Follow the Stars Home By Diane C. McPhail

In this captivating reimagining of history, "The First Steamboat" by Diane C. McPhail tells the extraordinary story of Lydia Latrobe Roosevelt, an intrepid woman who defied all odds to conquer the Mississippi River. Set in 1811, this biographical novel brings to life Lydia's daring journey aboard the steamship New Orleans, a voyage many considered impossible.

Lydia, eight months pregnant and accompanied by her young toddler, boards the untested steamship in Pittsburgh, determined to support her husband, Nicholas Roosevelt, the ship’s inventor. This voyage is more than just a trip; it's a pivotal moment that could revolutionize travel, open the American West to expansion, and secure the Roosevelt family’s future. Lydia, the daughter of one of the architects of the United States Capitol, is no stranger to defying convention. Marrying Nicholas against her father's wishes, she had already spent her honeymoon on a primitive flatboat. But the stakes are far higher now, as the steamship must navigate treacherous waters, including the infamous Falls of the Ohio, a sixty-foot drop believed impassable by such a large vessel.

As the steamship embarks on its perilous journey, Lydia faces challenges far beyond her imagination, from growing unrest among native tribes to the dangers of disease and the unpredictable power of the river. The voyage tests her resilience, transforming her in ways she never anticipated, and ultimately reshaping the course of a nation.

For fans of Paula McLain, Gill Paul, and Allison Pataki, The First Steamboat is a lush, evocative tale of courage, adventure, and the indomitable spirit of a remarkable woman whose story has long been forgotten.