The Lady’s Slipper: A sweeping historical novel of orchids and obsession (Westmorland Book 1)

‘Compelling and intriguing, this is a well-told story full of wonderful prose and surprising events.’ — RT BookReviews

England 1660
When botanical artist Alice Ibbetson discovers a rare orchid, the lady’s-slipper, in a nearby wood, she is captivated by its beauty. It is the last surviving 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 unleash an unstoppable chain of events – one that will lead to murder and exile, and unexpected love.

Set just after the English Civil War, on land riven by divided loyalties, soon Alice is fighting not only for the flower’s survival, but for her own.

Shortlisted for the Impress Prize
‘A genuinely engrossing story, with characters you can get interested in.’ –The Mum website