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. 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, marrying a favorite of the king and becoming mistress of the Tower of London. 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.

Drama, Historical Fiction, Memoir, Romance, Biographical,

An orphan, despised by her stepmother and jealous sister for her beauty and brains, this is a quest story set in 17thC England. Young Lucy challenges society's rules and in her role of The Lady of the Tower cares for the prisoners and plays the political games necessary to keep her family in favor.

The Tower of London, the Palace of Whitehall and country houses and castles in England and Wales.

Yes

Quest

Meaningful Message, Philosophical Questions

Information not completed

Name: Lucy St.John, later Lucy, Lady Apsley

Age: 25

Gender: Female

Role: Protagonist

Key Traits: Empathetic, Outspoken, Strong Moral Code, Aspiring, Engaging, Faithful, Adventurous, Charming, Educated, Gracious, Heroic, Honorable, Beautiful, Confident

Name: Barbara St.John

Age: 27

Gender: Female

Role: Antagonist

Key Traits: Seductive, Aggressive, Badass, Charming, Greedy, Manipulative, Power-hungry, Adventurous, Complex, Secretive, Villainous

Name: Sir Allen Apsley

Age: 40

Gender: Male

Role: Emotional

Key Traits: Aspiring, Patriotic, Perseverance, Strong Moral Code, Adventurous, Confident, Faithful, Heroic, Masculine, Complex

The author has not yet written this

Age: 35-54

Target Gender: Female leaning

Information not completed

Status: Yes: self-published

Year Published: 2016

No

Information not completed