‘Compelling and intriguing, this is a well-told story full of wonderful prose and surprising events. It’s a vivid addition to the genre’. –RT BookReviewsShortlisted for the Impress Prize England 1660When artist Alice Ibbetson discovers a rare orchid, the lady’s-slipper, growing in a nearby wood, she is captivated by its beauty. It is the last surviving specimen and she wants to preserve it for … specimen and she wants to preserve it for future generations.
There is only one problem – it is growing on the land of Richard Wheeler, a newly-converted Quaker, who will not allow her to touch it.
Fearing for the flower’s fragility, she steals the orchid, little dreaming that this seemingly simple act will set off an unstoppable chain of events – a web of intrigue that will lead to murder and exile, and change her comfortable life forever.
Set in an England riven by civil war and divided loyalties the novel explores the nature of faith, and who should control the land we all inhabit.
“It is a genuinely engrossing story, with characters you can get interested in.” –The Mum website
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Great historical fiction about the beginnings of the Quaker movement wrapped around a low key romantic and adventure novel.
Very different, historical and informational. I had never heard of the Lady Slipper’s Orchid. I grow a few orchid’s which is why I ordered this book. The way people, especially women, were treated years ago, is terrible. Was interested in the timing of the religious meetings of Quaker’s . All together the book was a good read, I enjoyed it very …
I enoyed the style of the author…lovely descriptions and good character development. I like historical fiction, not necessarily historical romance. This had both and interesting plot development. I recommend this book to readers who especially enjoy historical fiction.
I found the characters very well developed, the plot was captivating, lots of twist and turns that were not anticipated and presented within a historical context.
Thought it was a great idea, but did not catch my interest.
the setting and culture of the period was fascinating.
I truly enjoy historical fiction, and this was a great read. Wonderful, strong female character. The information about the search for this beautiful flower, Lady Slippers, and it’s history was fascinating.
Story is ok but not riveting.
I liked it until the sex got graphic. That’s me. Interesting premise, obviously the author has done her homework. But I felt the sex was gratuitous and ugly. Didn’t finish the book because of it.
I gave 3 stars because I think others may like it more than I. Just not my kind of book. The characters were well developed and historically interesting info built around the Quakers in 16th century England and why they left for America.
I found it hard to get into the book, but once I did the book many interesting turns that made it easy to keep reading.
Excellent!
Insight into historical life and well written.
I started this book and rarely do I start a book I don’t finish. But there were adult themes in the first part of the book that I didn’t appreciate so I quit reading.
Art, drama, who’s sleeping with who and unexpected twists make this book unputdownable.
The book was good to read. It offered interest and had an interesting tale. I would recommend it but am not crazy about it.
Good, light reading.
Use your time to read something with a better plot and more realistic characters .
Loved learning about that period
Kind of a clunky read. Not too crazy about it