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WAKING THE PRINCESS
Susan King
Signet, Sep 2003, $6.99, 352 pp.
ISBN: 0451208838
In 1858 Edinburgh, though museum antiquarian expert Christina Blackburn wants to acquire the Dundrennan collection, she prefers to avoid traveling there. Christina knows that the MacBrides who reside at Dundrennan own the scandalous painting that she posed for in her youth and hides from it ever since in garbs to bury her beauty. No one else with the skills is available so a reluctant Christina agrees to go, but hopes that her frumpy wardrobe hides the fact that she was the model.

Upon arriving at the home of Sir Aedan Arthur MacBride, Christina sees her notorious portrait on display. He feels that if he links her to the picture, her credibility will be destroyed. Aedan finds himself quite attracted to his guest and wonders if the legend of the painting could be true that he is the handsome man WAKING THE PRINCESS with love.

Susan King's Victorian romantic rendition of Sleeping Beauty is a charming winner that will provide readers with quite an entertaining time. The story line is clever and witty as the lead couple struggles to avoid what seems obvious to everyone else is their kismet, fulfilling the legend. If a reader can only choose only one historical over the summer, WAKING THE PRINCESS is a strong choice though released late ins season in time for the Labor Weekend.

Harriet Klausner

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