Its 1859 in Springfield Illinois. Mr Abraham Lincoln is a humble lawyer in his hometown. In Webbs debut novel ‘At home with Mr Lincoln’ she takes us back to a time before he was elected 16th president of the United States. Told through the eyes of his adopted daughter 11-year-old Tess we get a glimpse of Lincoln the man. While we have many glimpses of him as President not much is spoken of Lincolns earlier life. What made Lincoln the man he was? What was Lincoln’s persona before he became President of the United States. That’s the journey Tess Lincoln, Aka Webb took me on in this tale. There is a dual narrative being played out in this novel.

Tess was an orphan adopted by the Lincolns. She was happy living with them. Unfortunately, it would appear that she was going to be torn from them. This was a frightening thought for Tess who had become a part of the Lincoln family. Webb intuitively explores her emotions.

Its also a troubling period in Americas history, a time when a deep rift exists between the Northern and Southern States. Lincolns stand was clear. As an abolitionist he firmly stood with the Northern states. This thread rums along throughout the novel. Webb cleverly weaves her tale between Tess’s impending dilemma and that between the North and South. What does young Tess feel about slavery? How do the rest of the Lincoln family feel about it? And then news that Lincoln was being nominated for President by the Republican Party.

This book is an expose of Lincoln through his 11-year-old daughters eyes. Throughout I got many insightful glimpses into Lincolns simple way of life. Tess's admiration of her papa’s courage, honesty and devotion to his family and those around him was not lost on me. Delving deep into his daily life with his family, colleagues and neighbours gave me a very good idea of Lincolns daily life and his relationships with those around him.

By cunningly juxta positioning the occurrences in their daily life with their concurrent history Webb emphasises their character. True it is written as historical fiction to enable her the licence to fill in gaps in the true story. She explains this in her book. There's no doubting that Webb has done a lot of research into Abraham Lincoln. At The beginning of the book there is a cast of characters and at its end she tells us all about her extensive research.

This book would be educational for TEENS and YA. A great way to learn history. This is the first book in the series. Nevertheless, it can be read as a standalone. However, I can’t wait for the sequel – In the white House with Mr Lincoln. We get a sneak preview at the end of the novel. Considering that Webb is only 14 years old is indeed an achievement. Hurry up Webb and bravo for the first instalment.

I enjoy reading history about Abraham Lincoln. There are parts of his life that get skipped over. This is a good book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Good book to get younger readers interested in history.
Abraham Lincoln only owned one house in his lifetime, a house in Springfield, Illinois. It was in this home that he, Mary, and his three sons lived in the years before his Presidency.
Now, a young author has written a “what if?” story about their lives in that house, with a twist. Through the eyes of a young girl “Tess”, readers will enter the Lincolns’ lives and share in their moments of happiness and sorrow. Tess (Teresa) is the fictional adopted daughter of the Lincoln family, and her presence provides many insightful glances about each of the members. Her adoption proceedings even cause some exciting and terrifying events for she and her “father”!
The character of Tess is completely imaginary; there was never actually a daughter adopted by the Lincoln family. My only criticism of this book is that there were no authors’ notes explaining this fact. I, myself, went on down a brief “rabbit trail” to find out more about Tess, thinking that I would discover new information about the Lincoln family, and was a bit disappointed to find out her character was completely fictional.
I think reading this would create an interest about the Lincoln family; perhaps even result in a visit to the Lincoln Museum and the house, both in Springfield. I have visited both with my family, several times, and the experiences were always wonderful!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

I liked this story well enough but I am surprised that it still available here on Netgalley.
There's an awful lot of grinning in this book which I know in reality that isn't possible. Not all the time. I also know a little bit about the Lincolns.
Good people I'm sure but as always I really enjoyed reading about them.
Especially Mr. Lincoln lol.
Those boys were something else. I think that they will be my favorite people since I know eventually what happens to them. I really like how this author has portrayed them and Lincoln's view as a father lol. Too funny on that part. Not much discipline on the parents' part.
No wonder Tess got aggravated at times.
I felt that I was a part of their lives which made this book even more fun. How the world must've looked back then!!
Thos is a can't put down book. You'll be wanting to read it until it is finished and yes you'll be left grinning or laughing whichever the case may be. I highly recommend it.
5 stars for a fun read.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.