Book overview
1773. As revolution ignites the American colonies, seventeen-year-old Betsy Wright is swept into a world far larger-and more dangerous-than she ever imagined. After a devastating fire destroys her family's waxwork studio, she meets Eb Platt, one of New York's Liberty Boys, and they dream of a future free from the tyranny of the British Crown.
When Betsy is summoned to London to help her mother create wax figures of the King and Queen, she seizes the chance to spy for the Sons of Liberty, sending secret messages in her letters to Eb. Her search for intelligence leads her from London's teeming streets and rough docks to the royal court, where she encounters the King's powerful prime minister, Lord North, who intends to crush the Colonies-and anyone who stands in his way.
Hoping to learn more, Betsy becomes close to Lord North's assistant, charming and handsome Samuel Wells, whose attentions may conceal motives of his own. As accusations mount and loyalties blur, Betsy must decide who can be trusted.
Meanwhile, Eb's dangerous activities with the Sons of Liberty take him from New York to Savannah and Jamaica, putting him in increasing peril. If Eb is named a traitor, his life is at risk-and so is Betsy's.
Told in two voices, this vivid novel is based on the lives of famed waxwork artist Patience Wright, her daughter Betsy, and patriot Ebenezer Platt-a story of courage, loyalty, and love that offers a unique perspective of the American Revolution on both sides of the Atlantic.
