Emma Koehler, known as the first Emma, is a woman of great stature and determination. Her life took an unexpected turn of events as she lived through milestone moments. Emma watched her successful husband take on more than business ventures. Her relationship with her husband is described as purely contractual and far from an emotional connection. However, like any woman, Emma wanted the love of her husband but that would soon be deemed impossible after her accident. We are taken on a journey through history as we watch her story told by Maribel. Maribel is a young woman whose fiancé’ left her for another woman while at war. She answers an and for a job and leaves from Baltimore to Texas. We continue to watch as we learn more about the story of Emma Koehler told from the perspective of Maribel. Will they both find peace in this journey as the dive into the past?

Emma Koehler is a strong female lead who is described as taking charge and using her husband’s wandering eyes as a base to gain privilege in his company. She is an inspiring woman as she continues to take charge despite the many challenges she faced. Although, unable to live the life she wanted she insisted on making the best out of her situation. It was very interesting to read more about each Emma and their role in Otto’s death. We watch as Maribel is set as the narrator after a beginning that would leave any woman begging for a fresh start in a new place. Both women had a different start at life but they struggled with the men in their lives and you can see that connection in the beginning. The reader and the narrator are both captured by the story of Emma Koehler, both on the edge of their seats waiting for her next response. As we learn about each Emma and her role in the infidelity that plagued the Koehler household makes you wonder who is at fault in this situation. Is it the first Emma that lead to the death of Otto or is it the Emma that left? Throughout this story we are captivated by the strength, determination, and resiliency described in the first Emma. In the end, no one left this story unscathed.

I devoured this book in one sitting in less than three hours in an attempt to get to the end. In the beginning you are unsure of which direction the author will take the book as the title captures your attention. You wonder throughout the story, why is there a first Emma? The more the story unfolds then you understand the importance of the writing style and the way the author tells this story. The author does a phenomenal job with the telling of this story that captures the attention of the reader. You feel transported in the prohibition era and into the home of Emma and Otto Koehler. The contrast in stories from Emma and the narrator Maribel allows for a bit of a happy ending for both. I enjoyed reading about both Emma’s past and watching Maribel grow and develop in the story. It is truly remarkable to see such an interesting part of history told in such a way that provokes the reader to do more research on the subject matter. After reading this book I wanted to know more about the story of Emma and Otto. As you continue to journey through each page as the story unravels the intensity of each descriptive detail begins to reveal true emotions displayed by the main characters. Throughout this story I gasped, I cried a little, I laughed, and I applauded.

This is my first time reading a book by this author and I enjoy her writing style and attention to detail. I have read quite a few historical fictions and this book fits the bill of an entrancing read. You get to the end of the book and are excited to read more about the facts of the main character. You can tell the author was passionate about writing this book and took the time to do extensive research to ensure the story was told in a way that did not take the reader’s attention away from the first Emma. In the end, all I can say is “wow” what a wonderfully written book and I wish there was more.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in reading a captivating historical fiction novel. This book is appropriate for adults and young adults since it does not contain lewd content and is an easy read.

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