Mount Vernon Love Story: A Novel of George and Martha Washington

As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, not too much is known about the private life of George and Martha Washington. In Mount Vernon Love Story: A Novel of George and Martha Washington, Mary Higgins Clark relies on extensive biographical and historical research to bring George Washington and his life and marriage fully into focus for readers. Dispelling the widespread belief that although George Washington married the wealthy widow Martha Dandridge Custis, his one true love was his best friend's wife, Sally Carey Fairfax, Mary Higgins Clark describes the marriage between George and Martha as one full of tenderness and passion - a bond between two people who shared their lives - even the bitter hardship of a winter in show more Valley Forge - in every way.

For a debut novel, I really thought this book was excellent. I love reading people's biographies and become really immersed in the time periods that are portrayed. I think it was truly a harsh time for both George and Martha Washington as well as for the country as a whole. I give this book an A+! show less

I was excited to find this gem at the semi-annual "Friends of the Library" book sale! "Mount Vernon Love Story: A Novel of George and Martha Washington, was the first novel written by Mary Higgins Clark. I have a copy of the re-published 1996 version. There is a copy of Ms. Higgins Clark's letter to her readers at the beginning of this novel, which gives insight into her passion of historical fiction and her interest in George Washington. The story stayed pretty true to the title. It revolved around the personal lives of George and Martha (aka Patsy). I found it to be an easy and interesting read. If you are a fan of historical fiction and/or Mary Higgins Clark, I would definitely recommend this novel.

From August 11, 2002:

I've always enjoyed Mary Higgins Clark's mysteries and this historical love story has proven to me that Ms. Clark is more than a great mistress of suspense - she is quite capable of entertaining in other genres as well!
This charming historical novel was actually the author's first novel, originally published in 1968 under the title "Aspire to the Heavens". It was re-released in 2002 and I can't think of a more appropriate time to do so!

With the tragic attacks on our nation on September 11, 2001, it is wonderful to read this highly-readable, well-researched novel about George Washington - the man who helped to give us the freedoms we so enjoy today! As Washington passes the presidential torch onto John Adams and show more returns to his beloved Mount Vernon, both he and his wife Martha (aka Patsy)flashback to their younger years. We're so used to stodgy accounts of Washington's military victories and political accomplishments that it was a pleasure to read a well-crafted story about Washington as a man and a husband.

This is a short novel and a fast-read so it's a great beach or airplane book. I would love to see it made into a television movie, perhaps to be aired on George Washington's birthday! show less

This book, I am not sure if I can find the right words. It is beautiful, a beautiful telling of the love between George Washington and his beautiful wife Martha. It is a charming romp through his memories, his life from child hood and on through. We find him remembering these things from his minds eye as he is giving over the reigns of his government to John Adams. It’s witty, and shows some funny jests about Thomas Jefferson (my all time favorite) and John Adams. This book was simply not long enough for me, I wanted more. I wanted to have more memories from George’s point of view. A wonderful book, that is making me wish to dig out my rev war books right now.

This is a very thin book. Mary Clark, it seems, did not really have much to work with. But it does present scraps of information about Martha that allow the reader to glimpse her character - not memorable, to say the least. Necessrily the text also allows a unique perspective about George himself, about whom there is a great deal more information to draw upon. Essentially light reading about a lightweight personality.

A very cute, easy, breezy read. I enjoyed the history, but kept wondering how much was truly "known" and how much was speculation.

This is the frist book written by Mary Higgins Clark. This book focuses on the love story of George and Martha Washington. The book takes palce in two timelines. It begins with President Washington preparing to leave public office and return to Mount Vernon with his wife Martha, who liked to be called Patsy. And quickly jumps back to periods of Geroge Washinton's youth. Trying to give us some insight on the man and his relation ship with Martha.

A lot of research went into this book. And I learned a lot about one of the founding fathers of the USA. The book is a charming and quick read. You almost are left with the thought of yearning for a few more chapters. It made me want to look further into George Washington's life and career.