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The Time-Traveling Fashionista #3
The Time-Traveling Fashionista and Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile
Walk, talk, and dress like an Egyptian.
When Louise Lambert tries on a lavender Grecian gown during a visit to the mysterious Traveling Fashionista Vintage Sale, she feels a familiar tug and falls back in time, arriving at the dusty base of an enormous pyramid. She has landed in ancient Egypt...or has she?
It turns out that Louise is on the legendary Old Hollywood film set of Cleopatra , but her time there is short-lived. Rummaging through the wardrobe tent, Louise gets her hands on a pearl necklace that dates back to 51 BC, and she suddenly finds herself whisked away once more, this time to the ancient city of Alexandria, Egypt. Gold and jewels shimmer in the Egyptian sunlight, but poisonous snakes and dangerous enemies also roam the palace halls. Louise quickly learns that life as a handmaiden to Queen Cleopatra is much more treacherous--and fashionable--than she ever could have imagined.
When Louise Lambert tries on a lavender Grecian gown during a visit to the mysterious Traveling Fashionista Vintage Sale, she feels a familiar tug and falls back in time, arriving at the dusty base of an enormous pyramid. She has landed in ancient Egypt...or has she?
It turns out that Louise is on the legendary Old Hollywood film set of Cleopatra , but her time there is short-lived. Rummaging through the wardrobe tent, Louise gets her hands on a pearl necklace that dates back to 51 BC, and she suddenly finds herself whisked away once more, this time to the ancient city of Alexandria, Egypt. Gold and jewels shimmer in the Egyptian sunlight, but poisonous snakes and dangerous enemies also roam the palace halls. Louise quickly learns that life as a handmaiden to Queen Cleopatra is much more treacherous--and fashionable--than she ever could have imagined.
249 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
21 people are currently reading
1055 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 7, 2013
I received this galley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Lucinda Literary.
A few years ago, I read Bianca Turestsky first Time-Traveling Fashionista book, On Board the Titanic and instantly fell in love with this story. It is about a 12 year old girl named Louise who can travel to different places in history through fashion. She has already been on the Titanic and Marie Antoinette's Palace. In this installment, Louise finds herself being a servant to the famous Cleopatra in Ancient Egypt.
Louise not only gets to meet Cleopatra, she also meets Cleopatra's 10 year old brother and husband, the King of Egypt, as well as her sister. We get to see what life was like for these people thousands of years ago. Egypt was such a rich and beautiful time (especially in terms of clothing and architecture) and I felt like I got to experience Ancient Egypt first hand right along with Louise. Louise, being a huge fan of vintage clothing loves all of the items that Cleopatra gets to wear. Everything was described so perfectly! What is so great about these books is that beautiful illustrations are also included. I was so disappointed they weren't in the eARC, but I can't wait to get my hands on a finished copy so I can see them!
What I love about these stories is that they make history fun! As a World History teacher, I eat these kinds of stories right up. There are fun, quick and very easy to understand, making it a perfect book for someone who loves history as much as I do, or for someone who might find history boring. The series is geared towards middle graders, but I feel people of all ages can enjoy them! One of the last chapters in the book has Louise researching things about Cleopatra, and I loved that these facts were incorporated into the story.
There is just one minor thing that I have to mention, and it probably only bothered me because I am a history teacher. When Louise gets to experience the town of Alexandria, she mentions that she sees a huge statue of Poseidon, God of the Sea and realizes that she is seeing one of the Natural Wonders of the Ancient World. While there might have been a Poseidon statue there since it was the time of Ptolemy, and they were Greek, it is not a Natural Wonder. Maybe this was just a mistake in the ARC, and has since been fixed in the finished copy.
I absolutely loved this story and I highly recommend it. I am so excited to see where Louise's next adventure will take her!
A few years ago, I read Bianca Turestsky first Time-Traveling Fashionista book, On Board the Titanic and instantly fell in love with this story. It is about a 12 year old girl named Louise who can travel to different places in history through fashion. She has already been on the Titanic and Marie Antoinette's Palace. In this installment, Louise finds herself being a servant to the famous Cleopatra in Ancient Egypt.
Louise not only gets to meet Cleopatra, she also meets Cleopatra's 10 year old brother and husband, the King of Egypt, as well as her sister. We get to see what life was like for these people thousands of years ago. Egypt was such a rich and beautiful time (especially in terms of clothing and architecture) and I felt like I got to experience Ancient Egypt first hand right along with Louise. Louise, being a huge fan of vintage clothing loves all of the items that Cleopatra gets to wear. Everything was described so perfectly! What is so great about these books is that beautiful illustrations are also included. I was so disappointed they weren't in the eARC, but I can't wait to get my hands on a finished copy so I can see them!
What I love about these stories is that they make history fun! As a World History teacher, I eat these kinds of stories right up. There are fun, quick and very easy to understand, making it a perfect book for someone who loves history as much as I do, or for someone who might find history boring. The series is geared towards middle graders, but I feel people of all ages can enjoy them! One of the last chapters in the book has Louise researching things about Cleopatra, and I loved that these facts were incorporated into the story.
There is just one minor thing that I have to mention, and it probably only bothered me because I am a history teacher. When Louise gets to experience the town of Alexandria, she mentions that she sees a huge statue of Poseidon, God of the Sea and realizes that she is seeing one of the Natural Wonders of the Ancient World. While there might have been a Poseidon statue there since it was the time of Ptolemy, and they were Greek, it is not a Natural Wonder. Maybe this was just a mistake in the ARC, and has since been fixed in the finished copy.
I absolutely loved this story and I highly recommend it. I am so excited to see where Louise's next adventure will take her!
April 15, 2022
I’m so grateful that I had made the right choice into giving this book a try. The Time-Traveling Fashionista title itself really convinced me that it’s an entirely new concept of time travel which is true.
But at this moment, it involves to incorporate the use of fashion as a device. VINTAGE fashion. Likewise.
For a fashion or an art lover like me, the gorgeous attracting illustrations were so intricately drawn well like how a professional fashion designer would sketch and design for real.
I didn’t realize that this was really the last book in the trilogy but when I first read it, I was actually able to catch up easily on what’s happening with the rest of the characters.
Romance in its entirety isn’t the whole main focus. Just a one-sided crush or two subplot.
Never have I ever been this engrossed upon a book before.
But at this moment, it involves to incorporate the use of fashion as a device. VINTAGE fashion. Likewise.
For a fashion or an art lover like me, the gorgeous attracting illustrations were so intricately drawn well like how a professional fashion designer would sketch and design for real.
I didn’t realize that this was really the last book in the trilogy but when I first read it, I was actually able to catch up easily on what’s happening with the rest of the characters.
Romance in its entirety isn’t the whole main focus. Just a one-sided crush or two subplot.
Never have I ever been this engrossed upon a book before.
April 10, 2019
Old Hollywood and Ancient Egypt, this book was made for me. Or a younger version.
These books really are a great intro to historical topics.
These books really are a great intro to historical topics.
September 13, 2023
I had so much fun time traveling with Louise in this book and I definitely need to go back and read the first two now because I felt like I was missing out on some great adventures there!!
The concept of Louise being able to time travel to ancient times through dresses and jewellery was quite a fascinating concept in itself and all the supporting characters for this book made it even that much better.
Once Louise was in Ancient Egypt and started living as a handmaiden Charmain, it was a very unique and enjoyable experience. I loved learning about the Egyptian court, the witty Queen Cleopatra and all the politics and sibling rivalry from back in time. The book was hilarious at times while it didn't shy away from also being suspenseful and a bit scary too.
This one was perfect for children who want adventure but also learn more about history in a fun way!
5 stars.
The concept of Louise being able to time travel to ancient times through dresses and jewellery was quite a fascinating concept in itself and all the supporting characters for this book made it even that much better.
Once Louise was in Ancient Egypt and started living as a handmaiden Charmain, it was a very unique and enjoyable experience. I loved learning about the Egyptian court, the witty Queen Cleopatra and all the politics and sibling rivalry from back in time. The book was hilarious at times while it didn't shy away from also being suspenseful and a bit scary too.
This one was perfect for children who want adventure but also learn more about history in a fun way!
5 stars.
December 7, 2020
Ok, not my favorite of the Traveling Fashionista series, but it was still creative and had some good information in here. I really think these books are a great way to get kids interested in history (and also to foster a love of vintage clothing!).
I think the reason I didn't like this one as much as the Titanic or Marie Antoinette is because it was a little too jumpy for me. I like the idea of clothing bringing you back to a place in time, but Louise then put on something else in the time period she jumped to which made her jump even further back in time. It's a cool idea but it makes the story itself a little messy.
I believe I'm at the end of this series. It's been a few years since this one has come out. Hopefully Turetsky decides to put a couple more out into the world some day because these are just so fun.
I think the reason I didn't like this one as much as the Titanic or Marie Antoinette is because it was a little too jumpy for me. I like the idea of clothing bringing you back to a place in time, but Louise then put on something else in the time period she jumped to which made her jump even further back in time. It's a cool idea but it makes the story itself a little messy.
I believe I'm at the end of this series. It's been a few years since this one has come out. Hopefully Turetsky decides to put a couple more out into the world some day because these are just so fun.
October 24, 2025
loved the depiction of cleopatra in this book! So modern! But I don’t like it when series end without resolving love triangles 🥲 In my head Louise ends up with Peter since she mentioned him wayyyyy more than Todd and Peter is a fashionista like HER #MFEO
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2020
For purely aesthetic reasons, these books are a joy to read. Illustrations are peppered throughout, the pages are thick, and there are additional flourishes for the chapter headings and page decorations. I usually prefer e-books, but when I read this series, I make sure to read the print versions. I also love that the chapters are super short. I fly through these books.
But, what about the actual story? Well, it's okay. The main character is nice enough and even though she exudes a miasma of blah with a tinge of dreary, I do actually like her. I love all of the historical settings of these books, and the Cleopatra book had the unexpected but wonderful pit stop to the film setting of Elizabeth Taylor's movie Cleopatra, which was like a mini-bonus destination. All good things.
Also good, is that the books are sprinkled with good historical tidbits, including fashion bits from the times, which is what I really love. I do feel like you can actual learn from these books. But....they're also much less meaty than I would have liked. The Titanic book spent more time really digging into the history and spending time there, but the Marie Antoinette book was more like an overnight visit instead of a week-long vacation, and the Cleopatra book was more like a day trip. I wanted more.
The series kind of petered out, which is a shame because I love the concept, love the presentation, loved the zany old-lady sidekicks, and loved the unexpected heft of the first book. I really wish the author had put in the depth of the first book into the next two and I wish she had continued on writing the series. Had she done that, this would have been one of my favorite auto-buy series, but instead it just kind of trickled away into nothing. Very sad.
But, what about the actual story? Well, it's okay. The main character is nice enough and even though she exudes a miasma of blah with a tinge of dreary, I do actually like her. I love all of the historical settings of these books, and the Cleopatra book had the unexpected but wonderful pit stop to the film setting of Elizabeth Taylor's movie Cleopatra, which was like a mini-bonus destination. All good things.
Also good, is that the books are sprinkled with good historical tidbits, including fashion bits from the times, which is what I really love. I do feel like you can actual learn from these books. But....they're also much less meaty than I would have liked. The Titanic book spent more time really digging into the history and spending time there, but the Marie Antoinette book was more like an overnight visit instead of a week-long vacation, and the Cleopatra book was more like a day trip. I wanted more.
The series kind of petered out, which is a shame because I love the concept, love the presentation, loved the zany old-lady sidekicks, and loved the unexpected heft of the first book. I really wish the author had put in the depth of the first book into the next two and I wish she had continued on writing the series. Had she done that, this would have been one of my favorite auto-buy series, but instead it just kind of trickled away into nothing. Very sad.
April 22, 2019
If you have not picked up these books, pick them up now. Behind on your reading target? Pick them up. Bored of all your regular “adult” books? Pick them up. You can honestly zip through these in a couple of hours.
Again, you need to read these in order, as this follows on directly from the events of the second, and a rather intriguing twist that I didn’t see coming. (But I can see spin-offs from at least two other characters. Please.)
I didn’t find the illustrations as inviting as the previous books, possibly because there wasn’t much scope for the imagination for the illustrator in ancient Egyptian times.
The storyline is still excellent and doesn’t drop off/become run of the mill, despite it being the third book in the series. The author constantly keeps you engaged in the storyline, and it doesn’t suffer from pacing issues at all.
I can’t stress how much these books are worth reading, if you like young adult stories (despite not being the target audience)/time travel/fashion. I’m only disappointed that I’ve finished the series for the time being. I will definitely be watching out for more.
Again, you need to read these in order, as this follows on directly from the events of the second, and a rather intriguing twist that I didn’t see coming. (But I can see spin-offs from at least two other characters. Please.)
I didn’t find the illustrations as inviting as the previous books, possibly because there wasn’t much scope for the imagination for the illustrator in ancient Egyptian times.
The storyline is still excellent and doesn’t drop off/become run of the mill, despite it being the third book in the series. The author constantly keeps you engaged in the storyline, and it doesn’t suffer from pacing issues at all.
I can’t stress how much these books are worth reading, if you like young adult stories (despite not being the target audience)/time travel/fashion. I’m only disappointed that I’ve finished the series for the time being. I will definitely be watching out for more.
August 4, 2018
Wow. That was probably the most middle-classed time travel novel I have ever read.
All the oh-Cleopatra-is-so-smart-even-though-she's-so-geeky-and-not-pretty attitude of the protagonist just annoyed me. Yes, she learn to appreciate knowledge over looks - or does she? In the end, when the time comes for her to be cunning or helpful, to really make a difference, she flees back to her normal life.
Even though the book keeps repeating that one needn't be pretty to be in charge of one's own life, all the exterior nonsense is still placed highest. The message seems to be that no matter how you screw things up, you can just run away to Mummy and delicious foods cooking Daddy. In cool clothing. In an absolute no-life-in-here neighborhood.
I would not recommend this book.
P.S. What the hell is up with those two witchy characters!?
All the oh-Cleopatra-is-so-smart-even-though-she's-so-geeky-and-not-pretty attitude of the protagonist just annoyed me. Yes, she learn to appreciate knowledge over looks - or does she? In the end, when the time comes for her to be cunning or helpful, to really make a difference, she flees back to her normal life.
Even though the book keeps repeating that one needn't be pretty to be in charge of one's own life, all the exterior nonsense is still placed highest. The message seems to be that no matter how you screw things up, you can just run away to Mummy and delicious foods cooking Daddy. In cool clothing. In an absolute no-life-in-here neighborhood.
I would not recommend this book.
P.S. What the hell is up with those two witchy characters!?
November 17, 2013
I love this series! Louise is happy to discover that she is somewhere fun and safe for a change (as opposed to on board the Titanic or hanging out with Marie Antoinette). She's actually on the set of Cleopatra, which is awesome because she loves old movies and their costumes. But then, of course, she ends up with the real Cleopatra. And that is the exact opposite of fun and safe.
But she's there anyway, and now she has to figure out how to get back to her reality, preferably without getting poisoned or bitten by a snake or any of the other horrible things that befall people in Cleopatra's people.
I can't wait to see where she goes next (does she befriend Anne Boleyn? Or she's overdue for some pure fun---can she go to Woodstock?) and what people she meets.
But she's there anyway, and now she has to figure out how to get back to her reality, preferably without getting poisoned or bitten by a snake or any of the other horrible things that befall people in Cleopatra's people.
I can't wait to see where she goes next (does she befriend Anne Boleyn? Or she's overdue for some pure fun---can she go to Woodstock?) and what people she meets.
August 5, 2016
I wish there had been books like this when I was in elementary school. This is the third in a series from Bianca Turetsky about a seventh grade girl who can travel back in time according to whichever dress she happens to try on at a fashionista sale. In this book she travels back to the time of Cleopatra. It is a very fun book that is not only very modern, but also gives a little history lesson in the process.
January 3, 2025
I feel like this book series was left unfinished was it just not popular? I loved every second I spent with this Author and Louise lambert and really hopes she continues writing this series as I enjoyed it throughly!
December 27, 2014
Like it but im in no hurry to read the other books
February 10, 2021
Best of the 3 in terms of writerly flow and cohesive plot points. The latter is helped by familiarity earned by reading books 1 & 2. Like the others, there are some stereotypes about beauty which are addressed in rather stereotypical ways. Many fit a 7th grader's typical concerns re: body image and acceptance. Some are a bit less sensitive. Yet at least with Cleopatra the topic has more layers and standards of intelligence and other traits are interjected. Best of the 3 books at infusing known & conjectured history into the stories scenes throughout. Somewhat awkward roll out of semi-new info about main character's mom after decent clue planting in books 1 and 2. Also, it is a trilogy so it's only a semi-spoiler to say the way it's ended is a bit unsatisfying.
July 13, 2017
I think this was my favorite book out of the whole series. I love Egyptian mythology. SPOILER ALERT! Louise puts on a purple dress and travels back to when they were making the movie Cleopatra. She was the assistant to Irene Shaff, the costume designer. Louise puts on a pearl necklace and travels back to 52 BC! Where she is a worker for the queen Cleopatra. Is Louise going to get all the way back to modern day, before its to late?
February 17, 2025
I mistakingly read this book first, not knowing that it's a part of a series!
But overall experience was great!
I did not expect that the protagonist would be a 12 year old girl.
In spite of the youthfulness of the story it brought that love of history without the change. I love being brought back in time as well, getting a different take to how it was before!
This was a quick read and I'm glad I picked up this book to take a break from serious adult fiction.
But overall experience was great!
I did not expect that the protagonist would be a 12 year old girl.
In spite of the youthfulness of the story it brought that love of history without the change. I love being brought back in time as well, getting a different take to how it was before!
This was a quick read and I'm glad I picked up this book to take a break from serious adult fiction.
January 12, 2026
This series was one of my favorites when I was younger. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold up as well for an older reader.
The writing is fine for it's age range, but I constantly found myself longing for more depth. The plot it told more than shown most of the time. I did also find Louise a little more annoying than I remember.
But it's a decent way to introduce young girls (like myself) to fashion and history. And the illustrations were lovely.
The writing is fine for it's age range, but I constantly found myself longing for more depth. The plot it told more than shown most of the time. I did also find Louise a little more annoying than I remember.
But it's a decent way to introduce young girls (like myself) to fashion and history. And the illustrations were lovely.
December 3, 2020
HOLY MOLY I LOVED THIS... WOW I DID NOT EXPECT THIS AT ALL!!! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!!! Louise is fantastic!!! I absolutly adore the characters, love the time travelling 2 times!!, but the best part was the FREAKING PLOTTWISTS! HOLY GOD THAT ENDING, I NEED MORE!!!
ALL MY LOVE!
ALL MY LOVE!
June 24, 2017
I feel like this is a awesome addition to the Time Traveling Fashionista book series from the flawless descriptions of fashion to the lovable and quirky Louise and the newly discovered and fashionable past of her mother makes want this series to never end.
November 27, 2019
I liked how this book started one place but then went somewhere. It was a bit unexpected which was nice, considering after reading the first two, you have an idea of the way the story would go. Overall an enjoyable series by my 12 year old as well as myself
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2017
This would be a great book for a middle school girl to get more interested in history. I'm assuming this would be true for other books in the series.
August 21, 2017
So good I want to read the whole series now!!!
December 16, 2017
Louise's third time-travel adventure takes her to Cleopatra's court on the Nile (with a bonus side-adventure to the set of Elizabeth Taylor's "Anthony and Cleopatra).
July 18, 2018
This book is great fun and educational at the same time. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in one reading.
Read
September 15, 2019Hard to rate, I didnt finish. Probably would have helped to have read the first book first. There was too much unexplained that happened in the first 2 books to read this as a stand alone book.
January 31, 2020
Really good YA book. Great to learn abit of history
January 14, 2021
Such an enjoyable way to learn about history. It even has additional resources at the end. And the illustrations are drop dead gorgeous. Wish they had made more.
November 27, 2021
I love this series, so cute. I really enjoyed this adventure to the past.
August 1, 2022
Seemed a bit short and ended abruptly, though fascinating description of time with Cleopatra.
August 17, 2022
lOVED this book. I just love ancient Egypt and Cleopatra and thought this was a fun read. Definitely recommend to all my fellow time travel readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews