Catherine Johnson Popular Books
Catherine Johnson Biography & Facts
Louisa Catherine Adams (née Johnson; February 12, 1775 – May 15, 1852) was the first lady of the United States from 1825 to 1829 during the presidency of John Quincy Adams. She was born in England and raised in France. Her father was an influential American merchant, and she was regularly introduced to prominent Americans. After her family returned to England, she met John Quincy Adams in 1795, and the two began a tenuous courtship. They were wed in 1797 after a year of engagement, beginning a marriage of disagreements and personality conflicts. She joined her husband on his diplomatic mission to Prussia, where she was popular with the Prussian court. When they returned to the United States, her husband became a senator and she gave birth to three sons. John was appointed minister to the Russian Empire in 1809, and they traveled to Russia without their two older sons, against Louisa's wishes. Though she was again popular with the court, she detested living in Russia, especially after the death of her infant daughter in 1812. She lived in Russia alone for a year while John negotiated the Treaty of Ghent, and when he asked her to join him in 1815, she made the dangerous 40 day journey across war-torn Europe. The Adamses lived in England for two years before returning to the United States when John was appointed Secretary of State. Louisa became a prominent cabinet wife and regularly hosted important guests in her home. She worked to build connections for her husband's 1824 presidential run, allowing for his victory. She was unsatisfied in the White House, where she became reclusive and grew distant from her husband. She instead took to writing, producing plays, essays, poems, and an autobiography. She wished for retirement after her husband lost re-election, but he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. She took a more active interest in politics, supporting abolitionism and greater rights for women in society. She was widowed in 1848, and she had a stroke in 1849 that left her with limited mobility. She died on May 15, 1852, at the age of 77, and Congress adjourned for her funeral, the first time a woman was honored in this way. She was the only foreign-born first lady of the United States until 2017, when Melania Trump became first lady. Her tenure as first lady is not as well studied as other parts of her life, due to her reclusiveness and the limited records she kept at the time. She is generally rated in the upper half of first ladies by historians. Early life Louisa Catherine Johnson was born in London on February 12, 1775. She was the second daughter of American merchant Joshua Johnson and British woman Catherine Nuth.: 43 The Johnsons were an influential family in American politics, with Louisa's paternal uncle Thomas Johnson being one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.: 42 Little is known of her mother's life prior to her marriage.: 160 : 92 Louisa's parents may have only married ten years after her birth, potentially making Louisa the only first lady of the United States to be born out of wedlock.: 81 She lived a comfortable life as a child in which all of her needs were seen to.: 43 : 54 Louisa's father supported American independence, and the Johnsons left England in 1778 in response to the American Revolutionary War.: 18 They moved to Nantes, France, where they lived for the next five years. While in France, Louisa attended a Catholic boarding school. She performed well in school, becoming proficient in music and literature, and she learned to speak French fluently.: 43 : 81 Such was her immersion in French that she was later forced to relearn English.: 54 She was also versed in Greek and Latin.: 43 The Johnsons lived in luxury, even when they did not have the financial means to do so.: 160 Their home in France was a mansion that came to be known as "The Temple of Taste".: 93 The Johnsons returned to England and settled in Tower Hill, while Louisa was placed in a London boarding school.: 81 She was teased for her French mannerisms, and the Catholicism that she had learned in France caused conflict with her religious education in England.: 18 Her self-esteem suffered, and she kept a distance from her peers.: 93 She was sent to be educated by John Hewlett, an Anglican minister and a family friend of the Johnsons. Hewlett became a strong influence on her upbringing, encouraging her intellectualism.: 19 The Johnsons suffered financially in 1788, and she was pulled out of school to be educated by a governess.: 81 Marriage Johnson's father was appointed the American consul to Britain in 1790, and she often assisted in entertaining prominent guests.: 82 Among these guests, the Johnson daughters looked for potential suitors, as they were pressured to marry a prominent young man.: 24 John Quincy Adams became one such guest in 1795 in his capacity as an American diplomat.: 43 He began showing up each day, and only later did the Johnsons realize that he intended to court Louisa, initially believing that his interest was in her older sister Nancy.: 43 : 164 Only after he complied with a joking request to write her a romantic poem did she consider him a potential suitor.: 26 Johnson and Adams began a courtship, though it was intermittent, and they did not immediately take to one another. Both had previously expressed interest in other potential partners.: 43 : 54 It was their talents and prestige that eventually drew them to one another. Adams in particular was taken by Johnson's aptitude for singing and music.: 164 : 30 This pairing also caused a rivalry between Louisa and her older sister, who was jealous for the man she thought would court her.: 29 Johnson and Adams were engaged by 1796, but Adams left England for work and provided a number of excuses as to why he felt they should not be wed, citing his work, his finances, and their personality conflicts. Another factor was the disapproval of his mother, Abigail Adams, who did not wish to see her son marry an Englishwoman.: 43 : 82 They communicated by letter over the following year, and Johnson came to dread their communications, as Adams's letters were humorless and chastising.: 165 Louisa and John eventually married on July 26, 1797, after pressuring from her father.: 44 : 83 Shortly after the marriage, the Johnsons lost the remainder of their fortune. Louisa's parents fled the country, leaving Louisa and John with little financial support and a mob of angry creditors.: 168 : 55 The couple disagreed about how much influence a wife should have in her family, and John often made major decisions without consulting her. Both had strong personalities, and their disagreements often became arguments.: 43 : 55 Diplomat's wife Prussia John was appointed American minister to Prussia in 1797, and the couple moved to Berlin.: 55 Louisa experienced several miscarriages over the following years, causing poor health that further strained her relations.... Discover the Catherine Johnson popular books. Find the top 100 most popular Catherine Johnson books.
Best Seller Catherine Johnson Books of 2024
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Every Good Girl
Judy AstleyLet bestselling author Judy Astley sweep you away with this uplifting, laughoutloud comedy which shows EXACTLY what little boys are made of. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Mill...
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One Glass is Never Enough
Jane Wenham-JonesIf you love Milly Johnson, Trisha Ashley and Catherine Alliott, you'll love Jane WenhamJones's deliciously entertaining tale of love, friendship and secrets!'Funny, realistic and f...
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Party Games
Jo CarnegieThis lighthearted but engrossing, irresistible novel is the perfect read for a holiday or a cosy night in! Brilliant for fans of Jilly Cooper, Catherine Alliott or Lucy Diamond.'Mo...
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Far From Over
Sheila O'FlanaganSheila O'Flanagan's bestseller FAR FROM OVER is a captivating novel for anyone who ever wondered if they made the right decision about the man they used to love. Not to be missed b...
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Prime Time
Jane Wenham-JonesIf you love Milly Johnson, Trisha Ashley and Catherine Alliott, you'll love Jane WenhamJones's deliciously entertaining novels!'Funny, realistic and full of insight' Katie Fforde'I...
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The Perfect Man
Sheila O'FlanaganA captivating novel about family ties, romance and leaving the past behind THE PERFECT MAN by No. 1 bestselling author Sheila O'Flangan. A perfect read for fans of Fern Britton an...
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Searching the Darkness
Catherine JohnsonElthrinn and Gorren are not a match made in fate. Gorren is the youngest prince of a family that rules a nation of shapeshifters. He is forced to marry Elthrinn for respectabi...
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Yours, Faithfully
Sheila O'FlanaganSheila O'Flangan's wonderfully gripping, dramatic and touching novel YOURS, FAITHFULLY is essential reading for fans of Marian Keyes and Freya North.Iona Brannock has always been i...
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No Place For A Man
Judy AstleyPerfect escapism again from the pen of bestselling author Judy Astley, No Place for a Man is a sizzling and seriously funny novel about family life and the eternal need to hold eve...
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Wild Things
Jo CarnegieMuch loved author, Jo Carnegie, brings us another riveting and raunchy read a really steamy, romantic and hilarious indulgence that fans of Jilly Cooper will adore...'Fabulous... ...
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The New Beginnings Bridal Boutique
Kellie Hailes'You know for an owner of a bridal shop you're awfully cynical about marriage.'As the owner of a secondhand bridal boutique in the little village of Alfriston, Paige Alby has seen ...
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The Legacy of Halesham Hall
Jenni Keer'A compelling gothic feast of a novel full of intrigue, secrets and passion' RACHEL HORE'A fiendishly clever book with as many twists and turns as the mysterious Halesham Hall its...
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Vengeance
Susan LewisKirsten Meredith is a successful, rich and beautiful woman who seems to have it all. But she is also a woman haunted by her past which threatens to ruin her life a lingering past ...
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The Hat Shop On The Corner
Marita Conlon-McKennaHats! Hats! Hats!Upbrims, sidesweeps, silks, ribbons and trims all become part of Ellie's life when she inherits the little hat shop on Dublin's South Anne Street.But the city is c...
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Seven For A Secret
Judy AstleyIf you like Jenny Colgan, Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley, you will love this brilliantly funny romantic comedy buzzing with speculation and scandal from bestselling author Judy As...
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Jesus Calling, 365 Devotions with Real-Life Stories, with Full Scriptures
Sarah YoungExperience a deeper relationship with Jesus as you savor the presence of the One who understands you perfectly and loves you forever. This edition of the beloved devotional Je...
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Cat Tales for Cat Lovers
Jane Wenham-JonesIf you love Milly Johnson, Trisha Ashley and Catherine Alliott, you'll love Jane WenhamJones's deliciously entertaining stories!'Funny, realistic and full of insight' Katie Fforde'...
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Law of Attraction
Allison LeottaAs a newly minted Assistant U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., Anna Curtis has already developed thick skin to deal with the brutality she encounters with her daily stack of domest...
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Perfect Alibis
Jane Wenham-JonesIf you love Milly Johnson, Trisha Ashley and Catherine Alliott, you'll love Jane WenhamJones's deliciously entertaining novels!'Funny, realistic and full of insight' Katie Fforde'I...
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Blowing It
Judy AstleyReaders of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson will love this wonderfully witty and whimsical comedy from bestselling author Judy Astley. Perfect to settl...
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The Secrets of Hawthorn Place
Jenni Keer'This is definitely up there as one of the best books that I have read. It's got a special place in my heart. Just amazing!' 5 reader review'Gorgeous! Exuberant writing, convincing...
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A Place to Begin Again
Kate FieldRunning away can be the answer, if you run to the right place. . .'A treasure of a book' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review'A lovely heartwarming read with a beautiful setting' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ read...
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Naked Truths
Jo CarnegieIf you like Jilly Cooper, you will love this naughty, funny and deliciously addictive read from much loved author, Jo Carnegie.'Sexy, sassy and scandalous...Hilarious stuff!' Glam...
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Discretion
Allison LeottaFor fans of Lisa Scottoline and Law and Order: SVU, former federal sexcrimes prosecutor Allison Leotta’s novel explores the intersection of sex and power as Anna Curtis investigate...
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Christmas Wishes at the Lakeside Cottage
Erin Green'A warm, funny, uplifting writer to celebrate!' KATIE FFORDEIf you love Lucy Diamond, Phillipa Ashley, Sue Moorcroft and Holly Martin, you'll LOVE Erin Green's novels of love, life...
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Country Pursuits
Jo CarnegieFans of Jilly Cooper will devour this racy, pacy and laughoutloud romantic comedy from much loved author, Jo Carnegie.'Sexy, scandalous and all firmly tongue in cheek' Heat'Carneg...
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Excess Baggage
Judy AstleyLet bestselling author Judy Astley sweep you away with this insightful, uplifting and hilarious novel where a family holiday turns into more of a torment than a treat... Perfect fo...
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Powerless
Catherine JohnsonChange isn’t necessarily a bad thing; werewolves know this better than most people.Rebecca Howarth had a quiet, contented, safe life, despite having been changed into a werewolf as...
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The Stone House
Marita Conlon-McKennaEverything changes for Kate, Moya and Romy when they receive word that Maeve Dillon, their mother, is critically ill. It is time to return from Dublin, London and New York to Rossm...
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Pleasant Vices
Judy AstleyBestselling author Judy Astley hits the funnybone of contemporary life yet again in this delicious comedy, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly...
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One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill
Mandy BaggotA feelgood festive romance to curl up with this Christmas'Magical, heartmelting fiction at its best!' Samantha TongeImagine the perfect Christmas Kiss…His strong arms around her wa...
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All Inclusive
Judy AstleyDo the friendships you make on holiday have anything to do with real life? It might be sensible to hope that they don't!! Bestselling author Judy Astley has written another highly...
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The Winter That Made Us
Kate FieldReaders LOVE Kate's captivating tales:'This emotional rollercoaster has magical moments and is a feelgood read, perfect for the Christmas season' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'A beautiful, poignant s...
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The Truth About You, Me and Us
Kate FieldReaders LOVE Kate's uplifting romances!'This was such a beautifully written, heartwarming story. All the characters, major and minor, were so perfectly drawn I felt like I knew th...
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A Shetland Christmas Carol
Erin Green'A warm, funny, uplifting writer to celebrate!' KATIE FFORDEIf you love Lucy Diamond, Phillipa Ashley, Sue Moorcroft and Holly Martin, you'll LOVE Erin Green's novels of love, life...
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Horse Play
Jo CarnegieIf you like Jilly Cooper, you will love this naughty, funny and deliciously addictive read from much loved author, Jo Carnegie.'Funny, saucy escapism' Heat'Sexy, sassy and scandal...
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The Infinite Darkness
Catherine JohnsonAlendria is a quiet and peaceful land where the Harmonics live quiet and peaceful lives in a Citadel built by nature. They value life and beauty, happiness and peace. Above all, th...
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Elizabeth
Claire GervatElizabeth Chudleigh was one of the eighteenth century's most colourful characters. Born into impoverished gentility, her beauty, wit and vitality soon earned her a place at the...
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All For You
Sheila O'FlanaganSheila O'Flanagan's No. 1 bestseller ALL FOR YOU is a wonderfully engaging read not to be missed by fans of Lisa Jewell and Jane Green. 'A good summer read' HeatWinner of the Irish...
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In the Summertime
Judy AstleyLet muchloved and everpopular author Judy Astley sweep you away to magical Cornwall in this lively, laughterpacked and heartwarming read a return to the setting of her fantastical...
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The Lady Detective
Ava JanuaryLondon's lawbreakers and loathsome lords ... beware!How does a wealthy widow avoid the marriage market in 1890s London?If you're Lady Theodosia FortescueBrown, you hide behind outr...
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If You Were Me
Sheila O'FlanaganSheila O'Flanagan's bestseller IF YOU WERE ME will make readers wonder: what would I do if my first love came back into my life? A mustread if you enjoy the novels of Veronica Henr...
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A Good Killing
Allison LeottaFormer federal prosecutor and critically acclaimed author Allison Leotta’s spellbinding thriller follows prosecutor Anna Curtis as she heads home to Michigan to defend her sister i...
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Blood in the Water
Catherine JohnsonAshleigh Carter is no stranger to crime, but she’s no criminal; or at least, not technically. By association she’s as guilty as sin. Her father is President of the Prie...
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Other Women
Cathy KellyDon't miss the stunning new novel from Cathy Kelly about sisterhood, love & friendship The Wedding Party is available to preorder now!'A burst of warmth and wit, twists and tu...
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Blinded by the Sun
Catherine JohnsonKing Kavrazel has been leader of the country of Vuthron for a long time, more than half his life. He was young when the crown became his, a burden borne on a wave of grief followin...
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Size Matters
Judy AstleyFans of Carole Matthews, Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Milly Johnson will love this uplifting and upbeat comic novel from bestselling author Judy Astley. The perfect dose of escap...