Penniless and alone, Octavia Hadley finds herself forced to accept a position as governess to an orphaned girl living with her English diplomat guardian in faraway Russia. But when the diplomat abandons them as Napoleon’s army marches into Moscow, Octavia is determined to get both herself and the girl to safety.

The Daughters of the Earth saga that began with Susan Carroll’s The Dark Queen continues in the riveting sequel, The Courtesan.

Gabrielle Cheney has abandoned her sisters and the healing magic of Faire Isle for Paris. The beautiful young woman flirts with danger and intrigue in the glittering French court as she pursues power, dabbling in the black arts her family abhors. Gabrielle’s ruthless ambition conceals a heart wounded by a painful secret and haunted by the death of the brave warrior who once loved her.

An honorable man: Malcolm de Monde, Lord of Warwick needs a wife. He reluctantly journeys to the turbulent royal court where his plan is simple: find a dutiful woman, gain the king's approval for his choice and return to Warwick with his lady wedded, bedded, and carrying his heir-all before winter.

An independent woman: Judith of Kentworth, Royal Falconer and lady-in-waiting, is a woman from Malcolm's past. Although she is a confidante of the queen, Judith's beauty and vivacity attract the unwanted attentions of the king-and the woman who commands winged predators becomes prey herself.