I have always been more of a coffee drinker, but in Colonial America, tea ruled the day. King George and Parliament understood that well, and they used it. By enforcing a tariff on tea, they aimed to remind the colonies exactly who held the power. The tax itself was small, roughly three percent of the tea’s value, but the outrage it sparked had little to do with money. “No taxation without representation” became the rallying cry of a people who felt Parliament’s reach growing far beyond what was just.
I chose this iconic moment for Book Five of the Patriot Sailor series because the Boston Tea Party sits at the heart of the American fight for independence. Even now, it stands as one of the great sparks that lit the revolutionary flame. To the British, the destruction of the tea was an act of defiance from colonies they believed should be grateful for the empire’s protection. To the patriots, it was a stand against overreach and a declaration of principle.
The series began with the Boston Massacre, another pivotal moment that shifted public sentiment toward independence. It felt only fitting to follow that thread to the next major turning point, the night when chests of tea met the waters of Boston Harbor.
The Boston Affair is complete, now in the hands of my editor, and on track for release March 2nd. I cannot wait for you to dive into this next chapter of Jack Horner’s journey.
