The Secrets of Mary Bowser: A Novel

All her life, Mary has been a slave to the wealthy Van Lew family of Richmond, Virginia. But when Bet, the willful Van Lew daughter, decides to send Mary to Philadelphia to be educated, she must leave her family to seize her freedom.

Life in the North brings new friendships, a courtship, and a far different education than Mary ever expected, one that leads her into the heart of the abolition movement. With the nation edging toward war, she defies Virginia law by returning to Richmond to care for her ailing father—and to fight for emancipation. Posing as a slave in the Confederate White House in order to spy on President Jefferson Davis, Mary deceives even those who are closest to her to aid the Union command.

Just when it seems that all her courageous gambles to end slavery will pay off, Mary discovers that everything comes at a cost—even freedom.

"Packed with drama, intrigue, love, loss, and most of all, the resilience of a remarkable heroine. . . .What a treat!" —Kelly O'Connor McNees, author of The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott

"Deftly balancing history, romance and adventure, Leveen honors the life and historical importance of a brave, resourceful woman." — Kirkus Reviews

"[A] gripping tale of adventure, love, and national conflict." — Publishers Weekly

"Historical fiction of the highest caliber." — Seattle Post-Intelligencer