Get ready to fall in love with the charming town of Wynette, Texas, as Susan Elizabeth Phillips takes you on a captivating journey of love and politics in her book, ‘First Lady.’ This book summary will delve into the story and explore its prominent themes, characters, and setting, all while highlighting why this novel is a must-read for romance fans.
Set in the picturesque town of Wynette, Texas, ‘First Lady’ follows the story of Cornelia Litchfield Case, a spinster librarian turned First Lady of the United States, and her unlikely romance with a rugged Secret Service agent named Matt Jansen. As they navigate the political landscape and their growing feelings for each other, readers are drawn into a heartwarming tale of love, self-discovery, and the joys and challenges of public life.
If you’re looking for a book that combines romance, political intrigue, and a small-town feel, ‘First Lady’ is the perfect choice. Keep reading to find out more about this delightful novel and why Susan Elizabeth Phillips is considered among the foremost romance writers of her generation.
About the Author
Susan Elizabeth Phillips is an American romance novelist who has authored more than 25 books to date. Born in Ohio, Phillips graduated from Ohio University with a degree in theater arts before moving to Chicago to work in the advertising field.
Phillips’ writing style is characterized by her witty humor, sharp dialogue, and genuine emotion. Her stories often feature strong heroines and alpha heroes who share a fiery chemistry. Some of her notable works include the ‘Chicago Stars’ series, ‘Glitter Baby’, and ‘Match Me If You Can’.
Phillips has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Her books have been on the New York Times Best Seller list and have been translated into multiple languages. Susan Elizabeth Phillips is considered one of the leading authors of contemporary romance today.
Setting: Wynette, Texas
Wynette, Texas plays a vital role in ‘First Lady’ as the setting for the story. Situated in the heart of Texas, the town is known for its warm, welcoming nature and charming small-town feel. The tree-lined streets and quaint shops create a picturesque backdrop for the novel’s events, while the sultry weather and Texan drawl lend an air of authenticity to the story.
Throughout the book, readers will get a detailed glimpse into the town’s unique characteristics, including its rich history and culture. We see how the community comes together in times of crisis and how the lively atmosphere adds to the narrative’s vividness and flavor.
The charming setting of Wynette, Texas provides a perfect backdrop for a story that explores love and politics. It contributes to the overall ambiance of the book and makes it an enjoyable read for lovers of both romance and small-town life.
Characters
‘First Lady’ features a cast of compelling characters, each with their unique personalities and relationships that drive the plot forward. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main characters in the book:
| Character Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Cornelia Litchfield Case | As the newly-elected First Lady of the United States, Cornelia is intelligent, poised, and politically savvy. She is determined to make a difference in the White House, despite the many obstacles she faces. |
| Matt Jellicoe | The White House Chief of Staff, Matt is tasked with managing Cornelia’s political image and ensuring her success in office. He is also wrestling with his feelings for Cornelia, which threaten to complicate their professional relationship. |
| Woodrow LaMotte | The President of the United States, Woodrow is a charming but flawed individual who struggles to balance his personal life with the demands of the presidency. |
| Portia Lee | A famous Hollywood actress and Cornelia’s half-sister, Portia harbors a deep resentment towards Cornelia and is determined to undermine her at every turn. |
These characters, along with the many others featured in the book, combine to create a rich and complex portrayal of life in the White House. Their relationships and interactions provide a captivating lens through which to explore the themes of love, politics, and power.
Plot Overview
In ‘First Lady,’ Cornelia Litchfield Case, the uptight wife of a senatorial candidate, falls for Matt Jorik, the rough and rugged bodyguard assigned to protect her. Despite their different backgrounds and initial disdain for each other, Cornelia and Matt find themselves drawn together and embark on a tumultuous romance.
The novel takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of Cornelia and Matt’s relationship, as well as the political campaign that threatens to tear them apart. Along the way, readers meet a cast of charming and quirky characters, including Cornelia’s eccentric mother, her feisty best friend, and her husband’s scheming campaign manager.
As Cornelia and Matt navigate the treacherous waters of love and politics, they must also confront their own personal demons and make difficult choices about their future together. ‘First Lady’ is a heartwarming and entertaining romance with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked until the very end.
Themes
First Lady by Susan Elizabeth Phillips explores the themes of love, politics, and the intersection of the two. The storyline features a love story between newly-elected President Cornelius and his wife, the First Lady, Lucy. As a former flight attendant with a less-than-honorable past, Lucy struggles to adapt to the expectations of her new role, while dealing with the navigation of politics and media scrutiny.
The love story between Cornelius and Lucy is central to the novel, with the themes of trust, forgiveness, and sacrifice explored throughout. The power dynamic between the two is also highlighted, with Lucy being placed in a subservient position to her husband. This imbalance, coupled with Cornelius’ secrets and infidelity, leads to conflict and tension within the relationship.
The theme of politics is also prominent, as readers are given an inside look into the workings of the White House and the political landscape. The novel explores the corruption and manipulation that can occur in politics, as well as the challenges faced by those in leadership positions.
Overall, First Lady effectively intertwines the themes of love and politics, creating a captivating and nuanced narrative.
Writing Style
Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ writing style in ‘First Lady’ is both engaging and entertaining, elevating the reading experience to a whole new level. Her language is rich and descriptive, painting vivid imagery that brings the characters and setting to life.
Phillips’ use of pacing is also noteworthy, as she masterfully balances moments of tension and conflict with lighthearted humor and romance. This keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, ensuring that readers are never bored.
One unique element of Phillips’ writing style is her ability to seamlessly blend intricate political machinations with a compelling love story. The result is a plot that is both complex and emotionally resonant.
Overall, Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ writing style in ‘First Lady’ is a testament to her skill as a storyteller, and is sure to leave readers captivated from beginning to end.
Critical Reception
‘First Lady’ has received generally positive reviews from both readers and critics, with many praising Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ creative storytelling. According to Booklist, “Phillips once again demonstrates her mastery of the romantic comedy genre,” while Publishers Weekly adds that “the main characters are well-rounded, and the political elements add just enough conflict to make the story interesting.”
However, some readers were disappointed that the book’s romantic storyline took a backseat to the political plot. As one reader on Goodreads noted, “I was expecting a light-hearted romance, but instead, got more of a political thriller.”
Despite the mixed reactions, ‘First Lady’ remains a popular and well-regarded novel from Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
Impact and Legacy
‘First Lady’ has had a significant impact on Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ body of work. It is considered a fan favorite by many readers and has been praised for its witty writing and endearing characters, further solidifying Phillips’ position as a leading romance author.
Moreover, ‘First Lady’ has had a lasting influence on the romance genre. Its blend of political intrigue and passionate romance has inspired countless authors to explore similar themes and settings in their own writing, contributing to a broader trend towards genre-bending romance novels.
In sum, ‘First Lady’ remains a beloved classic in the romance genre, both for its contribution to Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ body of work and its enduring impact on the genre at large.
Similar Books by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
If you loved ‘First Lady’ by Susan Elizabeth Phillips and want more of her signature romance and comedy, we recommend the following similar books:
| Title | Summary | Similarities to ‘First Lady’ |
|---|---|---|
| Match Me If You Can | Matchmaker Annabelle Granger agrees to help sports agent Heath Champion find the perfect woman—but is it possible that the perfect woman for him has been Annabelle all along? | Like ‘First Lady’, this book is a witty and charming romance with two strong-willed leads who clash before ultimately falling in love. |
| It Had To Be You | Football team owner Phoebe Somerville hires a new coach, Dan Calebow, who challenges her in ways she never expected. | Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ debut novel is a classic romance with fun banter, steamy encounters, and a headstrong female lead who learns to soften her edges. |
| Natural Born Charmer | When Blue Bailey finds herself stranded in a small town, she turns to former NFL star Dean Robillard for help—and finds herself drawn to his charm and humor. | Like ‘First Lady’, this book features unlikely yet captivating couples who find themselves falling head over heels amid unexpected situations and obstacles. |
These books will provide readers with more of the memorable characters, delightful humor, and heartwarming romance that are hallmarks of Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ writing.
Film Adaptation
With its engaging plot, relatable characters, and charming setting, ‘First Lady’ has all the ingredients for a successful film adaptation. However, bringing a book to the screen is no small task and requires careful consideration of several factors.
One of the biggest challenges in adapting ‘First Lady’ for the screen is capturing the essence of Wynette, Texas. The small town setting is a crucial part of the story, and filmmakers would have to ensure that it is portrayed accurately and authentically. Additionally, the political themes in the book may require a nuanced approach to translate effectively to the screen.
Despite these challenges, a film adaptation of ‘First Lady’ would have several opportunities to shine. The book’s blend of romance and politics would appeal to a broad audience, and the chemistry between the main characters could make for captivating on-screen moments. Furthermore, Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ loyal fanbase would undoubtedly be eager to see the story come to life.
Overall, a film adaptation of ‘First Lady’ has the potential to be a hit if done well. With its heartwarming story and charming characters, it would make for an entertaining and thought-provoking movie experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘First Lady’ is a captivating romance novel set in the charming town of Wynette, Texas. Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ writing style and character development keep readers engaged throughout the story, which explores themes of love and politics. Despite mixed critical reception, the book has left a significant impact on both Phillips’ body of work and the romance genre as a whole.
We highly recommend ‘First Lady’ to readers who enjoy a well-crafted romance novel with relatable characters and an engaging plot. If you enjoyed this book, we suggest checking out other works by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, such as ‘Natural Born Charmer’ and ‘Ain’t She Sweet.’ Finally, while no film adaptation has been announced, we anticipate the opportunity to see the story of ‘First Lady’ come to life on the big screen.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through ‘First Lady.’ We hope you enjoyed exploring the town of Wynette, Texas, and the characters that inhabit it.
