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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
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.
This book was so ahhmazing and by a new arthur for me. This story will break your heart, make you laugh and make you angry believe me this arthur will have you feeling all kind of emotions, but it will make you fall in love with these character's.
Meet Dandelion Dani for short she's having to live with her brother Sage due to a school shooting where a lot of people lost their lives including their mom and she herself is a victim as well.
She's having to finish her Senior year in a new school and she's having to see the school's counselor to help her find her way back from the tragedy and life again.
What she didn't expect is the hot counselor Lachlin and the feeling's he's making her feel and the walls he's breaking down to help her.
I'd definitely recommend one clicking this and find out just how good this book is.
Meet Dandelion Dani for short she's having to live with her brother Sage due to a school shooting where a lot of people lost their lives including their mom and she herself is a victim as well.
She's having to finish her Senior year in a new school and she's having to see the school's counselor to help her find her way back from the tragedy and life again.
What she didn't expect is the hot counselor Lachlin and the feeling's he's making her feel and the walls he's breaking down to help her.
I'd definitely recommend one clicking this and find out just how good this book is.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
When I say that very few stories stay with me hours, days or weeks after reading them, this is true. I can enjoy a book but when it is over, it is over. This book will NOT BE ONE OF THOSE STORIES. The prologue grabbed me and long after I have finished, I still have all the feels. I know this book is being tagged as an age gap, taboo, teacher/student read but I promise you it is so much more.
You do have all the above mentioned concepts woven throughout this story, but it is so much more. SWEET DANDELION is a story of survival, strength, growth and the resilience of the human spirit. The author magically weaves words and feelings together and I could not stop all my emotions from overflowing.
Dandelion has gone through a tragedy that would break most people. She has lost her light and her joy. She goes through her days empty. She is emotionally disconnected.
Sage has been tasked with a responsibility too great for his 25 yr old shoulders. He has also sustained a great loss and failure with his responsibility is not an option.
Ansel, Seth and Sasha form a friend group that this broken girl needs but she tries to keep at a distance.
Lachlan is the light within the darkness. He sees this sad and hollow girl and only wants to take away her pain, but knows this is impossible. He also has an internal battle raging.
It is as if the fates have said "here is what you need BUT you cannot have it". Those fates can be a cruel mistress. I loved this book and would highly recommend it.
You do have all the above mentioned concepts woven throughout this story, but it is so much more. SWEET DANDELION is a story of survival, strength, growth and the resilience of the human spirit. The author magically weaves words and feelings together and I could not stop all my emotions from overflowing.
Dandelion has gone through a tragedy that would break most people. She has lost her light and her joy. She goes through her days empty. She is emotionally disconnected.
Sage has been tasked with a responsibility too great for his 25 yr old shoulders. He has also sustained a great loss and failure with his responsibility is not an option.
Ansel, Seth and Sasha form a friend group that this broken girl needs but she tries to keep at a distance.
Lachlan is the light within the darkness. He sees this sad and hollow girl and only wants to take away her pain, but knows this is impossible. He also has an internal battle raging.
It is as if the fates have said "here is what you need BUT you cannot have it". Those fates can be a cruel mistress. I loved this book and would highly recommend it.
Interesting plot and well written but the only character in the entire story I actually liked was Sage since he was so sweet and sane enough to realise Lachlan absolutely should have been reported for his actions. I thought for sure this book would end with Dandelion realising she had been preyed on by Lachlan but instead she ends up convinced it’s genuine love. Lachlan invited her to his home, he was the one that started texting her, he was wrong for crossing professional boundaries and absolutely should not have been allowed to work with kids again, least of all emotionally vulnerable children.
Song: Us by James Bay and Alicia Keys
I thought this book was mostly great. It dealt with some really heavy topics that sadly are very relevant in todays world. I was crying in and out throughout the book because it really does break my heart. Dandelion is showing what life is like for the SURVIVORS of such a tragedy and sadly she was too right when she said those are the people we quickly forget about after a school shooting. It’s so sad but true. We never think about how these kids that made it will never have the luxury of feeling safe in their own school again. That they’ll be dealing with PTSD for a very long time. It’s heartbreaking.
Dani and Lachlan’s love story was great and I enjoyed it. It was very realistic for what would come about if a relationship like this were to ever start. I also really enjoyed the friendship of Ansel and Dani. It was reviving in my eyes. He stuck with her and for that I can’t help but have a special place in my heart for his character.
However, there was one thing that nearly ruined this book for me. And that’s Sage and Sasha getting together. There was absolutely no reason for it. It made the book lesser than what it was. It really made me almost stop reading it. I just don’t see how the author thought it’d be a fun addition?
I thought this book was mostly great. It dealt with some really heavy topics that sadly are very relevant in todays world. I was crying in and out throughout the book because it really does break my heart. Dandelion is showing what life is like for the SURVIVORS of such a tragedy and sadly she was too right when she said those are the people we quickly forget about after a school shooting. It’s so sad but true. We never think about how these kids that made it will never have the luxury of feeling safe in their own school again. That they’ll be dealing with PTSD for a very long time. It’s heartbreaking.
Dani and Lachlan’s love story was great and I enjoyed it. It was very realistic for what would come about if a relationship like this were to ever start. I also really enjoyed the friendship of Ansel and Dani. It was reviving in my eyes. He stuck with her and for that I can’t help but have a special place in my heart for his character.
However, there was one thing that nearly ruined this book for me. And that’s Sage and Sasha getting together. There was absolutely no reason for it. It made the book lesser than what it was. It really made me almost stop reading it. I just don’t see how the author thought it’d be a fun addition?
dark
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes