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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
reflective
I liked this better than the coincidences of wildflowers duet
Would recommend a read
Would recommend a read
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
”I want to stop feeling so lost. How do I find myself again? Show me the way.”
I absolutely adored this story so so much. I loved just following Dani, from seeing her doing everyday, mundane things to her huge amounts of characters growth throughout the story. The romance wasn’t even really the part of the story I was most concerned about, I just loved Dani and seeing her learn to live again. This story was so so good, and I literally read it in two sittings. I cannot wait to read more from this author, this is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year.
5 stars
I absolutely adored this story so so much. I loved just following Dani, from seeing her doing everyday, mundane things to her huge amounts of characters growth throughout the story. The romance wasn’t even really the part of the story I was most concerned about, I just loved Dani and seeing her learn to live again. This story was so so good, and I literally read it in two sittings. I cannot wait to read more from this author, this is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year.
5 stars
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh, my heart. I jumped on the Micalea Smeltzer train with no return ticket. The only place I am going is right through her backlist.
When I started the Wildflower duet I did not anticipate loving Micalea’s writing so much. It’s the taboo age gap trope that pulled me in. She has a way of writing these topics and making you feel the connections between the characters in a real and raw way. I immediately started Sweet Dandelion after finishing the Wildflower duet.
The age gap, forbidden love trope was a little more taboo in Sweet Dandelion given that Dandelion (Dani) Meadows developed feelings for her school guidance counselor, Lachlan (Mr.) Taylor. This was upping the ante and I was intrigued by how she would convince me of this relationship. She didn’t convince me, she sold me!
Dani became a victim of a school shooting where she was injured and also lost her mom. Now she is living with her brother in a new place, enrolled in a new school, and assigned to see the school guidance counselor everyday for her senior year. While it started as a little crush it grew into so much more. I will say that Lachlan in no way pursued Dani even though he did have feelings for her. I felt like it was the other way around. It was a beautiful, slow burn, risky, heartfelt, and raw story.
✨ I was immediately drawn into this book and had goosebumps from the start. For me, it wasn’t just about the love story. It was about the trauma Dani went through. I related in some ways and remember thinking, oh I know exactly how that feels. To live with a family member other than your parents, to not have your parents be apart of key milestones in your life, to not want people to ask where your parents are for fear of actually having to tell them what happened. It all felt too real. The way Micalea captured those feelings and thoughts resonated with me.
When I started the Wildflower duet I did not anticipate loving Micalea’s writing so much. It’s the taboo age gap trope that pulled me in. She has a way of writing these topics and making you feel the connections between the characters in a real and raw way. I immediately started Sweet Dandelion after finishing the Wildflower duet.
The age gap, forbidden love trope was a little more taboo in Sweet Dandelion given that Dandelion (Dani) Meadows developed feelings for her school guidance counselor, Lachlan (Mr.) Taylor. This was upping the ante and I was intrigued by how she would convince me of this relationship. She didn’t convince me, she sold me!
Dani became a victim of a school shooting where she was injured and also lost her mom. Now she is living with her brother in a new place, enrolled in a new school, and assigned to see the school guidance counselor everyday for her senior year. While it started as a little crush it grew into so much more. I will say that Lachlan in no way pursued Dani even though he did have feelings for her. I felt like it was the other way around. It was a beautiful, slow burn, risky, heartfelt, and raw story.
✨ I was immediately drawn into this book and had goosebumps from the start. For me, it wasn’t just about the love story. It was about the trauma Dani went through. I related in some ways and remember thinking, oh I know exactly how that feels. To live with a family member other than your parents, to not have your parents be apart of key milestones in your life, to not want people to ask where your parents are for fear of actually having to tell them what happened. It all felt too real. The way Micalea captured those feelings and thoughts resonated with me.
Rating: 4.8/5
Character Development:
In "Sweet Dandelion," Micalea Smeitzer masterfully crafts characters that resonate with authenticity and depth. Dandelion Meadows, the protagonist, is portrayed with vulnerability and strength as she grapples with the aftermath of a traumatic school shooting. Her journey from trauma to healing is sensitively depicted, allowing readers to empathize with her struggles and root for her resilience. Lachlan Taylor, the school counselor tasked with helping Dandelion, undergoes his own transformation as he confronts the limitations of his profession and discovers the true meaning of compassion and empathy. Smeitzer's nuanced character development adds layers of complexity to the narrative, elevating the emotional depth of the story.
Themes and Exploration:
At its core, "Sweet Dandelion" explores themes of trauma, healing, and the redemptive power of love. Through Dandelion's journey, Smeitzer delves into the profound impact of trauma on mental health and interpersonal relationships, highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and support in the healing process. The novel also explores the complexities of grief, guilt, and survivor's guilt, offering poignant insights into the human experience of loss and resilience. Smeitzer's exploration of these themes is both tender and thought-provoking, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of trauma and recovery.
Plot and Pacing:
The narrative of "Sweet Dandelion" unfolds with a gentle yet compelling pace, drawing readers into a poignant tale of love and redemption. Smeitzer skillfully balances moments of introspection with poignant interpersonal dynamics, creating a narrative that resonates with emotional authenticity. The plot unfolds organically, allowing for the gradual unraveling of Dandelion and Lachlan's emotional barriers and the blossoming of their relationship. As the story progresses, the stakes rise, culminating in a satisfying climax that underscores the transformative power of love and resilience. Smeitzer's deft storytelling and adept pacing keep readers engaged from start to finish, resulting in a deeply satisfying reading experience.
Writing Style:
Smeitzer's writing style is lyrical, evocative, and deeply emotive, infusing the narrative with a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Her prose is imbued with raw honesty and sensitivity, capturing the nuances of Dandelion and Lachlan's emotional journey with grace and poignancy. The dialogue is authentic and immersive, reflecting the characters' internal struggles and evolving relationships with authenticity. Smeitzer's evocative descriptions and vivid imagery transport readers into the heart of the story, allowing them to experience the characters' joys, sorrows, and triumphs with profound empathy and resonance.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Sweet Dandelion" is a beautifully written tale of resilience, healing, and the transformative power of love. Micalea Smeitzer's sensitive portrayal of trauma and recovery, coupled with her rich character development and evocative prose, creates an immersive reading experience that lingers long after the final page. Through Dandelion and Lachlan's journey, readers are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for love to heal even the deepest wounds. "Sweet Dandelion" is a captivating exploration of hope, redemption, and the enduring strength of the human heart—a poignant reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human experience.
Character Development:
In "Sweet Dandelion," Micalea Smeitzer masterfully crafts characters that resonate with authenticity and depth. Dandelion Meadows, the protagonist, is portrayed with vulnerability and strength as she grapples with the aftermath of a traumatic school shooting. Her journey from trauma to healing is sensitively depicted, allowing readers to empathize with her struggles and root for her resilience. Lachlan Taylor, the school counselor tasked with helping Dandelion, undergoes his own transformation as he confronts the limitations of his profession and discovers the true meaning of compassion and empathy. Smeitzer's nuanced character development adds layers of complexity to the narrative, elevating the emotional depth of the story.
Themes and Exploration:
At its core, "Sweet Dandelion" explores themes of trauma, healing, and the redemptive power of love. Through Dandelion's journey, Smeitzer delves into the profound impact of trauma on mental health and interpersonal relationships, highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and support in the healing process. The novel also explores the complexities of grief, guilt, and survivor's guilt, offering poignant insights into the human experience of loss and resilience. Smeitzer's exploration of these themes is both tender and thought-provoking, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of trauma and recovery.
Plot and Pacing:
The narrative of "Sweet Dandelion" unfolds with a gentle yet compelling pace, drawing readers into a poignant tale of love and redemption. Smeitzer skillfully balances moments of introspection with poignant interpersonal dynamics, creating a narrative that resonates with emotional authenticity. The plot unfolds organically, allowing for the gradual unraveling of Dandelion and Lachlan's emotional barriers and the blossoming of their relationship. As the story progresses, the stakes rise, culminating in a satisfying climax that underscores the transformative power of love and resilience. Smeitzer's deft storytelling and adept pacing keep readers engaged from start to finish, resulting in a deeply satisfying reading experience.
Writing Style:
Smeitzer's writing style is lyrical, evocative, and deeply emotive, infusing the narrative with a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Her prose is imbued with raw honesty and sensitivity, capturing the nuances of Dandelion and Lachlan's emotional journey with grace and poignancy. The dialogue is authentic and immersive, reflecting the characters' internal struggles and evolving relationships with authenticity. Smeitzer's evocative descriptions and vivid imagery transport readers into the heart of the story, allowing them to experience the characters' joys, sorrows, and triumphs with profound empathy and resonance.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Sweet Dandelion" is a beautifully written tale of resilience, healing, and the transformative power of love. Micalea Smeitzer's sensitive portrayal of trauma and recovery, coupled with her rich character development and evocative prose, creates an immersive reading experience that lingers long after the final page. Through Dandelion and Lachlan's journey, readers are reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for love to heal even the deepest wounds. "Sweet Dandelion" is a captivating exploration of hope, redemption, and the enduring strength of the human heart—a poignant reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human experience.