Thank you Netgalley and publishers for sending me this arc. I will be reviewing this book.properly in the near future with an honest teview.

I LOVED this book. I could not stop reading until I finished the entire book in one evening. I was smiling the entire first third of the book, cried through the next third, and was in an emotional tornado for the last. AMAZING.

Wow, what a haunting, beautiful read, which made me laugh, cry, and much more! It was beautifully written, with amazing characters and flawless character development, the plot was well developed in a manner that had my heart yearning for more and needing a break! Prepare for laughs, but prepare more for the heart breaks that are sure to come while reading this book! So beautifully brutal, true, and important for the YA lovers! I highly, highly recommend!
Will make sure to buzz it up on all the different platforms!

“There is no judgment within the Wildflowers—there is only acceptance. Come as you are and they will absorb your grief as our own.“

We The Wildflowers was an unexpectedly beautiful story of love, loss, friendship, and resilience. It was a story of depth and importance.

I am not sure what I expected with this novel but I didn’t anticipate crying in the end. This book is a story that I know will stay with me for a long while. The wildflowers, my wildflowers; were an amazing group of teenagers that came together during the lowest points in their lives. Chloe, Genesis, Adam, and Lukas, all experienced their own pain and losses and that was what lead them to the Sacred Heart group home. They all formed an unbelievable friendship and none of them took it for granted.

“We are four. We are the Wildflowers.”

The story is told entirely in Chloe’s point of view and as she tells her story it was easy to care about Chloe. She had gone through so much and she was simply learning about herself. She was trying to become more confident and accepting of herself. The friendship that she shared with her friends was an unbreakable bond.

I fell in love with each character and I wanted the best for everyone one of them. This story broke my heart at times. I didn’t anticipate the level of heartache these four would have to go through. Every minute of this story captured my attention and I became protective of each of the Wildflowers. The story flowed really well except for a few parts in the middle that seemed a tad bit rushed but otherwise I enjoyed it all’s

I would definitely recommended this book. I know I will not soon forget the Wildflowers.

This book was sad and depressing, but also joyful and uplifting. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and liked the interactions between them. I was holding my breath while reading this book waiting for the next bad thing to happen. There was lots of hopeful moments and good quotes in this book. Unfortunately, I don't think things usually turn out like this. A must read for people who like teen angst.

We, The Wildflowers is L.B Simmons’ newest masterpiece. She doesn’t release often but when she does, it’s always worth the wait. I didn’t read the synopsis (I know, shocking) so I had no idea what the story was about and wow! I was not expecting this and I loved that.

Four teenagers. Four different struggles. Four different pasts. One incredible bond. They are The Wildflowers.

Chloe, Genesis, Adam, and Lukas are living in a Scared Hearts house and attending high school as juniors when they are finally a four. They are all there because of different circumstances. They are there for a reason. And that reason was that they needed each other to fight. To fight for their freedom. To find out what unconditional love really means. To feel accepted for themselves. To feel safe. They are from families who were gone or didn’t care about them. Didn’t see them. They need to been seen. To be heard. And that is what the Wildflowers are about. They are one. One feels pain, they all feel pain. One feels happy, they all feel happy. They are there for each other no matter what. But, what will happen when their lives are forever changed? Will their bond keep them together when fate wants to pull them apart?

I can’t really get into the story without spoiling anything. I can say that it’s beautifully written. It’s not the easiest to read but so worth it. It’s real. It’s raw. And it needed to be told. It’s about growth, love, family, friendships, and finding yourself.

Quotes:

“Somewhere deep within you lies your very own bitch mode—I feel it as sure as I breathe. I will find it. I will expose it. I will nurture it. But it will be you who finally unleashes it. And what a marvelous sight that will be.”

“Well, even with your obvious lack of eye contact, I still see you.”

“You really think you can handle the darkest parts of me?”
I wave a dismissive hand. “You don’t scare me.”
He arches a dark brow and his mouth quirks ever so slightly at the sides. “Is that so?”

Stunning read. This is what YA is all about. LB Simmons is that writer who makes the dimmest star shine the brightest. We, The Wildflowers is a story of self-discovery, strength within and unbreakable bonds. Her characters were beautifully written with a sincerity and passion that filled your heart. I love that she kept the story raw and real without pulling us in under the abyss. Her characters fell and the rose above in victory. Everything, no matter how difficult, happened because sometimes that is real life and sometimes the unimaginable has to happen in order for true goodness to emerge. The storyline kept me glued to the pages and filled me with despair, hope and happiness.
I've been a fan of Simmons from the beginning but this story tipped me into the forever category. We, The Wildflowers was a poignant, heart-rendering beautiful read. A story that touches you in some way no matter your past, present or future. No matter who you were, who you are or who you want to be. We are all WILDFLOWERS.
D 5/5

We, The Wildflowers is L.B. Simmons' newest emotional story that's both heartwarming and heart breaking. Chloe, Genesis, Adam and Lukas are now family. After each of them lost their families and childhoods for various reasons, they find themselves bonded by their loss, pain and heartache. But they also found solace in each other. In their friendship. In their new life. Genesis knows who she is. She's overcome so much and survived. Adam was punished for just being himself. Lukas paid the price for trying to protect someone and Chloe was betrayed by the people who are supposed to love her. Together they heal. They learn to let go of the pain and move forward together. It's going to be harder than they thought, but they are stronger together. They can overcome whatever life throws at them even if it's trying to separate them. In the midst of surviving and moving on, they find love, acceptance and closure. They not only survive, they thrive. And they realize that they've formed an unbreakable bond that will last their entire lives. And their dreams will come true if they trust in each other and let love in. Overall, the writing is fantastic, the story moving and it's going to stick with me for a long, long time.

As an English teacher, the symbolic nature of titles and their multiple meanings and interpretations are aspects of language that make my nerdy heart so happy to analyze, and while I may read into things a bit too deeply in some situations, it’s clear that L.B. Simmons’ newest release, We, the Wildflowers was created with the qualities of wildflowers and the seasons that change them in mind as Simmons worked to tell Chloe, Lukas, Adam, and Genesis’ story.

While the story is told solely through Chloe’s perspective, each one of these characters has their part to tell and they do so in their words and their actions…in the idea that each individual’s plight is not the same, but a common bond can be found, and once that connection is forged, it becomes essential in all ways possible, proving that it’s more than okay to lead on others when you find the people who teach you the true meaning of home and family.

Simmons presents all parts of the four main characters stories - their pasts, their presents, and what they hope will be their futures, and through it all, it remains clear just how much the events that they had to endure and the obstacles they had to surpass and continue to go through help to define who they are and not only how they see themselves but how they see life in general.

The Wildflowers’ emotions resonate from the pages of the book and help to illustrate just how much pain they’ve had to wade through, just how low their lowest points were, and as their struggles seem to ebb and flow with life circumstances and maybe even the seasons, as if they are the embodiments of wildflowers, readers can’t help but want to shield them, to care for them, to protect them in a way that they can continue to grow and never risk being uprooted again.

Readers’ emotions will run the gamut, which, in my opinion, is a testament to the way the story is told. In a young adult romance, teens’ feelings as well as their individual personalities are not only fickle but still developing, which means that there are going to be missteps, both by chance and by choices. I can’t tell you how destroyed I was by one single event in the tex; it crushed me and my heart hurt so badly after I read it, but even in what seemed to be the darkest hour, the Wildflowers endured…and even if it was difficult and they wanted to give in and get lost in the shadows, the sun still shone and it gave them the smallest amount of hope to continue on.

This reading experience is unlike any that I’ve had in quite some time, and it’s because of the way Simmons presents the characters’ stories, the way she allows readers to feel EVERYTHING they feel, the way she helps us to truly understand their plight and their struggles, the way she works to help us cope with the highs and lows her characters work through made this much more than a solitary escape.

This book is a true masterpiece of the human condition in all of its wonder and at times horror. Because Simmons provides readers with a front row seat to all that Chloe, Lukas, Adam, and Genesis fight through and endure, we’re able to see firsthand just how powerful a bond these four characters share, just how much better and stronger they are when they’re together, and the fact that they would sacrifice their own happiness just so that the others can see and feel just how amazing they truly are, regardless of anyone else’s recriminations or mistreatment, is a testament to what lies in their hearts and souls and just how selfless they all can be.

This is a book you will be thinking about long after you are finished reading it. It’s a book that should be experienced by everyone! It’s a book that speaks to every readers’ heart and its lessons make us want to be better people, better listeners, better in all ways that matter, not just for ourselves, but for those suffering in silence, for those who are too afraid to speak. Because when it comes down to it…we are all wildflowers…we just grow in different places and experience different things.

5++++ Poison Apples

In WE, THE WILDFLOWERS, readers will meet four teenagers whose lives will intersect and even though no familial blood runs through their veins, they will nevertheless become a type of family.

Tackling issues such as suicide, depression, addiction and abuse, this book is one which young adults should identify with.

Finally, the world is ready to talk frankly and honestly about mental health issues and this book tackles them with unfettered honesty. Even though the story is fiction, the issues that Genesis, Lukas, Chloe and Adam have faced in their pasts are very real.

The one thing that I disliked was the use of profanity. I don’t mind when characters swear normally, but in this case, the swearing seemed like it was only included as a way to try to make the teens sound more authentic, but in my opinion, it does the opposite. However, that is a small issue and can be easily overlooked by the reader.

I rate WE, THE WILDFLOWERS as 4 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐

**Thank you to the Author, NetGalley and to Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with a free copy of this book.**

‘We’re been bonded by pain, but together, we’re rooted in resilience. We are four. We are the Wildflowers.’

Chloe, Adam, Genesis and Lukas are housemates at Sacred Heart house. Their guardian of all things is Mary Rodriguez who provides them with a home filled with empathy and unconditional love. They thrive in the stability that Mary provides and become very close friends.

Genesis (Genny) names them the Wildflowers and like their name, over time they begin to open up and blossom in their new environment. Individually they have their own issues they need to work through but knowing that they are not alone in their feelings and experiences really does help. Genny is the leader I guess, after taking them all to the patch of wildflowers on nearby land with a lake. It becomes their favourite place to hang out and provides them with the much needed peace and solace that has been missing from their lives.

‘The very definition of being a Wildflower is just that. We’re bound so closely that your pain is our pain. Your story is no longer just yours to bear - it’s ours. And when winter strikes any of us, we perish together knowing we will rise together as well. We are four, but we are one, And together, there’s nothing we can’t overcome.’

Adam came to Sacred Heart after being disowned by his family, he is adjusting to his new life but misses his first love who he was pulled away from when he was sent away. He loves the close friendship he now has with his Wildflowers.

Lukas has been through the foster system and has experienced/seen terrible things that have shaped who he is now. He carries a bucket load of guilt, shame and blame around on his shoulders and it weighs him down. He is beginning to open up though and that is mostly to do with the pretty girl who recently joined them, Chloe.

‘I’ve searched for you, Chloe Campbell. And now that I found you, I’m never letting you go.’

Chloe has grown up never feeling loved or wanted by her parents. When she overhears a conversation between them it tips her over the edge and is the end of her relationship with her family. She ends up at Sacred heart and becomes one of the Wildflowers

As these four navigate their way through their final year of high school they share lots of fun and laughter, many firsts and creating their own version of family. It’s not all happy though, when things change at home they are once again tested in the most awful of circumstances and cut away at the root. Will these Wildflowers ever feel the sun again or are they destined to be in the dark forever.

It’s been a while since I read a Young Adult story and this was a great dip back into that genre. There were so many sad, heartbreaking moments but overall the love they had for each other shone through.

4.5 Stars

"Change is quite possibly one of the most difficult things to accept. Many find security in routine, regardless of the damage it can cause. Instead of breaking a destructive cycle, whether internal or external, most will allow it to continue because it’s constant and therefore, to some degree, comfortable. And when you’re trying to find something, anything, to hold on to while your world is spinning out of control, it’s easy to anchor yourself to the familiar, no matter how terrible it might be."

As a forewarning, make sure you have stock in tissue. You’ll need them, plenty of them. I suggest the ones with lotion so you can avoid the red, sore nose that comes with being a blubbering mess.

Next up, We, the Wildflowers is NOT for the faint of heart. And, it is most definitely not for the judgmental heart. This book and its characters will open your eyes to a myriad of sensitive, yet very important subjects:(view spoiler). I added the triggers in a spoiler, if you come from a broken past or even a current one, I strongly suggest you look at them. The topics within are presented in a raw, absolute telling. L.B. Simmons does not hold anything back. If you’ve read any of her other books, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

This novel will take a toll on your emotional and mental state. You will not walk away without being affected in some shape or form. No lie, LB will WRECK you, repeatedly. Buckle in because your emotions will be all over the place; you won’t be able to control the direction or intensity of them. There are parts that will utterly break you. I was a train wreck of a mess. A sobbing, emotional mess. I didn't see how Simmons' would put me back together. My heart physically hurt. I couldn't breathe from the pain. I just wanted to crawl into a hole of denial. Pretend all this never happened. Leave off on Chapter 18, where things had a semi-balance of happiness and promise.

I don’t know what I expected when I started this journey, but it wasn’t that. As a huge fan of Simmons’, I should've known better. I should’ve known she would take my world and flip it upside down. I should’ve known I wouldn’t walk away unscathed.

These four teens were me on a multitude of levels. Genny, Adam, Chloe, and Lucas touched me. I connected with these characters beyond just the words on a page. Reading this book threw me right back into a world I’m very familiar with. And for that reason, I felt an overabundance of despair, rage, grief, compassion, love, hope, sympathy, empathy, and pride. Their failures and successes, their strength and growth, their healing, their loyalty and relationships, their self-discovery, their paths became personal to me. I viewed them through the eyes of a survivor; in turn, making me root even harder for their coveted HEA.

With that said, We, the Wildflowers was not a perfect book. It had flaws, but I was able to look past them. The story line and its characters kept me riveted. I didn’t mind the language/way of communicating between the teens. Yes, I agree, it could get very philosophical and preachy, at times. I don’t know many adults who have their *ish* together, or who talk like these characters did. Therefore, it was sometimes hard to realistically believe that these teens thought/talked the way they did, even with having a maturity and exposure to a life most will never experience.

Also, I know some talked about the over dramatic bits that felt out of place or over the top. As someone who is familiar with the world of foster care, I didn’t have the same view on this. At any given time, as a ward of the state, your life can change that drastically, and you can be placed with some vile predators, even some as cartoon-ish as these may have seemed. For me, this aspect did not affect my reading or take me out if the story. It just showed how genuine Simmons’ kept it.

Once again, L.B. Simmons built a captivating and poignant world. Proving why she is one of my all-time favorite authors and an automatic buy. Her writing never fails to hit me directly in the soul. And, as long as she keeps writing books of this magnitude, I'll keep devouring every single word.

Wow! This book was a very emotional journey with some intense hard to read scenes. I cried multiple times throughout. It will stick with me and the author’s words will become my daily mantras. Oh and can I just say...THAT COVER!

Fav Quotes:
Embrace what you have to offer to those around you, both good and bad. And if people don’t get it, if they don’t understand, f them. They’re not worthy.”

“Because in the end, it’s not about what others see, but how you see yourself.”

True love is when you’re faced with truths you don’t want to hear, with words difficult to accept, but they’re spoken to better you as a person, without fear of consequence.”

“you became the person I aspired to be. Someone who possesses enough heart to see past someone’s ugliness and make them feel like they matter, even if they don’t deserve it.”

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the audio book.

This book wasn't really for me. I did like the variety of characters in this and they seemed interesting and well fleshed out but there was just something that i could not connect with. I liked the writing but it just seemed a little flat in places overall.

4.5 stars
"We've been bonded by pain, but together, we're rooted in resilience.
We are four.
We are the Wildflowers."

I felt for these characters and what they had been through. I was touched by the bonds they formed and how important this self-made family became to each of them. Four high school students basically tossed away or left alone who ended up together at Sacred Heart and bonded in their pain, understanding, and need for acceptance. Each has struggled and hit rock bottom. And now with the help of their new friends are trying to find their way, heal, and grow.

Chloe...meek and empathetic....has a strong need for acceptance and does not stand up for herself.
Genesis...brash and bold...tough on the outside, but just as broken on the inside.
Adam...Charming and fun....but being his true self cost him everything.
Lukas...quiet, direct, and a bit dark...plagued by his own guilt and perceived failure.

I loved how they could see under the others' facades, share, and be vulnerable together. But then could stand together in support and find more strength. But even together, they cannot predict future challenges.

I liked the characters, the premise, and the relationships. The subject matter is not easy and is pretty raw. There are catalysts of change and beacons of hope. They all try to find their way and realize their strengths and gifts. There are villains and obstacles. As they dance between darkness and light, it was intense, emotional, heartbreaking, and inspiring.

One issue I did have with this book was the language. It seemed very mature and too philosophical for high school kids. I have an eighteen-year-old now in Honor's college and they do not speak this way. So sometimes it took me out of the story, especially in the first half. But the second half had me riveted. One of their biggest challenges almost too over the top dramatic, it did keep me interested and propelled the plot, and did completely affect their lives in both good and bad ways ultimately giving us what we needed.

It takes on tough topics and is current, especially in relation to young adults growing up these days. I really loved the messages about the importance of acceptance, forgiveness, self-worth, unconditional love, and paying it forward. It has a little romance in it, but it is mostly about loving yourself, your friends, and those you feel are family...and helping others feel the same way.

My top book of 2020! The raw emotions and thoughts within the story pulled at me. The writing and seasons made the story so much better. I feel it's a book anyone dealing with depression or anxiety should read. I wish I'd had this when I was in high school. The love story within was worth the growth and change of the characters. I loved the story and its message.

I feel like this is a book that everyone of all ages needs to read. Growing up is hard. We the Wildflowers hits the whole spectrum of issues teenagers face and it’s tragically beautiful. I’m so glad LB is putting a book out that is necessary in this time.

We, The Wildflowers by L.B. Simmons is a brilliant book. It is the story of four teenagers, named Genesis or as she is commonly called Genny, Adam, Chloe, and Lukas who end up staying together in Mrs. Rodriguez’s home, a branch of an organization called Sacred Heart. Each of the four has his or her own story of why he/she live in Sacred Heart. Genny is a former substance-abuse addict, Adam is homosexual whose parents didn’t accept him after his coming out, Chloe is suicidal with unloving parents and Lukas has spent time in juvenile. The four call themselves the wildflowers.

The story is told through Chloe’s eyes and we follow her entire journey through the book, how she grows from a meek, sad girl into a confident young woman. You also can’t help but fall in love with the other three wildflowers. The book has an interesting plot and a good character-driven story. The story is hard-hitting and doesn’t shy away from delivering real and terrifying truths.

The only issue I had with the book was that it was too lengthy and certain parts could have been shortened. Overall, the book is a must-read.

Thank you to Spencer Hill Press for this ARC in exchange of a honest review!

"We're been bonded by pain, but together, we're rooted in resilience. We are four. We are the Wildflowers."

Chloe has never known what it's like to be loved. She lived with her parents but never really existed for them. One night she overheard her Dad tell her Mum that he never wanted children in the first place. Chloe decides she had enough and attempts to take her own life. Her parents find her in the nick of time and doctors are able to save her. Her parents therefore decide they cannot take care of her anymore and put her into a home named Sacred Heart.

Adam has been in Sacred Heart ever since he came out to his family. He used to be loved by them and had a great childhood, until he told them he's gay. His family kicked him out and he's been in Sacred Heart ever since.

Genesis is completely alone. Since her grandmother died she has no family left and has been in Sacred Heart since then.

Lukas has been placed into one foster care to the other. He's been at Sacred Heart after a disturbing event happened at the last foster care.

"I know the feeling of having your heart flayed wide open with nothing to deaden the pain. But I also know self-inflicted torment is a festering cancer that will continue to consume as it grows, hollowing you out completely and leaving you with no heart, no soul, unless you excise it. It’s a torturous process, but one that’s necessary to heal."

The story follows the 4 of them when they're 17, soon to be 18. So their last year at Sacred Heart as when they're 18 they have to find their own place. Unfortunately during that last year the unthinkable happens which causes major changes at Sacred Heart. It brings evil and abuse in a place that's supposed to be the safest of all.

This book is the first book since a very long time that made me feel deep emotions. The growth of the characters, the seasons changing, and the hurt. Never have I felt so much love for a group of fictional characters. It's incredibly hard to explain how wonderful and important this book is. This is a story that needs to be told. There are some heartbreaking scenes that are very hard to read. It has some big trigger warnings such as suicide, drugs addiction, abuse, rape, homophobia, death,.. But it's important.

I laughed, I cried and when I finished the book my heart was full.

"But even in death they remain connected, thriving within the comfort only they can provide each other, until spring brings them to life once again."

An emotionally intense story of four teens who come together under tragic circumstances and find the strength to heal one another.

Chloe Campbell
Lukas White
Genesis "Genny" Monroe
Adam McNamara
Each character has been broken down, left unprotected by the people that brought them into this world. However, they find a new home with Sacred Heart under the care of an amazing woman, Mary Rodriquez.

Chloe is the sole narrator of this story, and initially, the story is slow paced as she struggles with her insecurities. But her friend/roommate, Genny, is her strongest cheerleader. With time, she helps to bring Chloe out of her shell.

"It's what you leave behind for others to carry forward that should define you . . ."

This story has some beautiful highs (as the four find support and comfort to rid themselves of their painful pasts). Conversely, it also has some very low lows, when the group faces a life changing event. My heart broke for each and every one of them as old demons haunt them again.

While the author puts the characters, and this reader through the ringer, there is a strong message of hope in this story.

"But some people are just worth fighting for."

I liked the evolution of Chloe's character in this story. She was a shell of a person in the beginning, and despite the losses she faced, she not only became stronger for herself, she was there to support and heal another.

If you are looking for a heartbreaking yet hopeful story, check this one out.