All her life, Egyptologist Maggie Owen has wanted to experience Egypt in person. She’s never had a chance to do so, until now. Given a grant to explore the deserts near Gizah in search of a lost tomb, Maggie, single and childless, jumps at the chance. She’ll miss her family and cat, but she’s not about to pass up the chance to see the land she’s read about since she was a child.

Life is harsh in Egypt. She’s hot, lonely and sandy all the time…but wouldn’t have it any other way. One day, on her dig, she uncovers the ancient tomb of Ramose Nakh-Min. While prodding the sarcophagus Maggie discovers a secret compartment containing a scarab amulet, very similar to the one she was given by a superstitious local for protection. When the two scarabs touch, Maggie falls—three thousand years into the past where she meets Ramose, a servant of Pharaoh Akhenaton and Queen Nefertiti.

The darker locals don’t know what to make of Maggie. With long blonde hair and pale green eyes, some consider her a jinn and stay away from her at all costs. Others, jealous of her fair skin and beautiful looks, wish her dead and make attempts on her life. In short order, however, Maggie acclimates to ancient Egyptian life and falls for the handsome and loving Ramose, all the while believing that she shouldn’t marry him as she belongs to a different time.

It’s no secret that Pharaoh Akhenaton is falling out of favor with the people, as he’s become monotheistic, demanding that his subjects toss aside their many gods to follow his example. It becomes clear that those attached to the Pharaoh by marriage, blood or association are in danger. Maggie, Ramose and the Queen, out of favor with the Pharaoh, find themselves on the run not only from the Pharaoh whose sanity is quickly slipping but also from Lord Haremhab, a man whose greed for the throne knows no bounds. Will Maggie be able to return to her own time? Will she even want to, now that she’s finally found love?

Loving all time travel tales and ancient Egyptian history, I eagerly delved into Egyptian Heart. I was not disappointed with what I read. It was clear that much research went into creating this wonderful tale. Lush descriptions of Egyptian palaces and feasts carried me away, and for a brief period of time, like Maggie, I was in another time and place. Ramose is fierce, but incredibly loving toward the woman who stole his heart. Maggie is courageous, treating all, including slaves, with respect and compassion. The tension of the perilous situation with Pharaoh and his people was the perfect element of suspense that kept the story quickly moving up until its satisfying ending. I highly recommend Egyptian Heart and thank Katherine Meyer Griffith for writing such a wonderful story.

Reviewed by: Bella