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Katy: The Woman Who Signed the Declaration of Independence
One woman’s courage can make all the difference.
One woman, Mary Katharine Goddard, signed the Declaration of Independence and risked hanging by doing so. Yet most people don’t know who she was or why she signed it.
Katy grew up in the American colony of Connecticut, educated and trained to be a proper wife and mother. She was supposed to marry and have children, living the ‘normal’ life of an 18th century woman. Destiny said otherwise.
Instead, at the behest of her impulsive brother she moved from one colony to another, efficiently running his string of printing business ventures when he took off in pursuit of some new scheme. Little did she know that each move would bring her closer to the dangerous choice she would be forced to make during the American Revolution.
What led her to become the most daring woman in America – the woman willing to sign her name to treason? Katy explores the answer to that burning question – as she shows us how some risks are worth taking, even when the price could be your life.
One woman, Mary Katharine Goddard, signed the Declaration of Independence and risked hanging by doing so. Yet most people don’t know who she was or why she signed it.
Katy grew up in the American colony of Connecticut, educated and trained to be a proper wife and mother. She was supposed to marry and have children, living the ‘normal’ life of an 18th century woman. Destiny said otherwise.
Instead, at the behest of her impulsive brother she moved from one colony to another, efficiently running his string of printing business ventures when he took off in pursuit of some new scheme. Little did she know that each move would bring her closer to the dangerous choice she would be forced to make during the American Revolution.
What led her to become the most daring woman in America – the woman willing to sign her name to treason? Katy explores the answer to that burning question – as she shows us how some risks are worth taking, even when the price could be your life.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2026
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Betty Bolté
40 books255 followersWhen I sit down to write, the goal for my historical stories is to bring the lives of people in the past to life for my readers. I write both historical and contemporary stories featuring strong, loving women and brave, compassionate men. No matter whether the stories are set in the past or the present, I love to include a touch of the paranormal. In addition to romantic fiction, I've written several nonfiction books, and earned a Master of Arts in English in 2008. I'm a member of Romance Writers of America, the Historical Novel Society, the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and the Authors Guild. Find out more about me at www.bettybolte.com.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What an interesting story!
Katy was very much a woman ahead of her times. Thanks to her mother's advice, she set to secure her future by making her own living in a time when women were anything but self sufficient. That in itself is epic. Add the elements of the historical importance of her work and involvement in the country's fight for Independence and you have a very interesting story that will give you a whole new insight to the era.
There is a lot of accurate historical rendition that can make for difficult reading at times. However, it is well worth persevering with it as it provides the necessary background and padding to understand the unrest and significance of the times.
Kudos to the author who has taken meticulous precision with the facts of the time, and has moulded a story that is interesting and educational. Well done
Thank you net gallery for the opportunity to review
Katy was very much a woman ahead of her times. Thanks to her mother's advice, she set to secure her future by making her own living in a time when women were anything but self sufficient. That in itself is epic. Add the elements of the historical importance of her work and involvement in the country's fight for Independence and you have a very interesting story that will give you a whole new insight to the era.
There is a lot of accurate historical rendition that can make for difficult reading at times. However, it is well worth persevering with it as it provides the necessary background and padding to understand the unrest and significance of the times.
Kudos to the author who has taken meticulous precision with the facts of the time, and has moulded a story that is interesting and educational. Well done
Thank you net gallery for the opportunity to review
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you are looking for a story that tells the story of the early days of American History then this is a story you should pick up! Mary Katharine Goddard is thr main character of interest and up until reading it I had no idea that a woman had even signed The Declaration of Independence. There is so much facinating information in this book that left me feel so impressed with the new facts I had found out!
When we are introduced to Katy she is working at a print shop with her mother and brother. At the time the Colonies are ruled by England. However as time goes by they desire Independence. After the death of her mother Katy and her brother do their best to hold on to the print shop and they realize that maybe they can be the driving force of change.
When we are introduced to Katy she is working at a print shop with her mother and brother. At the time the Colonies are ruled by England. However as time goes by they desire Independence. After the death of her mother Katy and her brother do their best to hold on to the print shop and they realize that maybe they can be the driving force of change.
January 18, 2026
What a powerful read about a woman who made a name for herself. She helped her brother in his business before signing the Declaration of Independence which some people will disagree with. See just how she deals with it all
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a powerful read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a powerful read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Great Book! Very Informative! 5/5 Stars
January 21, 2026
This is a great story of the woman who signed the Declaration of Independence. It tells of her life. A great history story for all of us.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews