This book is about two sisters, called Marie and Hortense Mancini. These two girls were brought to the court of Louis XIV of France. Their uncle, Cardinal Mazarin, sought out strategic marriages for both of the girls to strengthen his political power. Marie Mancini became the Princess Colonna. Hortense Mancini became the Duchess Mazarin. They were determined to find some measure of happiness, and they cut a trail through many nobles, princes and kings alike. I thought this book was great and extremely interesting. I had never heard of these women before reading this book. I greatly enjoyed it and learned so much.