Hatsu: A Story of Egypt

"Hatsu: A Story of Egypt" by Laura Dayton Fessenden is a historical book set in ancient Egypt, filled with romance, and the heavy weight of family duty. Princess Hatsu finds herself trapped by her father's dying wish: to marry her half-brother, the incompetent King Tothmes the Second, in order to keep the kingdom stable, even though she can't stand the thought of it. The story kicks off with a sad scene at the Palace of Tears, where Hatsu's father is passing away, and his last words bind her to this terrible promise. Her heart is torn because she wants freedom and love, but she is also loyal to her family, and to her kingdom. Her closest friend, Miriam, who is a slave, reminds her of how much she has, even though Hatsu feels like she is drowning in her royal duties. As the wedding gets closer, Hatsu has to decide what matters more: her own happiness or what is expected of her as a princess.