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Friday, July 5, 2013

The Secret History


About THE SECRET HISTORY

Publication Date: July 2, 2013 
NAL Trade
Paperback; 448p
ISBN-10: 045141778X

Where Theodora went, trouble followed…

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

When her father dies suddenly, Theodora and her sisters face starvation 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 of the city’s infamous amphitheater in a scandalous dramatization of her own invention. When her daring performance grants her a back-door 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 will thrive 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?

Praise for The Secret History

“Stephanie Thornton’s Theodora is tough and intelligent, spitting defiance against the cruel world of the Byzantine Empire. Her rise from street urchin to emperor’s consort made me want to stand up and cheer. Her later years as empress are great fun to read, but it was her early struggle as actress and courtesan that really had me roaring: either with rage at the misfortunes heaped on this poor girl, or with delight as she once more picked herself up with a steely glint in her eye and kept on going.”—Kate Quinn, author of Empress of the Seven Hills

"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

"A fascinating and vivid account; in The Secret History, 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

MY THOUGHTS

Words cannot describe this novel.  It is that good.  Theodora has always been an endless fascination to me.  A peasant who rose above all and became empress of the Byzantine empire.  She's the type of woman who controls her own destiny.  

This book is just amazing! I found myself just enthralled by her life.  I realize this is a work of fiction, but it closely mimics historical accounts of her life.  

Stephanie Thornton has created more than just a novel.  This is a work of art.  While reading the pages of this book, the reader is actually with Theodora.  We accompany her throughout her life, we experience her trials, her failures and her joys.  I may not have agreed with all of her decisions, nor can I understand all of her decisions, but I have to admire her drive and ambition.  

I can't recommend this book enough.  It is truly wonderful.  I look forward to more from Ms. Thornton, but this will be a tough book to surpass.





About the Author

Stephanie Thornton is a writer and history teacher who has been obsessed with infamous women from ancient history since she was twelve. She lives with her husband and daughter in Alaska, where she is at work on her next novel. 

For more information, please visit Stephanie Thornton's website.  You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.




Monday, July 1, 2013

marquis boone Til the Last Drop



about the book
It is February of 2000, and Arthur and Valencia Todd and their twelve- year-old daughter, Lindsy, are living very happily—until Valencia receives a life-changing phone call. Life deals her a crisis that requires a miracle of biblical proportion.

Six months later, Valencia’s life is still in shambles. As she walks on a path lined with grief, frustration, illness, and loneliness, Valencia is too frightened to seek help from doctors, on whom she quietly blames her mother’s premature death. As she prays for answers, nothing seems to heal her persistent medical condition, prompting Valencia to plummet down a dark tunnel of despair. Desperate for answers, Valencia draws inspiration from the worn pages of her mother’s Bible, fueled by an unyielding determination to find healing. But three years later, as she is led to the doors of a holistic center where she believes she will finally be helped, Valencia helplessly watches as her life disintegrates once again—completely unaware that the Holy Spirit is waiting to comfort her.

’Til the Last Drop is the inspirational story of one woman’s journey to the truth as she learns to listen to her heart, never give up, and, above all, trust in God.




my thoughts

An inspirational story that tells of God's love for us and his willingness to help.  If you've read the Bible, you will recognize the characters.  

This book is a very quick read, it didn't take Marquis Boone too long to stress his point.  You are loved. God is here for you.  I recommend this book to anyone searching for answers.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  I was not asked nor required to provide a positive review.(Thankfully, I loved the book)


Buy Now @ Amazon & Smashwords

Genre – Religious Fiction

Rating – PG

More details about the author 

Connect with Marquis Boone on Twitter & GoodReads

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