This sequel to Earthly Joys focuses on John Tradescant (the younger), gardener to the King of England during the tumultuous reign of Charles I. Desiring merely to garden rather than take sides between the king and parliament, he sails to Virginia to gather new and exotic plants for his collection. There, assisted by a young Powhatan girl, he finds himself drawn into this virgin land’s raw beauty. When the natives and the new English settlers go to war, John finds himself pressured once again to take sides in a conflict he wants nothing to do with, and must decide who he really is.

I greatly enjoy Gregory’s prose, and never fail to get sucked into the period – this book is no exception. Some of John’s relationships are unsatisfactory, and the ending is heartbreaking. I was inspired to learn more about Mr. Tradescant and his minor role in history.