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Ghost Orchid
A mysterious orchid is central to a story of love, lies, and redemption.
Once more before I die…the haunting mantra of a lonely woman. A woman grieving more than one loss.
On her regular walks amongst the splendor of the Audubon Society sanctuary, situated at the edge of the Florida Everglades, the sights and sounds of nature filled the void in Mel’s soul.
She found peace here. No tears for what might have been. Only joy for having experienced the ecstasy of a great love. Her secrets stayed buried.
In another part of the world an exquisitely beautiful young woman also found peace by immersing herself in nature, capturing its beauty on film for National Geographic.
Educated in Europe’s finest boarding schools, Neev became a model at fourteen, but after four years of posing and false smiles she knew she wanted more out of life. She quit modeling to study Philosophy at Oxford University.
Neev’s love of photography brought her to the other side of the camera lens, and to exotic locations around the globe. Working on assignment with famous photographer Roger Andrew, she often trekked deep into the jungle in search of rare flowers.
Having a young, beautiful woman as a partner seemed like a good omen, and Roger thought their travels together could lead to a unique discovery. In spite of the age difference, their shared passion soon blossomed into a loving relationship. He wondered why someone so young would crave this nomadic, isolated lifestyle. Although Neev did share bits of information about her family, she always kept parts of her past a secret.
When a Ghost Orchid began to bloom at the Audubon Society sanctuary, Roger knew this was the opportunity he’d been waiting for. Neev was reluctant to visit Florida, for personal reasons, but he convinced her to accompany him on the trip.
After a series of odd coincidences, they soon discovered this sensuous flower wasn’t just rare and beautiful, it also had a strange, mystical power…
Once more before I die…the haunting mantra of a lonely woman. A woman grieving more than one loss.
On her regular walks amongst the splendor of the Audubon Society sanctuary, situated at the edge of the Florida Everglades, the sights and sounds of nature filled the void in Mel’s soul.
She found peace here. No tears for what might have been. Only joy for having experienced the ecstasy of a great love. Her secrets stayed buried.
In another part of the world an exquisitely beautiful young woman also found peace by immersing herself in nature, capturing its beauty on film for National Geographic.
Educated in Europe’s finest boarding schools, Neev became a model at fourteen, but after four years of posing and false smiles she knew she wanted more out of life. She quit modeling to study Philosophy at Oxford University.
Neev’s love of photography brought her to the other side of the camera lens, and to exotic locations around the globe. Working on assignment with famous photographer Roger Andrew, she often trekked deep into the jungle in search of rare flowers.
Having a young, beautiful woman as a partner seemed like a good omen, and Roger thought their travels together could lead to a unique discovery. In spite of the age difference, their shared passion soon blossomed into a loving relationship. He wondered why someone so young would crave this nomadic, isolated lifestyle. Although Neev did share bits of information about her family, she always kept parts of her past a secret.
When a Ghost Orchid began to bloom at the Audubon Society sanctuary, Roger knew this was the opportunity he’d been waiting for. Neev was reluctant to visit Florida, for personal reasons, but he convinced her to accompany him on the trip.
After a series of odd coincidences, they soon discovered this sensuous flower wasn’t just rare and beautiful, it also had a strange, mystical power…
- GenresRomance
162 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
12 people want to read
About the author
D.K. Christi
6 books10 followersAmazon.com's "Author to Watch," D. K. Christi is a polished, platform speaker and change strategist who has lived and worked in many locations throughout the world.
A traveler to exotic lands and a live-aboard sailor, D. K. Christi adds her own experience to the words that take her readers on their own global adventures to experience the romance of life.
Arirang: The Bamboo Connection is an epic novel of l01 cities and countries that releases the sights, sounds and aromas as background to the lifetime adventure.
Ghost Orchid, just released is a story of four lives; four destinies, shaped by the mystical influence of the rare and exotic ghost orchid that only blooms in the Everglades and Cuba. Is love eternal? Feel the life force pulsing in the Everglades...
D. K. Christi also writes short stories that can be found at Amazon Shorts, www.Amazon.com. and in anthologies: The World Outside the Window by R.J. Buckley and Romance of My Dreams by L&L Dreamspell. More information is found at www.dkchristi.com "
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 4, 2010
Mel, consumed by her love for a man who shares her passion but cannot commit to her, finds consolation in her daily walks at an Audubon Society sanctuary near the Florida Everglades. Her daughter, Neev, raised by foster parents, does not understand nor can she forgive her mother for abandoning her and deliberately keeps her at arm’s length. A former model and graduate of Oxford University, Neev interns under Roger Andrew, an acclaimed photographer with National Geographic. As the two travel to exotic locales, they enter into a romantic relationship which deepens into an affectionate friendship. Roger’s passion is shooting scarce and endangered flora, and when he learns that a Ghost Orchid, a rare form of the orchid family, is blooming at an Audubon Society sanctuary in Florida, he cannot miss this opportunity. Knowing Neev dislikes the area where her mother lived, he nevertheless asks her to accompany him there. Neev agrees, setting in motion mystical occurrences surrounding the Ghost Orchid connecting Neev’s past to her present and future.
Ghost Orchid is a lovely story brilliantly depicted through the author’s poetic prose and vibrant descriptives. Characters are well-developed and intriguing, as are the locales portrayed. Readers will fall under the spell of Christi as she weaves a magical tale of love, betrayal and forgiveness.
Ghost Orchid is a lovely story brilliantly depicted through the author’s poetic prose and vibrant descriptives. Characters are well-developed and intriguing, as are the locales portrayed. Readers will fall under the spell of Christi as she weaves a magical tale of love, betrayal and forgiveness.
September 2, 2015
I enjoyed this book a little more than the prequel. The cover on this book is very eye catching to me as well. I have not seen a Ghost Orchid but this book makes me want to. It had a role in the book as well. The story was compelling and kept me wanting to read more. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
June 24, 2020
This is such a mystical tale of lost love, found love, secrets and heartbreaks. I have personally seen the Ghost Orchid at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and it is indeed, breathtaking and magical as is the swamp itself. The author has written a wonderful story that drew me in. Halfway through the book, I couldn't put it down and spent hours reading it to the end. I hope she writes a sequel to this book.
November 1, 2020
It had an unexpected ending that I liked.
January 17, 2021
Wow! A friend gave me this book to read. I couldn't put it down. The interconnected stories, all connected to the ghost orchid fascinated me.
September 19, 2015
“Ghost Orchid” by D.K. Christi is a book that almost had me lost for words. As I looked at the book cover, before I began reading, I couldn’t help but to feel excited. Just the background, the girl and the white most around the camera had my imagination getting ahead of me. Calming myself down I had to remember to read it first.
When I finished reading I saw in awe. The book cover did not disappoint, because the story is as brilliantly beautifully as it is. A mystical romantic story of love, betrayal, heartache and forgiveness I was hooked from the beginning.
D.K. Christi is a talented author who has her own style of writing that amazes me. The Everglades plays as a setting in the story, at what points I won’t say because I don’t want to give spoilers, and the author described the setting with more than on point knowledge. Not only is the Everglades described on point, but they were beautifully and vividly described. I felt as though I could image every single detail down to the smallest thing.
The story came alive as I read each word and I didn’t want it to ever end. The plot contained twists and turns that kept me from even thinking about putting the book down. Mysteries around the past come slowly undone as she tells her story. “Ghost Orchid” is a magical and yet romantic read that I’m adding to one of my favorite reads. I even felt as though I was following the characters Neev and Mel watching them from afar throughout their lives.
D.K. Christi captivated me with this book and stunned me to the very end. It’s a very moving story one that deserves to be read by everyone. She is a brilliant author and I can’t wait to read her next book. I recommend me this book to everyone and guarantee that you will be stunned when your finished. I do caution readers who plan or will read this book by saying that it’s one you need to make sure you schedule is clear until your done since you won’t put it down until the end.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
Reviewer: Keishian @ After Dark Reading Nook
When I finished reading I saw in awe. The book cover did not disappoint, because the story is as brilliantly beautifully as it is. A mystical romantic story of love, betrayal, heartache and forgiveness I was hooked from the beginning.
D.K. Christi is a talented author who has her own style of writing that amazes me. The Everglades plays as a setting in the story, at what points I won’t say because I don’t want to give spoilers, and the author described the setting with more than on point knowledge. Not only is the Everglades described on point, but they were beautifully and vividly described. I felt as though I could image every single detail down to the smallest thing.
The story came alive as I read each word and I didn’t want it to ever end. The plot contained twists and turns that kept me from even thinking about putting the book down. Mysteries around the past come slowly undone as she tells her story. “Ghost Orchid” is a magical and yet romantic read that I’m adding to one of my favorite reads. I even felt as though I was following the characters Neev and Mel watching them from afar throughout their lives.
D.K. Christi captivated me with this book and stunned me to the very end. It’s a very moving story one that deserves to be read by everyone. She is a brilliant author and I can’t wait to read her next book. I recommend me this book to everyone and guarantee that you will be stunned when your finished. I do caution readers who plan or will read this book by saying that it’s one you need to make sure you schedule is clear until your done since you won’t put it down until the end.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
Reviewer: Keishian @ After Dark Reading Nook
March 21, 2014
Revisiting haunted Green Mansions in the Everglades
As a genre writer, I am often intimidated when I encounter pure literary fiction, with its evocative descriptions, slowly evolving plots and poetic symbolism. And yet, when it is wrapped in mystery and recounts a romance which evolves with the measured pace and sudden unpredictability of an opening orchid, as in the case of D. K. Christi’s novel, I can only gasp in wonder.
Untangling the mysterious hidden life of a quiet government employee, killed in a random accident after her daily noontime walk in a nearby everglades preserve, is left to her ravishing redheaded daughter and two botanist-photographers, whose three lives are intertwined as inextricably as the airborne roots of the rare ghost orchid established in the crotch of an ancient swamp cypress tree. In a saga of missed connections and failed communications, the rootless nature of their busy lives conceals the answers to this puzzle and delays discovery of the powerful passions which gave rise to the curious isolation and quiet desperation of these vividly portrayed characters.
The symbolism of the ghost orchid, with its mysterious power to alter human lives, could not help but evoke in me the life force of Rima, the elusive wood sprite who captivated me as a hormonal teen in W. H. Hudson’s Green Mansions, a classic allegory of nature.
While the author’s omniscient point of view and the tendency of her characters to deliver speeches rather than converse involves more telling than showing, I write some of that off to my own unfamiliarity with the conventions of the literary style.
While tighter editing might have sped up the experience of this tale, it nevertheless deserves a leisurely reading pace to absorb and feel its haunting power.
—Peter H. Green, Author of Ben’s War with the U. S. Marines
As a genre writer, I am often intimidated when I encounter pure literary fiction, with its evocative descriptions, slowly evolving plots and poetic symbolism. And yet, when it is wrapped in mystery and recounts a romance which evolves with the measured pace and sudden unpredictability of an opening orchid, as in the case of D. K. Christi’s novel, I can only gasp in wonder.
Untangling the mysterious hidden life of a quiet government employee, killed in a random accident after her daily noontime walk in a nearby everglades preserve, is left to her ravishing redheaded daughter and two botanist-photographers, whose three lives are intertwined as inextricably as the airborne roots of the rare ghost orchid established in the crotch of an ancient swamp cypress tree. In a saga of missed connections and failed communications, the rootless nature of their busy lives conceals the answers to this puzzle and delays discovery of the powerful passions which gave rise to the curious isolation and quiet desperation of these vividly portrayed characters.
The symbolism of the ghost orchid, with its mysterious power to alter human lives, could not help but evoke in me the life force of Rima, the elusive wood sprite who captivated me as a hormonal teen in W. H. Hudson’s Green Mansions, a classic allegory of nature.
While the author’s omniscient point of view and the tendency of her characters to deliver speeches rather than converse involves more telling than showing, I write some of that off to my own unfamiliarity with the conventions of the literary style.
While tighter editing might have sped up the experience of this tale, it nevertheless deserves a leisurely reading pace to absorb and feel its haunting power.
—Peter H. Green, Author of Ben’s War with the U. S. Marines
August 23, 2015
Review for Ghost Orchid
Ghost Orchid by D.K. Christi is a unique novel in many ways. The novel begins with an auto accident in which a woman dies on a road in the Everglades of Florida. The author uses vivid descriptive language which draws the reader immediately into the story. Ghost Orchid is both romance and mystery. The novel shifts to Neev, a six foot tall redhead whose natural beauty makes her stand out. She is a former successful model and now a professional photographer who works well with Rodger, another talented photographer, a divorced man in his sixties. Because Neev never knew her own father she is drawn to Rodger. He became both lover and mentor to the young woman. But as the years pass, Neev is still haunted by why her mother abandoned her to the care of others. She no longer hates her mother but wants to know the facts behind her birth.
Working for National Geographic with Rodger, Neev is led to the Everglades swamp where a mysterious ghost orchid has bloomed. The flower’s roots are wrapped tightly around the trunk of an ancient cypress tree. For Neev the orchid has a healing, cleansing power. Rodger views the ghost orchid as a spiritual messenger. However, others see it as relating to death. What is a connection between the ghost orchid and the death of Mel, the woman who died near the sanctuary where the ghost orchid has magically appeared and bloomed? How will this connect to the Neev and change her life?
The theme of the novel is a positive one: Love transcends death. The interrelationships in this novel are complex and the story is absorbing. The reader will not want to put the book down until the final page has been turned.
Ghost Orchid by D.K. Christi is a unique novel in many ways. The novel begins with an auto accident in which a woman dies on a road in the Everglades of Florida. The author uses vivid descriptive language which draws the reader immediately into the story. Ghost Orchid is both romance and mystery. The novel shifts to Neev, a six foot tall redhead whose natural beauty makes her stand out. She is a former successful model and now a professional photographer who works well with Rodger, another talented photographer, a divorced man in his sixties. Because Neev never knew her own father she is drawn to Rodger. He became both lover and mentor to the young woman. But as the years pass, Neev is still haunted by why her mother abandoned her to the care of others. She no longer hates her mother but wants to know the facts behind her birth.
Working for National Geographic with Rodger, Neev is led to the Everglades swamp where a mysterious ghost orchid has bloomed. The flower’s roots are wrapped tightly around the trunk of an ancient cypress tree. For Neev the orchid has a healing, cleansing power. Rodger views the ghost orchid as a spiritual messenger. However, others see it as relating to death. What is a connection between the ghost orchid and the death of Mel, the woman who died near the sanctuary where the ghost orchid has magically appeared and bloomed? How will this connect to the Neev and change her life?
The theme of the novel is a positive one: Love transcends death. The interrelationships in this novel are complex and the story is absorbing. The reader will not want to put the book down until the final page has been turned.
December 8, 2013
Ghost Orchid is a gentle,compelling, haunting mystery/romance. It is a story of love, heartache, betrayal and cynicism, of discovery and of yearning and reconciliation. It is as magical as the rare and mysterious Ghost Orchid of its title.
Mel is a woman obsessed with love for a man who is unable to commit to her. She finds comfort in an Audubon Society sanctuary in the Everglades. She is estranged from her daughter Neev, who was raised in Germany, and resents what she considers her mother's abandonment. Neev is a brilliant and beautiful woman who travels the world as a wildlife photographer, often in the company of a much older photographer who becomes her best friend and mentor.
The characters are brought together by the discovery of a rare ghost orchid in the sanctuary. Author D.K. Christi created characters and setting so vivid that I felt I was in the Everglades. I experienced some initial confusion about who each person was, but by the end, I was as mesmerized as the visitors to the sanctuary. I didn't want the book to end.
Ghost Orchid is not a "standard" romance, but it is romantic and mystical and haunting. Well worth reading and the kind of book that stays with you.
I read that D.K. Christi was inspired to write the book after seeing a ghost orchid. After viewing the beautiful cover of this book, I can understand her compulsion. And that of the characters in her book.
Mel is a woman obsessed with love for a man who is unable to commit to her. She finds comfort in an Audubon Society sanctuary in the Everglades. She is estranged from her daughter Neev, who was raised in Germany, and resents what she considers her mother's abandonment. Neev is a brilliant and beautiful woman who travels the world as a wildlife photographer, often in the company of a much older photographer who becomes her best friend and mentor.
The characters are brought together by the discovery of a rare ghost orchid in the sanctuary. Author D.K. Christi created characters and setting so vivid that I felt I was in the Everglades. I experienced some initial confusion about who each person was, but by the end, I was as mesmerized as the visitors to the sanctuary. I didn't want the book to end.
Ghost Orchid is not a "standard" romance, but it is romantic and mystical and haunting. Well worth reading and the kind of book that stays with you.
I read that D.K. Christi was inspired to write the book after seeing a ghost orchid. After viewing the beautiful cover of this book, I can understand her compulsion. And that of the characters in her book.
April 23, 2010
Review by BK Walker: Ghost Orchid by D.K. Christi is brilliant! Christi does a phenomenal detail bringing two love stories full circle to one extraordinary outcome.
The Ghost Orchid is an endangered and rarely seen flower. There has been a sighting of one in a swamp found in the Florida Everglades. Christi has created an amazing plot as we watch how two separate love stories intertwine and the Ghost Orchid's magic brings them both to an unexpecting connection and meaningful conclusion.
In search of the 'one' great capture on film, Roger Andrew and Neev are brought together on assignment for National Geographic. In the jungle of South Africa, they find adventure and passion. While their love grows no farther than the assignment they are on, a deeply profound and true friendship does.
Neev, never knowing her real family, searches to resolve anger and the empty hole in her soul. Roger stands by her as a true friend should and as we see the other love story of Mel and Jack unfold, Neev is led to the answers she so desperately seeks.
Ghost Orchid is a must read. I can't say enough about this title. Christi's style will definitely leave you feeling the magic. I give it ***** (5) Stars, ~BK Walker - Author/Reviewer of BK Walker Books, http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com.
Copyright BK Walker Books - 2009
The Ghost Orchid is an endangered and rarely seen flower. There has been a sighting of one in a swamp found in the Florida Everglades. Christi has created an amazing plot as we watch how two separate love stories intertwine and the Ghost Orchid's magic brings them both to an unexpecting connection and meaningful conclusion.
In search of the 'one' great capture on film, Roger Andrew and Neev are brought together on assignment for National Geographic. In the jungle of South Africa, they find adventure and passion. While their love grows no farther than the assignment they are on, a deeply profound and true friendship does.
Neev, never knowing her real family, searches to resolve anger and the empty hole in her soul. Roger stands by her as a true friend should and as we see the other love story of Mel and Jack unfold, Neev is led to the answers she so desperately seeks.
Ghost Orchid is a must read. I can't say enough about this title. Christi's style will definitely leave you feeling the magic. I give it ***** (5) Stars, ~BK Walker - Author/Reviewer of BK Walker Books, http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com.
Copyright BK Walker Books - 2009
September 10, 2015
Inspired by the author's own experience of seeing the ghost orchid blooming, Ghost Orchid is the story of a rare plant and it's ability to bring people together.
Mel likes to take a lunchtime break from work by finding God in Nature in the local swamp and enjoying her encounters with the animals
'Laughter ran out of her soul as the squirrel leaped from the rail to a tree, just barely catching the limb. It looked back at her and chattered loudly as if to tell her she had interfered with plans.'
Meanwhile photographer Roger has finally persuaded Neev, his best friend, sometime lover and also another photographer, to accompany him to Florida to capture the ghost orchids in their rare blooming in the Everglades. Neev is reluctant to travel to Florida, because that is where her estranged mother lives, but once she is there, she doesn't regret the journey.
The Florida Everglades are brought to life in atmospheric detail and the far reaching effects of the mysterious flowers on those who see them is well drawn out in a story that feels quite static at times but is ultimately very moving.
This is the third in a series of books but stands alone.
Mel likes to take a lunchtime break from work by finding God in Nature in the local swamp and enjoying her encounters with the animals
'Laughter ran out of her soul as the squirrel leaped from the rail to a tree, just barely catching the limb. It looked back at her and chattered loudly as if to tell her she had interfered with plans.'
Meanwhile photographer Roger has finally persuaded Neev, his best friend, sometime lover and also another photographer, to accompany him to Florida to capture the ghost orchids in their rare blooming in the Everglades. Neev is reluctant to travel to Florida, because that is where her estranged mother lives, but once she is there, she doesn't regret the journey.
The Florida Everglades are brought to life in atmospheric detail and the far reaching effects of the mysterious flowers on those who see them is well drawn out in a story that feels quite static at times but is ultimately very moving.
This is the third in a series of books but stands alone.
October 31, 2009
Author D.K. Christi is a true romantic. Her ability to describe the beauty in nature is only surpassed by the inner beauty she portrays in finding true love. She writes as though she has experienced this beauty. Her characters draw the reader into a web of emotion, anguish and intrigue.
The illegitimate birth of a girl left with foster parents in Germany, takes the reader on a journey to the jungles of Brazil and the Everglades in Florida photographing the beauty of nature. A mystery controls the life of the heroine seeking answers and yearning for an elusive love. Finding a rare flower, a Ghost Orchid, becomes a magnet that brings together lost loves, unfolds hidden secrets and serves to unite and heal. To learn more, read the book synopsis. Better still, read the book. You may discover your own unfulfilled hidden desires.
The illegitimate birth of a girl left with foster parents in Germany, takes the reader on a journey to the jungles of Brazil and the Everglades in Florida photographing the beauty of nature. A mystery controls the life of the heroine seeking answers and yearning for an elusive love. Finding a rare flower, a Ghost Orchid, becomes a magnet that brings together lost loves, unfolds hidden secrets and serves to unite and heal. To learn more, read the book synopsis. Better still, read the book. You may discover your own unfulfilled hidden desires.
December 8, 2015
I received the ebook in exchange for an honest review. The whole story is centered around an unique kind of flower: the ghost orchid. I've never heard about this flower, but know I'm compelled to look for pictures. The writing style was very descriptive, which I liked, but I didn fell that next to the flower the story lacked a bit of originality. The book read fluently and I really liked the story though.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews