Second Sunday Author Series: Women’s Voices, Women’s Stories A Collaboration of the Women’s Museum of California and San Diego Writers, Ink 4:30-5:30 pm at the Women’s Museum, Barracks 16, Liberty Station, $5.00
This month we welcome Elizabeth St. John, author of The Lady of the Tower, to the museum.
The Lady of the Tower
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.
Reviews
"Elizabeth St.John has brought the early Stuart Court in the years before the English Civil War vividly to life." - Historical Novel Society Review
"The Lady of the Tower is a beautifully produced novel with a gorgeous cover design, a compelling back cover blurb and a well-crafted story that will keep you both engaged and entertained. The author has a lovely voice and a smooth writing style. The book was professionally produced and a joy to read. All in all, this was a stellar entry and I give the author much recognition for a job well done. The St. Johns are a dynasty worthy of many tales and tributes. The journal entries were clever and I love the verbiage you used for both the journal and letter inclusions. I enjoyed this novel and thank you for sharing your world with us."
Writers Digest 24th Annual Book Awards
About the Author
Elizabeth St.John was brought up in England and lives in California. She has tracked down family papers and residences from Nottingham Castle, Lydiard Park, to Castle Fonmon and The Tower of London to inspire her writing. Although her ancestors sold a few mansions 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.
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