Reviews tagging 'Chronic illness'

The Confidence of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer

3 reviews

aliteraryday's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Earlier this month I said I would give Micalea another shot and I did. This one was WAY better! I could not put this book down. It's set in a small town and follows Salem, 18, and Thayer, her 30 year old neighbor. To say Salem experienced childhood trauma would be an understatement, but the book doesn't focus solely on that (which was good for me). Thayer becomes Salem's next door neighbor after getting a divorced and moves in with his son Forrest. When Salem first introduces herself to Thayer, it clear to see that it was going to be grumpy-sunshine. From the beginning of the book, Salem really lacks future plans and while she is dating the "golden boy" of her town who has plans to go to Harvard. Salem is perfectly content staying in her small town helping her mom run an antique shop and making candles. Through early morning runs and cookie dough cupcakes, Thayer warms up to Salem and we get to see their relationship start to develop. When Salem starts to lean on Thayer for emotional support, I could tell he was falling for her. I loved seeing them fall into a routine with each other. But I really love how Thayer is willing to do anything to make Salem happy. THE CONCERT. ONE-BED. I would be re-missed if I didn't say that the last 15% of this book did not have me crying because it did. My hope for the second book is that we fix this mess that was made and get Dual POV (finally). 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Chronic illness, Child abuse, Death of parent, Death, and Grief

Moderate: Sexual assault

marybsimp's review against another edition

adventurous emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Death of parent, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Domestic abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Incest, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Terminal illness

psyched_np's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Absolutely heartbreaking. Have the tissues ready. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Chronic illness, Alcohol, Body horror, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Grief, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Death, Death of parent, Incest, Pedophilia, and Sexual content