Monday, September 15, 2025

Book review : From Cairo, With Love by Nancy Campbell Allen

From Cairo, With Love
novella
by Nancy Campbell Allen


GENRE: Regency clean romance
My rating: ★★★★★

5 full stars !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A little gem I devoured! A novelette, clean romance, that is a solid 5-star read for me, and I'm still smiling!
If you're looking for something romantic and light, refreshing, and utterly delightful, you absolutely have to pick this up.

Right from the start, I was hooked, but before I keep going on, let me tell you...
...the PLOT IN A NUTSHELL :


Valentine Baker, who's craving adventure, arrives in Venice to visit her cousin Eva, when during the stay she accepts an offer to be a companion to the wonderfully unconventional Contessa (Eva's mother-in-law ). So soon enough, they're off on a ship bound for Cairo.

They are accompanied by the charming boxer Mr. Maxwell, who has the task of accompanying them to his brother's excavations (excavations financed by the countess), to discover the truth behind the thefts of archaeological finds and to protect the two women.

Maxwell tries to keep his distance from Valentine, but her warm nature and easy laugh draw him in. He soon comes to cherish their time together, until someone attempts to drug him, and the aftermath reveals serious consequences for Valentine. He’ll do anything to keep her safe and her reputation intact, yet with treachery on board and his heart at stake, Mr. Maxwell must make a choice that will change his life forever.

______ ******* _______


What truly made this novella shine for me was how complete and satisfying it felt, despite its shorter length.
Nancy Campbell Allen is a master at crafting engaging stories, and this one is no exception.
It's a brilliant comedy romance through and through.

Forget heavy drama; this story is all about one incredibly embarrassing – and utterly hilarious – situation that pushes our two protagonists to finally declare their mutual attraction and love. It’s written with such a light touch and a wonderful sense of humor that I was genuinely laughing out loud. The engaging plot keeps you turning pages from start to finish, and the humor is just the perfect ingredient to make it feel so refreshing.


___ WONDERFUL MAIN CHARACTERS ___

Even though it's a novella, the characters really come alive. Valentine and Mr. Maxwell are fantastic, and their brilliant dialogue and personal thoughts let you into their heads and hearts immediately. Their interactions are precious, and you can practically feel their connection growing.


A tiny heads-up about the title :

"From Cairo, With Love" might make you think we're spending a lot of time in Egypt, but Cairo actually only appears right at the very end. But honestly, that's not a complaint at all!
In fact, I actually loved the little HISTORICAL NUGGETS, like discovering that Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo was a real, super famous place from the 19th century until its destruction in 1952.
It’s those little details that show how much care the author puts into her stories.:-)

And yes, for all you romance lovers out there, you'll be happy to know there's a LOVELY HAPPY ENDING!

_YEAHHH ! ___
I discovered that this novella has a prequel, again a short story named "What Happens in Venice", by the same author (inside A Timeless Romance Anthology #5), telling the love story and marriage in Venice of Valentine's cousin!
I love N. Campbell Allen write style ( I rated 5 stars some other proper romance by her ), I've already added it to my "must-read ASAP" list.

All in all, From Cairo, With Love is a delightful, charming, and genuinely funny read that will leave you with a huge smile on your face. Highly, highly recommend!

Thank you for reading my opinion and please be lenient with any error in my text ( English is not my native language ).

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Monday, September 08, 2025

Book review : Night of a Thousand Stars by Deanna Raybourn

Night of a Thousand Stars
City of Jasmine book #2
by Deanna Raybourn

GENRE : #historical-adventure-mystery
( with a little touch of romance)


My rating: ★★★★★
Actually 4,5 stars rounded up to 5.

Deanna Raybourn's "Night of a Thousand Stars" it's a bit of a misleading title, it's suitable for a romance, I would title it instead: "A Daring Escape into a World of Intrigue"!
Prepare to be swept away!
This is a gripping adventure, a captivating journey that had me turning pages late into the night.

The story is a fantastic journey of self-discovery, intrigue, and daring feats.
I rated it a solid 4.5 stars thanks to its thrilling plot, vibrant characters, and fascinating historical depth.

----> It would've easily been 5 stars if only there had been more romance all the way through!

_____ THE PLOT IN A NUTSHELL __

We are in England in the early 1920s.
The story kicks off with a bang when the spirited Poppy Hammond, on the cusp of an uninspired aristocratic marriage, makes the only sensible choice: she flees her own wedding in her gown!

With the unexpected assistance of the charming curate, Sebastian Cantrip, Poppy escapes to her estranged father's quiet country village.
Though her family's uproar follows, the dust eventually settles, but then Sebastian vanishes under mysterious circumstances. This disappearance ignites Poppy's determination, revealing that her enigmatic rescuer is far more than he seems.

Driven by a strong hunch and whispered clues, Poppy, accompanied only by her loyal lady’s maid, secures new employment and embarks on a clandestine journey east across the seas.
What unfolds is a breathtaking odyssey fraught with danger as Poppy finds herself entangled in the clutches of those determined to unearth a fabled ancient treasure.
Amidst conflicting loyalties—to her kindly employer and a dashing, shadowy figure—Poppy risks everything to unravel a much larger conspiracy, one that reaches into the very heart of the British government and threatens all she holds dear.

***** ________ *****


The synopsis, title, cover, and even the opening pages all heavily hinted at a good dose of romance and flirtation, but honestly, the author just didn't develop that side of things. So, if you're a romantic at heart craving deep courtship, playful banter, and sweet or passionate kisses, you might want to look elsewhere.

Luckily for me, I'm a big fan of adventure, and the story still totally swept me away!
It was a daring whirlwind of escapes, clever disguises, characters who kept me guessing (were they good? bad? both?), plenty of action, fascinating historical insights, and a surprise ending that neither the main character, Poppy March, nor the reader saw coming.

While the book definitely could've used more flirty excitement, we do eventually get a happy ending in the final chapters, complete with a kiss and some implied (but not described!) intimacy.

----> For readers familiar with Raybourn's work and especially for all fans of the "Lady Julia mystery series", here is a little gem: Poppy is none other than Lady Julia's brother's daughter!!!!
... And as such you will have the pleasure of meeting again, albeit in a more mature guise, Plum, Julia's brother.

It's worth also noting that "Night of a Thousand Stars" is it's the sequel/completion of the novel "City of Jasmine" ( Book #1 in City of Jasmine series ).
This adventure beautifully intertwines with the world of Gabriel Starke and his wife Eve (main characters in City of Jasmine ), featuring Sebastian as a close friend of Gabriel's since the time before the Great War.
The story also explores the nature of their bond and how it dragged Sebastian, and consequently Poppy, into an equally frenetic, dangerous, and utterly exciting adventure in the exotic locales of Damascus.


____ A THRILLING RIDE _________

From beginning to end, this novel is a riveting, fast-paced adventure that rarely lets up.
Desperate escapes, clever disguises, ambiguous allies and adversaries, intense action...Certainly, while reading I didn't have time to get bored and the swing of positive and dangerous events kept the tension high.
Author Deanna Raybourn masterfully juggles multiple plot threads and a vibrant cast, blending all the elements together so spectacularly that I never once felt lost or confused.

Unfortunately, as I've already noted above, the romantic development is so subtle that it's barely noticeable.
However, the plot offers a satisfying conclusion not only in terms of the villains' punishment and the discovery of Sebastan's secrets, but also from a sentimental standpoint: without expecting great things, you can close the book knowing that our couple has found their perfect ending.


________CHARACTERS THAT SHINE:________

I was particularly captivated by the dynamic between Poppy and Sebastian. Despite secrets and significant time apart in the narrative ( until, they feel incredibly in tune as a couple.

SEBSTIAN: In a refreshing change, the male lead utterly stole the show for me here.
Sebastian is not only intelligent and patient but also remarkably humble. He endures Poppy's spirited, if sometimes naive, chatter with grace.
Circumstances compel him to maintain a strict adherence to duty, preventing him from immediately succumbing to Poppy's more brazen provocations. Yet, he is never offensive or rude, unlike Gabriel in the previous book.
His charm lies in his quiet strength, his often-enigmatic presence (especially in his "desert prince attire"), and his profound devotion to protecting Poppy with unwavering courage.

POPPY: While initially a touch insistent in her judgments and impulsive in her pursuit of dangerous plans, Poppy acts with immense heart and enthusiasm. Her good intentions redeem her stubbornness and occasional superficiality when navigating perilous situations.
Her entire journey is crucial to her emotional growth, transforming her from a somewhat naive young woman into a responsible adult. Even the VILLAINS and POSITIVE SUPPORTING CHARACTERS are remarkably interesting.
Despite the book's substantial length, the intense sequence of events meant there wasn't always space for deep dives into every individual. Yet, Raybourn skillfully conveys each character's unique traits through a few vivid scenes and lines, leaving a lasting impression.


______ A DELIGHT FOR HISTORY BUFFS :____

One of my favorite aspects in reading historical novels is how the author seamlessly weaves a creative imagination into real historical events, introducing fascinating real-life characters.
As an Italian, my knowledge of the British Empire's intricacies beyond elementary facts is limited, and I knew even less about the eccentric or unusual British figures who dared to challenge the rigid norms of Regency and Victorian society.

This read was a delightful opportunity to learn about (and subsequently research further online) the incredible Lady Esther Stanhope, a truly astounding historical woman and the intriguing legend of the Treasure of Ashkelon.
Raybourn meticulously introduces these historical elements at precisely the right moments and gradually, making them an integral and exciting part of the narrative rather than a burdensome or boring academic detour.


I also loved the folkloristic part with the description of local customs (for example the ritual of bathing in the hammam, the way of dressing or the black make-up on the eyes...) and of some of the local gastronomic delights.
All this contributed effectively to making me fully perceive the atmosphere of that place and that time.


_____________ CONCLUDING:______

This is a beautiful, engaging and relentlessly fast-paced story that I wholeheartedly recommend to all lovers of historical adventure and light, carefree reading.

However, if your primary goal is a passionate love story with deep romantic thrills, this definitely will not satisfy that craving(sorry to say that even a "proper regency romance" will give you more shivers on your skin and butterflies in your stomach).

___SUITABLE FOR ALMOST ALL AGES ___

_ Clean language.
_ While there's a hint of a sex scene towards the end, it is discreetly handled and not explicitly described.
_ While the plot involves three or four murders, none of these scenes are detailed graphically.


Thank you all for stopping by and reading my opinion, I hope it can be helpful in choosing your next book :-)

Curious to learn more about the book "City of Jasmine" to which this is a sort of sequel?
Read my review here:

A review of the short prequel that tells the story of Eve's first meeting with her husband Gabriel, can be found here: WHISPER OF JASMINE book #0.5

Gabriel and Eve, adventure in Damascus :
CITY OF JASMINE book #1

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ITALIAN EDITION : libro disponibile anche in italiano : RECENSIONE DISPONIBILE NEI PROSSIMI GIORNI

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Giveaway : September 2025 Free Printable Calendar

Cozy Up! Your FREE September 2025 Autumn Calendar is Here!

Hello, lovely readers!
Can you believe we're already waving goodbye to August and welcoming the hint of autumn?
That crispness in the air, the subtle shift in the light... it truly is one of my favorite times of the year!

And you know what that means, right? It's time for your shiny new, absolutely FREE monthly calendar giveaway!

As is tradition here on the blog, at the end of each month (or the very beginning of the next!), I love to share a little piece of art with you, a brand new calendar for the month ahead.
It's my way of saying thank you for being here, and hopefully, adding a little splash of joy and organization to your daily life.

Get Ready for September 2025 in Style!

For September 2025, I've poured all my autumn-loving energy into Photoshop to create something truly special.
Get ready to dive into a palette of brilliant reds, soft oranges, rich browns, and vibrant greens.

I've truly tried to capture all the incredible nuances autumn brings with itself, that magical shift in nature's wardrobe.
Every element is designed to evoke those cozy, crisp autumn vibes!

But it's not just about the leaves! This month's calendar features some of my favorite tiny forest friends that just scream autumn cuteness. Look out for:

- A sweet little owl with those adorable, big, curious eyes.
- A lovely sparrow on the doorstep of its little house
(by the way, do you have the good habit of putting them in your garden? All the birds appreciate them very much!).
- A darling hedgehog with the tenderest little face, ready to greet you each day.

It's cute, colorful, and just bursting with seasonal charm!

The best part? This calendar is yours to enjoy, completely free!
It's super easy to download and designed for high-quality printing, so whether you go big or small, it'll look fantastic.
No annoying pop-up ads, I promise!

CLICK ON THE PREVIEW BELOW TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE SEPTEMBER 2025 CALENDAR!
I create these with versatility in mind, so you can use it however best suits your needs:

- Desktop Background: Give your computer or tablet a fresh, autumnal makeover.
- Printable Calendar: Print it out in large format for your wall, fridge, or desk.
- Cute Bookmark: Print it smaller to tuck into your current read, perfect for those cozy autumn evenings with a good book!

I hope this calendar brings a smile to your face and helps you stay beautifully organized as we transition into one of the most picturesque seasons.

Let me know in the comments how you plan to use your calendar, I always love hearing your creative ideas!

Happy September prep, everyone!

With much love and autumn cheer, Tizi from Tizi Ccozy Corner :-)

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Monday, August 18, 2025

Book review : City of Jasmine by Deanna Raybourn

City of Jasmine
City of Jasmine book #1
by Deanna Raybourn

GENRE : #historical-adventure-mystery
( with a touch very little touch of romance)


My rating: ★★★★☆
Actually 3,9 stars rounded up to 4.

Deanna Raybourn's "City of Jasmine" offers a vibrant desert adventure, filled with compelling characters, sparkling dialogue, and a charming, exotic setting with a touch of historical depth. While I wouldn't recommend this to those seeking a passionate, sweeping romance, I wholeheartedly recommend it to those who enjoy a light, fast-paced read packed with thrilling adventures and a satisfying resolution.

THE STORY IN A NUTSHELL:

It's the 1920s, and renowned aviatrix Evangeline Starke has long believed her adventurer husband, Gabriel Starke, perished with the Lusitania. Their whirlwind courtship amidst London's glittering pre-war social scene was cut short by his apparent death. Now, five years later, Evie is forging a new life, circling the globe as a celebrated pilot and journalist. However, her world is shattered when she receives a mysterious – and recent – photograph of Gabriel, forcing her ambitious stunt to a screeching halt.

Accompanied by her eccentric Aunt Dove, Evie traces the photograph's origin to the ancient City of Jasmine, Damascus. There, she discovers that nothing is as it seems. Danger lurks around every corner, and a priceless relic – an artifact lost to time – is at stake. Criminals will stop at nothing to acquire it, even murder. Evie embarks on a perilous journey across the desert, determined to uncover the truth behind Gabriel's disappearance and recover the relic.

Along the way, Evie must confront the deceptions that separated her from Gabriel and embrace a passion that could redefine her future...

_________ ******* ________


WHAT I LOVED:
1__ Evangeline Starke Adventurous Life Introduction: I was immediately drawn in by the concise yet effective introduction to Evangeline Starke. We quickly learn how she reinvented herself as a celebrated aviatrix, earning a living by globetrotting and providing newspapers with captivating articles and photographs of herself, her adventurous aunt, and her aristocratic friend, Wally. This instantly establishes an unconventional heroine and sets the stage for thrilling escapades across the world.

2__ Eve, Captivating Heroine of the Story: Evie is a beautifully crafted character who resonates deeply because of her complexity and realism. She's not a perfect heroine but a real person—full of contradictions, strength, and vulnerability.
Her enduring love for her husband, despite years of absence and a difficult marriage, showcases a passionate stubbornness that feels genuine rather than contrived. The way she conceals her true feelings, even from herself, adds layers to her emotional struggle.

What truly stands out is Evie's refusal to be a victim. Even when faced with her husband's rough treatment, she responds with wit and unyielding will, demonstrating both courage and fierce loyalty. She's patient beyond reason and willing to confront painful truths instead of running away, which gives her remarkable depth. Her self-awareness, acknowledging her flaws while also displaying generosity and warmth to those around her, makes her incredibly relatable.

It's a shame the author didn't imbue Gabriel with the same depth or charm, as this imbalance can diminish the emotional impact. But Evie's character shines so brightly that she carries the story with authenticity and heart.
She's the kind of character you want to root for, the kind who stays with you long after you turn the final page.

3__ Impressive Desert Adventure: I absolutely loved the thrilling desert adventure that unfolds, filled with twists and turns. It magically rekindled that specific atmosphere of the Middle East, reminiscent of the fairy tales of Aladdin, Scheherazade, and The Arabian Nights, which I adored as a child. Unfortunately, I had lost that enchantment over the years, particularly after the rise of ISIS and the Taliban, their attacks on the West, the executions of journalists, and the ongoing conflicts between various religious factions. For a long time, when I thought of the Arab world, all that came to mind was dust, dirt, blood, and fear.

This book, however, delivered an adventure that reignited my curiosity, making me want to discover more about the historical and cultural stories behind these lands.

4__ Historical Echoes: I also thoroughly enjoyed the historical backdrop of the 1920s. The narrative subtly highlights how, even after the devastation of the First World War, Western colonial empires continued their attempts to exert control over what was not rightfully theirs.

The references to Lawrence of Arabia were particularly engaging (whom I only knew from movies, since he's part of British history, while I'm Italian). While reading the book, I found myself exploring online the life of this Englishman who tried to help the Arabs establish an independent state, and how the subsequent events and the revolts against the Turks unfolded in a disappointing manner.

I enjoyed researching, through Wikipedia, blog articles, and old black-and-white photos, the real-world places mentioned in the book, such as Damascus, Palmyra, and the Zenobia Hotel, an elegant hotel that was still in operation until 2013, but now sadly a victim of the conflict in Syria, riddled with holes and decay. This historical immersion added a rich layer to the story.

5__ Intrigue and Mystery: The intrigue surrounding the archaeological finds, perfectly interwoven with the political climate of the time, was another strong point. It kept me guessing and fully invested in the unfolding mystery.

6__ A Vibrant Supporting Cast: Finally, I loved almost all the supporting characters, both good and bad. Evie's loyal friend Wally, the enigmatic Sheikh Hamid, the diverse personalities at the archaeological dig, the charming British diplomat Hallyday, and even the funny and chatty parrot, they all added depth and flavor to the narrative. There was only one character I didn't quite connect with, although I know many readers appreciated her.

WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE:

1__ A Romance Mismatch: My primary disappointment stemmed from the book's cover and blurb (in addition to a prequel written a year after the book), which strongly suggest an intense love story between two protagonists deeply in love with each other. However, for up to 90% of the book, it seems like the only one truly in love is Evie. Her ex-husband, meanwhile, consistently adopts a gruff tone, and the only two kisses we witness toward the middle of the book are completely sterile and devoid of passion and genuine feeling. The romance trope should be "enemies to lovers," but here, even the slightest hint of love and interest on his part is missing, making the book profoundly disappointing from a romantic perspective.
Only in the last 10% do we get a making-love scene. It's tasteful; the author hints at it without explicit details, making it suitable for younger readers. Unfortunately, even after that scene, there are no overwhelming emotions or romantic thrills.

The ending is happy, but even here, the author missed an opportunity to make the hero more tender towards his ex-wife and now-returned partner. In fact, she's the only one who says "I love you," and there are no kisses that give you goosebumps (as any romance should, even if it's "clean" and free of explicit scenes).

2__ The Unconventional Aunt: The character I didn't like was the elderly aunt. While she's meant to be a whimsical, adventurous character, which could have been endearing, her portrayal as a 60-year-old Victorian woman who, despite her storied past, still flirts and makes insistent advances, even towards young men, felt off-putting. I found it quite jarring and out of place within the narrative.
It's also utterly absurd that, at a certain point in the story, she, at 60 years old and without prior experience, manages to fly an airplane on her own after less than an hour of lessons. This is particularly unbelievable, considering Evie herself has taken countless lessons from aviators recovering from the war, preparing herself practically, mentally, and physically.

3__ Too much of Peter Pan Influence: The last thing that bothered me slightly was the constant references to Peter Pan and Wendy, and the famous fairy tale. I've loved that fairy tale since I was a child, but in this context, it seemed a bit forced, and for a man of the world like Gabriel to constantly reference Peter Pan felt somewhat ridiculous and out of character.

*******______ ******
In any case, the negative aspects I mentioned were only a minor annoyance for me; overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the main characters and their world stayed with me for several days after I finished reading.

Despite its few flaws, "City of Jasmine" is a fantastic read for those seeking adventure, historical intrigue, and an escape to a vibrant, bygone era.

Thank for stopping by and reading my review. :-)

A review of the short prequel that tells the story of Eve's first meeting with her husband Gabriel can be found here: WHISPER OF JASMINE book #0.5

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Sunday, August 10, 2025

Book review : Whisper of Jasmine by Deanna Raybourn

Whisper of Jasmine
City of Jasmine book #0.5
by Deanna Raybourn

A Sweet and Intriguing Prelude
GENRE : #historical-short-romance #novella

My rating: ★★★★☆
Actually 3,5 stars rounded up to 4.

"Whisper of Jasmine" is a short novella that serves as a charming introduction to Deanna Raybourn's "City of Jasmine."
While I found the whirlwind romance a tad implausible at times, this quick read offers a glimpse into the world of Eve and Gabriel and how their paths first crossed amidst the glittering backdrop of a 1914 Christmas Eve and pre-war party.

________ WHAT IT'S ABOUT:_______ England, December 1914.
Notorious socialite Delilah Drummond won't be deterred by the war. Instead, she decides to throw the event of the year, and she's handing out invitations with an eye for wanton fun and wild abandon. There is the dashing explorer and archaeologist Gabriel Stark, a man at a crossroads in his life and then there is the charming if flighty Evangeline Merriweather, who has dreamed her whole life of adventure. After her vivacious Aunt Dove acts as fairy godmother, if a saucy one, providing a scandalous gown and a whisper of jasmine on her skin.... Evie will shake cool Gabriel to his core... One seductive night that will change their life forever.

___________ **************** ____________

This story immediately establishes a strong connection between Eve and Gabriel. Raybourn masterfully crafts the whirlwind meeting of the two main characters, making their instant spark feel not just palpable, but fated. This rapid-fire romance serves as a bold declaration of destined love, perfectly fitting for characters who are clearly meant for extraordinary lives.
However, their insta-love story is a bit fast-paced for my personal taste.

What truly elevates this story beyond a simple charming romance is the genius inclusion of a subtle yet significant hint of something more... The brief appearance of other intriguing characters and a whisper of intrigue that suggests a larger, more dangerous world lurking beneath the surface.
This taste of espionage really piqued my interest! It definitely encourages you to dive into "City of Jasmine" to uncover the secrets that await.

It's a tantalizing glimpse behind the curtain, leaving the reader eager to delve into the full-length novel to uncover the secrets hinted at.

My mom, a big fan of Deanna Raybourn's "Lady Julia mystery series", assures me Raybourn is a skilled storyteller who writes captivating historical tales with memorable deeply compelling characters, and I can see that potential here.

"Whisper of Jasmine" provides an intriguing background for Eve and Gabriel’s relationship and a tempting preview of the adventures to come in "City of Jasmine." A lovely short story that definitely makes you want to read the full novel.

If you're looking for a quick, romantic read with a hint of mystery, this might be the perfect appetizer before diving into the main course!

Thanks for reading! I hope this helps you choose your next book. :-)

Want to know more about Gabriel and Eve after they get married? Will their adventures tear them apart or bring them closer together?
My review about the sequel can be found here: CITY OF JASMINE book #0.5

Join me on FACEBOOK: Tizi Cozy Corner, to be always updated on new posts

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Saturday, August 02, 2025

Book review : Secrets of the Nile by Tasha Alexander

Secrets of the Nile
Lady Emily Mysteries book 16
by Tasha Alexander

GENRE : #historical-cozy-mystery

My rating: ★★★★☆
Actually 3,5 stars rounded up to 4.

"Secrets of the Nile" is a well-written tribute to Agatha Christie, and not a simple rehash of "Murder on the Nile."

I've read many books in the "Lady Emily" series by Tasha Alexander , and that is primarily why I'm giving this one 3.5 stars instead of a full 4: while I used to be a devoted fan of Golden Age whodunits, in recent years I've preferred mysteries with more action, coupled with solid investigation, historical settings (ideally with real historical figures), and a dash of flirtation and romance.

That winning combination often characterizes the "Lady Emily" books. However, this particular installment leans heavily into the style of the "Queen of Crime," focusing on investigation, scattered clues, logical reasoning, and deductive solutions, culminating in the classic final meeting of all suspects and the detective's (or their deputy's) revelation of the truth.

The book includes the series' hallmark alternating chapters, featuring a story set in the past (very common in much modern fiction), but the connection between the ancient past and Lady Emily's present feels somewhat tenuous.

Before delving into the details, here's the PLOT IN A NUTSHELL:

Lady Emily and her husband, Colin, along with Colin's illegitimate daughter, are invited by his mother to join a friend on a trip down the Nile, followed by a stay at his Egyptian villa.

Other British guests, all longtime friends of the host, join them. A sumptuous and elaborate welcome dinner is served on the first evening, but, at the very last moment, the host is poisoned to death, right before everyone's eyes.

Colin, a Crown Agent, takes charge of the investigation, with Emily's assistance (and the forced participation of his daughter, Kat), to unravel the mystery. Despite the group's dismay and long-standing friendships, cooperation proves difficult to come by.

________ ************** ____________

_____ THE MYSTERY_____

While many readers (myself included) might expect a murder mystery closely resembling Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile," Tasha Alexander appears to have drawn inspiration from another of Christie's works, transplanting it to the exotic setting of Egypt, with its archaeological digs, impressive pyramids, giant statues, temples and stories of pharaohs and gods.
She mentions this in her end notes (which I always read before starting a book). She doesn't specify which Christie novel, but having read all of them, I immediately thought of three or four possibilities.

I didn't immediately identify the solution, as the author skillfully blends elements reminiscent of Christie's books with the personal lives of Lady Emily and her family.
Even if I developed a strong hunch a couple of chapters before Emily uncovers the truth, I suspect this was mere luck, and my suspicion didn't detract from my enjoyment.
I felt compelled to discover the truth until the very end. Similarly, I was eager to learn the fate of Meryt, the female sculptor and protagonist of the ancient Egyptian storyline.

Overall, the puzzle is well-crafted, and the author's work is excellent.
Even the historical subplot, though less captivating than those in previous books, maintained my suspense, as the dramatic events hinted at from the beginning remain unknown until the climax.

Both timelines are narrated in the first person (Emily in 1904 and Meryt in ancient Egypt at the time of Ramesses II).


_____ CHARACTERS______

Readers familiar with the "Lady Emily" series will know the many recurring characters (her family and friends) who often participate in the stories.
This book features her handsome, clever (and very much in love with her) husband, her always-challenging mother-in-law, and Colin's impertinent and rebellious illegitimate daughter, Kat (a new character to me, as I skipped the two previous books).

While the characters are usually well-defined in the early books of the series, later installments tend to describe them with fewer details, both physically and personality-wise. This makes their personal experiences interesting for long-time readers, but it may be more challenging for newcomers to empathize with them.

I tend to read this series out of order (each book works as a STANDALONE and I select them based on the setting and time of year). However, I don't recommend this approach.
----->READING THE BOOK IN SEQUENCE is definitely more rewarding, as the series begins with Emily as a young woman.
Approximately twenty years elapse between the first book and this one, during which Emily experiences considerable personal growth and change.


____ SIDE CHARACTERS_____

None of the supporting characters are explored in great depth, but, in the style of classic Christie novels, each is presented with a characteristic that hints at a potential motive for murder.


_______ HISTORICAL PART______

This element, in my opinion, feels less pronounced compared to previous books.
Nevertheless, through Lady Emily's exploration of archaeological sites and Meryt's story, the author introduces us to the mysterious and fascinating world of the pyramids, their stunning frescoes, and the funerary customs surrounding not only deceased pharaohs but also the artists who decorated their tombs and lived together in villages near their construction sites.

Coincidentally, I watched a documentary on TV about excavations in Egypt, specifically focusing on the tombs of artists who decorated the tombs of the pharaohs during the reign of Ramesses II, the very period depicted in the book. Witnessing the remarkable preservation of those paintings was thrilling. Therefore, if you choose to read this book, I recommend enhancing your knowledge with readily available video documentaries on YouTube... or perhaps planning your next vacation to Egypt!

----> SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES: clean language, no gruesome scenes, no sex scenes.

In conclusion, while this wasn't my favorite Tasha Alexander novel, I will continue to eagerly follow the adventures of her heroine wherever she travels, both geographically and through history.

Thank you for reading my review.

If you want to know more about OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES, you can read some reviews here :

(Alas I was not used to reviewing books until a couple of years ago, so reviews of books #1 and #12 and some Christmas stories are missing )

BOOK #2 : A Poisoned Season

BOOK #3 : A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander

BOOK #4: Tears of Pearl

BOOK #5: Dangerous to Know

BOOK #13.5 : Upon the Midnight Clear ( Christmas novella )

BOOK #17: A Cold Highland Wind



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Thursday, July 31, 2025

Giveaway : August 2025 Free Printable Calendar

Hello lovely readers! ☀️

Saying goodbye to July, I'm so excited to share my August 2025 calendar with you!

As always, it's a little gift from me to you, designed with a whole lot of summer joy in mind.

This month's theme is all about the countryside!
Think sunshine, warm breezes, and the bounty of the fields. You'll find a charming scene complete with juicy watermelons, vibrant poppies, cheerful sunflowers, and golden ears of wheat.
To complete the picture, I've added a few adorable friends: a cute white mouse, an adorable chick, a fluttering butterfly, and a little sparrow, all enjoying the summer vibes.

I hope this calendar helps you stay organized and brings a smile to your face throughout August.

To get your free downloadable copy, simply click on the preview image to enlarge it, and then download.

Once you have downloaded the image you can set it as your desktop on your PC, or you could print it on adhesive paper and stick it on cardboard and then hang it on the wall.
By reducing the image size with any app, you can stick it on a smaller cardboard and use it as a bookmark (if you still love reading on paper).

----> No annoying pop-up ads, I promise! Just a little dose of sunshine from me to you.

Wishing you all a joyful and wonderful August 2025!
Enjoy! 💖

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Book review : From Cairo, With Love by Nancy Campbell Allen

From Cairo, With Love novella by Nancy Campbell Allen GENRE: Regency clean romance My rating: ★★★★★ ...