I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
Published: January 30, 2016
Number of pages: 246
Genre: Historical fictions
Synopsis:
Orphaned Lucy St.John, described as "the most beautiful of all," defies English society by carving her own path through the decadent Stuart court. In 1609, the early days of the rule of James I are a time of glittering pageantry and cutthroat ambition, when the most dangerous thing one can do is fall in love . . . or make an enemy of Frances Howard, the reigning court beauty. Lucy catches the eye of the Earl of Suffolk, but her envious sister Barbara is determined to ruin her happiness. Exiling herself from the court, Lucy has to find her own path through life, becoming mistress of the Tower of London. Riding the coattails of the king’s favorite, the Duke of Buckingham, the fortunes of the St.Johns rise to dizzying heights. But with great wealth comes betrayal, leaving Lucy to fight for her survival—and her honor—in a world of deceit and debauchery. Elizabeth St.John tells this dramatic story of love, betrayal, family bonds and loyalty through the eyes of her ancestor Lucy and her family’s surviving diaries, letters and court papers.
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My thoughts
This was an enjoyable book. I thought the author did a great job with all the historical details and descriptions. Like a few other books I have read in the last month I have not read much about this subject (James I). It is always nice to read new to me subjects as then I can learn something while being entertained. I liked getting to know Lucy and following her life through court. First she is orphaned and then is in court and then loses everything and is at the bottom again but through it all stays strong. I thought Lucy was a strong woman. It was also interesting to me how Lucy knew so much about plants and such and how to use them. I liked that this was a put in the story. There are many people at the tower and it seems like a community with so many people. You get a glimpse into this time and what it was like in this time. I will be looking for more books by this author.
Praise
"Elizabeth St.John has brought the early Stuart Court in the years before the English Civil War vividly to life." - Historical Novel Society Review "Elizabeth St.John offers great drama and intrigue in her compelling debut novel The Lady of the Tower." - M.K. Tod, author of Lies Told in Silence "The Lady of the Tower is a good combination of a historical romance that is well researched, with the added spice of the author being directly related to the heroine." - Tobsha Learner, best-selling author of The Witch of Cologne
About the Author
Elizabeth St.John was brought up in England and lives in California. To inform her writing, she has tracked down family papers and sites from Nottingham Castle, Lydiard Park, and the British Library to Castle Fonmon and The Tower of London. Although the family sold a few castles and country homes along the way (it's hard to keep a good castle going these days), Elizabeth's family still occupy them - in the form of portraits, memoirs, and gardens that carry their imprint. And the occasional ghost. But that's a different story... Elizabeth is currently writing a sequel to The Lady of the Tower, following the fortunes of the St.John family during the English Civil War. The working title is "By Love Divided", and it is due to publish in early 2017. For more information, please visit Elizabeth St. John's website. You can connect with Elizabeth on Facebook and Goodreads.
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