In Ms. St. John's trilogy, she shares her relative’s history, drawn from family diaries and at least one history written by an ancestor. This follows the lives of three main female characters and their clandestine activities on both sides of the battle of England throughout the English Civil War as families separated by opposing allegiances. Ms. St. John brings history to life and, what astonishing metaphors. To history lovers, I highly recommend this series.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. ( )

I found it particulary interesting that the story told in Written in Their Stars was based on the author’s family history. Just imagine writing a book to begin with and here you are putting words in your ancestor’s mouths. Can you imagine? Ms. St. John does a very compelling job of doing just that. She did have an exciting story to tell as her relatives were knee deep in the regicide of Charles I and the Restoration of Charles II.

The reader jumps into this third volume of the Lydiard Chronicles as the leaders of Parliament are voting whether to kill Charles I. You are introduced to the first members of the extended family whose exploits will keep you turning the pages until the monarchy is restored to England. But for now Luce and John Hutchinson are celebrating the King’s death warrant and the rise of the Republic. On the other side, Luce’s brother Allan and his wife Frances along with a cousin Nan, the Countess of Wilmot mourn all that is lost while trying to save their lands for when the King is returned.

What follows is a rich retelling of a very devisive time in British history. Oliver Cromwell’s ideals might have been laudable but his methods and means were far from humane or effective. Not to mention the fact that Mr. Cromwell soon effected the trappings of the very same monarchy he so detested. When he passed his son did not have the same strength of will as his father and when the factions started fighting it cleared the way for Charles II. Ms. St. John’s characters were very involved in the efforts to get the young King back to England and her descriptions of his life in exile were such that I could smell the stink of the streets and feel the cold as everyone suffered with too little to eat and no wood for the fires.

My only complaint about the book is that coming in to the third volume of a trilogy it was at times a little confusing understanding who was who and who was who to whom. References were made here and there to past happenings from the previous novels but not enough information was given to fully satisfy my need for knowledge. I think a brief biography at the start of the book would have helped me tremendously. But this was minor all things considered and the book as a whole was an intelligent, thought provoking read about the ties that bind even when faced with the worst a person can do. Family is family. ( )

King Charles I has been condemned to die in the winter of 1649. John Hutchinson is one of the 59 men to sign his death warrant, encouraged by his wife Luce. With the death of King Charles, the St. John family is now thoroughly separated by political beliefs while Oliver Cromwell wreaks havoc over the land. While Luce and John try to create a new government in England, their siblings, Allen and Frances seek refuge with what remains of King Charles court in Paris with the Villiers side of the family and Nan uses her position of Countess of Rochester to play both sides. While the family is divided politically, their hearts are still tied together.

Written in Their Stars is the third book of the Lydiard Chronicles that recounts the story of the St. John family. I would highly recommend reading the first two books of the Lydiard Chronicles first, not only because they are wonderfully written, but they also detail the families relationships and loyalties. Like the previous two books, Elizabeth St. John uses the upmost care and detail to continue the story of her amazing ancestors. This time, the journals of Luce Hutchinson were the primary source for the material and the author was able to transform Luce's words into an unforgettable family saga that incorporates the tumultuous history of England in the mid 1600's. I didn't know much about this part of England's history, so I enjoyed learning of the details from both the Royalist and Roundhead sides. Most of all however, I loved continuing the story of the St. John family and their amazing accomplishments during the time. I was blown away by Nan's determination in the spy ring, Frances and Allen's fight for survival and betterment of their family and Luce and John's steadfastness. Above all, their tie to family is what brings everyone through. Overall, a story of bravery, family and treachery in 17th century England.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.​ ( )