A Founding Mother
A Novel of Abigail Adams
Will be published approx. on 18. June 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
464 pages
978-0-06-323476-5 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
"A Founding Mother is a vivid and meticulously researched portrayal of one of American history's most remarkable women. Dray and Kamoie bring Abigail Adams to life as a fierce intellect, a woman who powerfully defied limits set before her, and whose courage, wisdom, and strength helped shape the nation. This inspirational story of Abigail Adams's incredible life is historical fiction at its absolute finest." - Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book Society"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--on the eve of our nation's 250th anniversary, I can think of no book more necessary than A FOUNDING MOTHER." - Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Briar Club
"Simply marvelous! Abigail Adams speaks directly to us in an exquisitely told story of her life. And what a life! Wife to one president, mother to another, and a steadfast believer in the promise of the future of our shaky new country. One of the earliest advocates for women, she was a wise counselor and companion to her husband, President John Adams, from his early days as a lawyer in the Boston Massacre trial to his guiding role as president emeritus decades later. In this memoir, she speaks with such honesty and fervor you feel you know her and have been with her for the duration." - Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of The Confessions of Young Nero
"Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie's A FOUNDING MOTHER is a must read for history buffs-- or anyone wanting to know more about our country's tumultuous founding. "Remember the Ladies," Abigail Adams famously wrote, and here we finally remember Abigail, from a young bride and mother, through the upheaval of the Revolution, her triumphant turn as wife of the young Republic's Ambassador to London, and one of most memorable first ladies. This is Dray and Kamoie's best work yet!" - Lauren Willig, NYT Bestselling Author of The Girl from Greenwich Street
"Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie have long delighted and moved readers with their deeply researched, richly immersive novels of America's early leading ladies. Once again, the hardest-working duo in historical fiction delivers-this time taking on the incomparable life of our most significant Founding Mother, Abigail Adams. By turns soul-stirring and provocative, and always inspiring and insightful, A FOUNDING MOTHER presents America's origin story as you've never seen it before, beautifully rendered through the voice of a formidably brilliant heroine and deeply thoughtful patriot. This novel is a gift to readers and ought to be required reading as our nation marks its 250th birthday." - Allison Pataki, NY Times bestselling author of IT GIRL
"In the meticulously researched yet marvelously page-turning A Founding Mother, Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie spark the legendary Abigail Adams to life in a way no one has ever done before. Instead of serving as a patriotic backdrop for her famous husband and son, Abigail Adams is brought to the forefront, finally becoming a heroine in her own story. A Founding Mother is a brilliant tour de force." - Marie Benedict, NYT bestselling author of Daughter of Egypt
"A FOUNDING MOTHER is an inspiring story of tenacity and love during the most challenging of times. Don't miss this intimate deep dive into the life of Abigail Adams, a woman whose courage and wit shaped a nation." - Elise Hooper, author of THE LIBRARY OF LOST DOLLHOUSES
"Beautifully rendered, impeccably researched, and surprisingly timely, A Founding Mother is a novel not to be missed. Abigail Adams rises from the page fully-formed, intelligent, resourceful, tender, and strong, a remarkable woman whose battles and triumphs remain deeply relevant to the lives of women and girls 250 years later." - Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood
"Beautifully written and impeccably researched, A Founding Mother is a fascinating portrait of Abigail Adams, detailing her life as a mother, a wife, and a fiercely intelligent woman in her own right. Dray and Kamoie give Abigail a voice, bringing her out of the shadows of history. Exactly the kind of historical novel I adore!" - Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of Beautiful Little Fools ???????
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 135 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
336 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-06-323476-5 (9780063234765)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
05/2026
HarperCollins
€13.61
Available for download
Persons
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.
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.