Discovery. Desire. Deception. A wondrously imagined tale of two female botanists, separated by more than a century, in a race to discover a life-saving flower . . .

In Victorian England, headstrong adventuress Elizabeth takes up her late father's quest for a rare, miraculous plant. She faces a perilous sea voyage, unforeseen dangers and treachery that threatens her entire family.

In present-day Australia, Anna finds a mysterious metal box containing a sketchbook of dazzling watercolours, a photograph inscribed 'Spring 1886' and a small bag of seeds. It sets her on a path far from her safe, carefully ordered life, and on a journey that will force her to face her own demons.

In this spellbinding botanical odyssey of discovery, desire and deception, Kayte Nunn has so exquisitely researched nineteenth-century Cornwall and Chile you can almost smell the fragrance of the flowers, the touch of the flora on your fingertips . . .

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A wishlist book as part of your International Secret Santa gift.
Merry Christmas!

Enjoy and happy reading!

Thank you for this wishlist book chawoso! Looks like a fun read for 2024.

In some ways this was a silly novel about a magical plant and dastardly villain trying to find it, but I enjoyed it a lot. Elizabeth didn't feel like a Victorian woman - her use of language and general approach to life was too modern - but the tale of her crossing the ocean to South America was interesting. I gradually came to like her and Daisy as characters.

The story became very chicklit at times and there were some strange absences in the plot which was frustrating (such as a love rivalry which is built up then comes to nothing). Yet despite all the novel's faults, I found it engrossing and entertaining. It was a great read for a cold night.

Released at the meetup today.

Caught at the Old Gang meet up. Thank you!

Like LittleSuz, I thought there were a couple of parts in this book which were a bit strange, but on the whole it was an enjoyable read. The most weird things were 1) the author's assertion that in summer all British men wear shorts with fawn ankle socks and brogues!!! 2) that she thought that brightly coloured sports gear would be unheard of in Cornwall. I plan to get this one travelling again soon.

Set free at the Old Gang meet up. Happy reading!

Picked up at the Old Gang meet up, thank you