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The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese

Obstinate Daughters By Denise Kiernan: Reviews and Press

We are two weeks into the launch of my wife’s new book, OBSTINATE DAUGHTERS: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution (Penguin Random House, 2026). It has been a wild ride to watch the book come together over eight years, and now it is out in the world. That means every day there is a new review or some media tidbit that comes our way. This post is my attempt to create a collection point for everything I find. This post will grow over time, so check back if you’re curious…

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The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese

Obstinate Daughters Quick and Dirty Trailer

We are less than a week out from the launch of my wife’s new book, OBSTINATE DAUGHTERS: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution (Penguin Random House, June 23, 2026.) Her publisher put together a cute, 17-second video—with music!—to promote the book. Watch it right here! In other news:

  • Who is in the book?

  • How can I get my hands on a copy?

  • Check out another cute t-shirt!

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The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese

Enter to Win Obstinate Daughters: 30 Copies for the 250th Anniversary (and other Cool News)

FREE GIVEAWAY ALERT – 30 COPIES! — The big news in this Semiquincentennial year is that my wife, Denise Kiernan, is releasing her newest narrative‑nonfiction title, OBSTINATE DAUGHTERS: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution, (Penguin Random House) on June 23,  2026. From May 11 to June 8, 2026, you can enter to win one of 30 hardcover books in the official Goodreads giveaway…

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The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese

Obstinate Daughters Giveaway: LIVE NOW!

FREE GIVEAWAY ALERT – 30 COPIES! — As I’ve mentioned here before, my wife, Denise Kiernan, is releasing her newest narrative‑nonfiction title, OBSTINATE DAUGHTERS: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution, (Penguin Random House) on June 23, 2026. From Feb. 2 – Feb. 23, 2026, you can enter to win one of 30 brand‑new hardcover copies in the official Goodreads giveaway.

Here’s the link:

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The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese

Obstinate Daughters Cover Reveal

Earlier today my wife Denise Kiernan revealed the cover of her next book, which is called Obstinate Daughters: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution. For those you asking, “Well, what’s it about?” I respond, “That’s what it’s about.”

In 2026 the United States will mark its 250th anniversary, which is linked to July 4, 1776, the date that most Americans associate with the nation’s founding. Denise’s book arrives in bookstores June 23, 2026, and she’s planning a number of bookstore and speaking events in what will probably shape up to be a crazily patriotic year.

I have a bit more to share with you, but first…ta-da, here’s the cover…

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The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese

Denise Remembers The ‘Girls’

Denise is on a roll. She recently spoke about her breakout bestseller The Girls of Atomic City with Ralph Pezzullo, the engaging host of the podcast, Heroes Behind Headlines. That podcast episode is now live on two platforms, if you want to dig into their hour-long discussion. It’s a great way to see if you would like to read the book. Ralph marched Denise through some of the key points of the story, and how these women of the Manhattan Project came to create the fuel for the world’s first atomic bomb without their knowledge…

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The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese

Denise Gives Thanks…and Other Stuff

A few years ago, when the pandemic raged and there seemed little to be thankful for, my wife Denise Kiernan released a trio of books about the American holiday of Thanksgiving and the life-saving practice of gratitude. Recently, Our State magazine published an article on Denise for their November issue, and then followed that up with two podcasts and two YouTube videos. It’s a huge amount of content focused one North Carolina writer, a global concept, and a whole lot of turkey…

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The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese

Denise's Second Interview on WRNR

My wife, Denise Kiernan, did a somewhat last-minute interview this AM with Eastern Panhandle Talk, the morning talk radio and TV show for WRNR in Martinsburg, WV. It was a full 30-minute chat, mostly on the topic of We Gather Together, her 2020 book about the creation of the Thanksgiving holiday through the efforts of a crusading magazine editor named Sarah Josepha Hale.

This is the second time she’s appeared on this program. The last time was back in…

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The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese The Denise Kiernan Files Joseph D'Agnese

Denise Kiernan Book Tour Continues!

Three books events in the bag, more to go! My wife, Denise Kiernan, hits the road this week for another book event to promote her trio of titles about the creation of the Thanksgiving holiday. This time, her conversation partner in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, tomorrow, will be none other than yours truly. Yes, I know you’re excited. But do try to keep your cool. The interview portion will be brief. It’s billed as a family event, which means that after we talk, she’ll be showing some folks and their kids how to construct a gratitude wreath. Should be a fun event. The dates and times are all listed below…

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