Splendid You by Lynn Bailey

entertaining Victorian romanceby harstan

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April 13, 2000: In 1849, Julia Hanson heads to London to meet noted Egyptologist Simon Archer. Though they have never met, the two have corresponded for the past two years, as Julia loves everything about Ancient Egypt. However, their initial meeting turns sour and awkward because Simon expected an elderly woman not the vibrant, beautiful twenty-seven year old. When she mentions she wants to accompany him on his next dig, he turns chauvinistic and rejects the notion of an English lady at an archeological site, comparing her to his mother and sisters.

That night, she sneaks into the British Museum to see the exhibit of his latest find, artifacts from the tomb of Anket. Something weird happens and Julia becomes convinced that Anket has entered the nineteenth century. As Julia and Simon spend time together, they fall in love, but their relationship depends on his opening his mind to the capabilities of women. Then there is the strange occurrences centering on Anket.

SPLENDID YOU is an entertaining Victorian romance that brings to the forefront the nineteenth century love affair with anything from Ancient Egypt. Supernatural elements are added to the historical elements to make a strong mix although some purists will question their need. Julia is a wonderfully intrepid character while Simon struggles with a paradigm switch caused by her. The support cast adds the depth that makes 1849 seem alive. Lynn Bailey writes an interesting tale that will give much pleasure to sub-genre fans.

Harriet Klausner