From the nationally bestselling author of I, Eliza Hamilton, the groundbreaking historical novel about the life of Martha Dandridge Washington—the *real* Martha—who was a fierce and passionate beauty and an integral, intimate part of the founding of America…
Just as “Hamilton,” the musical, redefined its namesake, this riveting story upends the conventional image of Martha Washington to show us the real woman as she truly was. Vibrant, fiercely intelligent, and a pivotal historical figure in her own right—she is finally revealed in this groundbreaking historical novel about America’s first-ever First Lady.“No one could have guessed what I would become.” When eighteen-year-old Martha Dandridge marries Daniel Parke Custis, all agree she has done remarkably well to fall in love withand land one of the wealthiest men in the Virginia colony. Their union is a happy one until, after seven years and four children,Daniel dies suddenly. Resilient and beautiful, Martha is soon courted by other men, and becomes engaged to a military hero:Colonel George Washington. The newlyweds’ mutual affection—and attraction—is obvious to all. At twenty-six, George is handsome, athletic, and over a foottaller than petite Martha. She and her two surviving children move to Mount Vernon, where Martha’s fortune enables George toimprove his estate and establish himself as a political power. Where once Martha envisioned a sedate life as a planter’s wife, nowa very different future beckons. During the unsettled years that foreshadow revolution, Martha proves herself George’s anchor, advisor, and most trustedconfidante. As war ravages the country, she risks her safety to winter with the army, staying by his side during harrowingbetrayals and personal tragedies. And when at last the war is done, it will take all of Martha’s courage and devotion to take herplace in history as the first lady of the land…
About the Author
Susan Holloway Scott is an historian, speaker, and award-winning, bestselling author of fifty historical novels. With over threemillion copies of her books in print, her work has been published in nineteen foreign countries and translated into fourteen different languages. Susan is a frequent speaker at museums, colleges, and historical sites, and has received numerous awards for her novels. She is a graduate of Brown University, and lives with her family outside of Philadelphia. For more information about Susan and her books, visit her Website at SusanHollowayScott.com.
Praise For…
Praise for Susan Holloway Scott’s Founding Mothers Novels:
"Power, passion, secrets...the new saga from bestselling historical author Susan Holloway Scott has it all...part fact, part fiction, this tale captivates." —Woman's World on The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr
“Very little is actually known about the historical figure of Mary Emmons, but Scott has created a memorable protagonist whose persistence and courage are often inspiring.” —Library Journalon The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr
“Scott’s deeply empathetic heroine is sure to keep readers hooked; both her inner strength and the strength of her relationships—such as the connection she has to her fellow enslaved people in India—elevate and anchor the story…This is a moving and vivid work of historical fiction.” —Publishers Weekly on The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr
“Scott has taken on a difficult task here in imaginatively illuminating the life of a woman hidden in history… Impressive research, details and an unforgettable cast of characters lead by a woman of courage and spirit spark a story infused with heart. Highly recommended.” —The Historical Novels Review on The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr
"Susan Holloway Scott is QUEEN." —TheaterNerds.com on I, Eliza Hamilton
“Now we get to see all that we know about Eliza from her own perspective… we get to read Eliza's internal thoughts, her reactions to falling in love and being betrayed by her larger-than-life husband, how she felt about motherhood, sisterhood, the war and the forming of a new country. It's an exciting prospect for any Hamilton fan, most especially any obsessed with their romance. While we got to see A. Ham on stage getting frisky with Maria Reynolds and projecting some serious heat with Angelica Schuyler, we didn't get to revel in as much of Eliza and Alexander's love life. Holloway Scott has published over 50 historical novels and historical romances...so you know this one's going to be good.” —Bustle on I, Eliza Hamilton
"Scott expertly handles the complex history and complicated romance, moving the personal and political plots briskly...Readers will be captivated by the affecting portrait Scott has painted of Eliza as an American patriot who was witness and counsel to Alexander's enduring legacy." —Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW for I, Eliza Hamilton
“Scott’s devotion to research is evident, and those who enjoy learning about history through fiction should find this to be a rewarding take on a fascinating historical couple.” —Library Journal on I, Eliza Hamilton
“Based on solid research, Scott’s novel is packed with political and historical as well as domestic details…The current Hamilton craze may spark interest.” —Booklist on I, Eliza Hamilton
"Susan Holloway Scott has introduced Eliza's voice into the mix. This piece of historical fiction tells the true story of Eliza Hamilton in a narrative that captures both her kindness and strength." —Gillian Pensavalle, The Hamilcast: A HamiltonPodcast on I, Eliza Hamilton
