While much has been written about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence, battled the British, and framed the Constitution, the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters they left behind have been little noticed by history. Roberts brings us women who fought the Revolution as valiantly as the men, often defending their very doorsteps. While the men went off to war or to Congress, the women managed their businesses, raised their children, provided them with political advice from the distaff side and made it possible for the men to do what they did.

Drawing upon personal correspondence, private journals, and even favored recipes, Roberts brings to life the everyday trials, extraordinary triumphs, and often surprising stories of these women who raised our nation.