The Confidence of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer is a captivating and beautiful story that haunts your soul with its heart-warming and electrifying romance and the heartbreak that will stay with you long after reaching the end.
My future is a big ‘what if’ at the moment and I’m fine with that.
For the most part.
When Thayer Holmes moves in next door, the grumpy landscaper both fascinates and amuses me.
When he asks me to nanny his kid, it’s a great way to make some extra money.
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Thayer and his adorable son.
There’s a big problem though.
I’m eighteen. He’s thirty-one.
Falling for someone almost fifteen years older than me wasn’t part of my plans, but sometimes things happen when you least expect them.
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Salem is content with staying in her small town and letting all the dreams of college go to her boyfriend. She’s happy helping her mom in her store, as well as baking cupcakes and making candles. Thayer, a quiet and grumpy hero, is ready to settle down and give a stable home to his son, Forrest, whenever he visits. He’s okay just being by himself, but Salem storms her way into his life, and what started with a cupcake and a babysitting gig transforms into a wonderful friendship that ultimately leads to a fascinating secret romance.
Abusers don’t deserve tears.
Salem has had to walk on eggshells through most of her life; having an abusive father will make you live in fear. Thankfully, Salem, her mom, and her sister are at a better place now. I related so much to Salem. Just reading that quote above had me stopping and contemplating how true those words are.
Because of what these women went through, it made their bond all the stronger, especially Salem and her mom. I loved the moments we got to see them baking together and just overall being together. The bond these two shared could be felt through pages.
“The blame always gets put on the victim or victims. Why is that? It’s because society never wants to accept that monsters are real—just weak women.”
I consider Salem to be this old soul stuck in a young body. Her view of life is one I wish I had had early on; I probably wouldn’t have wasted so much time. She doesn’t fully know what she wants out of life, but she’s so happy doing what she loves.
Thayer does have this larger than life, untouchable persona about him.
Enter Thayer Holmes, next-door neighbor. He’s closed-off and grumpy but hanging out with Salem brings a lighter and happier side to him he didn’t think he’d ever find.
Thayer is so attentive and caring with Salem. He’s always worrying when she climbs the roof, if she’s hydrated, if she’s safe walking alone before sunrise to go to the gym; he also got her the merch shirt she wanted and spent lots of money on getting her pit tickets for a concert!
I loved the friendship that Salem and Thayer developed. While Salem knew her stomach fluttering at the mere sight of Thayer was wrong, she was so glad to finally have someone she could trust and count on, someone who truly cared for her. He wouldn’t even do extreme things; he’d stick to doing little things that he knew would show her he was not leaving.
One of the many things I loved was their late night talks. It was during this time that we’d see them with their walls down and completely trusting. We could see their friendship slowly developing into more, which made their romance so believable and undeniable!
“You deserve to know you’re not alone, that someone’s beside you to fight your battles with you.”
Of course, once these two finally started to give into their feelings, all bets were off; they were electrifying and magnetic!
We are chaos. Unrestrained passion igniting with a single spark.
I remember reading the title for this book— The Confidence of Wildflowers —and wondering what it meant. After reading Micalea’s perfect meaning for it, it made me see wildflowers in a whole new light.
“Wildflowers are strong. Resilient. They can grow under most conditions I want to be like that. I want to have the confidence of wildflowers —to never give up, to flourish, and thrive.”
The heartbreak in this book is gut-wrenching; I was not expecting to feel every single emotion with this book. The heartbreak I got was absolutely brutal and devastating! Even right now writing this, my heart is feeling it all with the memory. I won’t say more because it will give everything away, but just make sure to have a pint of ice cream or at least your favorite comfort food. Is the heartbreak worth it, though? A THOUSAND TIMES YES!
“Don’t hide from me. Ever. I see you. I want to see you. All of you.”
The romance, the characters, the small town… They all demanded attention. The Confidence of Wildflowers broke me in so many ways. ? It’s also unbelievably brilliant! Salem and Thayer own a piece of my heart.
READ IF YOU LIKE:
– age gap
– forbidden romance
– grumpy-sunshine
– small town
– secret romance
– slow burn
– one bed
– boss-employee (she babysits his kid sometimes)
– single dad
– late night talks
– next door neighbor
– a hero who’s always there for the heroine
“I figure being your someone sounds better.”
“Does that mean I’m your someone?”
“No, Salem. You’re my everything.”
Rating: ★★★★★
Purchase: Amazon | Bookshop | Book Depository
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Deanna (A Novel Glimpse) says
This book sounds amazing, but I’m a little — no a lot — nervous about how heartbreaking you made it out to be.
Lover of Romance says
oh wow, I am loving the sound of this book here! It sounds so interesting and deeply layered. I adore books that can have me feel such a range of emotions. And the cover and title just makes you want to pick it up.
Lovely review!
Sam@WLABB says
I struggle a bit with age gaps like that. Glad it worked for you
Wendy says
I like a book where a woman survives and gets stronger after living with an abuser. I also love a heartbreaking book. Terrific review!
Stephanie says
This book sounds absolutely precious. I’m not always a huge fan of age-gap romances, but to be honest, this one sounds so much like my own life at 18 years old (when I was dating someone much older than myself as well, who was honestly more confidante than lover) that I think it would be really sweet to read. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with a good heartbreak moment, so I may wind up picking this up!
The Candid Cover says
This sounds super emotional and intriguing. I am not sure if it’s for me, but I know lots that would love it. I’m glad that you enjoyed it so much! 🙂