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An American Heiress #3

Among Sand and Sunrise

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The discovery of a lifetime will bring the fulfillment of Syble's greatest hopes. Yet, sometimes choosing love is more important than achieving dreams.

From USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie, comes an inspirational historical romance AMONG SAND AND SUNRISE, An American Heiress novel.

AMONG SAND AND SUNRISE
--1909--

After three failed seasons, American heiress Syble Rinecroft is more than ready to move forward in a life of independence and adventure. And what better way to begin than by taking a trip to Egypt with her grandmother and her band of widowed friends to find a hidden tomb? There’s only one catch. The archaeologist the widows insist on employing is none other than the irritating Marcus Brandt whom Syble met years ago on another trip to Egypt. If Syble has any hope of finding the tomb and being known for something other than too vivacious to make anyone a suitable wife, she’ll have to learn to work with Marcus.

British archaeologist Marcus Brandt has only ever wanted one thing—a discovery in Egypt that will bring him the acclaim that has eluded his career. Such a thing will surely be found in the tomb he is presently clearing. So when his wealthy patroness and her friends, including Marcus’s grandmother, seek his help in finding a hidden tomb, he’s reluctant to agree to the new dig. Especially when it involves daily interaction with Syble Rinecroft, the annoying adolescent he met eight years ago.

Compelled to do the dig for different reasons, Syble and Marcus finally agree to work together, in spite of their opposite approaches to life. As the days pass, though, they discover there may be more to each other and their growing friendship than either expected to find. And yet, opening their hearts might just cost them their dreams.

AMERICAN HEIRESS SERIES:
Night at the Opera
Beneath an Italian Sky
Among Sand and Sunrise

LOVE INSPIRED HISTORICAL:
A Cowboy of Convenience
The Rancher's Temporary Engagement
The Outlaw's Secret
The Renegade's Redemption
Lady Outlaw
The Express Rider's Lady

OF LOVE AND WAR SERIES:
Hope at Dawn
Hope Rising
A Hope Remembered
A Christmas Hope

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2019

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About the author

Stacy Henrie

31 books854 followers
Stacy Henrie, a USA TODAY bestselling author, has always had a love for history, fiction, and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a mother to three, Stacy loves to live out history through her fictional characters. In addition to author, she is also a reader, a road trip enthusiast, and a novice interior decorator. Her books include Hope at Dawn, a 2015 Romance Writers of America RITA finalist for excellence in romance.

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5 stars
88 (42%)
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85 (41%)
3 stars
29 (14%)
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3 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,636 reviews201 followers
November 12, 2019
This book took me a little while to read and finish. Not because of the book itself but because of everything happening in my life. My reading time was extremely limited. But every chance I had, I was pulling this one out and diving back into the story of Syble and Marcus.

From the very beginning of the book I could tell that these two were very opposite. But the whole opposites attract fit them perfectly! The beginning of the book had me laughing at some of their antics and especially at their initial and main argument. Then several years later their paths cross again and that old grudge is still pretty strong on Syble's part. They've both experienced loss and heartache and both have hopes for their futures. But what they didn't hope for was being put back into each other's presence.

I won't go into any details but I did enjoy the scenes with these two a lot. The frustration at their situation and learning to adjust was comical at times and understandable at times. But I enjoyed the slow development of their friendship and both of them recognizing the feelings of love developing between them.

There is some great comic relief provided by a group of characters. The widow's group that Syble is traveling to Egypt with. These ladies were just a hoot! I loved them. I had tears coming out of my eyes a couple times from imagining the scene in my mind with them and their antics. Oh heavens! It was lovely and hysterical all at the same time!

If you enjoy ancient Egypt and the thrill of discovery then this book will probably appeal to you. There are some references to the previous characters in this series and it was fun to see those. Nothing big that would make you feel like you are missing out if you haven't read those previous books and decide to read this one. It works as a great standalone.

I'm wondering if there will be more in this series or if this is the end? I guess I'll have to keep my eyes open to see for sure.

Content: Clean.

I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Mara.
1,261 reviews90 followers
November 7, 2019
4.5 stars for the latest in the American Heiress series. After three failed Seasons Syble has given up on winning a man's heart, and joins her grandmother and the Wandering Widows on a trip to Egypt. It's there she finds out the archaeologist they've hired is Marcus Brandt, whom she didn't get along with eight years ago on a previous trip to Egypt.

Marcus doesn't know that Syble is going to be involved in the dig his grandmother plans to sponsor, and is none too pleased when he finds out that the dig involves an old map Syble found in an urn eight years ago.

This is isn't a friends-to-lovers story and I didnt' consider it an enemies-to-lovers story because Syble was only 13 and Marcus 19 when they met the first time. It's more of an acquantances-discover-they-are-more-alike-than-they-thought story, as Syble and Marcus spend weeks together in Egypt digging and getting to know each other better. It's a slow and gentle romance, not one where the main characters feel an instant attraction. Marcus and Syble have each been hurt by someone they had feelings for and feel they're too different from societal norms to find a love match.

I liked how Syble was willing to be alone rather than married to someone who wouldn't allow her to be herself. I loved the Wandering Widows with their schemes and matchmaking ideas. They sound like a great bunch of older ladies that would be a hoot to hang around with and would liven up any boring gettogether.

I loved the descriptions of the tombs and the findings. I didn't know much about archaeology in the early 1900's and found it very interesting. I'm really enjoying this An American Heiress series. This is a clean romance.

I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Staci.
2,043 reviews602 followers
August 4, 2020
Fascinating premise for a historical romance series..."dollar princesses" or new money heiresses from America that travel to England to land a titled husband.

In the final book of the series, Sibyl Rinecroft has given up on finding a husband after two failed seasons in America and another in London. Her last suitor's family found her too outspoken and spontaneous. After Sibyl returns to America, her grandmother invites her to join her traveling widow's group to Egypt to visit an archeological dig she sponsors.

There is a bit of predictability in the pages, but it's still an enjoyable journey. I love the author's note which shares the aspects of the novel based upon history, which was quite a bit.

I recommend this series. The covers are spectacular!
Profile Image for Aimee (Getting Your Read On).
3,042 reviews281 followers
October 29, 2019
This is the third book in this American Heiress series by Stacy Henrie. Each book can stand alone easily so don't worry if you haven't read the others but do add them to your read list as they are both great stories!

I loved the setting for this story. Egypt is so foreign to me and the excitement of the 1900's when people were discovering all the ancient ruins and tombs makes this book so fascinating. Can you imagine finding and walking into an undiscovered tomb full of treasures and history? Wow. How amazing that would be? I felt some of that amazement through the eyes and thoughts of the characters in this book and I loved it!

This story is slow and gentle. There isn't anything heart pounding or climactic about it. It follows Syble and Marcus as they learn about each other while working together on a dig. They are both just outside the "norms" of their time which made them even more interesting to me as a reader. I really enjoyed my time spent with this book.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Adrienne.
2,048 reviews15 followers
September 30, 2019
I love a good enemies-to-lovers story, and this is definitely a good one! I liked seeing how Syble and Marcus are both initially so irritated by each other but then can't help but start to notice each other's good qualities. Their growing attraction--but their mutual insecurities based on past experiences--were realistically written. The setting was really interesting; it was neat to accompany the characters on an archeological dig in Egypt. The Wandering Widows were terrific side characters; I loved their matchmaking attempts and their concern for both Syble and Marcus. Well-written and really interesting story!
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
1,353 reviews40 followers
September 30, 2019
After three seasons, seeing her last opportunity for matrimony go up in smoke, Syble Rinecroft has come to the conclusion that she is not the type men marry. She's not demure and quiet enough. There she was, feeling miserable in New York when her grandmother proved to be her savior. Her Nana and her three friends, the Wandering Widows, are sailing to Egypt and want Syble to accompany them. Syble is thrilled until they arrive in Egypt: the archaeologist on site is none other than Marcus Brandt, the boy who had scoffed at her precious find eight years before while they were on a cruise on the Nile River with their relatives.

When they first met in 1901, Syble and Marcus were respectively thirteen and nineteen, and I'll be eternally grateful that neither of them carried a torch all this time. They acted their age in relation to each other and their personalities: he is studious and reserved, while she's a dynamo, energetic and vivacious. The years haven't fundamentally changed them, but they are now more open to compromise. I loved that there was no bickering, no resentment on Syble's part, but their competitive natures, which give us quite a few entertaining scenes, bring them closer. They're attracted to each other, and the reasons why neither dares make a move are perfectly reasonable.

AMONG SAND AND SUNRISE is a delightful read, filled with vibrant images, inspired dialogues, and wonderful characters; the fabulous Florence is as unforgettable as Marcus and Syble. The romance is lovely and nothing happens by magic; Marcus and Syble find true love the same way they uncover treasures: with patience, enthusiasm, and dedication.



I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

495 reviews10 followers
October 3, 2019
What I enjoyed about this book:

• My interest was immediately caught in the beginning of the story with the constant competition and bickering between Syble and Marcus, when they were teenagers. They were just 13 and 19 yrs old taking a Nile River Cruise with their respective grandmothers.
• Sybil and Marcus meet again as adults and this is their story of finding self acceptance and love.
• I liked the concept of an archeological dig in Egypt. Aarcheology has always fascinated me.
• The Wandering Widows were a fun group of women and they added so much depth to the story.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• The pacing of the story was neither too slow nor too fast.
• There was a smooth, coherent flow to this book.
• This story had a very satisfying ending.
• This was a clean read.

I was given an advance reader's copy of this book by the author. My review was voluntary and my comments and thoughts were my own. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy historical romance and adventure.
798 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2019
WOW! I really enjoyed this third American Heiress book!

My favorite type of books are the ones that peak my interest enough to do additional research for myself on a particular topic and this one did just that. I have loved ancient Egypt and archeology forever and this added more for me to look into.

The story moves along well and keeps you engaged. I really enjoyed the development of the characters and the relationships between them. I also loved how they were willing to rely on the Lord for guidance and support.

I loved how Marcus and Syble were both strong and intelligent. But what was striking is how both felt like they didn't "fit in" to what society felt was "proper". But as they grew and learned about themselves and each other, they found that they did fit, just in their own way.

I was sorry for the story to end!

I look forward to more books by the author!
Profile Image for Lorieah.
156 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2019
This is a great addition to a series that I have enjoyed reading. It kept my interest from the very beginning with good pacing, writing, and characters. I loved the message that not only do we need to look for the beauty in the things/people around us that may be hidden on the inside, but also within ourselves.

I received a free copy, and this is my honest opinion.
6 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2019
I very much enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting and clean. Love a good clean romance.
Profile Image for Kelly Bridgewater.
1,138 reviews57 followers
December 16, 2019
What a different tpe of story! I really enjoyed the unique setting. Most historical fiction does not go to Egypt, so this was a nice change. I enjoyed the characters who have showed up in previous books in this series. A delightful read. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,204 reviews14 followers
September 30, 2019
I loved this historical fiction romance. I learned so much about Egyptian archaeology in the early 1900s. The characters were wonderful. The story moved quickly. Pure delight!
Profile Image for Charissa.
Author 13 books76 followers
December 3, 2019
Historical romance. Part of the American Heiress series by this author. This one is set in Egypt and is a frienemies romance. The couple meets as children. He is 19, she is 13 when their families tour Egypt. Syble thinks Marcus is boring and rigid. He thinks she is silly and impulsive. When they meet years later as adults, they are determined to not like each other based on past judgments. But when those judgments turn out to be totally false, they are both thrown into a conundrum when attraction and respect begins to bloom between them on an archeological dig they do together. The characters were amazing. I really liked both of them. And I thought the setting was magical. How could you now like an Indiana Jones type setting where the characters and trying to find ancient treasures? I loved how the characters each grew and developed through this story, and I love the twists that would bring them together and then tear them apart. It was a very enjoyable read and had a good wrap-up ending that makes your toes tingle. 😊
194 reviews4 followers
October 11, 2019
I enjoyed this book, the setting was fun and interesting. It was fun to learn about that kind of stuff. However I gave it a lower rating because it did not keep my interest. I had a hard time getting through this book. Usually I sit down with a book and have a hard time getting back up. However with this book I had a hard time really getting into it. The characters were fun to get to know though.
I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
5,895 reviews
November 1, 2019
I have enjoyed Stacy Henrie's An American Heiress series and the third book, Among Sand and Sunrise, is by far my favorite of the three books. I enjoyed the characters, history, characters, and story. I am giving it four and a half stars.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Chanel Sharp.
226 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2020
First off what a way to end the series. Secondly Stacy Henrie is definitely on our automatic author read shelf. This books was so amazingly good.
Now the big reason mom and me found this book to be so good, and we apologize if this is a bit of a let down for some of you, is because it takes place in Egypt, this right EGYPT, mom and I have found few books let alone romance books that take place in Egypt. It was such an interesting and unused setting that we instantly fell in love with it. Seriously that made the cake.
But one can not for get the ice and that was the characters. OH My Dogness! The characters in this were over the moon. Syble was such a fun character to read about. She was an outspoken lady for her time and she never let society opinion of her change who she was as a person; but she also made sure to never be mean or rude either. Usually mom and I have found sometimes outspoken woman of the time tend to get the role of saying mean or snippy things, which unless the occasion calls for it, just leave the character seeming like not a nice person. Syble was never any of that which lead us to understanding why Marcus fell in love with her. Marcus was an amazing hero and Mom and me would not have change him for he world. As for the old ladies club they were a joy to read about.
Seriously an amazing book and this or the whole series is more than worth the read.
Profile Image for Aubree.
1,064 reviews9 followers
June 7, 2021
A historical romance set among the tombs of Egypt in the middle of an exciting archaeological dig! This should have been great. But it was just okay. It was missing that extra something that makes some novels sparkle. I didn’t think enough happened and the setting and other details were lacking. The story dragged (I turned the audio to 1.75x speed just to get the story moving), especially with the never ending back and forth of the two main characters getting a secret thrill from accidentally brushing against each other’s hand but then assuming the other one could never feel the same. And repeat. Then, 🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨 when they finally do get together it lasts for literally one dance before a former beaux shows up and ruins everything. Ugh. Also, I think there was a big plot hole. The author makes it seem like Marcus has to go with the ladies on their dig IMMEDIATELY or miss out forever. I do not understand why the women couldn’t have hung out at the hotel for a week while he finished his current project, then embarked on the quest to follow the map. That made no sense and was dumb.
11 reviews
February 1, 2023
The only thing that American heiress, Syble Rhinecroft, wants in life is adventure. After three seasons spent in search of love without any avail, Syble decides to give up love and try to join a group of women, who call themselves the Wandering Widows, on their adventures. Her grandmother, who is a member of the Wandering Widows, recognizes her loneliness and invites Syble to join them on a trip to Egypt. What Syble doesn’t know is that a man she met in her childhood, Marcus Brandt, is also in Egypt and Syble’s grandmother and the Wandering Widows have all intentions to get the two of them together. The only problem is that they have completely opposite personalities. This magnificent novel follows Syble and Marcus’s journey in this land of “sand and sunrise”.

The combination of a riveting plot, comedic romance, and very well developed characters whom one can easily relate to, creates a very enthralling novel! Henrie has also done an excellent job in her inclusion of, and basis of, real happenings during this time (the 1900s) in Egypt. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this novel to any lover of romance, comedy, and historical fiction!
Profile Image for Melissa’s Bookshelf.
2,228 reviews128 followers
March 18, 2021
Loved this third book in the American Heiress series! This book has such a great location! It is set in the early 1900's in Egypt. This time period is so fascinating because this is the time when great discoveries of tombs were happening. The characters are really enjoyable. I loved the Wandering Widows! Syble and Marcus have a great relationship and romance. I enjoyed all their interactions and their personalities. Both have suffered failed relationships and don't want to be hurt again so they are weary of each other even though there is a strong attraction there. Such a great story with a great message of the importance of being true to yourself.

Stacy Henrie is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! She has such a great way of writing characters that are deep and relatable. The stories are so well written and I love the settings of this series. She also includes historical facts in her stories that are really interesting. Looking forward to what she is writing next!
Profile Image for Betsy.
422 reviews16 followers
April 20, 2021

Armchair traveling is very enjoyable, especially when each book in the series takes place in a different locale. Such is the case with the An American Heiress series by Stacy Henrie. When I looked on my Kindle and realized I had all three of the books, I knew I was in for some binge reading. This third and final book in the series centered around an archaeological dig in Egypt and two acquaintances reconnecting there after a previous excursion several years earlier.

I loved how Syble’s and Marcus’ character growth developed throughout the course of the story and how their previous annoyance with each other changed into something very different. And the Wandering Widows traveling group—those ladies were a hoot! I have enjoyed each of the books in the series and wish there were more! I highly recommend these books and this author!
701 reviews5 followers
October 13, 2020
This has been a good series. I thought there were true but not ovebearing Christian themes. I also wouldn't say it preachy but a natural part of the characters person. I found the historical aspects of an Egytptian dig interesting. I loved the path Stacy Henrie had the H & h take with individual growth. Also learning to grow together and become complimentary to each other. I thought there was sweet moments for the h & H. This was a wonderful slow burn romance. I enjoyed how the book was ended.
Profile Image for Mary Gallo.
424 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2020
A very good story, but....

I liked the story, the characters, the plot, everything was a perfect storm for a great read. But it just dragged on. There was no tempo, there was too much introspection and the conversations did not propel the story, it stalled the story. An example, what reason was there for Syble to walk around with her article for days(!?!) instead of shoving it under Marcus' nose. If this was to be used as a catalyst for Marcus to realize Syble loved him, it was weak. But the rest of the story was good.
Profile Image for Angela.
475 reviews25 followers
October 14, 2021
This was my favorite of the American Heiresses series! Marcus and Syble were wonderful main characters with great chemistry, the Wandering Widows were adorable, and the Egyptian setting made my little heart wish I were there digging up gorgeous treasures right alongside them. Bravo Stacy Henrie Bravo!!
Profile Image for Claudia.
386 reviews
May 24, 2021
I really enjoyed reading the 3rd book in this series. I loved the Wandering Widows. What a fun group! Marcus and Sybel were great. I enjoyed reading about the archeological sites and how it was in Egypt at that time.
Profile Image for Sarah Southerland.
Author 2 books10 followers
February 28, 2020
3.5 stars. Clean romance. I didn’t like this one nearly as much as the others. But overall a great series.
776 reviews10 followers
June 5, 2020
What a great end to a fun trilogy.
76 reviews
April 11, 2021
I LOVED this book!! I think this is my favorite series yet! Wonderful reads! :)
1,710 reviews
January 10, 2020
Amazing! It has a unique Egyptian setting, an immersion in to archaeological digs and a delightful cast of characters, major and minor, that you'll fall in love with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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