A Tale of Ancient Rome Series

“All the drama and sensuality expected of an historical romance, plus a sensitivity to the realities of life in a very different time and world...” —Ursula K. Le Guin In 406 BC, to seal a tenuous truce, the young Roman Caecilia is wedded to Vel Mastarna, an Etruscan nobleman from Veii. Leaving her militaristic homeland, Caecilia is determined to remain true to Roman virtues while living among the sinful Etruscans. But, despite her best intentions, she is seduced by a culture that offers women education, independence, sexual freedom, and an empowering religion. Enchanted by Veii but terrified of losing ties to Rome, Caecilia performs rites to delay becoming a mother, thereby postponing true entanglement. Yet as she develops an unexpected love for Mastarna, she’s torn between her birthplace and the city in which she now lives. As war looms, Caecilia discovers Fate is not so easy to control, and she must choose where her allegiance lies. The Wedding Shroud is the first book in the Tales of Ancient Rome saga. Subsequent books in the series include The Golden Dice and Call to Juno.

“An enthralling tale of political intrigue, romance, and corruption.” —M. Louisa Locke, author of Maids of Misfortune During a bitter siege between Rome and the Etruscan city of Veii, three women follow different paths to survive. Caecilia, Roman born but Etruscan wed, forsakes Rome to return to her husband, Vel Mastarna, exposing herself to the enmity of his people while knowing the Romans will give her a traitor’s death if Veii falls. Semni, a reckless Etruscan servant in the House of Mastarna, embroils herself in schemes that threaten Caecilia’s son and Semni’s own chance for love. Pinna, a destitute Roman prostitute, uses coercion to gain the attention of Rome’s greatest general at the risk of betraying Caecilia’s cousin. Each woman struggles to protect herself and those whom she loves in the dark cycle of war. What must they do to challenge Fate? And will they ever live in peace again? The Golden Dice is the sequel to The Wedding Shroud. The third book in the Tales of Ancient Rome saga is Call to Juno.

“An elegant, impeccably researched exploration of early Rome...Elisabeth Storrs weaves a wonderful tale!” —Kate Quinn, author of The Empress of Rome saga Four unforgettable characters are tested during a war between Rome and Etruscan Veii. Caecilia has long been torn between her birthplace of Rome and her adopted city of Veii. Yet faced with mounting danger to her husband, children, and Etruscan freedoms, will her call to destroy Rome succeed? Pinna has clawed her way from prostitute to the concubine of the Roman general Camillus. Deeply in love, can she exert her own power to survive the threat of exposure by those who know her sordid past? Semni, a servant, seeks forgiveness for a past betrayal. Will she redeem herself so she can marry the man she loves? Marcus, a Roman tribune, is tormented by unrequited love for another soldier. Can he find strength to choose between his cousin Caecilia and his fidelity to Rome? Who will overcome the treachery of mortals and gods? Call to Juno is the third book in the Tales of Ancient Rome saga, which includes The Wedding Shroud and The Golden Dice.