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The Way The Wildflowers Grow
USA Today bestselling author MJ Fields brings you a swoon-worthy, small-town, standalone sports romance that will have you catching feels and eventually fire
𝐒𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬.
Phoebe
Moving to a new place is not something a girl like me is unfamiliar with. My beat-up old suitcase has more miles than good memories.
I have long since given up hope that changing schools will somehow change my life.
I just want to blend in and get by until I age out.
Alex
No one ever told me silence sounds like crushed metal and mournful tears. I lived in that hell for far too long.
The day I broke that silence, I realized just how powerful our voices can be and how much those we love need to hear them.
My senior year will be different. I’ll be back on the field, playing for those who no longer can. I’ll be living again.
𝐒𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬.
Phoebe
Moving to a new place is not something a girl like me is unfamiliar with. My beat-up old suitcase has more miles than good memories.
I have long since given up hope that changing schools will somehow change my life.
I just want to blend in and get by until I age out.
Alex
No one ever told me silence sounds like crushed metal and mournful tears. I lived in that hell for far too long.
The day I broke that silence, I realized just how powerful our voices can be and how much those we love need to hear them.
My senior year will be different. I’ll be back on the field, playing for those who no longer can. I’ll be living again.
About the author
M.J. Fields
135 books3,791 followersMJ Fields is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance novels. She lives in New York with her daughter Miss A, smoochie faced Newfie, Theo and the newest member to the 'fields crew, rescue diva / holy terror Eleanor.
When she’s not locked away in the cave, she enjoys doing home improvement projects, spending time with her family, attending live music and sporting events, the theatre, singing off key, dancing to her own beat, listening to audio books, and reading of course.
Forever Steel!
Join MJ's mailing list ➜ http://bit.ly/MJFNews
Visit her website here ➜ https://mjfieldsbooks.com
Stalk her Facebook here ➜ facebook.com/MJFieldsBooks
Follow her on Twitter here ➜ @ twitter.com/mjfieldsbooks
Follow her on Instagram here ➜ @ instagram.com/mjfieldsbooks
When she’s not locked away in the cave, she enjoys doing home improvement projects, spending time with her family, attending live music and sporting events, the theatre, singing off key, dancing to her own beat, listening to audio books, and reading of course.
Forever Steel!
Join MJ's mailing list ➜ http://bit.ly/MJFNews
Visit her website here ➜ https://mjfieldsbooks.com
Stalk her Facebook here ➜ facebook.com/MJFieldsBooks
Follow her on Twitter here ➜ @ twitter.com/mjfieldsbooks
Follow her on Instagram here ➜ @ instagram.com/mjfieldsbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 11, 2023
This is a beautiful, feel good young love romance! Such a must read.
Blue Valley is a small town where some seriously mature love is made, and omgoodness I just loved this book! MJ Fields knows how to draw the reader into her storylines.
Phoebe is a foster child who has been through the system in a bad way. Until she ends up with a loving and normal family. But it’s hard for her to accept that fact until she feels and sees that everyone is real.
There’s so much to share in this incredibly well written small town and emotional romance but I don’t want to give too much away.
Alex is the hero in this beautiful romance, he’s handsome and considerate and romantic. I love wildflowers because of how they are described in details in this book! Ohh! And the loving secondary characters, Tessa and Lucas. This book goes back to the Blue Valley High School years. I got so emotional reading this book and I cried in certain chapters.
This is the book to read for this year!
Blue Valley is a small town where some seriously mature love is made, and omgoodness I just loved this book! MJ Fields knows how to draw the reader into her storylines.
Phoebe is a foster child who has been through the system in a bad way. Until she ends up with a loving and normal family. But it’s hard for her to accept that fact until she feels and sees that everyone is real.
There’s so much to share in this incredibly well written small town and emotional romance but I don’t want to give too much away.
Alex is the hero in this beautiful romance, he’s handsome and considerate and romantic. I love wildflowers because of how they are described in details in this book! Ohh! And the loving secondary characters, Tessa and Lucas. This book goes back to the Blue Valley High School years. I got so emotional reading this book and I cried in certain chapters.
This is the book to read for this year!
April 10, 2023
The Way the Wildflowers Grow is a purely wonderful, delightfully sweet novel. Part love story, part coming-of-age and finding your place. . .I loved every beautiful piece of this story. Told in the dual points of view of Phoebe and Alex, an orphaned foster kid and a boy with a tragic past of his own - these two owned my heart with every single sentence. MJ Fields has written a beautiful story, this being my first of her novels I appreciated the standalone feeling the story had, even knowing there are many more books set in Blue Valley with the accompanying cast of characters.
"She's not just a star, she's the place the sky meets the trees and so much more. I knew it the moment I saw her."
When Phoebe runs into Alex at a gas station neither of them know how much their lives are about to change. Phoebe has been discarded to the foster care system, after a tragically devastating past that is revealed layer by layer as the story progresses. . .this girl deserves a home and she may have found one with the Brooks family. Alex on the other side of the coin has refound his voice after a devastation hit his family and is now trying to get back on his feet when Phoebe blows into town and into his heart. Together these two are so sweet and kind and wonderful. The growth of Phoebe’s character made me feel all the feels and her romance with Alex is pure wonderful.
Overall, I super recommend this novel. It is one of the purest joys I have had the pleasure of reading in the longest time. The romance is on point, slow to build, and beautiful to behold. The found family aspect, healing, and growth of the characters are also so perfectly pure and wonderful - I couldn’t look away. Expect heartbreak, wonder, love, and family in this five-star homegrown sweet story.
Thank you MJ Fields + Wordsmith Publicity for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"She's not just a star, she's the place the sky meets the trees and so much more. I knew it the moment I saw her."
When Phoebe runs into Alex at a gas station neither of them know how much their lives are about to change. Phoebe has been discarded to the foster care system, after a tragically devastating past that is revealed layer by layer as the story progresses. . .this girl deserves a home and she may have found one with the Brooks family. Alex on the other side of the coin has refound his voice after a devastation hit his family and is now trying to get back on his feet when Phoebe blows into town and into his heart. Together these two are so sweet and kind and wonderful. The growth of Phoebe’s character made me feel all the feels and her romance with Alex is pure wonderful.
Overall, I super recommend this novel. It is one of the purest joys I have had the pleasure of reading in the longest time. The romance is on point, slow to build, and beautiful to behold. The found family aspect, healing, and growth of the characters are also so perfectly pure and wonderful - I couldn’t look away. Expect heartbreak, wonder, love, and family in this five-star homegrown sweet story.
Thank you MJ Fields + Wordsmith Publicity for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2023
"𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓽'𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓪𝓼𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓬𝓱 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓭𝓯𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓯𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮.”
"𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓽'𝓼 𝓮𝓪𝓼𝔂; 𝓶𝔂 𝓯𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓭𝓯𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
Y’all … 😭🤧 I went into this blind and was NOT expecting this DEEP, emotional read. Phoebe and Alex have such a beautiful and healing love story. Phoebe endured so much trauma and heartache and was so resilient and strong. I loved that even though Alex had also been through his own trauma, he showed Phoebe that he was there to work through anything she needed.
"𝓦𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓻𝓪𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮, 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓮𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼𝓷'𝓽 𝓪 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓴𝔂 𝓶𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓼 𝓭𝓲𝓭𝓷'𝓽 𝓰𝓸 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓽."
This story follows a group of high schoolers through their senior year and definitely left me needing more of each of their stories! I am definitely reading Lucas and Tessa’s story soon.
I don’t want to give any of their story away but it is a must read. 🫶🏻
⚠️ Definitely check author trigger warnings for this one.
"𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓽'𝓼 𝓮𝓪𝓼𝔂; 𝓶𝔂 𝓯𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓭𝓯𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
Y’all … 😭🤧 I went into this blind and was NOT expecting this DEEP, emotional read. Phoebe and Alex have such a beautiful and healing love story. Phoebe endured so much trauma and heartache and was so resilient and strong. I loved that even though Alex had also been through his own trauma, he showed Phoebe that he was there to work through anything she needed.
"𝓦𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓻𝓪𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮, 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓮𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓼𝓷'𝓽 𝓪 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓲𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓲𝓻𝓵 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓮𝔂𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓴𝔂 𝓶𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓼 𝓭𝓲𝓭𝓷'𝓽 𝓰𝓸 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓽."
This story follows a group of high schoolers through their senior year and definitely left me needing more of each of their stories! I am definitely reading Lucas and Tessa’s story soon.
I don’t want to give any of their story away but it is a must read. 🫶🏻
⚠️ Definitely check author trigger warnings for this one.
April 10, 2023
Life can throw you so many different experiences that can bring you heartache but it also can bring you heartwarming moments that can help you heal.
Phoebe Maxwell has endured a life journey that brought so many ups and downs but when she is brought to Blue Valley life appears to open up all new possibilities with not only friends but a new family that will bring a new happy path in life. But there is one person who can make her smile again and feel safe and his name is Alex Ross.
Alex Ross comes from an amazing family, siblings who love him, friends who will be there always for him but sometimes you have to go through somethings that will make you stronger but when Phoebe comes into his life he just knows that she will be a special part of it always.
Phoebe & Alex both have experienced life altering circumstances but together they can overcome them with the love they have for the other and hopefully they can do that with an HEA at the end.
If you are looking for a book that will have you feeling all the feels from page one MJ Fields has given that to you with this story.
Phoebe Maxwell has endured a life journey that brought so many ups and downs but when she is brought to Blue Valley life appears to open up all new possibilities with not only friends but a new family that will bring a new happy path in life. But there is one person who can make her smile again and feel safe and his name is Alex Ross.
Alex Ross comes from an amazing family, siblings who love him, friends who will be there always for him but sometimes you have to go through somethings that will make you stronger but when Phoebe comes into his life he just knows that she will be a special part of it always.
Phoebe & Alex both have experienced life altering circumstances but together they can overcome them with the love they have for the other and hopefully they can do that with an HEA at the end.
If you are looking for a book that will have you feeling all the feels from page one MJ Fields has given that to you with this story.
April 10, 2023
The Way The Wild Flowers Grow is a supporting story to The Blue Valley series which was Tessa and Luke’s story, this one is Alex (Tessa’s brother) and Phoebe’s story.
It takes us back to Phoebe moving into a new foster home, unsure of what this one will be like or what the people will be like - all she’s ever wanted was a place to really call home. After years of abuse Phoebe doesn’t trust easily and has low self esteem where Alex has been brought up in a loving home but is still not accepting of the fact his two best friends - his twin cousins - were killed in a car crash M.
Although The Blue Valley series does give us a peek into Alex & Phoebe, this story gives us the deep emotional full story - how they came to break down their walls and feel whole again. This is a story you didn’t realise you were missing until you turn that first page.
Thank you MJ, I loved this book and can’t wait for Ryan and Jade’s book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It takes us back to Phoebe moving into a new foster home, unsure of what this one will be like or what the people will be like - all she’s ever wanted was a place to really call home. After years of abuse Phoebe doesn’t trust easily and has low self esteem where Alex has been brought up in a loving home but is still not accepting of the fact his two best friends - his twin cousins - were killed in a car crash M.
Although The Blue Valley series does give us a peek into Alex & Phoebe, this story gives us the deep emotional full story - how they came to break down their walls and feel whole again. This is a story you didn’t realise you were missing until you turn that first page.
Thank you MJ, I loved this book and can’t wait for Ryan and Jade’s book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 13, 2023
The Way The Wildflowers Grow by MJ Fields
I loved absolutely loved this story. I wanted to reach through the pages and hug Phoebe so many times. Her journey was so heartbreaking. I loved the Brooks and all they did for her and the other kids. Sammy and Steven gosh Steven how I wanted to just console him heck l wanted to be his protector. Him and Sammy were the cutest ever. I loved that they all found such a loving home with the Brooks. Phoebe and Alex have this crazy connection and it’s so cute to see how it blossoms. It’s heartbreaking how Phoebe can’t just trust that things are real because of all that she had been through she is waiting for things to turn bad at any moment. It is a beautiful emotional story you will not want to miss. I highly recommend.
I loved absolutely loved this story. I wanted to reach through the pages and hug Phoebe so many times. Her journey was so heartbreaking. I loved the Brooks and all they did for her and the other kids. Sammy and Steven gosh Steven how I wanted to just console him heck l wanted to be his protector. Him and Sammy were the cutest ever. I loved that they all found such a loving home with the Brooks. Phoebe and Alex have this crazy connection and it’s so cute to see how it blossoms. It’s heartbreaking how Phoebe can’t just trust that things are real because of all that she had been through she is waiting for things to turn bad at any moment. It is a beautiful emotional story you will not want to miss. I highly recommend.
April 11, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
PHOEBE
Moving to a new place is not something a girl like me is unfamiliar with. My beat-up old suitcase has more miles than good memories. I have long since given up hope that changing schools will somehow change my life. I just went to blend in and get by until I age out.
ALEX
No one ever told me silence sounds like crushed metal and mournful tears. I lived in that hell for far too long. The day I broke that silence, I realized just how powerful our voices can be and how much those we love need to hear them. My senior year will be different. I'll be back on the field, playing for those who no longer can. I'll be living again.
Phoebe Maxwell is a girl that life has not really been kind to. She has endured a life long journey of ups and down and now she is in Blue Valley and opportunities are really opening up for her. There are new things like friends and a new family that will give her some new happiness she really hopes. Alex Ross though is the only person who can really make her feel safe and put a smile on her face. Alex Ross has the most amazing loving family. They all love him dearly. He has some great friends that will always be there for him no matter what he is going through or needs them for. He however is dealing with the death of his twin cousins and he seems to be living in darkness But this is his senior year and he is going to play for those who no longer can and he just might find his soul mate in Phoebe and he in him.
This is a standalone so you don't have to worry about a cliffhanger coming. It is a really sweet book full of things good and bad that life throws at you and you have to get through. And sometimes it gives you the most perfect person to go through those things with that just might change your life forever.
PHOEBE
Moving to a new place is not something a girl like me is unfamiliar with. My beat-up old suitcase has more miles than good memories. I have long since given up hope that changing schools will somehow change my life. I just went to blend in and get by until I age out.
ALEX
No one ever told me silence sounds like crushed metal and mournful tears. I lived in that hell for far too long. The day I broke that silence, I realized just how powerful our voices can be and how much those we love need to hear them. My senior year will be different. I'll be back on the field, playing for those who no longer can. I'll be living again.
Phoebe Maxwell is a girl that life has not really been kind to. She has endured a life long journey of ups and down and now she is in Blue Valley and opportunities are really opening up for her. There are new things like friends and a new family that will give her some new happiness she really hopes. Alex Ross though is the only person who can really make her feel safe and put a smile on her face. Alex Ross has the most amazing loving family. They all love him dearly. He has some great friends that will always be there for him no matter what he is going through or needs them for. He however is dealing with the death of his twin cousins and he seems to be living in darkness But this is his senior year and he is going to play for those who no longer can and he just might find his soul mate in Phoebe and he in him.
This is a standalone so you don't have to worry about a cliffhanger coming. It is a really sweet book full of things good and bad that life throws at you and you have to get through. And sometimes it gives you the most perfect person to go through those things with that just might change your life forever.
April 11, 2023
We've started started this story with the FMC Having experienced sadness and tragedy. Phoebe is hesitant in embracing this new life she has. She is waiting for the other shoe to drop. Everyone is really nice and she is not too sure to handle it.
The MMC has also had tragedy in his life and when their paths cross, Alex sees something in her straight away. His world is crumbling and he's just trying to keep it all together for his family, you get the sense from him that he has the weight of the world on his shoulders and that he feels responsible in ensuring his family is ok.
This is a story about love and tragedy. It's about a very close group of friends in their last year of high school, they have had a real rough couple of years. They're starting to be happy again. They're discovering life and leaning on each other.
A story of healing. They've both gone through some tragic things and been dealing the best way they know how.
Its learning how to cope and deal with things they've experienced. They have friends and family to support them.
The story was well-written and you could feel the anguish that Alex and Phoebe had. Alex knew he needed to take it slow with Phoebe and it helped. She had been through so much and she never thought she would find a place she would feel comfortable, feel safe and loved.
Alex and Phoebe help each other to heal and through their healing, everyone else seems to be healing too. And when tragedy strikes again, they have each other to pull them through.
This was such a sweet story and I am very glad I had the opportunity to read it!
The MMC has also had tragedy in his life and when their paths cross, Alex sees something in her straight away. His world is crumbling and he's just trying to keep it all together for his family, you get the sense from him that he has the weight of the world on his shoulders and that he feels responsible in ensuring his family is ok.
This is a story about love and tragedy. It's about a very close group of friends in their last year of high school, they have had a real rough couple of years. They're starting to be happy again. They're discovering life and leaning on each other.
A story of healing. They've both gone through some tragic things and been dealing the best way they know how.
Its learning how to cope and deal with things they've experienced. They have friends and family to support them.
The story was well-written and you could feel the anguish that Alex and Phoebe had. Alex knew he needed to take it slow with Phoebe and it helped. She had been through so much and she never thought she would find a place she would feel comfortable, feel safe and loved.
Alex and Phoebe help each other to heal and through their healing, everyone else seems to be healing too. And when tragedy strikes again, they have each other to pull them through.
This was such a sweet story and I am very glad I had the opportunity to read it!
April 14, 2023
We finally get Alex and Phoebe's story, and I was not disappointed.
Their story takes place at the same time that Blue Love takes place, but we see the events from Alex and Phoebe's POV while their story is taking place. We also get to see Phoebe's backstory and learn more about her while setting us up for Ryan and Jade's story.
Taking place during their senior year of high school, the story starts with Phoebe's beginnings and how she came to Blue Valley and the struggles that she experiences and uncertainty that she experiences when she makes the move. We follow her through that year as she finds love with a family, faces her past and starts to build a future with happiness and family.
Alex, has a chance meeting with Phoebe when she is at her worst becomes enchanted with the stranger to later learn that she is now going to be going to his school and lives with his best friend. He is still dealing with the loss of his cousins while trying to get through his last year of school, navigating family issues and trying to figure out his future. What he did to earn Phoebe's trust was just amazing, but you can see that he himself is a damaged person that I wish we could have dug deeper into.
Overall, this was a well written story that I enjoyed from the start. I did wish we could have seen deeper into some of the characters and issues. You could also feel where the ending was a little rushed since towards the end of the story more time elapses between events just as a way to get to the ending. If you enjoyed the Blue Love series, then you will enjoy this book as well.
Their story takes place at the same time that Blue Love takes place, but we see the events from Alex and Phoebe's POV while their story is taking place. We also get to see Phoebe's backstory and learn more about her while setting us up for Ryan and Jade's story.
Taking place during their senior year of high school, the story starts with Phoebe's beginnings and how she came to Blue Valley and the struggles that she experiences and uncertainty that she experiences when she makes the move. We follow her through that year as she finds love with a family, faces her past and starts to build a future with happiness and family.
Alex, has a chance meeting with Phoebe when she is at her worst becomes enchanted with the stranger to later learn that she is now going to be going to his school and lives with his best friend. He is still dealing with the loss of his cousins while trying to get through his last year of school, navigating family issues and trying to figure out his future. What he did to earn Phoebe's trust was just amazing, but you can see that he himself is a damaged person that I wish we could have dug deeper into.
Overall, this was a well written story that I enjoyed from the start. I did wish we could have seen deeper into some of the characters and issues. You could also feel where the ending was a little rushed since towards the end of the story more time elapses between events just as a way to get to the ending. If you enjoyed the Blue Love series, then you will enjoy this book as well.
April 10, 2023
sweet and full of love
When Phoebe moves to another new “home” she isn’t sure what to expect, but what she gets this time is a real home and a lot more besides that. Alex is her foster brother’s best friend and from their first meeting there has been something special growing. Phoebe is learning to open up her heart again after years of abuse and Alex is waking up from the daze he has been in for the last few years after a tragedy struck close to home. Phoebe is strong, loyal, loving and a little bit broken and thinks she’s not good enough. Alex is the same, strong, loyal, loving and a protector of those he cares about. While Phoebe learns how to be part of a loving family Alex’s family is really struggling. I loved how they were both there for each other. I loved how sweet, innocent, romantic, loving and intense the story was at times. I liked the other stories running along side this one. I would definitely recommend reading the Blue Valley series as this is the story of Tessa and Lucas. I can’t wait for Jade’s story. I read the Blue Valley series years ago and I have never been so frustrated by a couple before or since. It was really nice to see their story from another perspective. There is very little spice in this story, but to be honest it really didn’t need it. Young adult romance isn’t my favorite, but I really like how this author handles it and I was not disappointed.
When Phoebe moves to another new “home” she isn’t sure what to expect, but what she gets this time is a real home and a lot more besides that. Alex is her foster brother’s best friend and from their first meeting there has been something special growing. Phoebe is learning to open up her heart again after years of abuse and Alex is waking up from the daze he has been in for the last few years after a tragedy struck close to home. Phoebe is strong, loyal, loving and a little bit broken and thinks she’s not good enough. Alex is the same, strong, loyal, loving and a protector of those he cares about. While Phoebe learns how to be part of a loving family Alex’s family is really struggling. I loved how they were both there for each other. I loved how sweet, innocent, romantic, loving and intense the story was at times. I liked the other stories running along side this one. I would definitely recommend reading the Blue Valley series as this is the story of Tessa and Lucas. I can’t wait for Jade’s story. I read the Blue Valley series years ago and I have never been so frustrated by a couple before or since. It was really nice to see their story from another perspective. There is very little spice in this story, but to be honest it really didn’t need it. Young adult romance isn’t my favorite, but I really like how this author handles it and I was not disappointed.
April 8, 2023
Looking for a Epic love story with all the feels . A love story that’s so beautifully written , so emotional, that’s going to break your heart and put it back together again , that will leave you speechless, keep you on the edge of your seat heart beating so freaking fast , make you smile , make you laugh, make you cry your eyes out and have you rooting so hard . Well this amazing journey is going to do it all . Alex and Phoebe have both endured trauma in their lives . Their journey is about finding the strength to conquer the demons in their lives , it’s a journey about love and healing and resilience. Circumstances bring these two together and never in their wildest dreams would they have imagined that that what they needed most to heal was each other . Their love is the type love we all wish for. So grab the Kleenex settle in and grab on tight because MJ is about to take you on a journey that’s dark and raw and gritty not to mention so emotionally charged, a journey that’s filled with angst , love , passion, heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, unexpected surprises, drama , secrets, second chances, obstacles, awesome world building, a journey unlike you’ve ever experienced before
April 13, 2023
When I first started reading I was like this will be such a sweet coming of age story! Which it definitely was but it was also deep and emotional! I cannot express how touching this story is, and I would suggest everyone to read it!!
The Way The Wildflower Grows, is written in a two person POV. Phoebe the FMC has a tragic past and present being in the system and going from home to home. Until she arrives at her last placement, when she starts to heal and start to talk about what happened in the past. However is she able to keep her past in the past and move forward or will she let it haunt her forever and never be able to move past it?
The second POV is Alex a nineteen year old, who also has had to move forward after a tragic event. But moving forward is not as always as it seems. He just wants to live up his senior year, but will he be able to overcome all the hurdles thrown at him?
Overall; I truly enjoyed reading this story, I never knew what would happen next. It really brought to light the the whole saying one step forward is two steps back. There are a few of the side characters that leave you wondering what there story is, your provided with the mystery feeling. It’s definitely a must read!!
The Way The Wildflower Grows, is written in a two person POV. Phoebe the FMC has a tragic past and present being in the system and going from home to home. Until she arrives at her last placement, when she starts to heal and start to talk about what happened in the past. However is she able to keep her past in the past and move forward or will she let it haunt her forever and never be able to move past it?
The second POV is Alex a nineteen year old, who also has had to move forward after a tragic event. But moving forward is not as always as it seems. He just wants to live up his senior year, but will he be able to overcome all the hurdles thrown at him?
Overall; I truly enjoyed reading this story, I never knew what would happen next. It really brought to light the the whole saying one step forward is two steps back. There are a few of the side characters that leave you wondering what there story is, your provided with the mystery feeling. It’s definitely a must read!!
April 15, 2023
Phoebe has spent years in foster care and they haven’t been good ones. When she is placed with Danny and Jane she is almost at the age of aging out of the system. Instead of a home where she did not feel safe she found something she never expected – a family and love. The children in the Brooks’ home were part of the system also but so different than what she was used to. What she went through for years had me in tears.
Alex had his own hell. Although he came from a loving family he lost his twin best friends five years ago and stopped talking for a very long time because of it.
As soon as he “met” Phoebe in the gas station he felt something even though he didn’t know who she was. Their relationship grew very slowly but a joy to watch. Love, understanding, and patience was what made them so special. Finally Phoebe felt safe whenever she was with Alex. He showed her what it was to be loved. Danny and Jane showed her what it was to be part of a family. You don’t have to be blood to be family. A place where you feel safe and loved is where you call home and the people who make you feel that way are people you call family.
Alex had his own hell. Although he came from a loving family he lost his twin best friends five years ago and stopped talking for a very long time because of it.
As soon as he “met” Phoebe in the gas station he felt something even though he didn’t know who she was. Their relationship grew very slowly but a joy to watch. Love, understanding, and patience was what made them so special. Finally Phoebe felt safe whenever she was with Alex. He showed her what it was to be loved. Danny and Jane showed her what it was to be part of a family. You don’t have to be blood to be family. A place where you feel safe and loved is where you call home and the people who make you feel that way are people you call family.
April 19, 2023
The Way the Wildflowers Grow Review
Couple: Phoebe & Alex
Author: M.J. Fields
Tropes: football romance, found family, YA romance, sweet romance, high school romance
Review: This is a sweet and innocent romance that has characters that are real and have struggles that are real world problems.
Phoebe is a young girl who has lived a troubled past and has many horrors. While I really wanted to like her character, I found her too forgiving and too naive still. I enjoyed the found family and her new home but really wanted her to be more. The love she had for horses, I felt was never expressed and just was flat. I did enjoy her growth with Alex and the conflict she feels about Amanda’s diary.
Alex on the other hand was a great character. He had a strong growth and his beliefs were expressed and expanded upon in the book. I think it was done well for a high school romance and I loved how he tried to bring Phoebe’s confidence up. However, I feel like a lot about his past was left blank and we never got to see him really talk about his loss.
Overall this is a good, sweet romance.
Rating: 7/10, wanted for oomf from this couple and more about Phoebe’s past.
Couple: Phoebe & Alex
Author: M.J. Fields
Tropes: football romance, found family, YA romance, sweet romance, high school romance
Review: This is a sweet and innocent romance that has characters that are real and have struggles that are real world problems.
Phoebe is a young girl who has lived a troubled past and has many horrors. While I really wanted to like her character, I found her too forgiving and too naive still. I enjoyed the found family and her new home but really wanted her to be more. The love she had for horses, I felt was never expressed and just was flat. I did enjoy her growth with Alex and the conflict she feels about Amanda’s diary.
Alex on the other hand was a great character. He had a strong growth and his beliefs were expressed and expanded upon in the book. I think it was done well for a high school romance and I loved how he tried to bring Phoebe’s confidence up. However, I feel like a lot about his past was left blank and we never got to see him really talk about his loss.
Overall this is a good, sweet romance.
Rating: 7/10, wanted for oomf from this couple and more about Phoebe’s past.
April 8, 2023
What a beautifully written story about Alex and Phoebe. I’m so glad MJ took us on their journey to see how they fell in love and about their struggles. I knew some of what Alex was dealing with from the death of his twin cousins but not the deep emotional stuff and what happened to Phoebe but not the whole story. Now this is all on a deeper level than what we got through Tessa’s point in Blue Valley. We see Ryan’s struggles and I can’t wait for his and Jade’s book. We got to meet Jane and Danny, Phoebe’s new foster family and let me tell you I love them. They are what she very much needed. The perfect family for Phoebe to become part of. Overall, what a great read that will make you swoon with Alex’s patience and want to love and hug Phoebe as she learns to trust, love, and feel what it’s like to belong.
April 9, 2023
Paralleling 1993
A small-town standalone sports contemporary romance between Phoebe and Alex as they meet and learn how to become one during their last year of high school 🏫.
Phoebe Maxwell, moving from place to place in the foster care system, lands her in the Blue Valley schools.
Alex Ross, playing for those that no longer can, to fight and run from the darkness he lives in. Looking for light and life, he finds a soul mate in Phoebe.
While a standalone, Iif you've read the author's Blue Valley 💙 series and beyond, timeline is when the Ross's and Links are in high 🏫 focusing on the football 🏈 aspect and drama that ensues in 1993 and parallels Tessa and Jade's Senior year.
Having read them myself, I knew all the characters, so it felt like coming home to me 🏡❤️ Very sweet read with no steam, but full of warmth.
A small-town standalone sports contemporary romance between Phoebe and Alex as they meet and learn how to become one during their last year of high school 🏫.
Phoebe Maxwell, moving from place to place in the foster care system, lands her in the Blue Valley schools.
Alex Ross, playing for those that no longer can, to fight and run from the darkness he lives in. Looking for light and life, he finds a soul mate in Phoebe.
While a standalone, Iif you've read the author's Blue Valley 💙 series and beyond, timeline is when the Ross's and Links are in high 🏫 focusing on the football 🏈 aspect and drama that ensues in 1993 and parallels Tessa and Jade's Senior year.
Having read them myself, I knew all the characters, so it felt like coming home to me 🏡❤️ Very sweet read with no steam, but full of warmth.
April 10, 2023
4 1/2 Star Read. Phoebe finds herself getting sent to another foster home. She thinks it will be like all the others she won't fit in and won't make any friends at school. But Mr. Ripley one of the social workers is sure it will be just the place for her. Phoebe and Alex meet by accident and don't think they will ever see each other again. But fate has other plans. Jane and Danny her new foster parents are very welcoming and with all the foster children they have Phoebe manages to finally fit in. This is a heartwarming read about Alex & Phoebe's relationship and all their friends. Life for them during their senior year and all the ups and downs life brings.
I received an arc for my honest voluntary review for NNBB. If you enjoy a heartwarming senior college sports romance you will enjoy this read.
I received an arc for my honest voluntary review for NNBB. If you enjoy a heartwarming senior college sports romance you will enjoy this read.
April 12, 2023
This book told a beautiful story. It was a love story but it was more than that too. It also had found family, coming of age and tragedy to triumph vibes. While I love the dual POV, I don’t like the writing style in this one. There were a number of editing errors and the sentence structure seemed awkward at times. Also, it seems like a sentence is sometimes dropped out of the blue regarding something that hasn’t previously been mentioned. These things make the story difficult to follow in places. I love that while there is conflict and struggles, there is no big third act breakup. Alex and Phoebe loved hard and made wise decisions regarding their relationship. ❤️ Alex was the perfect swoony book boyfriend. I also would’ve liked more of an extended epilogue. Overall this was a sweet story that I enjoyed.
April 14, 2023
Phoebe has a heartbreaking past where she struggles to find a place to call her own and she believes that her new situation will be no different than what she has already endured. She hasn’t known kindness for a while so she wasn’t prepared for being welcomed not only by the family she was staying with but Alex’s family as well.
Alex’s family is trying to make peace with a devastating loss that has impacted his family immensely and he is determined to try and honor the people he has lost in the only way he can. When he meets Phoebe, he feels an emotional connection he hasn’t felt before and they understand each other in a way that few people do.
This is an emotional story about finding a place and people to call home. Phoebe and Alex not only bring each other peace but help each other overcome the pain of the past and have hope for the future.
Alex’s family is trying to make peace with a devastating loss that has impacted his family immensely and he is determined to try and honor the people he has lost in the only way he can. When he meets Phoebe, he feels an emotional connection he hasn’t felt before and they understand each other in a way that few people do.
This is an emotional story about finding a place and people to call home. Phoebe and Alex not only bring each other peace but help each other overcome the pain of the past and have hope for the future.
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April 27, 2023A truly beautiful story of young love between two people with tragic pasts, in the small town of Blue Valley.
Very emotional, I cried in places for Phoebe and Alex both broken in their own ways, finding their place in the world. Their love is so very special.
Wonderful characters, that you’ll fall in love with, who grow and mature beautifully within the story.
A moving read that carries you gently through a sweet and pure love story, even though it has thorns that tear your skin and make you bleed it delivers a such beautiful rose of a HEA that you didn’t mind the heartbreak along the way.
This is my first MJ Fields book, and is a stand alone, but I’m definitely going back to read about more Blue Valley residents based on the way this one captured my heart.
I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
Very emotional, I cried in places for Phoebe and Alex both broken in their own ways, finding their place in the world. Their love is so very special.
Wonderful characters, that you’ll fall in love with, who grow and mature beautifully within the story.
A moving read that carries you gently through a sweet and pure love story, even though it has thorns that tear your skin and make you bleed it delivers a such beautiful rose of a HEA that you didn’t mind the heartbreak along the way.
This is my first MJ Fields book, and is a stand alone, but I’m definitely going back to read about more Blue Valley residents based on the way this one captured my heart.
I received a free copy and this is my honest review.
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May 27, 2023"This Is Us"
So can I have more of Alex?
In all seriousness, this one depicts scenes from Phoebe's life that hit close to home. I think we may all know of someone whose been sexually abused and unfortunately not everyone has an Alex. There is something so special about these men who can hold you together until you feel strong enough to hold yourself together. I appreciated his pov, his character, everything about him especially because of everything that was going on in his life. I despise all of the bad that Phoebe has been through but love that she found herself with the Brooks. I could feel her trepidation at the beginning of the story and over the course of the book, she slowly starts to believe, not only in herself but in those around her. There's a lot going on in this story, a lot of emotions all the way around and I really enjoyed the journey.
So can I have more of Alex?
In all seriousness, this one depicts scenes from Phoebe's life that hit close to home. I think we may all know of someone whose been sexually abused and unfortunately not everyone has an Alex. There is something so special about these men who can hold you together until you feel strong enough to hold yourself together. I appreciated his pov, his character, everything about him especially because of everything that was going on in his life. I despise all of the bad that Phoebe has been through but love that she found herself with the Brooks. I could feel her trepidation at the beginning of the story and over the course of the book, she slowly starts to believe, not only in herself but in those around her. There's a lot going on in this story, a lot of emotions all the way around and I really enjoyed the journey.
April 8, 2023
The Blue Valley series is one of my favorite reads and after going through all the relationship ups and downs of Tessa and Lucas, it was so exciting to see the origin story of Pheobe and Alex Ross. They have both faced tragedy and loss in their young lives and it has changed their perspectives and outlooks on life.
Pheobe has felt alone her entire life, being shuffled through group homes, she has never known love or family until she gets placed with the Brooks family. They are something special indeed. We need more families like this in the real world. When Alex first lays eyes on Pheobe, it's an instant attraction that slowly builds from a friendship to everything. I love these two together, they are the absolutely couple goals.
Pheobe has felt alone her entire life, being shuffled through group homes, she has never known love or family until she gets placed with the Brooks family. They are something special indeed. We need more families like this in the real world. When Alex first lays eyes on Pheobe, it's an instant attraction that slowly builds from a friendship to everything. I love these two together, they are the absolutely couple goals.
April 8, 2023
ARC Review
The way the Wildflowers grow
By M.J. Fields
Rating: ⭐️5/5
Emotions: ❤️5/5
Pure young love
Phoebe as well as Alex have tragic pasts and suffered loss. When Phoebe is being brought to a new foster family, she feels for the first time that she is coming home. The Brooks are warm and caring and welcome her immediately in their family.
When Alex meets Phoebe there is an instant attraction and bond that goes from friendship to so much more.
Together they have the possibility to heal and overcome their pasts and tragedies. They grow through their journey into true love.
A story full of every emotion. A slow burn, angsty way to forever love.
The way the Wildflowers grow
By M.J. Fields
Rating: ⭐️5/5
Emotions: ❤️5/5
Pure young love
Phoebe as well as Alex have tragic pasts and suffered loss. When Phoebe is being brought to a new foster family, she feels for the first time that she is coming home. The Brooks are warm and caring and welcome her immediately in their family.
When Alex meets Phoebe there is an instant attraction and bond that goes from friendship to so much more.
Together they have the possibility to heal and overcome their pasts and tragedies. They grow through their journey into true love.
A story full of every emotion. A slow burn, angsty way to forever love.
April 10, 2023
𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔
✔️Small Town
✔️Sports Romance
✔️Found family
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
This book is so beautiful, it was not what I expected and turned out so much better. Please read trigger warnings before you start. It is quite an emotional read, especially from Phoebes point of view. I liked that Phoebe was a determined and strong woman after everything she’s dealt with and she prevailed. I enjoyed Alex’s character being someone who also deals with turmoil and tries to work through it. The main characters were like each other’s guiding lights . I also liked the supporting characters who also dealt with their own issues and looked forward to knowing more. I loved that Phoebe got a foster family who cared deeply for her. I’m looking forward to hopefully Ryan’s book.
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔
✔️Small Town
✔️Sports Romance
✔️Found family
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
This book is so beautiful, it was not what I expected and turned out so much better. Please read trigger warnings before you start. It is quite an emotional read, especially from Phoebes point of view. I liked that Phoebe was a determined and strong woman after everything she’s dealt with and she prevailed. I enjoyed Alex’s character being someone who also deals with turmoil and tries to work through it. The main characters were like each other’s guiding lights . I also liked the supporting characters who also dealt with their own issues and looked forward to knowing more. I loved that Phoebe got a foster family who cared deeply for her. I’m looking forward to hopefully Ryan’s book.
April 16, 2023
It was a little strange reading this after having read all of the Blue Valley books that run concurrently because it kind of skims over a lot of what is so important in those because it is overall less important to this story. Alex is just beyond perfect. He shoulders so much for others at such a young age. He is truly a man of his word and strong in his personal values. Phoebe is such a sweet soul, trying to find a place to belong in the world. I wish she didn’t get so inadvertently hurt by Alex for so long. She tries so hard to hide her pain and insecurities, but is so seen by the people who now care about her. Her past is truly horrific. I love how she and Jane have healing journeys together. Just a beautiful story.
I received a free copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book.
April 23, 2023
3.5/5
In many ways I'm really torn about this whole series. I enjoyed MJ's books later in the families story, when the kids were grown and it was their story being told. I was never a big fan of Tessa and Lucas, Lucas especially and at times that felt like it was overshadowing this story. I wanted Alex and Phoebe's story to be the main point, not overshadowed by the total madness of Tessa and Lucas (and I was still a fan of Colin, not Lucas).
I realize it was a later book but I was still left with questions and not feeling like the author dedicated enough time to putting all the pieces together, especially if she is going back and rewriting her earlier books to tie everything together.
Such promise that wasn't realized.
In many ways I'm really torn about this whole series. I enjoyed MJ's books later in the families story, when the kids were grown and it was their story being told. I was never a big fan of Tessa and Lucas, Lucas especially and at times that felt like it was overshadowing this story. I wanted Alex and Phoebe's story to be the main point, not overshadowed by the total madness of Tessa and Lucas (and I was still a fan of Colin, not Lucas).
I realize it was a later book but I was still left with questions and not feeling like the author dedicated enough time to putting all the pieces together, especially if she is going back and rewriting her earlier books to tie everything together.
Such promise that wasn't realized.
April 10, 2023
5 Star Review of The Way The Wildflowers Grow by M.J. Fields
What an emotion al roller coaster of a read The Way The Wildflowers Grow was. Phoebe and Alex’s story will draw out all your emotions as you read and M.J. Field broke my heart but luckily was able to put it back together again.
There were moments that made me laugh and made me cry whilst reading. It was beautifully written and emotional. Phoebe and Alex’s journey was heart breaking, both having been through trauma and their road to a happily ever after was rocky at best.
This was a raw, gritty story that will quickly have you invested and one that will not let you go.
What an emotion al roller coaster of a read The Way The Wildflowers Grow was. Phoebe and Alex’s story will draw out all your emotions as you read and M.J. Field broke my heart but luckily was able to put it back together again.
There were moments that made me laugh and made me cry whilst reading. It was beautifully written and emotional. Phoebe and Alex’s journey was heart breaking, both having been through trauma and their road to a happily ever after was rocky at best.
This was a raw, gritty story that will quickly have you invested and one that will not let you go.
April 11, 2023
This book is a beautiful story full of love, hope, and heartache. I had tears in my eyes throughout watching these young people find their way and overcome so many hurdles.
Alex Ross has compassion, strong family views, and an inner strength that carries him quietly through the twists and turns of life, and no matter what he's facing, he's always there to offer support. Phoebe Maxwell is a bright young woman who has faced many challenges and moves throughout life, but has she finally found that place she can call home.
I urge you to read this book and watch these two beautiful souls grow among the Wildflowers they love so much. 5 stars all the way.
Alex Ross has compassion, strong family views, and an inner strength that carries him quietly through the twists and turns of life, and no matter what he's facing, he's always there to offer support. Phoebe Maxwell is a bright young woman who has faced many challenges and moves throughout life, but has she finally found that place she can call home.
I urge you to read this book and watch these two beautiful souls grow among the Wildflowers they love so much. 5 stars all the way.
April 16, 2023
4.5 Stars
This book is so heartbreakingly beautiful. There is so much emotion and feels in this one. My heart broke a lot for these characters especially Phoebe. Everything that she has been through she do deserved to find the Brooks family. They finally give her a place to truly call home. It is not without it's hurdles. It's hard for Phoebe to trust this new feeling of hope. Alex has dealt with a lot himself and now his family is going through a rough patch. The haunting eyes of the new girl heal a piece of Alex he thought couldn't be healed. This beautiful book is a must read! There are moments the pull on the heartstrings, but also at times that just broke my heart. It was hard to put this book down. I so wanted to reach the end to see the beautiful ending for Phoebe and Alex.
This book is so heartbreakingly beautiful. There is so much emotion and feels in this one. My heart broke a lot for these characters especially Phoebe. Everything that she has been through she do deserved to find the Brooks family. They finally give her a place to truly call home. It is not without it's hurdles. It's hard for Phoebe to trust this new feeling of hope. Alex has dealt with a lot himself and now his family is going through a rough patch. The haunting eyes of the new girl heal a piece of Alex he thought couldn't be healed. This beautiful book is a must read! There are moments the pull on the heartstrings, but also at times that just broke my heart. It was hard to put this book down. I so wanted to reach the end to see the beautiful ending for Phoebe and Alex.
April 17, 2023
If you love emotional roller coasters look no further than Phoebe and Alex’s journey. Once again Ms Fields gives us a story that pulls us apart and than puts us back together again. It’s a journey where the road is not easy and at times it’s heartbreaking but as you would expect from this author the most important thing in this journey is love. Both Alex and Phoebe have been through a lot in their life, they have suffered trauma but together they make each other stronger.
This is a raw and gritty story but it’s also entertaining, I cried and I smiled and I was captivated from the first few pages.
This is a raw and gritty story but it’s also entertaining, I cried and I smiled and I was captivated from the first few pages.
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