Katy: The Woman Who Signed the Declaration of Independence

by Betty Bolté

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.

Genres: Historical Fiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2026

About the author

When 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.

Reviews

[BEATRICE VEGAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Katharine Goddard known as Katy to her friends, grew up in the American colony of Connecticut. She was educated and trained to marry, have children and be a proper wife and mother as was the norm in the18th century, for women at least. Yet Katys destiny seemed different. At the behest of her impulsive brother, she moved to various colonies to run a string of business ventures as he constantly took off in pursuit of new ones. Unaware that each move led her closer to making dangerous choices during the American Revolution. Turns out she even signed the American Declaration of Independence. This was tantamount to treason, and she knew she could be executed for her decision. This novel explores the ‘why’ of Katys decision.

I love historical fiction especially if it is based on a true tale. The blurb intrigued me and I knew I had to read it. I found the novel very interesting right from the start. Told in 3rd person POV Bolte sets the scene near perfectly. I loved how she captured the feelings and emotions of her characters to present the 18th century lifestyle and culture. As I got to know Katy, I couldn’t help but admire her spunk and quiet strength. Bolte also did a good character sketch of her brother William. My sympathies were with the main protagonist Katy. Bolte didn’t hold back on an 18th century woman’s lack of life choices. It is however her bravura that makes Katys seemingly monotonous and ordinary life compelling reading.

I was aware that 18th century printing was laboriously tedious. Yet it took Bolte’s description of Katy's daily grind to appreciate modern printing methods. At the end of the book Bolte has written a historical note well worth reading as it gives insight into how she researched material for her novel. I also learned a bit more about Katy and Bolte’s extensive research and brilliance. Kudos to Bolte for writing about a lesser-known persona who it would seem played an important role in the American Revolution.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Mystic Owl Publishing for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I do love historical fiction based on real-life events. That’s what intrigued me with this book. This is an evenly paced story about Katy, a young woman who lived during the times of the American Revolution. This under-explored narrative, that is, female oriented story is something that I gravitate towards. So many stories about any part of history focus on the cis white male, and it’s great when the focus is on someone else, whether that’s a woman or Black man, we need more of these stories told.

Katy is a woman who defies the prescribed 18th century gender role of the subservient and compliant lady. The author, Betty Bolté, does a great job of getting the reader immersed in the life of a colonial woman. Katy is a great character who bristles at the many times in her life where she is not allowed to make a choice. While some of the tasks women were assigned to at the time are interesting, they are also drudge work that I would not like to do all the time, either.

Since Katy is involved in using a printing press throughout the story, you can really see how exacting and demanding the work was. I’ve seen many demonstrations of a colonial printing press at a local live history museum, so it was nothing new for me. Rather, it reminded me of the wonder I felt the first time I saw an old printing press work.

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As always when it comes to historical fiction, I appreciate when an author includes historical notes at the end of the book. It adds another layer to the story, as we learn more about the woman who helped the cause of the Revolution.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this fascinating new historical fiction title, Betty Bolte explores the life of Mary Katharine Goddard, the only woman who signed the Declaration of Independence, and her fascinating career as the head of her brother’s printing business. Growing up in the colony of Connecticut and educated to be a wife and mother, Katy’s life takes a dramatic turn as her impulsive brother moves her and her mother across the colonies as the American Revolution breaks out. With the world changing around her, Katy can choose her own path -- and even sign her name to treason. Katy is a competent and clever protagonist whose strength of character and adaptability make her a compelling lead, while the facts of her life make this story even more fascinating. The other characters are well-written and detailed, while the historical setting and various challenges she faces only add more depth to the narrative. The high stakes of the American Revolution ground the setting in a familiar location for readers, and this unique perspective on the war really shows readers another side of things. Entertaining, inspirational, and fascinating, historical fiction fans will love this unique perspective on the American Revolution and insight into the life of Mary Katharine Goddard.

Thanks to NetGalley, Mystic Owl Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and Members' Titles for the advance copy.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only one woman signed the American Declaration of Independence and this is her story. Well researched and accurate in its historical facts, its gentle narration is simple and accessible. However, although I enjoyed learning more about Mary Katharine Goddard, overall I found the novel bland and little more than a simple pleasant read, with little character development or interiority, all tell and no show, and not very satisfying. Interesting but little more.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Liz Nesbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book! Very Informative! 5/5 Stars

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kate Eminhizer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author should at least have had the correct king listed for England. Very plot driven. No character development at all. Had a good subject but overall the story execution was lacking.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want authentic language and a long story to get to the promise in the title, this is a book for you.

Informative and interesting though.

[Elizabeth (Alaska) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do not believe the title of this book.

This woman did not sign the Declaration. She was a printer and was responsible for the 2nd printing of the Declaration.