The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr: A Riveting Untold Story of the American Revolution

Inspired by a woman and events forgotten by history, bestselling author Susan Holloway Scott weaves together carefully researched fact and fiction to tell the story of Mary Emmons, and the place she held in the life—and the heart—of the notorious Aaron Burr.
He was a hero of the Revolution, a brilliant politician, lawyer, and very nearly president; a skillful survivor in a raw new country filled with constantly shifting loyalties. Today Aaron Burr is remembered more for the fatal duel that killed rival Alexander Hamilton. But long before that single shot destroyed Burr’s political career, there were other dark whispers about him: that he was untrustworthy, a libertine, a man unafraid of claiming whatever he believed should be his.
Sold into slavery as a child in India, Mary Emmons was brought to an America torn by war. Toughened by the experiences of her young life, Mary is intelligent, resourceful, and strong. She quickly gains the trust of her new mistress, Theodosia Prevost, and becomes indispensable in a complicated household filled with intrigue—especially when the now-widowed Theodosia marries Colonel Aaron Burr. As Theodosia sickens with the fatal disease that will finally kill her, Mary and Burr are drawn together into a private world of power and passion, and a secret, tangled union that would have shocked the nation . . .
Praise for I, Eliza Hamilton
“Scott’s devotion to research is evident . . . a rewarding take on a fascinating historical couple.”
—Library Journal
“Readers will be captivated.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Packed with political and historical as well as domestic details.”
—Booklist
He was a hero of the Revolution, a brilliant politician, lawyer, and very nearly president; a skillful survivor in a raw new country filled with constantly shifting loyalties. Today Aaron Burr is remembered more for the fatal duel that killed rival Alexander Hamilton. But long before that single shot destroyed Burr’s political career, there were other dark whispers about him: that he was untrustworthy, a libertine, a man unafraid of claiming whatever he believed should be his.
Sold into slavery as a child in India, Mary Emmons was brought to an America torn by war. Toughened by the experiences of her young life, Mary is intelligent, resourceful, and strong. She quickly gains the trust of her new mistress, Theodosia Prevost, and becomes indispensable in a complicated household filled with intrigue—especially when the now-widowed Theodosia marries Colonel Aaron Burr. As Theodosia sickens with the fatal disease that will finally kill her, Mary and Burr are drawn together into a private world of power and passion, and a secret, tangled union that would have shocked the nation . . .
Praise for I, Eliza Hamilton
“Scott’s devotion to research is evident . . . a rewarding take on a fascinating historical couple.”
—Library Journal
“Readers will be captivated.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Packed with political and historical as well as domestic details.”
—Booklist
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Community Reviews
I couldn’t get into this book and stopped reading after a few chapters. It just didn’t compel me to continue. I think I’ve read others that are similar and I wasn’t too interested in the life of Aaron Burr. I’m always interested in how much of the book is based on fact and even the author admits in her notes that little is known about this woman. However I don’t want to discourage others from reading it. It is well written.
I enjoyed this book as I was not very familiar with this part of history. The main character underwent so much of mistreatment and disrespect, but she prevailed . I enjoyed the narration immensely.
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