Was I seeing double? Triple? One, two . . . make that SIX historical novels recently crossed my desk with covers that could have come out of the same design meeting - each featuring a pensive woman seemingly straight out of a Renaissance painting. Call it sychronicity - or just a sales-sabotaging case of identity crisis - all are headed our way in March, from different publishers. Here's a look (quotes are from publishers' press material):

Sister Theresa, by Barbara Mujica

Based on: The life of SaintTeresa of Avila.

Story line: Senttoa convent to learn discipline, the younggirl discovers she likes the religious life more than she imagined.She finds "unparalleled spiritual fervor," not tomention "cloak-and-dagger political dealings, struggles against sexual blackmail and mysterious illness."

Sales pitch: "The author of Frida brings to life one of theHispanic world's most important figures in this epic novel of passion and faith."

The Rossetti Letter, by Christi Phillips

Based on: The Spanish Conspiracy to overthrow the Venetian Republic.

Story line: A Ph.D candidate is writing her thesis about 17th century courtesan Alessandra Rossetti, a woman who had beeninvolved in thwarting the overthrow of the Venetian Republic. The story features fictional main characters, but includes realhistory as the two plotlines play out simultaneously.

Sales pitch: Reading the book "is like enjoying a sumptuousmeal in the Venice it describes with such loving detail."

The Secret Magdalene, by Ki Longfellow

Based on: The life of Mary Magdalene.

Story line: The author portrays Mary Magdalene, "not as aprostitute or Holy Grail, but as an educated woman whobecame Jesus' teacher and adviser."

In this version, "Judas was a loyalman, Lazarusnever actually died, the crucifixion was planned,and MaryMagdalene takes the name 'John' to travel as his disciple."

Sales pitch: A "radical retelling of the greatest story every told."

The Perfect Royal Mistress, by DianeHaeger

Based on: The life of Nell Gwynn,King Charles II's mistress.

Story line: Gwynn goes from selling oranges in the pit ofthe King's Theater to rise as the leading comedic actress of her day.The femme fatale eventually becomes the king's mistress,caught in a world of political intrigue and back-stabbing.

Sales pitch: "Gives center stage to a determined and talented woman who used her wit to rise from poverty- and win the heart of aking."

The Mercy Seller, by Brenda Rickman Vantrease

Based on: The religious intolerance in 15th century Europe.

Story line: A girl and her grandfather living in 15th-century Prague illuminate books for a living, including "forbidden translations of the Bible" -which makes theirs a dangerous trade.

When a young priest spying for the church meets thegirl, they set the plot twists in motion.

Sales pitch: A "wonderfully compelling novel of love,treachery and redemption."

Innocent Traitor, by Alison Weir

Based on: The life of Lady Jane Grey, great-niece of KingHenry VIII.

Story line: Used as a pawn by her power-hungry parents,Lady Jane is put in the middle of a plot to take over the throne after the death of the king's young son Edward VI.When the plotbackfires,Lady Jane pays the ultimate price.

Sales pitch: "Historical expertise marries page-turningnarrative in the exciting fiction debut of acclaimed historianAlison Weir."

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