What We're Reading: Edward

Hothouse Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire

by Margot Berwin

There are many fiction books that feature recipes either at the beginning of chapters or at the end of the book. This novel features a description of a plant at the beginning of each chapter. Lila Nova is newly divorced and living in a Manhattan studio apartment. Her apartment is as empty as her life. Lila buys a tropical plant to put in her only window. Soon Lila purchases several more and turns her studio into a hothouse.Walking home one day, she sees an unique plant in the window of a laundromat. Inside Armand's laundromat are more plants and a special aura. Because of Lila's big mouth, Armand's place is wrecked. Lila promises to replace the nine plants of desire that were stolen. They travel to the Yucatan to search for replacement plants. While searching for the plants Lila embarks on an adventure of self-discovery. The perfect book to make you feel the sweltering Yucatan on a cold winter evening!