Imagine 14th century Avignon, France where the Pope rules from his palace and the menfolk are almighty. You're a young girl living with your mother and grandmother. You've been given the name Solange; angel of the sun. You're family is part of the have-nots in the community so your mother entertains the men who visit from the tavern above your home. Your life is simple and you feel secure, that is until your mother dies during childbirth.

Catherine The Great is one of the most intriguing and powerful figures in the history of women rulers. Eva Stachniak is the bestselling author of the award-winning novel Necessary Lies and the Garden of Venus. Her recent novel The Winter Palace: A Novel of Catherine The Great tells a tale of young princess Sophie's destiny to rule as Catherine The Great. Her story is told through the voice of Sophie's servant Barbara.