Review: Like A Flower In Bloom by Siri Mitchell

Like A Flower In Bloom Author - Siri Mitchell Rating - 4 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend: Probably

Back Cover...

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.

What I Loved...

The character of Charlotte is brilliant. Truly loved her. She is absolutely hilarious and a very fun read.

What I Liked...

I really felt like I was walking into society with Charlotte. Siri Mitchell did a great job of making me feel like I could have been Charlotte entering society...clueless. I also liked the relationship between Charlotte and her society friend. It was refreshing and realistic, not catty or too stuffy.

Other...

I love the cover of the book and that is exactly how I pictured Charlotte. All in all the book was well written. In retrospect I am amazed how the plot went along so well with all kinds of troubles and no real villain.

The only thing that I would have liked more, was extra romance between the hero and heroine. There was some, but I need lots more. It's just my personal preference.

If however you like strong female leads, light romance, lots of hilarity and history woven in (which I do) than this book is perfect for you.

4 out of 5 Stars for me!

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Review: A Steadfast Heart by Tracie Peterson

A Steadfast Heart Author - Tracie Peterson Rating - 3.5 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend: Not sure

Back Cover...

Lenore Fulcher isn't pretentious despite her spoiled upbringing. Her deepest desire at the age of twenty is to find true love. However, her father believes she's wasted enough time searching for a suitable husband, and he wants to marry her off to one of his business partners--thirty-seven-year-old James Rybus. But the idea of marriage to a man so much older is out of the question for Lenore.

Kolbein Booth, a lawyer from Chicago, arrives in Seattle looking for his headstrong sister who he believes may have answered an advertisement for mail-order brides. Sick with worry, he storms the Madison Bridal School, demanding to see his sister, only to learn she isn't there. But Lenore Fulcher is, and something about her captures his attention.

Is this the man Lenore has been searching for? She may not have long to find out...

What I Loved...

The character of Abrianna was refreshing and fun to read. Loved her!

What I Liked...

I have recently read another book that takes place near Seattle in the same time period where the men are buying wives etc, etc, etc... I had never heard of this before and in the span of two weeks I came across two books that have a similar background for its plot. Steadfast Heart took a completely different approach than A Bride In The Bargain by Deeanne Gist which I was very happy with. I liked ABITB by Gist and feared that reading a very similar story would have been boring so close together, but I was able to read it without any further coincidence in the plot.

Other...

I wasn't too fond of the cover. She looks sort of depressed. Anyway, I actually only gave this book 3.5 stars because the first half of the book contains more of the character Abrianna than it did Lenore. Actually the whole book does. I was bored reading about Lenore. At one point I thought the back cover was wrong and Kolbien and Abrianna were the main characters.

I would recommend the book because I truly enjoyed Abrianna's story that has yet to continue in the next book. I feel a little manipulated cheated.  This book is supposed to center around Lenore and Kolbien and it actually didn't and most of the time was an afterthought. I feel like Peterson couldn't deliver two fantastic storylines at the same time. Lenore and Kolbien's story was boring, unfulfilling, unromantic (if that is a word) and just a filler for Abrianna's story.

My Character Images...

Abrianna

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.

Review: Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden

Beyond All Dreams Author - Elizabeth Camden Rating - 4.5 out of 5 Stars Would I Recommend: Yes!

Back Cover...

Anna O'Brien leads a predictable and quiet life as a map librarian at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across a baffling mystery of a ship disappeared at sea. She is thwarted in her attempts to uncover information, but her determination outweighs her shyness and she turns to a dashing congressman for help.

Luke Callahan was one of the nation's most powerful congressmen until his promising career became shadowed in scandal. Eager to share in a new cause and intrigued by the winsome librarian, he joins forces with Anna to solve the mystery of the lost ship. Opposites in every way, Anna and Luke are unexpectedly drawn to each other despite the strict rules forbidding Anna from any romantic entanglement with a member of Congress.

From the gilded halls of the Capitol, where powerful men shape the future of the nation, to the scholarly archives of the nation's finest library, Anna and Luke are soon embroiled in secrets much bigger and more perilous than they ever imagined. Is bringing the truth to light worth risking all they've ever dreamed for themselves?

What I Loved...

Luke, Luke and Luke! Yes, the hero Luke Callahan is my kind of main character. I always find that I end up really liking a book if I really love the main male character. I love a book a when I love both leads. In this case however Luke really won me over and I just loved his charm, confidence, conviction and no nonsense attitude. He is main reasson to read this book.

I love history so I got really excited to see that the book took place in Washington DC in the Library of Congress! It was like exploring WDC history.

What I Liked...

Anna O'Brien, the heroine, was spunky and smart. I really liked her and admire her character. I really liked that she wasn't painted as some sophisticated, gorgeous woman. She could be a real librarian in a real tow,  with real issues, winning the heart of an awesome man.

Other...

Whenever I read a book that entail actual places and people, I like to see photos and read some actual facts at the end of the books about the settings and period. It makes the story so much more richer to me. President MckInley is mentioned as is Theodore Roosevelt and the Capitol Building, bustling streetcars and Library of Congress building are the main settings of the book. However this advanced copy that I received does not include photos or any historical notes. Fooey.

Author Elizabeth Camden, is quickly becoming a fave author of mine with her ability to combine American history with romance in a beautiful and melodic way. She easily peeks my interest to learn more about the settings she draws us in to as readers while still captivating me with the romance in the book. I wish the book could have been longer.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley/Bethany House. The opinion of this book, is my own and I was not paid or compensated for for my review.