What do you think?
Rate this book
Egypt Trilogy #2
Lions of the Desert
Lions of the Desert opens up in 1915, over a year after the conclusion of Arabian Winds. Nurse Allison Wescott arrives in busy Cairo to serve the British military confronting Kaiser's Germany and their ally, Turkey. In Cairo, Allison meets Major Bret Holden again after his return from London, and their previous romantic but rocky relationship is resumed. But the man she has been thinking of marrying has also arrived to serve as a chaplain with historical Oswald Chambers, who is ministering to British and Australian troops. In the dark and trying times of world war, Allison most come to grips with her divided heart and make a choice that she will live with for the rest of her life.
468 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1997
About the author
Linda Lee Chaikin
47 books236 followersLinda Chaikin is a Christian fiction author with a focus on historical fiction. She sometimes publishes using the name L.L. Chaikin.
Linda was the youngest of 10 children and her father died shortly after she was born. She wrote her first full-length novel with pen and paper at the age of 14 - this novel was later rewritten as Wednesday's Child, part of the Day to Remember series.
She met her husband, Steve, in a Bible study, and they were married 6 months later. They both went to Multnomah School for the Bible, now known as Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Linda was the youngest of 10 children and her father died shortly after she was born. She wrote her first full-length novel with pen and paper at the age of 14 - this novel was later rewritten as Wednesday's Child, part of the Day to Remember series.
She met her husband, Steve, in a Bible study, and they were married 6 months later. They both went to Multnomah School for the Bible, now known as Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 6, 2013
Serving as a nuse in the "war to end all wars", Allison Wescott works to save soldiers on the front lines near Basra. When Colonel Bret Holden's orders lead him to the Arabian warfront where he and Allison cross paths after an unforgettable kiss and hurtful year-long silence, he's determined to see her to Cairo, safely away from danger. But danger follows Allison even to Cairo, and she becomes entangled in a murder mystery, and a hunt for an ancient Pharaoh's treasure.
Linda Chaikin is one of my favorite authors, and her wonderful romance adventure stories never disappoint. This is acutally a re-read--I read this book as a teen many years ago on a trip to Florida, but I was just as caught up in it today as I was then, unable to remember who the murderer was. The story begins in the desert near Bagdad, in the midst of Zeppelin raids, and finishes in a sort of "Clue" setting with all the characters gathered at one house for Christmas, trying to solve a murder mystery.
The writing is first draftish--not welll edited--but the book was published before the big push toward deep POV and "showing" vs "telling". The "ly" words and unnecessary tags were the biggest distraction, but I still really enjoyed it. I loved Allison and Bret's romance, and felt their desperation to forget one another warring with their magnetic attraction. The author also did a magnificent job of creating a ghostly, haunting atmosphere for the Blaine house, and I could see the setting perfectly.
If you like guessing at murder mysteries and can get past imperfect writing to enjoy a wonderful love story spiced with intrigue and suspense, allow me to recommend "Lions of the Desert". The second book in Chaikin's "Egypt Trilogy" series, it works well as a stand alone since the author visits key points in book one.
Linda Chaikin is one of my favorite authors, and her wonderful romance adventure stories never disappoint. This is acutally a re-read--I read this book as a teen many years ago on a trip to Florida, but I was just as caught up in it today as I was then, unable to remember who the murderer was. The story begins in the desert near Bagdad, in the midst of Zeppelin raids, and finishes in a sort of "Clue" setting with all the characters gathered at one house for Christmas, trying to solve a murder mystery.
The writing is first draftish--not welll edited--but the book was published before the big push toward deep POV and "showing" vs "telling". The "ly" words and unnecessary tags were the biggest distraction, but I still really enjoyed it. I loved Allison and Bret's romance, and felt their desperation to forget one another warring with their magnetic attraction. The author also did a magnificent job of creating a ghostly, haunting atmosphere for the Blaine house, and I could see the setting perfectly.
If you like guessing at murder mysteries and can get past imperfect writing to enjoy a wonderful love story spiced with intrigue and suspense, allow me to recommend "Lions of the Desert". The second book in Chaikin's "Egypt Trilogy" series, it works well as a stand alone since the author visits key points in book one.
May 12, 2018
3.5 stars.
Another heart pounder from Linda Chaikin!
The first part of the book, at the front lines of World War 1, was too intense for me, but the second part of the book had a fantastic plot and a treasure hunt that kept me reading. I enjoyed the story and the setting in Cairo, Egypt.
There were even some moments that made me stop and think, such as this one: "It was Satan who advised the Lord to jump from the pinnacle of the temple so angels might catch Him, she reminded herself. How many times did Satan advise unwise behavior and pawn it off as faith or trust in God?"
There were still a few editing errors, though not as many as in the first book. What bothered me the most was the love triangle and the fact that I just didn't like the hero. I think he was supposed to come across as confident and mysterious, but I saw him mostly as arrogant and closed off. He did some honorable and courageous things, but he didn't open up at all to Allison. She doesn't know him much at all, and she's marrying him anyway. I hope this is resolved in book 3.
Another heart pounder from Linda Chaikin!
The first part of the book, at the front lines of World War 1, was too intense for me, but the second part of the book had a fantastic plot and a treasure hunt that kept me reading. I enjoyed the story and the setting in Cairo, Egypt.
There were even some moments that made me stop and think, such as this one: "It was Satan who advised the Lord to jump from the pinnacle of the temple so angels might catch Him, she reminded herself. How many times did Satan advise unwise behavior and pawn it off as faith or trust in God?"
There were still a few editing errors, though not as many as in the first book. What bothered me the most was the love triangle and the fact that I just didn't like the hero. I think he was supposed to come across as confident and mysterious, but I saw him mostly as arrogant and closed off. He did some honorable and courageous things, but he didn't open up at all to Allison. She doesn't know him much at all, and she's marrying him anyway. I hope this is resolved in book 3.
April 9, 2022
Because I read this sequel over 10 years after the first book in the trilogy, I can’t really compare them, but I do think I connected with the characters a bit more since they are more developed in this second book. Lions of the Desert continues the story of Nurse Allison Westcott and Colonel Bret Holden during World War I. The first part of the book focuses more on the war with Allison working in a field hospital; this is the part I preferred. The second part is more of a mystery of a missing piece of treasure and murders that take place as a result; it felt Clue-like with multiple characters being suspects. So, while it still has the stereotypical romantic vibe of Christian historical fiction there’s more going on than just the romance to make the story more interesting.
September 7, 2020
Oh Allison, thank goodness your preachiness wore off a little in this book.
This book is a little dragging, especially up to the halfway point.
But a good read and sets up nicely for the third.
This book is a little dragging, especially up to the halfway point.
But a good read and sets up nicely for the third.
January 28, 2024
second in series
Much of second half feels like a game of Clue without the character development we have in first half. Still good read
Much of second half feels like a game of Clue without the character development we have in first half. Still good read
March 1, 2026
Book two finished. On to book three and find out what happens to Allison and Bret… Suspense and intrigued go hand in hand!
February 12, 2025
📖Better written than the first. 5 stars cause of nostalgia.
May 2, 2026
This sequel cannot quite live up to its predecessor for me, mainly in the espionage, mystery, and ending. That being said it carries far more moments of terror and jump scares than the original, so be careful reading home alone at night or you may frighten yourself!
The cast of characters are again diverse and interesting with unexpected information from the first book tying into the conflict of this one. The romance is engaging, though our main couple’s wrestle with the “will they, won’t they” in this book is hardly really believable for the reader (of course they will!).
The historical setting, split point of views (new in the sequel), and faith focus mostly disappear in the latter half of the book. The history and faith aspects are two of my favorite parts of the first one. All the same, it’s an enjoyable read.
Again, I find this series a comfort read and would recommend!
The cast of characters are again diverse and interesting with unexpected information from the first book tying into the conflict of this one. The romance is engaging, though our main couple’s wrestle with the “will they, won’t they” in this book is hardly really believable for the reader (of course they will!).
The historical setting, split point of views (new in the sequel), and faith focus mostly disappear in the latter half of the book. The history and faith aspects are two of my favorite parts of the first one. All the same, it’s an enjoyable read.
Again, I find this series a comfort read and would recommend!
November 1, 2019
2019 review:
Ok. If I’m being completely honest... had I read this book now for the first time, I would be so annoyed at the gaping plot holes, the ceaseless faffing around, Allison being a bit of a goose and Bret just being far too distant and mysterious. But as it is, my long-standing love of this story does not permit me to make any such criticisms. Still 5 stars from me!
2014 review:
So much love for this series!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Ok. If I’m being completely honest... had I read this book now for the first time, I would be so annoyed at the gaping plot holes, the ceaseless faffing around, Allison being a bit of a goose and Bret just being far too distant and mysterious. But as it is, my long-standing love of this story does not permit me to make any such criticisms. Still 5 stars from me!
2014 review:
So much love for this series!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
August 14, 2008
Another "no-brainer". It was all right - I did like the mystery aspect as this author is a very good writer and you never quite knew who/whom was/were the guy(s)- but very emotional/romantic and I can really get hooked on those and I really don't think that is good so...It was okay but I don't think I will read any more of this series.
August 15, 2024
2024: Intrigerend...Heb het ebook gekocht, omdat ik de fysieke versie zo snel niet kon vinden en voor mijn gevoel is 't verhaal net anders... Toch maar even op zoek dus.
2018: Yes I know who did it, but that doesn't mean I'm not freaked out.
2017: Dit blijven heerlijke boeken :-)
2018: Yes I know who did it, but that doesn't mean I'm not freaked out.
2017: Dit blijven heerlijke boeken :-)
July 5, 2012
This is my favorite series by Chaikin. It is masterfully written, full of intrigue and suspense. A GREAT read.
December 6, 2025
Another great reread from my youth. Having fun rereading this series.
April 1, 2008
I believe it's the last book in this three-book series. See my review of Arabian Winds.
March 1, 2016
Easy reading.
Filled with mystery, suspense, romance and faith.
Filled with mystery, suspense, romance and faith.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews