This is a novel of self-discovery mixed with a hefty dose of romance (think a combination of The Alchemist, The Orchid Thief AND Eat, Pray, Love); in general, not the usual novel I pick up. However, I wanted to read something light and fun other than my familiar mysteries (see The Girl Who Played with Fire) for our Summer Reads Flyer and this first novel by Margot Berwin fit the bill.

Lila Nova works in advertising in Manhattan. Recently divorced, she is still making her new apartment into a home. To that end, she visits a Green Market where she buys a bird-of-paradise plant. Turns out Lila has quite a green thumb and it doesn't hurt that the plant man is quite good looking. One evening, on a walk, Lila sees the most amazing fern through the grimy window of a laundromat. As she walks through the door she is astounded by the greenery -- moss on the floor, plants swinging in between the fluorescent lights, and patches of grass growing on the washers. This oasis is owned by Armand who sees in Margot something special. Next thing she knows, Margot is on a plane to the Yucatan Peninsula to search for the Nine Plants of Desire leading to adventure, danger and that hefty bit of romance mentioned earlier. ~Patti