Review: Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray

Title: Lily of the Nile
Author: Stephanie Dray
Series: Cleopatra's Daughter #1
Publication: January 4th 2011 by Berkley
Genre: Historical Fiction
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Play | Kobo
Rating: 4/5★

 

The extraordinary daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony seeks to reclaim her birthright in the first novel of an epic historical fiction trilogy from the New York Times bestselling author of America's First Daughter.

With both of her parents dead, Princess Selene and her two surviving brothers are left at the mercy of their captors, taken from Egypt and put on display as war trophies in Rome. Trapped in an empire that reviles her heritage and suspects her faith, Selene struggles for survival in a court of intrigue. She can’t hide the hieroglyphics that carve themselves into her hands, nor can she stop the emperor from using her powers for his own ends.

Faced with a new and ruthless Caesar who is obsessed with having a Cleopatra of his very own, Selene is determined to resurrect her mother’s dreams and succeed where she failed. But there’s no telling what success will cost her in a treacherous political game where the only rule is win or die...

I've read several stories by Stephanie Dray but I hadn't actually picked up her debut novel, Lily of the Nile. I had some minor doubt about a story because a story about the daughter of Cleopatra is one I've read before and I was worried it would be too similar but I worried for nothing because it was actually really amazing. I ended up being instantly hooked by the story and I want the read the other books in the trilogy as soon as possible.

It's actually a little strange that I waited so long with purchasing this book because I adore anything related to ancient Egypt. Most of the book is set in Rome but it is about the daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony who's named Cleopatra Selene, so it did manage to sate my desire to read anything about the time it's set in.

The story starts in Egypt when Cleopatra famously commited suicide by snake bite. After that Selene, her twin brother Helios and younger brother Philadelphus are taken to Rome to be raised in Emperor Octavian's household. For the most part Selene struggled with coming to terms with being in Rome after losing her parents the way she did and taken away from her beloved Egypt, not wanting to lose her connection to her country and the goddess Isis. She eventually makes friends with the other children in the household and there's even a hint of romance forming with her tutor Juba. Hopefully there's a little more of that in the second book. 

One thing I definitely hadn't expected and what was maybe my favorite thing was the magical aspect that the story and Selene had because of her connection to Isis. It mixed historical fiction with magic and myth. I loved every single part of it. I also loved how complicated most of the characters and their the relationships were. Especially the relationship between Octavian and Selene. There were hidden depths within everyone. 

Overall, Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray was as fantastic as I thought it would be. The writing took me back to the fascinating time and political intrigue of ancient Rome. I would highly recommend it.

Author bio:
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 eight languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. Before she became a novelist, she was a lawyer and a teacher. Now she lives near the nation’s capital with her husband, cats, and history books.
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Review: My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

Title: My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton
Authors: Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie
Publication: April 3rd 2018 by Piatkus
Genre: Historical Fiction
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Play | Kobo
Rating: 5/5★

A novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton

A general's daughter...

Coming of age on the perilous frontier of revolutionary New York, Elizabeth Schuyler champions the fight for independence. And when she meets Alexander Hamilton, Washington's penniless but passionate aide-de-camp, she's captivated by the young officer's charisma and brilliance. They fall in love, despite Hamilton's bastard birth and the uncertainties of war.

A founding father's wife...

But the union they create - in their marriage and the new nation - is far from perfect. From glittering inaugural balls to bloody street riots, the Hamiltons are at the center of it all - including the political treachery of America's first sex scandal, which forces Eliza to struggle through heartbreak and betrayal to find forgiveness.

The last surviving light of the Revolution...

When a duel destroys Eliza's hard-won peace, the grieving widow fights her husband's enemies to preserve Alexander's legacy. But long-buried secrets threaten everything Eliza believes about her marriage and her own legacy. Questioning her tireless devotion to the man and country that have broken her heart, she's left with one last battle - to understand the flawed man she married and imperfect union he could never have created without her...

My Dear Hamilton was my #1 highest anticipated book of 2018 and I'm so very glad to say that it was everything I wanted and it even exceeded my expectations, which is something that almost never happens. It's the best book I've read this year! Now it's been almost a week since I finished reading My Dear Hamilton (while I'm writing this review) and I have such a book hangover from the book. I can't keep my attention to any other book I want to pick up because nothing else is and will be as good. So far I haven't been able to write a review for it either because no words will describe how amazing this book was and how much I loved it. But I will try.

Going into this book I almost knew nothing about Alexander Hamilton except for the most basic facts. I did read a short biography about him before reading this book so I would have some knowledge. But I knew even less about his wife Eliza. Most books about or involving Alexander Hamilton are mainly about Hamilton himself with almost nothing about Eliza, which is why everyone should pick up My Dear Hamilton.

My Dear Hamilton is a captivatng book right from the start. I was hooked from the very first page. And I just can't describe how much I loved reading about Eliza and how much I came to admire her. She's one of my favorite figures in history for sure now. She went through so many heartbreak, not just with Alexander but also with life in general, but she kept getting back up ever single time so I can only be in awe of her.

I was a little surprised by how much I ended up feeling about Alexander. I went from initionally loving him to hating him to loving him and hating him again. I know hate is a strong word but the book was so compelling that it kept being an emotional rollercoaster until the very end. And I did cry a couple of times, which is really out of character for me when reading books so that should give you a good idea of how powerful this book was.

Also, with a novel co-written by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie you can be 100% sure that it'll be extensively researched, with quotes directly from primary sources. I could really tell that both authors poured their heart and soul into this book. 

Overall, My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie is a captivating, powerful and unputdownable read. It's my favorite book of the year and I doubt any other book will change that. This is historical fiction at its best. 

About the authors:

Stephanie Dray:
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 eight languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. Before she became a novelist, she was a lawyer and a teacher. Now she lives near the nation’s capital with her husband, cats, and history books.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

Laura Kamoie:

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. She holds a doctoral degree in early American history from The College of William and Mary, published two non-fiction books on early America, and most recently held the position of Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Naval Academy before transitioning to a full-time career writing genre fiction as the New York Times bestselling author, Laura Kaye. Writing America’s First Daughter 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.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

Book Beginnings | The Friday 56: My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader

Share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. 

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice

Grab a book, any book. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) and post it.

~~

Book Beginning:

The promise of liberty is not written in blood or engraved in stone; it's embroidered into the fabric of our nation.
And so is Alexander Hamilton.
My husband. My hero. My betrayer.

Friday 56:

"Mademoiselle, you are a most excellent patriot," Lafayette said when I returned to the safety of Johnston Hall, where I reported everything.
To my surprise, the Frenchman seemed sanguine. "It is good you learn of all this in secret while all eyes were upon your father and me. You have been an essential asset to the cause."
It was flattery—French flattery at that!—and I wanted to believe it was true.

I've said it a couple of times before on my blog here but My Dear Hamilton is my highest anticipated book of this year so I'm really happy to be finally reading it. And I gotta say so far it's not been a disappointment. I am enjoying it so much! I have a feeling the romance is going to break my heart in a million pieces but I'm sure it's all worth it. 

A novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton

A general's daughter...

Coming of age on the perilous frontier of revolutionary New York, Elizabeth Schuyler champions the fight for independence. And when she meets Alexander Hamilton, Washington's penniless but passionate aide-de-camp, she's captivated by the young officer's charisma and brilliance. They fall in love, despite Hamilton's bastard birth and the uncertainties of war.

A founding father's wife...

But the union they create - in their marriage and the new nation - is far from perfect. From glittering inaugural balls to bloody street riots, the Hamiltons are at the center of it all - including the political treachery of America's first sex scandal, which forces Eliza to struggle through heartbreak and betrayal to find forgiveness.

The last surviving light of the Revolution...

When a duel destroys Eliza's hard-won peace, the grieving widow fights her husband's enemies to preserve Alexander's legacy. But long-buried secrets threaten everything Eliza believes about her marriage and her own legacy. Questioning her tireless devotion to the man and country that have broken her heart, she's left with one last battle - to understand the flawed man she married and imperfect union he could never have created without her...

Release Day Launch — My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie + Giveaway (US/CA)

Hey guys! 

My highest anticipated book of 2018 is finally released today. I've been looking forward to this day for so long so I'm super excited and I absolutely can't wait to read My Dear Hamilton soon! ♥

~~~

Wife, Widow, and Warrior in Alexander Hamilton’s Quest for a More Perfect Union

From the New York Times bestselling authors of America’s First Daughter comes the epic story of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton—a revolutionary woman who, like her new nation, struggled to define herself in the wake of war, betrayal, and tragedy. Haunting, moving, and beautifully written, Dray and Kamoie used thousands of letters and original sources to tell Eliza’s story as it’s never been told before—not just as the wronged wife at the center of a political sex scandal—but also as a founding mother who shaped an American legacy in her own right.

MY DEAR HAMILTON is available now! Grab your copy today!

✭✭✭ PICK UP YOUR COPY OF MY DEAR HAMILTON TODAY✭✭✭

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Excerpt:

The fashion was now all empire waistlines and sheer fabrics à la Grec, which would have left me feeling naked without gloves and shawl. “I am dressed to be seen in society, sir!”

With the tip of his quill pen, he flicked my flimsy shawl to the floor. “And now you are not.” He gave his most irresistible smile.“Your country needs you. I need you. You are my good genius of that kind which the ancient philosophers called a familiar.” His eyebrows nearly waggled. “And you know that I am glad to be, in every way, as familiar as possible with you.”

Smitten by his flirtation, I gave a helpless shrug. “Oh well, for the country then . . .”

I forgot about the dinner party. I forgot everything but the familiar thrill of matching minds with the man I married. “Not that line,” I remember telling him. “That business about the ignorance of facts and malicious falsehoods will be taken harshly.”

“That’s the president’s line, not mine,” Alexander protested.

“Nevertheless, it portrays him as a partisan in the mud,” I argued, and our debate went well into the night. In truth, it went on for days as Alexander worked on the address, scribbling words and crossing them out.

Eventually, he removed the line to which I objected. That and many others, taking into consideration my suggestions, leaving me awed with the magnitude of the masterpiece. I knew, even then, that the Farewell Address was a moving and worthy tribute to the United States and its people. A plea for unity. A statement of purpose and guidance for the nation George Washington helped bring into being.

And because of Alexander Hamilton, I had the great and everlasting fortune to be a part of its shaping.

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Review: A Year of Ravens: A Novel of Boudica's Rebellion

Title: A Year of Ravens: A Novel of Boudica's Rebellion
Authors: Ruth Downie, Stephanie Dray, E. Knight, Kate Quinn, Vicky Alvear Shecter, S.J.A. Turney, Russell Whitfield, Ben Kane (introduction)
Publication: November 17th 2015 by Knight Media, LLC 
Genre: Historical Fiction
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 5/5

  

Britannia: land of mist and magic clinging to the western edge of the Roman Empire. A red-haired queen named Boudica led her people in a desperate rebellion against the might of Rome, an epic struggle destined to consume heroes and cowards, young and old, Roman and Briton . . . and these are their stories.

A calculating queen foresees the fires of rebellion in a king's death.

A neglected slave girl seizes her own courage as Boudica calls for war.

An idealistic tribune finds manhood in a brutal baptism of blood and slaughter.

A death-haunted Druid challenges the gods themselves to ensure victory for his people.

A conflicted young warrior finds himself torn between loyalties to tribe and to Rome.

An old champion struggles for everlasting glory in the final battle against the legions.

A pair of fiery princesses fight to salvage the pieces of their mother’s dream as the ravens circle.

A novel in seven parts, overlapping stories of warriors and peacemakers, queens and slaves, Romans and Britons who cross paths during Boudica’s epic rebellion. But who will survive to see the dawn of a new Britannia, and who will fall to feed the ravens?

The Queen by Stephanie Dray

Stephanie Dray has quickly become one of my favorite historical authors. I haven't read anything yet by her that I disliked. This first story in A Year of Ravens wasn't an exception. It introduces us to Queen Cartimandua who chose not to revolt against the romans to protect her people, even when they and even her own husband turn against her for it. There are a few glimpses to Boudica, though it doesn't show a lot of her yet. I felt like this story was more of an introduction but it was such a powerful one. 


The Slave by Ruth Downie

Ruth Downie is a new-to-me author. But I gotta say I was really impressed by her story. The Slave is about Ria, who was born a slave. But she was also the illegitimate daughter of the late Iceni king Prasutagus (Boudica's husband). I thought it was a really interesting take on everything, with seeing this story through Ria's eyes.


The Tribune by Russell Whitfield

Russell Whitfield was another unknown author for me but I already know by reading his story that I want to read more of him in the future. The Tribune featured mostly soldiers and a lot of fighting so this one was very action packed. Personally I love stories that feature roman soldiers and the fighting so I thought that was so great. It was brutal and vicious and at times a bit rough to read, yes, but I did love it.


The Druid by Vicky Alvear Shecter

The Druid was written by one of my top favorite historical authors. So I couldn't help but love this story as well. It features Yorath of Mona, a young druid in training, who was the sole survivor of the slaughtering by the Romans. In fact, it was Agricola from the previous story (The Tribune) who let him go in the first place. The story also featured Felix, a Roman soldier who got captured by Yorath. 


The Son by S.J.A. Turney

This story is one of my favorites. I absolutely loved it. It features Andecarus who we've met already. Because he used to be a hostage to the romans, and brought up for a big part by Decianus, the story felt like him making his choice whether to belong with the Romans or his tribe, the Icenis. He knows the Icenis can't win from Rome and does whatever he can to try and make peace, which of course is almost impossible at this point. Meanwhile there was a little romance blossoming between Andecarus and Ria with him wanting to save her from his vile foster brother Verorico. It was just a great story and hope to read more from this author in the future!


The Warrior by Kate Quinn

The Warrior was another favorite of mine, maybe even my favorite (together with The Son by S.J.A. Turney). Kate Quinn never disappoints, in my opinion. It featured Boudica's right-hand man, Duro and also Decianus' wife, Valeria who got captured and ended up as Duro's slave. I really thought this was an interesting story because initially I didn't like Duro and Valeria much from what I read from them in the other parts. But when they were featured in the story and I got to know them better they definitely grew on me. I also thought it was pretty sad with some deaths, but that's to be expected with a novel about Boudica's rebellion. I loved it.


The Daughters by E. Knight

This one was yet another amazing part in this book. Featuring Boudica's daughters, Sorcha and Keena it was most definitely intriguing to read. Mostly because Sorcha and Keena were both very different. Sorcha being a warrior with fire in her, and Keena being softer, a healer. I also thought that E. Knight's writing was especially beautiful!


Overall:

A Year of Ravens: A Novel of Boudica's Rebellion was brilliant. It's one of those books that makes me want to read historical fiction all the damn time! Writting in different points of view by various authors made it all the more special. The characters were all unique in their own way and there wasn't any part that I disliked. I also liked reading the stories of authors I didn't know before because I'm always looking for historical fiction authors. I can't recommend this book enough. Everyone should definitely read it as it was so thrilling and brutal and just fantastic!

       One of my favorite quotes:

“Even if we lose, what of it? We have made a song of freedom that will ring for a thousand years. No one will forget the Iceni or their red-haired queen.”
—Part six, The Warrior by Kate Quinn

Release Week Blitz: America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Week Blitz for Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie’s AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER, a historical fiction novel is published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins, and releasing March 1, 2016! AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER is a compelling, richly researched novel by bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. Drawing from thousands of letters and original sources, the authors reveal the fascinating, untold story of Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph, Thomas Jefferson’s eldest daughter. Patsy was one of the most influential women in American history: not only the progeny of a founding father – and the woman who held his secrets close to her heart – but a key player in the shaping of our nation’s legacy. And her story is one seldom told, until now. Make sure you grab your copy today!

   

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    About AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER: In a compelling, richly researched novel that draws from thousands of letters and original sources, bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie tell the fascinating, untold story of Thomas Jefferson’s eldest daughter, Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph—a woman who kept the secrets of our most enigmatic founding father and shaped an American legacy. From her earliest days, Patsy Jefferson knows that though her father loves his family dearly, his devotion to his country runs deeper still. As Thomas Jefferson’s oldest daughter, she becomes his helpmate, protector, and constant companion in the wake of her mother’s death, traveling with him when he becomes American minister to France. It is in Paris, at the glittering court and among the first tumultuous days of revolution, that fifteen-year-old Patsy learns about her father’s troubling liaison with Sally Hemings, a slave girl her own age. Meanwhile, Patsy has fallen in love—with her father’s protégé William Short, a staunch abolitionist and ambitious diplomat. Torn between love, principles, and the bonds of family, Patsy questions whether she can choose a life as William’s wife and still be a devoted daughter. Her choice will follow her in the years to come, to Virginia farmland, Monticello, and even the White House. And as scandal, tragedy, and poverty threaten her family, Patsy must decide how much she will sacrifice to protect her father's reputation, in the process defining not just his political legacy, but that of the nation he founded.  

  
Advanced Praise for America’s First Daughter: “America’s First Daughter brings a turbulent era to vivid life. All the conflicts and complexities of the Early Republic are mirrored in Patsy’s story. It’s breathlessly exciting and heartbreaking by turns-a personal and political page-turner.” (Donna Thorland, author of The Turncoat) “Painstakingly researched, beautifully hewn, compulsively readable -- this enlightening literary journey takes us from Monticello to revolutionary Paris to the Jefferson White House, revealing remarkable historical details, dark family secrets, and bringing to life the colorful cast of characters who conceived of our new nation. A must read.” (Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Accidental Empress) 
  

   

 About Stephanie Dray: STEPHANIE DRAY is an award-winning, bestselling and two-time RITA award nominated author of historical women’s fiction. Her critically acclaimed series about Cleopatra’s daughter has been translated into eight different languages and won NJRW's Golden Leaf. As Stephanie Draven, she is a national bestselling author of genre fiction and American-set historical women's fiction. She is a frequent panelist and presenter at national writing conventions and lives near the nation's capital. Before she became a novelist, she was a lawyer, a game designer, and a teacher. Now she uses the stories of women in history to inspire the young women of today.

Website |Newsletter | Facebook |Twitter | AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER Website

 About Laura Kamoie: 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. She holds a doctoral degree in early American history from The College of William and Mary, published two non-fiction books on early America, and most recently held the position of Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Naval Academy before transitioning to a full-time career writing genre fiction as the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty books, Laura Kaye. Her debut historical novel, America's First Daughter, co-authored with 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.

Website |Newsletter | Facebook |Twitter | AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER Website

       

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ARC Review: America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

Title: America's First Daughter
Author: Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie
Publication: March 1st 2016 by William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Historical Fiction
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 5/5

This review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

   

In a compelling, richly researched novel that draws from thousands of letters and original sources, bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie tell the fascinating, untold story of Thomas Jefferson’s eldest daughter, Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph—a woman who kept the secrets of our most enigmatic founding father and shaped an American legacy.

From her earliest days, Martha "Patsy" Jefferson knows that though her father loves his family dearly, his devotion to his country runs deeper still. As Thomas Jefferson’s oldest daughter, she becomes his helpmate in the wake of her mother’s death, traveling with him when he becomes American minister to France. And it is in Paris, at the glittering court and among the first tumultuous days of revolution, that she learns of her father’s liaison with Sally Hemings, a slave girl her own age.

Patsy too has fallen in love—with her father’s protégé, William Short, a staunch abolitionist intent on a career in Europe. Heartbroken at having to decide between being William’s wife or a devoted daughter, she returns to Virginia with her father and marries a man of his choosing, raising eleven children of her own.

Yet as family secrets come to light during her father's presidency, Patsy must again decide how much she will sacrifice to protect his reputation, in the process defining not just Jefferson’s political legacy, but that of the nation he founded.

I live in Belgium so I've never been really very invested in the part of American history where this book takes place or knew anything about it, but America's First Daughter has totally changed all that. It was the single most brilliant and outstanding historical fiction book that I have ever read. Bravo!

I must admit that I was a bit intimidated by the size of this book at first—It's almost 600 pages. And the start was a bit slow for me but once I got more into the story I barely could stop reading. It was so damn good and compelling! The story was a well-written and researched. It a historical fiction as well as a tragic love story and gave an outstanding example of Patsy, who truly was intriguing to read about.

America's First Daughter follows (obviously) Thomas Jefferson's eldest daughter, Martha "Patsy" Jefferson Randolph, as the synopis says, starting at age nine. It takes place in America, when Patsy and her father went to France and then back to America. I really loved reading all about Patsy when she was growing up, especially her time in France was fascinating to me, but really, I liked reading about her whole love in general because her life was so interesting to me.

I also loved the side characters— from the intriguing William Short (I loved his and Patsy's swift but ardent romance) to Patsy's sister Polly, who's death gave me tears in my eyes, to her father, Thomas Jefferson himself and Tom, Patsy's husband she marries when she's 17. I could go on and on. All characters were so fleshed out and detailed. 

I also liked how this book gave a great view of domestic life of the time and age this book is set in. And can I just mention how strong I thought Patsy was. She went through a great deal in her life but always was supportive of her father, even when he maybe didn't even deserve it. It really impressed me and that's some extraordinary writing on the authors' part. I can only compliment them for that! Bravo, ladies!

       About Stephanie Dray:

       Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

STEPHANIE DRAY is an award-winning, bestselling and two-time RITA award nominated author of historical women’s fiction. Her critically acclaimed series about Cleopatra’s daughter has been translated into more than six different languages and won the Golden Leaf. Her focus on Ptolemaic Egypt and Augustan Age Rome has given her a unique perspective on the consequences of Egypt’s ancient clash with Rome, both in terms of the still-extant tensions between East and West as well as the worldwide decline of female-oriented religion. She’s also fascinated by the founding of the American Republic and its roots in ancient Rome. It’s her mission to illuminate the stories of women in history and inspire the young women of today.

       About Laura Kamoie:

       Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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. She holds a doctoral degree in early American history from The College of William and Mary, published two non-fiction books on early America, and most recently held the position of Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Naval Academy before transitioning to a full-time career writing genre fiction as the New York Times bestselling author, Laura Kaye. Her debut historical novel, America's First Daughter, co-authored with 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.