Lindsay Townsend

Spirited, young scribe Flavia hopes for freedom. She and her fellow slaves in Aquae Sulis (modern Bath) have served the Lady Valeria for many years, but their mistress’ death brings a threat to Flavia’s dream: her new master Marcus Brucetus, a charismatic, widowed officer toughened in the forests of Germania. Flavia finds him overwhelmingly attractive but she is aware of the danger. To save her life and those of her ‘family’ she has forged a note from her mistress. If her deception is discovered, all the slaves may die.

For his part torn between attraction and respect, Marcus will not force himself on Flavia. Flavia by now knows of his grief over the deaths of his wife Drusilla and child. But how can she match up to the serene, flame-haired Drusilla?

As the wild mid-winter festival of Saturnalia approaches, many lives will be changed forever.

Categories:  Historical ROMANCE
Word Count: 83,000

"When I researched this novel, I was haunted by the fact that a slave could be crucified if a master or mistress died in suspicious circumstances. My Flavia is a slave driven to a desperate act to protect herself and others. Marcus, also scarred by loss, must come to terms with his own less than Roman past." ~Lindsay~

4.5 Blue Ribbons: "Lindsay Townsend has thoroughly convinced me that I need to go back into time and become a scribe in ancient England. I lived and breathed Flavia's yearnings and love for Marcus throughout the pages of Flavia's Secret. Marcus was harder to read but no less important. His status as a widower afforded him the ability to try and stay untouched and out of reach of clinging females. I smiled when the one female who wanted to remain aloof from him was able to change his stance on love and worm her way into his heart.

Releasing as an e-book first and then a print book later this year, Flavia's Secret is a passionate historical romance. Set in ancient England during Roman rule, I enjoyed reading about these two wonderful characters as well as the setting and town in which the novel took place. Marcus and Flavia were perfect for each other and this book was the perfect read for my ancient history loving soul. Thumbs up Ms. Townsend! I loved every word of Flavia's Secret! " -- Natasha, Romance Junkies

4.5 Red Roses: "Marcus is home to take his inheritance and his eyes are always on Flavia. At first afraid of him, Flavia grows to like him, but Marcus believes that Lady Valeria was murdered. He has a suspect in mind—a man with evil in is heart, a man who wants Flavia and will stop at nothing to get her.
An exciting mystery set in ancient Britain. The romance between Flavia and Marcus is strong and passionate, and the mystery is intriguing. Very enjoyable." -- Morna, Red Roses Reviews