Flavia's Secret [Paperback]

Lindsay Townsend (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 2008

FLAVIA'S SECRET [Historical Romance] 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. *** 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 *** 4 Books, Best Book of the Week: "In this wonderfully researched historical novel that gives us a rare look into a seldom described period, Lindsay Townsend weaves romance, intrigue, and historical fact into a unique and compelling story. The Roman town of Aquae Sulis, which we know today as Bath, springs to life in its ancient incarnation. Lindsay manages to present the classical world not with a modern bias, but through the eyes of those who were born and grew in it, those who find it ordinary and natural. The unusual time period gives the story a hue of fantasy, but the plot, the character's reactions, the motivations are solidly grounded in reality--both in the psychology of the characters and in the logic of the historical time. And Lindsay Townsend populates her ancient city with a colorful cast. Even the most minor characters are given due attention and spring to life for whatever short part they are called to play. The more important ones are unforgettable. Lindsay excels at adding the right small touch to make each one come to life and be remembered. Flavia's Secret is also an emotionally satisfying read. The story pulls the reader in to share the events and to empathize fully with the main characters. It is impossible to put it down once you've started to read it. Moreover, Lindsay Townsend has achieved what all writers strive for--the reader will wish the story would go on forever." --Cherry Blossom, Long and Short Reviews

Editorial Reviews

Review

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

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: BookStrand Publishing (September 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1606010832
• ISBN-13: 978-1606010839
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,631,774 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm a historical romance novelist living in England. My recent books are set mostly in medieval England, ancient Rome or ancient Egypt.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies, October 29, 2008

By 

Natalie S "ns65" (Nashville) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Flavia's Secret (Paperback)

Marcus Brucetus, an ex-Roman soldier, is the heir to Lady Valeria's estate. When she dies under suspicious circumstances, Marcus doesn't hesitate to try and get to the bottom of her death. His investigation leads him to Aquae Sulis and Flavia, his adopted mother's scribe.

Flavia has no doubt that when she is found out, her life will be over. She did what she had to do in order to save the lives of her fellow slaves. Her crime? Forging a note from her mistress saving the lives of her slaves. Flavia knows the punishment for such a crime and did it anyway. It isn't until Lady Valeria's heir Marcus Brucetus arrives that she has to face the danger. And face it she does all the while falling in love with the handsome and seemingly kind widower. Though she knows that she can't compete with the memories of Marcus' dead wife and child, Flavia can't help falling in love.

Marcus and Flavia explore Lady Valeria's last moments before taking her own life. What they find is not what they expected, least of all their feelings for each other. In a world where the differences between master and slave are a chasm wide, will these two lovers be able to make a life together? If outside forces have their way, no. It's a good thing that love conquers all.

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 ebook 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!

Natalie S.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Read!, October 2, 2008

By 

W. Christner (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Flavia's Secret (Paperback)

Flavia's Secret is a well-crafted love story that will have you on the edge of your seat one minute and breathless the next. Lindsay Townsend's writing style is simply beautiful. A true pleasure to read.

Flavia is a slave with a secret that may very well cost her life. Marcus her new owner is a gorgeous half-Roman with a warrior's body and a lover's heart. I'm not ashamed to admit I fell head over heels for this hero, and I just might be willing to trade my freedom for a chance to fill Flavia's shoes.

The Roman baths and the ancient marketplaces were so well-drawn they came alive for me. The setting was sensual and palpable. It's impossible not to become absorbed in Flavia and Marcus's world and to care deeply for them. The secondary characters were woven neatly into the plot, and the villain's power and control was absolutely terrifying.

I literally could not put this book down and when I was finished, I didn't want it to end. I'll be reading everything Lindsay Townsend writes, and I think everyone else who picks up this book will do the same.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Unusual Story and a Heroine Ahead of Her Time, March 30, 2011

By 

Linda Banche "Regency Romance Author" (New England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Flavia's Secret (Paperback)

After the death of her mistress, the scribe Flavia, a slave in Roman Britain, must adjust to her new master, widowed Roman soldier Marcus. Attraction builds between the educated scribe and the battle-hardened warrior who mourns the deaths of his wife and child. But the secret Flavia carries might undo all.

I love books that sweep me into another time and place. Ms. Townsend, with her lush prose and detailed knowledge of Roman Britain, does just that. I especially like her knack for creating strong non-traditional women in a time when women had few choices and slaves even fewer. Add in a complex plot (I LOVE complex plots), a wide range of compelling characters, a hero to die for and, of course, romance, and we have a winner. Welcome to FLAVIA'S SECRET.