Betsy Ross: Accidental Spy — Marilyn Clay

In Philadelphia 1776, Betsy Ross wonders what really happened the night of the munitions warehouse explosion that killed her beloved husband John Ross. Was the explosion an accident or was the warehouse fire intentionally set? Was someone attempting to steal the Patriot weapons and gunpowder stored there? When the authorities refuse to investigate the crime, Betsy determines to uncover the truth, and soon finds herself deep in Philadelphia's dangerous and confusing underworld of spies and double agents, working for both the British and the Patriots. Ultimately she has no choice but to trust the wrong man, but will she lose her life, or the lives of those she holds dear, in the process? BETSY ROSS: ACCIDENTAL SPY is a gripping, emotional tale of one woman's courage during the pivotal year of 1776 in the Revolutionary War, by all accounts a treacherous, but poignant and pivotal time in our nation's history. "As the author, I made every effort to remain true to history, such as the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, and actual war battles fought in colonial New York and New Jersey which took place during the Revolutionary war in 1776. In my story Betsy interacts with real-life historical figures General George Washington, Dr. Benjamin Franklin and her siblings, Sarah, Rachel and George, as well as her future husband privateer Captain Joseph Ashburn. I consulted diaries and letters written by American Revolutionary generals and soldiers who lived during this period in our nation's glorious history. I hope readers will enjoy imagining how Betsy's life 'might have been' the year she lived alone in Philadelphia in 1776, keeping in mind that the premise of my story is fictional. History does not substantiate that Betsy Ross ever engaged in any sort of covert activity." - author, Marilyn Clay "No doubt one of the most suspenseful tales of spying and espionage, cleverly interwoven into a stunningly realistic depiction of the Revolutionary war featuring life as it was in 1776 for normal, everyday citizens caught up in a drama they had no choice but to endure." . . . Pat Beardon, historian. “BETSY ROSS: ACCIDENTAL SPY will leave you breathless with anticipation wondering if Betsy will succeed in her mission to bring down the ruthless double spy intent on thwarting the rebel cause. Chock full of exquisite historical details about the Revolutionary war in our nation's history. Highly recommended!” . . . Richard Whitaker, historian. “From the talented pen of Marilyn Clay, fast becoming known as a premier historical suspense author, comes yet another exceptional tale. Characters in Clay's novels spring to life as they draw you into their world, allowing you to live their stories right along with them. In addition, BETSY ROSS: ACCIDENTAL SPY is, I believe, the first novel ever written for adults featuring Betsy Ross as the heroine.” - Janet Stewart. “That American icon Betsy Ross might have spied on the British for the Patriots during the Revolutionary war is not a stretch. Loyalist customers would have frequented Betsy's upholstery shop in Philadelphia presenting her with the perfect opportunity to listen and learn, which is exactly what she does in this clever, suspenseful, and beautifully written tale that had me in its grip from page one. I laughed and cried with both Betsy and her beloved sister Sarah as the story unfolded and reached a most satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended!” �" Melissa Frederick, author "This is the sort of historical novel you don't want to see end. I sat up long into the night reading this book. I only hope Ms. Clay intends to write a sequel! Thoroughly enjoyed, thoroughly recommended!" - Andrea Walsh, author. "Ms. Clay's historical suspense novels always please. Her Colonial Jamestown novels have been praised and recommended by both Booklist and the Library Journal. BETSY ROSS: ACCIDENTAL SPY is no exception. Very highly recommended." - Beth Finley, author.