A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams

by Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie

A Founding Mother has descriptive copy which is not yet available from the Publisher.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Book Club, American History, American Revolution

Audible Audio

First published 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]

July 2026 Reese pick! I am SO THRILLED for my friends!

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.

[MarilynW]

A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams
By Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie
Narrated by Cassandra Campbell

My husband, who focused on history in college, actually knows a lot about Abigail Adams and I didn't even know that until I started reading/listening to the book and couldn't stop talking about her. It was so much fun to discuss what I learned here and I did my usual research on my own, while enjoying the book. A good historical fiction always has me wanting to learn more about the people and places I read about and that certain is the case with Abigail Adams, her life, and the people in her life.

I was glad I had the ebook in my hands, which made looking up more information easier (so I'd know the correct spelling of names and places) while I listened to the audiobook, so well narrated by Cassandra Campbell. What an amazing woman Abigail Adams was, capable in all areas of life yet sometimes doubting herself or thinking if only she'd done things differently they might have turned out better. Her husband and her children were the lights of her life, yet, as many mothers must do through the ages, she had second thoughts about decisions made for them, despite having few options whenever it was time to make those choices.

Abigail was always a promoter of women and equality for women and it appears she also wanted freedom for all. But she also knew she's never be truly free from being subservient to her husband despite how much he depended on her for advice and wisdom. Abigail made her own money when such a thing would have been forbidden, she raised her children alone much of the time, she took a large number of relatives and others under her wing so that they could have food and/or shelter where none would have been available. She worked the land, raised animals and crops, traveled in international circles, served the country as the wife of a Vice President who later became President and was the mother of a President. What a great introduction to a woman I hadn't given much thought to until now. The book kept my interest at all times, as Abigail met success and failures head on. One thing clear is that even the most proficient woman of history still had problems with some of her children. All caring mothers (and fathers) probably second guess some of their family decisions and Abigail certainly had reason to do so as two of her sons questioned the way they were raised.

I want to recognize that the authors make it clear that they adapted some facts to make this a historical fiction that tells Abigail Adam's part in history while making the story flow in a readable way. There are things that happen in a different way, at a different date, some people who played a big part in Abigail's life have been left out, several people have been combined into one person, some things were learned earlier or later or in a different way than portrayed. I appreciate that the authors make these adaptions clear to the reader. This story made for great discussion with DeAnn!

Publication May 5, 2026

Thank you to HarperAudio Adult | William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks for the audiobook and ebook ARCs

[Tracey]

I truly enjoyed being immersed in the life of Abigail Adams, experiencing her sorrow, worries, joy, pride, love, friendship, and female empowerment. The authors' notes were interesting and informative, and are greatly appreciated. Cassandra Campbell does a fabulous job bringing the characters to life.

[Rebekah Pinchback]

From a historical lesson viewpoint, this read gets 5 stars. I am not sure I have ever learned so much about history from fictional pages. I was constantly putting it down to do my own research to answer, "Did that really happen!?" The issue was that it read like an autobiography, and there was very little character development. I almost gave up on it twice - around page 80 and then again around 150. I am not afraid of a long, meaty book, but this one was like reading a documentary, and I could only handle it in small doses. I usually blow through books in a day or two, and this one took me a few weeks because I had to pace myself and then gear myself up to get back into it.

In the end, I am thankful that I didn't give up on it and that I saw it through. I knew next to nothing about the Adams family, and their story was deeply inspiring. I have a new appreciation for all of the founding men and women who sacrificed greatly for the freedom we live in today. My family is a lover of the Broadway show Hamilton, so it was really neat to see some of our favorite people come to life from a different lens.

I would recommend this read - just know that you are committing to a biographical history book with nearly no fluff or filler. If you love history and you want to be inspired, it is worth the read.

[Lauren W -behind! (work)- trying to stay semi-caught up♥︎]

I really enjoyed getting to view this transformative period in history through the eyes of Abigail Adams, one of our original founding mothers.

Spanning 1760 to 1814, this story opens in Quincy, MA with Abigail Adams reflecting on a lifetime alongside her husband, John. Experiencing this pivotal era through Abigail’s lens was fascinating—from serving as John’s sharp eyes on the home front during the war, to charming diplomats abroad, and finally returning to her cherished farm and family. Her life was marked by incredible strength amidst personal loss and the emotional toll of family separation. Abigail was truly an impressive 'founding mother' who consistently challenged gender norms of her time. Highly recommend for historical fiction lovers.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks]

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.

[Grandma Susan]

This is definitely one of my favorite books of 2026. I enjoy about 500 books per year to put that into perspective. This was the story of Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams. This story takes the reader through many, many years. I had no idea what Mrs. Adams endured and what a strong, courageous woman she was. I also learned quite a bit about America, prior to, during and after the Revolutionary War. She is a wonderful role model. This was also my first book by Stephanie Dray, I plan to read all I can access by her. Outstanding narration. Highly recommend!

I was blessed with an ALC and ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. I plan to purchase this book as I plan to reread it several times!

[Read-n-Bloom]

I really enjoyed this novel of one of our Founding Mothers, Abigail Adams. I have always read great things of Abigail and this telling of her is no different. Though there are some fictional telling in it, it is mostly all truth. I loved the relationship she had with John Adams and her children. She had a hard time of it when John was fighting to get the country going and keep it going. We must always remember the sacrifices our founders and their families made for us to be able to live happy and free in this country.

[Abbey]

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

[Jessica]

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.

[Lori Elliott]

‘Can it be that providence has saved the United States’? John is thoughtful. ‘No, we may make ourselves popular by boasting that Americans are the chosen people. Exceptional by nature and worthy of Gods special notice, but it will be flattery and delusion. If this Republic survives, it will always be because we saved it ourselves’. ― Stephanie Dray, A Founding Mother

Story: 5
Audio: 5
Narrator: Cassandra Campbell
Available: NetGalley
Listen at 1.4 speed

Loved it! How appropriate that this book is being published the year of our great country’s 250th anniversary. A must read for fans of American historical fiction.

Audio was so perfectly performed that I high recommend this format. Brings Abigail’s voice to resounding life.

***ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Marialyce]

I have loved and I mean five star loved, all the three books I have read by this author. Unfortunately, not so much this one. I was a tad turned of by the inaccuracies I spotted while reading, particularly the section of Abigail and John's letters while he was overseas.

I do know that fiction has taken over the bulk of historical fiction novels these days, but I think that some things that are made up are simply too tough for me to swallow. I also know it seems to be somewhat in vogue to trash our founding fathers, who were all human, not gods and did have some very faulty behavior.

At any rate Abigail was quite the lady a wonderful woman who stood behind her man as so many others have done.

[Stephanie (Bookfever)]

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

[Taury]

Trigger Warnings:

* War
* Death
* Child loss
* Illness
* Political conflict
* Sexism
* Slavery

A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray is set during the years surrounding the American Revolution and the founding of the United States, this historical fiction novel follows Martha Washington as she steps out of the shadows of history and into the spotlight. From managing Mount Vernon and raising a family to enduring the hardships of war alongside her husband, George Washington, Martha’s strength, sacrifices, and influence are woven throughout the birth of a new nation. The novel offers a richly detailed look at the personal cost of leadership while bringing one of America’s most important women to life through an intimate and engaging narrative.

[Lisa]

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

[Harris]

I really wanted to like this book more than I did because I thought "Becoming Madam Secretary" was a brilliant book. But any book that has me wanting it to end is never going to merit a 4 or 5 star rating. Let's be clear: this book is extremely well-written and researched. My gripe is that because the book is so comprehensive and encompassing of decades of Abigail Adams's life it felt like important parts of history did not receive enough page dedication. I read an entire book by Dan Abrams about John Adams that focused on the Boston Massacre; this book covered it in a handful of pages. I understand that was a strategic decision because the book is already so long that adding more might discourage readers from partaking in a tome. However, in doing so, it felt incomplete (which is saying a lot for a book of this length). I get that I'm in the minority here and that's okay because Abigail Adams made it clear that there's nothing wrong with standing by unpopular opinions.

[Mitzi]

I thoroughly enjoyed both America's First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray so I was confident that I would like her newest book as well. It's historical fiction, well researched with an explanation at the end describing a few dates that she took the liberty of 'adjusting' to fit the flow of the story and/or to keep the storyline manageable. You discover what a remarkable woman Abigail Adams was. As her husband, John, was rising from a country lawyer to the President of the United States, he was absent for long periods of time and Abigail had to manage their farm and finances as well as raise their children (and handle the loss of children as well). When John became Vice President and then President, Abigail supported her husband by sharing advice and she also promoted the rights of women. In addition, Abigail was a pillar of strength as her children faced serious challenges in their adult years. I learned so much about about Abigail Adams and the time period of our early years as a new nation. Now I'm going to search out her book that I missed: Becoming Madam Secretary!

[Ink_Drinker]

This story captures the quiet strength of a woman who refused to be small in a world built to contain her. A beautifully crafted tribute to the mind and spirit of Abigail Adams.

[Emily]

(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!

[Adena]

This book is more of a glorified timeline than a true development of Abigail Adams’ person. At the end, the authors give Mrs. Adam’s very 21st Century responses to commonplace 18th Century living.

[Renée | apuzzledbooklover]

4.5/5 ⭐️

What a timely read, in so many ways. Set in the late 1700s, it is the story of the John and Abigail Adams family, from Abigail’s perspective. A story of one of the strongest women of her time. It is thoroughly researched and beautifully written. A book I won’t soon forget.

‘Never did our country appear more beautiful than amidst this catastrophe.’

John Adams was considered by many to be a legalistic patriot voice. A man who was devoted to the cause of freedom, even when it took him from his family for years at a time. And not without some personal cost.

“Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people.” — John
Adams

Highlights |
❤️Importance of mothers
🇺🇸Loss and grief
❤️Love of books — Abigail
🇺🇸Anti-slavery
❤️Perspective of a woman
🇺🇸Equality for women
❤️Sacrifice

Abigail is portrayed as spunky and very devoted to her family and country. She loved her husband and children to a fault. She went through many sad and heartbreaking times in her life.

‘All that I am is what you have made me.’— John Quincy Adams to his mother Abigail 

(I do not know if this is a direct quote, but it is said that they had a very close relationship and I love it all the same.)

One of the things I enjoyed most was the sense I felt of what it was like to live during this era. The hardships and courage displayed by so many that paved the way for the freedom we enjoy today. I learned some new things I didn’t fully realize. And the way these events are still very relatable today is remarkable. I would highly recommend this book!

✨The authors note is especially helpful for clarifications between fact and fiction. And although it is a lengthy book, it’s cohesive and interesting. The authors carefully made difficult decisions on what to include and what to leave out.

[Tammy]

4.5 stars | Reese’s Book Club – July ’26 Pick

I picked this up only knowing Abigail Adams as the wife of John Adams, but finished feeling like I truly knew her—and that she deserves to be known as so much more than a footnote as “the president’s wife.” 🇺🇸📖

I loved how vividly she was brought to life, with her voice and perspective woven into the fabric of early American history, even when she wasn’t formally recognized for it. It completely shifted my understanding of her—not as a supporting figure in someone else’s story, but as an influential thinker and force in her own right. And I learned so much about her life as a woman living in a time when women had very few rights, of the day-to-day realities of being married to President John Adams, and her role as a mother—including to our 6th president, John Quincy Adams.

I really enjoyed this and came away with such a greater appreciation for Abigail Adams and the role she played in our history. Pub. 5/5/26

[Kassidy Lundgren]

I really enjoyed this book! It took me a long time but the audiobook was great and easy to get back into. What an impressive woman she is and I loved hearing about her life. It was for sure heartbreaking and hearing about things during the late 1700s is so crazy.
I loved the authors note at the end stating which things were fictionalized and which were not. Loved it. Totally recommend.

[Hilary B]

3.75⭐️

[Aggie]

A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie was an absolutely delightful read! While the pacing definitely leans toward a slow burn, the storytelling kept me completely engaged from start to finish. What really anchored this book for me was the incredible depth of the family dynamics. The authors do a beautiful job of showing how, despite the immense public pressures and tragic hardships thrown their way, the Adams family was deeply packed with love and devotion for one another.

The absolute highlight of the novel has to be Abigail herself. I am still in complete awe of her brilliance and sharp wit—especially when it came to her handling and successfully growing her family's finances at a time when women had virtually no legal rights. Seeing her step out of the historical shadows as a fierce, self-taught financial strategist made her an unforgettable protagonist. It was fascinating to follow the evolution of John and Abigail's partnership through their letters.

It was saddening to see how the bitter rise of political factions fractured the beautiful friendship John and Abigail shared with Jefferson

If you love rich historical details mixed with complex, loving family dynamics, this slow burn is well worth the time!

[Lisa]

The perfect book for America 250. 🇺🇸 One of my favorite historical couples, having read a book of their letters many years ago, I'm glad they got their own book. (However, be it historical fiction)

[Tracey Lynn]

Soft DNF at this time. I so wanted to love this. Quite off putting the liberties the authors took with the communication between John and Abby. Theirs was a true love match and I feel those liberties belittled their relationship. Abby was a true helpmate in all ways to John.

I understand authors adding their own spin to “their” story but I did not like that in this.

[Amy Moeller]

I loved every minute of this book!

[Brooklynn Titus]

This was a 6 ⭐️ read for me! I thought it was phenomenal! I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrator. The book is so well written and thoroughly researched - sticking closely to the historical narrative while enhancing where necessary to keep things flowing and interesting. It's about a period of history that isn't always the most exciting to some, but I thought the book was written in a way that was so engaging the whole time.

I am obsessed with the picture the authors painted of Abigail Adams - bright, steadfast, determined, creative, quick witted, virtuous and warm. I loved the way they built all the characters both realistically and holistically. I've always been a fan of the Adams but have a whole new appreciation & respect for them after reading this.

[The History Mom]

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.