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"A delightful and dramatic time travel"

Cynda Madison hates restoration projects as she simply wanted to paint, but a struggling artist must eat. She currently works for the Hope Springs Historical Society, which plans the major July 4th festival to raise money for the restoration of the once glorious Chesterfield Hotel. Cynda cleans a portrait of handsome Prince Dimitri Karakov, artist unknown. When she learns that Dimitri was killed at the Chesterfield in 1889, Cynda is unable to resist learning more about the tragic figure whose picture attracts her.

In a hope chest, Cynda finds the painting's nameplate. However touching the nameplate transports Cynda back in time to when the Chesterfield was in it glory. She tries to warn the arrogant Dimitri who ignores her admonition, but still hires her to paint his portrait. As they fall in love, Cynda worries that her beloved will die even while she is returned to her biological place in time.

The third of five Chesterfield Hope Chest time travel romances, GRAND DESIGN, is a delightful tale. The story line beguiles the audience as a modern independent woman deals with a Victorian aristocrat and visa versa. The lead couple is fun to observe together though Cynda too easily adapts to her new environment. The return of some characters from the first two tales (see Pam McCutcheon's ENCHANTMENT and Paula Gill's FIRE WITH FIRE) augments the story with a feel of a summer homecoming. Karen Fox shows her diverse talent with this charming prince of a tale that will send readers including this reviewer seeking her previous novels and the series other two books.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted July 13, 2001

The Perfect Prince Charming

Restoring old paintings for Hope Springs' Historical Society isn't exactly what frustrated artist Cynda Madison wants from her career, but she has no idea just how challenging her job will become when she works on the damaged portrait of devastatingly handsome Prince Dimitri Karakov found in the ruined Chesterfield Hotel. Moved by the tragic loss of a young, vital man, Cynda begins to investigate his death. When she finds the painting's tarnished nameplate in the ruined hotel's hope chest, she is instantly swept back in time to 1887 where she meets the prince himself--very much alive and disturbingly attractive. Cynda knows she must prevent Dimitri's death to get back to her own life--but can she prevent herself from falling in love?

Hope Chest Series

The historical Chesterfield Hotel once offered visitors the graceful charm of its sumptuous rooms and the healing waters of its nearby hot springs. In the present day, as five people unearth the hotel's century-old hope chest, each will be transported back to a bygone age--and transformed by the timeless power of true love.

ENCHANTMENT by Pam McCutcheon
FIRE WITH FIRE by Paula Gill
GRAND DESIGN by Karen Fox
STOLEN HEARTS by Laura Hayden
AT MIDNIGHT by Maura McKenzie