Sign in

Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian

@elizabethstjohn.bsky.social
2.7K followers 2K following 807 posts

Story writer. Memory curator. #EarlyModern women's history. Lucy Hutchinson got me started. #17thC #HistoricalFiction. New book, The Queen's Tears, publishes 15 Oct. elizabethstjohn.substack.com www.elizabethjstjohn.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
The Queen's Tears is out today! I'm so grateful to the readers and writers who cheered me on for this new book. It's available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited - I hope you enjoy meeting some old friends and making new ones! geni.us/TheQueensTears #HistoricalFiction
0129 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
A heartfelt novel on friendships and struggles during depression-era Florida is featured with an excerpt on my blog today. #CoffeePotBookClub @cathiedunn.bsky.social www.elizabethjstjohn.com/guest-author...
elizabethjstjohn.com
Learning to Breathe Again | A Heartfelt Novel of Depression-Era Friendship by Tonya Cam - ELIZABETH ST.JOHN
Learning to Breathe Again: A Novel by Tonya Cam Two women. Lives they didn’t choose. A friendship that dares them to want more. Miami, 1933. Mary Simons was supposed to fill her scrapbook with photos ...
011 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
"Any author can gather facts, and a good biographer can arrange them. It takes a truly gifted novelist to make the stitching disappear. Wertman does exactly that.” 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟📖 #CoffeePotBookClub @cathiedunn.bsky.social @janetwertman.bsky.social www.elizabethjstjohn.com/guest-author...
elizabethjstjohn.com
"Enthralling" | My Five-Star Review of What Love E'er Meant | An Elizabeth Tudor Novel by Janet Wertman - ELIZABETH ST.JOHN
What Love E’er Meant by Janet Wertman A new queen must prove she deserves the throne God gave her, while the path everyone insists will secure it might cost her everything Against all odds, Elizabeth ...
0610 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Nothing like holding your new book for the first time...along with a wriggly ginger tom! Full credit to Mo, he was on my desk every single day I wrote this. 🐱 #Caturday
0166 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Excited to share the spotlight with some fabulous time-travelling historical fiction authors - check out Helen Hollick's VIP Books promotion! #HistoricalFiction #Timeslip #DualTimeline @abelfrageauthor.bsky.social @cathiedunn.bsky.social ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com/2026/10/the-...
073 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
The joys of demolishing the guardrails and choosing to include your dog. #HistoricalFiction #TheQueensTears elizabethstjohn.substack.com/p/gallivanti...
elizabethstjohn.substack.com
Gallivanting through the meadows of my mind
On writing a dual timeline for the first time, and the unexpected joy of demolishing the guardrails
043 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
When a fellow author you respect and admire takes the time to do this, it warms your heart. Thanks tonyriches.bsky.social for all your support. #HistoricalFiction
tonyriches.bsky.social
Tony Riches (@tonyriches.bsky.social)
Historical Fiction Author from Pembrokeshire, Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 www.tonyriches.com Visit my #Writing #Blog The Writing Desk https://tonyriches.blogspot.com/ #Podcast https://tonyriches.podbean.com/ #Tud...
085 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Pierre Hugon was simply an interesting footnote, until I discovered his role in stealing Queen Anna’s jewels and links to the Marquess of Buckingham. THAT inspired my new novel, The Queen’s Tears. More, and an excerpt. #HistoricalFiction #Stuarts elizabethstjohn.substack.com/p/plundering...
elizabethstjohn.substack.com
Plundering the Dying Queen’s Jewels
How my new novel, The Queen’s Tears, emerged from a footnote of one of the most daring heists in royal history; with an excerpt from the opening pages.
0125 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Thanks Rod! It may be harder to sell books, but the joy of being part of this amazing community of authors and readers far outweighs the lost revenue. Let's all keep talking and connecting and sharing stories!
110 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
My new book, The Queen's Tears, is on pre-order for just 0.99 worldwide. 📖💎A stolen crown jewel. An enigmatic portrait. And the cost of love across the centuries.📖💎 #HistoricalFiction #FamilyHistory #EarlyModern geni.us/TheQueensTears
086 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Thanks Cathie - so excited to hit the road with the #CoffeePotBookClub - my favourite book bloggers!
000 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Come and join the conversation about book launches, and where I find joy. substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
So, I’m launching this new book a bit differently. What do you think?
Because with 12,000+ books a day publishing in the US alone, I’d rather talk about writing than waste my time thrashing around social media shouting into the void.
155 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Libbie Grant writes beautiful, strong, memorable fiction. And in her new book, The Ended World, released today, we can add prescient to the list. Start reading it now, and we'll meet back and discuss in a few days. substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
This is the best thing I’ve ever made.
Today The Ended World is out in the still-functioning world.
021 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
A heartwarming Victorian family saga set in Scotland. #CoffeePotBookClub feature, written by @nansjar23.bsky.social #HistoricalFiction www.elizabethjstjohn.com/guest-author...
elizabethjstjohn.com
Fraying Skeins | Nancy Jardine's Heartwarming New Victorian Scottish Family Saga - ELIZABETH ST.JOHN
Fraying Skeins by Nancy Jardine 1870 Scotland Fleeing from Peterhead, Margaret Law makes Aberdeen her refuge. Menial jobs keep her and her toddler son fed– till an unusual tutoring task boosts her fin...
022 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Have a wander through 2000 years of London's extraordinary history with @timwalker1666.bsky.social - there's a story for everyone here. #London #History #CoffeePotBookClub @cathiedunn.bsky.social www.elizabethjstjohn.com/guest-author...
elizabethjstjohn.com
Tim Walker's London Tales | A Delightful Compendium of Historical Stories - ELIZABETH ST.JOHN
London Tales by Tim Walker Audiobook narrated by Richard James (Audible) London Tales is a collection of sixteen tales that offer dramatic pinpricks in the rich tapestry of London’s timeline, a city w...
010 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
An intriguing look at the Irish settlers in America on my website today. @cathiedunn.bsky.social @mjhop.bsky.social #Ireland #FamilyHistory #GreatReads www.elizabethjstjohn.com/guest-author...
elizabethjstjohn.com
The Irish Ties That Bind | A Generational Saga of America's Irish Settlers by Michael J. Hopkins - ELIZABETH ST.JOHN
The Irish Ties That Bind: A Shared One Hundred-Year Journey by Michael J. Hopkins From the green hills of southern Ireland to the heartland of America, four families are united by faith, perseverance,...
121 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I know the feeling, Peggy. Writing about our ancestors is an extraordinary journey - and privilege.
020 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Allen Apsley was just two years old when his parents moved into the Tower - and the next thirteen years would turn into the most formative time of his life. #FamilyHistory #HistoricalFiction #EarlyModern elizabethstjohn.substack.com/p/the-little...
elizabethstjohn.substack.com
The Little Boy Who Lived in the Tower of London
Allen Apsley’s courage, fortitude, and life lessons growing up in England’s greatest fortress
050 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A fascinating Coffee Pot Book Club feature on my website today. We rarely get to read novels about New France, and this one's beautifully researched and written. #HistoricalFiction #17thC @peggyjoquewilliams.bsky.social @cathiedunn.bsky.social www.elizabethjstjohn.com/guest-author...
elizabethjstjohn.com
Braving the Dawn | An Epic Novel of New France by Peggy Joque Williams - ELIZABETH ST.JOHN
Braving the Dawn: A Novel of New France by Peggy Joque Williams Audiobook narrated by Mallory Fuccella Banished from France by King Louis XIV, once royal favorite Sylvienne d’Aubert must make the dang...
132 0
Reposted by Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian
Jade Jesty @jadejesty.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I am delighted that my article has been published by The Seventeenth Century, @tandfresearch.bsky.social! ⚔️ It explores the reputation of Prince Maurice of the Palatinate, a highly active military commander in the British Civil Wars! #skystorians #earlymodern www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
tandfonline.com
Prince Maurice, Prince Palatine of the Rhine, in the British Civil Wars
This article explores the representations of Prince Maurice, Prince Palatine of the Rhine, in the history of the British Civil Wars. Tracing the development of his fearsome reputation as the wars p...
54918 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Thank you, Rod, very much appreciated!
101 0
Reposted by Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian
Dr. Peter Paul Rubens @peterpaulrubens.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
This woman is wearing an entire small animal around her neck! Cannot believe that is very sanitary. Otherwise lovely portrait from 1573 by Lucas de Heere, whose day has been today.
7747 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Last chance to Dive into Summer with @alisonmorton.bsky.social's sizzling book promo featuring a whole bunch of great reads - although you could always extend. I mean, really, it's hot enough... alisonmortonauthor.com/2026/08/01/ #HistoricalFiction #GreatReads
alisonmortonauthor.com
1st August 2026 | Alison Morton Author
000 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Mo feeling mighty. #Caturday
090 0
Reposted by Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian
Rachel Deering @racheldeering.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
‘The sun is set; the swallows are asleep; The bats are flitting fast in the grey air; The slow soft toads out of damp corners creep; And evening's breath, wandering here and there Over the quivering surface of the stream, Wakes not one ripple from its silent dream...’ ~ Shelley #BookWormSat
Maurice Sendak, The Bat-Poet, 1963.
Drawing.
Bats roosting, overlooking landscape, illustration.
315636 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
There’s one in every family. This one just happens to be spectacularly awful. elizabethstjohn.substack.com/p/lady-dis-d...
elizabethstjohn.substack.com
Lady Di’s Deplorable Son
The 3rd Viscount Bolingbroke: bigamist, deserter, seducer, and the black sheep of Lydiard House
032 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
🔥🔥When you have Isabella d’Este, Marchesa of Mantua, and Lucrezia Borgia, Duchess of Ferrara, on the same page, the story sizzles. Karen Essex's fabulous new book featured with an excerpt on my blog. #MedievalSky #HistoricalFiction @cathiedunn.bsky.social www.elizabethjstjohn.com/guest-author...
elizabethjstjohn.com
Renaissance Rivals | A Glittering Sequel to Leonardo's Swans by Karen Essex - ELIZABETH ST.JOHN
Renaissance Rivals by Karen Essex Blurb: Renaissance Rivals, the long-awaited sequel to the global bestseller Leonardo’s Swans, tells the story of the brutal rivalry between two of history’s most fasc...
031 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
More fabulous #BooksandMusic selections from @patfurstenberg.bsky.social and the authors of #Courage. @amymaroney.bsky.social @cathiedunn.bsky.social and @helenhollick.bsky.social. Some of my fave #HistoricalFIction authors, and music by One Republic. #Ace alluringcreations.co.za/wp/hidden-in...
alluringcreations.co.za
Hidden in the Shadows, Mysterious Stories Like Secrets by OneRepublic, Music Monday
Discover three secrets hidden in the shadows in three historical short stories by Amy Maroney, Cathie Dunn, and Helen Hollick, where hidden truths and dangerous secrets echo the longing for honesty ca...
022 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Falling in love should set you free. Not send you to the Tower of London. Check out The Lady of the Tower and a fabulous selection of summer reads from my #historicalfiction author friends! #SummerBookDive books2read.com/TheLadyofthe...
books2read.com
Available now at your favorite digital store!
The Lady of the Tower by Elizabeth St.John
037 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
I still can't wrap my head around what Lucy must have said when John came home with this... elizabethstjohn.substack.com/p/the-purita...
elizabethstjohn.substack.com
The Puritan and the King's Venus
How John Hutchinson, regicide and art lover, came to own one of the most sensual masterpieces from Charles I’s magnificent collection.
000 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
The Stuarts thank you! 👑
000 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
#NEWBOOK I am SO happy to see Queen Anna finally get the attention she deserves! An extract from @tonyriches.bsky.social's new book, Queen Anna, and my review. Congrats, Tony - I really enjoyed it! #HistoricalFiction #GreatHistoricalFiction #EarlyModern www.elizabethjstjohn.com/guest-author...
elizabethjstjohn.com
A Well-Researched, Fascinating Story | My Review of Queen Anna by Tony Riches - Elizabeth St.John
Queen Anna by Tony Riches A crown won in the eye of a storm. A queen who refuses to be broken… Princess Anna of Denmark sails for Scotland to marry King James VI, but storms ravage her fleet, igniting...
197 0
Reposted by Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian
👻madeline bOoOoOoOodent👻 @oldenoughtosay.com · 13/08/2026
Something that I think explains a lot about Britain is that yeah we beheaded a king and threw out the monarchy and the guy who took over was so unpopular that when he died and his son tried to succeed, we threw HIM out, brought the crown prince back, and ceremonially executed the already dead guy
2247989 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
It is always is between those two!
010 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
International Cat Day? Mo is celebrating with Arthur's bone.
180 0
Reposted by Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian
Tony Riches @tonyriches.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Summer is here – Dive into a book! alisonmortonauthor.com/2026/08/01/s... The Lady of the Tower, by Elizabeth St.John www.amazon.co.uk/Lady-Tower-E... @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social @alisonmorton.bsky.social #Elizabethan #Tudors #HistoricalFiction #KindleUnlimited #Audiobooks
173 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Thanks Tony!
000 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
#Books and #Music A perfect way to start your week. A selection of stories from Courage, curated by @patfurstenberg.bsky.social with a perfect soundtrack. alluringcreations.co.za/wp/when-hope...
alluringcreations.co.za
When Hope Means Letting Go, Amazing Stories on The Night We Met by Lord Huron, Music Monday
Three short stories by Marian L. Thorpe, Annie Whitehead, and Patricia Furstenberg matching the deep regret, lost love, and the crushing pain of memory mood of The Night We Met by Lord Huron.
041 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Honestly, I couldn’t have resisted him either. But the Duke of Buckingham’s patronage was a very slippery slope… elizabethstjohn.substack.com/p/when-gorge...
elizabethstjohn.substack.com
When Gorgeous George Favoured the St.Johns
How the Duke of Buckingham's patronage brought wealth, power—and lasting ruin.
033 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Hot Summer Reads! All kinds of author friends are running promos to entice you to drop a book into your Kindle or pack a paperback for the beach. Join @alisonmorton.bsky.social and a fun "dive into summer" with thriller, mystery, and #historicalfiction authors! alisonmortonauthor.com/2026/08/01/s...
032 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Fantastic news! Thank you for a wonderful new resource - already found some beauties!
000 0
Reposted by Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian
Daniel F Gosling @thegozfather.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Some very REQciting news. My Court of Requests pleadings (REQ 2/16-424) project is now complete. Over 28,000 items dating from c.1547-c.1625 (Edw VI to Jas I) now searchable online. Happy researching everyone 🙂 discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/browse/r/h/C...
discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk
26934 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A discovery of witches? No, more like a couple of hundred years' worth of markings intended to keep evil away from the Tower of London. Archaeological findings that inspired The Lady of the Tower. #HistoricalFiction #TowerofLondon #FamilyHistory elizabethstjohn.substack.com/p/apotropaic...
elizabethstjohn.substack.com
Apotropaic marks in the Tower of London
Keeping evil at bay in The Queen's House
085 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Definitely a porter. That's the correct name. He would have had a specific desk/area and been responsible not only for admitting visitors but also for taking messages, handling the post, and summoning taxis. The colleges at Oxford still have them. Solicitors' offices at the Inns of Court too.
1140 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Excited to speak at the inaugural #BooksAtTheBrooks on July 26! We'll explore stories of courageous women, hidden histories & turning research into historical fiction. Free talk, book signings and you're invited to stay for tea ($25). #HistoricalFiction Tickets: oceansidetheatre.org/otc-tickets
077 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Mo competing for screen time ... #Caturday
091 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Dream job! Congrats!!
110 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
When the archives and records fade, the novelist can confidently step through the door and get to work. And it is in that liminal space that all storytelling begins. On my Substack I discuss how I discovered the missing princes for my #historicalfiction. elizabethstjohn.substack.com/p/inside-my-...
elizabethstjohn.substack.com
Inside My Research: The Day the Princes Were Found
When facts fade, storytelling begins
095 0
Reposted by Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian
Jean Gill @writerjeangill.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Hankies alert! @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social reveals the facts behind her heart-stopping story 'The Gate: London 1900' for our 'Courage' anthology. 'Some stories find you. This one ambushed me. Read more! ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com/2026/06/out-... #courageanthology #workhouse #victorianhistory
154 0
Elizabeth St.John 📚💙📜Author and Historian @elizabethstjohn.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Thank you Jean! Sorry if it's a bit of a weepie. But courage comes in many forms...
110 0