What do you think?
Rate this book
Wildflower Words
Hazel Thompson prides herself on being a beacon of earnest goodwill in Cedar Springs, Utah, where she works alongside her mother as a cook in a raucous restaurant and dance hall. But lately, Hazel wonders if she hasn’t clipped her own wings by always putting her family and neighbors first, leaving no time for her own wants.
Lida Jones, the daughter of roving Eastern European immigrants, treks West with her father in search of a better life on the rapidly developing American frontier. To help make money, Lida takes a job in the Pack Horse Library and gets to know the rowdy, tough residents of Cedar Springs. Getting close to anyone is a waste of time, though. She won’t be here long.
Hazel and Lida can’t help but get to know one another as Lida travels through on her route. When Lida’s father begins to struggle at work, Lida fears she’ll have to leave Cedar Springs―and Hazel―behind. But how can she when, finally, she’s found a place, and a person, to call home?
Lida Jones, the daughter of roving Eastern European immigrants, treks West with her father in search of a better life on the rapidly developing American frontier. To help make money, Lida takes a job in the Pack Horse Library and gets to know the rowdy, tough residents of Cedar Springs. Getting close to anyone is a waste of time, though. She won’t be here long.
Hazel and Lida can’t help but get to know one another as Lida travels through on her route. When Lida’s father begins to struggle at work, Lida fears she’ll have to leave Cedar Springs―and Hazel―behind. But how can she when, finally, she’s found a place, and a person, to call home?
242 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2022
About the author
Sam Ledel
9 books20 followersSam Ledel is the author of eight novels with Bold Strokes Books. Her debut, Rocks and Stars, was a 2019 Goldie Finalist for Young Adult fiction. Her historical romance, Wildflower Words, was a finalist in the LGBTQ+ category for the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
Ledel enjoys being able to write in her free time, usually with her Jack Russell terrier snuggled close by. She is currently working on her next novel.
Ledel enjoys being able to write in her free time, usually with her Jack Russell terrier snuggled close by. She is currently working on her next novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 8, 2022
This was the first book I read by this author and it won’t be my last. This book is set in 1935 and I got a good feeling of the time and circumstances people were living in. It’s a bleak period, so I needed some time to adjust to this, but the romance is sweet and very slow burn, as can be expected from a historical romance.
Lida moves to Cedar springs with her father who’s a gotten a job in the coal mine. After arrival in the town they quickly find that it is a very close-knit community and not everybody is most welcoming of strangers. Hazel has lived her whole life in Cedar springs, working in her family’s lodge. Life in the coal mines is hard and many people of the younger generation decide to move on, but Hazel loves her little town and is there to stay.
It took a while to find my groove in this book, which is all on me. In fact, Ledel painted such a good picture of the time period that I had trouble adjusting to this somber life. I’ve read a couple of books set in the 19th century which portray a hard life, but also the opportunities and discoveries it brings. This book is set in the 20th century during the industrial revolution, so there is no place for discoveries or adventures, it’s hard work and poverty. Lida and her father are Russian immigrants, so they also have to deal with racism and some other serious topics are touched upon. Still, once I adjusted to the time period I started appreciating the life the main characters build for themselves in this small mountain town, finding joy in small things, and I started to understand why they loved living there. I also enjoyed reading about the pack horse librarian initiative, a government funded project aiming to provide books to rural areas and work opportunities for women.
The romance is very slow burn. It takes a while before they meet and even longer before they have an actual conversation. I think it really started somewhere around 50%, but they are very sweet together. What I found refreshing is that a lot of the more standard topics in historical romances are actually avoided, so there is no disguise as a man (although Lida is more masculine), they both sort of already know they prefer women, and there appears to be very little homophobia. I’m not sure how realistic the latter part is, especially when villagers might have an idea what’s going on, but it was nice to read a historical romance without high amounts of angst concerning that topic. That’s not to say this book is angst free, there is some, but not on this topic.
I enjoyed this book, it’s a good historical romance that’s well worth reading.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lida moves to Cedar springs with her father who’s a gotten a job in the coal mine. After arrival in the town they quickly find that it is a very close-knit community and not everybody is most welcoming of strangers. Hazel has lived her whole life in Cedar springs, working in her family’s lodge. Life in the coal mines is hard and many people of the younger generation decide to move on, but Hazel loves her little town and is there to stay.
It took a while to find my groove in this book, which is all on me. In fact, Ledel painted such a good picture of the time period that I had trouble adjusting to this somber life. I’ve read a couple of books set in the 19th century which portray a hard life, but also the opportunities and discoveries it brings. This book is set in the 20th century during the industrial revolution, so there is no place for discoveries or adventures, it’s hard work and poverty. Lida and her father are Russian immigrants, so they also have to deal with racism and some other serious topics are touched upon. Still, once I adjusted to the time period I started appreciating the life the main characters build for themselves in this small mountain town, finding joy in small things, and I started to understand why they loved living there. I also enjoyed reading about the pack horse librarian initiative, a government funded project aiming to provide books to rural areas and work opportunities for women.
The romance is very slow burn. It takes a while before they meet and even longer before they have an actual conversation. I think it really started somewhere around 50%, but they are very sweet together. What I found refreshing is that a lot of the more standard topics in historical romances are actually avoided, so there is no disguise as a man (although Lida is more masculine), they both sort of already know they prefer women, and there appears to be very little homophobia. I’m not sure how realistic the latter part is, especially when villagers might have an idea what’s going on, but it was nice to read a historical romance without high amounts of angst concerning that topic. That’s not to say this book is angst free, there is some, but not on this topic.
I enjoyed this book, it’s a good historical romance that’s well worth reading.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2022
Coal mines.
My heart wasn't totally in this one but that's on me. I picked this up on a whim knowing that I'd likely have trouble with it. I don't usually indulge in historical romances although Jae changed it a little for me, and even then, I tend to gravitate towards stories where women pretend to be men. But this story isn't like that at all.
The book is set in the 1930s in the coal mining town of Cedar Springs, Utah and the place is surrounded by men and women trying to earn a living. I know the setting would interest some readers but I struggled a little to immerse into the story. One of the main characters, Lida, who came from Russia with her father, lands a job as a Pack Horse librarian and there's some family side story that unravels along the way. The other main character is Hazel, who works alongside her mother as a cook. Hazel wasn't always aware of her preference for women before Lida but it seems like she was aware of her disinterest in men and I'm glad the author didn't turn this into a story about self-discovery. The romance was slow to pick up but once it did, my interest piqued too. The characters are sweet together and considering the time period this romance is set in, reactions to gay women were surprisingly muted. I kinda like that actually, so that's good.
I don't know how many people have heard of Sam Ledel before this. I certainly haven't. But I think she has written a story that's good enough to generate its own fans.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
My heart wasn't totally in this one but that's on me. I picked this up on a whim knowing that I'd likely have trouble with it. I don't usually indulge in historical romances although Jae changed it a little for me, and even then, I tend to gravitate towards stories where women pretend to be men. But this story isn't like that at all.
The book is set in the 1930s in the coal mining town of Cedar Springs, Utah and the place is surrounded by men and women trying to earn a living. I know the setting would interest some readers but I struggled a little to immerse into the story. One of the main characters, Lida, who came from Russia with her father, lands a job as a Pack Horse librarian and there's some family side story that unravels along the way. The other main character is Hazel, who works alongside her mother as a cook. Hazel wasn't always aware of her preference for women before Lida but it seems like she was aware of her disinterest in men and I'm glad the author didn't turn this into a story about self-discovery. The romance was slow to pick up but once it did, my interest piqued too. The characters are sweet together and considering the time period this romance is set in, reactions to gay women were surprisingly muted. I kinda like that actually, so that's good.
I don't know how many people have heard of Sam Ledel before this. I certainly haven't. But I think she has written a story that's good enough to generate its own fans.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2022
Up until now, I'd not heard of Sam Ledal, but after reading Wildflower Words, I'll certainly look out for more of this author's books. I'll admit, the cover court my eye before the description of the book. But saying this, the story did not disappoint either. here you have a historical romance set in cedar springs, Utah. It tells the story of Hazel Thompson, a woman who works alongside her mother as a cook in the small town's restaurant. And Lida jones, a daughter of an eastern European immigrant, who are searching for a better life. Lida helps to earn money by taking a job in the Pack Horse Library, where she starts and builds friendships with the residents of cedar springs. The pair quickly form a close friendship, and love starts to blossom, but lida’s father starts to struggle at work, and both Lida and Hazel fear that she will again have to move on.
The story is beautiful... Well worth the read. It's not full of angst which I was worried about at first, it's just a simple love story between 2 young women set in another time.
I've given wildflower words a 3.8 star.
The story is beautiful... Well worth the read. It's not full of angst which I was worried about at first, it's just a simple love story between 2 young women set in another time.
I've given wildflower words a 3.8 star.
December 31, 2021
I love to read historical fiction/romance for many reasons. I get to learn about bits of history that might have been glossed over or even totally absent in the history books. That is exactly what happened when I read Wildflower Words by Sam Ledel.
This novel is set in a small mining community in Utah called Cedar Springs in 1935, right in the middle of The Great Depression. Lida Jones and her father, both immigrants from Russia, move to Cedar Springs so Mr. Jones can work in the mine. Lida is offered a job as a Pack Horse Librarian. She takes reading materials to homes all around the area, getting to know many of the residents this way. She gradually begins to feel like this place might be a true home for her, especially after she meets Hazel Thompson and her family. Unfortunately, her father may not feel the same way about Cedar Springs as his daughter.
This really is a lovely romance between Lida and Hazel. Being in a tiny community in the middle of the depression, though, makes it harder for the two to be together. The story also touches on the effects of clinical depression and alcoholism as well as a hint of the discrimination immigrants faced during this time period.
The characters really make this book a treat to read. Lida and Hazel are easy to connect with, and honestly, I really want to meet Hazel’s mom Clara Thompson. She would be a wonderful person to have as a friend. All of the characters are realistic and work well in the story.
The Pack Horse Library and the women who worked as librarians were real. It began as a work program created by the government to help women have paying jobs, and also to help people in rural communities who otherwise might not have the ability to get books and other materials to read. While I knew general information about the depression era work programs, I hadn’t heard of this particular one before. Now I want to know more.
This is an entertaining historical fiction/romance novel. I’m very glad I got to read this story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
This novel is set in a small mining community in Utah called Cedar Springs in 1935, right in the middle of The Great Depression. Lida Jones and her father, both immigrants from Russia, move to Cedar Springs so Mr. Jones can work in the mine. Lida is offered a job as a Pack Horse Librarian. She takes reading materials to homes all around the area, getting to know many of the residents this way. She gradually begins to feel like this place might be a true home for her, especially after she meets Hazel Thompson and her family. Unfortunately, her father may not feel the same way about Cedar Springs as his daughter.
This really is a lovely romance between Lida and Hazel. Being in a tiny community in the middle of the depression, though, makes it harder for the two to be together. The story also touches on the effects of clinical depression and alcoholism as well as a hint of the discrimination immigrants faced during this time period.
The characters really make this book a treat to read. Lida and Hazel are easy to connect with, and honestly, I really want to meet Hazel’s mom Clara Thompson. She would be a wonderful person to have as a friend. All of the characters are realistic and work well in the story.
The Pack Horse Library and the women who worked as librarians were real. It began as a work program created by the government to help women have paying jobs, and also to help people in rural communities who otherwise might not have the ability to get books and other materials to read. While I knew general information about the depression era work programs, I hadn’t heard of this particular one before. Now I want to know more.
This is an entertaining historical fiction/romance novel. I’m very glad I got to read this story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
May 11, 2024
3 stars
Quite good. At times I felt like it dragged on for a thousand years, but the rest of the time it was an interesting book. I got the feeling that it was trying to be partially a character study, partially an American history study. Sadly I don't know enough about either of those topics to judge it's quality.
Quite good. At times I felt like it dragged on for a thousand years, but the rest of the time it was an interesting book. I got the feeling that it was trying to be partially a character study, partially an American history study. Sadly I don't know enough about either of those topics to judge it's quality.
April 1, 2022
My rating: 3 stars
ARC via NetGalley for honest review.
Usually I don’t read historical novels because they are super depressing for me due to the treatment of women and minorities. This book is set in 1935, which isn’t too far back, and it’s not all that depressing. There is some racism, but not really any homophobia. It’s more like a “don’t ask don’t tell” kind of atmosphere.
There also isn’t any tension. The story could be called a slow burn, but without the burn. The two MCs don’t meet until the 30% mark and don’t have an actual conversation until nearly the halfway point. The timeline is very drawn out, as they go months (like from July to November) without any contact.
Most of the book is the two young women going about their days and dealing with the untreated traumas of the older men in their lives. Their relationship just happens with very little thought or tension for either one of them. There is a small spark of drama right before the end that gets resolved pretty much instantly.
The characters are Lida, who appears to be butch or at least GNC and it’s lampshaded once and never mentioned again, and Hazel, who initially comes off as incredibly whiny and anachronistic with the most sympathetic character being Clara, Hazel’s mother. Her brother also appears to be autistic which is a slightly interesting detail that doesn’t really go anywhere.
If you want something lite-historical with not a lot of drama, this is a good story for you.
ARC via NetGalley for honest review.
Usually I don’t read historical novels because they are super depressing for me due to the treatment of women and minorities. This book is set in 1935, which isn’t too far back, and it’s not all that depressing. There is some racism, but not really any homophobia. It’s more like a “don’t ask don’t tell” kind of atmosphere.
There also isn’t any tension. The story could be called a slow burn, but without the burn. The two MCs don’t meet until the 30% mark and don’t have an actual conversation until nearly the halfway point. The timeline is very drawn out, as they go months (like from July to November) without any contact.
Most of the book is the two young women going about their days and dealing with the untreated traumas of the older men in their lives. Their relationship just happens with very little thought or tension for either one of them. There is a small spark of drama right before the end that gets resolved pretty much instantly.
The characters are Lida, who appears to be butch or at least GNC and it’s lampshaded once and never mentioned again, and Hazel, who initially comes off as incredibly whiny and anachronistic with the most sympathetic character being Clara, Hazel’s mother. Her brother also appears to be autistic which is a slightly interesting detail that doesn’t really go anywhere.
If you want something lite-historical with not a lot of drama, this is a good story for you.
January 9, 2022
Lida Jones and her father Yaromir arrive in Cedar Springs Utah just in time for Yaromir to start his new job at the local mine. It’s 1935 and the Jones family has had a rough time for the last few years since losing their matriarch, Lida and Yaromir have moved several times making their way further west each time. This time Lida begins to settle in and make friends by serving as a roving librarian for the area and along the way meets Hazel Thompson. As the two of them grow closer Yaromir falls into trouble and Lida fears she may have to leave Cedar Springs before she wants to.
This was the first time I have read anything by this author and I definitely enjoyed it. I see myself picking up her next book for sure! Hazel and Lida had great chemistry together and their characters were believable for the time period. I always love these slow burn type stories and love to see the happily ever after sin the historical fiction genre as well and this covered all the bases. I loved the supporting characters, especially Clara and Nicholas, they were both adorable. Overall outstanding book and I will be on the lookout for the next release by Sam Ledel!
This was the first time I have read anything by this author and I definitely enjoyed it. I see myself picking up her next book for sure! Hazel and Lida had great chemistry together and their characters were believable for the time period. I always love these slow burn type stories and love to see the happily ever after sin the historical fiction genre as well and this covered all the bases. I loved the supporting characters, especially Clara and Nicholas, they were both adorable. Overall outstanding book and I will be on the lookout for the next release by Sam Ledel!
December 28, 2021
How can I resist a historical fiction set in my home state of Utah. Set in 1935, Lida Jones and her father arrive in the mining town of Cedar Springs. Lida has lived most of her life in America after her family immigrated from Eastern Europe. Her father is going to work in the iron mine and Lida is hopeful this time things will work out for them. He battles with depression and drinking after the loss of his wife seven years ago. Lida loves to read and gets a job as a Pack Horse Librarian. In town she meets Hazel Thomason. Hazel works for her mother running a restaurant and lodge. Hazel loves her town and wants it to grow with opportunities beyond the mine. There is a sweetness in the friendship between the two as they share books and looks across a room.
This is a lovely story with organic attraction and feelings. Hazel has known she isn’t interested in men Lida is the first person she’s been drawn to. I love that her mother is supportive of her feelings. In a times when things weren’t labeled the author brings in issues with Lida’s father, Hazel’s brother and even Utah laws that wouldn’t recognize the marriage of an interracial couple (not changed until 1963). I love the idea of Utah have a WPA Pack Horse Library and extra kudos for mentioning the beautiful Cedar Breaks that was designated a National Monument in 1933. This fictional town could have been any of Utah’s small mining communities. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a lovely story with organic attraction and feelings. Hazel has known she isn’t interested in men Lida is the first person she’s been drawn to. I love that her mother is supportive of her feelings. In a times when things weren’t labeled the author brings in issues with Lida’s father, Hazel’s brother and even Utah laws that wouldn’t recognize the marriage of an interracial couple (not changed until 1963). I love the idea of Utah have a WPA Pack Horse Library and extra kudos for mentioning the beautiful Cedar Breaks that was designated a National Monument in 1933. This fictional town could have been any of Utah’s small mining communities. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2022
This novel takes us back into the time of the Great Depression and paints a realistic picture of life in remote parts of the US. It is 1935 and Lida comes with her father into a mining town in Utah high up in the mountains. They are outsiders esp. as recent immigrants from the East, but Lida comes to love the community and performs a vital service - she works for the packhorse library instituted by FDR and brings books to the families. I loved how the author brings the town to life: the lodge where the social center of the town centers - and where Hazel works. The hard life of the miners, invalid interracial marriages, Mr. Cordova who altered his name, etc.
Hazel already knows that boys are not for her and against the mores of her times defies marriage in favor of Lida. Lida is subtly butch and well read. She takes care of her father who suffers from depression. It comes to the point where she has to come of age and has to take care of herself. So both main characters have to struggle with their role in society and their families.
PS.: I was quite irritated of the frequent donkey-„braying“ of Lida‘s horse - the horses I know neigh, snort or nicker. And Russian immigrants rarely if ever go by the last name of Jones.
Hazel already knows that boys are not for her and against the mores of her times defies marriage in favor of Lida. Lida is subtly butch and well read. She takes care of her father who suffers from depression. It comes to the point where she has to come of age and has to take care of herself. So both main characters have to struggle with their role in society and their families.
PS.: I was quite irritated of the frequent donkey-„braying“ of Lida‘s horse - the horses I know neigh, snort or nicker. And Russian immigrants rarely if ever go by the last name of Jones.
June 13, 2024
In general, I don't like historical lesbian books. This one is very good, set in time in 1935, just before the 3rd world war. I don't remember a book from around 1935, which is a plus.
A single point, a little unrealistic that the mother of Hazel be so tolerant, as well as the inhabitants, especially since it is a very small town and in 1935.
Very good
A single point, a little unrealistic that the mother of Hazel be so tolerant, as well as the inhabitants, especially since it is a very small town and in 1935.
Very good
January 3, 2022
Lida and her father Mr. Jones are eastern European immigrants who is searching for a better life comes to cedar springs, Utah so Mr. Jones can work in the mines. Lida gets a job at the Pack Horse Library where she goes around town giving out reading materials while building friendships. She starts to feel at home especially when she meets Hazel a woman who works alongside her mother as a cook in the small town's restaurant. Hazel loves her town and working with her mother Clara but she feels like she doesn’t have anything for herself until she meets Lida.
Lida and Hazel grow closer as their relationship turns romantic for first time they both feel like they found someone to make them happy and place to belong. This was a good read it touches on depression and alcoholism as well as a hint of the discrimination immigrants faced.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Lida and Hazel grow closer as their relationship turns romantic for first time they both feel like they found someone to make them happy and place to belong. This was a good read it touches on depression and alcoholism as well as a hint of the discrimination immigrants faced.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
March 10, 2022
• Wildflower Words
• Sam Ledel
• Utah
• 1930s
• MC Hazel Thompson & Lida Jones
• Canyon Café
• Clara Thompson Hazel mother
• Pack Horse Library
This story take places in Cedar Springs, Utah in the 1930’s.
Lida Jones and her father have arrive in Utah so he can start working in the mines. Lida gets a job at Pack Horse Library to help out with the finances.
Hazel Thompson works in restaurant along side her mother. Hazel is a loving kind girl who always puts her family first.
This love story moves slowly. Which I didn’t mind, since it really set up the back stories. When Hazel and Lida meet and their relationships starts to develop, it is very sweet.. Lida really thinks she may have found her forever place and person. However, Lidas dad struggles with his own demons and her forever home, may not be.
This is my first period book. I’m glad I didn’t put it down. I found it very interesting, and the author did an incredible job with all the details. I really enjoyed the almost pure sweetness of the relationship between Hazel and Lida. I enjoyed it being almost angst-less. I thought it was a good story about two woman in a small town during the depression trying to start a life together.
This is a sweet story. You have to find your own way. Be brave enough to live your truth.
I give this story 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will definitely keep an eye out for any new books from this author. .
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
• Sam Ledel
• Utah
• 1930s
• MC Hazel Thompson & Lida Jones
• Canyon Café
• Clara Thompson Hazel mother
• Pack Horse Library
This story take places in Cedar Springs, Utah in the 1930’s.
Lida Jones and her father have arrive in Utah so he can start working in the mines. Lida gets a job at Pack Horse Library to help out with the finances.
Hazel Thompson works in restaurant along side her mother. Hazel is a loving kind girl who always puts her family first.
This love story moves slowly. Which I didn’t mind, since it really set up the back stories. When Hazel and Lida meet and their relationships starts to develop, it is very sweet.. Lida really thinks she may have found her forever place and person. However, Lidas dad struggles with his own demons and her forever home, may not be.
This is my first period book. I’m glad I didn’t put it down. I found it very interesting, and the author did an incredible job with all the details. I really enjoyed the almost pure sweetness of the relationship between Hazel and Lida. I enjoyed it being almost angst-less. I thought it was a good story about two woman in a small town during the depression trying to start a life together.
This is a sweet story. You have to find your own way. Be brave enough to live your truth.
I give this story 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will definitely keep an eye out for any new books from this author. .
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2021
This historical romance between Lida and Hazel takes place in the mining twn of Cedar Spings where Hazel has lived all her life and is running the local restaurant with her mum while looking after her brother and grandad. Lida moves there with her father, who will be working in the coal mine. The book deals with more than the romance between the 2 women as it touches on the interratial marriage, depression, Hazel’s brother and of course the grandad and his ‘views’. Hazel’s mum is supportive of her relashionship although no one puts a label on it and it apears that her influence in town is enough for them to be left alone. My only issue is that the 2 MC’s met twice in the first half of the book, I would have liked to see more of their relashionship. 3.5 stars.
January 13, 2022
4.25 Stars. So I enjoyed this alot. Like to the point where I basically read this thing in one sitting. I have no idea why. It could be that there's just some small amount of loneliness the protagonists feel that is just floating around the edges of the narration. It could be that I adore our leads' characterization and how well they complement each other. It could be that this is a bit of a slow burn romance, with small moments of quiet yearning, mixed with the contentment the two characters feel just being in the other's presence. Whatever it was - I just couldn't wait to find out more about them.
It stars Lida Jones, the daughter of an immigrant who bounces around jobs for some reason. They're well travelled, and Lida is well read despite her poor to working class upbringing. She lands a job in the mining town of Cedar Springs, Utah as a Pack Horse Librarian after she recommends a book to the wife of the mine owner in town. Hazel is the second of our pair, and she works in the local restaurant as her mother's right hand woman. Hazel is one of those people who finds joy in helping others, often at the expense of her own mental health. When these two meet, sparks immediately fly. Lida finally found a place and people that she wants to stay with, and Hazel may have found a kindred spirit in the quietly intelligent Lida.
This is a historical romance, but it really is more concerned with the small corner of Utah that is Cedar Springs. The Pack Horse Librarians were an amazing group, and a wonderful organization as a whole, and is really a precursor to the bookmobiles, books-on-bikes, and smaller lending library programs today. Even the advent of digital outreach has its roots in the Pack Horse librarians. I also loved the added touch of Lida and her father Anglicizing their names to try to fit in, but it is only mentioned once, and only emphasized in smaller ways. Hazel often wrestles with the worrying lack of upward mobility in Cedar Springs - a town like so many in the west - where the whole economy is centered around the already dwindling wealth of mining. Hazel's views on education and how the lack of it further forces dependency on the mine are very progressive for her time, but it stills fits in with the historical setting. I love that balance.
Hazel and Lida just fit together. Both young women are extremely intelligent, lonely, and stuck in stifling circumstances not of their own making. What I love is that we know they're lonely, but they kind of don't: Hazel has the diner and her family, and Lida has her father. It really isn't until they meet each other that they realize how lonely they are. It progresses very well, an just hangs on just off to the side until an emotional moment happens, then it just slides right to the front where the characters finally have to confront that reality.
Everything in here just works so well together, with some nuanced depictions of the towns folk with the exception of Lida's childhood friend turned romantic pest, who is a little too much of a stereotypical entitled idiot. He's just a bit too jarring to me for a novel that does its best to have distinctive characters, but ones that aren't cartoonishly loud. But I guess all smaller towns have 'that guy' so it isn't terrible, even if he was an annoying addition.
This is a lovely historical romance that just moves smoothly, has an amazing setting, and downright relatable characters. This mostly hit with me, and I had a fantastic time.
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
It stars Lida Jones, the daughter of an immigrant who bounces around jobs for some reason. They're well travelled, and Lida is well read despite her poor to working class upbringing. She lands a job in the mining town of Cedar Springs, Utah as a Pack Horse Librarian after she recommends a book to the wife of the mine owner in town. Hazel is the second of our pair, and she works in the local restaurant as her mother's right hand woman. Hazel is one of those people who finds joy in helping others, often at the expense of her own mental health. When these two meet, sparks immediately fly. Lida finally found a place and people that she wants to stay with, and Hazel may have found a kindred spirit in the quietly intelligent Lida.
This is a historical romance, but it really is more concerned with the small corner of Utah that is Cedar Springs. The Pack Horse Librarians were an amazing group, and a wonderful organization as a whole, and is really a precursor to the bookmobiles, books-on-bikes, and smaller lending library programs today. Even the advent of digital outreach has its roots in the Pack Horse librarians. I also loved the added touch of Lida and her father Anglicizing their names to try to fit in, but it is only mentioned once, and only emphasized in smaller ways. Hazel often wrestles with the worrying lack of upward mobility in Cedar Springs - a town like so many in the west - where the whole economy is centered around the already dwindling wealth of mining. Hazel's views on education and how the lack of it further forces dependency on the mine are very progressive for her time, but it stills fits in with the historical setting. I love that balance.
Hazel and Lida just fit together. Both young women are extremely intelligent, lonely, and stuck in stifling circumstances not of their own making. What I love is that we know they're lonely, but they kind of don't: Hazel has the diner and her family, and Lida has her father. It really isn't until they meet each other that they realize how lonely they are. It progresses very well, an just hangs on just off to the side until an emotional moment happens, then it just slides right to the front where the characters finally have to confront that reality.
Everything in here just works so well together, with some nuanced depictions of the towns folk with the exception of Lida's childhood friend turned romantic pest, who is a little too much of a stereotypical entitled idiot. He's just a bit too jarring to me for a novel that does its best to have distinctive characters, but ones that aren't cartoonishly loud. But I guess all smaller towns have 'that guy' so it isn't terrible, even if he was an annoying addition.
This is a lovely historical romance that just moves smoothly, has an amazing setting, and downright relatable characters. This mostly hit with me, and I had a fantastic time.
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 4, 2022
4/5 stars
This was a super addictive, unputdownable wlw historical romance. I’m always on the lookout for good sapphic historical romances, so I was super excited when I got approved to review this book. I haven’t read from this author before, but from the very beginning of the story, it was obvious that I would love the book. There is an amazing and diverse cast of interesting and charismatic characters, a captivating portrayal of the Depression setting in rural Utah, and wonderful chemistry between Hazel and Lida. This book was fantastic from start to finish, I binged it all in one day because I just couldn’t put it down! I really can’t wait to read more from Ledel.
This book is set in small-town Utah and follows two women, Hazel and Lida. Hazel is a hard-working and generous member of the community, who is committed to feeding the community alongside her Mother and brother in the busy restaurant/lodge they own. Lida, on the other hand, is an immigrant from Russia who has moved with her father across the United States looking for reliable work and a place to stay. From the beginning, there was instant tension between Hazel and Lida, with a bit of a misunderstanding on their first meeting. The subtle flirting, lots of blushing and somewhat awkward encounters that followed were very sweet and entertaining to read. Despite being from different worlds and having different priorities, Lida and Hazel bond over a love of spreading literature and education, and are able to compliment each other in the best ways. This is the kind of blooming relationship you read with an uncontrollable smile on your face. There was so much sweetness, a good amount of heat and passion, and overall made for such a heartwarming read.
Not only did I love the relationship, but I found the setting to be very interesting as well. Half of the fun of reading a historical romance is delving into a different time and place, and I really felt myself falling into the setting of this story. Not only have I not read about this time period much before, but the multiple (and sometimes conflicting) tensions of financial hardship, small town ignorance, and dealing with grief made both the setting and characters constantly intriguing. I really came for the romance but was pleasantly surprised by the attention to the side characters and the nuanced depths of the story.
Altogether, this is a fantastic historical romance, following two strong women in a loveable small town setting.
This was a super addictive, unputdownable wlw historical romance. I’m always on the lookout for good sapphic historical romances, so I was super excited when I got approved to review this book. I haven’t read from this author before, but from the very beginning of the story, it was obvious that I would love the book. There is an amazing and diverse cast of interesting and charismatic characters, a captivating portrayal of the Depression setting in rural Utah, and wonderful chemistry between Hazel and Lida. This book was fantastic from start to finish, I binged it all in one day because I just couldn’t put it down! I really can’t wait to read more from Ledel.
This book is set in small-town Utah and follows two women, Hazel and Lida. Hazel is a hard-working and generous member of the community, who is committed to feeding the community alongside her Mother and brother in the busy restaurant/lodge they own. Lida, on the other hand, is an immigrant from Russia who has moved with her father across the United States looking for reliable work and a place to stay. From the beginning, there was instant tension between Hazel and Lida, with a bit of a misunderstanding on their first meeting. The subtle flirting, lots of blushing and somewhat awkward encounters that followed were very sweet and entertaining to read. Despite being from different worlds and having different priorities, Lida and Hazel bond over a love of spreading literature and education, and are able to compliment each other in the best ways. This is the kind of blooming relationship you read with an uncontrollable smile on your face. There was so much sweetness, a good amount of heat and passion, and overall made for such a heartwarming read.
Not only did I love the relationship, but I found the setting to be very interesting as well. Half of the fun of reading a historical romance is delving into a different time and place, and I really felt myself falling into the setting of this story. Not only have I not read about this time period much before, but the multiple (and sometimes conflicting) tensions of financial hardship, small town ignorance, and dealing with grief made both the setting and characters constantly intriguing. I really came for the romance but was pleasantly surprised by the attention to the side characters and the nuanced depths of the story.
Altogether, this is a fantastic historical romance, following two strong women in a loveable small town setting.
January 10, 2022
Only one question remains after reading this book: Why did I wait so long to start it during the holidays?
Nevertheless the idea of this book stood out prominently out of a few new publications on my reader, because "historic" wlw romances are very rare and it made me alsmot instantly fall back into the space of mind when I read Jae´s Oregon series. Sam Ledel´s story is nevertheless far more modern if you will, set in the 1930s.
We read about both women early on: Hazel (working in the family run "Old Lodge") and Lida (arriving with her father after yet another move across states with him looking for work) as they meet in Cedar Springs. She and her father are moving into a small cabin because he will work in the mine.
Both women are seemingly in their 20s and it takes quite some time before they have more than a few moments together but the air is charged with meaning between them from the start.
During this time and in this rural area you have to work hard to earn even a little money, there seems not much of a perspective, the only school closed some time ago and there is quite some sorrow seeping through these written lines. Hazel and Lida lost one parent early and it is especially Lida´s father who is struggeling to leave the swamp of sorrow behind, because he seems lost and cannot hold a steady job because of this. But he loves Lida and would do everything for her.
But Hazel and Lida are like a breeze of strength and fresh ideas, flickers of hope amidst all of this and we can see all characters search for other ways to deal with the sorrows that come with living. Lida starts with a riding library to fill the gap the school closing left in terms of getting stories to the kids and in extension to the parents.
I love fluent poetric writing like for example: "...Wildflower centerpiece next to a lone, dull candle."
We need this hope, against all odds, two women meeting in the 1930s and falling in love even if it is in secret (sometimes I think there is not that of a leap to today).
There are no magical and far-fetched coincidences but two strong headed women getting to know each other natually and slowly with time. The have witty dialogue, dynamic peronalities and I loved this book because it is just fragile and sweet with more or less fade to black intimacy, but it fits perfectly.
There are some twinges of rasicm but never spoken clearly about and this is also true about homosexuality. I would have liked someone (even family) really putting a name to it and therefore acknowledging their romance/relaionship.
This is probaly also owed to the circumstance that this is a relatively short book and 50 to 80 page more would made it possible to make room for more topics.
Nevertheless I really got invested and loved their story very much.
Go read this (did I mention the awesome cover) and not procrastinate for 2 weeks like I did over the holidays!
(ARC via netglley)
Nevertheless the idea of this book stood out prominently out of a few new publications on my reader, because "historic" wlw romances are very rare and it made me alsmot instantly fall back into the space of mind when I read Jae´s Oregon series. Sam Ledel´s story is nevertheless far more modern if you will, set in the 1930s.
We read about both women early on: Hazel (working in the family run "Old Lodge") and Lida (arriving with her father after yet another move across states with him looking for work) as they meet in Cedar Springs. She and her father are moving into a small cabin because he will work in the mine.
Both women are seemingly in their 20s and it takes quite some time before they have more than a few moments together but the air is charged with meaning between them from the start.
During this time and in this rural area you have to work hard to earn even a little money, there seems not much of a perspective, the only school closed some time ago and there is quite some sorrow seeping through these written lines. Hazel and Lida lost one parent early and it is especially Lida´s father who is struggeling to leave the swamp of sorrow behind, because he seems lost and cannot hold a steady job because of this. But he loves Lida and would do everything for her.
But Hazel and Lida are like a breeze of strength and fresh ideas, flickers of hope amidst all of this and we can see all characters search for other ways to deal with the sorrows that come with living. Lida starts with a riding library to fill the gap the school closing left in terms of getting stories to the kids and in extension to the parents.
I love fluent poetric writing like for example: "...Wildflower centerpiece next to a lone, dull candle."
We need this hope, against all odds, two women meeting in the 1930s and falling in love even if it is in secret (sometimes I think there is not that of a leap to today).
There are no magical and far-fetched coincidences but two strong headed women getting to know each other natually and slowly with time. The have witty dialogue, dynamic peronalities and I loved this book because it is just fragile and sweet with more or less fade to black intimacy, but it fits perfectly.
There are some twinges of rasicm but never spoken clearly about and this is also true about homosexuality. I would have liked someone (even family) really putting a name to it and therefore acknowledging their romance/relaionship.
This is probaly also owed to the circumstance that this is a relatively short book and 50 to 80 page more would made it possible to make room for more topics.
Nevertheless I really got invested and loved their story very much.
Go read this (did I mention the awesome cover) and not procrastinate for 2 weeks like I did over the holidays!
(ARC via netglley)
April 18, 2022
I‘m usually not a fan of books set in the past, but I decided to broaden my horizons and try reading a book set in 1935 by an author new to me - and I wasn’t disappointed!
Sam Ledel tells the story of two women in a rural mountain town, Lida and Hazel. Lida is the daughter of a Russian immigrant who’s found work in the coal mines of Cedar Springs. She’s an educated and ambitious young woman who’s quite progressive for her time. Hazel is the daughter of Clara, the owner of the towns diner. She’s used to putting her family first, helping out her mother, caring for her elderly grandfather and looking out for her younger brother.
Honestly, queer books set in the past quite scare me mainly because of the homophobia I‘m immediately expecting. This book however has barely any in it - there is distaste and disagreement, the hiding, the fearing, but no harm done to either character which I‘m extremely grateful for. The entire town is quite progressive, a bit unusual for a rural town at that time, but it’s fiction so I don’t see an issue with it.
Lida and Hazel have great chemistry and an easygoing romance, despite a few hurdles, but nothing they can’t take. They have common interests and shared ambitions which makes them work incredibly well as a couple.
The book does deal with important problems set in the time period such as coal miners, the lack of education, poverty and the lack of mental health support.
Definitely going to check out more books by this author!
Sam Ledel tells the story of two women in a rural mountain town, Lida and Hazel. Lida is the daughter of a Russian immigrant who’s found work in the coal mines of Cedar Springs. She’s an educated and ambitious young woman who’s quite progressive for her time. Hazel is the daughter of Clara, the owner of the towns diner. She’s used to putting her family first, helping out her mother, caring for her elderly grandfather and looking out for her younger brother.
Honestly, queer books set in the past quite scare me mainly because of the homophobia I‘m immediately expecting. This book however has barely any in it - there is distaste and disagreement, the hiding, the fearing, but no harm done to either character which I‘m extremely grateful for. The entire town is quite progressive, a bit unusual for a rural town at that time, but it’s fiction so I don’t see an issue with it.
Lida and Hazel have great chemistry and an easygoing romance, despite a few hurdles, but nothing they can’t take. They have common interests and shared ambitions which makes them work incredibly well as a couple.
The book does deal with important problems set in the time period such as coal miners, the lack of education, poverty and the lack of mental health support.
Definitely going to check out more books by this author!
January 12, 2022
Sam Ledel’s Wildflower Words is a delightfully sweet and charming tale about love. All types of love – bonds that can bind suffocatingly tight, love for family and friends, love for home, love of learning, and course, romantic passionate love. All of these are wonderfully explored throughout the book.
The downside of love is knowing that it can be fleeting, and it will break your heart. Since there is a synopsis available, I will not include one in this review. The main characters are very likable, and it was easy to become invested in their story right from the start. They are honest, forthright, and decent folks. The setting is Utah during the great depression. I thought of it as The Waltons out west.
The cast is rounded out by the denizens of Cedar Springs. All of whom are believably portrayed and bring their flaws and assets to bear. They help the reader feel what it must have been like to live in a town that has seen better days.
I would highly recommend this book for just enough angst to make me worry but not enough to make me doubt a HEA. This book is going to be added to my “comfort reread” list.
I received an ARC from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The downside of love is knowing that it can be fleeting, and it will break your heart. Since there is a synopsis available, I will not include one in this review. The main characters are very likable, and it was easy to become invested in their story right from the start. They are honest, forthright, and decent folks. The setting is Utah during the great depression. I thought of it as The Waltons out west.
The cast is rounded out by the denizens of Cedar Springs. All of whom are believably portrayed and bring their flaws and assets to bear. They help the reader feel what it must have been like to live in a town that has seen better days.
I would highly recommend this book for just enough angst to make me worry but not enough to make me doubt a HEA. This book is going to be added to my “comfort reread” list.
I received an ARC from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 3, 2022
Historical romance, 1930's rural Utah. Slow burn romance, two hard-working young women (in their 20s), butch/femme, fluffy feel despite having some serious topics, little homophobia, flirting through books.
What a delight!! I blew through this book in less than a day, complete with staying up late to finish. Just the book I was looking for... have already ordered a hard copy for my collection!!
Lida has been following her father across the United States as he bounces from one job to another (alcoholism, depression). But there latest stop - Cedar Springs, Utah - may be the one that Lida refuses to move on from, as she may have found the future she never knew to look for. A job (working for horse-delivery rural library), a supportive community, and love... Lida just has to decide to take it.
**I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
What a delight!! I blew through this book in less than a day, complete with staying up late to finish. Just the book I was looking for... have already ordered a hard copy for my collection!!
Lida has been following her father across the United States as he bounces from one job to another (alcoholism, depression). But there latest stop - Cedar Springs, Utah - may be the one that Lida refuses to move on from, as she may have found the future she never knew to look for. A job (working for horse-delivery rural library), a supportive community, and love... Lida just has to decide to take it.
**I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
January 14, 2022
I had no idea how much I would enjoy historical reads. The learning in regard to history tidbits is wonderful. I am looking and reading more and more. This read is set in a small mining community in Cedar Springs, Utah in 1935 during The Great Depression. Lida Jones, immigrant from Russia with a desire to settle down. Lida has been following her father as he moves (losing one job after another) from town to town. Lida is offered a job as a Pack Horse Librarian and she starts to feel a sense of home. Hazel Thompson and her family own a restaurant. Hazel loves her family and the town, but she feels like she is missing something. When Lida and Hazel meet, it is such a lovely romance with secondary characters especially Hazel's brother, Nicholas that enrich the story. Historical learning, so very awesome.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via Netgalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via Netgalley
January 23, 2022
Good story. The main characters were very easy to like, and the supporting characters were likable as well. Hazel and Lida were such a sweet couple together you could just feel how much they loved each other and wanted to be together. I liked that the author wrote this as a turn of the century piece and we get to see the juxtaposition of how people traveled from place to place whether it be by train, car, or horse and buggy.. Lida was a traveling librian who used a mule or pack horse to travel from neighbor to neighbor, to deliver library books for people to read. Hazel was a cook who helped her mother run the restaurant and dance hall that they owned. I felt that this was a slow burn romance were the two women became friends first and fell in love later.I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family, and I look forward to what this author writes next.
January 13, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction. The characters were relatable, well developed and had great chemistry. It was an amazing read. Well done. I recommend getting a copy.
4.5 stars
Thanks to the Publisher Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 stars
Thanks to the Publisher Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 24, 2022
This is the first book I have read by Ms. Ledel. It is a romance set in 1935 in the town of Cedar Springs, Utah. The two main characters, Hazel Thompson and Lida Jones, come from completely different backgrounds.
Lida is the daughter of an immigrant drifter. When the story begins, we find Lida and her father traveling to Cedar Springs for yet another job. Lida is hoping for a new beginning and is looking forward to finally establishing permanent roots. She finds a job she loves as the local traveling librarian while her father works in the mines. Although the population of Cedar Springs is not large, she is making friends and really enjoys the company of Hazel.
Hazel works in town with her mother in a small café. There is always work to be done as the café has many miners and local people who come to eat the excellent food her mother prepares. One of the traveling library stops is Hazel’s home. Hazel is drawn to the wonderful books the library has to offer and also to Lida.
There is a very slow romantic burn. Readers will enjoy the build up of the relationship between Lida and Hazel. Ms. Ledel does a good job of developing the characters as well as the story. I always enjoy historical books and this one paints a good picture of life in the West in the post-1929 depression. The details of hardships of immigrants, miners, and women were very informative.
I look forward to the next book by Ms. Ledel. I rank Wildflower Words with 4 out of 5 stars.
I received this ARC from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lida is the daughter of an immigrant drifter. When the story begins, we find Lida and her father traveling to Cedar Springs for yet another job. Lida is hoping for a new beginning and is looking forward to finally establishing permanent roots. She finds a job she loves as the local traveling librarian while her father works in the mines. Although the population of Cedar Springs is not large, she is making friends and really enjoys the company of Hazel.
Hazel works in town with her mother in a small café. There is always work to be done as the café has many miners and local people who come to eat the excellent food her mother prepares. One of the traveling library stops is Hazel’s home. Hazel is drawn to the wonderful books the library has to offer and also to Lida.
There is a very slow romantic burn. Readers will enjoy the build up of the relationship between Lida and Hazel. Ms. Ledel does a good job of developing the characters as well as the story. I always enjoy historical books and this one paints a good picture of life in the West in the post-1929 depression. The details of hardships of immigrants, miners, and women were very informative.
I look forward to the next book by Ms. Ledel. I rank Wildflower Words with 4 out of 5 stars.
I received this ARC from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews