REVIEW: Where the Wildflowers Grow

(Disclaimer:  I received an e-copy of "Where the Wildflowers Grow" as part of a Virtual Author Book Tour.  My opinions are my own.)

From GoodReads:

Sexual confusion and dysfunction cause the unraveling of the perfect American family in small town Georgia in 1960.

Rose Cassidy's fantasy life is a haunting reminder that she's living a lie. So when she has the opportunity to act on those fantasies, she dives in without any thought to consequences.

Rose's husband, Ryan, has fantasies of his own, and his actions cause unimaginable hurt [pain] to the very children he tries so hard to protect.

When the happiness each member of the Cassidy family seeks so desperately to find is shattered by shame, guilt, and ultimately murder, they must each face the truth that lies deep within their souls.

My Review:

'Wildflowers' had me from page one.  Vera Jane Cook's use of language raises her writing above the ordinary sea of books lining shelves of stores and libraries.  This is not meant to disrespect books in general, rather to praise Cook's writing in particular.  From the first scene of Chapter One, all five of my senses were engaged and wanting to know what was going to happen next.

If I had to express any dissatisfaction with "Wildflowers" it would be with all the preoccupation (?-my word) with sex.  I know sex is one of Maslow's basic needs, right up there with food and water.  Also, I wouldn't be here if my parents hadn't had at least a nominal interest in procreation.  I just don't care for public displays of what (for me) is an intimate act.  I know Michaelangelo's David is great art, but I'm probably not going to see it anytime soon with my parents or children, if that makes sense.  Please tell me that doesn't make me a conservative.

Having said that, if you like your fiction steamy, you will like "Where the Wildflowers Grow".

The characters are well-drawn and, if not always likable, I had empathy for them.  When they were heading for a proverbial cliff, I wanted to shout to warn them, or to shake them by the shoulders and ask, "What are you thinking?"

Overall, 'Wildflowers' is a great read.  It will definitely challenge you out of one or more comfort zones .. but remember, that can be a good thing too.

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