Gardens in Time Series by Marguerite Martin Gray

Something sinister lurks in Pitti Palace.Despite having spent eight years as companion to her cousins, Ana Geovani still questions her role and place in the Medici household. This uncertainty compounds and alarms as her cousin's marriage approaches and a marriage is arranged for Ana.With no say in her own future, fear and despair dulls even the splendor of the gardens she holds so dear... moreSomething sinister lurks in Pitti Palace.Despite having spent eight years as companion to her cousins, Ana Geovani still questions her role and place in the Medici household. This uncertainty compounds and alarms as her cousin's marriage approaches and a marriage is arranged for Ana.With no say in her own future, fear and despair dulls even the splendor of the gardens she holds so dear.As the newest under gardener at the palace, Marco Rossi should have everything he's dreamed of--beautiful gardens to tend and master architects and gardeners to learn from. Yet a secret mission threatens his peace of mind, his position, and even the love of Ana. Although God is always with him, reminding him of a bigger plan, Marco feels the weight of the consequences he will face if he challenges a Medici member.The desires of men and women, both royal and common, create costly dilemmas and potential disasters of hearts and souls. What will it take for Marco and Ana to prevail against everything driving them apart? less

Is true purity found in the laws of religion or in the hearts of the faithful?East Molesey, England, 1661—With the return of the exiled king to his rightful throne, Kate Sinclair’s world of black and white now offers the hope of color. But where does color-loving Kate fit? In the bakery as the daughter of a Puritan or in the palace garden among God’s myriad hues? Certainly not within the palace walls of an immoral court with new friends... moreIs true purity found in the laws of religion or in the hearts of the faithful?East Molesey, England, 1661—With the return of the exiled king to his rightful throne, Kate Sinclair’s world of black and white now offers the hope of color. But where does color-loving Kate fit? In the bakery as the daughter of a Puritan or in the palace garden among God’s myriad hues? Certainly not within the palace walls of an immoral court with new friends.Exiled with King Charles II on the continent, Peter Reresby claims unwavering support of his friend’s regained crown. While fighting for the monarchy against his family’s wishes, his sister disappears, and Peter is determined to find her.When their opposing beliefs collide, Kate and Peter witness a true test of faith in the ability of mankind to shed the past in order to preserve the future… and perhaps learn that the “greatest of these” truly is love. less

Nicole wanders the ancient halls of Château Chenonceau, stirring up whispers from the secrets of a queen. Craving the wisdom of the philosophers of the day, Nicole straddles the line between servant and high society. Will acting as one of higher status bring her closer to her dreams? Perhaps not, but a treasure hunt with the knight in the tower might fulfill her longing for a while.Pierre would avoid the senseless salons full of manmade wisdom, throwing every pamphlet aside... moreNicole wanders the ancient halls of Château Chenonceau, stirring up whispers from the secrets of a queen. Craving the wisdom of the philosophers of the day, Nicole straddles the line between servant and high society. Will acting as one of higher status bring her closer to her dreams? Perhaps not, but a treasure hunt with the knight in the tower might fulfill her longing for a while.Pierre would avoid the senseless salons full of manmade wisdom, throwing every pamphlet aside. Yet, he journeys to Chenonceau to glean knowledge from the estate manager. His goal reaches beyond the glittery, false, societal affairs to the fields of wheat, vineyards, and orchards. No fairy tales or treasure hunts for him. Not until his encounters with Nicole invade his practical world.Whispers and secrets conjure a treasure hunt, involving the heart as well as the mind. less