America's First Daughter

A Novel

By: Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

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.

Absolutely Loved This Story!

This book is so well written. It brings to life so much history and makes one believe they are witnessing these important figures in our past come to life. The complicated interaction of one of America's most important families is fascinating. The narrator did a superb job bringing this story to life. These characters became so real that I must admit I cried in some parts of the story. So well done!

Fantastic!

I loved this book! It was well researched (as much as it could be given the edited nature of Thomas Jefferson's collection of letters) and very well written. A beautiful historic novel. For me, Cassandra Campbell's narration was a very integral part. She was perfect as the voice of Patsy Jefferson Randolph. Her accent was spot on.

Captivating tale of Martha "Patsy" Jefferson

If you could sum up America's First Daughter in three words, what would they be?

Emotional historical tale

What was one of the most memorable moments of America's First Daughter?

There truly are so many. I know that the authors took liberty with Patsy's relationship with William Short and a lot of assumptions were made - but when these two were together in the story... I wanted it to be true.

What about Cassandra Campbell’s performance did you like?

I love her voice and dialect. She was very easy to listen to, made each character stand out and brought life to the book

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Absolutely both!

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend it!

Riveting story

Loved the book. I kept going to Monticello's web page to read more about the real life characters. Completely from Martha Randolph's point of view, looking at her life events and not focusing on her father's.

Love this book!!!

We listened to this book while traveling, and each time we stopped, I couldn't wait to get back to it!!!