The Confidence of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer

*** Review ***

Micalea Smeltzer’s The Confidence of Wildflowers is a tale of unexpected love, age-gap romance, and the tumultuous journey of two souls finding solace in each other’s company. As I sat down to review this book, I realized that it left me with a whirlwind of emotions, making it challenging to distill my thoughts into a coherent review. This book is an intricate dance between heartache and hope, and it’s one that I won’t soon forget.

The story revolves around Salem, an eighteen-year-old navigating the uncertain waters of young adulthood. Her life takes an unexpected turn when Thayer Holmes, a grumpy landscaper, moves in next door and offers her a job as a nanny for his adorable son. What follows is a passionate and unconventional love story that defies societal norms due to a significant age gap.

One of the strengths of The Confidence of Wildflowers is Micalea Smeltzer’s ability to craft characters who resonate deeply with the reader. Salem, our fearless protagonist, possesses an old soul wrapped in a youthful exterior. Her resilience and optimism shine through as she faces life’s challenges head-on. It’s impossible not to root for her as she discovers the power of unconditional love and gains confidence in the path she’s chosen. Salem’s character journey is both heartwarming and inspiring.

Thayer, the brooding and enigmatic hero, is a character who leaves an indelible mark on the reader’s heart. While we don’t get his point of view in this book, his actions speak volumes. Thayer’s journey from a closed-off and emotionally scarred man to someone who finds solace and purpose in Salem’s presence is beautifully depicted. His affectionate and caring nature, particularly towards his son, tugs at the heartstrings and makes him an endearing character, despite his flaws.

Micalea Smeltzer’s writing style seamlessly navigates the highs and lows of the characters’ emotions, delivering a rollercoaster of feelings to the reader. At times somber, at others sweet and swoony, the chemistry between Salem and Thayer is portrayed with poetic precision. Their connection feels authentic and soul-deep, making it impossible not to be emotionally invested in their love story.

However, The Confidence of Wildflowers is not without its flaws. One aspect that left me somewhat conflicted was the book’s ending. Smeltzer takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, with unexpected plot developments and a cliffhanger that leaves everything up in the air. While this undoubtedly adds to the anticipation for the sequel, it also left me feeling slightly wrecked and desperate for closure.

The book addresses important societal issues, which is commendable. It presents these issues in a realistic light, without resorting to overly tidy and unrealistic resolutions. Life is messy, and Smeltzer does not shy away from portraying the complexities of her characters’ experiences.

One aspect of the book that could have been improved was the pacing of certain scenes. Some pivotal moments in the story felt rushed when they should have been more detailed to fully explore the characters’ emotional development.

Additionally, the age gap between Salem and Thayer, a central theme of the book, could have been explored with more depth and complexity. While their connection was undeniably heartwarming, it sometimes felt like Thayer did not fully embody his age due to his actions and choices, which made the age gap less noticeable than expected.

In conclusion, The Confidence of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer is a compelling and emotionally charged romance novel that delves deep into the lives of its characters. While it has its share of flaws, including a somewhat rushed plot and a cliffhanger ending, it shines in its portrayal of resilient characters and their journey to finding love and confidence in each other. This book will make you laugh, cry, and yearn for the next installment. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that will linger in your thoughts long after you turn the final page.