Publication Date: May 5, 2026
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.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s birth, the spotlight shines on the pioneers who shaped the United States, leaving behind an eternal legacy.
Authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie highlight the contributions of Abigail Adams in A Founding Mother. This rich piece of historical fiction recognizes her status as both the wife of a president and the mother of another while acknowledging her advocacy on behalf of women.
Using letters written both to and from Abigail, the writers craft an image of a woman who fills nontraditional roles in marriage, finance, and motherhood—her penchant for circumventing laws that oppressed her offers early insight into women’s rights.
Told from Abigail’s perspective, the story not only focuses on her personal accounts of motherhood but also on the extensive work she undertook behind the scenes to nurture the young country in her husband’s care.
A Founding Mother offers a timely trip back in time to acknowledge a woman whose contributions helped shape our lives today.
Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. Her award—winning work tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. She lives near the nation’s capital with her husband, cats, and history books.
Laura Kamoie is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. She holds a doctoral degree in early American history from the College of William and Mary and published two nonfiction books on early America.
