Who is Vesta?
Vesta is the powerful ancient Roman goddess of the home and hearthfire. For centuries, her Eternal Flame was kept alight in her temple by her priestesses, the esteemed Vestal Virgins. Here, you’ll find Debra May Macleod’s novels on the Vestals, and much more, so that you can illuminate your life with the sacred flame!
Latest Release!
COELIA CONCORDIA: THE LAST VESTAL VIRGIN OF ROME
For over a thousand years, the esteemed priestesses of Vesta were tasked with keeping the goddess’s Eternal Flame burning in her temple. As the guardians of Rome, the Vestal Virgins were revered, for as long as the fire was alive, the Eternal City would endure.
This is the thrilling, emotional story of the last Vestal Virgin—Coelia Concordia—and her battle to save the sacred flame from an encroaching darkness. It is also a story about a prophecy and a curse fulfilled, the fall of an empire, and the relentless suppression of the old gods as seen through the eyes of those who lost everything, but never gave up hope—all against the backdrop of the biggest cultural shift in the history of Western civilization.
Want to learn more about the real-life people in COELIA CONCORDIA?
Visit the Coelia Concordia page now!
Need a Little Drama in Your Life?
See the sacred flame burn in the temple… feel its heat, hear it roar… immerse yourself in the world of ancient Rome and the Vestals with these action-packed, emotional historical fiction trilogies:
The First Vestals of Rome Trilogy
The Vesta Shadows Trilogy
Everything Old is New Again
Vesta isn’t just the subject of my seven historical fiction novels. She is also a way of life for many people. And if you feel drawn to the “old ways,” if you feel a sense of comfort or reverence when you look into a flame, you might want to incorporate simple Vesta rituals into your life. They’ve worked for people for millennia. Perhaps they can work for you too.
From home shrines to sacred offerings, visit the Vesta Today page to see how Vesta’s ancient legacy is honored in our modern world.
NEW! Subscribe to the All Things Vesta YouTube Channel for regular videos and posts, and to chat with a community of like-minded people.
FEATURED VIDEOS
Do You Have Questions In Your Life?
Just like astrologers read the stars, it is possible to “read” a candle’s flame. Whether your questions are big or small, serious or irreverent, the ancient practice of candle reading might help you discover the answers.
This fun nonfiction offering is perfect for readers who couldn’t help but light a candle while reading my novels about the eternal flame.
In fact, the unique method used within is based on what I learned about ancient divination practices while researching my novels about the Vestal priestesses of Ancient Rome.
DEBRA’S BLOG
About the Author
Debra May Macleod is an author of seven historical fiction novels set in Ancient Rome and featuring the esteemed order of Vestal Virgins. Her novels chronicle the Vestal Order's history over a thousand year period, from its earliest days to its emotional end.
She is privileged to have been invited to participate in research excursions in the Roman Forum, the Forum of Caesar and Imperial Fora, including places inaccessible to the general public, and informs her writing with this invaluable perspective.
Debra holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Classics, as well as a Juris Doctor. An author with a true passion for her subject, she also writes about Vesta’s legacy in the modern world, including how she is honored today.