I like the adventure and at-home travel books written by authors such as Philippa Gregory. Time back to the 17th century and see the beautiful gardens; the truth live charactors such as John Tradescant, Sir Robert Cecil, George Villiers and Prince Charles as they weave their loves among the roses and tulips:
"Hester went quickly to the bed, her skirts brushing the banks of flowers, pollen and perfume swirling like ground mist as she ran to him, but by the time she touched his hand the pulse had stopped and John Tradescant died in a bed of his flowers, greeting the person he loved most in all the world."