A Lotus to Love: Perfume, Passion, and Discovery in Egypt
About this ebook
Perfumer Portia Ross is haunted by grief and loneliness after the devastating loss of her husband. Though her career once flourished, her sorrow clouds her future. In a bid to heal and reclaim her sense of purpose, she embarks on a journey to Egypt, determined to uncover the secrets of Cleopatra’s legendary perfume—and perhaps some of the queen’s strength along the way. As Portia follows an ancient scent trail hidden within temple walls and desert flora, she confronts her deepest fears—with the help of a man who kindles desires she thought were lost forever.
Nadir, weary of the monotony of his tour guide business, steps in when his archaeologist friend declines the job. Though not the expert Portia expected, Nadir guides her through Egypt’s mesmerizing temples and desert landscapes, offering unexpected insights and a strength reminiscent of Cleopatra’s greatest love, Mark Antony. As their connection deepens, his childhood trauma as an orphan and his unwavering faith resonates with Portia’s grief, forging a profound emotional bond. But as their bond grows and more discoveries are made, the secrets Nadir harbors threaten to unravel the blossoming romance between them.
In the sands of Egypt, where ancient fragrances linger, will Portia unearth Cleopatra’s long-lost perfume, or will a new scent—love—bloom in the desert?
Praise for A Lotus to Love: “A sumptuous international romance that tantalizes both the senses and the heartstrings … Written with visceral and sensorial prose that brings both this faraway location and fascinating world of perfume to life, this is a touching and engrossing novel about grieving, healing, and relearning how to trust.” SPR, The Review Group
About the author
Bestselling author Shelley Kassian has captivated readers for over two decades with her timeless love stories, seamlessly blending romance and dark fantasy into a genre she affectionately terms ‘romantasy.’ Among her notable works is A Gentleman for Christmas, an Edwardian romance that became an Amazon bestseller in Canada.
An avid history enthusiast, Shelley’s wanderlust has taken her on adventures through secret gardens and medieval castles, with a particular fascination for the Tudor period. Critics have praised her prose as “near rhapsodic,” “pitch-perfect,” and “stylishly straightforward,” while readers celebrate her narrative for its “imaginative fantasy,” “fascinating characters,” and “refreshing romance.”
Shelley’s storytelling prowess is complemented by her professional screenwriting and editing certificates and her dedication to mentoring aspiring writers. She has held board positions in various writing associations, further showcasing her commitment to the literary community.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Shelley cherishes time with her husband, adult children, and adored grand pups. When not at her seaside cottage, she’s immersed in crafting captivating stories that continue to enchant her loyal readers.
