I did actually look this up on the internet and there is some really good reading regarding this move.

The cinematic prologue had me instantly hooked, as did the world of botany, perfume, potions and intrigue.I was fascinated to be back in the city when Princes Street Gardens were being drained from the loch. Interesting social background and intrigue around George IVs famous visit to his northern and then very unionist capital, and the early days of the creation of the New Town. I also enjoyed the feminist history that was woven through the story, and how the story depicted that over time more opportunities have been opened up to women. The word perfume comes from per fumus… Latin for through smoke, so this is a dark art, a kind of magic that can influence human emotions and perhaps even invoke love. Although I enjoyed the book and appreciated the atmosphere of anticipation it never completely hooked me, despite my interest in the central protagonists of Elizabeth and Belle, because I only ever felt superficially involved with their dilemmas.

The Fair Botanists" is, at its heart, a story of empowered women who make their own rules, at a time when such behaviour was not deemed seemly. There were hints that things were going to happen further into the book, but my patience ran out about halfway through.Belle is single-minded, selfish, she tramples on those who get in her way (especially if they are men) and yet she has her own very strong moral code. Lush, seductive and scandalous, this is a romantic tale of two intriguing women and their evolving friendship.