During World War II, Charles Laurient is taken by the Germans to a concentration camp. It is up to his adopted daughter Rochelle to keep up the estate in his absence. The business of the estate is orchid growing. His illegitimate American son "Laurie" is with the American forces. If I say much more, I'll give away too much of the plot. The author uses very descriptive language, but the pacing of the novel is far too slow, and the novel itself is too long. Characters are well-drawn, and the plight of the island of Jersey during World War II is portrayed well. ( )

During the Nazi occupation of the British isle of Jersey during WW II, a dewy, young heroine, an elder underground hero, a long-lost illegitimate son, and, the breeding of some beautiful orchids. In the 1920's, Charles Laurient, decides to adopt orphaned child Rochelle, the orphaned daughter of his estate manager, and together they toil in the family hothouse, hoping that some day they will evolve the ``Pure Madonna''--a spectacular orchid once bred by Charles's father. But then come war and the Nazis. Charles, soon helping POWs escape, is deported, and 16-year-old Rochelle must carry on with the estate--and the orchids. Laurie, illegitamet son of Charles is an escaped Air Force POW, arrives to Jersey searching for his father, and it's love at first sight, but Rochelle--innocent to the point, one feels, of being a teensy bit simple-minded--is afraid of betraying her filial love for Charles. A discovery of a bang-up orchid, fame for Rochelle, and South American orchid-hunting for Laurie will intervene before the happy finale.