Cheshire, England
September 1852
 
Sometimes family can meddle in the unsuspecting, unmarried, near to be spinster’s life, and Charlotte Withersby is just about to find that out. This lady is a knowledgeable botanist who assists her father. She’d love to be published concerning her findings, but has been hindered because she is female. The males in 1852 generally will not take a woman—even one so accomplished—seriously. Her uncle, the retied Admiral, has plans to wed her into what he feels is a purposeful life. When help for her absentminded father shows up at their door, Charlotte plans to get rid of him, this Edward Trimble who is so willing and available to steal her job.  So of course—the struggle begins!  
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This story is full of Siri Mitchell’s charm and humor and undeniable conflict that I’ve always come to enjoy with her novels. This is an author who knows how to put a story together and keep me engaged in the characters as the plot unfolds! I highly recommend this for your summer reading! You can imagine the fragrance of blossoms on and off the page in that way! Siri Mitchell is a definite favorite of mine, whether you explore her stories via a purchase or the library with electronic device or hold in your hand book, I wish you a happy adventure. 

QUESTIONS FOR SIRI:

1) How did you stumble on the idea of a woman botanist? I’m so glad that you did! 
My public library system has a huge used book sale in the spring and fall. When I write historicals, I go with a list of topics or eras that I hope to find information on. Regardless of what I plan, I always come home with hitchhikers – books that call to me from the shelves for no apparent reason. The funny thing is that they usually come in handy one or two manuscripts down the road because they turn out to be directly relevant to my stories. Somehow my subconscious knows before I do what books I’ll be writing in the future. Women of Flowers by Jack Kramer was one of those books. It has beautiful botanical illustrations by thirty women that were created between the 17th and 19th centuries. The women’s stories are even more interesting. Time after time, they had to publish under male names or sell their work to male editors who compiled collections of botanical illustrations in order to be published. It was outrageous. It was from this outrage that the idea for Like a Flower in Bloom was born.

2)  Where do you like to write your novels? 
I usually write in my office. It’s quiet there and I don’t have to load everything up and spend time driving in order to get anywhere else. For me, home is always best. :) 
And how: pen and paper, in a busy café, quiet study or in front of the television? I write in various ways during different parts of the writing process. As I first think about an idea, I use a Michael Hauge template to make sure my basic elements are in place (character, conflict, tension, goal). I usually go to paper and pen after that to play around with ideas and map out scenes. I use an oversized tablet in the portrait position to think about themes and descriptive words to define and elaborate on it. As I think about plot, I like to write on the tablet set in landscape position. Then, as I think about actual scenes, I have an excel spreadsheet that I print out and use a pencil to fill in. Finally, once I’m ready to start writing, I sit down at the keyboard. At various times during the process, I’ll return to the Excel spreadsheet. I’ll erase some entries or even print out the template again and pencil in a whole new version. 

3) What is your favorite flower and did you include it in this novel?
I am partial to white roses. I always have been. Roses have such beautiful structure they don’t need a lot of color to dress them up. On the other hand, I also love iris. ‘Iris’ is my name spelled backwards but I also love their vibrant colors. Alas, I don’t think I used either of those in the book. Mostly because I was focused on what would have been native to England (or New Zealand) at the time.

4) What message do you wish to share with your reader from a theme in “like a FLOWER in BLOOM? 
Be who you are. Own it. Because the chances of you being able to be someone else? Zero. Allow others the privilege of being themselves too.

5) What is your strongest talent as a writer: organization, plotting, or character development? (Frankly, I think you are strong on all counts!) 
Thank you so much! I would say that my natural strength lies in character development. I’ve worked hard to get my plotting and pacing up to speed over the years.

6) Where can your readers find you?
http://www.sirimitchell.com/  
https://www.facebook.com/Siri-Mitchell-67961379554/

Model Behavior is the perfect title for this non-fiction book. Young people just beginning to choose a college or career and even those retired souls bravely wishing to follow the dream hidden within their hearts, will appreciate Amy’s appealing observations and encouragement.

Amy’s sincere and delightful telling of her own experiences—which seem almost conjured up in Hollywood—have inspired others to follow their hearts desires. My firm belief is that we all have purpose and significance and books like “Model Behavior” detailing real challenges and opportunities strengthen those who read them. Each chapter was fun for me to discover Amy’s fears well-met or opportunities that showed a divine fingerprint. I must ask you, the reader of this book review, “Have you met your tiger yet?” If you desire to discover just what I mean then I invite you to pick up Amy Robnik Joob’s book, “Model Behavior” and read that very inspiring chapter! Well done, Amy. Thank you for sharing your heart on each page, for many who take note of your courage and inspiration will benefit far more than you can imagine!

This ‘calling and vocation’ topic is versatile, useful, and inspiring. I shudder to think of all those who have gone before this book was in print and have not known how to allow themselves to strike out on the journey that would bring them happiness and fulfillment and also allow them to be an inspiration as well.

QUESTIONS FOR AMY:

1. Would you want to turn back time and make other choices about modeling?              I don’t have regrets with my modeling career or choices. I think I stuck to my standards overall and at times when I started to veer away from my convictions, God helped me get back on track. I am thankful He was there to guide and keep me!
2. Why do you cling to God in those times when all seems to be rolling along well?       I think that it’s important to stay close to God whether things are difficult or going well. Due to living a crazy lifestyle before I became a Christian and knowing the fruits of that, my desire has been to remain close to Him. I want to do things His way because I know it will lead to the best life for me and my family.
3. You are an experienced public speaker, so what topics are your favorite to share with teens or young adults? I really enjoy speaking to young people. I want to encourage people to know and understand God’s love & to know that He has a unique, fulfilling purpose for their lives. I also want to help those that have struggled with difficult family issues, anxiety, depression, insecurity and addiction because I have been through those things too. I want to share my story and the hope and victory God has brought in my life.
4. What are you most grateful for right now…this minute? 😊   Right this minute, I am grateful to be sitting outside, enjoying the yard and watching my son Ashton play basketball because he has had to overcome a lot of health issues. I am grateful our daughter Arianna is going into high school and running for clean water through Team World Vision with her best friend. I am also beyond thankful Model Behavior was published this year and my husband Eric has successfully launched his business.
5. Is there another book on the horizon for you to write?  Yes, I am currently working on a devotional for special needs families and I want to write my son’s story about his journey with Noonan Syndrome. Hopefully Ashton’s Journey will be out soon!
6. How do you want your readers to find you?                                                       
   
7. Readers can find me on my website: www.amyjoob.com, at https://m.facebook.com/amyjoob1, at https://www.instagram.com/amyjoob1 or at https://www.twitter.com/@joobamy