"Victorian romantic rendition of Sleeping Beauty is a charming winner"

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 choose only one historical over the summer, WAKING THE PRINCESS is a strong choice though released late in season in time for the Labor Weekend.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 27, 2003

Read an Excerpt

Only true love can awaken passion and restore a legend...but the one man who has the power must never fall in love....

Summary

Museum antiquarian Christina Blackburn once posed for a scandalous painting--and since then she has suppressed her passionate nature in favor of an academic life. While investigating an ancient ruin, she arrives at a Highland castle and encounters the very painting--and its dangerously handsome owner, Sir Aedan MacBride.

With secrets of his own and a family legend to protect, Aedan is irresistibly drawn to the beautiful, enchanting model for a mysterious painting--but according to an ancient family curse, he must never fall in love....