Like a Flower in Bloom...Review

About the book:
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?


Wanting nothing more than to work with her father in botany research, Charlotte Withersby is angry and frustrated when he brings in a new assistant and sends her off with her uncle to move in society and gain a husband. As much as I liked Charlotte, I grew frustrated with her. She was brilliant, but literal to the point that I wondered if Siri had purposely given her Asperger's Syndrome as her previous book had a character with ADD. Having a child on the spectrum, I could recognize many signs of ASD. Although, Charlotte's social awkwardness was very nearly overdone in the extreme. However, the exploration of social mores and expectations was interesting and there were some funny moments. I loved that Charlotte finally came into her own. I appreciated Miss Templeton and her friendship and influence to Charlotte and Edward kind of grew on me towards the end.

The first Siri Mitchell book I read was She Walks in Beauty and it was amazing. Nearly every other book of hers has paled in comparison, which is a shame. I do love the historical aspects of Siri's books. They're well researched and historically rich.

Thanks to Bethany House for the opportunity to review this book. You can learn more about Siri Mitchell here. You can purchase your own copy here.

Read 1/14

* * *
3/5 Stars

Comments

  1. I have read all of Siri's books and in this one I think she is hitting her stride - loved this one most of all. I'm still thinking about the character!

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    Replies
    1. Funny how tastes are so different! I've had a lot of people tell me Siri's books just gets better and while I've enjoyed all her books, She Walks in Beauty is still my very favorite! Thanks for stopping by!

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