
The story goes back and forth in time, from age thirteen, all the way up to when his second term in office ends. While some reviewers have complained about it, I actually liked it. I enjoyed seeing how the love he and his wife had matured over time. Besides, every chapter was short, which made reading "just one more chapter" easy to do.
I loved all the little facts that Clark included, down to the materials used in Patsy's clothes, to the furniture and draperies, even to why she was called Patsy, instead of Martha. I loved how human George was in the story. He always looks so dour in pictures.
The love story was sweet and tender. Patsy and George had no idea how much they loved each other, but the author shows us in lots of little ways. I never knew he married a widow, or that they never had any children of their own. I admire how George took Patsy's children as his own, even though there were some trying times between the couple about child-rearing.
George's own childhood, and his Puritan mother, are detailed, explaining why he is so serious, but I liked the touches of normalcy that the author added about his father, and about how George vowed not to be like his mother.
I found the fact that he imagined himself in love with his friend's wife stunning. Washington is always treated like a god in history. It was fascinating to hear his thoughts, and his human frailties, as told by the author. Very realistic.
The romance is sweet, and completely behind doors. In fact, they only share kisses and hugs to the reader. While I usually enjoy some sexual description, this was perfect for this book. Not missed in the least.
This might have been the author's first book, and there are little mistakes, like a few pov shifts mid-scene, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and recommend it to Colonial fans.
You will love the way the history of that particular time is described, as well as how real George Washington becomes. You won't think of him as cold or austere any longer.