Rating: 
Summary: Timeless Tales review
Review: By TT reviewer Hattie BoydIn the 18th Dynasty of Egypt, there was born a love that could never be broken -that of a young queen and a great warrior. While the warrior's duty to combat the infidel was strict, and though his beloved was the wife of Pharaoh, the two would be separated only by death, and then only for a time. Egypt, 1892 Elizabeth Summers is on her way to the archaeological digs in Amarna on a donkey, breaking one of the rules of her Uncle Nahid, when she sees some unusual activity taking place. When she gets closer, she sees the camp is being attacked. She jumps into the fray and comes face to face with the leader of the warriors, Jabari bin Tarik Hassid. Elizabeth doesn't back down. She has come to the excavation for more than working. She has reason to believe that the cure for her Nana's respiratory illness can be found on the Almha, and she is determined to find it. She knows her Uncle Nahid will not be happy with her being part of the digs, but her grandmother is more important. Jabari bin Tarik Hassid is sheik of the Khamsin warriors of the wind and guardian of the Almha. Jabari does not believe in the love story that Kiya and Ranefer will be reunited, but he believes the power is in the Almha. He is bewitched by Elizabeth even though she is an infidel, and he knows the English are a danger to the Almha and other artifacts that tell their history. The Al-Hajid have been hired to guard the archaeological site and the excavating team. When Jabari finds this out he disguises himself and seeks a job at the excavation site in order to watch both the diggers and the Al-Hajid, who have been lifelong enemies of his tribe. Jabari has been keeping watch on Elizabeth, and when he finds her digging at the secret burial site of the Almha, he knows she has to be stopped. He decides kidnapping her and taking her to the camp where his harem is would be the best. Jabari soon discovers that Elizabeth will cause trouble wherever she is. THE FALCON & THE DOVE is a wonderful love story set in the Egyptian desert that blends history and legend to shape a love between two people from very different cultures. The main characters Elizabeth and Jabari are strong and stubborn and fight their feeling for each other from the beginning. There are many secondary characters and some great dialogue that makes the complex multilayered plot come alive for the reader. There is some graphic violence, but don't let that keep you from reading this wonderful book. The conclusion is one that left me wanting more of Elizabeth and Jabari's story.
Rating: 
Summary: Delightful read!
Review: I just finished this book, and now I'm off to look for other books by Bonnie Vanak. This is the first Egyptian historical I've read, and I want more!
Rating:
Summary: Great New Author
Review: I really enjoyed this book by Bonnie Vanak....it is original and the characters are so different....
Rating:
Summary: fast-paced paranormal historical romance
Review: In 1892, American Elizabeth Summers accompanies her uncle on his archaeological dig in Egypt to find a special artifact, the Almha. Though Elizabeth wants to be at the excavation site, as a woman she is only capable of cataloguing the findings. As his ancestors have done, Sheik Jabari and his desert warriors pledged to keep the Almha safe from infidels. They monitor the progress of the outsiders. Jabari is shocked to see a beautiful, blond woman among the diggers and he goes undercover pretending to be a worker. When Elizabeth realizes where the artifact is hidden, Jabari abducts her so that his charge remains hidden. Stunningly, Elizabeth and Jabari are attracted to one another. When he sees a dove shaped birthmark on her, he believes that she is the reincarnation of Queen Kiya, whom the ancient prophecy claims that one day she and the chief of her guards will return as lovers. Fans of paranormal historical romance will want to read THE FALCON AND THE DOVE, a fast-paced tale that hooks the audience from the moment Jabari sees Elizabeth among the excavators. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with action yet has time to develop a love subplot between the lead characters. Though the reincarnation angle adds suspense and an otherworldly feel to the novel, it also detours around a strong bi-cultural romance that makes for a riveting novel that glues the audience to their seat until the final page is read. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: fast-paced paranormal historical romance
Review: In 1892, American Elizabeth Summers accompanies her uncle on his archaeological dig in Egypt to find a special artifact, the Almha. Though Elizabeth wants to be at the excavation site, as a woman she is only capable of cataloguing the findings. As his ancestors have done, Sheik Jabari and his desert warriors pledged to keep the Almha safe from infidels. They monitor the progress of the outsiders. Jabari is shocked to see a beautiful, blond woman among the diggers and he goes undercover pretending to be a worker. When Elizabeth realizes where the artifact is hidden, Jabari abducts her so that his charge remains hidden. Stunningly, Elizabeth and Jabari are attracted to one another. When he sees a dove shaped birthmark on her, he believes that she is the reincarnation of Queen Kiya, whom the ancient prophecy claims that one day she and the chief of her guards will return as lovers. Fans of paranormal historical romance will want to read THE FALCON AND THE DOVE, a fast-paced tale that hooks the audience from the moment Jabari sees Elizabeth among the excavators. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with action yet has time to develop a love subplot between the lead characters. Though the reincarnation angle adds suspense and an otherworldly feel to the novel, it also detours around a strong bi-cultural romance that makes for a riveting novel that glues the audience to their seat until the final page is read. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Hot and sensual paranormal romance
Review: In 1892, Elizabeth Summers travels to the Egyptian desert to join her uncle on an archeological dig in the ancient city of Akhetaten. She desperately wants to find the Almha, a large gold disk supposedly buried in the ancient city; it purportedly possesses strong powers and ancient remedies. She needs the disk to hopefully find a cure for her grandmother's tuberculosis; however, her uncle wants it for an entirely different reason. Despite her vast knowledge of the Egypt's 18th Dynasty, her uncle will only allow her to assist in the cataloging of the dig site's discoveries. Possessing a papyrus she found in her grandmother's attic and strange images/memories she does not understand, Elizabeth sets out on a secret dig where she not only locates the Almha but meets her destiny in fulfilling an ancient prophecy. Jabari bin Tarik Hassid, Sheik of the Kahmsin warriors, is a descendant of a long line of warriors sworn to guard the Almha from discovery and destroy any efforts to unearth the disk. Posing as a field worker (Asim) to spy on the "infidels", Jabari soon finds he cannot deny the strong attraction he feels for Elizabeth. When she unearths the Almha, he cannot find the strength to follow his tribe's tradition and destroy her, so he spirits her away to his harem to spare her life. Overcome by his lust he sets out to seduce her only to find out she is not only his fated bride but possibly the answer to his tribe's prayers. I highly recommend reading this enchanting love story full of romance, sensuality and adventure. Bonnie Vanack demonstrates a true skill in making her characters not only human but humorous as well. I really enjoyed the plot, found it well-paced and the dialogue between Jabari and Elizabeth had me chuckling at the idiosyncrasies of Middle Eastern men and "modern" British women. The secondary characters, Uncle Nahid, Nkosi (Jabari's grandfather), Badra (a member of Jabari's harem) and Nazim (Jabari's best friend) not only made the story well rounded but added another key piece to this wonderful tale. I can't wait to read Nazim's story, "For A Warrior's Heart", currently in the works based on Bonnie's website. Happy reading!
Rating:
Summary: A Desert Love...for all time
Review: Kahmsin Shiek and Warlord, Jabari bin Tarik Hassid is a man of power and might. At the tender age of 26 years, he is a well-respected and much feared warrior. The Khamsin, a fierce tribe of desert warriors, are descendants of the guards who were loyal to Queen Kiya. They have a rich past, and an ancient legend tells of the great love that Kiya had for her Khamsin lover. Before she was slain by Akhenaten, she pledged that when the falcon and the dove came together, she would return to be bride, and bring peace and prosperity to the tribes. Jabari is not sure he believes in the legend, but he does believe in the Almha. He is sworn to protect it with his life, as is every Sheikh, and every Khamsin warrior. Englishmen are digging in Amarna, and they are pernicious. But the woman is a mystery he wants to solve. Bold and brazen, she is an affront to everything he has been taught about women, but she is a challenge. Who is she? Why have their paths crossed? American Archeologist Elisabeth Summers is finally in Egypt, the subject of her fascination. Her uncle, Nahid Wilson, is not what she expected. She really thought she would be more welcome, and able to use her formidable talents on the Amarna dig, not shoved into a clerk's role. Archeology is Elizabeth's life, for at an early age at her father's side, she learned the ins and outs, and now hopes to continue in her own right. The ruins she is standing near are a clue to what she really seeks. Only her Uncle Nahid is aware of her secret quest, and has offered to help her. Desolate yet beautiful Amarna, once the capital of Akhenaten, could hold the hope for a cure to her Nana's illness beneath its sands. The golden disk, The Almha, was made for Akhenaten but taken back by Kiya and hidden in the sands surrounded by mystery and legend. If tales of cures inscribed on the back are true, it may hold the promised recipe. This fabled past is a shadow in the lives of these two people and the strife of this time. The plunder of ancient sites for wealth and fame, a young American woman looking for a remedy, a ferocious sheikh protecting his heritage, and a greedy uncle all come together to give the reader a daring story of ancient passions and timeless love. Past hatreds, jealousies, and present suspicions clog the path Jabari and Elizabeth must find to the love that was destined for them long ages ago. If you want a truly exciting read, say hello to Bonnie Vanak! She has written a book set in the times of the British exploitation of Egyptian wealth, and flown with it to new heights. Taken from history, she has woven a tale of legendary proportions around the Pharaoh Akhenaten, whose rule is hidden in the mists of time. Amarna, and its artifacts, prove his existence and have helped to tell some of his story. The Falcon and the Dove takes you to one of the excavations of Amarna, and the story of a legendary couple and the prophecy that surrounds them. The Falcon and the Dove is a beautiful but fearsome tale of betrayal, hatred, lost love, and an unusual set of circumstances that will leave you hoping for more. Strong in style and character, the talents of this first time author deserves a place of honor. Jabari and Elizabeth's story, The Falcon and the Dove, is in November release from Leisure Books.
Rating:
Summary: A Desert Love...for all time
Review: Kahmsin Shiek and Warlord, Jabari bin Tarik Hassid is a man of power and might. At the tender age of 26 years, he is a well-respected and much feared warrior. The Khamsin, a fierce tribe of desert warriors, are descendants of the guards who were loyal to Queen Kiya. They have a rich past, and an ancient legend tells of the great love that Kiya had for her Khamsin lover. Before she was slain by Akhenaten, she pledged that when the falcon and the dove came together, she would return to be bride, and bring peace and prosperity to the tribes. Jabari is not sure he believes in the legend, but he does believe in the Almha. He is sworn to protect it with his life, as is every Sheikh, and every Khamsin warrior. Englishmen are digging in Amarna, and they are pernicious. But the woman is a mystery he wants to solve. Bold and brazen, she is an affront to everything he has been taught about women, but she is a challenge. Who is she? Why have their paths crossed? American Archeologist Elisabeth Summers is finally in Egypt, the subject of her fascination. Her uncle, Nahid Wilson, is not what she expected. She really thought she would be more welcome, and able to use her formidable talents on the Amarna dig, not shoved into a clerk's role. Archeology is Elizabeth's life, for at an early age at her father's side, she learned the ins and outs, and now hopes to continue in her own right. The ruins she is standing near are a clue to what she really seeks. Only her Uncle Nahid is aware of her secret quest, and has offered to help her. Desolate yet beautiful Amarna, once the capital of Akhenaten, could hold the hope for a cure to her Nana's illness beneath its sands. The golden disk, The Almha, was made for Akhenaten but taken back by Kiya and hidden in the sands surrounded by mystery and legend. If tales of cures inscribed on the back are true, it may hold the promised recipe. This fabled past is a shadow in the lives of these two people and the strife of this time. The plunder of ancient sites for wealth and fame, a young American woman looking for a remedy, a ferocious sheikh protecting his heritage, and a greedy uncle all come together to give the reader a daring story of ancient passions and timeless love. Past hatreds, jealousies, and present suspicions clog the path Jabari and Elizabeth must find to the love that was destined for them long ages ago. If you want a truly exciting read, say hello to Bonnie Vanak! She has written a book set in the times of the British exploitation of Egyptian wealth, and flown with it to new heights. Taken from history, she has woven a tale of legendary proportions around the Pharaoh Akhenaten, whose rule is hidden in the mists of time. Amarna, and its artifacts, prove his existence and have helped to tell some of his story. The Falcon and the Dove takes you to one of the excavations of Amarna, and the story of a legendary couple and the prophecy that surrounds them. The Falcon and the Dove is a beautiful but fearsome tale of betrayal, hatred, lost love, and an unusual set of circumstances that will leave you hoping for more. Strong in style and character, the talents of this first time author deserves a place of honor. Jabari and Elizabeth's story, The Falcon and the Dove, is in November release from Leisure Books.
Rating:
Summary: Mystically Exciting
Review: Setting - Egypt 1892 - American Elizabeth Summers has always wanted to be accepted as an archaeologist. She travels to Egypt with two purposes in mind - one to meet with her Uncle on an archaeological dig and the other to find a cure for her sick grandmother. Elizabeth had found an old papyrus that told of a special artifact, the Almha, that contained special writings for a cure. Unfortunately, being a woman, she would only be assigned the mundane tasks of cataloguing the findings. Sheik Jabari and his desert warriors were honor bound to keep the Almha safe from infidels and routinely send warriors to the dig to monitor their activities. During a raid to frighten off the workers Jabari is first introduced to Elizabeth who has just arrived. Jabari overcome at seeing this beautiful, blond, and brave woman among the diggers soon decides, that because he understands English better, he is best suited to discover what is going on. He goes undercover pretending to be a worker and also to discover just what it is about Elizabeth that attracts him. With what appears to be a mystical connection to the long dead queen who originally hid the Almha, Elizabeth realizes where the artifact is hidden and attempts to unearth it. Jabari, discovering her about to unearth the Almha, and rather than kill her on the spot, as tradition would dictate, abducts her so that the artifact remains hidden and brings her to his harem. Although, there exists a strong attraction between Elizabeth and Jabari to begin with, when he sees a dove shaped birthmark on her, he believes that she is the reincarnation of Queen Kiya, whom the ancient prophecy claims that one day she would return. He knows that for the good of his people he must marry her - but more than that - for himself as she's captured his heart.
This is a fast-paced tale that hooks the reader from the first chapter when Jabari sees Elizabeth among the excavators. The story is fast-paced and loaded with action and stimulating dialog, and a plethora of interesting and colorful secondary characters. The love developed between the lead protaganists is wonderfully and sensually done and the mystical reincarnation aspect is a unique touch that simply adds more enjoyment to this wonderful love story as East meets West. Tension and suspense leading up to the conclusion in the final chapters will leave you fully satisfied with this fabulous read and leave you yearning for more and looking forward to the next tale in this series.
Rating:
Summary: Mystically Exciting
Review: Setting - Egypt 1892 - American Elizabeth Summers has always wanted to be accepted as an archaeologist. She travels to Egypt with two purposes in mind - one to meet with her Uncle on an archaeological dig and the other to find a cure for her sick grandmother. Elizabeth had found an old papyrus that told of a special artifact, the Almha, that contained special writings for a cure. Unfortunately, being a woman, she would only be assigned the mundane tasks of cataloguing the findings. Sheik Jabari and his desert warriors were honor bound to keep the Almha safe from infidels and routinely send warriors to the dig to monitor their activities. During a raid to frighten off the workers Jabari is first introduced to Elizabeth who has just arrived. Jabari overcome at seeing this beautiful, blond, and brave woman among the diggers soon decides, that because he understands English better, he is best suited to discover what is going on. He goes undercover pretending to be a worker and also to discover just what it is about Elizabeth that attracts him. With what appears to be a mystical connection to the long dead queen who originally hid the Almha, Elizabeth realizes where the artifact is hidden and attempts to unearth it. Jabari, discovering her about to unearth the Almha, and rather than kill her on the spot, as tradition would dictate, abducts her so that the artifact remains hidden and brings her to his harem. Although, there exists a strong attraction between Elizabeth and Jabari to begin with, when he sees a dove shaped birthmark on her, he believes that she is the reincarnation of Queen Kiya, whom the ancient prophecy claims that one day she would return. He knows that for the good of his people he must marry her - but more than that - for himself as she's captured his heart.
This is a fast-paced tale that hooks the reader from the first chapter when Jabari sees Elizabeth among the excavators. The story is fast-paced and loaded with action and stimulating dialog, and a plethora of interesting and colorful secondary characters. The love developed between the lead protaganists is wonderfully and sensually done and the mystical reincarnation aspect is a unique touch that simply adds more enjoyment to this wonderful love story as East meets West. Tension and suspense leading up to the conclusion in the final chapters will leave you fully satisfied with this fabulous read and leave you yearning for more and looking forward to the next tale in this series.
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