When it comes to the Revolutionary era, there’s no better storyteller than best-selling novelist Tom Fleming.

His fascinating, in-depth tales are page-turners—especially his “The Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers.” What did George Washington do that amazed Fleming? What did John Adams’ mother do that had a negative impact on her presidential son? And who is Fleming’s favorite Founding Father?

I enjoyed every page of this fascinating book, and I think you will, too. First, take a look at the interview that my GratefulAmericanTV.com co-host Hope Katz Gibbs and I did with Tom by clicking here.

Also this past month, I was honored to be interviewed by Jim Basker, president of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. At the helm of this organization since 1997, Basker has overseen the development of history education initiatives nationwide—plus seminars for history teachers, traveling exhibitions, digital archives, and the National History Teacher of the Year Award program. Click here to learn more.

We leave you with this fascinating fact from this month in history: October 17, 1777 — British Gen. John Burgoyne and his entire army of 5,700 men surrender to the Americans, led by Major Gen. Horatio Gates, after the Battles of Saratoga. The British are then marched to Boston, placed on ships, and sent back to England after swearing not to serve again in the war against America.

News of the American victory at Saratoga soon travels to Europe and boosts support of the American cause. In Paris the victory is celebrated as if it had been a French victory. Benjamin Franklin is received by the French Royal Court. France then recognizes America’s independence.

Here’s to restoring enthusiasm in American history! — David Bruce Smith, president and chairman of the board, Grateful American Foundation.