Enchantress of Paris: A Novel of the Sun King's Court

Jefferson's (Girl on the Golden Coin) latest novel peers into the world of Marie Mancini (1639–1715), who—if not the best remembered of Louis XIV's mistresses—is considered by many to be his one true love. Born into a noble Italian family notorious for their occult practices, Marie was also the niece of the vastly powerful Cardinal Mazarin, whose influence at the French court was unsurpassed by even the king himself. Originally intended to take the veil, Marie's determined to stay on the outside of the convent walls. Although cast in her older sister Olympia's shadow, she catches the interest of the Sun King through her keen intellect and subtle beauty. Despite her uncle's attempts to employ her influence over Louis, the headstrong young woman wants nothing of his schemes. But will the evil star her father discovered in her horoscope so long ago keep them apart?