One of the most beautiful stories I have ever read! EVER!
It will stay with me for a long long time for sure, as it is impossible to forget these characters.

I don't think this book can be reviewed as any other book.
For as much as I try to find words to state my feelings for this story, I CAN'T!
This is one of those stories YOU NEED to read. Your DAUGHTERS and SONS need to read it. EVERYONE needs to read it! There's such a depth within that needs to be absorbed and not told from someone who read it.

After reading Genesis, Adam, Chloe and Lukas story, I feel so much rich inside myself.
Their powerful story made me stop and think about the dos and the don'ts. I've cried so much and smiled even more because no matter what, I wont ever forget these four friends and their journey.

Such a beautiful book as this one deserves all the stars in the galaxy and all the wildflowers on earth!
L.B. Simmons I NEED to read all of your books because you just got a huge fan!

If L.B. Simmons set out writing this book with the intention of making the reader feel ALL THE FEELS, well all I can say is: mission accomplished! I knew going in that for me, this would probably be a hard book to read because I am a very emotional reader. I feel everything characters feel, I struggle alongside them, I rejoice with them, I cry with them. And I did all of those things while reading We, The Wildflowers. Add in the fact that these kids are in their teens and navigating the last couple of years of high school which were the most tumultuous years of my own life, and I knew this book was going to hit me in places deep inside my heart.

I don't know if L.B. has a really great memory, or if she took scenarios from her own teenage daughter's lives, but man does she nail the teenage years! The cliques in high school. The mean girls. The first date with a boy. All of these things are traumatic enough on their own but when you add in the fact that the main characters are all troubled youth who have been put in a group home because no one else wanted them? That magnifies everything tenfold.

There is just so much depth layered into these young people who really have had to grow up in certain aspects way before they should have had to. These kids have gone through so much in their lives and there were times while reading that I sat back and said, "why is L.B. putting these poor kids through SO much? Why can't they be happy go lucky kids gushing about which college they're going to attend? Why so much pain?" But the reality of it is, this book represents SO many children in the world. It's about the strength these kids have when faced with situations they should never have to face. It's about the bond these four kids form with each other, the Wildflowers that survive and thrive in the face of adversity and the harshest of conditions.

<b> <I> Their strength and ferocity stem from below the surface where their roots are tangled, interwoven in such a way that for the remainder of time they bloom together, and when winter finally prevails, they perish as one. But even in death they remain connected, thriving within the comfort only they can provide each other, until springs brings them to life once again. </b> </I>

So yeah, this book is not hearts and flowers (okay there are flowers, Wildflowers to be exact) and it is not romantic and it's not about two kids falling love. It is about the relationships that form between a group of kids who were brought together by one very special woman who saw things in them they didn't see in themselves. It is about the bonds built, the family that is formed whose roots are so deep in the ground that no one and nothing can break apart what they've created.

This is a soul shifting book. The kind of book that buries deep in your heart and stays there. It makes you think and question and contemplate. This story was a cathartic experience for me. There are few authors who could pull that off. She's a prolific storyteller and as hard as this book was to read in certain places, it was absolutely necessary and I will forever see the beauty woven through the words. And I will forever remember the Wildflowers.

My thoughts on this one are all over the place. I knew going in that this one was going to be one that would be heavy on my heart. And I was not wrong. This is a very emotionally charged book. Who better to write it than Simmons? She has a way with weaving her words in such a profound way. Her books will always tug at my heart; at least that is my experience.

My only negative, well not negative-I'm not sure the what the right word would be, is the heavy profoundness that these children possess. Like I said, it's not really a negative. It was hard for me to think of kids at 16-18 holding such deep profound conversations and thoughts. On one hand, they are trying to heal and find their meaning in life, but then on the other hand, they had such deep, profound thoughts for one another. They felt very contradictory to me in that aspect.

This book is definitely not a fast paced book. It moves quite slowly. Not a lot of big things happen, but when they do happen, your heart is in your throat. The few major things are big, and they make the book such a great piece of art.

I was definitely moved and devoted to these characters on their tragic and emotionally charged paths. The story is written with such great prose that I couldn't help but feel like I was a part of their story. If you're reading this review and are looking for an epic, emotion filled story, this is definitely the one for you.

This was such a lovely book that reminded me a lot of works by John Green and Jennifer Niven, two of my favorite authors.

These kids are so strong even when the world has done then SO wrong. It's a tragic story with a beautiful meaning.

I want to know these characters. I want to be a part of their life. I want to be a Wildflower.

A full review will be up on my blog soon!

We, The Wildflowers was an emotional read for sure, and I couldn’t help but feel attached to these characters from the very beginning.

Imagine four broken individuals living under the same roof, going to school together, and having to navigate through life while trying to heal from physical and emotional turmoil at such a pivotal age...sounds like a recipe for disaster. And yet, they formed this unbreakable bond and were able to relate to each other and find solace in one another.

I really enjoyed reading this story and getting to know the characters and what brought them together at Sacred Heart. It wasn’t easy to read and some scenes downright brought me to tears. At times, the pacing of the book seemed a bit off and the story appeared to segue too quickly, so it made it difficult to keep my full attention, but overall I did enjoy it and would recommend it.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3151149425

There are stories that are gripping and engrossing and then there are stories that are beyond words. This story is truly one that has left me completely emotionally speechless with the intensity of its essence, it’s meaning.

It is emotionally alluring. I felt deeply for these characters and their experiences, trials and circumstances. I had so many emotions as I read and would stop and contemplate and empathize with each one of the four Wildflowers. I loved them and how they loved each other!

This is my first book by L.B. Simmons and while I don’t usually read too much Young Adult, the cover and title captivated me so much so that I couldn’t wait to read it. Despite the angst, frustration and emotions I’m so glad that I did! I really am grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this book.

Chloe tells the story in such a way that captured my attention and heart. I deeply felt for her and what she dealt with. She evolved and finally found a family she deserved.

The deep reflections and insights from Genesis despite her young age and background were heartwarming and inspiring to me. I was in awe of her maturity and how she saw so much more into each of the other Wildflowers.

Adam captured my heart and it ached for what he went through before finding his place with the Wildflowers.

Lukas was the my heart actually ached for in his darkness. But he found his light with the love, acceptance and inclusion in the group. I was invested in his well being as I was with all of them.

A beautifully written and important story that must be read and felt in all it’s power!

#WetheWildflowers #NetGalley

WOW!!!! This book has left me speechless.

Sitting here trying to write this review and I am struggling to do this book justice. I don’t think I can ever express my feelings well enough in this review. Trust me if you read any book this year….This is the book to read!!! Best book of 2020 so far for me.

We, The Wildflowers was such a raw, real and emotional story. The only thing I will tell you about this storyline is that it may cause triggers for some readers. The subject matter of this book is something that plagues our youth today. I won’t lie, I normally don’t have trouble with triggers in stories, but I have to be honest….there were parts to this story that I had trouble reading. Nothing is overly graphic, but what is told and the rest is your imagination….it can take a toll on you emotionally. Just know….read at your own risk.

I have read many books by L.B. Simmons and I can say that I have LOVED every one of them. Her books just get better and better. This book was flawless!!! I was so engaged in this story and these characters lives, I had a hard time putting this book down.

L.B.'s writing is fantastic. She created a story that sucked me in and didn't let go…this truly was an emotional roller coaster!!! She has my emotions all over the place. I was laughing, fist pumping, crying, smiling, and yelling. This book does have a love story built into it, but it was so much more than that. It was a story of self discovery as well as learning to forgive oneself and what true friendship and unconditional love really is.

In this book we follow the journey of 4 teenagers. This story is told solely in Chloe’s POV and I have to say that I normally like Dual POV better, but this story couldn’t have been told any better than through the eyes and mouth of Chloe. I thought the writing was perfect. The flow and pace of the story was spot on. This book was beautifully written.

I feel like I had been waiting for this book for a while now, but let me tell you…..It was so worth the wait!!!

I can’t rave enough about this book….Definitely a MUST READ!! If you are a fan of YA novels, then this is one you CAN’T miss!!! This book is a standalone novel.

Holy. Hannah.

This. book.

I almost didn't request an ARC of this book. I have read only one other book by L.B. Simmons and I really enjoyed it, so I was definitely interested in picking up another one. But YA can be hit-or-miss for me and I wasn't sure I wanted to take a chance on a YA book that wasn't - technically - a romance.

I am so glad I took the chance.

We, the Wildflowers is deeply, sometimes darkly, emotional. If you are sensitive to triggers, approach with caution. I do not consider myself sensitive to triggers, but there were parts of the book that caused me a great deal of anxiety. Parts I rushed through to get to the other side. Parts that hurt to read. It cut my heart wide open and left me aching and raw.

But, maybe I'm some kind of masochist, because in spite of all that - I felt like this book was incredibly beautiful. Brutal, for sure. But while the brutality is there, the focus is on hope, resilience, perseverance, and -- most of all -- love .

It's so beautifully written - almost lyrical sometimes. The storytelling was incredibly compelling - deftly weaving a tapestry that was sometimes heartwarming, other times heartbreaking, and veering occasionally into an almost mystical or spiritual territory. This is an important story. It is not for the faint of heart, but now - having turned the last page - I can promise that the rewards were worth the emotional gut punches it delivered. And no, it's technically not a romance, but it's definitely a love story . An incredible one. I loved the Wildflowers fiercely. I imagine I'll be carrying them in my heart for a good long while, and if that's not the mark of a truly fantastic book - I don't know what is.

We, The Wildflowers by L.B. Simmons is a full length, ya novel, published by Spencer Hill Press.
Genesis
Adam
Chloe
Lukas
The four teens are inhabitants of Sacred Hearts, a home for teens. Every single one of them has baggage and his packet to carry. Take Chloe, she's a 16 year old unloved by her parents and after a desperate cry for help she simply gets shipped off from them. So have the other three. All of them grow up together and they're still going through a lot. I will not spoiler here, only so much. We, The Wildflowers is a raw and gritty read, hauntingly beautiful that gave me all the feels. I loved the storyline and the characters, 5 Stars.

I found this book on Netgalley and was approved to read the digital advanced copy by the publisher. I requested this book because 1) the cover (simple flowers with a black background; simple, aesthically pleasing covers DO IT for me) and 2) it was a YA that seemed different and stood out to me.

The Goodreads rating for this book is 4.45 so obviously I had very high expectations going into this novel. I’ve never read a story by L.B. Simmons before so I wasn’t really sure exactly what to expect.

We, The Wildflowers follows one main character, Chloe, as she experiences living in a sort of group home after being abandoned by her wealthy parents. There she meets Genesis (Genny) and Adam, and then eventually Lukas is the fourth and final member of the household.

All four teens are close to graduating high school and have all experienced traumas in their life time. Genny was a drug abuser, Lukas was arrested for attacking a man, and Adam was shunned from his household for being a gay man. Mrs. Rodriguez eventually that takes them in, and they’re lives start drastically improving…until it stops.

The pacing of this story bugged me at first, because by about the halfway point, everything started to come to a perfect close. I was wondering what was going to fill the last half of the book. Then, the last half happened. The story took a dramatic turn and we’re left with a story about teens trying to pull themselves together from another tragedy.

The overall plot of the book was great. I love reading stories about mental health and other serious issues among teens because I think those stories need to be broadcasted. It’s issues like these that are everywhere but never seem to get enough attention. I almost hoped that I could’ve gotten a couple chapters with the other teens perspectives just to get a better sense of their characters, but honestly that’s just me being nit picky at this point. Being inside the mind of Chloe was fascinating and I thought Simmons did a wonderful job of showing us the complex side characters too.

One aspect that I really loved that I usually don’t enjoy much in YA books is the romance. I read YA for the complexity of the characters and the coming of age moments, but rarely am I excited about the romance happening. I’m usually quite indifferent about it. But the romance between Chloe and Lukas was wonderful, and I found myself rooting for them until the very end.

I was also very satisfied with the ending. It was a happy ending considering the very unhappy circumstances. Simmons really let Chloe develop into a strong, willful woman.

Overall, I have this book 5 stars. I’m most likely going to buy a physical copy of this book when it releases in February because I NEED it on my classroom bookshelf. I think this story is a must read.

This book was received as an ARC from Spencer Hill Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

My heart hurt so much for Genesis, Adam, Chloe, and Lukas and how nobody wanted them around and then a godsend strikes and they land at Mary Rodriguez’s home, an outpost for Sacred Heart’s troubled youth program and they get the opportunity of a lifetime to start fresh and make something out of their lives. With battles of addiction, abuse, drugs, depression and loneliness, the four teens form a bond that is so strong that it becomes a reliance for them. Now this bond is tested in many ways and the teens stop at nothing to stay together and its what they need for survival. I have a warm spot for struggling teenagers and the battles they face everyday and my heart brightens up when they find a way to get through and win their battles and live the life they deserve to live. I know our teen book club will love this book and enjoy them very much.

We will consider adding this book to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

One day. That's all it took to read this book. I could not put it down once I started. This is my first book from this author and it left me with such a feeling of warmth. Yes, it's sad. Yes, it has some dark things happen. Yes, it's hard to read in places. But, even with all of that, this book is nothing but a book filled with hope and love. So much love. So much hope and love that when you read the very last sense it leaves you with a sense of longing for a group of your own Wildflowers.

Every single character in this book made an impact whether that impact was full of light or cast a shadow on that light. Simmons does a great job of bringing every thought and every action to life. She does this simply with her beautiful writing. Metaphors that bring a new meaning to everything around you. There really is no adequate words to describe her writing except that it's rare to come across something like it and I am so happy I found the path.

I think this book is one that all ages should read. Everyone can take away something from this story. Maybe you need to be reminded you're not alone. Or you needed to be reminded of true love in not only the romantic sense but in a very platonic way. Or maybe you just need your own bright pink Wildflower to remind you to go be the lioness you have in you just waiting to claw herself out. Just don't miss this one.

What an unexpected and heartwarming book that I stumbled across, and I am so glad that I did. I have not felt so many emotions from a book in quite some time, This book made me laugh, cry and go through a spectrum of feelings. Wow, just wow.

This is a heavy book so please prepare yourself for that and triggers for some people. If you can though, read this. The characters will take a place in your heart and not leave. Sacred Heart is a youth program for troubled teens. Genesis, Adam, Chloe and Lucas all end up here. As they make bonds we go through the ups and downs of their life that brought them there and the demons that they deal with. We wait with baited breath to see who will survive and if their bonds can make it through.

Please if you choose no other emotionally charged book this year, choose this one.

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

L.B. Simmons is one of the few authors of which I have read every book they released. I was introduced to her almost seven years ago, and I have been in love with her storytelling abilities and writing style ever since. It has been almost four years since she released a new book, so I was really excited when I got my hands on We, the Wildflowers. I already knew that this book would impact me emotionally after reading the blurb. The characters were intriguing and very likable. I especially felt a strong bond with Genesis, who is a fierce and loyal friend. The story is told entirely from Chloe's POV, who is the third teenager who ends up in Mary Rodriguez’s home, an outpost for Sacred Heart’s troubled youth program. She felt so unworthy of love, and the loving home with the best people brought her out of her shell. All four of the teenagers have their own struggles, but they know they will always have each other. Their bond was really strong and beautiful.

"I've found more of a home than I've ever experienced. I've found a place where I'm seen. Where I'm acknowledged. Where I'm loved and accepted. I've finally found...a family."

I would've rated this book higher if not for the abrupt change of pace in the second part of the story. It really bothered me that some things changed really quickly, and I just couldn't really keep up. I didn't have time to fully process everything. I just didn't think it fully fit the story and there were some things that definitely could've been handled differently. But I think things got back on track in the last quarter of the book. I loved seeing everything come together and the wildflowers finding their way back to each other. I think this book dealt with many difficult issues, and it was not always easy to read those heartbreaking scenes. I laughed and cried with the characters and wanted the best for all of them, and the ending was very heartwarming and uplifting. I am glad I read We, the Wildflowers and I already look forward to L.B. Simmons' next book.

"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."

This is so sad! This story broke my heart! This is heartbreaking!

This is suffering from sharp knife stab wounds, sudden impact of pouring ice bucket down your head, several punches on the face! Four wildflowers: Genesis, Chloe, Adam, Lukas. It is impossible not to feel for them, ache for them, resonate with them, cry for them and of course love them.

Four broken souls came together to form a group, becoming their each other’s confidante, best friends and of course family, sharing their secrets, heavy burdens, traumatic experiences. They are too young, unique, delicate and beautiful souls. They don’t deserve to carry all those burdens and suffer from those ugly life experiences. You want to reach their hands and help them get up, listen to their problems and tell them:
“Everything is gonna be all right”! Even though it is a lie, you still want to say something to share their pain because you care.

I cared those characters and loved them too much. This read affected me deeply from the beginning and the first half of the book was solid five stars but in the middle, the story’s direction unnecessarily and over dramatically changed. I can handle the angst. But come on, suddenly all hell broke loose and the genre of the book turned into something over melodramatic and darkly tragic. I’m sorry about this change but I have to admit that: I didn’t like it!

This story is already heavy, sad, depressing but too much exaggeration killed the uniqueness and soul of the story. At least that’s what I think.

The ending and closure of Chloe’s part of the story was satisfying, heart-warming, promising and hopeful. I still love the characters so much but the progression of the middle parts made me lose my enthusiasm of the book. It is still great subject and teaching too much lessons, making you question so many things and dealing with important stuff such as addiction, sexual abuse, grief, guilt feelings, suicide, diversity, sexual preferences but tragic turn of the events still left a bad taste in my mouth.

I wish I could give more than three stars but at least this book attracted my attention and put a talented author on my radar. I want to read more works of L. B. Simmons.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Spencer Hill Press for sharing this ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review.

Thank you so much to Spencer Hill Press for giving me an ARC of We, The Wallflowers by L.B. Simmons via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

They are the Wallflowers. Instead of choosing not to be seen in a crowd, Genesis, Adam, Chloe and Lukas fights to be heard, and to be seen. The four of them are the Wallflowers who stands strong whatever the seasons may bring.

Oh god, where do I start? This book was a rollercoaster. One page I was laughing my ass off, next I’m folded into the fetus position, crying my heart out. Well written, thought provoking. The characters are amazing, each one of them unique, with their own quirks, but has qualities that I think each one of us would be able to relate to.

I recommend this to everyone, though I must warn that this books is heavy of rape, suicide, and abuse, so I wouldn’t recommend if you can’t handle those. Otherwise, a great read! Sweeps you off your feet and makes you feel every kind of emotion, mirroring what the characters feel.

I think this book is full of hope, pain, laughter, and promise. I really enjoyed learning about the Wildflowers and their different paths that brought them together. The relationships between the characters truly does feel special and unique. I really enjoyed the growth that these characters went through during the story. I will say that the writing can be a little.... over the top? with metaphors and flowery descriptions at times for my preference, but that didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Highly recommend picking this one up!

When I finished We, The Wildflowers I had goosebumps on my entire body. Because THIS is the story that needs to be told. The one that needs to be read and needs to be absorbed by others. The meaningfulness, the ever changing seasons, the growth, the metaphors, and the hurt. This is what this world needs more of. This book right here.

I have only ever felt, read, and experienced the angst of a type of love between two people, a man and a woman. Wanting them to be together and experiencing their heartbreaks. Never have I ever in my life read and felt the angst and experienced the need for a group of people to be together. Not until I met The Wildflowers.

Not only all of that but L. B. Simmons has unique writing. The type of writing that you don’t really see any more of these days. Not unless you find the right book, at the right time, that most likely no one else has even read yet. (Those are just the best though, right? Right.) The ones you want to yell about? That’s this book. That’s her writing. It needs to be heard. Her writing makes the most poignant and beautiful metaphors I have read to date. From the ever changing seasons, to the kids and the cover and just all of it. Brilliant.

I feel like if you only read one book this year, or if your child only reads one book this year, it’s this one. The hopefulness, the faith, the support, and the story of these four extraordinary but special kids just makes my heart sing and swell.

Disclaimer: I have read through this review four different times now and every time I read through it I have no adequate words to explain how amazing this book was.