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A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams
In time for the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States comes a sweeping, intimate portrayal of Abigail Adams—wife of one president and mother to another—whose wit, willpower, and wisdom helped shape the fledgling republic. A stunning historical novel with modern-day implications from the New York Times bestselling authors of America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton.
In the heart of revolutionary Boston, Abigail Adams raises her children amid riots, blockades, and the outbreak of war. While her husband, John Adams, rises from country lawyer to nation-builder, often away for years at a time, Abigail builds her own independence—managing their farm, making lucrative investments, amassing savings, battling plague and loss, and defending their home. Unafraid to speak her mind, she famously offers fearless political counsel, urging John to “remember the ladies” in the new government. Through it all, she becomes his most trusted confidante and indispensable ally.
When peace is secured, Abigail steps onto the world stage—exchanging ideas with Thomas Jefferson in the French countryside, navigating court life as the wife of the Minister to Great Britain, and presiding over the parlor politics of the early American republic in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Even after her husband’s presidential administration, she continues battling political foes and working behind the scenes to advance her family, secure independence for the women in her life, and ensure a better life for the next generation of Americans.
From war-torn streets to the chandeliered halls of power, A Founding Mother is the unforgettable story of a woman ahead of her time—one whose voice, vision, and valor still resonate powerfully today.
In the heart of revolutionary Boston, Abigail Adams raises her children amid riots, blockades, and the outbreak of war. While her husband, John Adams, rises from country lawyer to nation-builder, often away for years at a time, Abigail builds her own independence—managing their farm, making lucrative investments, amassing savings, battling plague and loss, and defending their home. Unafraid to speak her mind, she famously offers fearless political counsel, urging John to “remember the ladies” in the new government. Through it all, she becomes his most trusted confidante and indispensable ally.
When peace is secured, Abigail steps onto the world stage—exchanging ideas with Thomas Jefferson in the French countryside, navigating court life as the wife of the Minister to Great Britain, and presiding over the parlor politics of the early American republic in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Even after her husband’s presidential administration, she continues battling political foes and working behind the scenes to advance her family, secure independence for the women in her life, and ensure a better life for the next generation of Americans.
From war-torn streets to the chandeliered halls of power, A Founding Mother is the unforgettable story of a woman ahead of her time—one whose voice, vision, and valor still resonate powerfully today.
464 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Stephanie Dray
19 books4,939 followersSTEPHANIE DRAY is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of historical women’s fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into eight languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. She lives with her husband, cats, and history books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
March 2, 2026
Read this one for a cover quote, which I gave happily because I LOVED it! Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie are back with another tale of America's founding mothers, this the most famous of all: Abigail Adams herself. America's most famous first lady shines from every page, spiky, clever, and admirable whether holding her family together during the Revolution, presiding over the White House during her husband's presidency, or wondering if it was all for nought as she watches her nation's capital burn. The research shines, the prose gleams, the characterization is a delight, and the themes are timelier than ever--I can think of no book more necessary, as the eve of our nation's 250th anniversary dawns, than A FOUNDING MOTHER.
Want to Read
December 6, 2025A book on Abigail Adams from my fav historical fiction author duo?! So excited!
May 11, 2026
A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie
Fictionalization of the life of Abigail Adams.
History brought to life by two authors that have proven themselves with their prior stories.
The life of Abigail Adams, her husband, her children and extended family and their impact in history and events.
The audiobook is told from Abigail’s perspective. We follow her from just prior to her marriage at 16 until her 70’s and the legacy she left behind.
I found myself actively looking up a few of the facts I’m sure I learned in school at some point. This story made the facts more intriguing. Clearly a strong woman and someone to remember.
Interesting and impactful.
Fictionalization of the life of Abigail Adams.
History brought to life by two authors that have proven themselves with their prior stories.
The life of Abigail Adams, her husband, her children and extended family and their impact in history and events.
The audiobook is told from Abigail’s perspective. We follow her from just prior to her marriage at 16 until her 70’s and the legacy she left behind.
I found myself actively looking up a few of the facts I’m sure I learned in school at some point. This story made the facts more intriguing. Clearly a strong woman and someone to remember.
Interesting and impactful.
May 24, 2026
This is definitely one of my favorite books of 2026. I enjoy about 500 books per year to put that into perspective. This was the story of Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams. This story takes the reader through many, many years. I had no idea what Mrs. Adams endured and what a strong, courageous woman she was. I also learned quite a bit about America, prior to, during and after the Revolutionary War. She is a wonderful role model. This was also my first book by Stephanie Dray, I plan to read all I can access by her. Outstanding narration. Highly recommend!
I was blessed with an ALC and ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. I plan to purchase this book as I plan to reread it several times!
I was blessed with an ALC and ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. I plan to purchase this book as I plan to reread it several times!
May 4, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley, for granting me a free digital copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Remembered for her keen intellect, proud patriotism, and strong partnership with her husband, Abigail Adams has long been heralded as both a champion of women’s rights and one of the few starring women of the American Revolution. A Founding Mother reinforces many of the things we’ve traditionally admired about Abigail, while exposing the harsh realities and contradictions of Abigail’s world. A staunch abolitionist, Abigail was nevertheless born into a family of enslavers.* She and John had a deep bond built on love and a shared intellect, yet she still often found herself overruled by him, forced to stifle her own feelings in favor of her prickly husband’s. Together, they labored all their adult lives to build and nurture a new nation, yet in doing so, had to sacrifice their own happiness and comfort, and often those of their children too.
Dray and Kamoie do an excellent job of balancing the many prominent themes within this story: feminism and the disenfranchisement of women, the highs and lows of married life, raising and losing children, labor and finances, war and peace, and the treacherous world of politics. It can be easy to forget just how hard life was in early America, and through Abigail, we witness the many struggles and humiliations women were subjected to prior to gaining any kind of legal freedom. Abigail quarrels with John and struggles to keep their family afloat during the years he is overseas serving as a diplomat, yet her life is a picnic compared to the other women we meet whose husbands beat them, abandon them, publicly betray them (looking at you, Hamilton), and get lost in the bottle. Alcoholism was a major vice in the Adams family, and reading about it serves as a wake-up call for all the people today who complain that our culture has become too sober. In fact, A Founding Mother presents rebuttals to many modern complaints without even trying—firstly that the glorified past wasn’t all that glorious, but also that, yes, we really have made tremendous progress since then.
In keeping with the trajectory of the real Adamses’ lives, the pair have soured considerably on many of the other Founding Fathers by the time they reach retirement. The Washingtons are highly respected right up until the very end, but by the final third of A Founding Mother, the Adamses have fallen out hard with Hamilton and Jefferson (Abigail died before Adams and Jefferson reconciled). Given the enormous egos of these brilliant men, it was perhaps unavoidable that they would all end up locking horns eventually. I suspect there are plenty of Easter eggs for those who have read the authors’ earlier books on Eliza Hamilton and Patsy Jefferson, which I plan on getting around to at some point myself, albeit with some trepidation (like many Americans, I am both fascinated by Thomas Jefferson’s relationship with Sally Hemings yet found myself cringing in on myself every time her name was mentioned). Other Founders were mentioned in passing, among them Benjamin Franklin, Henry Knox, and John Jay. (If you’re reading this, Dray and Kamoie, I’d like to suggest Sarah Jay as the protagonist of a future installment. She and John Jay left behind plenty of sappy love letters to reference, their sons were big in the abolitionist movement, and Sarah also left records of several amusing run-ins with Ben Franklin.)
If I had one complaint it would be that, despite the length of this book, so much was squeezed in that certain areas didn’t feel like they received the level of exploration they deserved, namely the war years and Abigail’s time as First Lady. But I enjoyed learning about the Adamses as people, and especially appreciated the way their children were brought to life, along with the complicated relationships they had with their parents. All in all, this was an excellent listen, and a fitting story for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
*There’s a lot of new terminology we’re expected to use now regarding slavery. Unfortunately, this becomes a bit anachronistic when Abigail, an 18th century woman, refers to slaves as “the enslaved” instead.
Remembered for her keen intellect, proud patriotism, and strong partnership with her husband, Abigail Adams has long been heralded as both a champion of women’s rights and one of the few starring women of the American Revolution. A Founding Mother reinforces many of the things we’ve traditionally admired about Abigail, while exposing the harsh realities and contradictions of Abigail’s world. A staunch abolitionist, Abigail was nevertheless born into a family of enslavers.* She and John had a deep bond built on love and a shared intellect, yet she still often found herself overruled by him, forced to stifle her own feelings in favor of her prickly husband’s. Together, they labored all their adult lives to build and nurture a new nation, yet in doing so, had to sacrifice their own happiness and comfort, and often those of their children too.
Dray and Kamoie do an excellent job of balancing the many prominent themes within this story: feminism and the disenfranchisement of women, the highs and lows of married life, raising and losing children, labor and finances, war and peace, and the treacherous world of politics. It can be easy to forget just how hard life was in early America, and through Abigail, we witness the many struggles and humiliations women were subjected to prior to gaining any kind of legal freedom. Abigail quarrels with John and struggles to keep their family afloat during the years he is overseas serving as a diplomat, yet her life is a picnic compared to the other women we meet whose husbands beat them, abandon them, publicly betray them (looking at you, Hamilton), and get lost in the bottle. Alcoholism was a major vice in the Adams family, and reading about it serves as a wake-up call for all the people today who complain that our culture has become too sober. In fact, A Founding Mother presents rebuttals to many modern complaints without even trying—firstly that the glorified past wasn’t all that glorious, but also that, yes, we really have made tremendous progress since then.
In keeping with the trajectory of the real Adamses’ lives, the pair have soured considerably on many of the other Founding Fathers by the time they reach retirement. The Washingtons are highly respected right up until the very end, but by the final third of A Founding Mother, the Adamses have fallen out hard with Hamilton and Jefferson (Abigail died before Adams and Jefferson reconciled). Given the enormous egos of these brilliant men, it was perhaps unavoidable that they would all end up locking horns eventually. I suspect there are plenty of Easter eggs for those who have read the authors’ earlier books on Eliza Hamilton and Patsy Jefferson, which I plan on getting around to at some point myself, albeit with some trepidation (like many Americans, I am both fascinated by Thomas Jefferson’s relationship with Sally Hemings yet found myself cringing in on myself every time her name was mentioned). Other Founders were mentioned in passing, among them Benjamin Franklin, Henry Knox, and John Jay. (If you’re reading this, Dray and Kamoie, I’d like to suggest Sarah Jay as the protagonist of a future installment. She and John Jay left behind plenty of sappy love letters to reference, their sons were big in the abolitionist movement, and Sarah also left records of several amusing run-ins with Ben Franklin.)
If I had one complaint it would be that, despite the length of this book, so much was squeezed in that certain areas didn’t feel like they received the level of exploration they deserved, namely the war years and Abigail’s time as First Lady. But I enjoyed learning about the Adamses as people, and especially appreciated the way their children were brought to life, along with the complicated relationships they had with their parents. All in all, this was an excellent listen, and a fitting story for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
*There’s a lot of new terminology we’re expected to use now regarding slavery. Unfortunately, this becomes a bit anachronistic when Abigail, an 18th century woman, refers to slaves as “the enslaved” instead.
Want to Read
January 6, 20262026 is going to be a phenomenal year for new books!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A STORY OF A STRONG WOMAN AHEAD OF HER TIME
SUMMARY
Abigail Adams was the second First Lady of the United States. Before that, she and her husband, John, a country lawyer, lived in a rustic saltbox farmhouse outside of Boston. She lovingly raised her four children—Nabby, John Quincy, Charlie, and Tommy—during a tumultuous time of revolution, riots, and war. As her husband devoted himself to serving the country, often away for months or even years, Abigail embraced independence and took charge of their home. She managed the farm, faced challenges such as devastating illness, and found creative ways to earn the much-needed money for her family. Abigail was never afraid to speak her mind to her husband and kindly reminded him to “remember the ladies” while helping craft the foundational documents of a new nation.
REVIEW
A FOUNDING MOTHER is a delightfully informative and entertaining novel about the early days of our country. And it’s just time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of our country. This book offers a glimpse into the politics of the times from Abigail’s perspective and in her role as the President’s Lady.
Authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie are well known for co-writing award-winning women’s historical fiction, including America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton. They are born storytellers. The writing is stellar, and the pacing keeps your interest.
To me, reading historical fiction about real people is a little scary because it all feels so real, and I typically don’t know which parts are true and which aren’t. In this book, there were several things I thought could not possibly be true, but they really happened. One of my favorite parts of Dray and Kamoie’s books is that they tell us what is real and what’s not, and which things they had to change and why in their Author’s Notes. The Author Notes are must-reads for all of their books!
A FOUNDING MOTHER is a timely and thought-provoking story about a woman full of fortitude and strength, who was very much ahead of her time. Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Publisher William Morrow
Published. May 5. 2026
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Abigail Adams was the second First Lady of the United States. Before that, she and her husband, John, a country lawyer, lived in a rustic saltbox farmhouse outside of Boston. She lovingly raised her four children—Nabby, John Quincy, Charlie, and Tommy—during a tumultuous time of revolution, riots, and war. As her husband devoted himself to serving the country, often away for months or even years, Abigail embraced independence and took charge of their home. She managed the farm, faced challenges such as devastating illness, and found creative ways to earn the much-needed money for her family. Abigail was never afraid to speak her mind to her husband and kindly reminded him to “remember the ladies” while helping craft the foundational documents of a new nation.
REVIEW
A FOUNDING MOTHER is a delightfully informative and entertaining novel about the early days of our country. And it’s just time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of our country. This book offers a glimpse into the politics of the times from Abigail’s perspective and in her role as the President’s Lady.
Authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie are well known for co-writing award-winning women’s historical fiction, including America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton. They are born storytellers. The writing is stellar, and the pacing keeps your interest.
To me, reading historical fiction about real people is a little scary because it all feels so real, and I typically don’t know which parts are true and which aren’t. In this book, there were several things I thought could not possibly be true, but they really happened. One of my favorite parts of Dray and Kamoie’s books is that they tell us what is real and what’s not, and which things they had to change and why in their Author’s Notes. The Author Notes are must-reads for all of their books!
A FOUNDING MOTHER is a timely and thought-provoking story about a woman full of fortitude and strength, who was very much ahead of her time. Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Publisher William Morrow
Published. May 5. 2026
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
May 29, 2026
‘Can it be that providence has saved the United States’? John is thoughtful. ‘No, we may make ourselves popular by boasting that Americans are the chosen people. Exceptional by nature and worthy of Gods special notice, but it will be flattery and delusion. If this Republic survives, it will always be because we saved it ourselves’. ― Stephanie Dray, A Founding Mother
Story: 5
Audio: 5
Narrator: Cassandra Campbell
Available: NetGalley
Listen at 1.4 speed
How appropriate that this book is being published the year of our great country’s 250th anniversary. Such a wonderful reminder to us all that generations of peoples have fought and died for the continued survival these United States. Also, a reminder that during our short history there have always been and there will continue to be internal, as well as, external wars being fought to try and tear it down.
Audio was so perfectly performed that I high recommend this format. Brings Abigail’s voice to resounding life.
***ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Story: 5
Audio: 5
Narrator: Cassandra Campbell
Available: NetGalley
Listen at 1.4 speed
How appropriate that this book is being published the year of our great country’s 250th anniversary. Such a wonderful reminder to us all that generations of peoples have fought and died for the continued survival these United States. Also, a reminder that during our short history there have always been and there will continue to be internal, as well as, external wars being fought to try and tear it down.
Audio was so perfectly performed that I high recommend this format. Brings Abigail’s voice to resounding life.
***ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2026
(I received a complimentary copy of this title through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
The Revolutionary War Era is my favorite time period of history to read about, and I was thrilled to see this book coming out in 2026. I’ve read and enjoyed other books by these authors, so I was hopeful that I’d enjoy this one too. It did not disappoint! Abigail Adams is such a fascinating historical figure, and I loved reading her fictionalized story.
One can tell in reading this book how much research these authors did prior to writing, as there is great attention to detail and historical accuracy where possible. I always really appreciate that! The Author’s Notes at the end of this story are an absolute must-read!
This story takes place early on as the scene is being set for the Revolution and follows the Adams family through John Adam’s presidency. I love reading about Abigail Adams and other women like her. I just love learning more about these women who kept their faith and served passionately through extremely difficult circumstances. As a mil spouse, I find Abigail Adams especially amazing for all of the years she served back at home alone while her husband served his country. She was such an amazing lady, and I feel that this story is a wonderful tribute to her.
If you are looking for a historical fiction set during the Revolutionary War to read in honor of the USA’s 250th this year, this is the book for you!
Content considerations: For anyone wondering if this book has spice, the answer is: nope! There are some fade-to-black scenes between married couples but that’s all. Additionally, I would like to mention that there may be some content warnings some readers would like to be aware of. For example, the Adams family loses multiple babies and children, and these events are included in the story. As always, feel free to ask further questions if you have them! Send me a DM over on IG (@emilylovesreading_) with any inquiries.
Informative and entertaining.
I would highly recommend A Founding Mother!
June 3, 2026
3.75 stars rounded up to 4.
Audiobook narrated by Cassandra Campbell 17hrs 20 minutes
Abigail Adams. The wife of John Adams, the third president of the United States. The mother of John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States. Who was the president's lady?
Daughter. Wife. Mother. Abolitionist. Feminist.
That is the woman historical fiction authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie want us to meet. Let me say, I thoroughly enjoyed "getting to know her." Abigail Adams cared for and loved her family and her new country very deeply. That came across quickly in the narrative and ran as a steady vein throughout the storyline. Cassandra Campbell is a favourite audiobook narrator of mine, and she helped bring to life the woman at the centre of this novel. I loved the in-depth author's note about what was true, what was implied, and where creative licence was taken. As the authors state, the craziest things in historical fiction tend to be the truest.
A highly enjoyable historical fiction just in time for the U.S's 250th birthday bash! This was my first Audiobook selection on NetGalley, and I will be checking out more.
Publication Date 05/05/26
Goodreads Review 03/06/26
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Audiobook narrated by Cassandra Campbell 17hrs 20 minutes
Abigail Adams. The wife of John Adams, the third president of the United States. The mother of John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States. Who was the president's lady?
Daughter. Wife. Mother. Abolitionist. Feminist.
That is the woman historical fiction authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie want us to meet. Let me say, I thoroughly enjoyed "getting to know her." Abigail Adams cared for and loved her family and her new country very deeply. That came across quickly in the narrative and ran as a steady vein throughout the storyline. Cassandra Campbell is a favourite audiobook narrator of mine, and she helped bring to life the woman at the centre of this novel. I loved the in-depth author's note about what was true, what was implied, and where creative licence was taken. As the authors state, the craziest things in historical fiction tend to be the truest.
A highly enjoyable historical fiction just in time for the U.S's 250th birthday bash! This was my first Audiobook selection on NetGalley, and I will be checking out more.
Publication Date 05/05/26
Goodreads Review 03/06/26
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 29, 2026
This is my most anticipated book of the year, and it did not disappoint! Stephanie and Laura always write the most impeccably researched novels about real people. Their latest about the indomitable Abigail Adams is a masterpiece of rich historical details, snappy dialogue, and beautiful descriptions of 18th century America and Europe. Abigail is one of my favorite first ladies as she had a sharp tongue, keen intellect, and political mind like no other. Americans should be grateful for her wise counsel to John Adams and other political leaders even if they didn’t listen to her all of the time (and lived to regret it!).
Stephanie and Laura immerse the reader in colonial America from the smells of the Boston streets to the bucolic countryside surrounding the Adams farm. The descriptions of the American Revolution battles taking place just miles from the Adams homestead are pulse-pounding. I especially loved the time the Adamses spent in Europe, and their writing about meeting Queen Charlotte and the Lafayettes was so fascinating.
Biographical historical fiction novels are some of my favorites as you learn so much about a real person and events in history. And as the saying goes, truth IS stranger than fiction. I highly recommend A Founding Mother to all readers, especially during this celebration of America’s 250th birthday. It’s the perfect time to read about this founding mother who is finally getting her due!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.
Stephanie and Laura immerse the reader in colonial America from the smells of the Boston streets to the bucolic countryside surrounding the Adams farm. The descriptions of the American Revolution battles taking place just miles from the Adams homestead are pulse-pounding. I especially loved the time the Adamses spent in Europe, and their writing about meeting Queen Charlotte and the Lafayettes was so fascinating.
Biographical historical fiction novels are some of my favorites as you learn so much about a real person and events in history. And as the saying goes, truth IS stranger than fiction. I highly recommend A Founding Mother to all readers, especially during this celebration of America’s 250th birthday. It’s the perfect time to read about this founding mother who is finally getting her due!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.
May 23, 2026
I really wanted to like this book more than I did because I thought "Becoming Madam Secretary" was a brilliant book. But any book that has me wanting it to end is never going to merit a 4 or 5 star rating. Let's be clear: this book is extremely well-written and researched. My gripe is that because the book is so comprehensive and encompassing of decades of Abigail Adams's life it felt like important parts of history did not receive enough page dedication. I read an entire book by Dan Abrams about John Adams that focused on the Boston Massacre; this book covered it in a handful of pages. I understand that was a strategic decision because the book is already so long that adding more might discourage readers from partaking in a tome. However, in doing so, it felt incomplete (which is saying a lot for a book of this length). I get that I'm in the minority here and that's okay because Abigail Adams made it clear that there's nothing wrong with standing by unpopular opinions.
February 19, 2026
A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams by Stephanie Dray; Laura Kamoie is an amazing historical fiction that I just truly loved.
I have read many books (but not all) written by Ms Dray, and I have loved every one of them that I have picked up, and this is no exception.
I loved learning more about this fabulous, complex, and underrated woman. It is sad to say I knew very little of her, especially compared to her husband.
The novel was well researched, intriguing, compelling, and kept me coming back for more. I really didnt want it to end. I love it when I get to learn something new while I am being thoroughly entertained. A reader cannot ask for more.
This will be by far one of my favorite books of this year. High expectations for the remaining books to come.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/5/2026.
I have read many books (but not all) written by Ms Dray, and I have loved every one of them that I have picked up, and this is no exception.
I loved learning more about this fabulous, complex, and underrated woman. It is sad to say I knew very little of her, especially compared to her husband.
The novel was well researched, intriguing, compelling, and kept me coming back for more. I really didnt want it to end. I love it when I get to learn something new while I am being thoroughly entertained. A reader cannot ask for more.
This will be by far one of my favorite books of this year. High expectations for the remaining books to come.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/5/2026.
June 4, 2026
This is the story of Abigail Adams, wife of our 2nd President John Adams, and mother to our 6th President John Quincy Adams. Her story begins as a teenager and follows her life into her 70's.
Abigail lived during one of the most turbulent times in the history of this country - The Revolutionary War and everything surrounding the founding of the nation.
She is well known for her strength, loyalty to her husband, amazing political strategy (especially at a time when women were not known for this), and caring mother. This book does a great job of expounding on each of these character traits, as well as showing how truly brutal and lonely much of her life was.
Compared to two of the authors previous books of the same time period: My Dear Hamilton and America's First Daughter, this book was a slower read for me. I think the reason was just that there wasn't scandal surrounding her life or marriage. Her family wasn't completely dysfunctional and her marriage was definitely strained for long periods, but was never unfaithful by either spouse. She was a solid, steady woman, caring for her children and her family's home, often alone for months or even years at a time, while her husband was away building this nation we call home. The chaos detailed in the lives of the other two books, kept me riveted and flying through the pages. This book was different, and honestly, it was a nice change - to read about a loving marriage, held strong through MANY trials and great loss ( the Adams' lose multiple babies and children over their marriage) vs the complete train wreck of the relationships of the other two books was a delight. Readers should probably know this going in however, because it is a big difference.
There were so many challenges and difficulties facing this who lived during this time. The danger of illness, especially among children, was tremendous. This book delves into the challenging decision of whether to vaccinate against small pox, at a time when the use of vaccination was brand new - and the outcome of the decision in the Adams family was severe. Towards the end of the book, the story of Abigail's daughter Nabby and her bout with breast cancer is particularly difficult to read.
This is a fascinating historical period to learn about and this book is a wonderful addition for anyone interested in it. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was excellent!
Thank you to the authors, publishers and NetGalley for a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Abigail lived during one of the most turbulent times in the history of this country - The Revolutionary War and everything surrounding the founding of the nation.
She is well known for her strength, loyalty to her husband, amazing political strategy (especially at a time when women were not known for this), and caring mother. This book does a great job of expounding on each of these character traits, as well as showing how truly brutal and lonely much of her life was.
Compared to two of the authors previous books of the same time period: My Dear Hamilton and America's First Daughter, this book was a slower read for me. I think the reason was just that there wasn't scandal surrounding her life or marriage. Her family wasn't completely dysfunctional and her marriage was definitely strained for long periods, but was never unfaithful by either spouse. She was a solid, steady woman, caring for her children and her family's home, often alone for months or even years at a time, while her husband was away building this nation we call home. The chaos detailed in the lives of the other two books, kept me riveted and flying through the pages. This book was different, and honestly, it was a nice change - to read about a loving marriage, held strong through MANY trials and great loss ( the Adams' lose multiple babies and children over their marriage) vs the complete train wreck of the relationships of the other two books was a delight. Readers should probably know this going in however, because it is a big difference.
There were so many challenges and difficulties facing this who lived during this time. The danger of illness, especially among children, was tremendous. This book delves into the challenging decision of whether to vaccinate against small pox, at a time when the use of vaccination was brand new - and the outcome of the decision in the Adams family was severe. Towards the end of the book, the story of Abigail's daughter Nabby and her bout with breast cancer is particularly difficult to read.
This is a fascinating historical period to learn about and this book is a wonderful addition for anyone interested in it. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was excellent!
Thank you to the authors, publishers and NetGalley for a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
May 23, 2026
Excellent historical fiction story about one of my favorite First Ladies, Abigail Adams. This was especially good after reading biographies of both John Adams and John Quincy Adams. I had wanted to learn more about Abigail and this did a suburb job in telling her story in an engaging way. Thoroughly enjoyed on audio.
April 25, 2026
4.5
Although quite a long book, I certainly felt what it must have been like to have lived in that time period. Married to attorney John Adams was a good life but as England was giving the colonists heavy "taxation without representation" that led to the Boston Tea Party, it made it all too clear how costly this was to both sides. Following her life through this tumultuous time, her husband became more involved in the organization of our early government based on the Declaration of Independence, Our freedom from England was long, hard fought and costly. Spending long periods of time without John, making her own money, caring for her large family while staying knowledgable of the opinions of the day from both parties. She was truly an amazing woman.
I was taken aback at treating President Washington as a king, curtseying to him and Martha shows just how hard it was to get the monarchy out of their minds, as well as our country. Attorney John Adams even wrote that Washington was "President" to fully rethink of our new country as independent thinkers, not minions of the monarchy.
A worthy read for our 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence!
My thanks to Net Galley and William Morrow Books for the advanced copy of this audiobook.
Although quite a long book, I certainly felt what it must have been like to have lived in that time period. Married to attorney John Adams was a good life but as England was giving the colonists heavy "taxation without representation" that led to the Boston Tea Party, it made it all too clear how costly this was to both sides. Following her life through this tumultuous time, her husband became more involved in the organization of our early government based on the Declaration of Independence, Our freedom from England was long, hard fought and costly. Spending long periods of time without John, making her own money, caring for her large family while staying knowledgable of the opinions of the day from both parties. She was truly an amazing woman.
I was taken aback at treating President Washington as a king, curtseying to him and Martha shows just how hard it was to get the monarchy out of their minds, as well as our country. Attorney John Adams even wrote that Washington was "President" to fully rethink of our new country as independent thinkers, not minions of the monarchy.
A worthy read for our 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence!
My thanks to Net Galley and William Morrow Books for the advanced copy of this audiobook.
May 16, 2026
I’m less than five minutes into the audiobook and the authors have already made a factual error. Abigail is waxing poetically about her fondness for her time in the executive mansion, giving banquets. In reality, Abigail hated the house because it wasn’t finished during her husband’s presidency. Google Abigail Adams and White House for a more accurate description of her feelings. Better yet, check out a biography of this remarkable woman.
June 2, 2026
Thank you to @stephanie.dray, @laurakamoie, and @williammorrowbooks for the generous #gifted book and @harpercollins for the #gifted audiobook!
I took my time reading this remarkably captivating book, especially as the 250th anniversary of our nation and the Declaration of Independence draws near.
Cassandra masterfully brought Abigail Adams to life, making her story truly unforgettable. I listened to the audiobook while following along in the text, and I was amazed by the depth of research and history woven into this work. The authentic letters exchanged between Abigail and others were skillfully used to craft this compelling story, and the depiction of historical events and people added authenticity.
Abigail emerged as a strong, courageous, and formidable woman. She had to be resilient while her husband, John Adams, played a crucial role in shaping a nation and fostering international relations. While her husband was away for years establishing relationships, she found ways to be independent to support her family. She never hesitated to voice her opinions to her husband, dignitaries, and politicians. Her letters give us an intimate glimpse into their relationship. Her years-long separation from her husband was heartbreaking, especially as she struggled to care for her children. The emotional toll Abigail endured was truly eye-opening.
I appreciated the author's note at the end, explaining the careful process of writing a historical fiction book that stays true to real events.
This book vividly captures the full scope of Abigail's life and demonstrates how her influence helped shape our nation. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
I took my time reading this remarkably captivating book, especially as the 250th anniversary of our nation and the Declaration of Independence draws near.
Cassandra masterfully brought Abigail Adams to life, making her story truly unforgettable. I listened to the audiobook while following along in the text, and I was amazed by the depth of research and history woven into this work. The authentic letters exchanged between Abigail and others were skillfully used to craft this compelling story, and the depiction of historical events and people added authenticity.
Abigail emerged as a strong, courageous, and formidable woman. She had to be resilient while her husband, John Adams, played a crucial role in shaping a nation and fostering international relations. While her husband was away for years establishing relationships, she found ways to be independent to support her family. She never hesitated to voice her opinions to her husband, dignitaries, and politicians. Her letters give us an intimate glimpse into their relationship. Her years-long separation from her husband was heartbreaking, especially as she struggled to care for her children. The emotional toll Abigail endured was truly eye-opening.
I appreciated the author's note at the end, explaining the careful process of writing a historical fiction book that stays true to real events.
This book vividly captures the full scope of Abigail's life and demonstrates how her influence helped shape our nation. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
May 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC audiobook from HarperAudio. William Morrow Publishing.
Coming soon: May 5, 2026.
Releasing just in time for the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, this story feels especially relevant—reminding us not just of the founding of a nation, but of the women whose influence helped shape it.
The Founding Mother brings Abigail Adams to life in a way that feels both expansive and deeply intimate. From New York Times bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, this novel reads with the flow of historical fiction, yet remains grounded in the richness of real history. Perfect for fans of historical storytelling like the HBO series John Adams (2008), where Laura Linney’s portrayal of Abigail was just as compelling—strong, steady, and unforgettable.
Abigail was, quite simply, extraordinary.
Bold. Sharp. Politically astute. A woman who not only stood beside John Adams, but often advised him with insight and clarity that shaped the moment. Their marriage—spanning more than 50 years—was built on intellectual partnership as much as love.
But what struck me most was the weight of her life.
She endured the unimaginable: losing children, navigating illness, watching her sons struggle with alcoholism, and carrying the heartbreak of losing her daughter to breast cancer. And still—she persisted.
While her husband served abroad for years, Abigail ran everything at home. The finances. The farm. The family. She even built a successful mercantile business during wartime—something almost unheard of for women in the late 18th century.
And as someone born, raised, and still living in Massachusetts, I have to say—the atmosphere in this book felt incredibly authentic. The sense of place, the tone, the texture of life in that time… it all rang true in a way that made the story even more immersive for me.
What also stood out was her intellect. Abigail wasn’t just observing history—she was actively engaging with it. She corresponded widely, including with Thomas Jefferson, and held her own in conversations about politics, governance, and the future of a new nation. She had the kind of mind that didn’t just understand the moment—it helped shape it.
At one point, the book reflects on the idea of whether it’s worse to never know liberty at all, or to experience it and have it taken from you—and I couldn’t help but feel how deeply that resonates right now.
She wasn’t just ahead of her time—she was defining what it meant to exist beyond it. Thinking about her granddaughters and even more the women that will come after her. Education for them was vital as she saw it as a way for the United States to truly succeed.
This book captures the fullness of her life—the emotional toll, the intellectual fire and her resilience. It’s immersive, atmospheric, and incredibly well constructed. The sheer scope of what she lived through—and carried—is immense.
If you’re drawn to women who carved out space in a world that wasn’t built for them—this is absolutely one to add to your list.
Coming soon: May 5, 2026.
Releasing just in time for the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, this story feels especially relevant—reminding us not just of the founding of a nation, but of the women whose influence helped shape it.
The Founding Mother brings Abigail Adams to life in a way that feels both expansive and deeply intimate. From New York Times bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, this novel reads with the flow of historical fiction, yet remains grounded in the richness of real history. Perfect for fans of historical storytelling like the HBO series John Adams (2008), where Laura Linney’s portrayal of Abigail was just as compelling—strong, steady, and unforgettable.
Abigail was, quite simply, extraordinary.
Bold. Sharp. Politically astute. A woman who not only stood beside John Adams, but often advised him with insight and clarity that shaped the moment. Their marriage—spanning more than 50 years—was built on intellectual partnership as much as love.
But what struck me most was the weight of her life.
She endured the unimaginable: losing children, navigating illness, watching her sons struggle with alcoholism, and carrying the heartbreak of losing her daughter to breast cancer. And still—she persisted.
While her husband served abroad for years, Abigail ran everything at home. The finances. The farm. The family. She even built a successful mercantile business during wartime—something almost unheard of for women in the late 18th century.
And as someone born, raised, and still living in Massachusetts, I have to say—the atmosphere in this book felt incredibly authentic. The sense of place, the tone, the texture of life in that time… it all rang true in a way that made the story even more immersive for me.
What also stood out was her intellect. Abigail wasn’t just observing history—she was actively engaging with it. She corresponded widely, including with Thomas Jefferson, and held her own in conversations about politics, governance, and the future of a new nation. She had the kind of mind that didn’t just understand the moment—it helped shape it.
At one point, the book reflects on the idea of whether it’s worse to never know liberty at all, or to experience it and have it taken from you—and I couldn’t help but feel how deeply that resonates right now.
She wasn’t just ahead of her time—she was defining what it meant to exist beyond it. Thinking about her granddaughters and even more the women that will come after her. Education for them was vital as she saw it as a way for the United States to truly succeed.
This book captures the fullness of her life—the emotional toll, the intellectual fire and her resilience. It’s immersive, atmospheric, and incredibly well constructed. The sheer scope of what she lived through—and carried—is immense.
If you’re drawn to women who carved out space in a world that wasn’t built for them—this is absolutely one to add to your list.
May 27, 2026
This is one of the best historical fictions I've read. The readability combined with a treasure trove of information makes it a 5 star book. It provides an inside peak at our early history as well as some of the turmoil between some of the main players, including Adams and Jefferson. It also let's us in on the major role that Abigail Adams played mostly behind the scenes. She might even be considered an early 'woman's liber' in that she was always pushing for women's opinions to be considered when by law, they truly were no more than property. The times were dynamic, challenging in so many ways, and ground breaking all at the same time. It behooves us to known about this historical period through the eyes of a smart,
opinionated and loving Abigail Adams.
opinionated and loving Abigail Adams.
May 6, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to listen to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved that my first ever ARC from NetGalley was all about the woman I’m named after, Abigail Adams. And it was such a good book!! Easy 5 stars, but here’s why:
•One of my favorite opening lines ever, “Was it all for not?”.
•Many points felt applicable to modern readers, like fears of health epidemics and political upheaval.
• Vivid details about her time in England & France.
•Honest and relatable representation of she and John’s marriage, especially in regard to their years of separation.
•Cassandra Campbell is one of my favorite narrators.
And there’s more, but I don’t want to spoil it for other readers. Overall it was extremely well researched and written. Long and detailed, but perfect for me and anyone else wanting to learn more about her and this chapter in our nation’s history. Highly recommend.
I loved that my first ever ARC from NetGalley was all about the woman I’m named after, Abigail Adams. And it was such a good book!! Easy 5 stars, but here’s why:
•One of my favorite opening lines ever, “Was it all for not?”.
•Many points felt applicable to modern readers, like fears of health epidemics and political upheaval.
• Vivid details about her time in England & France.
•Honest and relatable representation of she and John’s marriage, especially in regard to their years of separation.
•Cassandra Campbell is one of my favorite narrators.
And there’s more, but I don’t want to spoil it for other readers. Overall it was extremely well researched and written. Long and detailed, but perfect for me and anyone else wanting to learn more about her and this chapter in our nation’s history. Highly recommend.
May 10, 2026
Abigail Adams, wife of the second President of the United States, John Adams, and mother of the sixth President of the United States, John Quincy Adams had quite a life.
June 8, 2026
Ummmm soooo now I need to rewatch the John Adams miniseries... :)
May 1, 2026
Top notch telling of the life and character of Abigail Adams. What a force she was, principled and courageous and strong. The authors did tremendous research drawing heavily on her letters, and then artfully put together a story arc with fidelity to the known facts. I enjoyed listening to it, start to finish.
Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2026
From a historical lesson viewpoint, this read gets 5 stars. I am not sure I have ever learned so much about history from fictional pages. I was constantly putting it down to do my own research to answer, "Did that really happen!?" The issue was that it read like an autobiography, and there was very little character development. I almost gave up on it twice - around page 80 and then again around 150. I am not afraid of a long, meaty book, but this one was like reading a documentary, and I could only handle it in small doses. I usually blow through books in a day or two, and this one took me a few weeks because I had to pace myself and then gear myself up to get back into it.
In the end, I am thankful that I didn't give up on it and that I saw it through. I knew next to nothing about the Adams family, and their story was deeply inspiring. I have a new appreciation for all of the founding men and women who sacrificed greatly for the freedom we live in today. My family is a lover of the Broadway show Hamilton, so it was really neat to see some of our favorite people come to life from a different lens.
I would recommend this read - just know that you are committing to a biographical history book with nearly no fluff or filler. If you love history and you want to be inspired, it is worth the read.
In the end, I am thankful that I didn't give up on it and that I saw it through. I knew next to nothing about the Adams family, and their story was deeply inspiring. I have a new appreciation for all of the founding men and women who sacrificed greatly for the freedom we live in today. My family is a lover of the Broadway show Hamilton, so it was really neat to see some of our favorite people come to life from a different lens.
I would recommend this read - just know that you are committing to a biographical history book with nearly no fluff or filler. If you love history and you want to be inspired, it is worth the read.
May 14, 2026
I love reading about historical women, especially those who I know nothing about. It is truly amazing to read everything that happened in Abigail's life. Truly it felt like she lived multiple lifetimes from farmer's life to former first lady. I loved the beginning when she stood up to her husband to fight for the rights of women. She is right when she said a nation is nothing without mothers and I kind of wish I saw that commitment continue throughout the book. The emotions were very raw, a lot of loss and hardship. I had no idea she started selling goods to make money while her husband was away and it is fascinating to read about what the women were doing, taking care of everything at home while the men started the country. This spanned a huge and significant chunk of history, so nothing really gets too deep and I feel like that's where I didn't full fall in love with the story. This really felt like an overview / surface level about Abigail and I did not connect with her or feel like I really got to know her throughout this book. But I did enjoy and appreciate the lovely writing and storytelling and the historical facts I learned. I think this would be perfect for non-fiction readers!
Audiobook note: this narrator did a good job telling this story and bringing emotions to so many of the tough events. In fact, I think she brought more emotion than some of the writing and definitely made me connect more than I would with just the print.
Audiobook note: this narrator did a good job telling this story and bringing emotions to so many of the tough events. In fact, I think she brought more emotion than some of the writing and definitely made me connect more than I would with just the print.
May 30, 2026
I loved this heart wrenching yet inspiring historical fiction novel about the complex, incomparable founding mother, Abigail Adams. If only history class could have been so fascinating, we would all be history buffs! Highly recommended!
May 20, 2026
Absolutely loved this novel about one of my heroes, Abigail Adams. It's insightful, thorough, moving, and beautifully written.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Abigail Adams is highly capable of raising her children and running a household while her husband is away. In spite of the legal constraints on women of the day, she flexibly invests in properties and businesses to keep her family and many of those less fortunate around her supplied with the basic needs of life. But she is unsettled about it. She and John Adams have much love, and an unusual kind of all encompassing trust for each other. But most of their lives are lived in challenging but, sadly, parallel adventures. The letters that these stories are based on are the truths behind their stranger than fiction lives. You will walk the walk of an eighteenth century colonial family separated by politics, war, and service to their country. There are decisions that are life and death, frustrations with both friends and the common man, and moral lines to be straddled in politics and society. No holds are barred as they have discussions regarding their sometimes contrasting opinions of colleagues or moral dilemmas. Finally able to spend their old age together, there are some unsettled reflections Abigail and John share together about how they handled things along the way. Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoi do not sweep anything under the rug. In the end you will feel you saw the full measure of the good, the bad, and the ugly in the amazing life of Abigail Adams. Abigail knew the sacrifices of her commitments as she supported her husband's political missions for the survival of the fledgling nation called the United States. She more than John saw how this changed their relationship and their family and who her children were. You may find, like I did, that Abigail and John Adams held their friendship. their marriage , and their commitment to family as the most important things in life. But they sacrificed all for their personal commitments to patriotism, and their foundational mission of forging the basis of a long term survival for their country. I for one, saw clearly. after this read, how grateful during our country’s 250th anniversary we should be for not just our Founding Fathers, but for the one and only Abigail Adams. our Founding Mother.
May 14, 2026
I have been anticipating this book for quite some time! When I heard that two of my favorite historical fiction authors had teamed up for a third time to write another novel about one of our Founding Mothers, I was so excited! And for it to be THE Founding Mother herself, the redoubtable Abigail Adams, I was literally bouncing off the walls.
As anyone who has read historical fiction and/or nonfiction, we all know that the Founding Generation were a disharmonious bunch, a pack of prickly geniuses who could barely decide together what to have for lunch, much less what was best for this scrappy little nation that they were building. But it is Abigail Adams who takes center stage in this story, and we are given a front row seat of what it was to be a woman in a time of revolution and nation building. While cantankerous husband John Adams was helping to direct the war and, later, work as a diplomat abroad, Abigail was left to manage the family, keep their finances afloat, and just generally hold everything together while he was gone. Spoiler alert - she did so with aplomb.
One thing I absolutely loved was the lens in which Dray and Kamoie wrote Abigail's story - namely, her lifelong devotion to women's rights. Many recall her exhorting her husband to "remember the ladies," but as Abigail saw, the men who founded this country rarely did so. Women in a single state (New Jersey) briefly held the right to vote (provided they a certain amount of wealth), but this was eventually snuffed out, something Abigail lived to witness. She looked after the women in her family with particular zeal, even providing for them in her will - which her husband swore to uphold, since by law, Abigail herself technically owned nothing and all her worldly goods belonged to him.
Another thing I loved about this was Abigail's difficult relationship with Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson is a sphinx in any story, and it is often difficult to understand him or his actions at times. I particularly enjoyed watching the ups and downs of the relationship between him and Abigail, such as when a note of condolence on the death of Jefferson's younger daughter turned into a full-fledged political debate between the two of them, ending with Abigail eviscerating him with her pen. Fantastic!
As a long-time reader of Dray and Kamoie's previous works, I was also delighted by cameos of characters from their earlier stories. Lafayette dips in and out of the story, as his usual wont, and both Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton and Martha Jefferson Randolph both make cameos as well. It's a fascinating reminder that these people all knew each other, or were at least acquainted.
Such a great read, and one that hits just right! Another triumph for both authors!
As anyone who has read historical fiction and/or nonfiction, we all know that the Founding Generation were a disharmonious bunch, a pack of prickly geniuses who could barely decide together what to have for lunch, much less what was best for this scrappy little nation that they were building. But it is Abigail Adams who takes center stage in this story, and we are given a front row seat of what it was to be a woman in a time of revolution and nation building. While cantankerous husband John Adams was helping to direct the war and, later, work as a diplomat abroad, Abigail was left to manage the family, keep their finances afloat, and just generally hold everything together while he was gone. Spoiler alert - she did so with aplomb.
One thing I absolutely loved was the lens in which Dray and Kamoie wrote Abigail's story - namely, her lifelong devotion to women's rights. Many recall her exhorting her husband to "remember the ladies," but as Abigail saw, the men who founded this country rarely did so. Women in a single state (New Jersey) briefly held the right to vote (provided they a certain amount of wealth), but this was eventually snuffed out, something Abigail lived to witness. She looked after the women in her family with particular zeal, even providing for them in her will - which her husband swore to uphold, since by law, Abigail herself technically owned nothing and all her worldly goods belonged to him.
Another thing I loved about this was Abigail's difficult relationship with Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson is a sphinx in any story, and it is often difficult to understand him or his actions at times. I particularly enjoyed watching the ups and downs of the relationship between him and Abigail, such as when a note of condolence on the death of Jefferson's younger daughter turned into a full-fledged political debate between the two of them, ending with Abigail eviscerating him with her pen. Fantastic!
As a long-time reader of Dray and Kamoie's previous works, I was also delighted by cameos of characters from their earlier stories. Lafayette dips in and out of the story, as his usual wont, and both Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton and Martha Jefferson Randolph both make cameos as well. It's a fascinating reminder that these people all knew each other, or were at least acquainted.
Such a great read, and one that hits just right! Another triumph for both authors!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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