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We, The Wildflowers

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“Their strength and ferocity stem from below the surface where their roots are forever tangled, interwoven in such a way that for the remainder of time they bloom together …”

Genesis
Adam
Chloe
Lukas


No one loves them, no one cares about them, no one even sees them until they end up in Mary Rodriguez’s home, an outpost for Sacred Heart’s troubled youth program. It is within these walls that the four teens forge unlikely friendships. They experience the intensity of first loves, share secrets, and suffer losses, vowing to make the world a better place in spite of their personal battles with addiction, depression, loneliness, and abuse. But when the unthinkable happens, those friendships are tested in ways they never could have imagined.

Will they find strength enough to survive or will their bonds be too fractured to heal them yet again?

First published January 1, 2020

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About the author

L.B. Simmons

9 books1,492 followers
After graduating from Texas A&M University, L.B. Simmons did what any biomedical science major could do. She entered the workforce as a full-time chemist. Years later, never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined herself a USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance author as well.

What began as a memoir for her children, ended up being her first self-published book, Running on Empty. Initially it was written to chronicle their actions, their phrases, and their silly arguments so that when they were older, they would always have those memories. The memoir soon began to take on a life of its own, morphing into the story of a single mother with three little girls finding love when she least expected it. Soon after, her girls were given reoccurring roles in the remainder of what became the Mending Hearts series.

That's how her journey as an author began, and she hopes to God it never ends.

L.B. Simmons doesn’t just write books. With each new work, she attempts to compose journeys of love and self-discovery so she may impart life lessons to readers. Several novels later, she’s tackled suicide, depression, bullying, eating disorders, as well as physical and sexual abuse, all the while weaving elements of humor into the storylines in effort to balance the difficult topics. Often described as roller coaster rides, her novels are known for eliciting a wide range of emotions in each story she tells.

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5 stars
252 (55%)
4 stars
102 (22%)
3 stars
74 (16%)
2 stars
19 (4%)
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10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
Profile Image for Nilufer Ozmekik.
2,528 reviews51.5k followers
January 9, 2021
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.
Profile Image for Betül.
1,027 reviews280 followers
February 11, 2020
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
description

"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.

"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."
Profile Image for talon smith.
710 reviews132 followers
February 16, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
3,711 reviews529 followers
July 29, 2020


Words escape me -- there just aren't any that could express the emotions I felt during and after reading this heart-shattering story. None that could ever do it justice either. L.B. Simmons took my breath away with her gift of words and feelings in a story that speaks to harsh reality and very painful to read at times. But there's also a message of guidance, hope and kindness from gentle and giving souls, and although bittersweet, even in the darkest of times there's a ray of light that shines with hope and love and better times ahead.

And maybe an example for all of us to open our eyes and see other wildflowers lost and weary, frightened and begging for an act of kindness in their own lives.

Profile Image for Abby O’Shea.
261 reviews59 followers
October 1, 2019
****** 6 STARS ******

DISCLAIMER: I’m going to start out by telling you that I will not be able to properly express my feelings about this book with words. I’m not talented or eloquent enough to write a review worthy of this story.

I’ve never read a story that has touched me so deeply. I’ve never “met” characters that I’ve connected with so intensely. I’ve never read a book that MATTERED more.

I’ve felt that way about L.B.’s books before. She’s so incredibly and uniquely talented, and every book she writes deals with important issues. They’re all amazing.
But We, the Wildflowers is different. I’m not entirely sure why, but it is. It’s deeper. It’s more painful. It’s even MORE important.

These characters are so real, and I found myself caring about them as if I knew them. I felt physical pain when they suffered. I cried when they were hurting. I had to stop and breathe when I felt the need to protect them. I rejoiced with them and felt pride in them. The Wildflowers became a part of me. I’m crying just thinking about them again.

Everything about this story is beautifully written, even the ugly parts. L.B.’s words are poetic and meaningful, and it’s obvious that every word was carefully chosen to fit this story perfectly. This book has the power to change people. It has the power to help people, and heal them. It’s important. It matters. And it should be read by everyone, especially parents and mature teens. I look forward to reading it again with my 14-year old son so we can use it as a tool to ignite essential conversations. It will shatter your heart, but you will be healed by the end, I promise.

I have been waiting for this book for years. It was my most anticipated book EVER. That’s a lot of pressure. I mean, what it I waited so long and was disappointed? Rest assured that if you’ve been anxiously awaiting this release, I PROMISE you will not be disappointed. It lived up to and even exceeded my expectations exponentially.

My Wildflowers (yes, they’re mine) will stay with me forever.

READ. THIS. BOOK.

P.S. This is NOT a romance. This is a YA book with some romantic elements, but the main relationships are amongst the four teens. Their bond with each other is stronger than any adult romantic relationship I’ve ever read, and that’s truly what I love about reading romance. It’s the connection that matters, and this book has CONNECTION!
Profile Image for Luna Sol.
410 reviews65 followers
October 5, 2019
This author never ceases to amaze me. I have always identified with the essence of her characters and this is no exception. On the contrary, it multiplied. This book is about LOVE, real love, the love that matters and yet it's so hard to find. The love of belonging. So many feelings and emotions, you just don't read this book, you feel it through your veins all the way to your soul. You just can't help but to feel every single thing these characters go through, you become attached and absorbed. You will never be the same again.
Profile Image for cor.
280 reviews77 followers
November 4, 2022
“we leave our story, for you, fellow wildflowers, in hopes that you too will make change. take from it what you will, but if nothing else, please hear us when we say this: you are NEVER alone”

this book is gonna put me in reading slump. READ THIS READ THIS READ THIS!!!! check any triggers before doing so because this has just about all of them, but oh my god. this is one of my favorites this year.

i really could’ve used this book when i was severely depressed. the language and messages in this book had me sobbing— for the characters and for myself. Chloe— the lioness with superpowers only a special girl could have. Genny— the leader, the motivator, the glue that held them all together. Adam— the sweetie who deserved so better than what he had. and Lukas, dear sweet Lukas who thought he was all darkness but turned out to have so much light in.

i sobbed so much when reading this. it was impactful, sweet, funny, sad and meaningful all in one. i highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Vicki Willis.
883 reviews62 followers
February 16, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,841 reviews1,440 followers
January 22, 2020
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. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
Profile Image for Wendy LeGrand.
1,119 reviews50 followers
January 30, 2020
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.

"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."

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 in 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. L.B. is 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.
Profile Image for Joanne Ragona.
536 reviews21 followers
March 2, 2020
What an emotional, powerful book. This story takes on heavy subjects but does so with so much grace and poise. The writing is absolutely beautiful, I probably highlighted half the book. A story of friendship among unlikely individuals, this book delves into suicide, addiction, foster homes, sexuality and children who feel lost and unseen.

I was so immersed into this story and these damaged characters. Their journeys were difficult and hard to read at times but the messages throughout the story were filled with hope and peace and light. The use of the seasons and nature and all the gorgeous metaphors, it was inspiring to read....and beautiful to watch unfold. A fantastic story.
Profile Image for Grace.
2,126 reviews109 followers
February 1, 2020
4.25 stars

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 about the courage and fight within each character.

"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.

*An ARC was received for an honest review.

For more reviews, visit

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Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,029 reviews90 followers
January 23, 2020
* A review copy was provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley *

~ 5 Full Bloom Stars ~

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.

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Profile Image for Sally.
734 reviews18 followers
December 8, 2019
When I finished reading We, The Wildflowers I was in tears. I felt this story in my heart and soul. If you've ever dealt with trauma, felt alone, felt unheard or unloved then this is a story that you must read so you know that you are not alone. The Wildflowers' journey is one that I feel is so important to read and share with everyone.

This story affected me in so many ways because I understood what these characters were going through. I just wish that at the time, I had friends like these because they are everything. Sometimes it's not family that helps us and heals us. It's our friends who become our family and they are the ones who help us to grow and bloom.

Right now, we are so individualized as a society and as people. This book reminds us of how important relationships are and how we need to support and be there for each other so we can be better and kinder people. These four will teach you so much while you are reading their story.

I'm not going to lie to you... parts of their story was very tough to read. Genesis, Chloe, Adam, and Lukas are so real and so raw that I found myself wanting to jump into the book to help them. I truly cared about all of them and their struggles and their successes. No one should have to go through what these kids had to deal with. But what they are going through happens all the time. It's heartwrenching to know that what they are going through in this book is what is happening in real life too.

L.B. Simmons wrote a beautiful story about love and acceptance for those who need to hear that they are not alone. She has a way with her writing that makes me feel everything. Sometimes we need stories that we can relate to and this story is one that will help others to heal and grow and blossom. I completely connected with Chloe and Sally. I found pieces of myself within them. The story and characters were so engaging and relatable that I felt like I knew them. They were trying to help me just like they were trying to help each other. This book is a reminder that we have the power to be better and do better. We can help and heal each other if we really look beyond the surface of a person. L.B. Simmons broke my heart and made me cry quite a few times, but she always helps to mend it and give me and her characters the closure that we so desperately need and want.

Please, please, I'm begging you... read this book! If you have teenagers read this book with them. Talk about this story and really listen to each other. It has a tiny bit of romance in it, but this is a YA book about relationships between friends and it's such a powerful story. I felt like I became a Wildflower while I was reading and I hope those who read the Wildflowers' story feel the same way.

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




Profile Image for Cézanne Hayden-Dilbert.
243 reviews47 followers
February 19, 2020

“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.
Profile Image for Maria.
480 reviews14 followers
January 10, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Chay Charita Reads.
502 reviews13 followers
July 3, 2020
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 one 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
Profile Image for OllieObsessed.
181 reviews24 followers
January 3, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,415 reviews233 followers
February 12, 2020
‘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.
Profile Image for Amie's Book Reviews.
1,569 reviews168 followers
February 12, 2020
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 and to Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing me with a free copy of this book.**

To learn more about this author and this book, visit my blog at http://Amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com

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Profile Image for Tiffany Johnson.
1,151 reviews32 followers
March 30, 2020
This book is a perfect example of why, at 40 years of age, I still read YA!

L.B. Simmons has given us a heartbreaking yet uplifting read following 4 teens who find comfort in each other and ultimately the voice they want to project to the world after experiencing traumatic events in their young lives. This book personifies hope. It gives me hope that broken people can put their pieces back together and thrive. It makes you realize it's okay to lean on someone to help yourself stand up and learn to walk again. It makes you realize that scars are badges of being a survivor not a stigma.

It's not all hearts and rainbows. There is some darkness in this book and it's ugly and monstrous and the price it demands is life changing. It's the way the characters grow and evolve from this tragedy, that's the focus. Upon finishing I turned back to the cover and it all clicked for me causing a smile to light up my face :)

This one ranks right up there with Making Faces by Amy Harmon and Bright Side by Kim Holden so if you love those types of reads then this one is for you!
Profile Image for Nyx.
239 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2021
First book to finally read after months of stressing over school and then getting sick—and it just wasn’t it for me😞

The storyline itself wasn’t so bad, but the writing style felt to stiff and overdone?? There was no need to describe every outfit and what brands they were wearing 😕 Also, every time a character spoke it didn’t click, it seemed too pretentious.

Would not recommend.
Profile Image for Patricia Maia (The Bookery Review).
812 reviews46 followers
January 31, 2020
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!
Profile Image for Epsita.
61 reviews
January 29, 2020
A moving and uplifting story of a journey towards self-acceptance and self-love.
Profile Image for Pam.
375 reviews32 followers
September 14, 2021
What a beautiful and emotional book! I loved all of the characters and all of the messages throughout this book! I especially love books where the characters grow in strength and learn valuable life lessons.
Profile Image for Megan ♡.
1,261 reviews
April 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this! I thought it was so heartbreaking and all the characters were really real to me. I found myself rooting for everyone and wanting everything to work out for them. Highly recommend!

Thanks to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Marivett.
137 reviews
January 11, 2020
My first 5 star read of 2020. This book gave me all the feels. Lb did not disappoint. One of the most emotional books I've read in a while. Must. Read.
Profile Image for Up All Night Book Addict.
1,212 reviews280 followers
January 29, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Ashley Ruiz.
224 reviews58 followers
July 1, 2020
I felt like I’ve waited forever for this book. I was so excited to receive an ARC through Netgalley !

It was a beautifully written story about a group of teens who have no one but each other to relay on. The foundation of their friendship is broken due to a terrible tragedy. As time goes on they each grow without each other. That’s my favorite part; that they realize they are all strong and worthy on their own. But in the end they still know that have a family in each other.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lea Ann.
52 reviews31 followers
February 18, 2020
Have you ever read a book that made you want to be a better version of yourself?
The characters in this book were so beautifully written that I felt myself in their journey. I cried with them, laughed with them and grieved with them.
And in the end I celebrated with them.
This book ranks high on my list of Favorite Reads of All Time.
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