one up. From the first pages of Mary's early life, I was captivated while simultaneously heartbreaking. It's those two emotions that largely stayed with me throughout this well-researched novel.