I had high hopes for this story, but I just didn't take to it. While the author(s) did a very good job of portraying a relatively recent widow without being maudlin about it, it just wasn't for me. The story was very good though, and some of the secondary characters likeable. The botany information was very interesting as well and while the protagonist certainly was enjoyable, I found she vacillated between her youthful or energetic pursuits and acting like her middle age meant she was ready to be put out to pasture. Perhaps later books in the series might be better for me, but I'll probably not pursue this series.