Guest Author Anne Cleeland

Regency author Anne Cleeland is visiting me again today with her second book, The Daughter of the God-King. Anne is giving away a copy of the book to one commenter who says they want it.

First the cover. I think it’s lovely.

Now the blurb.

The daughter of world-famous Egyptologists is living an uneventful life in England until her parents disappear while working their latest find in the Valley of the Kings. Suddenly, the various factions from Napoleon’s last war are pursuing her, and she must travel to Egypt to unravel the mystery.  Along the way, she meets her parents’ enigmatic agent, who also appears to be pursuing her—although his reasons may be more personal than professional.  What secret is buried in the tomb of the God-King’s daughter ?  The answer will change her life forever, and could set the world ablaze in yet another war.

If you’re still not convinced. Here is an excerpt.

Laughing, she felt immeasurably better, and raised her face to his. For a second he stilled, an arrested expression in his eyes. Ah, she thought. The mask slips a bit–and he thinks me charming, despite himself. There was little time before Bing landed, so she asked a direct question. “Who are you that you follow me about?”

He did not miss a beat. “I must speak with you.”

“No need to skulk, then,” she chided him.  “I so dislike skulkers.”

“I must speak with you unobserved,” he amended.

Arching a brow, she shot him a look. “Unobserved by whom?”

“Ah, your companion formidable alights.” He moved to assist Bing, who was understandably a bit flustered by his attentions.

Hattie bent to brush the leaves off Bing’s skirt while Berry stood at a discreet distance. “Don’t ask,” Hattie said under her breath.

“I wouldn’t think of it,” replied Bing in the same tone.

“May I call for a haquenee?” asked Berry, making a gesture toward the street.

“If you would,” Hattie agreed, thinking the situation a farce and very much in keeping with the tenor of this miserable, miserable evening.

As he handed Bing into the conveyance he turned to Hattie. “I will call on you tomorrow, if you will permit.”

“To what purpose?”

“It is important you do not leave before I have spoken to you.”

Hattie shook her head slightly in bemusement. “Why on earth would I retreat? I cannot allow Robbie to think I am crushed; I am not such a sap-skull.”

He ducked his chin at her, his eyes gleaming in amusement. “You are forthright.”

“And you are a master at avoiding questions you’d rather not answer—it appears I am no match for you in guile.”

He teased her with a charming smile, his teeth flashing white in the darkness. “Come, come–such modesty; you are the god-king’s daughter, after all.”

Surprised, she met his eyes to find his gaze suddenly sharp upon hers.  The gentleman did not appear crazed–he must have misconstrued a chance comment.  “You misunderstand–the new tomb contains the remains of the god-king’s daughter.”

“Your pardon,” he said, and bowed.

Buy link: Amazon

Anne Cleeland holds a degree in English from UCLA as well as a degree in law from Pepperdine University, and is a member of the California State Bar.  She writes a historical fiction series set in the Regency period as well as a contemporary mystery series set in New Scotland Yard.  A member of the Historical Novel Society and Mystery Writers of America, she lives in California and has four children.