Sunrise on the Mediterranean [Hardcover]

Suzanne Frank (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1999

Time-traveller Chloe Kingsley wakes up in the Mediterranean, dressed in 1990s party clothes. Mistaken for a mermaid goddess, Chloe soon realises she is in biblical Canaan. She and Cheftu are reunited, only to become vassals to David, the Israelite king.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

One second, savvy 26-year-old English-American time-traveler Chloe Kingsley is in 1996, the next she finds herself being pulled up from the sea in ancient Israel. In this colorful, well-researched third installment in Chloe's time-traveling adventures (Reflections in the Nile, Shadows on the Aegean), she is transported into biblical times at the beginning of King David's reign. In neighboring Egypt, internecine conflicts surround the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten. The book starts off slowly, as Frank recapitulates the previous stories and explains how Chloe, a contemporary artist and one-time U.S. Air Force pilot, and Cheftu, her husband, a 19th-century French doctor whom she met on a previous time travel trip, have become separated. Added to this already convoluted setup is the character of RaEm, a dangerous ancient Egyptian woman who has been inhabiting Chloe's body in the 20th century and who is now stuck with Cheftu in the same time period as Chloe, on a deserted island somewhere near Egypt. The tale picks up steam once the author is fully embarked on her quest to fill some crucial gaps in ancient history via an intriguing plot in which people with modern knowledge interact with important historical figures. Chloe assists David's people in the invasion of the city that becomes Jerusalem, and designs the symbolic star of David; Cheftu becomes scribe to King David and a writer of the Old Testament; and RaEm connives to become Pharaoh's co-regent and attempts to use 20th-century scholarship to make a frightening change in the course of history. The juxtaposition of modern-day observations and expressions and archaic situations ("there was no direct translation for my words: Duh!") gives a good shot of humor to the clever, suspenseful narrative. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Fans and newcomers alike should enjoy this third book in Frank's series about time-traveling lovers Chloe and Cheftu. This time around, they are literally dumped in the Mediterranean during the reign of King David. Wisecracking Chloe finds herself considered a goddess by the Pelesti but is soon enslaved by the Israelites. She is forced to help David conquer Jerusalem, while Cheftu reverently chronicles key biblical events. Old enemies resurface, including the manipulative RaEm, who will do anything to gain power and wealth. Chloe and Cheftu must stop her from destroying the community they have come to believe in. Frank effectively uses her knowledge of the Old Testament in her re-creation of ancient Israel. Definitely less campy than previous volumes; recommended for most public libraries.ALaurel Bliss, New Haven, CT
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 496 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; 1St Edition edition (August 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446520918
• ISBN-13: 978-0446520911
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 1.8 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #708,952 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Suzanne Frank is formerly a lot of things: among them, a journalist and a freelance writer. Her passion for history has taken her to Egypt, Greece, Israel and throughout Europe. She currently has a post office box in Texas, where generations of her ancestors have lived, and where she directs the SMU CAPE Creative Writing Program.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!!!, October 27, 1999

By 

"libraryliz" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sunrise on the Mediterranean (Hardcover)

I couldn't wait for the third book in Frank's series to come out as each one seemed better than the last. This one is no exception! 'Sunrise' ties up all the loose ends from the previous novels, clearing up issues I had not understood before. And finally (!) Chloe and Cheftu get through a whole book without questioning each other's love! They are the ultimate love match, destined to be togeter throughout time. The end is left open so Ms. Frank, can we hope for a book 4? Wonderfully researched, I felt like I was there. A great, original take on the characters we think we know so well, from the Bible. Stayed up reading till my eyes were crossing from fatigue, at 5am, but I could not put it down. Please, please give us a sequel. I love these people. Maybe they could go to the New World next? The Aztecs or Incas? Great story.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another vicarious trip through the Bible, and another winner, September 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sunrise on the Mediterranean (Hardcover)

Suzanne Frank's wit, and obvious knowledge of Biblical times makes this book a page turner and a story you will long remember. Again we meet our time-travelling pair; Chloe and Cheftu, this time during the moments before Jerusalem becomes King David's Kingdom, and before the conquests of this city begin.

In a style that leaves your mouth agape, you are introduced to the characters who WERE the Bible. Ms. Frank not only weaves an original 'You are there', but she continues the special love and devotion between Chloe and Cheftu.

This series is a winner, start at the first and work your way through, it's worth the trip!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Judaism 101, December 13, 1999

By 

Sandra Kawata - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sunrise on the Mediterranean (Hardcover)

I couldn't wait for the 3rd installment of Suzanne Franks' series based on time travel and our heroine, Chloe Kingsley. Ms. Franks' wit is up to par with the other two books. I realized that I was trying to remember my bible and comparing the story of David with what I had read. I am glad that this time, Chloe and Cheftu had a more "normal" married life together. But I do want them to go on other adventures together in other time periods. How about the French Revolution? The possibilities are endless, as I am sure Ms Frank realizes what an audience she has captured. Please..may we have more?