Reviews tagging 'Chronic illness'

A vadvirágok magabiztossága by Micalea Smeltzer

3 reviews

aliteraryday's review against another edition

4.5

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: Complicated

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

Moderate: Sexual assault

marybsimp's review against another edition

3.5

adventurous emotional sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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Content Warnings

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

psyched_np's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Absolutely heartbreaking. Have the tissues ready. 

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Content Warnings

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