Picture a Texas-based storyteller who breathes life into the courts of Renaissance Europe—meet Elizabeth Loupas! With a knack for blending historical accuracy and thrilling mystery, Loupas crafts novels that transport readers to the intrigue-filled world of dukes, queens, and alchemists. Her vivid prose and strong female protagonists make her a standout in historical fiction, inviting readers to lose themselves in the past.
Born in Rockford, Illinois, Loupas now lives in a state of 'happy barefoot chaos' near the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, surrounded by her herb garden, popcorn popper, and two beloved beagles. Her love for history and storytelling shines through in every page, making her novels a delightful escape for fans of the genre.
The Making of Elizabeth Loupas
Elizabeth Loupas’s journey to becoming a historical fiction author was as colorful as her novels. Raised in Illinois, she lived in places like New Mexico, New Orleans, and Chicago before settling in Texas. With degrees in literary studies and library/information science, she held roles in radio, television, and marketing, but her passion for history—especially the Renaissance and Pre-Raphaelite art—steered her toward writing. A lifelong introvert with a head full of stories, Loupas began crafting novels that merged her love for research with her gift for narrative, debuting with The Second Duchess in 2011.
Elizabeth Loupas’s Unforgettable Stories
Loupas’s novels are a masterclass in historical fiction, weaving meticulous research with suspense and a touch of magic. Her debut, The Second Duchess, set in Renaissance Italy, follows Barbara of Austria as she unravels the mystery of her predecessor’s death. Inspired by Robert Browning’s poem 'My Last Duchess,' it’s a gripping blend of romance and intrigue. The Flower Reader transports readers to the court of Mary, Queen of Scots, where heroine Rinette Leslie uses her gift of 'floromancy'—divining the future through flowers—to navigate danger and deceit.
Her most ambitious work, The Red Lily Crown, dives into the treacherous world of Medici-ruled Florence. The story follows Chiara Nerini, a bookseller’s daughter entangled in Prince Francesco’s alchemical obsessions. Loupas’s style is lush and immersive, painting vivid settings with details like silk stomachers and candied angelica, while her heroines—bold, resourceful women—drive the narrative. Each novel features a unique mystical element, from Scottish second sight to alchemical formulas, adding a layer of enchantment to her historically rich tales.
Why Elizabeth Loupas Matters
Elizabeth Loupas has carved a niche in historical fiction by bringing lesser-known corners of Renaissance Europe to life. Her ability to craft compelling female leads who defy their era’s constraints resonates with modern readers, while her meticulous research earns praise from historians and fans alike. Novels like The Red Lily Crown have been lauded for evoking the 'dangerous glamour' of their settings, making Loupas a go-to author for those craving immersive, suspenseful historical tales. Her work reminds us that history is not just dates and events but a tapestry of human passion and resilience.
- Born: Rockford, Illinois
- Key Works: The Second Duchess (2011), The Flower Reader (2012), The Red Lily Crown (2014)
- Fun Fact: She’s the first cousin, thirteen times removed, of Bessie Blount, Henry VIII’s mistress!
Ready to step into the opulent, treacherous world of Renaissance Europe? Snag The Second Duchess and dive into Elizabeth Loupas’s thrilling historical fiction!