This book seemed to start a little slow for me but it is so worth finishing. Charlotte and Edward are so great together. Charlotte knows so much about flowers and nothing about men or how to act in society. Charlotte has helped her father write about and catalog all the flowers that they collect and study since she was 14 and her mother died. She does not think about marriage until her uncle insists it is time for her to find a husband. She does not want to go into society but then Edward shows up and he takes over all of her duties with her father. How will this end? You will need to read to find out. It is funny and romantic and a fun book. I received this book from Bethany House for a fair and honest opinion. ( )

Absolutely love Siri Mitchell's books, her writing is fresh, the plots are fabulous, there's romance and wit. Love Charlotte's character, she's so entertaining, kept me giggling the whole time.

The moral of the story is awesome, we must always be aware that our focus should be on God and not ourselves.

Definitely a 5 star read!

I received a copy of this book free from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review. ( )

This Christian Historical Romance starts out in 1852 Cheshire, England. Love the cover, don't you? Our main character Charlotte is a botanist, from a long family of botanists, but is not accepted as an author or illustrator in her own right because she is female. So she assists her father (who is published) and submits her work under his name.

They are joined by Edward, a sheep farmer, who is quickly put to work as her father's assistant so that Charlotte can pursue a husband - something he and her Uncle have decided she must do. The thing is, even though he's excellent at the job, Edward is not quite what he seems.

It's not easy for Charlotte to go out in society, as she's never learned social graces. Thankfully she is befriended by another girl who helps her through. In the process, she learns some valuable lessons and in turn touches the hearts of those she becomes close to - like a flower in bloom.

I struggled with reading this, as the eclectic nature of Charlotte and her father became somewhat frustrating. But by the same token I think this would be an excellent movie because their eccentric habits would be easier to watch and not have to be explained. And with the subject of botany, there is an opening for beautiful photography. There was subtle humor throughout the book that would be much more effective acted out.

In some ways I resonated deeply with the main character in this book. When I was younger I very much wanted to be a botanist. From the age of 10 I got books out of the library on biology and botany every summer and poured over them, nearly memorizing them. I was given a microscope for Christmas when I was 11. When I finally got to biology class in 10th grade, I was ecstatic. My first test for that class I got a 95 - for which I was singled out by the teacher and accused of cheating as everyone else had failed it. My deepest hurt. As time went on, he continually singled me out and ridiculed me in front of the class, and as a result I gave up on my greatest love as far as school went. I did continue to take books out from the library on weeds and wildflowers and had a sketchbook. After reading this book I think perhaps one of the reasons my teacher treated me so is that I was female, and a great love of the subject was not typical of girls, so he doubted that I could have done so well without cheating. But he never bothered to talk to me. It did change the direction of my life, left deep scars and I gradually wandered away from it down other paths. God had other plans for me. So I'm glad that Charlotte was able to continue to be a botanist and stay true to herself.

In reading the Author's notes at the end I also felt a deep connection with her. I almost enjoyed them more than the book. By her description, I too am an introvert. I can be an extrovert for awhile, and am too self aware. I prefer deep conversations with those I get close to as opposed to small talk. I have always felt that if I just try hard enough I'll be able to be like everyone else and often question/doubt my worth. I'm glad that Siri Mitchel has decided to write and offer her stories as she has a talent to be envied. In her I feel a kindred spirit and feel better that she shared that part of herself. It's nice to know someone of her recognition and success shares something with me.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html ( )

Title: Like a Flower in Bloom
Author: Siri Mitchell
Pages: 368
Year: 2015
Publisher: Bethany
Siri Mitchell shares with us a very unique tale about botanists, expectations of women during the Victorian era and finding one’s purpose. Those few topics alone create a story which at times was really fun to read and other times caused me to imagine myself living during that era in England. Today women enjoy the freedom to choose from many options and open doors where they blossom. In the novel, Charlotte descends from a long line of male botanists whose published works were highly valued. However, she soon learns that if she submits any writing in her own name it is declined. She decides to resubmit her work using her father’s name.
When her uncle decides it is time for her to enter society, Charlotte is beside herself as she has no knowledge of expectations or the way one handles conversation in polite society. Charlotte depends upon another young female neighbor to help her learn about society when she would just as soon remain alone, illustrating her father’s botany works. The men Charlotte meets are at times very comical and in trying to figure out her mistakes or what her uncle is trying to tell about gowns, her father’s new assistant attempts to help bridge the gap in Charlotte’s understanding. Mr. Trimble, the assistant, is viewed negatively by the young lady because he has usurped her place with her father and now the feeling of loss is new to Charlotte.
There is so much more to the delightful tale in Like a Flower in Bloom, and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to read it. These novels that go back into a different period of history are very enlightening, especially when the author shares her thoughts outside the purview of the book. The neighbor lady who assists Charlotte is a comical character at times in the tale and other times quite clueless to the man she thinks so adores her. The rector was depicted as a man who loved the Lord and took time to write and deliver a sermon which hit many hearts; he drew his illustrations from what others were saying. I think that this revealed how we need the strength of others to complete the tasks the Lord gives us. Just in case you think you might not want to read it because science isn’t one of your favorite topics or strengths, be assured you will enjoy the novel as the author herself was being stretched to read science material.
Siri Mitchell writes with a heart to share the love of God and the understanding that He made us and knows exactly where we fit best in His plan.
My rating is 4 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )

Saturday, January 17, 2015
Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell, © 2015

"In Victorian-era northern England, Charlotte Withersby, daughter of a prominent botanist, attempts to regain her role as his assistant, despite society's expectations and the presence of Edward Trimble, her father's new assistant"––Provided by publisher.

"Not having a choice is different than not caring."
--Edward, Like a Flower in Bloom, 44

Charlotte Withersby has been caring for her father's correspondence and assisting in keeping a roof over their heads; well, not exactly, taking the pails in consideration to catch the rainwater... But, what would you think if all of a sudden ~ a suddenly ~ a man you have been answering mail to in place of your father, appears on your doorstep, is welcomed in? Before the course of the evening is over, he is at your dinner table and you must escort him to "his" room, as he is now your father's n~e~w assistant, in your place?

That is exactly what happens to Charlotte as her uncle has explained to her father that she needs to be available to society to be enhanced with a husband. Charlotte is quite satisfied with her life the way it is ~ assisting her father's botany research and writing articles. Well, they will just see when the first bills become due and his illustrated series lack subscribers. And Edward Trimble, or whatever his name is, knows the first thing about preserving specimens? Not according to the various shipments sent to them from him.

As Charlotte comes up with a plan to show them how necessary she is, she isn't so certain it was a good path to take. Not only are they not noticing her absence, they are carrying on as if she had never been there. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, isn't exactly happening. In fact, she is sure it isn't. Unexpendable.

Fortunately, so it seems, at her first outing with her uncle as guardian, she meets a Miss Templeton who merits each gentleman with their prone to matrimony. Since Charlotte is adverse to such an idea, two prospects are suggested, who may be in her line of thinking. Measuring everything in her botanical way, is is not surprising she surmises the attributes of gentlemen in the same manner.

Something about him reminded me of an invasive weed that has crept its way into a flower garden, trying to insinuate itself among the other plants. He looked harmless enough, he probably was harmless enough, but somehow he didn't quite belong.
--Charlotte, Ibid., 86

It is comical how the two young women proceed to procure a future meeting at two appointed times on the same afternoon to view each gentleman's collection of plants. The plan is to be seen coming and going with repeated invites to secure a visual accent of interest.

Charlotte is my very favorite character as she stays true to herself, even amid new norms thrust upon her of when to speak and when to keep her thoughts silent. To the end, you are not certain how it will all turn out. You may find your allegiance changing. The story is conversational between the characters throughout.

I thoroughly enjoy Siri Mitchell's writings. She is merriment and engaging as her characters come alive off the page as if you are eavesdropping. Somehow, I feel they would invite us in willingly.

***Thank you to author Siri Mitchell and to Bethany House Publishers for sending me a copy of Like a Flower in Bloom for review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.*** ( )