Labor of Love 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. 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?