- Lynne Hill-Clark
Lynne's Weekend Book Review
This week's book is … wait for it…
Author: Stephanie Marie Thornton
Book: The Secret History

Oh-M-My Goodness. This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It made me cry and laugh and fall in love — with a woman! :-0 To be as lovely and intelligent and perhaps most of all as STRONG as Theodora….
This is the ultimate Real Life rags-to-riches story — Pretty Woman but this actually happened. The first part of Theodora’s life was tragic but hang in there and help her get through her wild youth.
I knew there was a good reason to include this amazing historical figure in my novels, The Lords and Commoners series. Although she played a minor role in my stories, Stephanie puts her in the spotlight and brings her to life in the best way possible.
The Secret History was superbly written. You're right there with Theodora the entire time — through all the ups and downs (and there are a lot of downs). You feel like you’re in early Byzantium living her crazy, yet amazing life. Things got better for Theodora as she matured. However, her life was always complicated. The betrayals are many and from all sides, including Theodora’s.
There was never a dull moment. I hate to use the cliché but this is a MUST READ!
Heat Level: Mild. She was a prostitute in her youth but the sex was not graphic. It’s largely left up to the imagination.
Please let me know what you think about this book or if you have any reading suggestions for me.
As always I look forward to hearing from you (simply reply to to this post)!
Yours in reading!
Author Lynne Hill-Clark
Lords and Commoners series
and A Woman’s World series