Like a Flower in Bloom

Like a Flower in Bloom
Siri Mitchell
(Bethany House)
ISBNL 978-0764210372
December 2014/368 pages/$14.99

He Stole the Work She Loved.
Will She Let Him Steal Her Heart as Well?

It's all her uncle's fault. For years Charlotte Withersby has been free to pursue her love of plants and flowers by assisting her botanist father. But now that she's reached the old age of twenty-two, an intrusive uncle has convinced her father that Charlotte's future--the only proper future for a woman--is to be a wife and mother, not a scholar.

Her father is so dependent on her assistance that Charlotte believes he'll soon change his mind...and then Edward Trimble shows up. A long-time botany correspondent in the South Pacific, Trimble arrives ready to step in as assistant so that Charlotte can step out into proper society--a world that baffles her with its unwritten rules, inexplicable expectations, and confounding fashion.

Things aren't perfectly smooth between Trimble and her father, so Charlotte hatches a last gasp plan. She'll pretend such an interest in marriage that the thought of losing her will make her father welcome her back. Only things go quickly awry, and she realizes that the one man who recognizes her intelligence is also the person she's most angry with: Edward Trimble, her supposed rival. Suddenly juggling more suitors than she knows what to do with, Charlotte is caught in a trap of her own making. Will she have no choice but to leave her beloved flowers behind?

Read an excerpt.

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. 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 has lived in places as varied as Tokyo and Paris. Siri currently lives in the DC-metro area. Visit www.sirimitchell.com


MY THOUGHTS

Siri Mitchell always writes an enthralling story and her latest is no exception. I love the title's double meaning, as Like a Flower in Bloom refers not only to the botanical work done by Charlotte and her father but to Charlotte herself. Mitchell seamlessly weaves details of botanical art's history into this story of a young woman who chafes at the idea that her role in life is simply to marry and play society's games. Charlotte's naivete is refreshing and her observations about communication and societal expectations are amusing and spot-on. A host of engaging characters add depth to this charming tale. Grab your copy today.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House Publishing as part of a blog tour. 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.”