Camille Di Maio never disappoints! She’s one of my very favorite authors! I love that every time I read a book of hers, I’m transported to a very specific time and place, and learn something I wasn’t knowledgeable about before.

I had never even heard of Emma Koehler before this book, and after, my-what a woman! She was a resilient, strong, determined lady, and a huge believer in women and what they could do. Camille Di Maio portrays this beautifully and makes you fall in love with Emma.

Loved this book, and as always, love Ms. Di Maio and her dedication to researching her novels!

Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC.

Thanks to Netgalley for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.

First, the cover designer of Camille Di Maio's books needs a big bonus because the covers of all her books are absolutely stunning! That's why it's difficult to resist hitting that request button.

The First Emma takes readers back to the United States in the prohibition years and tells the story of how a murdered tycoon's wife builds a brewery empire. Now an older woman, Emma Koehler wishes to tell her tale about how a young woman from Germany became a great matriarch. It's a tale of both power in business and the power of women.


Loved, loved, loved! As per usual, Di Maio writes compelling stories about women that may have faded from our attention if she didn't dust off the historical record. It's got romance, betrayal, and lots of ambition traced into the narrative.


Goodreads review published 07/04/20
Expected publication date 05/05/20

Engaging story of a brewer who marries the first Emma, and then after she is hurt in an accident, hires a nurse named Emma B to help the first Emma. The brewer falls for Emma B and sets her up in a house where they can meet up. He then hires another nurse named Emma D to help the first Emma so that Emma B is free for him. But, he falls for Emma D. Do you see where this is going?

The First Emma by Camille DiMaio is a perfect example of why I adore historical fiction— it tells a story that is rich in history, and blends it flawlessly with some fictional elements to keep readers immersed. Emma Koehler was a courageous and truly inspirational woman who fought hard for her status in the beer industry following the death of her husband. Mabel’s character, though entirely fictional, added depth to the story; She allows readers to get to know Emma on a more personal level and at the same time added another character who readers can’t help but to adore.

This is the first Camille DiMaio novel I’ve read, although I have already purchased a few more to read in the future. Her writing is alluring and captivating, and I loved the way she brilliantly merged fact and fiction in order to bring Emma Koehler’s story to life.

A very well written book. It has two story lines and I found both just as interesting. I love stories with strong women characters and this one has two. I’ve read several books by this author and all are great! I truly enjoyed this story about a women who became very successful in a man’s industry.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy

this was just not to my taste at all. I was liking it at first mainly because I know with this authors books they tend to start out slow but it never improved.

Description from NetGalley:
Camille Di Maio's fifth novel THE FIRST EMMA is the true story of Emma Koehler, whose tycoon husband Otto was killed in a crime-of-the-century murder by one of his two mistresses—both also named Emma—and her unlikely rise as CEO of a brewing empire during Prohibition. When a chance to tell her story to a young teetotaler arises, a tale unfolds of love, war, beer, and the power of women.

I initially picked up this novel because I love beer-adjacent books and adore the name Emma. While it’s chock full of both Emmas and beer, the novel deeply explores themes of love, betrayal, and the unconquerable power of women.

Emma Koehler was a remarkable women and I’m so thankful to Camille Di Maio for telling her story. She rose to power as the head of a San Antonio brewery after the murder of her husband by his mistress (also Emma’s nurse, also named Emma). She navigated the business through Prohibition and the Great Depression without laying off a single worker.

One thing I love about the novel is the way Emma’s story is told via Mabel, a fictional women from Baltimore who moves to Texas to write Emma’s life story. I so appreciate the author’s decision to write in additional characters rather than take aggressive liberties with Emma’s history.

Overall, this novel is interesting and engaging with all the hallmarks of a great novel: love (both romantic and familial), mystery, betrayal, heartbreak, and sweet reunions. It also tells the incredible story of Emma Koehler’s life. Highly recommend on all counts!

As more and more women share their stories in our current society, it is easy to assume that the voice of another could get lost in the fray--but that isn't the case for Emma Koehler.

In this historical fiction, we learn Emma's story as she relates her life to a younger woman, Mabel. Emma's story is raw, poignant, and inspiring as she recounts how she ran her own business and marriage in a time where that seemed like a fairytale. I know that I'll have bits and pieces of Emma's wisdom floating inside of myself for quite some time.

The First Emma is a compelling, must-read for anybody, but certainly for any woman. The tale balances mystery, drive, and the perfect touch of romance.

The First Emma encompasses everything that I love best in a historical fiction novel: a story that is inspirational as well as compelling, a story that enriches my own life by educating me on a historical time and figure with whom I was not well-acquainted. Emma Koehler is such a fascinating person--she was able to achieve so much during her lifetime, things that were unheard of during the first half of the 20th century. The fact that she was able to be so successful with the backdrop of Prohibition and the Great Depression, not to mention the murder of her husband at the hands of one of his two mistresses, defies belief! Mabel, the young woman who is hired by Emma to take down her story, embodied courage and grace, and I liked her so much! The fact that this story takes place in my own hometown of San Antonio, a city with its own fascinating history, added an extra layer of enjoyment! The author does a masterful job of placing us in San Antonio during such a tumultuous time, but reminding us that it is a place of extraordinary beauty and opportunity.

Thank you to the publisher, Camille Di Maio, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Camille Di Maio does it again! Every one of her books feature lovable, endearing characters and beautiful storytelling. The First Emma is no different! Emma Kohler is a pioneer in a time when women did not hold positions of power, helping her husband run a successful beer business in San Antonio before and during Prohibition. Her forethought and work ethic were admirable, but her desire to help her family and those she considers family was what really made Emma special.

Emma, in her old age, decides to hire a young woman to tell her life story to. Enter Mabel, practically an orphan, living in Baltimore and ready for a change... applies for the job Emma posts in a wanted newspaper ad. Mabel is honest, she is not a writer, but Emma sees something in her submitted photo and letter of application that draws her to Mabel. Mabel soon arrives in San Antonio and forms a strong bond with Emma as well as with Emma’s nephew, Erik. A beautiful and sweet love story develops between Mabel and Erik who are so deserving of each other.

I truly enjoyed reading this book and always look forward to Camille’s books! 5 stars!

Emma is a sweet girl who dreams of the perfect marriage. When she marries Otto in 1914, it is anything but a dream come true. In 1943, Mabel answers an ad for a woman dying in San Antonio who wants to publish her life's story. The First Emma tells the story of 2 amazing women. I loved Emma's story as she was a strong woman who knew what she wanted and went after it. She was an amazing woman. I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

Thanks to #netgalley and #WyattMackenziePublishing for the opportunity to read and review #TheFirstEmma.
Pub date 5/5/2020
The First Emma is the beautifully written story of Emma Koelher, widow of Otto Koehler, founder of San Antonio Brewing Association/ Pearl Brewing company. The book is based on true events.
Emma is the long suffering wife of Otto, who has founded a brewing empire in the early 1900's and also has begun affairs with two other Emma's, immigrants from Germany. They come to care for the first Emma who is disabled from an auto accident.
Fast forward to 1943, Emma places an ad in the paper for an assistant. Mabel has lost her mother, he brothers are serving in the war and her father is an alcoholic living on bv the street. She leaves Baltimore when Emma gives her the job.
Emma is determined to tell the story of her life and Mabel takes dictation and writes the story. Emma has no children so she is determined to leave a legacy to her extended family.
I was captured by this book based on a real woman who oversees and builds a vast business in a time that women weren't on the boards of companies. Her strength and fortitude are an inspiration to any one who wins over adversity. I highly recommend

This was an enjoyable read, it really gets you hooked from the beginning and keeps you there till the end. I thoroughly enjoyed what I read and enjoyed Emma's journey

Love this story!!!!!!!!! This is a story of four women who all had a hand in shaping each other's lives and one who made history. Emma Koeler marries Otter and helps him shape his dream of owning a brewery and she makes it the most successful brewery around San Francisco. Mabel is a young woman hired to tell Mrs. Koeler's life story and boy what a life it was. Thank you to Netgalley and Wyatt Mackenzie Publishing for my honest review.

The First Emma by Camille Di Mario. I definitely would like to visit the Emma Hotel in San Antonio. I found your historical information about your book interesting. You came up with a book I find fits the historical information you found out. I also would love to hear if any one contacts you with more information about Emma.

I absolutely LOVED this book! Well done, Ms. di Maio. This book is based on the true story of Emma Koehler and her life with her tycoon husband, Otto. After his untimely death at the hands of his mistress she chose to rise to the challenge to become the CEO of the Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, TX. This book is about new beginnings, resilience, love and the true strength of women.

I first became familiar with the Pearl on a visit to San Antonio a few years ago. I was fascinated by the city and the story of the brewery and hotel. While reading this book, I felt like I was back in San Antonio immersed in a world many years ago. The attention to detail when describing the buildings, characters and their surroundings were so descriptive and captivating. I also really liked the newspaper articles that were inserted between each chapter. It was interesting to see how our current day news articles are so different!

I love historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. It was the first book that I have read by Camille di Maio and it will not be the last. This book has jumped onto my list of books that I recommend. It is right there with Fiona Davis and Beatriz Williams.

Back in 1914, Otto Koehler, a successful entrepreneur and President of the San Antonio Brewing Association/Pearl Brewing Company is murdered by Emma B., his mistress. Also at the scene of the murder is Emma D., his ex mistress. Both women were nurses to Otto’s wife Emma Koehler, who had accepted her husband’s indiscretions after a car accident left her in a wheelchair. Otto’s wife cared less about her loveless marriage than the thriving brewery business she helped build. She ignored the affairs in exchange for power in the company.

We’re transported to 1943 and World War II is in full force. Young, smart and heartbroken Mabel Hartley responds to a job advertisement and is selected to travel to San Antonio to document the memoirs of a now aged and sick Emma Koehler. Mabel quickly learns that Emma is one amazing woman. At a time when women couldn’t vote, Emma Koehler was running the most successful company in the state of Texas. Her business sense and leadership skills would be impressive in any time period but this feisty woman kept the business growing long after her husband’s murder – through Prohibition and beyond. Emma’s incredible story inspires Mabel, who is dealing with many disappointments in her life.

The First Emma is an interesting, fast-paced work of historical fiction. It is based on a true person (Emma Koehler) and the author utilizes a fictional character (Mabel) to help tell the story. The murder of Otto actually took place – the sensational trial is not the focus of the book but is creatively told through news clippings. It is the friendship that evolves between the hard-edged Emma and the vulnerable Mabel that is at the heart of the story. You’ll find yourself googling the history of Emma Koehler to learn more.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing and Camille Di Maio for an advance copy of this enjoyable book.

Review of The First Emma to be posted on my blog MicheleReader.com closer to its May 5 publication date.

Great historical fiction read. This is a brilliant story about three Emma's but featuring the First Emma who was the backbone of her husband Otto's business success.

Fantastic read.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this. I will be posting a full review to Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram.

This is the fictionalized story of Emma and Otto Holzhauer, owners and founders of Pearl Brewery in San Antonio, Texas. The story is retold by Emma when she is in her 80's. The retelling is to Mabel during WW2. Two time lines in the story.

The book had the opportunity of being a wonderful historical novel. The past as told by Emma is fascinating....she was a feminist long before her time. A strong woman even after a car accident left her in an wheelchair. She had natural business acumen. Revered and respected in the community. But not appreciated by her husband.

The 1940's storyline featuring Mabel and her love interest reads more like a romance novel. I found this part somewhat disappointing. Mabel is a sweet girl but the dialogue between Mabel and Erik does not match the rest of the book.

Great research by the author on San Antonio and the brewery and the health spa....it kept me Googling. The author's notes at the end are very informative.

There are a few editing issues which I hope will be corrected for the official publication.

I have enjoyed the author's previous books. This too was an entertaining and informative read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance readers copy.

Edited to add: I absolutely love the cover!