The Confidence of Wildflowers

*Trigger warning ⚠️: Childhood sexual abuse, cancer & deathWhen I came across this book, all I heard was Grumpy/Sunshine, Age Gap, Single Dad, and the potential to leave me in tears and in a emotional wreck… I was ready to dive into this book. I would say Grumpy/Sunshine is my top favorite trope of all, and Thayer Holmes lived up to it, and it felt like a unique take on the beloved trope. While Thayer was a man of few words, he was genuinely kind and thoughtful when it came to Salem. Some grumpy characters tend to be more angry with their female leads and eventually work towards admitting their feelings, but with Thayer it was a combination of being slightly grumpy, but not too much that Salem found him un likable.From the beginning of the prologue, it was set up in a way that hinted at the dark topics that were going to be mentioned in the story, but also revealed a little about Salem and her family’s past. It was safe to say that in the present where Salem, her mom, and sister were living their lives was peacefully and without fear hanging over them. I found Salem to be a sweet, curious, and wise character. Salem wasn’t your typical eighteen year old teenager. Yes she still hung out with her friend, boyfriend, and maintained her own life, but the things she said such as, feeling older than her age or even younger than her age really spoke to me. At times, I’ve found myself feeling the exact same way of feeling like I’m older or younger than I really am, so in a way I could understand what Salem meant by that. Salem was content with life, but at the same time was trying to find her own path as opposed to the traditional route that most people would take like her boyfriend, Caleb going off to college in Boston. I admired Salem’s independent nature, and how she refused to follow Caleb to Boston just for the sake of being with him, she wanted to make her own choices, and figure out what she truly wanted (albeit it wasn’t always easy to figure out what she wanted to do).I loved seeing Salem bring out a more happier, lighter side to Thayer. Yes Thayer was already a happy man when his son, Forrest, but the way Thayer was so carefree and smiling around Salem made me smile so much. I also enjoyed the build up between Salem and Thayer especially because before, both of them were kind of at a blurry edge where they were both clearly attracted to one another, but didn’t want to cross that line. Cut to Salem and Thayer having an impromptu movie night and suddenly all the tension went out the window, and Salem and Thayer could no longer deny their desires for one another. Seeing how they craved one another, and just the pure passion came across the pages had me blushing and gasping. I realize for some people the age gap could be a little bit concerning, but I personally found out it ok because, one, Salem was eighteen and legally an adult, two, Thayer was always respectful and making sure to ask Salem if she was sure about moving forward (whether it was them being intimate or talking about her struggles,etc.) I always say I’m a hopeless romantic and Thayer and Salem’s blossoming relationship made me giddy and having the biggest smile. For example, the little things Thayer did for Salem spoke so much of how much he deeply cared for her, and come on, a total gentleman *me swooning! In addition, the slight bit of spice was *chef’s kiss, I just loved reading how Salem could make such a strong man like Thayer absolutely lose his control, and give his everything to her! Of course, while the spice was fantastic, I also loved the underlying feeling of Salem and Thayer clearly falling in love with each other the more time they spent together *cue the AWWW sound.This story was a rollercoaster of emotions. Towards the end, just when I thought everything was going to end on a happy note… things took a turn for the worse. I wasn’t expecting the story to go in the direction that it did, and not to mention the cliffhanger?! Phew Micalea Smeltzer truly put me in the ringer, and had me gasping and I was in pure shock of it all. Overall, this was such a compelling story, and now more than ever I need the second as soon as possible! I have so many questions that I need answered!

Oh, Thayer and Salem. They are without a doubt each other’s soulmates. I’m always a fan of Micalea’s style of writing and the way her stories flow. This one was no exception. This book does deal with sensitive topics, and that ending absolutely ripped out my heart and stomped on it. There were a few events I was conflicted over, but my love for Thayer and Salem remained strong. They both deserve happiness, and I know they’ll only get that with each other. Running to read book 2 now!

Book 2 of the year completed. I’d give it a 4.5/5 ⭐️. It was a really good read, linear at certain parts but the story kept you on edge the whole time. Kinda knowing in the back of your head something big is about to happen and it sure as hell did. I understand the many reviews now that said the ending was jaw dropping. I definitely did not see the plot twist nor climax it left you at before ending. I will definitely be reading part two.

Man if I wanted my heart ripped out I came to the right place. A lot of trigger warnings in the book but man when It was going good, it was great. I wished the author had picked another way to break them apart. This one was tough

This is going to contain a spoiler. DO NOT CONTINUE READING IF YOU DONT WANT SOMETHING SPOILED!!!!This book grabbed my attention but not as much as I hoped it would. The event that happened towards the end of the book left me heartbroken as a mother. I couldn't imagine going through what Thayer and Krista did. However, I did want more drama. The book leaves you hanging so I guess I'm off to read the second one.

This was the first book I had read of hers. I unfortunately read a review that had a few spoilers and I kind of dragged my feet so I wouldn't get to those parts. l'm so glad I ignored that review and pushed on, because wow, this book is still on my mind a week later. This book is so heartbreaking, but it's such a beautiful story. We get to know Salem and Thayer and the bond they share, we get to see moments that aren't sunshine and rainbows, and you get to experience growth. She has a duet to this book, The Resurrection of Wildflowers that will be released on Wednesdav and I cannot wait! Since I've discovered Micalea Smeltzer, I've read five of her books, there's just something about her writing that has me hooked and makes them fast reads.Check trigger warnings!The following tropes are included in this book: age gap romance, single dad, next door neighbor, small town romance, grumpy sunshine, one bed.

I started this book 2 days ago, and I just finished. I can’t wait to start the second book. I enjoy true love in age gap relationships

I don’t have the emotional bandwidth to deal with the fallout from this book! Which is why I’ve already started reading book 2 lol Salem and Thayer are two of the most compelling characters I’ve read in a long while.Happily Ever After, come to mama!

This book was recommended in my FB group and WOW! It's 2am n I couldnt put it down and now im sobbing quietly to myself because my heart has just broken! The end is traumatic and so sad and yet I cannot get enough! Book 2 Is downloading and desperately need to sleep (work in 4 hours!) But I can't. I'm lying here thinking of all the suffering that this book had and desperately hoping for my main characters to get a break and give me the happy ending that I'm desperate for! The writing is spectacular and I was caught up in the beautiful love story that developed. Salem is great and I was rooting gor her. If there is a God I'm hoping we get through the devastation that this book has ended on! My most favourite read so far this year!

I was very interested in the story and the way the author described the main characters and most importantly, the passion and love the FMC feels for the MC. The fact that these feelings are attributed by the writer to a 18-year old just ruins it for me though. Apologies from each and every 18-year old but what on earth do you know about the world, about love and about yourself at this age???Unfortunately, character description is not very complex for other, non-main ones. The ex-wife is painfully simple and one-dimensional. Also, Georgia is simply a bunch of cliches. But OK, this story is not about them, I get it.Trying not to spoil this one: I also feel that the reader is kinda forced to understand why Salem decided at the end like she decided, however, still sounds selfish and childish to me, considering what happened to Thayer. (The second book tries to add some details but no, still doesn’t justify for me.)Another thing. Some things are repeating throughout the book and it does not add quality to the writing, let’s put it that way. When I reached about half of the book, I felt that if I see one more mentioning of cookie dough cupcakes again, I’ll go mental and tear the book in little pieces. Aaaaand on they went!!!!! I didn’t hurt the book cos I was curious how the story goes on, it’s just downright annoying!!!!!

You guys need to check the triggers before you get into this book. I loved the story, unfortunately this had a major trigger for me, I finished the book because I was so invested on the story, but I’m still feeling emotionally unwell after. Still, beautiful story…. Beautiful

Wow, that was emotional. So many emotions reading this book, it was both tragic and beautiful.The ending has left me with so many questions, I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

Couldn’t put it down, and it’s been ages since I found a book that made me cry so hard and had to stay up late reading! Just finished second book, less tears thankfully