Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.

I love stories about unsung and overlooked important women in history. Lizzie McDuffie, married to FDR’s valet, is given a job as a maid in the “all Negro” service staff at the White House. Lizzie uses her role to speak for those black Americans who do not have the president’s ear like she does. She and FDR become friends despite her frequent frustration with his reluctance to speak up regarding an anti lynching bill.

There was a lot to cover in this book and I would argue it’s almost too much. The story shone in the interactions between Lizzie and FDR but got bogged down in a lot of “and then this happened and then this.”

3.5 stars

Shara Moon creates a novel that brings FDR’s presidency to life. I enjoyed this walk-through of history, especially learning about Eleanor Roosevelt’s White House maid, Lizzie McDuffie, and the role she would grow to play in FDR’s early push for the nation's Civil Rights. The story is not always easy to digest, but it is worth reading from start to finish. The author researched the book thoroughly, creating believable characters. I felt like I was reading a biography, not historical fiction.

When FDR asked Lizzie to travel the country as his advisor on the lives of the African American communities, the real history lesson on this pioneering woman began. This is not a heartwarming, cozy beach read but a must-read for all history lovers and armchair historians. I highly recommend Shara Moon’s novel. She has earned a place on both my virtual and library bookshelves.

I want to thank Net Galley for the opportunity to read this novel as a free ARC. This review is voluntary and is mine and mine alone.

"As your self-appointed secretary on colored people's affairs."

Shara Moon crafts a stirring novel of an unsung crusader named Elizabeth "Lizzie" McDuffie. Devoted wife, White House maid, college-educated Southern Black woman. Lizzie helped spearhead the Civil Rights movement as the SASOCPA, voice of over 170 million people.

Officially, Lizzie McDuffie was maid to Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Unofficially, she was the President's eyes and ears to the Black community. Alongside her husband who worked as the FDR's personal valet, they became indispensable to the Roosevelt family. New novel Let Us March On follows her life throughout her time in the White House. With care, she took issues from the community to the ears of the longest-serving U.S. President.

Let Us March On left me with a humbling fact: not much has changed. In the United States, in the White House, in political administrations. Shara Moon did a great job of highlighting the injustices Blacks faced back then. They say history repeats itself. This novel will give a glimpse into the life of a Black woman behind the scenes, holding it down making change from the inside out as best as she can, while she can.

The writing style and tone of Let Us March On is easy reading. There could've been more depth into Lizzie's marriage, everyday struggles and relationships with other White House employees. Toward the end of the book, it drifted and seemed hurried. But if you are looking for an unsung historical figure to read about this upcoming Black History Month, this is it! Add to your 2025 TBR as a historical fiction tale with more than a touch of truth.

Happy Early Pub Day, Shara Moon! Let Us March On will be available Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Fascinating debut historical fiction novel that highlights the life of Elizabeth "Lizzie" McDuffie, the wife of FDRs valet and White House maid. Set in the 1930s and 1940s, you are introduced to these two selfless people, Irvin, "Mac" and Lizzie, who end up dedicating many years in service to the Roosevelts through is governorship and then his 4 presidential terms. You get to experience life in the White House through their eyes and Lizzie takes you on a journey that shares her accomplishments and how she was an important liaison between the black community and the First Couple. Lizzie wore many hats: wife, maid, union organizer, helper to the president, liaison between numerous Black people that wrote to her asking for help, etc. I enjoyed Lizzie when she was excited to meet famous celebrities, heads of state, and other important people. This story presented FDR in a different light because it came from Lizzie's perspective behind the curtain of presidential pressures.
As a history nerd, I loved learning about another woman from history that I had never heard of before and her role in trying to do what she could to help the Black community. In this early copy, the author notes were not available so I am looking forward to reading those when the book is published as I am always curious about what is read and what is adjusted for the story. I highly recommend this book for all historical fiction fans, especially those looking to read about lesser known important figures.
#LetUseMarchOn #NetGalley #historicalfiction
Thank you William Morrow Books and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Shara Moon's Let US March On follows Lizzie McDuffie through decades of service to the Roosevelts, working as a maid and spokesperson for the President. She came to the White House at the beginning of the Roosevelt presidency to work alongside her husband who served as FDR's personal valet. The book highlights the changing role (and increasing political power) of Blacks from the early 1930s through WWII and beyond.

Based on a true story, Lizzie McDuffie championed equal treatment of all people, especially those of color, using her personal relationship with the President to gain access and bypass roadblocks put up by official channels. Told from a first person POV, it highlights her insecurities, mistakes and successes. Her story is enthralling and inspiring.

Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks and Shara Moon for the advanced reader copy. I'm happy to recommend this book.

This was a Netgalley giveaway.

Although Shara Moon's style and prose were a little flat, Let Us March On was educational and moving.

Lizzie and her husband Mac are a African American couple who had an inside look of President D. Roosevelt's life while in office.
In fact, Mac had been Roosevelt's valet when he was governor.

It is well known Roosevelt forbade any publicity that questioned his ability to be president. There are very few photos of him in his wheelchair or on his crutches.

But as his valet, and Lizzie as his maid, the two not only were allowed to be part of the inner circle, they became friends and sometimes even confidante.

Yet, despite this friendship and frank conversations, there was very little done to help the blacks in this country. The President's wonderful New Deal projects were not for the blacks.The murders, lynching and discrimination of blacks continued throughout 4 terms of presidency.

I would have liked more emotion in this book. Even the most frightening paragraphs were written matter of fact not energized.

Congratulations to Shara-Moon on her debut novel. Let Us March On is magnificent. I hope this is the first of many books to come. Shara Moon has created a story that shows how amazing Lizzie McDuffie was during a time of many struggles.

Lizzie McDuffie worked for Franklin Delanor Roosevelt as a maid in the White House. At the time her husband, Mac, was FDR's valet. She soon found herself in the position to becme a voice for the civil rights movement.

Through Lizzie's eyes the reader is given an understanding of the life of FDR druing his presidency, his struggles, and the struggles of the blacks during that time. The story is a glimpse into the past that I, for one, don't know enough about.

Let Us March On is a passionate view based on the real life story of employees in FDR’s White House. Positioned as historical fiction, this re-imagined account of their time spent in the famous president’s employment shows us a glimpse of life for these groundbreakers.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I wanted to like this book, but the writing style did not work for me. I think this was an attempt to give voice to an important figure in the FDR White House, but the words were flat and the pacing slow.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.

As they say, "based on a true story," this is the story of Lizzie McDuffie who was a maid in the White House during the FDR years. Lizzie struck up an improbable friendship with the President, even becoming his unofficial ambassador to the Black community. Her love of the theatre and acting even led to her stumping for FDR during his second term. The book is told in the first person and I think that's its big flaw. It's more like Lizzie is flatly retelling world events and we don't get to really feel these events for ourselves. That makes it hard to get into the book. But Lizzie sounds like a wonderful person and I'm impressed with what she was able to accomplish. Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Let us March on is Shana Moon's debut book based on the true historical figures of Lizzie Mcduffie and her husband, Mac, who both served in the White House during the FDR years.
Historically, it is a fascinating read, learning more about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt in daily life and the weighty decisions made during the WW II years, the Great Depression, the New deal and civil rights through the eyes of Negro maid in the White House and all the politics is engrossing.. Shana captures both the good done as well as the lack of support around civil rights and how Lizzie stepped in to help. There is friendship, suspense, politics, some violence that was appropriate for the time without being too graphic and throughout it all, the courageous Lizzie becoming an influence for change.
If you are looking for a good historical read during the FDR years from an entirely different perspective, this is it.
It is a solid 3.5 for me, the prose and style were intermittently a bit novice for me.
A big thank you to Shana Moon and William Morrow Paperbacks, it was a privilege to read the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lizzie McDuffie is a primarily self-educated Black woman who lands her job as maid at the White House because her husband is FDR’s valet. This book is an immersion into the Black experience of the time: the Great Depression when lynching was still legal. Lizzie becomes known as the voice of the Black population as she becomes close to both FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt. As the New Deal grows, Lizzie reminds the president to include everyone. Lizzie’s perspective is empathetic and compassionate as she takes in both sides of politics. She sacrifices so much to stay at the White House and be an influence for change. Lizzie’s story is an important one that deserves to be well known.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Note: Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow Paperbacks, and author Shara Moon for the advanced reader copy of this book. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.

I've watched numerous series throughout the years about the people who worked behind the scenes at the White House and always found it fascinating. When I saw the promotional blurb for this book, I was eager to read it.

Devoted wife, White House maid, reluctant activist…

A stirring novel inspired by the life of an unsung heroine, and real-life crusader, Lizzie McDuffie, who as a maid in FDR’s White House spearheaded the Civil Rights movement of her time.

I’m just a college-educated Southerner with a passion for books. My husband says I’m too bold, too sharp, too unrelenting. Others say I helped spearhead the Civil Rights movement of our time. President Roosevelt says I’m too spunky and spirited for my own good.

Who am I?

I am Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDuffie. 

 And this is my story…

When Lizzie McDuffie, maid to Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt, boldly proclaimed herself FDR’s “Secretary-On-Colored-People’s-Affairs,” she became more than just a maid—she became the President’s eyes and ears into the Black community. After joining the White House to work alongside her husband, FDR’s personal valet, Lizzie managed to become completely indispensable to the Roosevelt family. Never shy about pointing out injustices, she advocated for the needs and rights of her fellow African Americans when those in the White House blocked access to the President.

Following the life of Lizzie McDuffie throughout her time in the White House as she championed the rights of everyday Americans and provided access to the most powerful man in the country, Let Us March On looks at the unsung and courageous crusader who is finally getting the recognition she so richly deserves.

I have to say the book is true to its promises. Written in the first-person from Lizzie McDuffie's perspective, it details the twelve-plus years she worked at the White House for the President and Mrs. Roosevelt. She also questions her place in the world as a black woman in a position to have the President's ear. However, politics is never as simple as it seems, and though she regards Franklin Delano Roosevelt as a great man, some of the decisions he makes trouble her.

Lizzie's husband, Irvin "Mac" McDuffie had already been Franklin Delano Roosevelt's private valet for twelve years when Lizzie joined him at the White House and was employed as a maid there. Mac was the same age as the President and also suffered from a malady that would occasionally make it hard to help the President with his extended needs due to polio. Despite the lack of experience with the Roosevelts and the White House, Lizzie worked alongside her husband to care for the President, all while tending to her other duties.

The Great Depression was a time when the country suffered, and Negroes suffered especially badly. The book details how some of the New Deal Programs didn't help them, or how they were often bypassed in favor of helping a white person. Lizzie was in a unique position to have the President's ear. Reporters and members of the NAACP often spoke to her, trying to get information from her or have her whisper in Roosevelt's ear. Lizzie was careful with what she brought to the President, and she had some interesting conversations with him.

The biggest problem I had was that I couldn't tell where the truth ended and the historical fiction began. Lizzie McDuffie did eventually write a memoir which was published in Ebony Magazine. You can find some of it here as well: https://radar.auctr.edu/islandora/object/auc.090%3A9999.01. The electronic edition of the book didn't have any notes to tell me how much was invented by Shara Moon for the sake of the story and how much came right from McDuffie herself.

However, Let Us March On is a fine piece of historical fiction that takes a deep dive into what this era was like to live in. I loved how often Lizzie reflected on how sheltered they were inside the White House from what others were living through at the time, both the Black community and the country at large. It's well balanced between dishing what it was like in the White House during these years to reflecting on the slow-moving quest for social justice. I highly recommend it.

You can also find more information about Irvin "Mac" McDuffie and Lizzie McDuffie

Thank you to @netgalley and @williammorrowbooks for an advanced reader copy of Let us March On by Shara Moon.

Lizzie McDuffie and her husband Mac worked in the FDR White House, as a maid and valet to the President. Before reading this book, I didn’t know anything about her, and this book was a great introduction. After finishing, I found myself looking up more information about her. Lizzie worked as a maid, but she was also FDR’s connection to the black community and she was a reluctant activist for civil rights.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was a little repetitive at times, but it introduced me to a woman that I am intrigued to learn more about. It was an interesting historical fiction novel, and I felt that it was well written based on historical facts.

#LetUsMarchOn #netgalley #arc #historicalfictionbooks #bookworm #historynerd

Thank you NetGalley, William Morrow Paperbacks and Shara Moon for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Let Us March On.
This is a heart warming debut historical fiction novel about the relationship of a US President and First Lady and their African American maid and valet who are married to each other. The characters are well developed and provide a rounded perspective as to what life was like in the 1930’s and 1940’s. They show a great deal of emotion and I became totally immersed into the storyline from the first page. I felt like was I with the characters as the action unfolded.
Lots of ups and downs, mistakes made but also many successes which made the story believable and optimistic. I learned a lot about the time period from multiple perspectives which was quite enlightening. Not at all one sided or good against evil. More a let’s work together and be the best we can be. Our government needs a few of these simple lessons for the upcoming years. I would love to read more from this author and am anxious to see what’s next.

Oh my!
President Roosevelt has done lots of wonderful things for the American people. I wish we had more presidents like him who really are for the people.
He made my heart sad though when he passed away. I did cry then. I felt like he became a friend as I read on. I'm so glad that I decided to grab this wonderful book and finish it. I honestly didn't think that I'd like it as much as I did. I almost didn't finish it.
This tale of FDR is a page turner for sure and certain.
I loved that Lizzie's told her story through her own point of view. It made me love getting to know Lizzie Mcduffie that much better.
She's hands down a stalwart and bold character that captured my heart from the beginning of this story.
I did think a few things were a little over descriptiv ( describing events, places, and people), otherwise, I really appreciated the historical events in this book. Some I knew nothing about, but others like the Civil Rights movement and the bombing of Pearl Harbor I did.
5 stars from me despite what I mentioned earlier.
For keeping me engaged all the way through.
Lizzie definitely has quite the story to tell! Very interesting and what a journey!
I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review All opinions expressed are mine.

This was an interesting historical fiction read inspired by the life of Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDuffie, a maid in Franklin D. Roosevelt’s White House who became an influential figure in the Civil Rights movement. I have read several historical fiction books on this time period but this was a first learning about Lizzie, her husband Mac, and the impact Lizzie had on the time period. I felt myself googling her after finishing this book to learn more about Lizzie and the life that she had lived. Lizzie was someone who pushed boundaries, was courageous and strong, and someone who did so much for FDR's presidency that many probably did not know about. Solid read. Will absolutely be recommending it to others if not to learn about Lizzie and the impact she had on the Civil Rights Movement.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for an advanced copy of Let Us March On. It was wonderful to learn of the incredible story of Lizzie McDuffie who became a civil rights crusader during the FDR administration. Lizzie begins her career in the White House as a maid to Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt. She becomes a confident to the Roosevelts on the needs of the African American population who do not have access to the White House during that time. It was also interesting to learn of Mr. McDuffie, who was FDR''s valet, and the personal interaction between the two. A very inspiring story of a woman who deserves much recognition for her role in the civil rights movement. Thank you to Shara Moon for bringing her story to life.

This was a fascinating book about Lizzie McDuffie. At first, she started as a maid to the Roosevelt family in the White House. She soon became so much more-both to FDR and the black community. She became FDR's connection to the black community. She was known as the "Secretary-On-Colored-Peoples-Affairs." This story was very well-written-I zipped right through it. I could tell the author did her research. I had never heard of Lizzie so I am glad I got to learn so much about a fascinating figure in history. Highly recommend!

Thank you net galley for this advance reader copy. I enjoyed the book and appreciated all the tid bits I learned. I did think there was a bit of repetitive writing style but overall a great read about Msc and Duffie and FDR