The Reluctant First Lady.png
The Reluctant First Lady.png

The Reluctant First Lady

$24.99

As the new First Lady of the United States, Ashley Taylor refuses to assume a “hostess” role alongside her husband, the president-elect, and continues to pursue her own career outside of the White House. The ensuing debates over a woman’s role, not only within her marriage but throughout the country, will test her in ways she has never been.

Ashley Taylor has been straightforward with her husband, the president-elect of the United States. She supported his candidacy, but she has no intention of assuming the traditional role of First Lady—a position she describes as “First Hostess.” Instead, she will resume her own career as head of one of the largest art museums in New York. The aftermath of her decision triggers reactions from the public, news commentators, late night comedians, and other political factions. While Ashley and Michael wrestle with saving their marriage and preserving their professional lives, the country debates whether the role of First Lady is a necessity, how the media influences the lives of public figures, and how much a woman should sacrifice for the person she loves.Ashley Taylor has been straightforward with her husband, the president-elect of the United States. She supported his candidacy, but she has no intention of assuming the traditional role of First Lady—a position she describes as “First Hostess.” Instead, she will resume her own career as head of one of the largest art museums in New York. The aftermath of her decision triggers reactions from the public, news commentators, late night comedians, and other political factions. While Ashley and Michael wrestle with saving their marriage and preserving their professional lives, the country debates whether the role of First Lady is a necessity, how the media influences the lives of public figures, and how much a woman should sacrifice for the person she loves.

As the new First Lady of the United States, Ashley Taylor refuses to assume a “hostess” role alongside her husband, the president-elect, and continues to pursue her own career outside of the White House. The ensuing debates over a woman’s role, not only within her marriage but throughout the country, will test her in ways she has never been.

Ashley Taylor has been straightforward with her husband, the president-elect of the United States. She supported his candidacy, but she has no intention of assuming the traditional role of First Lady—a position she describes as “First Hostess.” Instead, she will resume her own career as head of one of the largest art museums in New York. The aftermath of her decision triggers reactions from the public, news commentators, late night comedians, and other political factions. While Ashley and Michael wrestle with saving their marriage and preserving their professional lives, the country debates whether the role of First Lady is a necessity, how the media influences the lives of public figures, and how much a woman should sacrifice for the person she loves.Ashley Taylor has been straightforward with her husband, the president-elect of the United States. She supported his candidacy, but she has no intention of assuming the traditional role of First Lady—a position she describes as “First Hostess.” Instead, she will resume her own career as head of one of the largest art museums in New York. The aftermath of her decision triggers reactions from the public, news commentators, late night comedians, and other political factions. While Ashley and Michael wrestle with saving their marriage and preserving their professional lives, the country debates whether the role of First Lady is a necessity, how the media influences the lives of public figures, and how much a woman should sacrifice for the person she loves.

SPECS

  • Imprint: Brown Books Publishing Group

  • BISAC: Fiction / Women

  • Format: Hardcover with dust jacket

  • Page Count: 368

  • Publication Date: September 3, 2013

  • ISBN-13: 9781612541136

  • Dimensions: 6" x 9"

  • US List Price: $24.99

  • Carton QTY: 20

AUTHOR BIO

Venita Ellick was fated to be a writer. She was named for a character in a book her mother was reading at the time of the birth. As a young girl, she spent so much time in libraries that librarians would save books for her almost daily visits. She began writing stories in the first grade, which her mother patiently read. The intervention of a career as an educator and raising three sons delayed her focus on writing, but she has now completed three novels. The Reluctant First Lady is her fourth. Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen captivated her as a teenager. The power and imagery of the printed word made her wonder what each heroine was thinking and feeling. She wanted to be the woman with the cape and hood standing on the edge of the cliff with the wind whipping around her. The mysteries that could be found in stories fascinated her and are echoed in The Reluctant First Lady. Ellick draws on her experiences as a wife, mother, teacher, and principal to create her characters. Her sense of humor and recognition of the absurd and often whimsical nature of life have allowed her to capture her characters' lives with authenticity and emotional resonance. Venita and her husband David have experience as a two-career couple. They live on an island in the state of Washington.

PRAISE

"An elegantly crafted novel, ''The Reluctant First Lady'' clearly documents author Venita Ellick as an exceptionally accomplished writer able to skillfully weave memorable characters into a riveting story line from beginning to end. As engaging as it is entertaining, ''The Reluctant First Lady'' is highly recommended."
-Midwest Book Review

"The Reluctant First Lady is a fun, energy-charged read. Ellick provides a perfect balance of thought, action, and dialogue, along with well-timed back-story of the main characters, and she definitely gets the reader thinking, 'What if?'"
-ForeWord Reviews