Nottinghamshire author Jessica Elizabeth has released her debut novel, Bloodline of the Coven, a romantasy tale inspired by local landscapes including Sherwood Forest. The book will be published on June 28 and is available through Waterstones and Amazon.
From Blogging to Novel Writing
Jessica Elizabeth has always had a connection to writing. After graduating from university, she launched a blog called Breaking Adult, where she candidly discussed the challenges of leaving education and navigating adulthood. This led to opportunities to write guest content for Pretty52, part of the LADbible Group. However, as life became busier with work and family commitments, she stopped writing entirely.
During this period, Jessica also drifted away from reading, a passion she had as a child. In her late teens and twenties, reading fell by the wayside, perhaps due to social pressures or a hectic lifestyle. Eventually, feeling overwhelmed by constant social media notifications and screen time, she picked up a book again—a decision she describes as one of the best she has ever made.
The Power of Reading and Writing
Reading became an escape from the noise of daily life. It helped Jessica slow down, sparked her imagination, and reminded her that she didn't need to spend every spare moment scrolling on her phone. The more she read, the more she wanted to write again. What started as a personal creative project soon grew into something larger, providing focus and an outlet for her thoughts and feelings.
Jessica notes, "Whether it's a novel, a short story or simply writing in a journal, there's something incredibly powerful about taking what's in your head and putting it onto the page. Seeing your thoughts written down can help you process them in a way that nothing else can." This project eventually became Bloodline of the Coven, her debut adult romantasy novel.
Plot and Inspiration
Bloodline of the Coven follows Harriet Montgomery, whose seemingly perfect life in London unravels after her fiancé's betrayal. Drawn to the enchanting village of Brindlewood, Harriet discovers a family secret hidden for generations: she is the heir to a powerful witch bloodline. As her magical abilities awaken, she must navigate dangerous truths, long-buried secrets, and a life-changing connection with Sam Thorne, a brooding but kind-hearted local whose soul seems inexplicably tied to her own.
At its heart, the novel is a story about self-discovery, belonging, family, and finding the courage to embrace who you truly are. Jessica never imagined that something she started purely for herself would become a published novel, and seeing readers connect with the story and its characters has been surreal.
Author's Reflections
Jessica said: "I think part of the reason romantasy has become such a popular genre is because it offers readers a chance to escape. In a world that often feels busy and overwhelming, books allow us to step into magical places, meet unforgettable characters and experience wonder again. And sometimes, after spending time in those worlds, you start to notice a little more magic in your own life too."
She added: "If there's one thing I've learned from this journey, it's that creativity isn't something we leave behind when we grow up. Sometimes it's simply waiting for us to find our way back to it. What began as a way to reconnect with reading, creativity and myself, has become a published novel, and that's something I'll never stop being grateful for. It's never too late to try something new or start again. If I have inspired you to pick up a book, I hope mine is the one you choose."
