Elizabeth Elson: 3 books

Theodora, a bearkeeper’s daughter, is the Hippodrome’s favorite actress. Tempted by gold, she performs a lewd act on stage before a crowd of excited spectators. Later, humiliated and struggling to gain respect, she accepts a governor’s offer of marriage and accompanies him to his villa in North...

Julia, Daughter of Rome, is the compelling tale of Julia, only child of the Roman leader Octavian, who inherited his power from the slain Julius Caesar. Julia is taken from her mother's home to live with Octavian and his bride, Livia, who is intent on grooming Julia to be the perfect Roman wife. Julia...

Always the Music is the story of Cosima, one of three illegitimate children born to Franz Liszt and his mistress. After her parents separate, Cosima spends her childhood searching for the love and security she lost. She survives years of uncertainty, shuffled between boarding schools and disapproving...