Review of "Like a Flower in Bloom"

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:  Siri Mitchell has long been on my list of favorite authors, for both her historical and modern novels.  Some of them are serious in tone, and some are more humorous.  "Like a Flower in Bloom" combines Mitchell's rich historical depictions with a significant dose of humor.  Charlotte Withersby and her father are endearingly oblivious to social norms, lost in their world of papers and botany.  When Charlotte's world is flipped on its axis by  her well-meaning uncle and the arrival of Edward, a handsome new assistant, she is pushed into society to hunt for a husband instead of flowers. Charlotte's forays into Overwich's polite society, field clubs, and ballrooms soon lead to comical situations.  It's hard not to laugh aloud at some of her antics and mistakes.  Her friendship with Miss Templeton is another source of humor, as their decisions are not always the wisest.  Miss Templeton reminds me of Jane Austen's Emma, taking Charlotte under her wing as her pet-project. 

The description of the plot establishes Edward as Charlotte's love interest.  To my disappointment, their relationship felt disconnected.  Charlotte's plan to feign interest in two other potential suitors leads her to spend just as much time in their presence. Both characters are colorful and zany in their own ways. I enjoyed their presence in the novel, but felt that they overshadowed Edward at times. Reading the story from Charlotte's perspective limited the scope of the novel for me.  After finishing the novel, I don't feel as though I know Edward nor the depth of Charlotte's feelings for him. My emotional connection to Charlotte is not as strong as it could be, but I do empathize with her desire to be recognized for being herself and doing the work she loves.

Mitchell always excels in her historical details.  She brings unique aspects of the past to life, teaching readers, but most importantly entertaining us as well. "Like a Flower in Bloom" is a prime example. Charlotte's position as a botanist, shines the spotlight on the history of botany and the struggle of female scientists to be taken seriously.  Mitchell incorporates details with purpose to seamlessly blend historical realism into an engaging plot. Even specifics that seem like character quirks, like Miss Templeton's fear of dying during childbirth or Mr. Stansbury's practice of stumpery, have roots in historical fact. 

"Like a Flower in Bloom" is a blossom as refreshing as it's cover art.  I found reason to smile and laugh within its pages.  It also prompts introspection for finding our own personal happiness and being satisfied with our own unique bloom.  The world, like a garden would be a dull place indeed, if we all fit into predefined standards of conformity. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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. 

Summary from Bethany House: 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?

Review of "Love Comes Calling"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Siri Mitchell takes readers on a fun 1920s adventure in "Love Comes Calling." It doesn't take long to discover that Ellis Eton is not your average heroine; she's vibrant, wacky, and trying to find her purpose in life.  With Ellis at the helm, any event can turn into a mishap or take on a life of its own in her imagination.  I appreciate Mitchell's divergence from the typical female lead character.  Ellis has enough energy to jump out of the pages, but sometimes her scattered ways and lack of focus leave me feeling scattered too.  Thanks to Ellis, some conversations take on a "Who's on first quality," which are comedic. 

Despite the humor, there are underlying issues of self-discovery, self-worth, and the corruption of the Prohibition-era.  Ellis really doesn't know her purpose in life and seems to use her penchant for acting as a front, which makes it more challenging to connect with her initially.  Mitchell exposes the less fun side of the 1920s - the speakeasies, police corruption, and debauchery that also defines the era.  As Ellis is exposed to the harsh realities of life, her true personality begins to show, making her less like a character and more like a real person.    

There are plenty of laughable moments in "Love Comes Calling."  The plot reminds me of fun movie from the 1930s and 1940s.  Ellis's relationship with Griffin is as unique as she is. Mitchell makes it easy to picture their interactions - his perusal and her efforts to avoid being "pinned."  Add in the complication that Ellis has another potential beau while playing the part of her friend, a telephone operator, and you are connected to a good read!

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.

Summary from Bethany House: 
A girl with the best of intentions. 
A heart set on Hollywood. 
An empty pocketbook.

That's all it takes for Ellis Eton to find herself working as a telephone operator for a look-alike friend. For Ellis, this job will provide not only acting practice but the funds to get her a start in the movies. She's tired of always being a disappointment to her traditional Boston family, and though she can't deny the way he makes her head spin, she knows she's not good enough for Griffin Phillips, either. It's simple: avoid Griff's attentions, work, and get paid. But in typical Ellis fashion, her simple plan spirals out of control when she overhears a menacing phone call...with her very own Griff as the target.

With an endearing heroine as her lead, Siri Mitchell takes readers on a madcap tale of love and discovering one's true desires!

Review of "Unrivaled" by Siri Mitchell

Rating: 4.5 Stars

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Review: I always look forward to new releases from Siri Mitchell, and enjoy revisiting her past novels. "Unrivaled" captured my attention on a few levels: the author; the cover, which reminds me of "Downton Abbey"; and the unique focus of the plot. Mitchell brings intriguing facets of history to life in her historical fiction novels.  In "Unrivaled," she focuses on St. Louis, Missouri and the candy industry. The historical detail is rich and layered, offering insights into St. Louis society in the early 1900s and the candy-making process. I learned interesting facts about each, while being entertained by the two main characters, Lucy and Charlie. 

"Unrivaled" is a more light-hearted read than Mitchell's latest novels, with humor and fun creating a delightful recipe. Lucy and Charlie are both strong-willed but likeable characters, who fight each other in the candy business while fighting a mutual personal attraction. Their schemes to outdo the other's candy company often create humorous situations. At the same time, Lucy's actions in particular can be exasperating. She becomes so focused on achieving her goals, that she is blinded to the impacts her actions have on others and the fact that her behavior is something that she would usually condemn as unjust. Lucy's suffers from the classic flaws of pride and prejudice. She ultimately exhibits growth, but her transition is gradual and most evident at the very end of the novel. As I entered the second half of the novel, I found myself hoping that Lucy's inner growth would become more prevalent.

Lucy led a sheltered childhood, while Charlie lived in near poverty with a single mother. By telling the story through the perspectives of both Lucy and Charlie, Mitchell allows readers insight into both characters emotions and motives. Charlie is more open-minded and empathetic than Lucy, but he has his own inner struggles with forgiveness and pride.  Despite a slightly tainted past, it is clear Charlie desires love, genuineness  and fairness. Behind the veil of society functions, candy making, and business battles, the messages of love, truth, and forgiveness make themselves evident to Lucy, Charlie, and readers.  

"Unrivaled" is another enjoyable treat from Siri Mitchell. The plot is inventive and flavorful with Mitchell's signature elements of history, detail, and well-developed characters. "Unrivaled" offers a harmony of lightness and depth, making it a wholly enjoyable read.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this novel from NetGalley, courtesy of Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

Summary from Bethany House: Lucy Kendall returns from a tour of the Continent, her luggage filled with the latest fashions and a mind fired by inspiration. After tasting Europe's best confections, she's sure she'll come up with a recipe that will save her father's struggling candy business and reverse their fortunes. But she soon discovers that their biggest competitor, the cheat who swindled her father out of his prize recipe, has now hired a promotions manager--a cocky, handsome out-of-towner who gets under Lucy’s skin.

Charlie Clarke's new role at Standard Manufacturing is the chance of a lifetime. He can put some rough times behind him and reconnect with the father he's never known. The one thing he never counted on, however, was tenacious Lucy Kendall. She's making his work life miserable...and making herself impossible for him to forget.

Review of "The Messenger" by Siri Mitchell

Rating: 5 Stars

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Summary from Bethany House: Hannah Sunderland felt content in her embrace of the Quaker faith... until her twin brother joined the Colonial cause and ended up in jail. She longs to bring some measure of comfort to him in the squalid prison, but her faith forbids it. The Friends believe that they are not to take sides, not to take up arms. She is not allowed to visit him, even if she were able to secure a pass.

Jeremiah Jones, a Colonial spy, needs access to the jail to help rescue men important to the cause. Upon meeting Hannah, a plan begins to develop. Who would suspect a pious Quaker visiting a loved one?

But Jeremiah is unprepared for Hannah, for her determination to do right, to not lie. How can one be a spy and not lie? Hannah, in turn, is surprised by Jeremiah... for the way he forces her to confront her own beliefs, for the sensitivity and concern that he shows her despite the wounds he still carries.

In a time of war, can two unlikely heroes find the courage to act?

Review: Siri Mitchell delivers yet another beautifully written work of historical fiction in her newest release, The Messenger. This novel reminded me why Siri Mitchell is one of my favorite authors: it is rich in historical and authentic detail, the plot maintains a steady pace, and the main characters are equally developed into believable and three-dimensional individuals.  I was so engrossed in the plot by the last 100 pages of the novel that I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish the last page. It was simply too good and too suspenseful to put down. Until the last couple of pages, I could not determine how the novel would end - would it be tragic or promising?  I've learned from Mitchell's other historical fiction novels not the expect perfectly tied-up happily-ever-after endings, and The Messenger is no exception.  Her realism is both refreshing and thought-provoking. 

The Messenger is told from the first-person perspective of both main characters, Hannah and Jeremiah.  They are vastly different, but united in their desire to overcome the injustices that they witness in the British occupied city of Philadelphia. By presenting the story from two perspectives, Mitchell allows the reader to delve fully into the motivations and emotions of each character.  I felt equally connected to Jeremiah and Hannah by the end of the novel.  They were both frightened of the dangerous task set before them and doubtful of their ability to succeed, but they found the strength to fight for their beliefs. Jeremiah and Hannah grow personally, spiritually, and emotionally over the course of their experiences. As a result, the love that develops between them is on a deeper and more meaningful level than one often sees in novels. 

I loved the incorporation of the Quaker faith in Hannah's daily life.  After recently traveling to Philadelphia and hearing about past and present day characters, Mitchell's descriptions gave me a deeper insight into Quaker beliefs during the Revolution. Hannah's inner battle to reconcile Quaker teachings and her personal convictions added extra depth to the plot. The combination of Quakers, unlikely spies, and the British occupation of Philadelphia make the plot of The Messenger truly unique and suspenseful.  This book will remain on my shelf for many repeat readings!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

The Messenger

A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell

Rating: 4.5 stars

Siri Mitchell delivers yet another stunning historical novel with her newest release, A Heart Most Worthy. The year is 1918 in the bustling metropolis of Boston.  For the rich, Boston overflows with grandeur and wealth; for immigrants, life is defined by hard lives, hardships, and hard work.  A Heart Most Worthy follows the lives of three young immigrant women working in Madame Fortier's prestigious dress shop. Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana each have very distinct personalities and each face their own stuggles, but they are united by their common dream of a better life and the possibility of true love.

A Heart Most Worthy is a novel most worthy of praise and a prominent place on one's bookshelf.  Siri Mitchell employs a clear and unique narrator's voice throughout the novel.  The effect is engaging, charming, and conversational without being overly casual.  Rather than remaining an outsider, the narrator invites the reader into her confidence, almost like telling a tale in her parlor.  The narrator's omniscent perspective, also allows the reader a personal relationship with each of the main characters.  Each young woman's story is separate and distinct, but Mitchell masterfully weaves them together into a cohesive novel. 

Like Mitchell's other historical novels, A Heart Most Worthy is characterized by vivid descriptions and historical details.  This quality makes the novel realistic and memorable. I was particularly impressed by the detailed depictions of the dresses created in Madame Fortier's dress shop.  To view such elegant hand-work in real life would be awe-inspiring. As it is, I am captivated by the beautiful creation featured on the cover art work.  It is the perfect first impression for an equally well-crafted novel.

I  received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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.”

Moon Over Tokyo by Siri Mitchell

Rating: 4.5 Stars

After reading Siri Mitchell's She Walks in Beauty last year, I became a big fan of her writing.  Within the last year, my sister and I have read both her historical and contemporary novels and we have enjoyed each one of them. Most recently, I read Moon Over Tokyo, a novel that follows the life of an American newspaper  reporter and inspiring writer, Allie O'Connor.  Allie is a somewhat quirky and sarcastic, but very relatable character as she struggles to embrace life in Japan.  In a "it's a small world twist" Allie meets Erik Larsen, a former high school classmate who she considered her rival.  As her friendship with Erik develops, Allie is forced to examine her prejudices, dreams, and her life in and out of Japan.

I believe that one of Mitchell's greatest strengths is her ability to describe a setting so thoroughly that readers feel as though they have been transported through time or across the world.  Moon Over Tokyo is a perfect example of that strength.  Although I have never been to Tokyo, Mitchell's descriptions and imagery allowed me to envision the scenery, the skyscrapers, the hustle and bustle of the populated city, and the serenity of the smaller seaside or mountain towns.  The one minor fault that I found with this novel is that the voice of Allie O'Connor is very similar to the voice of the main characters in Mitchell's other contemporary novels.  Despite the similar voice, the setting and the plot made this story unique.  I highly recommend this novel to my fellow readers.  It is a quick and fairly light read, but I plan to keep this book on my shelf for quite a while! ~ M