Category: Book Reviews

The Queen’s Coronation by Jennifer Ryan

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Publication June 2, 2026-Ballantine Books-Historical Fiction-336pp

Book Summary

As a young Queen Elizabeth II prepares to take the throne, three women in her employ will discover where they belong in a rapidly changing world in this heartwarming novel from the bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir.

London, 1953. Buckingham Palace and the many employees vital to the smooth running of the monarchy find themselves in bedlam as the Queen’s coronation quickly approaches.

Caroline Brimstone, assistant dresser to the queen, watches the queen finding the strength to rule—a woman taking charge of her future. Meanwhile, Caroline’s life is worn thin by her gambler husband, and she is barely holding on as every penny she earns seems to run out the door. When a trip to Balmoral brings her face-to-face with the man she once loved, she finds herself at a crossroads between what her life is and what her life could be. Can she, like the queen, find the strength to define her own future?

Lucy Jones is a junior wardrobe assistant who positively radiates life—she’s young, idealistic, and eager to become a famous singer. So when a handsome, wealthy man at the palace promises to help her on her way to stardom, she’s over the moon to have such a supportive husband-to-be. And if he’s asking some things of her that she’s not quite sure about, isn’t that just part of the glamorous life?

Miranda Miller has come over from America just in time to help with preparations as a temporary secretary in the palace. The job is a perfect way to gather information for the article she’s writing about the coronation for a magazine back in New York; the article that will keep her boss from firing her because of her gender.

But as all three women discover, just because a woman will soon be sitting upon the throne, it doesn’t mean that society will change overnight—and if they want to carve places for themselves in this world, they’ll have to do it together.

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, London1953, is the stunning backdrop for the lives of three women employed at Buckingham Palace. From parade routes, royal carriages, the design and fitting of the Norman Hartnell-designed coronation gown, to the nerve-wracking T.V. rehearsals-readers are submerged in the frenzied day-to-day hubbub of the palace staff-all leading to Coronation Day.

Jennifer Ryan expertly braids intricate coronation plans and history with the point of view of three vastly different women; each trying to ‘break free’ from life as they know it. Caroline Brimstone, with a 13-year-old daughter, is Assistant Dresser to the queen. Caroline needs to break free from the suffocating control of husband, Frank. A Scottish gardener from Balmoral and Caroline’s past, Angus, adds tension and anticipation to this situation.

Second on the royal staff is Miranda Miller, a journalist sent by the New York Gazette to report on coronation happenings. She’s a war widow, independent and ambitious. Miranda’s mask is that of grief; she’s in a rut, using her situation as an excuse. This plot thread threatens to shred friendships with betrayal, putting trust and ambition in the balance.

Lucy Jones, running from life in Cornwall is a third POV. Lucy becomes a wardrobe assistant working for Caroline, while looking for adventure, glamour, romance, and she can sing! Sucked into the world of beauty pageants and prostitution, Lucy becomes involved in the infamous Thursday Lunch Club. While beauty is her strength, her weakness is self-doubt. Ryan incorporates male perspectives and a few known, accepted palace behaviors in this POV.  

Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor, Westminster Abbey, and the sheer opulence of the royal parade are front and center in Jennifer Ryan’s tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen’s Coronation. A royal treat for royal readers.

Jennifer Ryan is the author of National Bestseller THE CHILBURY LADIES’ CHOIR, THE SPIES OF SHILLING LANE, THE KITCHEN FRONT, THE WEDDING DRESS SEWING CIRCLE, AND THE UNDERGROUND LIBRARY.Previously a book editor with The Economist, DK, and the BBC, she moved from London to Washington, DC after marrying, and she now lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two children. Her novels are inspired by her grandmother’s tales of the war in Britain.

Missed Connections by Aimie K. Runyan

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Publication May 26, 2026-Harper Muse Romance-Sci-Fi & Fantasy-Women’s Fiction-320pp

Book Summary

What if you had the chance to revisit every choice that mattered?

Sabrina Sorensen is 37, single, and recently let go as general manager of a posh Parisian restaurant. She heads home to California for her younger sister’s engagement party, and it’s an open door for her mother and siblings to prod Sabrina for her itinerate lifestyle and her inability to commit to any of her previous jobs and relationships. What they don’t know is that Sabrina, for fifteen long years, has been building her résumé in hopes of becoming an inspector for the famed MICHELIN guides—a path that has required anonymity and keeping her ambitions hidden. And now, with her career on the downturn, even that is in jeopardy. After her mother’s final clumsy attempt to fix her up with the charming “boy next door,” Sabrina bolts for Burbank Airport.

The problem? She has nowhere to go.

She arrives at the airport, resolved to put the family conflict behind her and focus on her work, but now her mother’s critical voice fills her with doubts. Has she been wasting her life? Faced with the enormity of her next decision, and feeling utterly alone, Sabrina breaks down at the ticket counter. The kind ticket agent ushers her to a private lounge and offers her something far more important than tea and sympathy: the opportunity to revisit some of her key choices, personal and professional, in her past. Sabrina suddenly is given the rare chance to answer the burning question: has she been foolish to sacrifice so much for her dream of becoming a Michelin inspector? Spanning fifteen years and thousands of miles, Sabrina will have the rare opportunity to know for certain if all her choices had led her down the right path.

Grateful Reader Book Review by Dorothy Schwab

Foodies everywhere will appreciate this delicious melding of menus, Michelin stars, and life choices into a tantalizing concoction of fantasy and time travel known as Missed Connections. Sabrina is at a crossroads in her life and needs a friend to help her find the right path. Reminded of bad decisions by traveling back in time, Sabrina has a chance to learn lessons and find out what would’ve happened had she made different choices altogether. Through this foray into contemporary fiction, readers are treated to tantalizing menus and restaurants from coast to coast and beyond, terrifying Michelin agents, sticky front and back of house situations, and an adorable Irish “fairy godmother.” Recipes included! An appetizing exploration of overcoming self-doubt to grow and prosper in the deliciousness of the present. Five Michelin Stars!

Aimie writes fiction, both historical and contemporary, that celebrates the spirit of strong women. In addition to her writing, she is active as a speaker and educator in the writing community. She lives in Colorado with her amazing husband, kids, cats, and pet dragon.

The Hope Keeper by Heather Webb

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Publication May 19, 2026-Sourcebooks Landmark-Historical Fiction-368pp

Book Summary

1919, Washington D.C. Elisabeth Beaumont comes from a renowned jeweler family, but after the untimely death of her twin brother, she’s left on her own to run the failing family business. Desperate for work, she approaches the affluent crowd her brother Julien once courted to expand Beaumont Jewelers. Their ringleader is wealthy socialite Evalyn McLean, owner of the world’s most infamous gemstone, rumored to curse all who travel within its orbit. The Hope Diamond.

As Elisabeth is swept into Evalyn’s toxic world of dark opulence, the lines defining who she is and where she belongs begin to blur, leading Elisabeth to question all she once believed. She’s no longer certain she wants to take over the family business and be beholden to the wealthy elite of D.C. But she can’t fathom leaving her father in the lurch. There’s also Evalyn to consider, and the Hope Diamond, which beckons Elisabeth to admire it, touch it, care for it, despite every warning she’s been told.

When tragedy strikes one night, not only is Elisabeth’s fragile friendship with Evalyn put to the test, but her carefully constructed glamorous new life comes crashing down. Now Elisabeth must face the truth about her brother’s death and decide what matters most. 

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab-First Published Historical Novels Review May 2026 -EDITORS’ CHOICE

     This historical mystery set in early 20th century Washington D.C. is as captivating as the legend of the Hope Diamond. Based on real life Evalyn McNeal, her world acclaimed jewelry collection and conniving socialite friends, Webb melds high society “mean girl” antics and secrets with the untimely death of charismatic jeweler, Julian Beaumont.  Brimming with mysterious accidents, The Hope Keeper follows the questionably lucky or unlucky lives of owners and the legendary curse of the Hope Diamond.

     Struggling to save the family business after Julian’s death, Elisabeth Beaumont, Lizzie, becomes the caretaker of Evelyn McNeal’s jewelry collection.  Webb’s character development in critical social situations glistens with glares and acerbic dialogue tangled with shallow attitudes and frivolous conversations, creating animosity and doubt among the socialites. Inhibited, mousey Lizzie is lured into accepting Evie’s amazing generosity, though the friendship does provide access to a whole new group of friends and business possibilities. Even as Lizzie ingratiates herself with the higher echelons of D.C. society, mimicking Evie’s mannerisms and attitudes, she blossoms and wisely discerns society’s games and exactly how to play. Webb expertly unveils the universal human trait of insecurity while seeking acceptance and approval, creating extremely relatable characters.  She masterfully blends self-discovery from the absence of a loved one with Lizzie’s growth in confidence after losing her twin brother.

     The suspenseful plot is pleated with secrets and suspicions between couples and friends nestled snuggly against sparkling jewelry design and scientific gemstone research. An occasional first-person account of the Hope Diamond’s historic travels and feelings is charmingly mingled into the plot. Historic details of cherry blossoms in Potomac Park, the Washington Monument, and women employed at the Smithsonian add to the world building in the unfolding captivating mystery of The Hope Keeper.  Highly recommended.

HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW EDITORS' CHOICE MAY 2026

Heather Webb is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of eleven historical novels. Her most recent include The Next Ship Home, Christmas with the Queen, and Queens of London. In 2015, Rodin’s Lover was a Goodread’s Top Pick, and in 2018, Last Christmas in Paris won the Women’s Fiction Writers Association STAR Award. Meet Me in Monaco, was selected as a finalist for the 2020 Goldsboro RNA award in the UK, as well as the 2019 Digital Book World’s Fiction prize. To date, her novels have been translated to 18 languages. She lives in New England with her family and two mischievous cats.

The Mountains We Call Home by Kim Michelle Richardson

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Publication April 21, 2026-Sourcebooks Landmark-Historical Fiction-384pp

Book Summary

In this standalone and companion novel to the The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series, our heroine for the ages, legendary book woman, Cussy Lovett, returns home. A powerful testament of strength, survival, and the magic of the printed word, The Mountains We Call Home is wrapped into a vivid portrait of Kentucky life: examining incarceration and criminalization, exploring the effects on the poor and powerless, and tracing the societal consequences of fractured family bonds, along with nostalgic glimpses of a bustling, multifaceted Louisville, and heartwarming portraits of reading efforts in every facet of life. 

Meticulously researched and richly detailed with a new cast of absorbing and complex characters, this beautifully rendered, authentic Kentucky tale is gritty and heartbreaking and infused with hope, spirit, and courage known only to those with no way out.

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab First Published in Historical Novels Review May 2026

     The Mountains We Call Home is third in the Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series. Cussy, the beloved Kentucky “book woman” and her mule, Junia, introduced readers to the Pack Horse Librarians and their lifechanging journeys through the Appalachian mountains. Now the early 1950’s, Kentucky Blue Cussy, is married to white man Jackson Lovett, and they have been arrested and incarcerated for miscegenation. The Mountains We Call Home is Cussy’s story of survival and a testament to the courage and strength she possesses as she brings books to heal those in prison.

     Kim Michele Richardson brings an unsettling depth of understanding to the mostly new cast of characters based on her own background of poverty and homelessness. Chosen to be the Book Woman in the prison, Cussy’s gift of matching books to readers wins the hearts and souls of the women, the warden and the guards. Cussy brings hope to the women in the Geriatric ward when she movingly reads chapters aloud from Charlotte’s Web. The women make astonishing changes showing the power of the written word on their relationships and outlook.  As Cussy appears with books, ward by ward, KMR slowly reveals the humanity and worth of those imprisoned.

     This well-researched novel shines a dark light on treatment of incarcerated women, medical experiments with lobotomies, and later the costs of urban renewal. Up and over the trails of Troublesome Creek, tragedy in Louisville, and finding a new life teaching women to read and write, Cussy Lovett’s saga imparts the immense pride and the power reading the printed word has on all lives. An eye-opening, heartwarming denouement. Highly recommended.

A native-born Kentuckian, Kim Michele Richardson is the New York Times, L.A. Times, USA Today bestselling author who has written six novels, a memoir and most recently, two children’s picture books The works have been published in more than 18 languages, and she is a two-time Southern Book Prize finalist. Her novel The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is taught widely in high schools and college classrooms and has been adopted as a Common Read selection by states, cities, and colleges across the country and abroad.

Beyond the Clouds by Elizabeth Camden

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Publication Jan. 2025-Bethany House-Christian-Historical Romance-368pp

Book Summary

They lost each other once before; now the clouds of war may give them a second chance.
     As teenagers, Delia Byrne and Finn Delaney fell in love while flying kites and dreaming of a future together–until betrayal tore them apart. Now, as America enters World War I, Delia works for peace as a paralegal and pacifist. Her values forbid her from supporting the war effort, but she volunteers for a relief organization trying to save millions of lives in famine-stricken Belgium.
     Returning to America as a decorated war hero, Finn is eager to get back to the front but is assigned to use his fame to raise funds instead. To his surprise, this mission will bring him face-to-face with Delia, the only woman he ever loved and once hoped to marry. As their shared mission draws them together, old sparks of romance begin to stir–until duty sends them behind enemy lines in occupied Belgium. Will the greatest danger be the conflict raging around them–or the possibility of falling in love again?

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab First Published in Historical Novels Review May 2026 Issue

     Beyond the Clouds, third in the Women of Midtown Series, combines well researched history of pre-World War I America and 1917 occupied Belgium with a post war relationship challenged by sense of duty, courage, and fear.

     Elizabeth Camden expertly weaves teenagers Finn Delaney and Delia Byrne’s backstory before World War I with their present-day situation, hopes, and fears. Years later after a betrayal, conflict ensues as war hero Finn returns to the U.S. and pacifist, Delia is working as a paralegal. The descriptions and details of Delia’s life in New York City sink readers into the social dilemmas faced by working women and the political climate in the United States pre and post-World War I.  

     From the initial description of Finn’s plane crash, the novel quickly draws readers into occupied Belgium, while contrasting the social and political turmoil here in the U.S. Camden focuses attention on compelling historical details of Herbert Hoover’s creation of the CRB, Commission for Relief of Belgium. A strong sense of the U. S. economic climate is provided by Finn’s experiences contacting wealthy Americans for contributions, such as Randolph Hearst, past president, Howard Taft, and many others.

     A Christian romance, Beyond the Clouds spans just over a decade. From a 1917 plane crash in occupied Belgium to 1928, Times Square, New York City, this is a splendid exploration of fear, courage, duty, and love; filled with hope and possibility.

"Historical romance of second chances, sacrifice, and redemption set against World War I Belgium."

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her engaging romance novels featuring clever heroines with richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.



Peg, Unhinged by Teri M. Brown

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Publication April 21, 2026=Atmosphere Press-Contemporary Women’s Fiction

Book Summary

Peg is good at a lot of things. Selling beachfront homes. Raising two kids. Holding her life together with duct tape and dark humor. What she is not good at is menopause, divorce, or watching her soon-to-be ex flirt with women half her age, especially when one of them works in her office.

As hot flashes, brain fog, and emotional landmines take over, Peg finds herself unraveling in increasingly hilarious and inconvenient ways. Her kids are drifting away. Her marriage is in ruins. Her once-unshakable confidence is cracking. And yet, somewhere between a screaming meltdown on the beach and a disastrous real estate showing, Peg starts to realize something unexpected: this breakdown might also be a breakthrough.

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

Finding humor and wisdom amid life changing events is the frame around Peg’s unhinged state of mind. Teri Brown develops Peg into a relatable character readers will empathize with and cheer on to discovering her strengths and coming to grips with weaknesses, as she navigates divorce and job stress. The change in Peg’s lifestyle also spurs changes in friendships, which are always difficult to accept. Brown shows discernment in showcasing old friends’ actions and realistic dialogue demonstrating how loving, heartfelt intervention or expressing opinions doesn’t necessarily help. Peg’s new friend, Beth, is an optimistic breath of fresh beach air as she listens and shares thoughtful insights with Peg. Beth’s comments, “change still requires a bit of grieving, you’ll feel better with a little movement, and we can think about next moves,” are so apt for the moment and totally applicable in so many of our own situations.   One of Peg’s clients relates that his mother came out of her shell when she felt needed. This is a time-honored truth and can never be repeated too often. Brown inserts letters to God from Peg, shining a light on many confessions, life lessons and insights.

Wisdom and humor are scattered like seashells on the beach. During strolls with friends or the interactions at the women’s shelter, in all instances, the lessons in Peg Unhinged are collectible treasures. Entertaining while enriching read.

Teri’s debut novel, “Sunflowers Beneath the Snow,” was published in 2022 and is set in Ukraine. This was followed by “An Enemy Like Me,” which takes place during World War II, and “Daughters of Green Mountain Gap,” a generational story about Appalachian healers. Her writing often explores complex themes such as family dynamics, racism, and personal growth, aiming to introduce readers to characters they would love to invite to lunch .She also hosts a podcast called “Online for Authors,” where she shares insights and interviews with other authors

Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey

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Publication May 5, 2026-Gallery Books-Women’s Fiction-384pp

Book Summary

“a heartfelt escape to coastal Carolina.
After the worst day in her professional life, burnt-out NICU nurse Daisy Stevens runs to Cape Carolina, North Carolina, looking for a new life—and possibly new romance. On her first day at her “simpler” job, high school baseball coach Mason Thaysden discovers an abandoned baby, sending ripples through the entire tight-knit town of Cape Carolina.

Mason is still struggling to reconcile the scars of the injury that kept him out of the big leagues, stuck in his hometown, and searching for a way out. This newcomer and the child they’ve saved together might be just the motivation he needs to stay put. Sparks fly as Mason acquaints Daisy with Cape Carolina, introducing her to his friends and family, including his batty Aunt Tilley, who is looking for relief from long-buried family secrets and her own fresh start.

But as Daisy becomes increasingly attached to this abandoned child, and begins facing her own demons in the process, a startling discovery is made that threatens to rip the entire town of Cape Carolina apart, placing Daisy, Mason, and Tilley in the center of the storm. In a novel that proves that “Kristy Woodson Harvey is (the) go-to for elevated beach reads” (People), they will each learn that with love, understanding—and a community theater production of Hello, Dolly!—sometimes life conspires to bring us just exactly where we belong.

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

Get set for a cast of characters living in the past, hiding secrets, and in search of purpose. Kristy Woodson Harvey delivers a complicated family saga set on the coast of North Carolina that engages readers on emotional levels that erupt in unexpected ways. Nurse Daisy, Coach Mason, and “batty” Aunt Tilley each have a different quest but as the line from Hello Dolly says they all need to get “some life back in their life!” The decisions and responsibilities being faced will provide many opportunities to do the “right thing” and for readers to make choices and predictions as well. These dilemmas are what keep the twists and turns of the emotional roller coaster on the track and pages flipping! Excitement, suspense and a grand gesture lead to a standing ovation and much cheering! No matter the location, readers will be in a Summer State of Mind. Available for beach bags now!

A Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate with Honors of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s school of journalism, her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including Southern Living, Parade, Traditional Home, USA Today, and many more. She also holds a master’s in English from East Carolina University, with a concentration in multicultural and transnational literature.

Kristy is the co-creator and co-host of the hit weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction with fellow New York Times Bestselling authors Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, and Patti Callahan Henry, which boasts more than three hundred thousand members. She is also the co-founder of the award-winning interiors site Design Chic, with her mom, Beth Woodson.

She lives on the North Carolina coast with her husband, son, and dog, Salt, where she is (always!) working on her next novel.

The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles

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Publication May 5, 2026-Atria Books-Historical Fiction-240pp

Book Summary

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library and Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade, a charming and cinematic novel following a young woman from Montana who takes a job in the American Library in Paris, where she discovers the power of storytelling and her own dreams.

Paris, 1995: It’s been five years since Lily Jacobsen and her best friend Mary Louise arrived in Paris from their small town of Froid, Montana. Determined to establish themselves as artists—Lily, a novelist, and Mary Louise, a painter—they share a tiny walkup and survive on brie and baguettes.

When Mary Louise abruptly moves out, Lily feels alone in the city of light for the first time and must find a new way to support herself. She lands a job as a programs manager at the American Library in Paris, following in the footsteps of Odile, her beloved French neighbor in Montana who told her stories of heroic World War II librarians when Lily was growing up.

Here in the storied halls of the ALP, she meets an incredible cast of characters—her favorite author, quirky coworkers, broke students, trailing spouses, haughty trustees, and devoted volunteers—each with their own stories… and agendas. Lily often seeks solace in the Afterlife, the library’s attic that’s home to hundreds of unpublished manuscripts, and there, she discovers a box of archives that may be a link to the past: to Odile’s own Parisian chapter.

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

This ode to librarians, libraries, and friendship connects characters from all three novels in the Paris Library Series; Odile and Lily from The Paris Library and Jessie Carson and the CARDS in WWI, from Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade. Lily finds herself at the famous American Library in Paris (ALP) in 1995, where Odile had so courageously served during World War II.

Janet Skeslien Charles does a magnificent job filling in the backstory from the first two books in the series. I enjoyed The Paris Library and Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade, and highly recommend reading these first, but certainly not necessary. JSC takes readers on a tour of the ALP, month by month, while developing characters: volunteers, patrons, trustees & board members, staff, a secret boarder and even a love interest with a Texas connection. All are book mates of the dearest kind. Another thread, along with saving the ALP, is the friendship between Lily and Mary Louise. Both young girls have much to learn about themselves and how to navigate moving from Montanna to Paris-no small feat. Readers see a different side of program manager, Lily.

From Jessie Carson’s children’s libraries in France-WWI, to Odile’s journey as a war bride in Montanna-WWII, then Lily’s challenges & accomplishments in Paris in 1995-Janet Skeslien Charles’ Paris Library Series is a glorious tribute to libraries and librarians across the world.

A rewarding dedication of gratitude to book lovers everywhere.

Janet Skeslien Charles is the New York Times, USA Today, and #1 international bestselling author of The Paris Library, Moonlight in Odessa, Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade (called The Librarians of Rue de Picardie in the UK and Commonwealth), and the audiobook The Parisian Chapter. Her essays and short stories have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, The Sydney Morning Herald, and the anthology Montana Noir. Her work has been translated into 40 languages. Janet was born and raised in Montana. After graduating from the University of Montana, she got a job teaching English in Ukraine. She later went to France intending to teach for a year, and has been there ever since. Place is at the heart of every story she has ever written. She loves traveling, spending time with friends and family, and researching stories of forgotten people and places. 

A Founding Mother- A Novel of Abigail Adams By Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

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Publication May 5, 2026-William Morrow-Historical Fiction-384pp

Book Summary

     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.

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab-

First Published by Historical Novels Review May 2026-

“Editors’ Choice Award”

Abigail Adams, astonishing “President’s Lady,” tells her story just in time for America’s 250th anniversary. Abigail forges her place as a founding mother; wife to second president of the United States, John Adams, and mother of sixth president, John Quincy Adams,  

     As Abigai tells her life story, she transports readers from Massachusetts Bay Colony 1765, across oceans and continents, into palaces, riots, and revolutions. She raises her family, endures sacrifices and separations in fifty years of marriage, and sets an example for future presidential wives. Dray and Kamoie have researched tomes of our rich history to provide a masterful retelling of America’s birth as a nation. Opening in 1814 with Washington ablaze and President Madison in hiding, Abigail looks back on her life as a wife, mother, entrepreneur, diplomat, and friend.

      Abigail realized “extraordinary times called for her to be an extraordinary wife and mother!”  Abigail is portrayed as a saucy, patient wife, a valuable conversationalist and diplomat, independently wealthy with an enterprising spirit and a voracious advocate for her children. Relatable to women in today’s world, Abigail balances family demands with those of her role as a “founding mother.”

     As John travels the Colonies and Europe, Abigail’s resolve comes boldly to the surface as she is abandoned with children to raise, a farm to supervise, and finances to manage. She moves households many times, always with determination to make the best of each location and situation. This domestic thread is seamlessly woven with John Adams’ burgeoning career, the political machinations of Hamilton, Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Hurray for patriotic, cheer worthy, engaging historical fiction!

STEPHANIE DRAY is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of historical women’s fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into many languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. Now she lives in Maryland with her husband, cats, and history books.

A Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today Bestseller, LAURA KAMOIE has always been fascinated by the people, stories, and physical presence of the past, which led her to a lifetime of historical and archaeological study and training. Writing with co-author Stephanie Dray allowed her the exciting opportunity to combine her love of history with her passion for storytelling. Laura lives among the colonial charm of Annapolis, Maryland with her husband and two daughters.

Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict

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Publication March 24, 2026-St. Martin’s Press-Historical Fiction-330pp

Book Summary

Known for her “delightful blend of historical fiction and suspense” (People), New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict, returns with a sweeping tale of a young woman who unearths the truth about a forgotten Pharoah—rewriting both of their legacies forever.

In the 1920s, archeologist Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon of Highclere Castle made headlines around the world with the discovery of the treasure-filled tomb of the boy Pharaoh Tutankhamun. But behind it all stood Lady Evelyn Herbert—daughter of Lord Carnarvon—whose daring spirit and relentless curiosity made the momentous find possible.

Nearly 3,000 years earlier, another woman defied the expectations of her time: Hatshepsut, Egypt’s lost pharaoh. Her reign was bold, visionary—and nearly erased from history.

When Evelyn becomes obsessed with finding Hatshepsut’s secret tomb, she risks everything to uncover the truth about her reign and keep valued artifacts in Egypt, their rightful home. But as danger closes in and political tensions rise, she must make an impossible choice: protect her father’s legacy—or forge her own.

Propelled by high adventure and deadly intrigue, Daughter of Egypt is the story of two ambitious women who lived centuries apart. Both were forced to hide who they were during their lifetimes yet ultimately changed history forever.

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

Enter the worlds of Highclere Castle, England and Cairo, Egypt in the 1920’s. The settings become beguiling characters each on their own. Highclere Castle’s famous long drive graciously beckons readers into Daughter of Egypt, as readers are swept straightaway into the magic and music of the Highclere Castle Ball, the first after the Great War. Fans of Downton Abbey will easily visualize the library, dining room, and the secret entrance to the music room! Lady Evelyn, Eve, has always been interested in Egyptology, and cherishes time with her father, Lord Carnarvon and his associate, archaeologist Howard Carter, over attending teas and balls as a debutante. She much prefers the excavation season digging for antiquities over the socialite’s season seeking a match. The alternate setting is Egypt: Cairo’s luxurious Shepheard’s Hotel, the Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor, the Nile, and the stately, sandy sites Howard and Eve choose for digs.  

Beginning with the introduction Marie Benedict incorporates an immense amount of Great Britain’s history of Colonial Egypt, the Great War, and the return of archaeology to the Valley of the Kings. The plot alternates between Hatshepsut’s life of Princess to Pharoh, and Lady Evelyn’s from debutante to archaeologist, transporting readers between Highclere Castle and Egypt with history, lavish descriptions, and even love stories.  Lady Evelyn’s mission is to unearth the mystery of Hatshepsut’s erasure from history. This drives her personal journey to discover more about Hatshepsut-whose tomb has never been found.

Benedict’s character development of Hatshepsut glows with her brilliance, foresight and humanness. The young Egyptian queen dazzles like sun on sand, as Benedict reveals Hatshepsut’s relatable emotions as a mother, a daughter, and a ruler. Eve is portrayed as driven by her own passions and having the fortitude to face up to her mother and the ambition to follow her archaeological dreams, which keeps the plot moving! Marie Benedict, known for her well researched novels, delivers a detailed, well-balanced view of Egypt as Lord Carnarvon, Howard Carter, and Lady Eve navigate the volatile political and complex social climate in the years after WWI. Fans of historical fiction will be joyously immersed in England and Egypt as the stories, history, and legacy of two strong women triumphantly emerge in Daughter of Egypt.   

Don your khakis and get ready to dig! Treasure is guaranteed.

Marie Benedict is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Queens of Crime, The Mitford Affair, Her Hidden Genius, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, The Only Woman in the Room, Lady Clementine, Carnegie’s Maid, The Other Einstein, and the novella, Agent 355. With Victoria Christopher Murray, she co-wrote the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian and the Target Book of the Year The First Ladies.