The Secret History

The Secret History

Author:
Genre: Historical Fiction
ASIN: B009KUWVHG
ISBN: 9780451417787

Where Theodora went, trouble followed….

In sixth-century Constantinople, one woman, Theodora, defied every convention and all the odds and rose from common theater tart to empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful woman the Roman Empire would ever know. The woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was a scrappy, clever, conniving, flesh-and-blood woman full of sensuality and spirit whose real story is as surprising as any ever told….

After her father dies suddenly, Theodora and her sisters face starvation and a life on the streets. Determined to survive, Theodora makes a living any way she can—first on her back with every man who will have her, then on the stage in a scandalous dramatization of her own invention. When her daring performance grants her a backdoor entry into the halls of power, she seizes the chance to win a wealthy protector—only to face heartbreak and betrayal.

Ever resilient, Theodora rises above such trials and, by a twist of fate, meets her most passionate admirer yet: the emperor’s nephew. She thrives as his confidant and courtesan, but many challenges lie ahead. For one day this man will hand her a crown. And all the empire will wonder—is she bold enough, shrewd enough, and strong enough to keep it?

READERS GUIDE INCLUDED

Buy from Amazon Kindle
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Barnes and Noble
Buy from IndieBound
Buy from Book Depository
About the Book

“A fascinating and vivid account; the life of Empress Theodora leaps from the page, as colorful and complex as the woman herself.”–Michelle Diener, author of The Emperor’s Conspiracy

“If there is one book you choose to read on ancient times, let it be The Secret History.” –Historical Novel Society 

“Thornton’s well-conceived and engrossing tale exalts a historical figure of “true grit.”“–Library Journal Review

“I really love that the book includes not only a note from the author about Theodora, but also a Reader’s Guide so it is ready for any book club to use!” –Night Owl Reviews

Look Inside
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."