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The Wild Roses
Three friendships torn apart by one chance meeting.
By autumn 1984 Sharon and Pip are in their final years of school and on the verge of adulthood. Best friends for as long as they can remember, the two young women befriend their badly bullied schoolmate, Gavin. Their futures are bright until a chance meeting leads to a path of corruption, anger and malicious betrayal. Sometimes, when we can’t rely on those we love, our only hope is in the kindness of strangers.
All three teens are driven from their homes to follow very different paths. They face dark times of heartbreak and new temptations.
But there may be ways out and better futures, if they are willing to take risks. What will they choose, and will they ever see each other again?
The Wild Roses is a coming-of-age drama for all ages that speaks honestly of love, loss, jealousy, coercion and self-discovery.
By autumn 1984 Sharon and Pip are in their final years of school and on the verge of adulthood. Best friends for as long as they can remember, the two young women befriend their badly bullied schoolmate, Gavin. Their futures are bright until a chance meeting leads to a path of corruption, anger and malicious betrayal. Sometimes, when we can’t rely on those we love, our only hope is in the kindness of strangers.
All three teens are driven from their homes to follow very different paths. They face dark times of heartbreak and new temptations.
But there may be ways out and better futures, if they are willing to take risks. What will they choose, and will they ever see each other again?
The Wild Roses is a coming-of-age drama for all ages that speaks honestly of love, loss, jealousy, coercion and self-discovery.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2019
2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
D.B. Carter
8 books136 followersD. B. Carter lives with his family on the edge of a small town nestled amongst the rolling hills of rural Devon, England.
The son of two nomadic artists, he grew up in a world of creativity, studying painting techniques under his parents' tutelage. In his 20s, he went to university and followed a career in science and later commerce, running his own business for twenty years.
A lifelong bibliophile, he is firmly of the opinion that there is no such thing as too many books, only insufficient shelf space; it was his love of classical literature, of Dickens and Brontë, that led to the creation of his first novel, "The Cherries."
His philosophy is, "If we look for the good, we will find it."
The son of two nomadic artists, he grew up in a world of creativity, studying painting techniques under his parents' tutelage. In his 20s, he went to university and followed a career in science and later commerce, running his own business for twenty years.
A lifelong bibliophile, he is firmly of the opinion that there is no such thing as too many books, only insufficient shelf space; it was his love of classical literature, of Dickens and Brontë, that led to the creation of his first novel, "The Cherries."
His philosophy is, "If we look for the good, we will find it."
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 5, 2019
The Wild Roses is the story of teenagers Pip and Sharon who have been friends for the whole of their lives. Their friendship becomes divided when they begin relationships with men who possess questionable qualities. Sharon then betrays Pip in a dramatic and cruel way, which has catastrophic repercussions.
I loved the relationship between Pip and her grandparents. She helped to tend her grandfather’s roses and a deep love of the plants stayed with Pip forever. Another constant in her life was an old school friend Gavin. Sharon and Pip rescued him from the cruel bullies who used to taunt him during lunch breaks. Gavin never forgot the kindness and dedicated himself to protecting the girls.
The book is set in the 1980s and it is filled with references to that era. I was transported back to that time remembering Gary Numan, the Care Bears, and Airfix models. However they weren’t all good times and prejudice, sexual harassment and illegal drug use are portrayed extremely accurately.
It may be a cliche but you really go on a journey when reading this book. At times I silently screamed at Pip for some of the decisions she made but there were uplifting, touching moments too. It was amazing to see the main characters mature into adulthood, sometimes transforming into personalities so different from their former selves. There is tremendous light and shade throughout the storyline and main characters who are multidimensional, vulnerable, damaged and completely real.
I raced through the chapters, unable to rest until I knew how things worked out for Sharon, Pip, and Gavin. The book shows how decisions made as a young adult can shape your life. A wrong path isn’t always permanent and mistakes can be rectified and difficult lessons learned. The story flows brilliantly with writing which is eloquent, emotive and full of suspense.
I loved the relationship between Pip and her grandparents. She helped to tend her grandfather’s roses and a deep love of the plants stayed with Pip forever. Another constant in her life was an old school friend Gavin. Sharon and Pip rescued him from the cruel bullies who used to taunt him during lunch breaks. Gavin never forgot the kindness and dedicated himself to protecting the girls.
The book is set in the 1980s and it is filled with references to that era. I was transported back to that time remembering Gary Numan, the Care Bears, and Airfix models. However they weren’t all good times and prejudice, sexual harassment and illegal drug use are portrayed extremely accurately.
It may be a cliche but you really go on a journey when reading this book. At times I silently screamed at Pip for some of the decisions she made but there were uplifting, touching moments too. It was amazing to see the main characters mature into adulthood, sometimes transforming into personalities so different from their former selves. There is tremendous light and shade throughout the storyline and main characters who are multidimensional, vulnerable, damaged and completely real.
I raced through the chapters, unable to rest until I knew how things worked out for Sharon, Pip, and Gavin. The book shows how decisions made as a young adult can shape your life. A wrong path isn’t always permanent and mistakes can be rectified and difficult lessons learned. The story flows brilliantly with writing which is eloquent, emotive and full of suspense.
December 18, 2020
Well, color me humbled.
I don’t recall why or when I purchased this book. It sat on my shelf for ages. Every so often, I’d open it and start reading the first few pages.
I declared it to be riddled with adverbs, run-on sentences, and ridiculous dialogue tags.
I could not have been more wrong.
When I finally settled in to read the first two chapters, I was hooked.
The author’s style of writing is incredibly unique and indescribably beautiful.
This coming of age tale about three childhood friends is like no other I’ve read. I lived their lives, I became part of their worlds and their families. It physically pained me when I had to put the book down and return to the real world.
The Wild Roses is not a short read, but there was not one moment where the story lagged. My eyes never wandered from the page. The pacing was perfect. Every word soothed me as the story was told. Yes, the old adage of “show don’t tell” gets tossed out the window here. I wanted to be told a story, and I was. Yet it was told in such a brilliant way that it naturally played in my head as I read it. That is the exquisite balance between the two, and I find very few authors manage to pull it off.
Love, betrayal, redemption, all of human nature in its imperfect glory is explored and somehow woven together to create a relatable tale that will always be a part of me now.
There were a few places where I found myself wanting – demanding something to turn out a certain way. It didn’t always happen, but guess what? I’m so happy it didn’t. The author knew better.
As the pages remaining in the book dwindled, I savored each word all the more. I didn’t want to leave this world that had become mine.
Alas, all good things must come to an end, as did this book. I cannot deny I shed a few happy tears when it did. The ending was glorious.
Hats off to the author, and I look forward to reading the rest of his works. (Including the story of Mrs. Nestyhead if it ever becomes available.)
This book goes to the top of my list of recommendations.
I don’t recall why or when I purchased this book. It sat on my shelf for ages. Every so often, I’d open it and start reading the first few pages.
I declared it to be riddled with adverbs, run-on sentences, and ridiculous dialogue tags.
I could not have been more wrong.
When I finally settled in to read the first two chapters, I was hooked.
The author’s style of writing is incredibly unique and indescribably beautiful.
This coming of age tale about three childhood friends is like no other I’ve read. I lived their lives, I became part of their worlds and their families. It physically pained me when I had to put the book down and return to the real world.
The Wild Roses is not a short read, but there was not one moment where the story lagged. My eyes never wandered from the page. The pacing was perfect. Every word soothed me as the story was told. Yes, the old adage of “show don’t tell” gets tossed out the window here. I wanted to be told a story, and I was. Yet it was told in such a brilliant way that it naturally played in my head as I read it. That is the exquisite balance between the two, and I find very few authors manage to pull it off.
Love, betrayal, redemption, all of human nature in its imperfect glory is explored and somehow woven together to create a relatable tale that will always be a part of me now.
There were a few places where I found myself wanting – demanding something to turn out a certain way. It didn’t always happen, but guess what? I’m so happy it didn’t. The author knew better.
As the pages remaining in the book dwindled, I savored each word all the more. I didn’t want to leave this world that had become mine.
Alas, all good things must come to an end, as did this book. I cannot deny I shed a few happy tears when it did. The ending was glorious.
Hats off to the author, and I look forward to reading the rest of his works. (Including the story of Mrs. Nestyhead if it ever becomes available.)
This book goes to the top of my list of recommendations.
July 27, 2024
“ℐ 𝑔𝓊𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓌𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝑔𝓇𝓎, 𝓌𝑒 𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓌𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝓈𝓉.”
A beautiful and tough coming of age novel, a story of betrayal. The book follows three friends and how they trying to navigate through life. It’s a very raw and real story with so many difficult moments to read about. It was definitely a tough read, the struggles the characters faced were so realistic. This book felt like a real story that could happen to anyone in real life and that’s why it was so challenging. Sometimes it was slow and not that exciting but that’s life.
I really liked the relationship between Pip and her grandparents and Mr. Swann. Pip definitely was my favorite character, she’s been through so much, everyone in this book had their own struggles but hers were definitely the hardest to bear. I very much admired her strength and determination to overcome even the darkest moments.
I highly recommend reading this book, it is a very important story but definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings before going into.
A beautiful and tough coming of age novel, a story of betrayal. The book follows three friends and how they trying to navigate through life. It’s a very raw and real story with so many difficult moments to read about. It was definitely a tough read, the struggles the characters faced were so realistic. This book felt like a real story that could happen to anyone in real life and that’s why it was so challenging. Sometimes it was slow and not that exciting but that’s life.
I really liked the relationship between Pip and her grandparents and Mr. Swann. Pip definitely was my favorite character, she’s been through so much, everyone in this book had their own struggles but hers were definitely the hardest to bear. I very much admired her strength and determination to overcome even the darkest moments.
I highly recommend reading this book, it is a very important story but definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings before going into.
April 5, 2020
"Be gentle, always."
The character development in this book is something to marvel at. It takes it’s time and unveils itself naturally. I would encourage the reader to read the first chapter again after they’ve finished the book. The transformations reveal themselves there.
The character development in this book is something to marvel at. It takes it’s time and unveils itself naturally. I would encourage the reader to read the first chapter again after they’ve finished the book. The transformations reveal themselves there.
April 28, 2024
The Wild Roses is a coming-of-age novel written by the author D.B. Carter, published in October 2019. The story centers around the three main characters, Pip, Sharon, and Gavin. Pip & Sharon have always been close friends, but their friendship is torn apart when they start dating men who have questionable qualities. Sharon ends up betraying Pip in the most dramatic and brutal way possible, which has devastating consequences. Gavin was a friend of Pip and Sharon from school. They saved him from the bullies who used to taunt him during the lunch breaks. Gavin never forgot the kindness and was always there to protect the girls. All three of them are sent away from home to pursue different paths and face dark times, heartbreaks, and new challenges. But there may be ways out and better futures, if they are willing to take risks. What will they choose, and will they ever see each other again? The Wild Roses is a coming-of-age drama for all ages that speaks honestly of love, loss, jealousy, coercion and self-discovery. Set in the 1980’s, this novel took me right back to my teen years with references to fashions and music I used to listen to all the time. It was easy to fall in love with this time period as I found myself surrounded by all the things I loved then and still miss today! The characters’ bittersweet moments made me angry at times, especially when they made decisions I knew were wrong. The 80’s had its share of bad things as well, drugs and sex being two of the most popular things in the decade! I liked the shades of dark and light in this story as well as the message that no matter what you say or do, believe in yourself and you can do it! I was glued to the pages, I couldn’t put it down until I found out what happened to Sharon, Pip and Gavin. It’s a story about how choices made at a young age can change your life. A bad decision isn’t forever, and mistakes can be fixed, as well as hard lessons. The story flows beautifully, and the writing is eloquent, emotional and full of tension. The book is over 300 pages long, so it’s a bit of a read, but I didn’t give up until the very end. Highly recommend from my side.
March 24, 2020
The wild roses by D.B Carter is a engaging coming of age tale about three friends and all of their individual journeys as they attempt to find their ways through life and how they slot into the world around them.
Each character, Pip, Sharon and Gavin are beautifully created each one has a fully unique personality which jumps off the page when you read the book. They are all delightfully human and each have flaws like they should and it makes them all the more real in my mind. Pip, for one has a tender relationship with her grandparents, she helped her grandfather to tend his roses and this tiny action means she now has been left with a love for the plants.
This novel is set in the 1980's and it took me back to my good old days with the references to fashion and all the music I loved then! This made it easy to suck me in as I was surrounded by familiar things that I miss even now! The bittersweet moments of all of the characters made me mad at times when they made a decision that I knew would turn out wrong. The bad things of the 80's are part and parcel of this book as well, the drugs and sex which the decade is almost famous for!
So enjoyed the shades of light and dark that are part of the story and the message that ni matter what is said or done believe in yourself, you can do this!
Thank you to Random Things Tours, @miradorbooks and @ DBCarterAuthor for allowing me to be a part of The Wild Roses tour! #WildRoses.
Each character, Pip, Sharon and Gavin are beautifully created each one has a fully unique personality which jumps off the page when you read the book. They are all delightfully human and each have flaws like they should and it makes them all the more real in my mind. Pip, for one has a tender relationship with her grandparents, she helped her grandfather to tend his roses and this tiny action means she now has been left with a love for the plants.
This novel is set in the 1980's and it took me back to my good old days with the references to fashion and all the music I loved then! This made it easy to suck me in as I was surrounded by familiar things that I miss even now! The bittersweet moments of all of the characters made me mad at times when they made a decision that I knew would turn out wrong. The bad things of the 80's are part and parcel of this book as well, the drugs and sex which the decade is almost famous for!
So enjoyed the shades of light and dark that are part of the story and the message that ni matter what is said or done believe in yourself, you can do this!
Thank you to Random Things Tours, @miradorbooks and @ DBCarterAuthor for allowing me to be a part of The Wild Roses tour! #WildRoses.
January 5, 2023
From the very first chapter, D.B. Carter places the reader into another world. While the world begins in the 1980s and spans many years, it also evokes Dickens, Capra, Philip Van Doren Stern, Howard E. Koch, Helene Hanff, Austen, and Brontë... and... Carter.
The world Carter creates is a complex tapestry of rich characters, who quickly become friends or foes... and some deceptively straddle both realms. More importantly, these characters/people have flaws, suffer tragedy, and must face the cruelty of the unfair.
Through toil, turmoil, tears, and triumph, Carter gently but firmly encourages the reader to recognize the value of the whole. One person’s bad act does not define him. People buried under oppressive inequity can shine again. Goodness will prevail.
The same can be said of nature: A rose’s exquisite scent and beauty outweigh the occasional bite of its thorns.
Be warned: “The Wild Roses” will make the reader feel grey despair, black contempt, red hatred, orange invigoration, yellow creativity, green freshness, blue peace, and will leave the reader looking through rose-colored glasses at hope and joy.
This book is not only highly recommended but is a must read!
The world Carter creates is a complex tapestry of rich characters, who quickly become friends or foes... and some deceptively straddle both realms. More importantly, these characters/people have flaws, suffer tragedy, and must face the cruelty of the unfair.
Through toil, turmoil, tears, and triumph, Carter gently but firmly encourages the reader to recognize the value of the whole. One person’s bad act does not define him. People buried under oppressive inequity can shine again. Goodness will prevail.
The same can be said of nature: A rose’s exquisite scent and beauty outweigh the occasional bite of its thorns.
Be warned: “The Wild Roses” will make the reader feel grey despair, black contempt, red hatred, orange invigoration, yellow creativity, green freshness, blue peace, and will leave the reader looking through rose-colored glasses at hope and joy.
This book is not only highly recommended but is a must read!
December 1, 2019
I loved this book – It made me laugh, made me cry, and kept me up until 2 am because I simply couldn’t put it down.
The Wild Roses is a heartfelt coming of age story centred around three friends. Each of them is very different and due to a chance meeting, their stories take them on three very different journeys as they try to find out who they are and fit into their changing world.
DB Carter weaves words in lovely melodic prose, filled with cultural references that bring the emotional story into vivid colour. I could happily read his writing every day.
One of the things I liked the most was the realistic characters. No one was perfect, every single one had a unique personality, and it was easy to genuinely like many of them. They could have been real people based on how well crafted they were. The bond between Pip and her grandparents was truly beautiful to read.
Although set in the eighties, the various trials faced by the characters include racism, sexual assault, drug culture, money struggles, and domestic abuse, which are all still big issues and DB Carter addresses them with the respect they need.
Overall, I recommend everyone reads The Wild Roses.
The Wild Roses is a heartfelt coming of age story centred around three friends. Each of them is very different and due to a chance meeting, their stories take them on three very different journeys as they try to find out who they are and fit into their changing world.
DB Carter weaves words in lovely melodic prose, filled with cultural references that bring the emotional story into vivid colour. I could happily read his writing every day.
One of the things I liked the most was the realistic characters. No one was perfect, every single one had a unique personality, and it was easy to genuinely like many of them. They could have been real people based on how well crafted they were. The bond between Pip and her grandparents was truly beautiful to read.
Although set in the eighties, the various trials faced by the characters include racism, sexual assault, drug culture, money struggles, and domestic abuse, which are all still big issues and DB Carter addresses them with the respect they need.
Overall, I recommend everyone reads The Wild Roses.
December 18, 2019
After reading DB Carter's first book, 'The Cherries', it was with great anticipation that I picked up his second novel, 'The Wild Roses.' Mr. Carter did not disappoint. The Wild Roses, blissfully set in the 1980s with all of its fashion and music, immediately drew me in. Mr. Carter has an enviable talent for creating a setting and characters who are familiar and relatable yet hold you by the heart. The main characters: Pip, Sharon and Gavin are teenaged school friends all on the verge of their futures. They each have a path they are set to take but not one of their lives follows suit. Carter imbues empathy, frustration, heartbreak and more upon the reader as the characters develop and discover themselves amidst the journey life has set them on. There are wonderfully drawn secondary characters who lend deeply to the story lines. I believe anyone reading this book, regardless of the decade they came of age in, will find something of himself/herself in one of the characters. DB Carter is a truly gifted author. I highly recommend this book. You'll be disappointed if you miss it!
March 26, 2020
This is a complicated book which takes a look at three different characters and sees how their lives pan out after chance events and poor choices take over. Set in the 1980's, you get a flavour of the era through the details of everyday life. There are also some serious issues woven throughout. Bullying amongst children and adults, sexual harassment, domestic violence, drugs, bereavement are all in the mix.
The three major characters are quite a contrast. Gavin turns out to have hidden depths. You know from the beginning that Sharon has an unsympathetic side, to put it mildly. Pip, on the other hand, seems to be her antithesis. You always root for her but all does not go smoothly and she meets some pretty nasty characters. Of course, luckily, she also meets some pretty nice ones. I would have liked her story with Theo to have been more fully described but that is a minor point. With a distinctive style and a densely packed narrative, this is an enjoyable read.
In short: Three characters- three destinies.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
The three major characters are quite a contrast. Gavin turns out to have hidden depths. You know from the beginning that Sharon has an unsympathetic side, to put it mildly. Pip, on the other hand, seems to be her antithesis. You always root for her but all does not go smoothly and she meets some pretty nasty characters. Of course, luckily, she also meets some pretty nice ones. I would have liked her story with Theo to have been more fully described but that is a minor point. With a distinctive style and a densely packed narrative, this is an enjoyable read.
In short: Three characters- three destinies.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
May 1, 2020
A story of best friends, love, loss, lies, betrayal and hope retained — it’s about finding balance in the midst of despair and cutting the dead branches of life away that can’t be repaired. The Wild Roses by D.B. Carter is a coming-of-age saga that catapults three best friends into strangers to each other, yet, still, they cling to the vestiges of hope, happiness and grow strong.
"Look at the whole plant and only cut away what’s bad if it might kill the rest of it, but most importantly, make sure it is balanced.
See the good, see the whole, that’s what’s important.”
Carter writes the tough subjects and makes them palatable with rich character development, and weaves a tale that will keep you engrossed. "Time slowly crumbles all defenses if they are not maintained." Broken hearts are mended or at least understood, wise words are said, balance hard fought yet attained, this is a novel for all ages, that I highly recommend.
"Look at the whole plant and only cut away what’s bad if it might kill the rest of it, but most importantly, make sure it is balanced.
See the good, see the whole, that’s what’s important.”
Carter writes the tough subjects and makes them palatable with rich character development, and weaves a tale that will keep you engrossed. "Time slowly crumbles all defenses if they are not maintained." Broken hearts are mended or at least understood, wise words are said, balance hard fought yet attained, this is a novel for all ages, that I highly recommend.
July 5, 2021
As with The Cherries and Christmas Yet to Come, DB Carter has created memorable characters in ordinary, believable settings, coming to grips with very human problems. Pip is a sensible, hardworking girl with modest ambitions. But these are thwarted along the way by the behaviours and betrayals of those she thinks of friends, while her one real friend is kept from her at a time she needs him most. Carter skilfully interweaves related plot lines as the protagonists move away from their last year at school into the wider world to become whom they become, for better or worse. The pace keeps the reader’s interest, and the settings put us firmly in nostalgia territory, before smartphones and the internet, when to stay in touch meant writing letters, phone calls and face to face contact. A skilfully engineered coming of age story with emotional highs and lows, where love, hurt, and forgiveness play big parts in the story – a good read.
April 1, 2020
I loved this book, set in the 1980's we follow three friends coming of age story Pip and Sharon have been best friends since forever along with their friend Gavin who they befriend at school.
After going out one night with Pip, Sharon takes up with a band, and from here her life takes a turn that see's her betraying her friends and leaving home for London. Before she leaves she tars Pip with being a thief and druggy which results her in being suspended from school and losing her job.
Sharon is the catalyst for Pip and Gavin's life paths yet she is also the reason that they can't stop wondering what happened to her when she left home never to be heard from again. Gavin becomes almost obsessed with finding her along with Sharon's father.
Although this is set in the 80's a lot of the themes in the book such as sexual assault, drug culture, money struggles, and domestic abuse are very prevalent in today's day and age. I am a child of the 80's so loved the era and I loved how real the characters were and I loved reading the different paths that Pip and Gavin take and their journey of love, heartache and realisation.
5 stars
After going out one night with Pip, Sharon takes up with a band, and from here her life takes a turn that see's her betraying her friends and leaving home for London. Before she leaves she tars Pip with being a thief and druggy which results her in being suspended from school and losing her job.
Sharon is the catalyst for Pip and Gavin's life paths yet she is also the reason that they can't stop wondering what happened to her when she left home never to be heard from again. Gavin becomes almost obsessed with finding her along with Sharon's father.
Although this is set in the 80's a lot of the themes in the book such as sexual assault, drug culture, money struggles, and domestic abuse are very prevalent in today's day and age. I am a child of the 80's so loved the era and I loved how real the characters were and I loved reading the different paths that Pip and Gavin take and their journey of love, heartache and realisation.
5 stars
September 6, 2021
Honestly, after finishing this book I cannot believe I haven't heard of it before as it really does take you on a heart-breaking but beautiful story where you really truly feel for each character. I didn't think the book would be teaching me such a vital lesson that although one bad decision may shape your future, it doesn't mean it cannot be rectified or that you won't still bloom. The character development in this book is amazing, in particular it shows how much Pip really grows into an independent and strong woman. I really adored the relationship Pip had with her Grandparents, particularly with her Gran. Pip really was a beautiful and gentle character throughout but she was dealt quite a few setbacks but continued to show her strength right up until the end.
This was set in the 1980's where sexual harassment and substance abuse was extremely common in which D.B Carter magnificently portrayed accurately. This book had me hooked from the beginning, I needed to know if they all had their happy endings and were reunited once and for all. The ending broke my heart but really enforced the lesson that whilst we may not get the outcome we really wanted, it doesn't have to crush your future.
Thank you to D.B Carter for writing this amazing book, I look forward to reading your other work
This was set in the 1980's where sexual harassment and substance abuse was extremely common in which D.B Carter magnificently portrayed accurately. This book had me hooked from the beginning, I needed to know if they all had their happy endings and were reunited once and for all. The ending broke my heart but really enforced the lesson that whilst we may not get the outcome we really wanted, it doesn't have to crush your future.
Thank you to D.B Carter for writing this amazing book, I look forward to reading your other work
December 4, 2020
A must read
This writing is some of the best I've ever read, not that I'm any kind of expert, just that it does take alot for me to be grabbed from the start and, to finish a book.
Each important social theme that is tackled is done so eloquently with astute, raw, poetic mastery, and the authors skill at 'show not tell' is something I learned more about just by reading it, which in turn not only kept me wanting to turn the next page but also, puts the reader right in there experiencing each character, environment, and situation, visually and emotionally. I'm not actually sure if its fiction or non-fiction, it was that real, and alive.
This writing is some of the best I've ever read, not that I'm any kind of expert, just that it does take alot for me to be grabbed from the start and, to finish a book.
Each important social theme that is tackled is done so eloquently with astute, raw, poetic mastery, and the authors skill at 'show not tell' is something I learned more about just by reading it, which in turn not only kept me wanting to turn the next page but also, puts the reader right in there experiencing each character, environment, and situation, visually and emotionally. I'm not actually sure if its fiction or non-fiction, it was that real, and alive.
November 8, 2019
The Wild Roses is a story of three friends - Pip, Sharon and Gavin - and the consequences of the choices in life each makes.
The strong, unforgettable characters will immediately draw you in as they experience the joys and heartaches of life in the 1980s. An entertaining, true-to-life tale of the journey from youth to adulthood and the toll it sometimes takes on life-long friendships. D. B. Carter has created characters so real and a story so entertaining, you won't want to put it down. The Wild Roses will entertain you from the first page to the last. Another winner from the author of The Cherries!
The strong, unforgettable characters will immediately draw you in as they experience the joys and heartaches of life in the 1980s. An entertaining, true-to-life tale of the journey from youth to adulthood and the toll it sometimes takes on life-long friendships. D. B. Carter has created characters so real and a story so entertaining, you won't want to put it down. The Wild Roses will entertain you from the first page to the last. Another winner from the author of The Cherries!
November 26, 2019
I really enjoyed this well-paced book with its warm, relatable central character (Pip).
Once again, DB Carter creates a strong, memorable central character who grows in stature as she matures, makes painful mistakes but overcomes them to strive for the happiness she deserves.
Will she find this happiness? Or will the spiteful betrayal of her schoolfriend (Sharon), the workplace bullying, the problems at home and fate itself prove too much to overcome?
And will Sharon's and Gavin's lives be damaged forever by their choices?
I'll leave you to read the book to find out!
Once again, DB Carter creates a strong, memorable central character who grows in stature as she matures, makes painful mistakes but overcomes them to strive for the happiness she deserves.
Will she find this happiness? Or will the spiteful betrayal of her schoolfriend (Sharon), the workplace bullying, the problems at home and fate itself prove too much to overcome?
And will Sharon's and Gavin's lives be damaged forever by their choices?
I'll leave you to read the book to find out!
January 7, 2020
A surprising tale of love lost and found.
This book is filled with twists and turns that will hold you from beginning to end. An incredible read that uplifts the soul and renews the faith and spirit. Following these teenagers to young adulthood brings the joys and sorrows of their lives from the pages of aa book to reality. This is a read that I would recommend for teens and adults as it is a very in-depth look at the challenges faced by these teens.
This book is filled with twists and turns that will hold you from beginning to end. An incredible read that uplifts the soul and renews the faith and spirit. Following these teenagers to young adulthood brings the joys and sorrows of their lives from the pages of aa book to reality. This is a read that I would recommend for teens and adults as it is a very in-depth look at the challenges faced by these teens.
February 12, 2020
The Wild Roses is a book which will take you back in time and memories of being a teenager. This book, and the various emotions it brought back of the choices one makes at such a crucial time in life touched my heart. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone just wanting to remember their high school years and first years of being a. Adult. Excellent!!
November 21, 2019
This novel was not only a joy to read, it was like being transported into the book itself. The emotions were so raw and real, the love so contagious, I couldn’t put the book down.
March 20, 2020
The Wild Roses begins as a clear-cut story of action and result, conflict and consequence, but the book quickly transforms into an exploration of how messy and complicated life can become, how it can tread on the kind souls of this world, and too often elevates the ones doing the treading. Yet it spins these events with a tenderness that’s difficult to forget. It offers characters you can’t help but cheer for, no matter the difficulties life throws at them.
December 31, 2019
The lives of three friends change dramatically by the choices they make in Author D.B Carter’s latest tale, The Wild Roses. Pip, the conscientious daughter, devoted friend and career oriented young woman finds that doing the right thing doesn’t always mean happiness and success. Sharon decides to take a wild leap of faith, but the dark side of her choices soon appear. Gavin is an introvert, studious with a heart of gold, but bullied by his peers. A chance act of bravery changes his classmates perception, but can he live up to their brave expectations?
We travel through the years with the three friends, experiencing the betrayal and heartbreak of their love lives, the cruel ramifications of acts committed in anger, the real life struggles faced in the workplace, and the criminal dangers out on the street. Family drama ignites as memories and past decisions haunt the parents and their children. Decisions have ramifications, as many are about to learn.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book on so many levels. The characters are engaging–you feel their ups and downs, see their hopes and dreams, and live the sorrow of their mistakes. Life is not always fair, and most always has a surprise twist in store. The Wild Roses is a story that shows us the bittersweet moments in life, and the hope for a better tomorrow. A great read to reflect upon and give thanks, especially during this holiday season, highly recommended!
We travel through the years with the three friends, experiencing the betrayal and heartbreak of their love lives, the cruel ramifications of acts committed in anger, the real life struggles faced in the workplace, and the criminal dangers out on the street. Family drama ignites as memories and past decisions haunt the parents and their children. Decisions have ramifications, as many are about to learn.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book on so many levels. The characters are engaging–you feel their ups and downs, see their hopes and dreams, and live the sorrow of their mistakes. Life is not always fair, and most always has a surprise twist in store. The Wild Roses is a story that shows us the bittersweet moments in life, and the hope for a better tomorrow. A great read to reflect upon and give thanks, especially during this holiday season, highly recommended!
December 28, 2020
“The Wild Roses” is very well written; I loved it! The characters are relatable. Pip, the protagonist, takes you on a journey written in a way that you can visualize it—I felt like I was right there with her and her friends. The plot is convincing and intriguing. The story grabs you by surprise just when you think you had it figured out. I highly recommend this book.
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