With a beautiful cover that hints of the colorful plot within, Like a Flower in Bloom is a charming tale of a young botanist caught between her own dreams and her family’s obligations. Through Charlotte’s eyes, I watched the story unfold and quickly came to care and sympathize for the heroine and her troubles.
As a writer and a gardener myself, I naturally enjoyed the “plant talk” in this book, but I think there’s something fun and fresh in it for everyone. I appreciated Charlotte’s straightforward honesty and simplicity. Readers will undoubtedly like her and will be also drawn, just as I was, to the strength and subtlety of Edward.
There were some parts, however, that I felt were a bit drawn out and repetitive. I confess I grew a bit anxious waiting for things to move along and see if the two could work past their differences. The charade to find a husband became a little tiresome and a few details proved distracting to me, but the end was pleasantly rewarding and surprising. So read patiently… or read fast. π
This was a quick and entertaining read for me. I flew through it in 2 days. It was my first time reading Siri Mitchell’s work. I enjoyed her style and her voice. I’ll definitely be watching for more of hers. I hope you will join me.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
Victorian-Era England Comes Alive in This Witty Romance
For years Charlotte Withersby has worked as an assistant to her father, an eminent English botanist. As she approaches the old age of twenty-four, her father pushes her out into society, swayed by an uncle who believes God’s only two roles for women are marriage and motherhood. When one of the Withersbys’ colonial correspondents, Edward Trimble, returns to England, he’s drafted as the new assistant so Charlotte is free to marry. This suits Edward’s plans quite well, since the last thing he wants to do is reunite with the family he is ashamed to call his own.
Though Edward proves himself vexingly capable on the job, Charlotte won’t surrender the job without a fight, and schemes with her best friend to regain her position. Perhaps if a proposal seems imminent, Charlotte’s father will see his error and ask her to return. Charlotte tries to make headway in her town’s social life, but reveals herself to be unaware of all the intricacies of polite society. Though Edward pitches in, tutoring her in society’s expectations, she just seems to make things worse. And the more she comes to know of her father’s assistant, the more trouble she has imagining life without him. Caught in a trap of her own making and seeing the hopelessness of her prospects, will Charlotte get to keep her work or will she have to cede her heart?
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Siri Mitchell is the author of over a dozen novels, among them the critically acclaimed Christy Award finalists Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door, and the INSPY Award winning She Walks in Beauty. A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in business, she has worked in many different levels of government. As a military spouse, she lived in places as varied as Tokyo and Paris.
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I have never read any of Siris’ books either but I’ve read reviews and most people like her writing. I think I may have one or 2 on my Kindle waiting to be read. I do like the Victorian era books as well so this would probably make my read pile. As far as a book becoming too drawn out, if I like it well enough, I generally just skip ahead here & there to finish it. Otherwise I just place it down & either come back to it another time or disregard it altogether. It just depends on my mood at the moment π
I am not a botinist (or gardener) by any strech of the imagination, but I do enjoy flowers and plants. I might learn a thing or two reading this story! Thanks Savanna, for the review on “Like a Flower in Bloom”. Always enjoy reading them.
Yeah, I’m the same way, Trixi. And whether we always like to admit or not, it does often depend on our mood while reading. If you enjoy flowers, then I know you’ll relate to Charlotte’s passion for plants in this book. Thanks for reading my review. I hope you’ll add this one to your reading list. π
I am also a Flower Lover so I will definitely need to read this. Savanna, I always enjoy your perspectives
Blessings,
Connie
Thanks, Connie. I appreciate your sweet comments. I hope you’ll check this book out if you love flowers. I doubt you’ll be disappointed! π Have a great week.
I have not read any of Siri’s books either. And I also enjoy gardening.
Yay! Another gardener! π Thanks for reading my review, Joan.
I have tried to read some of her Biblical historical fiction, and haven’t been able to get into it. Maybe a different period will be better for me. This one sounds pretty good. I, too, enjoy the garden talk but don’t do it myself. Sure do like looking at other people’s gardens. π
I haven’t read her Biblical fiction, but I’m sure each time period would influence her style differently. You might give this a try and see what you think. π
Haha! I know what you mean about enjoying other people’s gardens. A delight for so many! π Thanks for joining us, Robin. Have a blessed day!
I think this book shows Siri’s genius for keeping in close to the character’s voice. Charlotte is so eccentric, and yet through this story I feel like I understand her and her wishes, desires, and dreams. Charlotte’s eccentricity didn’t get in the way of the story, instead it enhanced the experience as I could see the truth in the situations that Charlotte was often blind to. Like a Flower in Bloom is a delightful read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the book.
Well said, Christina. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing. I enjoyed Charlotte’s unique personality and I do think it added a lot to the story. π
I do like to garden. flowers mostly and Historical Biblical fiction.. I’d like to see how Charlotte handles this π
Another kindred spirit! π I hope you’ll read this one then, Deanna. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!