Eliza Hamilton by Tilar Mazzeo

I probably would have enjoyed this if I knew more about Hamilton.  Not having read Ron Chernow's relatively recent book, which not only was well received by critics, but is at the center of the inspiration for the block buster musical, I would suggest that perhaps one with an interest in early American history start there.
The book takes place largely before the death of Hamilton at teh hands of Aaron Burr, who ruined both  Eliza's and Burr's chances at maximal happiness as a result of antiquated ideas about honor.  The book draws from an impressive breadth of sources, and shows what made Eliza, in the words of her husband, Alexander, the “best of wives, best of women.”
The thing that was most interesting to me about her is that she was born into a prominent Hudson Valley, New York family in 1757 as Eliza Schuyler.  Her young life was dominated by war, especially the American Revolution.  The book does encircle her family's contribution to the young nation, and a harrowing experience that could of led to her father's death as well as herlself.  She was the daughter of a general.  That war also gained her a husband, the hardworking, ambitious Colonel Hamilton, who later served as President Washington’s secretary of the treasury. The quality of their marriage is largely speculative, as she was not much of a letter writer, and she long outlived her husband, so had time to reflect on her role in history.  It is a short read, but might be richer if you knew more of the story to start with.