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Wind and Dreams

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2nd edition
In 1901, Rose McLeod and her father are in Cairo to acquire ancient Egyptian relics for their antiquities business back home in Baltimore. A notorious slaver, known for procuring concubines for harems, attempts to abduct Rose. She is rescued only to find she is now captive of a beautiful woman claiming to be the pharaoh of a kingdom hidden deep in the Sahara.

Merytneit is autocratic, arrogant, and entitled. She believes Rose is a gift from Goddess Neit. Rose refuses to accept any of this. She's a "freeborn American woman." During her journey across the desert to the Valley of Wind and Dreams, Rose joins Meryt's three companions as a reluctant member of Meryt's family. Rose discovers the women are not just Meryt's companions. "Harem. This is a harem."

Cultures clash, danger intrudes, and passions flame. Travel with Meryt and Rose across the Sahara to the Valley of Wind and Dreams, where they discover their entwined destinies as decreed by the ancient Egyptian Gods.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2013

25 people are currently reading
267 people want to read

About the author

Linda North

5 books40 followers


I’m an unabashed romantic who writes lesbian romances. I like to place my characters in exotic settings. All my stories have happy endings. I live with my wife and fur babies in Florida.

My journey as a writer started in 2006 when I wrote fanfic. My last fanfic was written in 2008.

I’m not a prolific writer. I write when my Muse shows up with a story idea. The idea for one of my novels, Deep Merge, was inspired by a dream sent by my Muse.

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5 stars
90 (37%)
4 stars
83 (34%)
3 stars
40 (16%)
2 stars
23 (9%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Loek Krancher.
1,042 reviews66 followers
July 27, 2020
Wind and Dreams is set in the 1900s. You follow Rose and Meryt as they travel through the desert to the Hidden Valley. The author takes us into the world of ancient Egypt. The world of goddesses, priestesses and queens. The story is rich in details and I liked all the descriptions of the Egyptian civilization, the culture and the people.I loved the interplay between the characters and how the relationships between the main character developed. The clash of cultures was well displayed. Wind and Dreams is a great historical romance with a lot of exciting elements in it. I highly recommend it. Note: this is a 2nd edition.
365 reviews42 followers
November 22, 2017
A tale well told.

Wind and Dreams is a heartfelt and dramatic book. The story has an internal rhythm like a song or a poem. It depicts soulmate love, ancient Goddesses and Gods, desert landscapes and heart pounding adventure. Meryt and Rose share one romantic heart, far flung travels and beautiful lesbian love. Many ingredients, from heroes and villains or suitor and beloved or danger and rescue, add rich flavour to this romance. The novel is filled with both history and myth that was either well researched or keenly imagined. Pleasure is shared between the women of this story, but more as a record played in another room than a movie splashed across a wide screen. The love story did not hinge on the explicitly erotic, but more on the purely romantic.

I have one simple observation. The extensive glossary, included in the book, belonged at the end and not at the beginning. It slowed this reader's entrance into such a captivating novel. For some reason, it took me almost two years to read and enjoy this book. If you like lesfic in distant lands or different historical periods, don't bother waiting as long as I did.
Profile Image for Pastordeborah Harshman.
2 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2014
A must read!

A love story that crosses centuries.

When cultures, beliefs and time collide, how do you put aside everything you have been taught and allow your soul to find your destiny?

Ms North weaves a tale that captures your imagination and holds you in breathless anticipation. While written in the story tellers true voice, this book does what every really excellent story does, it expands the reader's universe.

I loved the way this author so deftly challenged me to step out of my box and allowed me to explore the differences in cultures and to look at my own system of beliefs. This story made me desire to open myself to the infinite possibilities.

I thought that finding such a well crafted story was a rare jewel, then I found this author and realized the author and her talent are the jewel to be treasured. Few authors are willing to stretch our boundaries the way this author does.

Ms North approaches subjects few other authors are willing to broach. There is no safety net in use here. I love finding an author that refuses to write the formula lesbian novel. She steps across boundaries with grace and beauty.

I highly recommend both this book and this author. Thank you for taking
me along on this journey of self discovery where passions are awakened and love crosses centuries to find its Destiny!
Profile Image for Annette Mori.
Author 55 books169 followers
July 28, 2020
Loved the first edition and the second edition did not disappoint! Highly recommend this unique story that has all the wonderful elements of what I look for in lesfic, including growth of the characters.
Profile Image for Jem.
408 reviews304 followers
July 29, 2013
The premise is interesting, but too much traveling with too little happening. I was expecting more action, but this is primarily a romance.

You'll enjoy this more if you like slow burn romances, don't mind the polyamory, and is a firm believer of the 'soulmate-from-a-previous-life' thing.

3.6 stars
220 reviews
August 1, 2013
It’s 1901 and Rose McLeod is in Egypt with her father to acquire some Egyptian relics for their antique business in Baltimore. Rose is kidnapped by a notorious slaver. Her destination is likely to be to someone’s harem as a concubine. Fortunately, although Rose didn’t exactly see it that way at the time, she is rescued by a beautiful woman who says she is the Pharaoh of a hidden kingdom in the Sahara Desert.

Meryneit, the chosen one of Neit, is convinced Rose is a personal gift to her from her Goddess. Rose will not accept this. She is determined she will be a slave to no one. She is a free American woman and this is the way she intends to stay.

As the caravan makes it’s long journey across the Sahara Desert to the Valley of Wind and Dreams, Rose becomes a member of Meryt’s household with her three other companions. Rose is not happy with her situation at all. When Rose discovers that Meryt’s companions are more than ‘just’ companions, she is deeply shocked. Rose begins to think of them as being Meryt’s harem. Rose hopes with all her being that she’s not Meryt’s latest addition. There are a lot of clashes along the way because of the different cultures. Dangers arise, there are betrayals and passions ignite. As Meryt and Rose find themselves becoming more attracted to each other, so they find themselves beholden to their fate as the ancient Egyptian Gods foretold.

This is a wonderful book. Well written and very different from the usual lesbian romances. I have to say, when I first opened the book, I found the Egyptian glossary a bit daunting. No worries though, the use of Egyptian words throughout is self explanatory. I did enjoy reading through it all once I’d finished the book.

It is apparent that Linda North has done extensive research into ancient Egypt. From the scenic descriptions, I was immediately transported to 1901 in Egypt, living the story with the characters.

Although the story is between the two multidimensional main characters, Rose and Meryt, they are backed up by an equally as important set of secondary characters to enhance and progress the story forward at a very nice pace.

Rose and Meryt have a love/hate relationship in the beginning. But as I’ve often found out, there is a fine line between love and hate, both are extremes of emotions. Their relationship clips along at a believable pace for the story.

Along the way, the story tells of ancient Goddesses, beliefs, betrayal and the love between women and past lives seamlessly intertwining with the present. It’s clear from the outset, that Rose is inexperienced in the world of Sapphic love. We see how she slowly comes to terms with the love Meryt has for her companions. The vast difference between Meryt and Rose’s cultures is apparent and a part of the problem Rose has to come to terms with. It’s very interesting to see how Rose handles her feelings.

Although I finished the story in a day, it has stayed with me. I would like to see more of Meryt and Rose. I enjoyed reading about the clash of cultures and how they overcame the inevitable barriers when two worlds collide.

History, geography, a touch of the mystic from ancient times and hot romance, all the makings of an excellent read. More please and very, very soon.

Profile Image for Ameliah Faith.
859 reviews43 followers
July 17, 2020
Still AMAZING!!!
When this book came out seven years ago it became one of my favoutite books. I read it over and over again, not being able to let go. Now it has been re-released and revamped and it is better than ever. The tale of Merytneit and Rose is a tale of mystery and intrigue, good and evil, attempted murder and kidnapping, Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses and of a love that spans eternity....and sex. Really, really good, hot sex. Makes your toes curl it’s so good sex.

Set in the early 1900s, Egypt is the place to be for antiquities. Rose is a relatively sheltered proper American woman who has been rescued from a kidnapping attempt by slavers wanting to sell her to the highest bidder. Now she is on her way across the desert with a woman who claims to be a Pharaoh. Helping her through the journey are Meryt’s Companions with whom she often shares pleasure, much to Rose’s shock and curiosity…. The Valley of Wind and Dreams has all the magic and amazement of ancient Egypt with temples, a palace and all the other wonders of that world. Merytneit is a Pharaoh with an attitude to match. She believes Rose is a gift from her Goddess and is determined to make the pretty Rose hers. With such different cultures and challenges, what will the future hold for these different women?

I LOVE this book! The story wraps you in its spell. You will be transported back in time to experience the adventure and marvel at the settings, the smells, the colours, the magic... It is not a book you will want to put down and when you are finished, this tale will stay with you. For me it was one of those books where I couldn’t believe the world had not changed after I was done. I have to admit, after being re-introduced to these amazing women, I know that multiple re reads will be in my future again! DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS TALE!!
Profile Image for Hanna.
188 reviews6 followers
July 4, 2025
I'm not sure which book came out first, but this book was veeery similarly structured to the other novel by this author that I've read: Deep Merge. In both, a white American woman gets abducted by a powerful foreign woman of colour who introduces her to a strange and different, but matriarchal culture. The American is initially resistant to the advances of her abductor and misses her family and home, but she eventually comes around and they become lovers, and the American leaves everything she ever knew behind to be with her abductor and assimilate into this new and apparently better world. So it seems like the author has some pretty specific fantasies lol.

This book also loses a star for the random side character (Rose's best friend who hits on her and is rejected at the start of the book) getting with her second cousin at the end of the book and this being a totally normal and accepted thing. wtf
Profile Image for Monique S..
Author 12 books56 followers
August 20, 2022
I don't know all that much about ancient Egyptian religion(s?) other than what I got to know through some spiritual teachings I studied, which made me assume, that Neit might be a different name or spelling for Nuit, but the whole idea of the plot is absolutely fascinating and the execution of good quality.

The story is captivating as a slow burn, enemies to lovers trope with some supernatural elements added. I enjoyed the read a lot and can wholeheartedly recommend this.
Profile Image for Sarah.
59 reviews6 followers
August 26, 2014
Another homerun by Linda North. The story is set in the early 1900s, mostly in Egypt. The basis is that a hidden society exists in the desert of Egypt ruled by a female pharaoh. The main characters meet in a museum when they literally run into one another. Rose ends up in Meryt's caravan when Meryt's men save hire from slavers. Meryt believes Rose is a gift from the gods and is meant to be hers. Rose cannot reconcile with this as she is a "free American." Meryt refuses to return her to Cairo, though, and the two must learn how to deal with each other. The development of the relationship between the two is obviously fraught with issues, not the least of which is Meryt's relationships with her Companions. I am not usually one for historical novels, but I love ancient Egypt and this story is such an awesome twist on history. The Egyptians actually did have female rulers making this a little more believable. Just like with Deep Merge, this book wraps up but could have a sequel if the author so desired. I know I would really enjoy reading more with these two characters.
Profile Image for Eva.
80 reviews
December 4, 2015
A well researched historical novel is a rarity in lesbian romance novels. A rarity that I have very much enjoyed. The description of a new culture and the discovery and adaptation to this new culture is deffinately the best part of the book.

The book also oozes a raw sensuality that hooks you from almost page 1. However the book fails to develop a credible love story. Meryt and Rose are "destined to be" and that is not enough to make their love story credible. I would have also liked to learn more from Rose, Meryt, Iye and Hedget's past; mainly their story, their fears and their dreams.

More sex between main characters would also have helped ;-)

So, as a summary, this book is a very good attempt that leaves you a bit disappointed but it's worth your time and money.
Profile Image for Ameliah.
55 reviews9 followers
June 5, 2014
To say I thoroughly enjoyed this book would be a great understatement. Days after reading Wind and Dreams I still find myself thinking about this story.

The tale of Merytneit and Rose is a tale of mystery and intregue, good and evil, attempted murder and kidnapping, Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses and of a love that spans eternity....and sex. Really, really good, hot sex. Makes your toes curl its so good sex.

I just can not get this story out of my head. I truly hope Ms. North will grace us with a follow up book. Their story is far from finished!

Now if you will excuse me, I think I am going to go re-read it again.
26 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2022
Amazing book!

This is the best Lgbt book I've ever read. The characters are developed wonderfully, the romance is not too quick or too slow and the writing itself is beautiful. I couldn't even find one grammatical error. This writer is amazing and I will definitely be checking out more of her work.
Profile Image for MissAlice.
451 reviews17 followers
January 10, 2022
It does not matter what your views of loving more than one person are because this story is so human you will fall in love with each character yourself. So many shades of love and so many shadows are echoed through generations due to religious underpinnings. The cultivation of beliefs and the proclamation of what is and is not acceptable to a lifestyle one is not accustom to boggles the mind. However, this author used so many scenes to slowly walk you into their world- introduced you to each person as independently dependent on one another; a beautifully woven tapestry that to remove one dimension of it would leave the canvas devoid of something essential. The scenery and land described in this book is miraculous. The women are fierce and flawed and so ethereal it makes for a delicious combination. I'm always glad for a happy ending and this book is a lovely present of that displayed with a big bow and the tag that screams READ ME decorating the top.
Profile Image for Rhiannon.
97 reviews35 followers
December 19, 2020
Well..since I am not a great reviewer or book critic to summarise it, without spoiling the plot, I can only tell how great read this was for me and how it made me feel. I thoroughly enjoyed the style of the book and the plot, but most of the ending :)

Great connection with certain people can be recognized from the very moment you meet them, not always though, because societal and cultural norms stand in the way...but keeping an open heart, being kind and patient with the others will render you onto the right path and then you will see the treasure you have in front of you.
Profile Image for Dide.
1,489 reviews53 followers
September 24, 2024
I am sucker for historical fiction and this had me in a series of enjoyment. Loved and hated the ending. Look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Ameliah Faith.
859 reviews43 followers
July 16, 2020
The tale of Merytneit and Rose is a tale of mystery and intrigue, good and evil, attempted murder and kidnapping, Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses and of a love that spans eternity....and sex. Really, really good, hot sex. Makes your toes curl it’s so good sex.

Set in the early 1900s, Egypt is the place to be for antiquities. Rose is a relatively sheltered proper American woman who has been rescued from a kidnapping attempt by slavers wanting to sell her to the highest bidder. Now she is on her way across the desert with a woman who claims to be a Pharaoh. Helping her through the journey are Meryt’s Companions with whom she often shares pleasure, much to Rose’s shock and curiosity…. The Valley of Wind and Dreams has all the magic and amazement of ancient Egypt with temples, a palace and all the other wonders of that world. Merytneit is a Pharaoh with an attitude to match. She believes Rose is a gift from her Goddess and is determined to make the pretty Rose hers. With such different cultures and challenges, what will the future hold for these different women?

I LOVE this book! The story wraps you in its spell. You will be transported back in time to experience the adventure and marvel at the settings, the smells, the colours, the magic... It is not a book you will want to put down and when you are finished, this tale will stay with you. For me it was one of those books where I couldn’t believe the world had not changed after I was done. I have to admit, after being re-introduced to these amazing women, I know that multiple re reads will be in my future again! DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS TALE!!
Profile Image for Miss KittyKat.
75 reviews
July 29, 2020
I liked this story and the mentions of ancient Egypt history. I wish to see another book about Meryt, Rose, Hedjat and Tiye. Reading this was like watching a movie because the scenes were descriptive and put me in the story. All of the characters were written well and developed and each had their own voice. The two main characters started out on rocky ground. Meryt the ruler of the kingdom started out as a self important, egotistical and sometimes cruel person. Rose the innocent American woman was on guard and distrustful of Meryt in the beginning but still showed her spirited and stubborn side. Their love was slow to happen and by the end Rose helped Meryt grow into a nice person. Tiye the priestess and one of Meryt’s companions was an important person as she gave Meryt wise advice and supported Rose. Hedjat the other companion and priestess brought fun to the story. She also was a warrior in her own right. This one goes on my read again shelf.
54 reviews
April 23, 2020
A Must Buy!

Loved everything about this book. I tried it originally because it had Egypt mixed in but once I started I couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed, the plot moved along nicely, and the bad guys got theirs in the end. I say again that this is definitely a book to have in your library.
Profile Image for Chris.
73 reviews
July 17, 2020
DNF...it is rare that I don’t finish a book. I just could not get into the harem mentality and unlikeable main characters. I really tried...
Profile Image for J H.
526 reviews12 followers
August 28, 2021
Great read!

I really enjoyed this story. It's well written, well edited, has complex and likeable characters, and I was quite captivated by it. I highly recommend it.
1 review
November 27, 2021
awesome book

Loved the details that throw you into the ancient Egyptian theme of the story. We need more books like this.
Profile Image for Cee Jolly.
58 reviews8 followers
November 23, 2017
Urgh this book...

The Harem buffoon has this logical thought train: get horny at a girl --> brother accidentally save girl from slavers off-screen --> girl must be a gift from god --> thus, girl musn't leave --> girl must also listen to what I say --> demm Im in love guys, like really I so am in love.

If the gods tell you to force a girl into being your concubine then I do not want to explore these old gods and godesses.

Harem buffoon jokes about one of her wannabe concubine looking like a man. Ha ha motherfragin ha.

Harem buffoon acts like a bratty teenager everytime she doesn't get what she wants.

Rose is the blandest character ever. A definite case of mary sue. Hey, we've already got one of the main characters being shitty and annoying, might as well make the other stupid. So there's a girl(same one who harem buffoon jokes ab, cuz we need to hate her and all), she puts fucking poisonous snakes in Rose's room. She got caught and Rose pleaded to spare her life. SHE PUT SNAKE IN YOUR DAMN BED. This would be fine if Rose told harem buffoon to sent the girl far away or sth. But nope, just has to love everyone. Also, she gave up her freewill in exchange for this. So yeah, it's a stupid plot device so harem buffoon can tell Rose to obey her.

You know what? There is a better version of this, with more likable character. And the harem's lead woman treats ppl like human and not object like "gift from god". She also admits that she's horny over the europe girl and waits till she has her consent. It's called Nights of Silk and Sapphire by Amber Jacobs. Link here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26...

Now I'm gonna have to go clean my brain space. Urgh...
Profile Image for Lucy.
343 reviews21 followers
February 16, 2016
Not a badly written book just not my cup of tea. I like my romance focused on character development and the relationship between the two protagonists. This had lots of heavy world building and secondary plots/themes that didn't really link back into the romance between Rose and Benret. For the interesting world-building and concept I've given it two stars. I just wish the romance had been more of a focal point.
Profile Image for charles clayson.
1,330 reviews6 followers
February 25, 2025
Loved the story. Sorry thought I posted a review once I had finished the book. Has a very good plot and background story. I was so excited by the storyline that I wanted it just continue.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟❗🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❗
48 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2023
I really liked this one...

I really liked this one... It was surprising that I wasn't able to put it down. I enjoyed the character growth through it. This would be a read again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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