Friendship, love and dangerous orchids
Innerpeffray. Scottish Library Series Book One
Beauty and danger entwine like the most exquisite hothouse bloom.
In 1867 Scotland, sixteen-year-old Iris Finlay's world shatters when her grief-stricken father abandons his ministry and departs for Ecuador on a plant-hunting expedition. Sent to live with her aunt at Drummond Castle, Iris finds solace in Innerpeffray Library and an unexpected friendship with talented artist Annie Cooper. She hatches a plan for independence through their joint botany publication. When the charming Spanish botanist Rafael de Rias enters their lives before mysteriously joining her father abroad, both girls are enthralled, then dashed. Iris is inspired and also faces disgrace working as rebellious Princess Louise’s chaperone in Balmoral. But after receiving devastating news, Iris uncovers the secret tale of a rare black orchid. Enlisting help from Annie's brother Struan, can she piece together a botanical mystery?
What did I think?
The Orchid Hunter's Daughter is stunning both inside and out. Just look at the beautiful cover that hints of the intricate, powerful and beautiful story held within the pages of this outstanding book. It's the first book in an exciting new series and I can't wait to read more.
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres but I don't think I have read anything set in the unusual world of horticulture. Jane Anderson's writing is very vivid and descriptive as she brings the exquisite blooms to life through Iris Finlay's words and Annie Cooper's drawings.
Iris is only 16 years old when her father travels to South America in search of rare plants for his new employer. Left in the care of her Aunt Leonora, Iris befriends orphan Annie Cooper through their shared love of books at Innerpeffray Library. To my shame, I had never heard of Innerpeffray Library (the first lending library in Scotland) so I loved finding out more, both in the book and through additional research afterwards.
Annie's twin Struan is very protective of her and has been all his life so I loved the way he looked out for her. Struan is left to pick up the pieces when a smarmy Spaniard arrives and sets the girls' hearts a-flutter before leaving them to join Iris' father's expedition. Oh I really didn't like Rafael at all but it's no surprise that Iris and Annie had their heads turned by him. He knew exactly what he was doing and his actions only get worse.
I loved the appearance of the royal family when Queen Victoria visits Scotland and Iris enters the household as chaperone to Princess Louise. I don't know much about Princess Louise but she certainly seems to be a very colourful character and an early feminist. I also enjoyed reading about Sophia Jex-Blake as I had never heard of her but she did so much in the fight for women's rights.
What an absolute gem of a book! I could write so much more about it as I loved it, both the fantastic storyline and the real characters and places that led me to find out more about them. The Orchid Hunter's Daughter is an unforgettable book and completely unmissable for historical fiction and feminist fiction fans. An easy five stars and a highly recommended read.
I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours virtual book tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
My rating:
Buy it from:
Follow the tour:
No comments:
Post a Comment