Like a Flower in Bloom: Christian Fiction Book Review
About the Book: Charlotte loves working for her botanist father, but he has other plans for her future. Will she find a way to follow her heart and fulfill society’s expectations?
My Review: When I see Siri Mitchell's name I know it's going to be a good book! She does her research and spares no attention to detail! One may wonder if she has personally done the various professions in her stories the knowledge seems so deep. I open the pages (paper or digital) and I fall into her stories for a real escape.
Like a Flower in Bloom was no different.
The story takes place in mid-19th Century England. Rules of propriety and all.
The main character Charlotte Withersby, who has some characteristics that you may be familiar with from current television shows, is highly intelligent and very much loves botany. Her extended family has been in the business of botany for generations and only her uncle, the Admiral and black sheep of the family, dare stray to the high seas where he performs great feats and gains knighthood from the queen herself (the nerve).
Since Charlotte's mother died when she was a young girl and somehow in the grief that followed she has turned to the role of caregiver for her father taking on all his correspondence and keeping the home running albeit in a rather disorganized manner.
Charlotte is of an age now and the Admiral has taken it upon himself (in honor of his dear sister) to introduce Charlotte, much to her great dislike, to society and find her a husband.
The introduction of Mr. Trimble, one of Charlotte's father's “young men” who has been sending him botany specimens from his travels, Charlotte's new found BFF Miss Templeton, and Charlotte's foot in mouth disease make for many humorous moments in this story and great reading.
I loved the way Siri has put this story together. As much as I like her writing I was not expecting this slight humours bent to the story and I was pleasantly surprised. Christian historical fiction with a bit of humor thrown in for good measure.
About the Author: Siri Mitchell is the author of nearly a dozen novels, among them the critically acclaimed Christy Award finalists Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Blogger Review 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.”