Publisher's Weekly Review
Obsessed Hamilfans, be warned: this novelization of the romance between Elizabeth Schuyler, second daughter of a prominent colonial family, and Alexander Hamilton, Washington's handsome aide-de-camp, may confuse or confound those who have committed to heart the Broadway musical's cast recording. The story is told mostly from Eliza's perspective, but since little is known about the courtship of this early American power couple, de la Cruz (Something in Between) has altered the historical record and added wholesale fabrications. Henry Livingston, a real-life figure, is portrayed as Schuyler's first fiancée, a would-be rapist thwarted in the nick of time by the lovesick Hamilton. Hamilton is given credit for uncovering Benedict Arnold's treason (while killing three musket-brandishing bandits on the road to Albany). Anachronistic phrases, including a few allusions to Lin-Manuel Miranda's lyrics, strike discordant notes. In an afterword, de la Cruz writes that she was inspired to learn more about the Hamiltons' love story after seeing the musical, but readers who know the story well may not appreciate her "fictional embellishment." Ages 12-up. Agent: Richard Abate, 3 Arts Entertainment. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
De la Cruz acknowledges how the musical Hamilton inspired her to explore the love story between Alexander Hamilton and his wife, Eliza, during the Revolutionary War. Meant to appeal to the musical's fans, the author takes unfortunate liberties with history (Hamilton uncovers Benedict Arnold's treason) and overly embellishes her fictionalized version of the romance, with dialogue swinging between modern and anachronistic. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
The unlikely romance between America's first treasury secretary and a young woman from a socially connected family receives fictionalized treatment that speculates on unknown details, ending on their wedding night. Alexander Hamilton is a young aide to Gen. George Washington when he has his first, unsuccessful encounter with Elizabeth Schuyler at her family home in Albany, New York, setting up romantic tension for subsequent meetings at the home of Eliza's aunt and uncle in Morristown, New Jersey. The bright, ambitious, but penniless Hamilton is drawn to practical Eliza, falling deeply in love, at one point becoming so addled he forgets a military password. In de la Cruz's version of events, Eliza's parents want to marry her off to a wealthy son of one of their connections, forcing Alexander to prove his character superior to that of his rival. This is a mixture of what is known about this period in Hamilton's life and what might make a good story. The language is as modern as the musical that probably inspired it but not nearly as lively. Other personalities made familiar by the musical, such as John Laurens and the Marquis de Lafayette, make passing appearances. Amid the romantic fervor readers get glimpses of the civic-minded woman the historical Eliza became and the insecurities about his origins that plagued the real Alexander Hamilton. A pleasant diversion for younger teen readers who cannot get enough of all things Hamilton. (Historical fiction. 12-16) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
In the midst of the American Revolution, Eliza Schuyler's thoughts are trained on how to help her new country's troops. But with her family's fortune depleted in battle, she knows her mother's only thought is marrying off her three eldest daughters to wealthy suitors. When Eliza meets Colonel Alexander Hamilton, his lack of wealth is just one of the reasons she has no interest in his flirtations. But over time both Eliza and Alex can't deny they feel themselves being pulled together. De la Cruz has painted Eliza as a smart, self-assured young woman fighting for agency in a time when young ladies were judged by their dresses, not by their intellect. Though the courtship may seem hopelessly old-fashioned to the modern reader, the sexism and condescension Eliza faces are still relevant today. This charming historical romance is a must-read for any fan of Hamilton who felt drawn in, first and foremost, by the sweeping love story.--Horan, Molly Copyright 2017 Booklist