A FOUNDING MOTHER

“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, New York Times 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, New York 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, New York Times 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 ​​​​​​​

1. Abigail Adams is often remembered as the wife of a president, but how did this novel change your perception of her as an individual?
2. Throughout the book, Abigail balances her roles as wife, mother, and political thinker. Which aspect of her life did you find most compelling?
3. How did the long separations between Abigail and John Adams shape their marriage? Do you think their relationship grew stronger or weaker because of them?
4. Abigail experiences tremendous loss throughout her life. Which of her personal tragedies had the greatest impact on you as a reader?
5. The novel highlights both the joys and challenges of motherhood. How did Abigail’s experiences with her children influence your understanding of her character?
6. Abigail was outspoken about many issues, including women’s rights and slavery. In what ways did she seem ahead of her time?
7. Friendship plays an important role in the story, particularly Abigail’s relationship with Thomas Jefferson. What did you think about the rise and fall of their friendship?
8. The novel brings many famous historical figures to life. Which portrayal surprised or interested you the most?
9. Abigail often found herself close to power without being able to formally wield it. How did she influence events despite the limitations placed on women of her era?
10. How did the novel deepen your understanding of the personal sacrifices made by families during the founding of the United States?
11. Were there any moments when you disagreed with Abigail’s choices or views? Why?
12. After finishing the book, what do you think Abigail Adams would want her legacy to be?
13. Abigail famously urged her husband to “remember the ladies.” How much progress do you think society has made toward that goal, and what challenges remain today?