The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora

Review

"A fascinating and vivid account...The life of the Empress Theodora leaps from the page, as colorful and complex as the women herself."-- "Michelle Diener, internationally bestselling author"

"Loss, ambition, and lust keep this rich story moving at top speed. Stephanie Thornton writes a remarkable first novel that brings a little known woman to full, vibrant life...A sprawling and irresistible story."-- "Jeane Westin, author of The Spymaster's Daughter"

"What a heroine! Her rise from street urchin to emperor's consort made me want to stand up and cheer."-- "Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author"


Product Description

MP3 CD Format
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?

About the Author

Stephanie Marie Thornton is a high school history teacher and lives in Alaska with her husband and daughter.