Hey there, Arrowheads! Welcome back for yet another blog tour stop (yep, I’m addicted; pretty sure this is the ninth one I’ve participated in this year XD), this time with Christian author, Victoria Lynn! You may have heard of Victoria before for her historical mystery novel, London in the Dark, or her YA contemporary novel, Bound, but today we’re celebrating her newest release, When Beauty Blooms! The author was kind enough to answer a few interview questions for me, so please join me in welcoming Victoria to Authoring Arrowheads!

Author Interview with Victoria Lynn

Victoria Lynn is in her 20s and if she’s not writing, she is probably sewing, singing, playing the piano, washing dishes, creating something with her hands, or learning something new. She has a passion for serving her Creator, encouraging others and being creative. She blogs at www.rufflesandgrace.com about writing, fashion, modesty, her walk with God and life. She lives in Michigan with her parents and 8 siblings.

Q1: When did you first feel that God called you to be a Christian author?

To be honest, I didn’t really consider anything else. My Faith is a huge part of my life, and writing without it feels so foreign to me. I don’t know what God’s plan is for me in the future, but right now, I can’t really see myself writing anything else.

Q2: What is your writing process like? Are there certain must-have items you need to be able to write?

Great question! I write best with music. It is really REALLY hard for me to focus without the barrier of headphones and an awesome soundtrack to not only set the mood, but also to block out the chaos around me.

Q3: What inspired you to write When Beauty Blooms?

It started with a picture prompt I wrote for my blog. I just couldn’t not finish it.

Q4: What authors in your preferred genre inspire you the most?

Louisa May Alcott, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Isabella Alden, Gene Stratton Porter, Grace Livingston Hill.

Q5: What’s your go-to snack when you hit writer’s block and need a pick-me-up?

Always chocolate, but Ice Cream always cheers me up!

Allyson: Amen to that! I’m right there with you, girl! XD

Q6: What advice would you give to someone who is writing their first novel?

Stick with it till the end and don’t give up on your work! You have something to share, and if you put in the work, it will be worth it in the end. But don’t cut corners. Make sure you invest plenty of time and effort into making it as perfect as possible.

Q7: Is there a particular verse or scripture that you adhere to most as an author?

1 Cor. 10:31b “Do all for the Glory of God.”

Thanks for stopping by, Victoria! Now let’s transition into the book review! First, an intro is in order for this adorable novelette:

When Beauty Blooms

Revolutionary War Era England

Marjorie Kirk is a woman with no fortune, no prospects, no family, and no skills. Or so she thinks. She is awkward, shy, and the farthest thing from any semblance of a society lady.

The new minister keeps turning up in the most awkward of places and she can’t help but feel that her life is doomed to one of embarrassment. But will her flaws actually be the thing that others find the most attractive?

A story of a young woman with social anxiety and how she learned to bloom.

Review of When Beauty Blooms

When Beauty Blooms is a historical fiction novelette that marries both elements of the American Revolutionary War period in England, and the growing focus on mental health in today’s society. In many circles, the topic of social anxiety is still taboo today, so reading about it in a book by a Christian author gives me hope that this generation can help one another combat social anxiety by turning to God and finding their “beauty and grace” in Him.

Though When Beauty Blooms was a short and quickly-paced work, it had several elements that I highly enjoyed

The Characterization

All of the characters were well-crafted and their personalities leaped from the pages. I feel that Marjorie and Daphne were especially well-portrayed, as the author accurately depicts the characteristics of a socially anxious person in Marjorie, and a young socialite in Daphne.

Marjorie’s Political Scene

Though the characters in the novel portray the act as taboo, it was refreshing that Marjorie was able to speak her mind on politics in her era.

Portrayal of Social Anxiety

As someone who has dealt with social anxiety for years, I could heavily relate to all the emotions Marjorie experiences in the story. I commend the author for choosing to highlight social anxiety in this way, as it can demonstrate to others what people who have social anxiety go through. I also admired that Marjorie prays for God’s help in overcoming it, as this is the only sure-fire way to combat the beast that is anxiety.

Favorite Quote

“Well, not a wife yet. Calm yourself.” Same girl, same. I feel like every girl has this thought once in her life. XD

Message

This story has a wonderful message that true beauty comes from living out our lives as the person God designed us to be, and that if you have confidence in who God made you to be, you can face your fears.

Overall, I highly enjoyed this historical fiction story.