For Liberty and Love
(Petticoats & Patriots, #1)
By: Shanna Hatfield
Publication Date: June 16, 2026
Genres: Adult, Historical Romance
Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252145482-for-liberty-and-love
Synopsis:
Courage built a nation. Love made it worth fighting for.
Throughout 250 years of American history, a well-loved locket finds its way into the hands of eight spirited heroines—each standing at the crossroads of love and destiny, and each inspired by a true patriot. As it journeys from one heart to the next, these stories unfold with sweet romance, unwavering hope, and a deep love of country, proving that even in uncertain times, love is always worth the risk. Start reading the Petticoats & Patriots series today!
She never intended to become a spy … or fall for one.
Philadelphia, 1776
As whispers of revolution turn swell into a roar for freedom, Lucy Carlson is no longer content to simply watch from behind the counter of her father’s jewelry shop. When a mysterious woman—none other than Martha Washington—leaves behind a locket, Lucy discovers the piece is more than a pretty keepsake. The necklace is a secret vessel for the revolution that carries the promise of love.
Drawn into a dangerous spy ring, Lucy begins crafting coded messages concealed within the locket’s clever design, living a secret double life and risking everything she holds dear in a time of sacrifice and war.
Continental soldier Branch Barton is a man defined by duty. Tasked with rooting out traitors, he moves through the shadowed world of deception and divided loyalties. He’s trained to trust no one, yet he finds himself drawn into a slow-burning connection with the jeweler’s spirited daughter.
But when Lucy begins to suspect Branch may be a Redcoat in disguise, their fragile bond is tested by mistaken identity, growing mistrust, and the threat of betrayal.
In a war where even allies can become enemies, Lucy and Branch must navigate a world of hidden truths and guarded hearts. With the fate of the colonies—and their hearts—hanging in the balance as Lucy delivers a message in enemy territory, will they find the courage to trust each other and choose love?
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“What on earth does that mean?” Lucy questioned aloud.
“It’s a code,” Theo said, speaking beside her and startling her so badly that she yelped in surprise and dropped the locket.
Thankfully, it fell onto her lap instead of the floor. She set it on the desk as she glowered at her brother. “Theo! What have I said? Just earlier today, in fact?”
“Not to sneak up on you, but I was sure you heard me come up the stairs. I made so much noise, you should have thought the whole army of Redcoats was storming upon you. Papa sent me to tell you it’s time to get back to work.” Theo pointed to the locket. “What’s that?”
“None of your concern.” Lucy covered the locket with her hand.
Theo retrieved the scrap of paper that had fallen to the floor. “It could be from a spy. I heard Tommy Dinsmore tell Miles Evans that there are spies everywhere. They pass notes back and forth.” He scrunched up his nose in thought as he read the message. “I think the first word means ammunition.”
Lucy stared at the child, shocked to consider he might be right. It would certainly explain why Patsy—more likely known as Martha Washington—had been dashing down the street earlier, pursued by the men, and why the man who claimed his name was Branch Barton had been watching them and tried to intercept the gloves that had hidden the locket. Had Mrs. Washington’s arrival at the shop put them all in jeopardy?
Surely not, or the woman wouldn’t have come inside.
For all Lucy knew, the words scribbled on the paper in the locket could be the writings of a madman, or a list for a servant, or … code words from spies.
Lucy carefully rolled the slip of paper and tucked it into the locket. She closed the back and the front, gave it another quick polish, and slipped it into her pocket.
“You mustn’t say anything about the locket nor the coded message, Theo. Not even to Mama and Papa. Do you promise?” Lucy asked, rising to her feet and holding out a hand to Theo.
“I promise!” Theo took her hand and accompanied her downstairs.
Their mother was in the kitchen kneading bread. From the puffs of air blowing through the room, Lucy assumed her father had returned to the shop and opened the door, allowing a welcome breeze to drift inside and create a cross draft.
Lucy fingered the locket and strode into the shop, intent on keeping Martha Washington’s piece of jewelry a secret, and finding out exactly what the words meant.
If it were something that would help the Patriots, Lucy would do everything she could to be of assistance.
About Shanna Hatfield
USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes sweet romances rich with relatable characters, small town settings that feel like home, humor, and hope.
Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
When this farm girl isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. She also experiments with recipes, snaps photos of her adorable nephew, and caters to the whims of a cranky cat named Drooley.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website http://shannahatfield.com or find out more about her here: linktr.ee/ShannaHatfield
Blitz-Wide Giveaway (INT) Ends June 25th
Prize: $20 Amazon gift card
Link to Enter Giveaway: https://gleam.io/DOi4F/for-liberty-and-love-blitz
My obsession with reading started over 30+ years ago when I went to my first Scholastic Book Fair and found R.L. Stine's Fear Street series. Later, I came across Anne Rice's novels at my public library when I was fourteen when my obsession with vampires started. I was the girl who preferred to be a vampire over a princess any day. My husband says I would leave him a heartbeat for a vampire that looked like Spike or Angel (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) or Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries. (It's true, though, and he's accepted it.)
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