Charlotte Withersby comes from a long line of botanists. She loves working with her father on various books and articles. When her uncle, The Admiral, and her father insist it's time for her to put aside botany and focus on getting married, she's convinced her father will change his mind. He's depended on her for everything.
When Edward Trimble, a provider of botanical specimens, arrives at their house, her father hires him to take Charlotte's place. Now, she's forced to make an effort in the marriage department. Her outspoken ways make the transition from career woman to marriage material an ordeal.
This is one of those books requiring two sets of marks: Writing craft and story. Siri Mitchell's writing brings the characters to life and evokes an emotional reaction in this reader. While her research is impeccable, I found the extreme detail of botanical facts slowed the story to a crawl for me. While I admired Charlotte's expertise on the subject and her devotion to her father, I didn't like her much as a person. The Christian thread also seemed more like an afterthought than an integral part of the story.
I've read a couple of her other books and enjoyed them. This one - not so much. I'd give Like a Flower in Bloom a 4 for writing craft and a 3 for story.
Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher paid me for this review. I purchased the print book, and all opinions are mine and mine alone.
Writers: How do you decide what details from your research to include in your books/articles?
Readers: How do you feel about intense technical information in a story? Does it overwhelm you or enhance the story?
