If you knew the fate of the Princes in the Tower would you tell? Or forever keep the secret? May 1483: The Tower of London. When King Edward IV dies and Lady Elysabeth Scrope delivers her young godson, Edward V, into the Tower of London to prepare for his coronation, she is engulfed in political turmoil. Within months, the prince and his brother have disappeared, Richard III is declared king, and Elysabeth’s sister Margaret Beaufort conspires with her son Henry Tudor to invade England and claim the throne. Desperate to protect her godson, Elysabeth battles the intrigue, betrayal and power of the last medieval court, defying her Yorkist husband and her Lancastrian sister under her godmother’s sacred oath to keep Prince Edward safe. Bound by blood and rent by honour, Elysabeth is torn between the crown and her family, knowing that if her loyalty is questioned, she is in peril of losing everything—including her life. Were the princes murdered by their uncle, Richard III? Did Margaret Beaufort mastermind their disappearance to usher in the Tudor dynasty? Or did the young boys vanish for their own safety? Of anyone at the royal court, Elysabeth has the most to lose–and the most to gain–by keeping secret the fate of the Princes in the Tower. Inspired by England’s most enduring historical mystery, Elizabeth St.John blends her family history with known facts and centuries of speculation to create an intriguing story about what happened to the Princes in the Tower. "The authenticity and historical research displayed within this story is immense and exquisite. Ms. St. John is sure to be a newfound favorite for fans of not only this fractious time in English history, but of all historical fans who adore rich, immersive Fiction Company 2022 Book of the Year "A very enjoyable read. The historical veracity is impeccable, and Elysabeth is a likeable, admirable character who faces interesting dilemmas with love and Novel Society The enduring mystery of the princes in the tower just got an exhilarating new twist. An exquisite novel—I couldn't put it Maroney, Author of The Miramonde Series and The Sea and Stone Chronicles A fantastic example of what a historical novelist can do - to shine a light into history, find new interpretations for past events, and to give little-known characters from history their chance to speak. A five star Swift, Author of The Italian Renaissance Series The Godmother's Secret is, I think, the most intensely enjoyably and immensely enthralling novel that I have ever had the pleasure to Whispering Bookworm One of the best novels I've read in years. It's exceptionally well-researched, beautifully written, with a real sense of 'being there', and utterly gripping. Ruins and Reading There is nothing about this story that I did not like. It pulled at my heartstrings and is one of those books that I will certainly be reading again. Shadows of the Past The Godmother's Secret is beautifully written with a careful balance of fiction and fact made possible thanks to Elizabeth St. John's meticulous research. The descriptions are breathtaking and well-placed. The blend of action, introspection, and drama is perfect. A flawless story that took me on a magical journey into the past. I can't wait to get my hands on St. John's other work, The Lydiard Stars, Readers' Favorite A gripping fictionalized account of the mysterious disappearance of the princes in the tower. St. John draws from historical facts and weaves an interesting and plausible tale filled with treachery, intrigue, and family drama. Elysabeth is written as a strong woman struggling to both survive and protect the children she loves. Historical fiction fans, especially those who have long speculated on the princes' fates, will not want to miss this Stars, Readers' Favorite "An extremely well-written book with depth and complexity to the main characters. The author says she wanted to write a book about family love and tolerance, and a woman's loyalty and courage. She has done so. This is the best book I've read in ages!" The Ricardian Bulletin - Richard III Society The disappearance of "The Princes in the Tower" is no doubt one of England's biggest historical mysteries. There is no proof they were murdered. No bones were found (those that are purported to be theirs which are now interred in Westminster Abbey have never been scientifically tested). Richard III, Margaret Beaufort and Henry, Duke of Buckingham have all been accused over the years of being responsible for their deaths. In the end, no one knows. But what really took place? Perhaps more than anyone in the world, my ancestress, Lady Elysabeth Scrope, knows the fate of her precious godson and his younger The Godmother's Secret I write about Elysabeth's vow as godmother and her desperate efforts to protect her 12-year-old godson, King Edward V, from the intrigue and betrayal that surrounds him after she delivers him to the Tower of London for his coronation. Elysabeth is naviga