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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 books4,878 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 191 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 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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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.
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 5, 2026
Abigail Adams was both the First Lady and the Second Lady of the United States. She was the wife of President John Adams and the mother of President John Quincy Adams. This historical novel follows Abigail Adams from the time she married John Adams to the end of her life. It also shows that she had a very loving marriage with John Adams and was his closest advisor.
I first heard of Abigail Adams through the Broadway show, 1776, that was performed once at my local playhouse a few years ago. I also heard more of her in the HBO series, John Adams, and by reading a collection of her letters. Therefore, I was really delighted to read Mrs. Dray’s and Mrs. Kamoie’s historical fiction novel about Abigail Adams. I have to say that they did not disappoint. Instead, they outdone themselves and exceeded my expectations!
Abigail Adams was a very lovable character! I loved her wit and intelligence. She was fiery and passionate. She was also an enlightened thinker. She wanted women to have rights in the newly formed country, the United States of America. She was extremely disappointed when their rights were ignored. I also liked how Abigail used her resources during the Revolutionary War and started her own mercantile business. I loved how Abigail was resourceful and practical. She was a captivating and engaging heroine!
Overall, this book is about marriage, motherhood, and patriotism. I loved how the authors made the characters come alive. They seemed very real and intimate. I also loved how the authors portrayed colonial America and the uncertainties of whether their newfound country would survive. Even though the book is long, I did not feel its length. Instead, I did not want this novel to end! A Founding Mother was a mesmerizing and spell-binding read! I was engrossed in the book from the very first-page! A Founding Mother is an extraordinary tribute to Abigail Adams! This is a book that you do want to miss! I recommend it for fans of Becoming Lady Washington, The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr, and The Hamilton Affair!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
I first heard of Abigail Adams through the Broadway show, 1776, that was performed once at my local playhouse a few years ago. I also heard more of her in the HBO series, John Adams, and by reading a collection of her letters. Therefore, I was really delighted to read Mrs. Dray’s and Mrs. Kamoie’s historical fiction novel about Abigail Adams. I have to say that they did not disappoint. Instead, they outdone themselves and exceeded my expectations!
Abigail Adams was a very lovable character! I loved her wit and intelligence. She was fiery and passionate. She was also an enlightened thinker. She wanted women to have rights in the newly formed country, the United States of America. She was extremely disappointed when their rights were ignored. I also liked how Abigail used her resources during the Revolutionary War and started her own mercantile business. I loved how Abigail was resourceful and practical. She was a captivating and engaging heroine!
Overall, this book is about marriage, motherhood, and patriotism. I loved how the authors made the characters come alive. They seemed very real and intimate. I also loved how the authors portrayed colonial America and the uncertainties of whether their newfound country would survive. Even though the book is long, I did not feel its length. Instead, I did not want this novel to end! A Founding Mother was a mesmerizing and spell-binding read! I was engrossed in the book from the very first-page! A Founding Mother is an extraordinary tribute to Abigail Adams! This is a book that you do want to miss! I recommend it for fans of Becoming Lady Washington, The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr, and The Hamilton Affair!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
May 6, 2026
Published on Peeking Between the Pages (https://peekingbetweenthepages.com/20...)
I really enjoyed delving into the history of Abigail Adams as I didn’t know much about her or of the impact she had on history. As expected the research done by the authors is meticulous. Even more it is written in a way that brings Abigail to life for the reader and the story released May 5 comes just in time for the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States.
Abigail Adams was wife to one president and a mother to another one. She was such a strong woman and very much ahead of her time. While she may not have been recognized at the time as such, she was a part of many of the decisions made that shaped the country. I admired how willing she was to sacrifice so much of herself to her husband and family, not to mention all the countless others she helped. She did all of this while also challenging the very laws meant to exclude women from so much. Her marriage and loyalty to her husband John Adams was amazing. The love they had for each other spanned decades despite the long separations and distance as John was required to be away so often. As a mother she was fiercely protective of her children. I came away from this story so deeply awed of this brilliant woman.
At the end of the novel the authors tell us what was real and what wasn’t and I really appreciated that. I learned so much from this novel and that’s what I love about historical fiction. I have been a fan of Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie for many years and once again they have given us a fascinating and beautifully written novel. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.
Review copy provided by the publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed delving into the history of Abigail Adams as I didn’t know much about her or of the impact she had on history. As expected the research done by the authors is meticulous. Even more it is written in a way that brings Abigail to life for the reader and the story released May 5 comes just in time for the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States.
Abigail Adams was wife to one president and a mother to another one. She was such a strong woman and very much ahead of her time. While she may not have been recognized at the time as such, she was a part of many of the decisions made that shaped the country. I admired how willing she was to sacrifice so much of herself to her husband and family, not to mention all the countless others she helped. She did all of this while also challenging the very laws meant to exclude women from so much. Her marriage and loyalty to her husband John Adams was amazing. The love they had for each other spanned decades despite the long separations and distance as John was required to be away so often. As a mother she was fiercely protective of her children. I came away from this story so deeply awed of this brilliant woman.
At the end of the novel the authors tell us what was real and what wasn’t and I really appreciated that. I learned so much from this novel and that’s what I love about historical fiction. I have been a fan of Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie for many years and once again they have given us a fascinating and beautifully written novel. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.
Review copy provided by the publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 5, 2026
A Founding Mother by Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray is a richly detailed historical fiction novel featuring Abigail Adams. Abigail was the wife of Founding Father and first US Vice President and 2nd US President John Adams, and mother of 6th US President John Quincy Adams. The novel features themes of “female empowerment, political advocacy, personal resilience, and the essential, often silent, contributions of women to the American Revolution”.
The story is derived from Abigail’s personal letters, as well as those from friends and family during this time. The many quotes give a behind-the-scenes feel to this fascinating time period. It’s quite dense, reading like a more in depth version of the Hamilton musical from a female perspective. However, the second half picks up the pace with intense drama and grief. I enjoyed all of the shoutouts to famous historical figures, especially Samuel Adams. Paul Revere, Ben Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton. Overall I found Abigail, the most influential of the founding mothers, to be an impressive, outspoken, independent wife, mother, public servant, competent advisor to her husband, and champion of women during a time when women had no agency. History buffs, check out this impressively researched novel, perfectly timed with the US’s 250th anniversary! 3.75/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own #EpicTastemaker
The story is derived from Abigail’s personal letters, as well as those from friends and family during this time. The many quotes give a behind-the-scenes feel to this fascinating time period. It’s quite dense, reading like a more in depth version of the Hamilton musical from a female perspective. However, the second half picks up the pace with intense drama and grief. I enjoyed all of the shoutouts to famous historical figures, especially Samuel Adams. Paul Revere, Ben Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton. Overall I found Abigail, the most influential of the founding mothers, to be an impressive, outspoken, independent wife, mother, public servant, competent advisor to her husband, and champion of women during a time when women had no agency. History buffs, check out this impressively researched novel, perfectly timed with the US’s 250th anniversary! 3.75/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own #EpicTastemaker
May 5, 2026
4.5 ⭐️rounded up.
We always hear that “Behind every great man is a great woman.” Abigail Adams was THE woman behind John Adams. Abigail Adams never held office, but she was one of the most powerful voices of the American Revolution. While her husband John was off shaping a nation, Abigail was running a farm alone, raising (and losing)children during wartime, and finding ways to survive shortages, fears, and uncertainty. John was away for years at a time while Abigail stayed behind with her children. Through handwritten letters, she advised him on politics. She was constantly challenging laws that ignored women and would tell John to “remember the ladies”. She was ahead of her time for fighting for a world that wouldn’t listen. There was a period of time when John wrote her cruel letters, not realizing what great work she was doing back at home. I was so infuriated with him, but then he’d arrive home and treat her so well. This truly was a long distance love story. I have absolute respect for her strength, tenacity, intelligence, and her views. This book was well researched and gave unique perspectives for so many important events in history. If you love strong female leads, emotional depth, and real history with drama…this one hits hard!! Highly recommend!!
Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.This book comes out May 5th.
We always hear that “Behind every great man is a great woman.” Abigail Adams was THE woman behind John Adams. Abigail Adams never held office, but she was one of the most powerful voices of the American Revolution. While her husband John was off shaping a nation, Abigail was running a farm alone, raising (and losing)children during wartime, and finding ways to survive shortages, fears, and uncertainty. John was away for years at a time while Abigail stayed behind with her children. Through handwritten letters, she advised him on politics. She was constantly challenging laws that ignored women and would tell John to “remember the ladies”. She was ahead of her time for fighting for a world that wouldn’t listen. There was a period of time when John wrote her cruel letters, not realizing what great work she was doing back at home. I was so infuriated with him, but then he’d arrive home and treat her so well. This truly was a long distance love story. I have absolute respect for her strength, tenacity, intelligence, and her views. This book was well researched and gave unique perspectives for so many important events in history. If you love strong female leads, emotional depth, and real history with drama…this one hits hard!! Highly recommend!!
Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for an ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.This book comes out May 5th.
May 5, 2026
As we approach the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the USA, I'm enjoying reviewing American history. A Founding Mother is about a woman, Abigail Adams, who was a wife of one president and fouding father, and mother of another president. It's a book by women and told from a woman's POV, which is really unique. Typically in history class, we're primarily taught about the men who worked to build our nation, and it's so fascinating to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle with the women who also did the hard work and sacrifices. In this book, we also encounter many of the familiar characters from history, such as Jefferson, Hamilton, and Lafayette.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in US historical fiction told from the perspective of a Founding Mother. It reads like a very engaging novel with complex characters. It's definitely not a dry history text.
Thank you to William Morrow for providing me with a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in US historical fiction told from the perspective of a Founding Mother. It reads like a very engaging novel with complex characters. It's definitely not a dry history text.
Thank you to William Morrow for providing me with a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 6, 2026
4.25⭐️
A Founding Mother is a fascinating and in-depth narrative about Abigail Adams’s life. Reading more like a diary than a typical historical fiction novel, I was transported right into the American Revolution and the beginning years of the United States. Abigail’s resilience and sacrifices throughout these times were truly amazing. I thought the authors did a great job highlighting the often forgotten contributions of women at this point in American history. As Abigail says, “remember the ladies!” There was a large amount of time to cover, creating a tricky balance of when to go into more detail versus jumping forward in time. Overall, this is a captivating read especially if you like more biographical historical fiction.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
A Founding Mother is a fascinating and in-depth narrative about Abigail Adams’s life. Reading more like a diary than a typical historical fiction novel, I was transported right into the American Revolution and the beginning years of the United States. Abigail’s resilience and sacrifices throughout these times were truly amazing. I thought the authors did a great job highlighting the often forgotten contributions of women at this point in American history. As Abigail says, “remember the ladies!” There was a large amount of time to cover, creating a tricky balance of when to go into more detail versus jumping forward in time. Overall, this is a captivating read especially if you like more biographical historical fiction.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
February 5, 2026
This is the third book by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie that I have read, and I have truly enjoyed them all. While I do think it's possible to find them a bit dry, overall, I think they manage to strike that difficult-to-achieve balance between making the characters (who are real historical figures) seem interesting and alive without sacrificing too much historical accuracy. I especially appreciate the extensive author's note that is included at the end of each book - the writers are very careful to explain where/when/how they took liberties. Although I'm not much of a stickler for accuracy in historical fiction, I think a lot of readers will really appreciate this.
A Founding Mother follows Abigail Adams throughout her husband's career as a lawyer, prior to the start of the revolutionary war, all the way through his presidency and into James Madison's. I had no idea that she and John lived abroad at one point, and I enjoyed seeing how their relationship with Thomas Jefferson evolved over time. It was also really interesting to learn more about the Adams' children, especially their daughter. I especially enjoyed how the authors demonstrated Abigail's tendencies towards feminism during a time when activism looked very different. It was so cool to learn about her championing of women's rights from such an early time.
Overall, I do find books that cover entire lives to suffer from the extended timelines (in this case, many years go by between chapters, and this can make the plot feel a bit disjointed and the characters a bit distant), but I think the historical context is enough to make up for it. I always come away from these books having learned so much!
A Founding Mother follows Abigail Adams throughout her husband's career as a lawyer, prior to the start of the revolutionary war, all the way through his presidency and into James Madison's. I had no idea that she and John lived abroad at one point, and I enjoyed seeing how their relationship with Thomas Jefferson evolved over time. It was also really interesting to learn more about the Adams' children, especially their daughter. I especially enjoyed how the authors demonstrated Abigail's tendencies towards feminism during a time when activism looked very different. It was so cool to learn about her championing of women's rights from such an early time.
Overall, I do find books that cover entire lives to suffer from the extended timelines (in this case, many years go by between chapters, and this can make the plot feel a bit disjointed and the characters a bit distant), but I think the historical context is enough to make up for it. I always come away from these books having learned so much!
April 11, 2026
I received a copy of this book from the publisher before it was available for sale. Historical fiction but clearly grounded in facts and accurate detail. The authors explain how they used letters (both Abigail and John Adams were prolific correspondents) to piece together the story. I read David McCullough’s biography of John Adams years ago and this book reads like a companion piece to that. Talented authors are able to take letters and historical fact and weave an interesting story and I would rank this book and authors as talented. This book is dense and definitely requires more than superficial light reading. I’m a fast reader but had to break this one up over several days to finish because there’s so much to take in and digest.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was excellent—I enjoyed it just as much as the authors’ previous two works. I’m especially drawn to well-researched, beautifully written historical fiction centered on women, and this novel delivered. I learned so much, particularly in seeing how the political issues of the past echo so clearly in our present. It’s striking to realize that we are still grappling with many of the same debates today.
I loved gaining deeper insight into the lives and endless love of Abigail and John Adams, as well as the personal sacrifices they both made in the founding of our nation. This is a book everyone should read in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
I loved gaining deeper insight into the lives and endless love of Abigail and John Adams, as well as the personal sacrifices they both made in the founding of our nation. This is a book everyone should read in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
★★★★☆
A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams (Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie - releasing 05.05.2026)
e-ARC Review
✧ Read with me ✧ Instagram ✧ | @haileydianereads
A massive thank you to NetGalley, HarperAudio Adult, William Morrow Paperbacks & authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest book review! 🥰🙌
“I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors.” ♀️🗳️
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy…
- Historical fiction novels
- First lady histories
- Stories that center mothers
- US Revolutionary War era
- 1st Person POV
REMINDER: This book is written as informed historical fiction. However, it is NOT a biography. The authors have not intended it to be and are clear on all of their platforms that it is NOT a biography.
Six years ago, I read Dray and Kamoie’s novel My Dear Hamilton and was blown away of how quickly I managed to finish the novel. In less than a week, I CONSUMED all 652 pages. This is a book that I have bought multiple copies of and gifted to friends. I could not put it down, so when I heard that they had once again teamed up to write about another founding mother, I submitted an ARC request ASAP! I am so excited to report that this novel did not disappoint and really opened my eyes to issues mothers faced during this time.
RATING SYSTEM: I rate my books by 5 literary element groupings: plot and pacing, characters and development, setting and world building, dialogue and writing style. See below for a full review:
📖Plot and Pacing
Abigail Adams was no wallflower. She had business acumen and lived years without her husband nearby. This historical fiction novel brings to life the United States’s second first-lady. The authors did a wonderful job outlining all the ways in which Abigail had to take on tasks that, for her era, were outside of societal norms. I felt that the pacing of this book was measured and kept me listening for hours at a time. However, readers who may not typically read historical fiction or non-fiction works could find it slower than the typical novel. I think the authors got the pacing just right, and I loved the transitional points in each labeled part of the book.
🧞♀️Characters and Development
The authors intentionally centered Abigail. In fact, in their authors’ note, they mention why they did not spend time writing about her relationship with John’s family. This was Abigail’s story, and her family was the primary focus. I appreciated all the ways in which they showcased Abigail’s strengths and qualities. They also did not stray away from the truth that she was also a flawed person. Many times throughout their marriage, John was unavailable - both mentally (running the nation) and physically (acting as an international diplomat). This meant that Abigail faced even more issues than other women of her time in addition to leading a family home and caring for her children.
🌇Setting and World Building
I believe the authors did a wonderful job setting the stage for Abigail’s life. Abigail, sometimes with and sometimes without John, moved quite a few times for many reasons. However, I always felt that the settings were well documented and described for readers.
🗣️Dialogue
Something that I believe Dray and Kamoie excel at is their ability to write incredibly interesting historical dialogue. I loved Abigail’s voice and tone throughout this novel. I believe it can be incredibly hard for modern generations to relate to historical figures. However, learning more about Abigail through this novel led me to understand that her strong opinions and willingness to speak her mind to others make us much more similar than one would think just by making assumptions. Abigail’s spirit really shines through in this novel in her interactions with others.
📝Writing Style
Dray and Kamoie have unique talents for bringing historical characters to life through research and source documents. Filling in the gaps left from dated history is no easy task, but they do it so well. This audiobook felt much more like a conversation with Abigail than any simple narrative of her life. Kudos for making this such an enjoyable story.
❉BONUS❉: Emotional Connection
I don’t believe there was a better timing of a novel on Abigail Adams. Not only are we a week away from Mother’s Day in the US, but the 250th Independence Day will be celebrated in July. This novel is essentially, at its core, a love letter to mothers and all the sacrifices they have historically made for their families. As a child-free person, I appreciate all the love and sacrifices that my own mother made in order to provide me with a wonderful life.
😤The Flaws
Compared to their previous works, I was actually hoping for a novel a bit longer that delved more into detail during certain parts of Abigail’s life. I understand why they decided to exclude her in-laws from the novel, but I do feel like it was much shorter than I expected. Perhaps there was less source material available regarding Abigail’s life (thank goodness she didn’t experience the same kind of public humiliation as Eliza Hamilton).
Dray and Kamoie’s novels remain high on my list of immediate reads. Not only are their topics heavily researched, but the authors also provide plenty of author notes regarding changes from the source material. As historical fiction was one of my first literary loves, I always appreciate transparency when making editorial decisions. I’m already looking forward to whatever novel this duo decides to tackle next.
Gratitude, always.
- H.
A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams (Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie - releasing 05.05.2026)
e-ARC Review
✧ Read with me ✧ Instagram ✧ | @haileydianereads
A massive thank you to NetGalley, HarperAudio Adult, William Morrow Paperbacks & authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest book review! 🥰🙌
“I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors.” ♀️🗳️
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy…
- Historical fiction novels
- First lady histories
- Stories that center mothers
- US Revolutionary War era
- 1st Person POV
REMINDER: This book is written as informed historical fiction. However, it is NOT a biography. The authors have not intended it to be and are clear on all of their platforms that it is NOT a biography.
Six years ago, I read Dray and Kamoie’s novel My Dear Hamilton and was blown away of how quickly I managed to finish the novel. In less than a week, I CONSUMED all 652 pages. This is a book that I have bought multiple copies of and gifted to friends. I could not put it down, so when I heard that they had once again teamed up to write about another founding mother, I submitted an ARC request ASAP! I am so excited to report that this novel did not disappoint and really opened my eyes to issues mothers faced during this time.
RATING SYSTEM: I rate my books by 5 literary element groupings: plot and pacing, characters and development, setting and world building, dialogue and writing style. See below for a full review:
📖Plot and Pacing
Abigail Adams was no wallflower. She had business acumen and lived years without her husband nearby. This historical fiction novel brings to life the United States’s second first-lady. The authors did a wonderful job outlining all the ways in which Abigail had to take on tasks that, for her era, were outside of societal norms. I felt that the pacing of this book was measured and kept me listening for hours at a time. However, readers who may not typically read historical fiction or non-fiction works could find it slower than the typical novel. I think the authors got the pacing just right, and I loved the transitional points in each labeled part of the book.
🧞♀️Characters and Development
The authors intentionally centered Abigail. In fact, in their authors’ note, they mention why they did not spend time writing about her relationship with John’s family. This was Abigail’s story, and her family was the primary focus. I appreciated all the ways in which they showcased Abigail’s strengths and qualities. They also did not stray away from the truth that she was also a flawed person. Many times throughout their marriage, John was unavailable - both mentally (running the nation) and physically (acting as an international diplomat). This meant that Abigail faced even more issues than other women of her time in addition to leading a family home and caring for her children.
🌇Setting and World Building
I believe the authors did a wonderful job setting the stage for Abigail’s life. Abigail, sometimes with and sometimes without John, moved quite a few times for many reasons. However, I always felt that the settings were well documented and described for readers.
🗣️Dialogue
Something that I believe Dray and Kamoie excel at is their ability to write incredibly interesting historical dialogue. I loved Abigail’s voice and tone throughout this novel. I believe it can be incredibly hard for modern generations to relate to historical figures. However, learning more about Abigail through this novel led me to understand that her strong opinions and willingness to speak her mind to others make us much more similar than one would think just by making assumptions. Abigail’s spirit really shines through in this novel in her interactions with others.
📝Writing Style
Dray and Kamoie have unique talents for bringing historical characters to life through research and source documents. Filling in the gaps left from dated history is no easy task, but they do it so well. This audiobook felt much more like a conversation with Abigail than any simple narrative of her life. Kudos for making this such an enjoyable story.
❉BONUS❉: Emotional Connection
I don’t believe there was a better timing of a novel on Abigail Adams. Not only are we a week away from Mother’s Day in the US, but the 250th Independence Day will be celebrated in July. This novel is essentially, at its core, a love letter to mothers and all the sacrifices they have historically made for their families. As a child-free person, I appreciate all the love and sacrifices that my own mother made in order to provide me with a wonderful life.
😤The Flaws
Compared to their previous works, I was actually hoping for a novel a bit longer that delved more into detail during certain parts of Abigail’s life. I understand why they decided to exclude her in-laws from the novel, but I do feel like it was much shorter than I expected. Perhaps there was less source material available regarding Abigail’s life (thank goodness she didn’t experience the same kind of public humiliation as Eliza Hamilton).
Dray and Kamoie’s novels remain high on my list of immediate reads. Not only are their topics heavily researched, but the authors also provide plenty of author notes regarding changes from the source material. As historical fiction was one of my first literary loves, I always appreciate transparency when making editorial decisions. I’m already looking forward to whatever novel this duo decides to tackle next.
Gratitude, always.
- H.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
History didn’t just sideline her—it built a whole nation on her back and then acted like she wasn’t in the room.
Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie’s A Founding Mother wrecked my entire perception of early American history in the most quietly devastating way. Published by William Morrow, huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC that completely derailed my reading schedule and, frankly, my emotional stability.
This is historical fiction, yes—but it reads like a living, breathing conversation with a woman who refused to shrink herself to fit the limits of her time. Abigail Adams isn’t just “the wife of” or “the mother of”—she is the pulse behind so many of the decisions, sacrifices, and survival strategies that shaped a brand-new country. While John Adams is off negotiating, debating, and nation-building in very public ways, Abigail is doing the invisible labor that actually keeps everything afloat—raising their children through war, managing finances, making investments, navigating illness, loss, and fear… and still finding the nerve to challenge the men writing laws that exclude her.
Reading this felt like being let in on a secret history—the one that doesn’t make it into textbooks because it’s too domestic, too emotional, too rooted in the everyday resilience of women who were never meant to have power… and took it anyway.
Abigail herself? Absolutely unforgettable. She’s brilliant, sharp-tongued, fiercely loyal, and not always easy to love—which made me love her more. Her marriage to John is one of the most fascinating parts of this book. It’s not some polished, idealized partnership—it’s layered, messy, deeply affectionate, and at times frustrating in a way that feels incredibly real. They are partners, yes, but also two people constantly negotiating distance, ambition, sacrifice, and the quiet cost of building something bigger than themselves.
And then there’s her role as a mother—which, honestly, might be where this book hit hardest for me. The way she loves her children, fights for them, grieves them… especially Nabby… it’s raw in a way that sneaks up on you. This isn’t just a story about the birth of a nation—it’s a story about the cost of it, paid in loneliness, missed years, and heartbreak that history rarely acknowledges.
There’s a line that stopped me cold: “If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion.” The fact that she said this centuries ago and it still feels relevant? Yeah. That tells you everything.
What I appreciated most is how immersive this felt without ever becoming heavy or inaccessible. The authors clearly did their research (the author’s note alone is worth reading), but they never lose sight of the emotional core. You’re not just learning—you’re feeling. You’re watching a woman navigate a world that underestimates her at every turn and still refuses to be quiet.
This is for readers who love richly detailed, character-driven historical fiction. For anyone who devoured My Dear Hamilton or America’s First Daughter. For readers who want to understand not just what happened in history, but who held everything together while it was happening.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Five stars, no hesitation. This is the kind of book that lingers—not because it’s loud, but because it’s steady, powerful, and impossible to ignore once you’ve seen it.
I walked away from this thinking less about the men whose names fill the pages of history… and more about the women who made sure those pages existed at all.
So now I have to ask—how different would our understanding of history be if we centered voices like Abigail’s from the very beginning?
#AFoundingMother #StephanieDray #LauraKamoie #HistoricalFiction #WomensFiction #BookReview #NetGalleyReads #ARCReview #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #HistoryBooks #WomenInHistory #AmericanRevolution #MustReadBooks #FiveStarRead
Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie’s A Founding Mother wrecked my entire perception of early American history in the most quietly devastating way. Published by William Morrow, huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC that completely derailed my reading schedule and, frankly, my emotional stability.
This is historical fiction, yes—but it reads like a living, breathing conversation with a woman who refused to shrink herself to fit the limits of her time. Abigail Adams isn’t just “the wife of” or “the mother of”—she is the pulse behind so many of the decisions, sacrifices, and survival strategies that shaped a brand-new country. While John Adams is off negotiating, debating, and nation-building in very public ways, Abigail is doing the invisible labor that actually keeps everything afloat—raising their children through war, managing finances, making investments, navigating illness, loss, and fear… and still finding the nerve to challenge the men writing laws that exclude her.
Reading this felt like being let in on a secret history—the one that doesn’t make it into textbooks because it’s too domestic, too emotional, too rooted in the everyday resilience of women who were never meant to have power… and took it anyway.
Abigail herself? Absolutely unforgettable. She’s brilliant, sharp-tongued, fiercely loyal, and not always easy to love—which made me love her more. Her marriage to John is one of the most fascinating parts of this book. It’s not some polished, idealized partnership—it’s layered, messy, deeply affectionate, and at times frustrating in a way that feels incredibly real. They are partners, yes, but also two people constantly negotiating distance, ambition, sacrifice, and the quiet cost of building something bigger than themselves.
And then there’s her role as a mother—which, honestly, might be where this book hit hardest for me. The way she loves her children, fights for them, grieves them… especially Nabby… it’s raw in a way that sneaks up on you. This isn’t just a story about the birth of a nation—it’s a story about the cost of it, paid in loneliness, missed years, and heartbreak that history rarely acknowledges.
There’s a line that stopped me cold: “If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion.” The fact that she said this centuries ago and it still feels relevant? Yeah. That tells you everything.
What I appreciated most is how immersive this felt without ever becoming heavy or inaccessible. The authors clearly did their research (the author’s note alone is worth reading), but they never lose sight of the emotional core. You’re not just learning—you’re feeling. You’re watching a woman navigate a world that underestimates her at every turn and still refuses to be quiet.
This is for readers who love richly detailed, character-driven historical fiction. For anyone who devoured My Dear Hamilton or America’s First Daughter. For readers who want to understand not just what happened in history, but who held everything together while it was happening.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Five stars, no hesitation. This is the kind of book that lingers—not because it’s loud, but because it’s steady, powerful, and impossible to ignore once you’ve seen it.
I walked away from this thinking less about the men whose names fill the pages of history… and more about the women who made sure those pages existed at all.
So now I have to ask—how different would our understanding of history be if we centered voices like Abigail’s from the very beginning?
#AFoundingMother #StephanieDray #LauraKamoie #HistoricalFiction #WomensFiction #BookReview #NetGalleyReads #ARCReview #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #HistoryBooks #WomenInHistory #AmericanRevolution #MustReadBooks #FiveStarRead
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow. What a champion of women Abigail Adams was. I'm delighted to say she's an ancestor. In fact, it was that tie that lead me to pick up this book originally. I'm so glad I did. I came away wishing I could have known her.
I won't go into detail as I'm seeing many other fine reviews elsewhere that relate more content, but will say it was a fascinating, well written read. The authors obviously did their research for this fictional historic novel and it shows. They also go into detail at the end about what is true, what was shifted in time, and what was their interpretation of events. Much of the dialogue is taken from Abigail's letters to husband John Adams, then serving in France for the wannabe America, and others. It was fun to get to see another side of the usually taciturn presentation of John, giving us a view of his human side. Same with John Quincy, who certainly had his share of adventures, too, with and without his father and family. The rest of the family, especially first daughter Nabby (nickname used throughout) and even some of her romantic ups and downs. She's something of a stoic but finds love but, whoa, wait to you see just how strong and stoic she could be. Of course, like many early American families, the Quincy/Adams family was pulled apart by the war. I'm sure you'll see the same common elements of that time that seem to be reappearing today so I won't say any more about that. The strong emphasis is on Abigail, of course, and it brings home the many sacrifices and hardships the women left behind by those struggling for freedom and then to make a new country from that freedom will keep history buffs reading as familiar name after name pops up. I did get a chuckle out of the confusion many seem to have had between John and Samuel, not to mention mail meant for one going to the other.
The history buff in me admittedly was interested in it all although it was a war of independence years that really pulled me in. After opening with a quick look at Abigail and John's first meeting and eventual marriage, it seemed like we were suddenly thrust into war. What a shock it had to be to most to find their still new land caught up in conflict and rebellion. This book gives you the human side of it, too, including not just the shock of armed soldiers in the street and neighbor pitted against neighbor, but the sudden shock of British tea becoming scarce to Abigail's distaste for the newfound drink of coffee. Ah, how times change tho' I'm a tea drinker myself. Maybe I'll claim I inherited my taste buds from Abigail? Grin.
In any case, if you have any interest in history, particularly the era leading up to and following the revolution, including John's term as president and beyond, you'll thoroughly enjoy this book. If your interest is more human directed, you'll also find much to ponder here, from family squabbles, hardship, slavery, tenant farmers, travel difficulties, loneliness, and more. Among the names that pop up are Benjamin Franklin, Lafayette, and Thomas Jefferson, I'll note, particularly as it segues into the post revolutionary years. My sincere thanks to #WilliamMorrow and #NetGalley for allowing me this early peek at a book I expect to buy for my own shelves upon release. I have to smile picturing what Abigail Adams would have to say about modern women's rights.
I won't go into detail as I'm seeing many other fine reviews elsewhere that relate more content, but will say it was a fascinating, well written read. The authors obviously did their research for this fictional historic novel and it shows. They also go into detail at the end about what is true, what was shifted in time, and what was their interpretation of events. Much of the dialogue is taken from Abigail's letters to husband John Adams, then serving in France for the wannabe America, and others. It was fun to get to see another side of the usually taciturn presentation of John, giving us a view of his human side. Same with John Quincy, who certainly had his share of adventures, too, with and without his father and family. The rest of the family, especially first daughter Nabby (nickname used throughout) and even some of her romantic ups and downs. She's something of a stoic but finds love but, whoa, wait to you see just how strong and stoic she could be. Of course, like many early American families, the Quincy/Adams family was pulled apart by the war. I'm sure you'll see the same common elements of that time that seem to be reappearing today so I won't say any more about that. The strong emphasis is on Abigail, of course, and it brings home the many sacrifices and hardships the women left behind by those struggling for freedom and then to make a new country from that freedom will keep history buffs reading as familiar name after name pops up. I did get a chuckle out of the confusion many seem to have had between John and Samuel, not to mention mail meant for one going to the other.
The history buff in me admittedly was interested in it all although it was a war of independence years that really pulled me in. After opening with a quick look at Abigail and John's first meeting and eventual marriage, it seemed like we were suddenly thrust into war. What a shock it had to be to most to find their still new land caught up in conflict and rebellion. This book gives you the human side of it, too, including not just the shock of armed soldiers in the street and neighbor pitted against neighbor, but the sudden shock of British tea becoming scarce to Abigail's distaste for the newfound drink of coffee. Ah, how times change tho' I'm a tea drinker myself. Maybe I'll claim I inherited my taste buds from Abigail? Grin.
In any case, if you have any interest in history, particularly the era leading up to and following the revolution, including John's term as president and beyond, you'll thoroughly enjoy this book. If your interest is more human directed, you'll also find much to ponder here, from family squabbles, hardship, slavery, tenant farmers, travel difficulties, loneliness, and more. Among the names that pop up are Benjamin Franklin, Lafayette, and Thomas Jefferson, I'll note, particularly as it segues into the post revolutionary years. My sincere thanks to #WilliamMorrow and #NetGalley for allowing me this early peek at a book I expect to buy for my own shelves upon release. I have to smile picturing what Abigail Adams would have to say about modern women's rights.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had read the book, “My Dear Hamilton” by this same author and loved it, so when I saw that this was available, I jumped at the chance to read it. I am keenly interested in early American History and this book, told from a woman’s point of view, was interesting and informative.
The story focuses on Abigail’s fierce devotion to women’s rights, and the people that she meets that have potential to further this cause. In Abigail’s time, women were not allowed to vote, and, in many cases, women did not have a formal education. The current thinking was that an education was not necessary for women. Abigail was also for the abolition of slavery, even though her father owned slaves.
The story begins with Abigail’s first pregnancy, having married John Adams six months prior. Here we get a glimpse of the feistiness and independence of this young woman, preferring to make her own decisions in life rather than listen to her mother or sisters regarding her pregnancy and her general health. By marrying her, John Adams had a partner with whom he could argue and flesh out his opinions on what happened with the new country. Abigail sensed that for John, freedom was paramount and they both fought for freedom at every turn.
Major events of the day were discussed, all from a woman’s point of view. The Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s famous ride, the Battle of Lexington, among many other tumultuous happenings were described. The Sons of Liberty played prominently in the story, headed by John’s cousin, Sam Adams. It was Sam who persuaded the citizens to elect John to the state legislature in Massachusetts. And thus, John’s political career was underway. This necessitated him being away in Philadelphia or various parts of Europe for months, or in some cases, years. It was up to Abby to take care of their farm, take care of their children, and to listen and learn about what was going on in the country. She wrote copious letters under her pseudonym, Portia, to John about the “goings on” in the country so that he could act accordingly.
The people that Abigail met in her role as John’s wife shaped her life and solidified her opinions on women’s rights, the abolition of slavery, and the quest for freedom from England.
The authors have a style of writing that is eminently readable and appropriately paced. Character development was good and descriptions of events were outstanding. For example, their description of Abigail’s daughter Nabby’s breast cancer surgery was excruciating, making the reader feel as though he/she was there.
Finally, with each book that I read about that period in our country, I learn something new. For example, I learned that John and Abigail spent many months or years apart, and as hard as it was, Abigail managed to hold down the fort at home. I also learned about the disagreements between John and Thomas Jefferson.
I would highly recommend this book to other readers, especially those interested in early American History.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing for allowing me to read and comment on this book.
The story focuses on Abigail’s fierce devotion to women’s rights, and the people that she meets that have potential to further this cause. In Abigail’s time, women were not allowed to vote, and, in many cases, women did not have a formal education. The current thinking was that an education was not necessary for women. Abigail was also for the abolition of slavery, even though her father owned slaves.
The story begins with Abigail’s first pregnancy, having married John Adams six months prior. Here we get a glimpse of the feistiness and independence of this young woman, preferring to make her own decisions in life rather than listen to her mother or sisters regarding her pregnancy and her general health. By marrying her, John Adams had a partner with whom he could argue and flesh out his opinions on what happened with the new country. Abigail sensed that for John, freedom was paramount and they both fought for freedom at every turn.
Major events of the day were discussed, all from a woman’s point of view. The Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s famous ride, the Battle of Lexington, among many other tumultuous happenings were described. The Sons of Liberty played prominently in the story, headed by John’s cousin, Sam Adams. It was Sam who persuaded the citizens to elect John to the state legislature in Massachusetts. And thus, John’s political career was underway. This necessitated him being away in Philadelphia or various parts of Europe for months, or in some cases, years. It was up to Abby to take care of their farm, take care of their children, and to listen and learn about what was going on in the country. She wrote copious letters under her pseudonym, Portia, to John about the “goings on” in the country so that he could act accordingly.
The people that Abigail met in her role as John’s wife shaped her life and solidified her opinions on women’s rights, the abolition of slavery, and the quest for freedom from England.
The authors have a style of writing that is eminently readable and appropriately paced. Character development was good and descriptions of events were outstanding. For example, their description of Abigail’s daughter Nabby’s breast cancer surgery was excruciating, making the reader feel as though he/she was there.
Finally, with each book that I read about that period in our country, I learn something new. For example, I learned that John and Abigail spent many months or years apart, and as hard as it was, Abigail managed to hold down the fort at home. I also learned about the disagreements between John and Thomas Jefferson.
I would highly recommend this book to other readers, especially those interested in early American History.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing for allowing me to read and comment on this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was really excited to read "A Founding Mother" especially because I thought it would be a great read for America's 250th. Also, TBH, I was hesitant because I've read another book by the same author before and I didn't appreciate that there was a bit of presentism in a historical novel. I was afraid that that would be the same treatment for this historical fiction on a very historical person. I believe the author chose the correct person to write about as Abigail Adams was a "feminist" and very forward-thinking for her time.
The author presents right away Mrs. Adams's stance on women's rights and her anti-slavery sentiments. It may seem disconcerting for readers who are not expecting for that to be the introduction to America's second first lady. But once you get over it, the book delivers on the title of the story: It is truly a novel presenting the events of the day from the point of view of a mother.
It does focus a lot on the Adams family (ha!), which I loved because it really allowed readers to get to know the Adams couple on a more personal level. We see especially the pains and joys she endured as a mother--from the birth of her children to the pain of burying her own children. Each Adams child had colorful personal lives and, for a mother to see the rise and fall of the children she has raised, makes you feel for her maternal worries and pride.
In keeping with her position in society and in politics, I really enjoyed when the book was able to summarize the events which led to America's Declaration of Independence, through her eyes--from the Boston Massacre to the Boston Tea party, to the formation of the Continental Congress to the writing of the Declaration of Independence,
The book then follows John's political career, highlighting the sacrifices Abigail had to deal with in terms of long absences during his time abroad and when John became the target of negative press attacks. Again, readers will empathize with the role she had to play as a politician's wife--including having to make ends meet and keeping up the farm in her husband's absence--despite the limitations imposed on females during her time.
Her time as wife of the vice president and as the first lady was insightful as to the politics at that time. (It really shows that politicians then are still the same politicians we have today with the backstabbing and use of media to malign political opponents).
The story follows Abigail to her old age and post-White House life. An insightful look, not just on her role as mother to her children, but as one of the "founding mothers" of this great country. It is a great read for America's 250th for those who love the historical fiction genre.
The author presents right away Mrs. Adams's stance on women's rights and her anti-slavery sentiments. It may seem disconcerting for readers who are not expecting for that to be the introduction to America's second first lady. But once you get over it, the book delivers on the title of the story: It is truly a novel presenting the events of the day from the point of view of a mother.
It does focus a lot on the Adams family (ha!), which I loved because it really allowed readers to get to know the Adams couple on a more personal level. We see especially the pains and joys she endured as a mother--from the birth of her children to the pain of burying her own children. Each Adams child had colorful personal lives and, for a mother to see the rise and fall of the children she has raised, makes you feel for her maternal worries and pride.
In keeping with her position in society and in politics, I really enjoyed when the book was able to summarize the events which led to America's Declaration of Independence, through her eyes--from the Boston Massacre to the Boston Tea party, to the formation of the Continental Congress to the writing of the Declaration of Independence,
The book then follows John's political career, highlighting the sacrifices Abigail had to deal with in terms of long absences during his time abroad and when John became the target of negative press attacks. Again, readers will empathize with the role she had to play as a politician's wife--including having to make ends meet and keeping up the farm in her husband's absence--despite the limitations imposed on females during her time.
Her time as wife of the vice president and as the first lady was insightful as to the politics at that time. (It really shows that politicians then are still the same politicians we have today with the backstabbing and use of media to malign political opponents).
The story follows Abigail to her old age and post-White House life. An insightful look, not just on her role as mother to her children, but as one of the "founding mothers" of this great country. It is a great read for America's 250th for those who love the historical fiction genre.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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