I requested to review this book when I saw where it takes place, in the great state of Minnesota! I live about as far away from St. Paul as possible while still living in Minnesota and I love learning about some of its history through good novels.

The beginning was really fun with laugh-out-loud moments. I love Tessa, the main character, and her lovable, fun, quirky ways that really reminded me a lot of myself. I can't help but love a character that struggles with some of the same things I do. I liked the friendship basis for Tessa and Reese and how their relationship "bloomed" ;) rather than a love/hate relationship or love-at-first-sight relationship, because I feel those two are over-used in Christian romance.

About mid-book one character really bothered me and their hypocritical ways, but it was done for a reason with the plot and I can understand that. I loved God truths and messages included through As Love Blooms.

I loved the suffrage portion and the Minnesota history of both political and natural resources and the time period. There was some mystery and intrigue and suspense thrown in, especially towards the end, that made this a fun read.

I give As Love Blooms 4 out of 5 stars.