A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams

by Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie

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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, American Revolution, Historical, American History, American Revolutionary War, Womens

464 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 5, 2026

About the author

STEPHANIE 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.

Reviews

[Kate Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Abbey]

A book on Abigail Adams from my fav historical fiction author duo?! So excited!

[Stephanie (Bookfever)]

2026 is going to be a phenomenal year for new books!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Wisegirl Wiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kate (k8tsreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Arin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. From the very first pages, I was completely immersed in the world of Abigail Adams - not just as a figure in history books, but as a woman of extraordinary strength, intelligence, and conviction.

Dray and Kamoie have an incredible gift for bringing the past to life with emotional depth and historical richness, and this novel is no exception. Through Abigail’s voice, we experience the uncertainty, sacrifice, and relentless upheaval that shaped the birth of America. Reading her story, I found myself wondering: has there ever truly been a time of peace in this country? The struggles of her era feel strikingly familiar, which makes this novel especially powerful and relevant today.

Abigail Adams emerges here as one of the strongest women in American history - fiercely independent, intellectually formidable, and far ahead of her time in both thought and action. She was not content to simply stand behind her husband; she stood beside him, advising, challenging, and shaping the ideals of a nation. I would give anything to sit down with her and talk about life, leadership, resilience, and the courage it takes to speak boldly when the world expects your silence.

This is historical fiction at its finest - meticulously researched, beautifully written, and deeply human. It’s also a story that lingers long after you turn the final page. I know I will be rereading it.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

For readers who love immersive, character-driven historical fiction — and especially for those seeking stories of powerful women who helped shape our world - this novel is an absolute must-read. Dray and Kamoie have once again delivered a masterpiece.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In October 1764 Abigail Smith married country lawyer John Adams. Both born and bred in Massachusetts, John was a little older, but Abigail descended from a well known political family in the colony and they were an excellent match. Both hardworking and practical, the Adams family built a life on their small farm in Quincy (originally called Braintree). Abigail gave birth to six children with only four surviving past childhood. The couple struggled through many years of separation when John was sent to Philadelphia to serve on the Continental Congress and later as a diplomat to Europe. John Adams’s belief and loyalty to the Revolution were unwavering in his search to find balance in a new democracy. Abigail found herself in the center of it all. Close allies with Washington, Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, John Adams was a major figure in the creation of our nation. With Abigail as his trusted keeper of ideas, philosophies, and strategy, she was without a doubt the woman behind the man before the phrase existed. Abigail argued her strong opinions about ending slavery and rights for women until her last breath. The sacrifices she made as a wife, mother daughter, and neighbor were endless. Similar to the fabulous HBO series John Adams (2008), this novel brings to life the fascinating details of their marriage and unyielding dedication to our nation. A gifted and eloquent letter writer, Abigail left us a remarkable record: more than 1,100 of their letters survive, capturing both the social and political issues of the time. For Women’s History Month, Abigail Adams feels like exactly what she was: a founding mother, in every sense of the word. Releases May 5, 2026.

[Penmouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Founding Mother is an absolutely delightful read as the characters come to life and draw you into the story of Abigail and John Adams. I loved how the authors drew me into their story as they introduced Abigail by telling about her "huffing and puffing" as she walked to market day in Braintree, Massachusetts Bay Colony. From there the authors told her story from a young bride to an older woman. Towards the end of A Founding Mother the authors wrote about the heartbreaking fight their daughter, Nabby, fought to beat breast cancer. Historically it was educational as I did not know how breast cancer was treated in the 19th century. Thanks to A Founding Mother I read about the treatment Nabby received.

I also appreciated learning about how Abigail was an independent and early supporter of women's rights and anti-slavery. Abigail often undertook roles that supported both causes as she was an independent business woman who helped support the family coffers. She also opposed slavery and as a young woman confronted her father over her nurse Phoebe when she asked her father if he would sell her. Her father assured her he would not sell her nor would he free her.

Finally, I loved the "A Note from the Authors" as in this chapter the authors offered historical facts and how they used creative license to create their historical fiction. As I love history, I appreciated how the authors described how they modified certain historical events in their book to help create a flowing, interesting and touching story.

I'd like to thank HarperCollins/William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks for allowing me to read and review the advanced reader's copy of A Founding Mother.

[Lauren Bayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Fathers might wield the ploughs that till the fields of our future, but mothers provide the water, pull the weeds, and nurture the buds. Because men oversee the harvest, they take the credit for the crop. But without mothers, not one sprout would grow - whether the fruit be a child or a nation."

What more can be said about Abigail Adams? She is compassionate and complex, driven yet diminished by nature of history. She has understandably inspired countless works of biography, art, and more, as she is ever-quotable. Yet in the post-Hamilton public consciousness, she is not always understood.

This book is as utterly ambitious as she is, following over fifty years of her life from her husband's career as a country lawyer and the birth of her first child to the untimely deaths of her children and the end of her life. Throughout the novel, she is dynamic and defining the narrative, doing all she can to protect her children and the budding nation. Dray and Kamoie infuse the course of history with Abigail's thoughts and emotions, though some scenes read more like a recounting of an AP US History textbook. The depth of their research is phenomenal, and the authors' note justifying why some things were moved or omitted shows the level of care they put into telling Abigail's story.

This might be the only thing timed with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence that I actually care about! And you should care too, this book is worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Monica Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail Adams is an absolutely amazing woman and I feel lucky to have read about her life. She is an inspiration to women everywhere, even though she lived more than 250 years ago.

This book took me through a gambit of emotions. The story starts in 1765 when she is pregnant and the revolution has not quite begun. The reader learns about her life through her many pregnancies and life with a husband who was often absent. She not only had to run a farm by herself but raise small children all the while a war was going on. Not only did she raise children, kept the farm going, but she also managed to survive a war and make her own money during a time when women had no independence outside of their husband. I am in awe of all that she accomplished, plus she never stopped championing women's rights and the end of slavery.

Abigail Adams's life was fascinating to me. She went through so much and never stopped helping others including her husband and children. She did so much for our country and before reading this book I knew very little about her or her husband. What was also fascinating is the parallels we can see when we look at our modern culture and what our country is currently going through. Books like this are why I read historical fiction. I learn so much, but it is also an unforgettable story. Abigail's story will stick with me and I highly recommend this novel!

Thank you to William Morrow Books and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this advance reader copy in exchange for a review. All opinions stated are my own. If you have read any other books by the author, you know the depth of research that goes into the books. The author notes are usually as good as the book, sometimes even more interesting. But you don't have to read the author notes first on this one! Wait patiently (or impatiently as I did) for the ending to the soak up the authors notes like bread soaking up the leftover sauce on your plate.
Abigail Adams is not a common historical figure featured in books but she should be. In this year of our country's 250th anniversary, we are craving revolutionary war stories. We all know the 'shot heard round the world', the ride of Paul Revere, and the Boston Tea Party but this is more of the story - of how people sacrificed and managed months, years and sometimes eternity without their spouse, fathers, brothers and sons.
Abigail left a trove of letters to aid the authors in bringing her to life. This is a book that you will want to do in your book club this summer. I would recommend to all of my patrons as well as it is clean and unoffensive. I left the book wanting to learn more and that is a litmus test. Congratulations to both authors. I would love to hear this on Audio someday.
4.25 stars.

[Becky Passner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I knew bits and pieces of Abigail Adams’s life, but I loved being able to truly dive into her story and her relationship with her “dearest friend,” a bond that reveals so much about her intellect, convictions, and heart. While most history classes focus heavily on the Founding Fathers, it was a breath of fresh air to spend time with one of our Founding Mothers. Abigail Adams comes alive as an intelligent, clever, and witty woman, as well as a fierce advocate for what she believes in. Her influence on the early years of our country is recognized and celebrated throughout this novel.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the country, it feels especially important to reflect on how we got here, remembering both the triumphs and the faults of our Founding Fathers and Mothers. Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie do a wonderful job of bringing these historical figures to life, honoring their sacrifices and brilliance while also allowing their shortcomings to round out their stories in an honest and human way.

This is a thoughtful, engaging read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction that centers women’s voices and explores the personal relationships behind public history.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Founding Mother is about Abigail Adams, spanning from the early days of the American Revolution to her later years during and after the War of 1812. It is told from her perspective, and is about her relationship with her husband John, their children, and their various political peers and rivals of the time period, including Geroge Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson.
As with the previous historical fiction novels by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, it was clearly well researched, using Abigail and John's wealth of preserved correspondences to piece together their lives together. The writing was also well done and felt authentic to the time period it was set in, and moved cohesively through time, touching on events that Abigail and John would have been part of. The afterword does touch on events and timeline changes and why they chose to change things as needed, which was as nice touch. That said, I didn't really feel like I got to know Abigail as a person more than I already did prior to reading the novel. As mentioned, it was well researched and based on her letters but still felt like the surface level to me. I'm not really sure how to explain better but it lacked depth that I would have enjoyed. Overall, this was still a very educational and lovely book to read, and I did learn more about historical events involved with their lives.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My review : This was a wonderful historical fiction interpretation of Abigail Adams's life. From marrying the man she loved and respected, to becoming the second First Lady of the United States, she was a strong, intelligent, and courageous woman. She raised a family virtually on her own as her husband was in Europe for much of the Revolution. She supported him when they moved to Europe to strategize for their new country. And as First Lady she continued to counsel John Adams. In a time when women had zero power, Abigail managed to be a part of the Revolution and the Founding Fathers' goals.
Abigail's relationships with famous names like Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Hamilton and more were fascinating reading. (Spoiler: she seemed to really only like George). The book was filled with true history and amazing fictional dialogue. While helping her husband develop and lead a blossoming country, Abigail also had to be a mother (to a future president!) and grandmother. That role was filled with heartbreak and triumph.
Some descriptions became long or tedious, but overall this was an amazing read full of drama, information and thought.

Thank you to William Morrow Publishing and NetGalley for an advance digital copy. These opinions are my own.

[bookloverk8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
I took my time with this one. I usually like to speed through books, but this one required a little more brain power since it was a time of history that I did not know much about. I was usually able to get about 10% of the book read each day and then I liked sitting with the content until the next day. I really loved this one! Like I said, I haven't read anything set in this time period and I found it fascinating. I learned so much while reading this book. I loved having Abigail Adams as a main character. She was a force to be reckoned with! I loved how vulnerable she felt to the reader in this book. She experienced ups and downs and she was aware of her faults as well as her strengths. I appreciated the portrayal of marriage and motherhood. While both are very important to Abigail, neither are easy and we could understand that throughout the novel. Nabby was one of my favorite characters. She was such a comfort to her mother and as a girl mom myself, I was touched by how close they were for Nabby's entire life. The end of Nabby's story was so sad and difficult to read about. Overall, I was so inspired by Abigail's resilience and ability to endure. She truly is an inspiration to all of us and I am so happy to have learned more about her! Excellent historical fiction book!

[Judith Worthington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams
Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

5 Stars

To be published: May 2026

What a wonderful way to begin this year as we celebrate 250 years of Freedom. I've read so much about our Founding Fathers and the American Revolution that I was surprised at how many new details I learned from Abigail's perspective.

The authors did an incredible job of bringing her to life. I felt her pain, suffered her struggles, cheered her efforts, praised her wit and fearlessness when confronting the most powerful men in the world.

Previously, I had the impression that John Adams loved and adored his wife. I'm left with conformation that he not only loved and adored her, but valued her brain and heart. There was a point where his words were cruel and hurtful and I was smacking the air in front of me as if I could reach through time and knock some sense into him. I understand why he behaved as he did, but do not believe it was valid enough to treat the person you relied on the most in such a manner.

Abigail Adams was everything you would want in a First Lady and Founding Mother. Excellent read!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Founding Mother is the Third historical fiction novel I have read by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie and I have really liked all of them. In this one we have the story of Abigail Adams, a woman I knew very little about until I picked this up. In these authors hands however, I learned so much about the amazing Mrs. Adams, who was very much ahead of her time and a true partner to her best friend and husband John Adams. The story is told by Abigail and is based on the many letters that Abigail left, and the extensive authors note at the end gives us a detailed summary of what is accurate and what part of the timeline was moved to propel the story line along.

The story is a tale of the beginning of our country, as well as the sacrifices these women had to make while their men were so far away. It is a story of a mothers love, a family saga, and a life long love story of a partnership lasting more than 50 years. I found it to be very compelling, and just love a historical fiction novel that I can enjoy the characters while learning so much.

Thank you to net galley and William morrow for the e galley of the book, my opinions are entirely my own.

[Jill Madigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction lovers rejoice! Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie are back with a fascinating look at the life of Abigail Adams. In this novel, Abigail is portrayed as a formidable force during the founding of the United States—raising her children, managing the family farm, and finding ways to earn money while her husband, John Adams, served the country overseas.

The story highlights the deep importance of family in Abigail’s life, as well as her enduring love for John and her commitment to the cause of freedom. It was especially interesting to learn about the many struggles she faced, including the heartbreaking loss of children over the years. I also enjoyed reading about her complicated love-hate relationship with Thomas Jefferson.

Abigail truly comes across as a woman ahead of her time—independent, resilient, and an early champion of women’s rights.

Well-researched and compelling, this novel is a wonderful read as we approach our country’s 250th anniversary. Be sure to read the author’s note at the end—it adds valuable historical insight.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.

[Mandy Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie’s historical novels in the past—America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton are both favorites—so I was excited to read A Founding Mother. Once again, these authors bring history to life in a way that feels both immersive and personal.

Most of us only know the broad strokes of Abigail Adams’s life, but this novel fills in the spaces between those historical facts with a vivid and compelling story. The authors do such a great job of portraying Abigail not just as a historical figure, but as a wife, mother, and woman navigating the uncertainty of a nation being formed. Her intelligence, resilience, and influence come through clearly on the page.

As with their other books, Dray and Kamoie balance historical detail with engaging storytelling, making the history feel accessible while still honoring the complexity of the time. If you enjoy well-researched historical fiction that shines a light on the women behind pivotal moments in history, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Sharon Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and William Morrow for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
This is a fabulous book! I liked it because it was written in such a way that John and Abigail Adams seemed like real people. Even though they both did so much for our country, the authors also portrayed their struggles and heartbreaks. I am glad the authors wrote this book about Abigail because I don't think she always gets the credit she deserves. She was a very smart woman, and she saved the family countless times. I also learned about how hard our Founding Fathers worked for our Independence. It made me want to read more about these men and women. I like books that lead to further exploration of a topic. I hope Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie continue to write together, especially historical novels. I highly recommend this book. It is very well-written-it will keep your attention through the whole book!

[Lea Columbus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Net Galley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I loved Stephanie Dray's book, Becoming Madame Secretary and was delighted to see that she had written a new one(co written with Laura Kamoie) on Abigail Adams. This book is a well researched, well written historical fiction novel not just on Abigail ,and her family, but on all of the wide cast of characters in the American Revolution and its aftermath. I have recently been taking Life Long Learning Classes ( for us senior citizens) through our local University and have had several that dealt with the Revolution and formation of the United States.It was fun and enjoyable to see it through a slightly different prism , that of a woman. While Abigail may have asked her husband( in vain) to" remember the ladies", we should all remember Abigail Adams , not just as a wife of a founding father, but a founding mother in her own right!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling story of the American Revolution told through the eyes of Abigail Adams, during a time when women lived largely in the shadows of men. At its core, this is a beautifully written and well‑researched portrayal of a wife, mother, and devoted family member witnessing the birth of a nation.

The book offers a vivid look at the daily lives of women who had no formal power or rights, highlighting the unseen work of managing a home and raising a family amid political upheaval. It thoughtfully illustrates the sacrifices women made to support their loved ones and their country.

I especially enjoyed learning about Abigail’s independence and her early advocacy for women’s rights. It was fascinating to see her relationships with key political figures of the era and to understand the quiet but meaningful influence she had during this pivotal moment in history.

Thank you William Morrow Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Courtney Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved her book about Patsy Jefferson, America’s First Daughter, and I wanted more about Abigail Adams after her brief appearances throughout the book. I’m so glad this book was written!

I love how we get another novel of a founding mother. Her wit, resilience, and ingenuity made her infamous throughout the beginnings of the nation. You walk alongside her in this novel as if she’s reading her diary to you and experiencing it all alongside her.

It was so interesting to learn more about her family and marriage to John. All she suffered and sacrificed to help John realize their vision of the nation. I can’t recommend this novel enough for fans of our nation’s history and wanting to know more about the beginning.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction at it's best, a novel that flows like we are there with Abigail!
This is a story of her life and the birth of a nation. The sacrifices that she made are incredible, but she is also very smart. She did fight for women's rights, hard to believe that women really had nothing!
As we follow this courageous women and all the obstacles she faced, you truly see how amazing she was. She fights on and takes pride in both her husband and children, and country.
I did not realize that she had so much tragedy in her life, she was such a roll model!
I am so glad to have read this book about such a courageous women!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher William Morrow, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Meridith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
Stephanie Dray has done it again! This is my first 5 star read of 2026--just like Becoming Madam Secretary was one for me a few years ago. And yet again, she has taken a woman that I knew a little about and fleshed out her story and the importance she played in American History. Abigail Adams led such an interesting life and was present for so many critical events in our nation's founding and Ms Dray balances these critical memories with the story of her personal life, which was just as tumultuous as the fight for our independance. It is a tough act for a historical fiction author to both educate and entertain, yet this book does both in spades. Can't wait for the next new release!

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray is a historical novel that focuses not only on the public persona of Abigail Adams but brings to life her private world as well.

The story really shines in its portrayal of family—especially the children. We get an up-close look at the complexities of raising, loving, and losing children while the country was going through incredible events itself. John and Abigail Adams weren’t just historical figures; they were parents navigating uncertainty, grief, loyalty, and responsibility in very real ways. The author does a good job of telling the story of Abigail and her family while taking us through the political events that led to the formation of the United States.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamdie is a wonderfully written novel about Abigail Adams’ impact on her husband, John and her son, John Quincy during a period when women basically were not supposed to have opinions and if they did they definitely shouldn’t express them. Fortunately, Abigail Adams, a self taught reader and writer, was a prolific letter writer and the authors give their readers a good sample of her opinions. This reviewer also appreciated the ‘refresher course’ in our nation’s founding as we approach the 250th anniversary. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.