Let Us March On

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 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!

Could not put it down! Read cover to cover in just 1 day. If you are a historical fiction fan especially of the time period of equal rights you won’t regret reading g this!

Let Us March On is a deeply moving story of Lizzie McDuffie, a highly influential maid and treasured friend to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Shara Moon brought Duffie, previously unknown to me, to life in a way that made me wish I’d known such a fun-loving, outspoken, spirited thinker and activist. In a time when it might have been easier to give up all hope for the plight of the African American people, Duffie stubbornly insists on continually advocating and advancing the stories of her community before the president.

Her story picks up as FDR is elected for his first term; as her husband Mac is his trusted valet, she moves into the White House and applies for a role as one of the women on the serving staff to be near her husband. Circumstances present themselves, and soon, she finds herself promoted from “third floor maid” to the personal maid for the President, and she uses the privilege of having the president’s ear to candidly report the plight of the African American citizen. I am not doing this book justice. It’s absolutely fantastic and I wish I knew her. Shara Moon is masterful in bringing Lizzie to life with all the nuance and complexities concerns and fears as she passionately pled her case before the leader of the free world.

People will call FDR a person who was larger than life, but he was not the only force larger than life in the White House during his presidency; Lizzie McDuffie was a voice who refused to be silent and an inspiration to every American. This story is incredible and a must read.

I’d like to thank William Morrow and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love learning so much! It has been a long time since I learned about a person/people that I've never heard of before! I'm so grateful that I was given a chance to read this book! How is it possible that I've never heard about Elizabeth McDuffie?! I'm inclined to blame racism. Too many black people and black women, especially, are overlooked. I was so compelled by this story and couldn't stop reading once I picked it up. The book was very well written and gave excellent insight to what it must have been like to work in the White House. Something I've never bothered to think about before. By the end of the book, I was grieving a president that I have never given too much thought to. I didn't realize FDR died fairly young. I got choked up at the end! My hope is that this books gains a lot of traction and brings the story of the McDuffie's to the world! They deserve nothing less.

Let Us March by Shara Moon is a wonderful historical fiction based off of a true trailblazer, Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDuffie. I really enjoyed this one.

THis is such a great HF. I shamefully did not recognize the name Elizabeth “Lizzie” McDuffie or all that she represents.
Not only did I learn so much about this courageous, strong, passionate, and fascinating woman that helped create awareness and pushed the boundaries during the FDR presidency concerning Civil Rights, but I also really enjoyed myself in the process.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/4/25.

This book about an overlooked hero from the FDR era captivated me with its strong female protagonist and the rich historical context that informs and educates. The narrative is skillfully crafted, making it a compelling read. I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to explore this remarkable story.

I love when what I read educates - it’s one of the many reasons I very much enjoy historical fiction, particularly historical fiction about real people.

Let Us March On was a five star read for me, without a doubt.

Ms Moon has beautifully crafted a debut novel that will engage readers while teaching about the life of the extraordinary Lizzie McDuffie (whom I knew nothing about prior to my reading).

An excellent story, and one I recommend.



Thank you to William Morrow Paperbacks and NetGalley for the DRC

Shara Moon creates a vibrant depiction of Lizzie McDuffie and brings FDR's white house years to life. With not always comfortable source material, this book managed to be both hopeful and entertaining.

This book was 5 stars for me. I was not expecting a personal connection for this book but the connection that Lizzie McDuffie had to the Inman family in Atlanta struck me. Also, the fact that the Inman's lived in The Swan House which is a notable mansion in Atlanta that is often frequented by tourists is so fascinating. After FDR was elected, Lizzie and her husband who was the personal assistant to FDR moved into the White House. Lizzie was hired as a maid by Eleanor Roosevelt. They finished their first 4 years, FDR was re-elected and then re-elected again. Lizzie became a trusted advisor to the President during her tenure at the White House. Lizzie received letters daily from black members of the community and she often had heard about their injustices. She took these letters and stories and talked to FDR about them and would later become known as the "Secretary On Colored People's Affairs" (or as FDR called it, SOCPA).

Great and fairly easy read. Thanks for NetGalley for the ARC!
#NetGalley
#LetUsMarchOn

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read Let Us March On by Shara Moon. As it should be with a good, well written Historical Fiction book, i was educated as well as thoroughly entertained. Excellent!

I am a big fan of historical fiction books and Let Us March On was just one of my latest great reads. It was based upon a true story of a political activist heroine and I loved it.