On June 11, 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed the Committee of Five—Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston—to draft what would become the Declaration of Independence. Their task was nothing less than putting into words the principles upon which a new nation would be founded. Two hundred and fifty years later, on June 11, 2026, I am delighted to share a milestone of my own. The ebook pre-order for Kindle the Light of Liberty is now live on Amazon.
The timing feels especially meaningful.
My novel is set during the Revolutionary era and follows Rose, a young Jewish woman in Philadelphia, as she navigates friendship, family, faith, and the uncertain birth of a nation. Like the men charged with drafting the Declaration, my characters find themselves living through extraordinary times when the future is unwritten, and every choice carries consequences.
As I researched the period, I was struck by how often Jewish participation in the Revolution is remembered through a narrow lens, focused primarily on a handful of financiers and merchants. Kindle the Light of Liberty seeks to broaden that picture by portraying Jewish characters as fully realized people—friends, neighbors, patriots, and family members whose lives were shaped by the same hopes, fears, and sacrifices as their fellow Americans. Readers may also recognize traces of the social and emotional tensions that drew me to Jane Austen’s novels. Rose faces many of the same concerns that shaped women’s lives in Austen’s world: the importance of marriage, family expectations, financial security, and the consequences of a single ill-considered choice. Yet Rose and Nathan’s story unfolds within a different historical reality. Their lives are shaped not only by questions of love and reputation, but also by their Jewish identity and by the larger question of what it means to belong in a new nation still defining itself.
The journey toward publication has already brought wonderful opportunities to discuss the history behind the novel. On May 1, 2026, I was honored to appear as a guest author on History Imagined, where we discussed Jews in colonial America and the fascinating historical research that helped shape the story.
Early ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) readers have also begun sharing their thoughts.
From Claudia F. on Goodreads: Trupp takes the qualities I love most about Austen—witty observations, complex family relationships, social expectations, and a romance built on misunderstanding and mutual respect—and places them in Revolutionary Philadelphia…with Jewish patriots to boot! The result feels both familiar and entirely fresh.
From Judy K. on Goodreads: Trupp has done it again! As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, I can think of no better book to begin the festivities than “Kindle the Light of Liberty.”
From Mrs. W. on Goodreads: As America approaches its 250th anniversary, there seems no better time to remember that Jewish patriots were present at the nation’s founding—not standing on the sidelines, but helping to shape the course of events.
On May 30, 2026, Writergurlny posted a thoughtful review of Kindle the Light of Liberty, highlighting the novel’s blend of historical detail, friendship, and romance. I’m also pleased to share that I’ll be returning to Writergurlny in the near future for an author interview.
There are several exciting events coming up over the next few months:
- June 11–25, 2026: Kindle the Light of Liberty will be available to NetGalley reviewers.
- June 28, 2026: Author Meet & Greet
- July 4, 2026: Spotlight feature on Chick Lit Central
- July 5, 2026: Author Meet & Greet
- July 9, 2026: Hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club
- August 7, 2026: Guest post on Every Woman Dreams
As America approaches the 250th anniversary of independence, I am grateful for the opportunity to share a story set during the nation’s founding era. Historical fiction allows us to look beyond the familiar names and dates and imagine the lives of ordinary people who experienced extraordinary events firsthand. Through Rose’s eyes, readers can explore a Revolutionary America that includes voices too often overlooked, including the small but vibrant Jewish communities that helped build the new nation.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this book, reviewed it, hosted me on your blogs, or simply shared your enthusiasm for Revolutionary-era history. I look forward to celebrating the launch of Kindle the Light of Liberty with all of you in the weeks ahead.
Happy June 11th. Two hundred and fifty years ago, a committee began drafting a document that would change history. Today, I am honored to share a story inspired by the people who lived through those extraordinary times.
With love,
Mirta Ines Trupp~ Author 