The most if I’ve ever known about Frances Perkins was she was the first woman appointed to a cabinet post. I didn’t realize she held that job for 12 years. I also had no clue the work she did for the New Deal programs.
Reading this book was enlightening, Dray had a gift for bringing her characters to,life. Readers will hone in on Perkins’ life, personal and private.
Perkins was an activist from a young age and carried that banner for many decades.
I appreciated the detailed author’s note Dray provided at the end to let readers know what was fact and what was historical fiction.
It’s a compelling book.

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray

I recognized Frances Perkins picture and name but that's about all I remembered about her until I read this book. She knew early on that she wanted to help those who most needed help and she seemed to surround herself with those who felt the same way. This book included just a few of the famous people she knew and spent time with and the story is not only a telling of her history but a reminder of our history and the things going in on the world while the United States was having its own growing pains.

At the same time that Frances was making history, on her way to becoming the first woman to become a member of the presidential cabinet, she was facing unsurmountable problems on the home front. Working at a job that required all her time and attention, she still needed to juggle making sure that her ill husband got the care he needed. At least the government jobs she held made it possible to provide the medical care her husband needed although those same jobs kept her from spending the time her husband and daughter would have liked to have spent with her. It seems Frances was always aware of the needs of families, the financial needs and the needs to spend time together. When she first started working and throughout her career, she fought against the long hours that people, even young kids, worked. She also fought against extremely dangerous work conditions. And she fought with her own guilt feelings of not being with her family when they most needed her.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt knew a huge asset when he met one and he made Perkins a member of his team early on. This story was a great way to remind myself of history and the author's note at the end goes into detail about what was written as it really happened, what timelines have been altered, what events are fictionalized or guessed at, and other interesting things concerning Perkins and the writing of this book. I shy away from politics and wasn't sure I'd enjoy this book but it's about a woman who felt so strongly about doing what was right for those who needed help and I'm amazed at all this woman accomplished with and/or despite others. We also get more than a few glimpses of dirty politics, where money and power are placed above the health and lives of humans. Perkins never stopped campaigning for the person who had nothing and she sacrificed much to help those who needed it the most.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.

This felt like an epic story. It’s well written and about a woman I knew nothing about. I liked Frances, she’s feisty and determined. She accomplished so much in her life. It’s an intense book at times. Historical fiction/ political fans will enjoy this book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

am a big fan of Stephanie Dray! She is a fantastic author and I get so excited when I see that she is publishing something new. Her last book, The Women of Chateau Lafayette, was absolutely incredible and focused on three generations of women surviving- all of whom have a tie to the home of the famous Marquis de Lafayette. I highly recommend it if you like historical fiction.

Before reading Becoming Madam Secretary, I had never heard of Frances Perkins or really ever thought much about the struggles of women to perservere in our government. Dray tells her story with respect while still managing to reveal the struggles and weaknesses Frances must have survived. Frances Perkins became a real person to me while reading this book. She was an extraordinary person, and I came to appreciate the woman she was and the strides she made for women.

I am sorry to say that I didn't know much about Frances Perkins before reading this book but wow, she was an amazing woman! This was pretty much historical fiction at its best -- it felt familiar in the way it was written but also I learned so many new things. I wouldn't change anything about this book and I cannot recommend it enough -- Frances Perkins is a worthy subject!

Becoming Madam Secretary comes out next week on March 12, 2024, and you can purchase HERE!

THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT WAS OVER, THEY said. The republic, ruined. Democracy, done. It lay in broken, cracked-open pieces like the drought-afflicted farmland in the heart of the country.

Trampled under the sole-worn shoes of thirteen million jobless in the breadlines. Crushed under the weight of the economic depression and buried under collapsing banks.

Some cried out for a dictator like that swaggering bully Mussolin in Italy. But my countrymen elected Franklin Delano Roosevelt-man who couldn't walk, much less swagger.

They summoned him to save America, and in turn, he summoned me . . . .

A little bit ago, I gave a relatively unfavorable review to another "historical fiction biography" (which is what I would consider Becoming Madam Secretary as well), and I've been trying to put my finger on what made this book so much better, because I did very much enjoy it. I feel as though Frances Perkins truly came to life and jumped off the page for me (not even knowing who she was prior to the book). I could almost painfully accurately relate to some of the things she felt/went through (incredible in my opinion given the time she lived in vs. now); other parts of her personality and experience, I couldn't relate to at all, yet her character was vividly relatable in both instances. It was also a really interesting "behind-the-scenes" look at FDR. As Dray put it in her Author's Note, "In short, there is no American life that has not been ttouched by Frances Perkins and her service to the country...Yet most Americans don't remember her name." Obviously I started the book as one of those Americans, but I will not forget her name again, and I do believe everyone should know about her.

I was admittedly pre-inclined to love this book as an employment lawyer, law professor, and self-professed HR nerd, but it delivered in all ways! I was aware of Frances Perkins and her contributions to our country but I was so glad to get this detailed and entertaining account of her life. She was a trailblazer and did so much to create the good parts of our country. I think anyone who has any interest in feminism, employment issues, or political history would love and should read this book. It may be my favorite of the year so far.

Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

FANTASTIC!! FABULOUS!! FASCINATING!! I became obsessed with Frances Perkins and her story. I found myself disappointed when responsibility called and I had to close the book. Oh, how I wished I had the audiobook to pick up where I had to stop reading. Since I didn't, I couldn't wait to get home and dive back in.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that historical fiction is in fact fiction. Stephanie Dray blends the two together seamlessly. I was able to discover so much from about Frances Perkins. Searches turned to more searches. I became addicted with Madame Perkins' story and those that surrounded her.

The story isn't just about her time with FDR during his presidency. Instead of a blip of time in her life the reader is taken back in time to when Frances started her work in Hell's Kitchen at Harley House. Vivid descriptions of the struggles of those in the area, no longer had me guessing or imagining. I could picture the horrors and the strength of those aided them, including Frances Perkins. I was reminded of the importance of service to others.

Her dedication to those less fortunate was a strength. Watching her fall into politics was an adventure. She is an inspiration. Within this story she never gave up her values. Her dedication to her husband left me speechless. I am in awe of Frances Perkins Wilson thanks to Stephanie Dray and her beautiful words. I hope others read this book, gaining respect for those in the past that created a better future.

This was an enthralling read about an extraordinary woman, Frances Perkins. Understandably, a large part of the story focused on her relationship with FDR and the creation of Social Security. Another big part of her story hear was her marriage and then motherhood. These personal parts of her story were more emotional, but I found them moving and just as interesting. Overall, this book was well-written, and I felt Frances' frustrations, disappointments, and heartbreaks as well as her joys and triumphs. Also, I really appreciated the author's notes at the end.

This was hard to put down, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or books about strong women.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the early read.

Becoming Madam Secretary is the very best kind of historical fiction. It's the kind of novel that will send you down the rabbit hole of doing your own research. Learning about Frances Perkins is so interesting. We know so little about important women in history and she is someone everyone should know about. Stephanie Dray does a great job of interweaving history with the personal story of Frances and giving the reader a vision of the US at that time. There are so many parallels to what is going on in the US today. I loved every minute of reading this book. Do your book group a favor and suggest this amazing book for your next read. Now I want to do a field trip to Damariscotta, Maine to visit the Frances Perkins Center.

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray is a captivating and dramatic novel that tells the story of American heroine Frances Perkins. This book offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of America's most courageous trailblazers for women. Join Perkins on her journey as she navigates the challenges of her time and leaves a lasting impact on history.

Becoming Madam Secretary is a captivating and informative historical novel about Frances Perkins who was the first woman to hold a cabinet position in the U.S. The novel begins in 1909 when Frances was living in New York City conducting research on maternal nutrition and advocating for social reforms to protect workers - especially women and children - and follows her career and personal life through to 1935. Her work took her to Albany to lobby the state legislature for labour reforms which led to her working for Governor Smith and then Franklin Delano Roosevelt during his term as Governor. She became a trusted political advisor to FDR and when he was elected President in 1932 he appointed her Secretary of Labor. She served in that position for the 12 years of FDR's presidency focusing through the Depression years on passing social security legislation and then on additional labour and immigration reforms.

Frances Perkins was a fascinating and ambitious woman who played a key role in U.S. history but who isn't very well known and this well-researched and well-written historical fiction novel highlights her many accomplishments. This is a fictionalized account of the life of Frances Perkins, however, the author hasn't strayed far from the facts. There's an excellent Author's Note at the end of the book where she explains which aspects of the story are factual and where she had to make assumptions due to lack of documentation particularly relating to the personal life of Perkins.

I'm Canadian but I did know that Perkins was the first female Cabinet Secretary serving under FDR although I knew nothing of specific accomplishments throughout her life. In addition to highlighting all that she achieved, the author also shows how Perkins struggled to balance her demanding career and her drive to help others with marriage, motherhood and the mental health issues that plagued her husband and later her daughter. This inclusion of aspects of Frances Perkins' personal life makes her all the more relatable. The novel can be a bit slow at times but I appreciated the attention to historical detail and everything that I learned about this incredibly accomplished woman whose work had such an important impact on American society and who isn't as well known as she should be. Overall an enjoyable and informative read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I have long been obsessed with FDR and excited to read about the first woman in the Cabinet. I went in knowing nothing about Frances Perkins and was especially captivated by this book. I adored her early life and struggles, her friendship with Mary, and her relationship with her daughter. It is amazing how much the world changed in 100 years. It astounds me and I lived through half of it. I very much enjoyed the author note at the end as well.

Thank you, Berkley Pub, for the complimentary book for review.

From the very first page to the last, this book captivated me, drawing me into the intricate story of a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on American history. As a reader, I felt intimately involved in the process of uncovering the complex layers that constituted the life and achievements of Frances Perkins.

The narrative begins by exploring Perkins' early life, offering insights into the societal norms of the time. It vividly portrays how women were often reduced to mere objects and subjected to rigid societal expectations. The author does not shy away from addressing the grave issues of the era, including the perilous conditions of the workplace and the harrowing practice of child labor, which were not only hazardous but sometimes fatal.

A pivotal moment in the book is the depiction of how Frances Perkins ventured into politics—an endeavor fueled by her quick wit and unwavering commitment to prioritizing the welfare of others. This journey into the political arena is not just a story of ambition but a testament to Perkins' dedication to effecting meaningful change.

Moreover, the book delves deeply into the personal trials and tribulations that Perkins faced. It sensitively navigates her private struggles, from the heartbreak of losing her children and the challenges in her marriage to her husband's battle with mental illness. The narrative also highlights her efforts to balance her roles as a mother to her daughter and as a key figure in the presidential administration.

Reading about such influential women in history is always an enlightening experience, and this book is no exception. It is a compelling account of resilience, leadership, and the power of perseverance. For anyone interested in the stories of groundbreaking figures who have shaped our world, this book is an essential read.

This is a novel about Francis Perkins, the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet. After reading about Francis Perkins in The Confidante by Christopher Gorham it left a bad taste in my mouth about her but I was curious to read this book and get her side of things, even if it is historical fiction. Francis Perkins was absolutely fascinating and I could not put this book down. She suffered so much in her personal life and when you work for the president you are at their beck and call 24/7 and so your family life will suffer. People go into politics because they want to better the country and I'm glad she stuck to her guns and did not back down from her goals. She did have to compromise but that is a part of it. There is just so much in this book and I am thankful for people like her who want to make a change for the better and actually do something instead of just complaining about things.

-"I can't imagine why anyone would try to change the world unless they believed in happy endings."

-I should've realized that in love there are no safety precautions-there is nothing to do when you reach the edge but fall. Well, I had fallen and shattered and simply did not know how to put myself together again.

-...but I didn't mind the extra work because I loved having the power to do things other reformers only talked about.

-The plain truth was that polio had changed Roosevelt, and being with him was changing me.

-"You've been the first to do so many things so that other women could follow in your footsteps."

-I suppose I should also be grateful that the reforms I fought for are bricks so firmly embedded in the edifice of our national life that Americans now take them for granted.

I keep surprising myself by picking up political historical fiction. Normally politics are not quite my thing, but every book that I have picked up including this one has just blown me away. I love history and I love learning something new about someone I had no previous knowledge of prior to reading a book with them in it. I had honestly never really thought about Social Security and how it came about. I just know that it most likely will run out before I can use it. The fact that it was created by a woman should not surprise me. That it was created by such a stunning woman also should not surprise me. Frances Perkins seems like a very interesting woman. One who knew what she stood for and was willing to fight for it to become a reality. This book is lovey, well written and a beautiful tribute to a very strong and determined woman. I am so glad that I got to have a small glimpse into her life. Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

Becoming Madam Secretary is excellent, and about Frances Perkins (US Secretary of Labor 1933-1945 and responsible for many of FDR’s New Deal accomplishments). I’m from the US and don’t recall ever learning about Perkins, in any educational setting and learned a lot from reading this and googling while reading this.

I love well researched and well written historical fiction based on strong women characters, and I appreciate them even more when they’re based on actual people. And this is exactly that - the attention to detail was very impressive, the story was engaging, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to read and learn about this remarkable woman and her life.


This was my first book by the author - it won’t be my last 🙂



Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the DRC

I don’t usually pick up books about politics but this was an amazing exception. I had never heard of Frances Perkins before and that is so sad considering her accomplishments. She was the Secretary of Labor in 1933, the first woman to hold office in a President’s cabinet. She was always true to herself, appeared fearless yet was a good wife and mother. I will be reading more by this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received a gifted galley of BECOMING MADAM SECRETARY by Stephanie Dray for an honest review. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, PRHAudio and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review!

BECOMING MADAM SECRETARY is a historical fiction novel based on the life of true life woman Frances Perkins, a woman credited with helping to pull the United States out of the Great Depression. Frances was determined to make a difference in life. She worked to provide for children in deplorable situations in Hell’s Kitchen in New York and made a lot of good connections while doing so. When everyone counts her out upon her marriage, she is married to a man who encourages her to continue her work.

Frances meets future president Franklin Delano Roosevelt at a social event and she doesn’t initially approve of his political work. Still, they continue to run into each other over the years and when FDR becomes president, she is ready to serve the American people with him, even as she deals with difficulties in her own personal life.

I enjoyed learning about a political figure and strong woman that I did not know anything about. It was an interesting look at a period of time I didn’t know a lot about. The author admits that Frances’ personal life wasn’t an open book to her contemporaries so fictional liberties were taken. Still, the author notes speak to what is and isn’t documented which I really appreciated.

This book does focus quite a bit on Frances’ personal life, her marriage, her friendships, and her family. There were times where I felt like the focus shifted a bit more to the personal and less to the political world than I would have preferred. That said, the author does well at blending together the full picture of Frances’ life and her challenges when it came to finding balance in her life especially in a world where a woman had never served in such a role in the government. One thing that stood out to me was the mental health rep and the glimpses that we got into the mental health field of this period in time.

Readers who enjoy American history will love this book. Frances and her extraordinary work as the first woman Secretary of Labor is amazing. Her fortitude when overcoming obstacles was definitely her strong suit. Loved the author's note and all her efforts to create this novel. Recommended!