Obsession, lies, and betrayal. The shocking story of the first great scandal in American history.

History brands Maria Reynolds an adulteress, harlot, extortionist, and consummate grifter. But the past is often told only through the narrow and biased lens of the men involved. Maria's real name was Mary Lewis, and this is her story.

Young, beautiful, and desperate, Mary arrives in Philadelphia with her young daughter in the summer of 1791. Her husband-a con-artist of dubious reputation-has left her, and her lover has recently passed away. Now going by the name Maria (pronounced Mariah), she turns to an ambitious lawyer and newly elected Senator, Aaron Burr, for help. Burr offers her an opportunity for independence and financial security, but it comes with a price: seduce Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, take him into her confidence, and find proof of financial misconduct.

Maria is successful in seducing Hamilton, and they begin a passionate affair. When her estranged husband returns unexpectedly, Maria is caught in the middle of a dangerous power struggle, one that will lead to a national scandal. A scandal so shocking it will forge a deadly rivalry between two powerful men and alter the history of the new nation.

"...exciting and breathtaking...a triumph of courage and womanhood."  —Readers' Favorite

In 1778, war is men's business. That doesn't stop Anna Stone from getting involved in the fight.

As the wife of a preacher-turned-soldier, a healer, and mother of three, Anna knows her place in this world. She tends to things at home while her husband and brothers fight for liberty. But when her loved ones face starvation at Valley Forge, she refuses to sit idly by.

Armed with life-sustaining supplies, Anna strikes out alone on horseback over 200 miles of rough and dangerous terrain. Despite perilous setbacks along the way, sheer determination carries her toward her destination. When she learns of a plot to overthrow General Washington, her mission becomes more important than ever. With the fate of the American Revolution in her hands and one of the conspirators hot on her trail, Anna races to deliver a message of warning to Valley Forge before it's too late.

Based on events in the life of the author's sixth-great-grandmother.

More Reviews: 

The Historical Fiction Company Book of the Year Contest, Honorable Mention 

"...vivid and authentic detail...Lawson makes all the trials of the American Revolution come alive." —Jodi Daynard, author of The Midwife's Revolt

"This novel is a grand and rollicking revolutionary adventure undertaken by a young mother and brave American patriot." —Historical Novel Society, Editor's Choice Selection

"Ms. Lawson takes us back in time, but also connects the reader and history by showing the same kinds of conflicts affecting people then and today...a remarkably compelling read." —The Historical Fiction Company

Author Bio:

Tracy Lawson's passion for storytelling led her first into the world of dance and educational theater. She now has three nonfiction books and six novels to her credit, and in her latest, Answering Liberty's Call, she blends extensive genealogical and historical research into a page-turning thriller. A Cincinnati native, Tracy splits her time between homes in Ohio and Texas. She and her husband have one grown daughter.

“Colonial America comes to vivid life in this nuanced, engaging historical novel.” —BookLife

Great for fans of Willa Cather and Amy Belding Brown’s Flight of the Sparrow.

Inspired by a shocking incident in eighteenth century America, award-winning and internationally acclaimed Chateau Laux is the story of Lawrence Kraymer, a young entrepreneur from a youthful Philadelphia, who chances upon a French aristocrat and his family living on the edge of the frontier. 

Born to an unwed mother and raised by a disapproving and judgmental grandfather, Lawrence is drawn to the close-knit family. As part of his courtship of one of the patriarch's daughters, he builds a château, igniting memories of a past that should have been left alone and setting in motion a course of devastating events he could not have anticipated. 

More Reviews:

2021 IAN Book of the Year Awards, Gold Medal for Outstanding Historical Fiction
2021 Coffee Pot Book Club Book of the Year Award, Gold Medal for Historical Fiction Set in America
2021 Historical Fiction Company Awards, Silver Medal for Historical American Fiction
2021 Readers' Favorite Book Award Winner, Bronze Medal for Historical Event/Era Fiction
2021 American Book Fest’s Best Book Awards, Finalist for Cross-Genre Fiction
2021 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree

“A haunting, eloquent, and engaging historical drama." —Kirkus

“This beautiful piece of storytelling set in colonial times that will forever touch a reader's heart and soul…. The writing in Chateau Laux is excellent, but what is most remarkable is the storytelling…. It is a miracle of sorts, that the world is given such a beautiful work.” —Mark Zvonkovic, author of A Lion in the Grass

“…a bittersweet story of tragedy, found family, and reconciliation…an engrossing novel set during colonial times.” —Foreword Reviews

“Loved it!…. I recommend this book for fans of early American history and its connection to France.” —Jessica Lucci, award-winning author of the Watch City trilogy; Reedsy discovery

“…it is not just a novel that Loux has penned, but a masterpiece, a rose among thorns, a chateau among farmhouses. With such a keen sense of human life and emotion, David Loux brings to life a story that threatens to mesmerise with scenes of pure, unrestrained delight and scenes that will pull at your heartstrings and have you reaching for the tissues.” —The Coffee Pot Book Club

“…a brilliant portrayal of ambition, tragedy, and reconciliation...[an] engaging historical masterpiece…inspired by real events…. The plot was unpredictable and shocking…. Poignantly written, Chateau Laux effortlessly blends history and culture with recurring concepts of good and evil.” —Onlinebookclub.org

“…a timeless, entrancing, compelling and elegant work of art.” —Historical Fiction Press  

“A nascent nation, in all its moral complexities, is apprehended through the lives of members of an isolated middle colonies community on the edge of the frontier in this moving and important historical novel.” —MaryEllen Beveridge, author of After the Hunger: Stories

“Readers seeking an absorbing historical novel of transformation, tragedy, rebirth, and renewed relationships set against the backdrop of 1700s frontier America will find Chateau Laux a gripping story of love, loss, and survival that's made even stronger for its roots in real events. It's a riveting read that requires no prior familiarity with eighteenth century history in order to prove compelling.” —Midwest Book Review

“Chateau Laux portrays its historical settings and characters with skill and excellence. The story is well-developed and all its elements are skillfully achieved. I highly recommend it.” —Edith Wairimu, Readers' Favorite

“Chateau Laux is a sweeping historical novel that transports the reader to the height of religious oppression and bigotry in Europe in the eighteenth century and across the seas to the burgeoning, seeming freedom of the New World: the bustling colony of Philadelphia... I thoroughly enjoyed Chateau Laux and can highly recommend it.” —Grant Leishman, Readers' Favorite

“…a dramatic story fraught with intense suspense. Based on actual people and events, this gripping novel held me on the edge of my seat from the first page until the last…. Caught up in the stunning story, I couldn't put the book down for anything, not even dinner. It is an extraordinary book, and I recommend it to everyone who loves stories filled with action, drama, and love.” —Susan Sewell, Readers' Favorite

“If you're itching for a well-written historical fiction novel based on real events, Chataeu Laux is the book for you.” —Pikasho Deka, Readers' Favorite

“…a thought-provoking historical novel that everyone will love. It bordered on love, grief, betrayal, loyalty, compassion, survival, and guts. The plot was brilliant and refreshing, while the story was unusual yet unique…. I loved this novel, and the flawless editing influenced my beautiful reading experience.” —Jennifer Ibiam, Readers' Favorite

Author Bio:

David Loux is a short story writer who has published under pseudonym and served as past board member of California Poets in the Schools. Chateau Laux is his first novel. He lives in the Eastern Sierra with his wife, Lynn.

About the Author
Tamanini, Dave: - I grew up in lots of places as a part of a military family. And after graduating from the University of Maryland with a B.A., I landed a job as a civil rights investigator of race and gender discrimination. That work in the legal field led me to the University of Detroit Law School and then private law practice for thirty years. During my work as a lawyer, I got to help clients from all walks of life and I learned a lot about human strength, frailty... and hypocrisy.