Ladies of Liberty's viewpoint is one that shows women as designers of the nation, as well as mentors for what was yet to come for political wives. Being released in 2008, the year of primary elections with a woman running for president, makes the book fitting to remind us all of how big a role women play in the direction the U.S. takes moving forward. Mentors like Eleanor Roosevelt, Lynda (Ladybird) Johnson, and Hillary Clinton, took their cues from what Roberts calls the Ladies of Liberty. True libertarians of their time - presidential wives and all connected to them - were the real designers of early political Americanisms.

Interlocking viewpoints from women who were married to presidents, or their female offspring, foretold the direction which a few of the founding fathers eventually took. Whether it was considered treason or plain necessity, the women's influence was essential. The book Ladies of Liberty chronicles the way distinguished women of the time shared their beliefs and understandings of what should or should not occur during presidential terms. They not only shared it within their own circle but with prominent men of the period.

To understand the power of women during this time, Dolly Madison - the wife of President James Madison - is referred to in a chapter heading as the "Presidentess," a title, so it is said in the book, that was given to her by the National Intelligencer's report of President Madison's inaugural ball. That in itself should not be taken for granted. It validated the influential powers of women (president's wives or not) no matter how they gained their privileges. The chapter expressed that Dolly had many unexplainable indiscretions, one being "pimped" by President Thomas Jefferson for votes. She was not the only woman with authority. She and many others named in the cover flap controlled the shaping of the nation. 

All told, the book brings the history of certain Ladies of Liberty to the forefront with much finesse. It is what I would call a "lesson to be learned," scandals and all. As a member of the sisterhood, I feel that Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation should become mandatory reading for those who wish to teach the true history of women in America.