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  Jacqueline Berger
The First Ladies Lady
(805) 497-8994
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Loves, Lies, and Tears
Vol. 1
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Dear Ms. Berger:

Having seen you twice most recently at the CFRW Central Fall Conference at Harris Ranch, I had the opportunity to buy your book and you were gracious enough to autograph it. I have read it twice and have made notes on the books you referenced. The part of each section on the First Ladies that I enjoyed the most was "What _____ taught me." You showed your discernment and wisdom and I am blessed to have had read such a wonderful insight into these remarkable women. Thank you for writing this book.

Have you published your second volume? If so, could I order an autograph copy from you?

Thank you.
Imelda Sheppard

Hi Jacqueline,

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your book and that I am anxiously awaiting the next volume.

As a child, I loved reading about first ladies but only a few books were readily accessible. I learned a lot from your book. You made these women into 3 dimensional characters for me.

Thank you so much. Keep up the good work.
Best wishes,
Barbara Thompson
Jacqueline,

I just had to tell you that your book arrived today and that I thought I would just look at it (remember I told you I wanted to see it before ordering one for a gift?) Well, I could not put it down and had to tear myself away to get to things I needed to do. It is so well done!! You should be very proud of that piece of work. I look forward to savoring every bit of it as I have the first pages I read. I feel like I am peeking in the windows of those amazing women's worlds. You have truly made history come alive.

Now, here are two more pictures from the tour that you should enjoy.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas.
Judi Budos
I purchased a copy of your book on Amazon. I am about 1/3 of the way through it. As an amateur history buff, I find it fascinating. I am especially interested at the end of the chapter where you recap what each First Lady taught her. It really makes the reading very personal, and gives insight into the authors personality.
Sharon McCabe
Loves, Lies, and Tears by Jacqueline Berger offers a revealing portrait gallery of America's First Ladies, dramatically recounting the important public and private roles these often-unsung women played throughout American history.

The powerful influence and often trying experiences of the famous, such as Abigail Adams and Dolley Madison, as well as of the many less well-known First Ladies are evoked, frequently in their own voices from letters and diaries. The reader meets vivacious and ambitious social hostesses, reluctant but dutiful spouses, inspirational helpmates, great beauties, shrewd political players, and tragic invalids.

The personalities of Presidents are glimpsed from an uncommon angle on this historical journey, and many surprising stories and little-known facts appear. The First Lady's evolving role and continuing legacy is featured, from Martha Washington through Mary Todd Lincoln and beyond. Engravings, photographs, or line drawings of the First Ladies are included, and the author considers the ways each First Lady's life experience resonates for us today.
David Kessler, Educational Publishing Editor
Life for the wife of the U.S. president has changed much over the course of our nation's history. Deftly blending fact with human interest, Jacqueline Berger takes us back to the very beginning and affords us an intimate glimpse behind the scenes at the many rigors, challenges—and, yes, glamour—that have come with this demanding and not always coveted role. Through Ms. Berger's work we come to know and understand what it truly means to be America's first lady.
Gray Cutler, Publishing Editor
Loves, Lies, and Tears, is a great synopsis and quick read. There's a great balance between enough and not too much information. I'm having a very fun time reading it, like the little quick information boxes and particularly enjoy the information about what else was going on in America at the time of the various presidencies, as this helps to put their lives in historical perspective. When will Volume 2 be available?
Joel Shoolin-DO; Vice President Clinical Informatics Advocate Health Care
Chicago, IL
I found Loves, Lies, and Tears, An Intimate Look At America's First Ladies to be very thorough and comprehensive about the details of each first ladies life. It was a topic I found to be fascinating, since it was very much ignored in my history classes. It was nice to learn about their personal lives and to see the development of the role of First Lady. It has changes so much through the years.

I also enjoyed the information about the White House and some of its traditions. I was eager to read more to see how the House itself changed over the years with times. After reading the book, it filled me with a deep sense of appreciation of those in the public eye.

I thought the book was easy to read and flowed from one story to the next. Your personal commentaries were inspirational and showed a deep understanding of each woman. You documented the history very factually, but with a tone that showed your admiration for these women. The quoted materials were also fascinating as it brought me to that time period. I felt a part of that Lady and Her point of view. It also emphasized the impact of each era and the evolution to the next.

The White House and its hostesses will always hold a magical place in history. Your book provides that look inside that has escaped most of us. Thank you for getting us inside the door.
Pamela Garvin, Tax Attorney
What a pleasure it was to read and finish your new book, Loves, Lies, and Tears, An Intimate Look At America's First Ladies. I like following the President's biographies and this was a nice addition to what I had already known. It was also an easy read for one who is not in academia. Congratulations on your book. We would like to have a copy of the second volume when it is ready.
Dave Schmalz, retired Dentist
Cincinnati, Ohio
Normally, I have to admit, that this type of book, is not my cup of tea. That being said, I read your book over a 2 day period. Once I started, I wanted to continue reading. Your profiles were so intimate and revealing. I particularly liked your "what I learned from" section at the end of each bio. What I learned was that, even after all these years, basically, nothing much has changed. I related to each "first lady" in one way or another.

My one disappointment was that the book was not a hard cover. I wanted to use it has a coffee table book.

I'm very curious about the more contemporary first ladies in recent history - and I have just one question for you – when can I expect to receive Vol. 2? I can hardly wait!
Stephanie Whitt, Accounting Manager

We have three Supreme Court Justices, who are stealing some of your thunder, but everyone that was there can't stop raving about your program and the ones that weren't there are kicking themselves! Thank you so much...they all think I'm a star because I found you!
Susan Newell
United States Court of Appeals - San Francisco, CA
So much enjoyment paired with such a rich store of knowledge. You have a winning combo, thank you.
Marianne Escaron, Women's History Committee
American Association of University Women
The Eisenhower Library offers a variety of programs that appeal to different audiences. I can say Jacqueline Berger's presentation at a luncheon in the courtyard of the Eisenhower Library was one of our most successful events and enjoyed by all who attended. Many people approached me following your visit saying how impressed they were with Ms. Berger's knowledge and presentation of heart-warming, humorous, and historically correct facts of America's first ladies. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to any institution seeking a fabulous program.
Colleen Cearley, Public Affairs Specialist
Dwight D. Eisenhower Library - Abilene, KS
Ms. Berger's presentation was extremely well researched and she was very professional in her delivery and choice of material. Using a power-point presentation allowed Ms. Berger to keep in constant contact with her audience. She spoke for nearly two hours and kept the paying guests entertained for the entire length of the program. I would be more than happy to recommend Ms. Berger and her presentations. Together they added another aspect of White House life which complimented the [Smithsonian Institution's First Lady traveling] Exhibit perfectly.
Charlie Frank, Product Development Specialist
Union Station, Kansas City, Inc.
On behalf of the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace Docent Guild, I appreciate your coming to speak before the Guild on the Affairs and Romances of the First Ladies. We all learned many new anecdotes. It was a wonderful evening. The East Room suits you!
Terri Parker,
Richard Nixon Library - Yorba Linda, CA
Your historical knowledge and wonderful stories about our Nation's First Ladies were inspiring, informative and very entertaining-only surpassed by your enthusiasm and passion for this great topic! The World of Women ladies thank you for your great presentation, and are asking for a repeat performance in the future.
Vicki Miller, Vice President of Programs
World of Women - Palm Desert, CA
Thank you so much for a great presentation. Many of our guests came to me and said they could have listened to you all afternoon. It was a special program and I really appreciate your coming and being so wonderful to all the ladies present (gentlemen too!) Hope we will have the opportunity of having your visit with us again.
Pat Pinz, 1st Vice President Programs
Republican Women Federated - San Gorgonio Pass
I would be delighted to talk or exchange e-mail with anyone interested in having you as a speaker. Thank you so much for coming, everyone enjoyed your program immensely.
Donna H. Denslow, Sales Operation & Marketing Manager
Truman Presidential Museum & Library - Independence, MO
Thank you for accepting my invitation to be a guest speaker at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, on February 14, 2005. Your presentation received some of the highest accolades and personal compliments to me for bringing you in to speak. We all enjoyed your presentation.
Jack Casotti, Vice President Programs
Ronald Reagan Library - Simi Valley, CA
You were a big hit! Keep working on your book and we'll await its genesis for an early look towards our extending another invitation to an evening of First Lady historic material.
Sam Ferber, Haverim B'nai B'rith
Please give anyone wishing to get information on the First Ladies Lady programs, my email address. I will be happy to provide a glowing testimonial to anyone, as well as your website which I enjoyed visiting.
Cate Brown, President
Westlake Women's Club
Jacqueline Berger, the First Ladies Lady, was a guest speaker at our November 2005, fundraiser luncheon. She captured the audience with her wisdom on first ladies. She was delightful and funny and everyone liked her. I had been at a previous luncheon with her as a speaker and I just had to book her immediately. I would recommend Jacqueline Berger as a guest speaker for any of your events.
Barbara Volante, 1st Vice President Programs and Events
Hueneme Beautiful
Thank you for the informative and enjoyable presentation on the First Ladies. Everyone had a great time and would like to have you again sometime. You gave us one very special day.
Mary Jane Helton, 1st Vice President
Los Posas Republican Women
[Comments from an Evaluation Questionnaire: PDXfX: June 26, 2007; Speaker: Jacqueline Berger, The First Ladies Lady; Topic: Grace Under Pressure.]

What was the best thing about tonight’s event?
  • The Speaker
  • Great Stories! Entertaining and insightful.
  • I found the speaker fascinating…extremely insightful, the topic intriguing and she [Jacqueline] shared with us the passion of her knowledge in all areas.
  • It was great to listen to someone so passionate about her subject. -Fascinating to think that an interest in First Ladies could turn into a profession!
Julie Faugeroux, PDXfX Membership Director
Portland Female Executive - Portland, OR
Thank you very much! We are truly grateful for your spirited and enthusiastic presentations. Whenever you speak here, it is a sold out crowd. Please consider coming back after the first of the year.
Sandy Hildebrandt, Museum Director
Inn Museum Complex