The Secret History

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?