HOTHOUSE FLOWER AND THE 9 PLANTS OF DESIRE

Berwin’s novel combines elements of chick-lit and magical realism. After an unpleasant divorce, New York career woman Lily Nova is looking for something different. Seduced by a local green grocer—as much by his good looks as his exotic plants—Lily has no idea she's about to be catapulted into an adventure of magic, danger, and romance in the far-flung rainforests of Mexico. Cassandra Campbell's jaunty narration brings all the qualities of a fun summer read to this nosegay of a novel. Campbell creates a heroine with pluck and verve whose quest to uncover the nine plants of desire becomes a metaphor for tending to the right things in one’s life. D.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2009]