The Treason of Betsy Ross

Riveting historical read

I.S.

"I could not put this down! The book quickly drew me into a story I was totally unaware of as a Canadian. It was extremely well written. I learned so much about this time in American history and at the same time enjoyed the unfolding of the story. I love that the author is highlighting an important woman in history. Highly recommend this book! "

Escape the modern world and travel back in time with this wonderful novel

J.I.

"I simply do not have this author’s talent with words to write the review that her book deserves. I finished the book several days ago and it is still bouncing around in my head. Bringing historical people to life in a novel is tricky. Blending recorded history with a tale that entertains the reader while staying true to the character and events of the time is not an easy task. Wendy Long Stanley has a true gift. I enjoyed her first book, “The Power to Deny,” so my expectations were quite high for her second novel. This book far surpassed my expectations. The time around the American Revolution fascinates me and I am thankful for talented authors like Ms. Stanley who expertly bring the history alive. I look forward to more novels from this author. "

Couldn't Put it Down

C.L.

"Have you ever loved a book so much you couldn’t wait to finish, but simultaneously didn’t want it to end? That was this book for me. Author Wendy Long Stanley took the outline of Betsy Ross’s early life and colored it in with people, places, and events, both real and imagined, to create an engaging storyline set against the dawning of the American Revolution. The reader will travel through the well-known streets of historic Philadelphia, down some of its seedier alleyways, into taverns, workrooms, residences, and houses of worship as Stanley paints a picture of Betsy’s environment with her evocative prose. More of a refresher course in the history most Americans were taught in grade school than an in-depth analysis, Stanley focuses on the human side of the Revolution and its effects on people and relationships, striking just the right balance between educational and fun to read. The reactions of Betsy’s Quaker family, her militia-member husband, Loyalist friends, and the church clergy to the events which led to revolt create tension as Betsy tries to navigate these turbulent times and figure out her place in them. Readers might also pause to reflect and make comparisons with our own times, what it means to be a Patriot, and how history is written by the winners. Alternating between charming and gritty, big historical events and intimate personal stories, this second historical fiction by Stanley has left me eagerly anticipating her third."

Wonderful book to read, and learn about Betsy Ross

B.C.

"Wendy Long Stanley has a way of making characters, real, accessible and people you would truly want to meet and talk with. I found the little that I knew about Betsy Ross was very limited. This book expanded my knowledge and made me want to visit Philadelphia again, the Betsy Ross house and the streets where she walked. While this is historical fiction, Ms. Stanley makes it clear that she did her homework, spending extensive time in Philadelphia and reading countless documents about Betsy Ross. You'll find yourself want more when the book ends and even the notes following the book itself are filled with gems of information about Betsy. I won't spoil them for readers, but please read them. This is a book for everyone, but I think especially for young women who think that only today's women are brave and fought against being controlled. Not true, and Betsy is a great example of a woman who was a true leader and deserves her place in our history. Thank you Ms. Stanley for making her come alive."

Immerse yourself in the American revolution

C.G.

"Not only does this novel take you on a journey into the life and mind of Betsy Ross, but in this story the early days of the American Revolution come alive. Stanley leads the reader into the experiences of people who lived through those early days when a people learned to stand up for their rights, recognize a tyrannical government, and plant the seeds to started a new nation. It also sets aside the much-believed myth that all people were in favor of the American Revolution when it began. There is an excellent depiction Ross' pacifist Quaker family, and the conflict Mrs. Ross felt about joining the cause. A must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction set in this period!!!"