
From bestselling Amazon author Shelley Kassian comes A Lotus to Love, the third book in the Places in the Heart series: A perfumer searching for a lost scent finds an unexpected connection with her tour guide in this heartfelt second-chance romance., Perfumer Portia Ross, once renowned for her scented artistry, struggles to recover from the grief shadowing her life since her husband’s death. With her career stalled and loneliness consuming her, she takes a bold step and travels to Egypt, determined to uncover Cleopatra’s legendary perfume. Following an ancient scent trail hidden within temple walls and desert flora, Portia confronts her deepest fears—with 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 insights and strength reminiscent of Cleopatra’s greatest love, Mark Antony. As their connection deepens, his childhood trauma and unwavering faith resonate with Portia, forging a profound emotional bond. But as their feelings ripen and more discoveries are made, Nadir’s secret threatens to unravel the romance blossoming 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.” The Review Group
Author

SHELLEY KASSIAN has been writing timeless love stories filled with romance or dark fantasy (romantasy) for more than twenty years, novels that include her recent beach read, A Sea for Summer. A history enthusiast, she’s traveled far and wide to explore secret gardens and medieval castles, having an avid interest in the Tudor period. Her prose has been described as “near rhapsodic,” “pitch perfect,” and “stylishly straightforward, rarely relying on complex turns of phrase.” Reviewers have said her narrative conveys “imaginative fantasy,” “fascinating characters,” and “refreshing romance.” Shelley’s taken creative writing courses, holds board positions within professional associations, and retains a Professional Editing Certificate. Drawing on her expertise, she has mentored novice writers, but her passion comes alive while scribing her stories into novel-length fiction. Shelley shares her life with her husband, adores her adult children and three grand pups, and when not relaxing at her seaside cottage, lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.