The Sacred Flame by Nanette Littlestone

5:06 pm 6 August 2016

It is the year 216 BC. Livia is a Vestal Virgin, a priestess of the goddess Vesta sworn to keep Rome safe through the obligations of duty, dedication, and chastity.

In just a few months she will end her vows and marry her childhood companion. But the High Priestess’s collapse extends Livia’s duties and thrusts her into the unwanted role of leadership.

As summer heat and the threat of Hannibal descend on Rome, Livia dares to fall for Gaius, a married man and equestrian commander, who has loved her secretly for many years.

When his wife Justina refuses to surrender the security of her privileged life, Gaius and Livia are caught in a sticky web of deceit and forbidden love that threatens both their worlds.

The Sacred Flame captures a lesson in self discovery and finding your own in a place you never planned to go. I am quite impressed by the journey of self acceptance and maturity.

I wished there had been more emotional exploration and emotional depth but I did like that Livia had enough bravery to face what was put upon her once she found a way to accept what had become of her life. I also really enjoyed her journey as a woman trying to cope with female needs as a lover and a leader. We need more female heroes like this.

I really enjoyed The Sacred Flame and was happy that the author asked me to review her book. I look forward to discovering more of her works in the very near future.