The Archaeologist and the Spinster by Angela Johnson

Phineas Fernley has spent his entire life wishing he could become an archaeologist. He is on his way to the Valley of the Kings now that his dream is finally coming true. He believes he is finally making progress when he locates another Englishman who is in command of a dig. But contrary to Phineas’ perception, an archaeologist’s existence is not very glamorous or thrilling. In addition, his host has a daughter who is a spinster and who is not as elderly or plain as Phineas had thought.

Adelia Winthrop, who accompanied her father, who is now widowed, to Egypt, is anxious to get back to England. She is certain her father has married her off when Phineas shows there. While rapidly realising her error, she cannot help but be captivated to Phineas.

The notion that dreams can change was one thing that was evident in this book. Everyone who has ever struggled with altering dreams can relate to this theme. Seeing this struggle play out in the novel is enlightening because many people have to go through this.

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This book was challenging to read in a certain sense. Her father and brother treat Adelia in a rather appalling manner. Her insecurities and responses to various occurrences are reasonable. It is still uncomfortable to read despite this, though.

Yet, it is a romance, so you get to see Phineas and Adelia gradually grow in love. Each of them exhibit awkwardness in various ways. Phineas is determined to be a travelling archaeologist, while Adelia is unable to flirt. Their beautiful sluggish romance.

The Archaeologist and the Spinster addresses issues such as loss, betrayal, the value of understanding the culture in which you live, and the ethics of archaeology. Archaeology at the period the book is set was more like tomb raiding, despite the fact that the field has changed significantly since then. This is mentioned repeatedly by the Egyptian characters.

The preceding volumes in the Fernley Family Series are not necessary to comprehend this one’s plot, but they do provide some context for Phineas’ life. Hopefully, the Fernley family will go on more excursions soon! The Archaeologist and the Spinster is a novel to check out if you enjoy clean romance, historical dramas, or archaeology in fiction.

About The Book

Self-proclaimed bachelor for life Phineas Fernley has dreamed of exploring the world since the day he found a book on archaeology hidden on the shelves of his father’s library. Armed with books and his personal journal Phineas sets out to add his knowledge to the world of ancient artifacts. His one true desire is to walk into a Pharaoh’s death chamber and discover the treasure within.

Living in the Egyptian desert was supposed to be temporary for Lady Adelia Winthrop and her father. After three years in Egypt, Adelia is no closer to convincing her father to return to England. As a spinster, all hope for a husband seems to be lost until a handsome gentleman arrives covered in sand and spit, riding upon an ornery camel.

Determined to fulfill their dreams, Adelia and Phineas set out on separate adventures. Phineas finds happiness at a dig site in the Valley of the Kings while Adelia shamelessly flirts, with the goal of making a match. When all hope seems lost, instead of giving up and accepting defeat, Adelia makes a request of a mythological goddess. To achieve their goals, she needs Phineas to notice her, and he needs Adelia to stop enchanting his every thought.