FAITH NEWS SERVICE – In ancient Roman culture, few women challenged the status quo. So imagine when adventurous, brave and headstrong Livia plunges into a swamp of danger after learning that her new husband’s mentor has been murdered.
As Livia uncovers clues in secret, she uncovers the injustice towards other women and the evil network of rich men behind it all. And in the throes of a young marriage, Avitus and Livia clash. Avitus doesn’t want his wife to be in danger and Livia wants to prove to her husband that she can solve disastrous crimes. Their lack of mutual trust and respect turns into a severe test of willpower – and they discover that their assumptions were more harmful than they thought.
In Book 2 of Livia Aemilia Mysteries, Lisa E. Betz draws on thirty-five years of Bible studies to create entertaining mysteries set in early church times that include eccentric characters, independent women and an occasional cat snatching sausages. “I’ve always been drawn to books that were different from what everyone was reading,” she says. His flawed and unconventional characters “live with authenticity despite the challenges they face in daring to be different”.
For readers who enjoy mysteries and historical fiction with a touch of humor, Fountains and Secrets is an engaging tale of identity, purpose and hope.
About the Author
Engineer-turned-novelist Lisa E. Betz imbues her novels with authentic characters who thrive on solving tricky problems. Her first novel, Death and a Crocodile, won several awards, including Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (2021). Lisa combines her love of research with her quirky imagination to bring the world of the early church to life. She and her husband reside outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with their rambunctious cat Scallywag – the inspiration for Nemesis, the resident mischief-maker in Livia Aemilia’s mysteries. Lisa directs religious dramas, eats too much chocolate and experiments with ancient Roman recipes. Visit www.lisaebetz.com.
