About the Author

Debra May Macleod, B.A., J.D.

photo of author Debra May Macleod at the tomb of the Vestal Virgin Cossinia

I am the author of seven historical fiction novels set in Ancient Rome and featuring the esteemed order of Vestal Virgins. My novels chronicle the Vestal Order's history over a thousand year period, from its earliest days to its emotional end.

I am privileged to have been invited to participate in research excursions in the Forum Romanum, the Forum of Caesar and Imperial Fora, including places inaccessible to the general public, and I inform my writing and work with this invaluable perspective. 

Academically, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English and Classics (with Distinction), as well as a Juris Doctor. While my current focus is on writing historical fiction, my ongoing background project is a treatise on the secular and religious laws of ancient Rome.

As an author whose passion for my subject goes beyond research and history, I also discuss Vesta’s legacy in the modern world, including how this renewed custom can help people find spiritual focus and happiness, as well as success and stability in terms of their personal relationships.

And I know more than a little about this. That’s because shortly after graduating from law school I opened a divorce mediation practice. After working in that capacity for some time, I shifted the focus of my practice to marital mediation / relationship coaching to help couples and individual spouses avoid divorce. That was my “day job” for many years, until I semi-retired to focus more on writing about Vesta and her priestesses.

Suffice it to say, I’m a big believer that the family-focused, family-strengthening customs of the past—including honoring the goddess of the home, Vesta—can offer an otherwise “spiritual but not religious” couple or family a beautiful and meaningful spiritual focus, one that aligns with their intellect and values. For those who are single and seeking, Vesta’s counsel can help usher lasting love into one’s life. And for those who find themselves alone, whether through circumstance or choice, Vesta’s divine presence can fill a home—and a life—with companionship, fulfillment, happiness and comfort.

My Novels

Book covers of a historical novel series titled "The First Vestals of Rome" by Debra May Macleod. The first book features a blue-tinted silhouette of a woman. The second book shows a purple-tinted statue of a woman, with soldiers at the bottom. The third book has a pink-tinted statue of a woman with ruins and a fire in the background

The First Vestals of Rome trilogy

Book covers of the novel series 'The Vestal Virgins' by Debra May Macleod, showing women in ancient or mythological settings with titles 'Brides of Rome,' 'To Be Wolves,' and 'Empire of Iron.'

The Vesta Shadows trilogy

Book cover for 'Coelia Concordia: The Last Vestal Virgin of Rome' by Debra May Macleod. Shows a statue of a robed woman, a scene of chaos and war in the background, flames, and part of a lion's face.

Coelia Concordia: The Last Vestal Virgin of Rome