I was a guest author for Lisa E. Betz’s Author newsletter that came out last week on September 25th.

I was delighted to discover Lisa Betz’s Livia Aemilia murder mysteries. She is one of the first authors I have found that also writes Biblical era mysteries. I just finished reading her latest book, An Ode to Poison.  And I was not disappointed with her clever plot, believable female sleuth (not easy to pull off, I should know), and authentic details that drew me into the times and culture of ancient Rome. Her writing style is different from mine – as it should be, and she adds the twist of a mixed marriage—pagan and Christian—with moments of humor, while showing the oh-so-many challenges women of faith faced back then.

What do death by poison, a ruthless senator, and a poetry party have in common? They combine to draw Livia Aemilia into her most dangerous investigation yet. She must risk setting foot in the house of her worst enemy, Senator Tiberius Gracchus, to investigate the death of his wife. (Don’t worry, she has a plan.)

Rome’s Original Fast Food 

🍕🚶‍♂️ Think fast food started with McDonald’s? The Romans beat us to it—by 2,000 years.

With no kitchens in their crowded apartments, most Romans relied on bustling thermopolia (street food counters) and lively tabernae for their daily meals. Steaming stews, fresh bread, and watered wine were the “takeout” of the ancient world.

👉 Step into the streets of Rome and discover their version of dining on the go: Read the full post here