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When Wildflowers Bloom
How would you live your life if you believed any day could be your last?
Having the same genetic mutation that took both her mother and grandmother, Birdie Rose Hawkins meets her thirty-seventh birthday with the grim belief that this year will also be her last. While she normally spends her days living by lists, rules, and routines—alone—she starts her final year doing something she never does: having a one-night stand.
When the stranger fatefully reappears in her life, this time carrying baggage of his own, it’s with an offer of friendship. Rather than doing what she thinks will keep her safe, he, along with the few people she has in her life, teach her how to lean into the things that scare her.
But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes for them to ignore the connection they’ve had since that very first night. When a secret is exposed and threatens to destroy everything they’ve built, Birdie has to decide if she wants to survive like she always has or trust in the unknown that comes with truly living.
Having the same genetic mutation that took both her mother and grandmother, Birdie Rose Hawkins meets her thirty-seventh birthday with the grim belief that this year will also be her last. While she normally spends her days living by lists, rules, and routines—alone—she starts her final year doing something she never does: having a one-night stand.
When the stranger fatefully reappears in her life, this time carrying baggage of his own, it’s with an offer of friendship. Rather than doing what she thinks will keep her safe, he, along with the few people she has in her life, teach her how to lean into the things that scare her.
But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes for them to ignore the connection they’ve had since that very first night. When a secret is exposed and threatens to destroy everything they’ve built, Birdie has to decide if she wants to survive like she always has or trust in the unknown that comes with truly living.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
438 people are currently reading
6039 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Manley
5 books493 followersGive me all the unexpected characters, snark, and gasms. Please and thank you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews
February 10, 2025
It was a quick read and had so much heartttttttttr but, I just didn’t love it as much as Every Beautiful Mile. That one wrecked me in all the best ways. I think if you have a connection with the things the main character Birdie deals with (breast cancer and adoption) you’ll relate to this more and love it! Again though, Ashley Manley is GIFTED and I’ll read whatever she writes because I believe in her.
February 15, 2025
“Wildflowers don’t hide when they bloom, Birdie.”
Gahh! Where did you even come from, Ashley Manley? This jewel (much like EBM) gouged me with its Harpy eagle talons, pulled me in, drug me around and had its whole way with me.
I mean, I hand out 5 stars about as often as parentals hand out prophylactics to kindergarten princesses and super heroes at Halloween. AM really blew my hair back and I never saw it coming.
When Wildflowers Bloom is romance/women’s fiction, but it’s really so much more than that.
Going in, you assume you’re likely going to ‘witness’ some sort of meet cute and then of course the journey, as it unfolds.
But Manley takes storytelling to another level. Like Machu Picchu level. Somehow she manages to bring the most random, merry band of misfits together in a way that feels completely natural. But I know it can’t have been easy, putting all these moving parts together so seamlessly. Like assembling a puzzle that has pieces you’re not quite sure belong. Until you realize those odd pieces are the edges, creating a perfect frame and without them, it wouldn’t work as well or be nearly as perfect.
You just have to read her work to understand what I’m trying but failing to articulate. She’s a got damn weaver. A magician. A Weacian? A magiver? I don’t know and I have no idea how she pulled it off. But she did and beautifully so.
Naturally, as readers, we all want to connect with our F/MCs when tucking into a new book. We hope for it. We wait for it. But it’s certainly not a given. I have personally wanted to challenge many F/MCs that were supposed to be charming and witty to cage fights, because I found them completely repugnant, written all wrong and unintentionally so.
But not AM. She makes damn sure you fall in love with every single character she creates. And I mean EVERYDAMNBODY. I wanted to be friends with all of them, even hornball Mabel and grouchy ol’ Sam and George Strait the Goldendoodle. I wanted to make ugly art with Veda while she judged and criticized me the whole time. I wanted to squeeze Huck in a bear hug & hang out, high-five & do power yoga with Birdie. And I definitely wanted do dirty things to Bo🥴 Have forkin mercy. How the hell does a toothpick rollin’ around the mouth of a bearded hunk manage to ring the Devil’s doorbell, FFS?!?🥴
This book was life. The good, the bad, the ugly and all the in between. It’s a hurricane with a boundless range of reach and emotion. I laughed til I wheezed and yelled at my kindle as though it knew wtf I was saying. I smiled and swooned often. And boyyy, did I ugly cry.
(Random but honorable mention: I have a new appreciation for post-it’s, toothpicks and grocery stores.)
Seriously. Y’all read this book AND Every Beautiful Mile because they are both so damn worthy.
Huge shout-out to Ashley Manley! As if I haven’t said it enough, you are incredibly gifted & I can’t wait to see what you’ll do next!🙌🏼 {I’m not too ashamed to say that I am your Annie Wilkes😌}
Big thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Wildflower Books LLC for this amazing arc in exchange for review!
X~
Honey badger😉
Pub date: 9.17.24.
Gahh! Where did you even come from, Ashley Manley? This jewel (much like EBM) gouged me with its Harpy eagle talons, pulled me in, drug me around and had its whole way with me.
I mean, I hand out 5 stars about as often as parentals hand out prophylactics to kindergarten princesses and super heroes at Halloween. AM really blew my hair back and I never saw it coming.
When Wildflowers Bloom is romance/women’s fiction, but it’s really so much more than that.
Going in, you assume you’re likely going to ‘witness’ some sort of meet cute and then of course the journey, as it unfolds.
But Manley takes storytelling to another level. Like Machu Picchu level. Somehow she manages to bring the most random, merry band of misfits together in a way that feels completely natural. But I know it can’t have been easy, putting all these moving parts together so seamlessly. Like assembling a puzzle that has pieces you’re not quite sure belong. Until you realize those odd pieces are the edges, creating a perfect frame and without them, it wouldn’t work as well or be nearly as perfect.
You just have to read her work to understand what I’m trying but failing to articulate. She’s a got damn weaver. A magician. A Weacian? A magiver? I don’t know and I have no idea how she pulled it off. But she did and beautifully so.
Naturally, as readers, we all want to connect with our F/MCs when tucking into a new book. We hope for it. We wait for it. But it’s certainly not a given. I have personally wanted to challenge many F/MCs that were supposed to be charming and witty to cage fights, because I found them completely repugnant, written all wrong and unintentionally so.
But not AM. She makes damn sure you fall in love with every single character she creates. And I mean EVERYDAMNBODY. I wanted to be friends with all of them, even hornball Mabel and grouchy ol’ Sam and George Strait the Goldendoodle. I wanted to make ugly art with Veda while she judged and criticized me the whole time. I wanted to squeeze Huck in a bear hug & hang out, high-five & do power yoga with Birdie. And I definitely wanted do dirty things to Bo🥴 Have forkin mercy. How the hell does a toothpick rollin’ around the mouth of a bearded hunk manage to ring the Devil’s doorbell, FFS?!?🥴
This book was life. The good, the bad, the ugly and all the in between. It’s a hurricane with a boundless range of reach and emotion. I laughed til I wheezed and yelled at my kindle as though it knew wtf I was saying. I smiled and swooned often. And boyyy, did I ugly cry.
(Random but honorable mention: I have a new appreciation for post-it’s, toothpicks and grocery stores.)
Seriously. Y’all read this book AND Every Beautiful Mile because they are both so damn worthy.
Huge shout-out to Ashley Manley! As if I haven’t said it enough, you are incredibly gifted & I can’t wait to see what you’ll do next!🙌🏼 {I’m not too ashamed to say that I am your Annie Wilkes😌}
Big thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Wildflower Books LLC for this amazing arc in exchange for review!
X~
Honey badger😉
Pub date: 9.17.24.
August 27, 2024
Wow - just wow. This book was absolutely beautiful. The characters all felt SO real like you could show up in their fictional town and visit them all.
Birdie believes this is her last year on Earth once she turns 37 as her mother and grandmother both died at this age of a rare genetic mutation that Birdie also has. She lives by her set of strict rules and regulations to keep herself safe but all that changes when she meets Bo.
I absolutely adored the characters of Birdie and Bo but the side characters were just as lovable and amazing. Veda, Sam, Margot, Huck, and of course, George Strait, move the story from a beautiful romance to a story of found family and true love.
I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time. Such a beautiful story.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
Birdie believes this is her last year on Earth once she turns 37 as her mother and grandmother both died at this age of a rare genetic mutation that Birdie also has. She lives by her set of strict rules and regulations to keep herself safe but all that changes when she meets Bo.
I absolutely adored the characters of Birdie and Bo but the side characters were just as lovable and amazing. Veda, Sam, Margot, Huck, and of course, George Strait, move the story from a beautiful romance to a story of found family and true love.
I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time. Such a beautiful story.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
August 24, 2024
1000⭐️
ugh i wish i could rate this more stars. i think this is my absolute favorite book i've read all year. this will be my new roman empire. when birdie's mom and grandma both pass away at 37 from breast cancer- she discovers she also carries the mutation for cancer. on her 37th birthday all she wants to do is keep her head down and continue with her normal life as much as possible- until she meets bo at a bar. this book takes you on an emotional roller coaster through birdie's life and opening up and letting bo in. this book had me laughing and crying my eyes out but in the best way. this book was absolutely beautiful.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this ARC!
ugh i wish i could rate this more stars. i think this is my absolute favorite book i've read all year. this will be my new roman empire. when birdie's mom and grandma both pass away at 37 from breast cancer- she discovers she also carries the mutation for cancer. on her 37th birthday all she wants to do is keep her head down and continue with her normal life as much as possible- until she meets bo at a bar. this book takes you on an emotional roller coaster through birdie's life and opening up and letting bo in. this book had me laughing and crying my eyes out but in the best way. this book was absolutely beautiful.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this ARC!
August 27, 2024
When I picture a “love story” or a “romance” THIS is what I expect. You make a connection with every character and you really feel the love building…feel the heartaches. So damn good.
I do keep giving my boyfriend the stank eye because he isn’t Bo, but I’ll get over it eventually….maybe.
I do keep giving my boyfriend the stank eye because he isn’t Bo, but I’ll get over it eventually….maybe.
December 14, 2025
I read this book 13 days into the year and declared it would be my top read of 2025. I had to read it again to be sure...and without a doubt THIS is my favorite book of the year. Everything about it was so well done and so well written that I felt all the emotions. I highly recommend picking this one up. I will be reading it again at some point.
5+ ⭐We are not even halfway through January yet, and I am 💯 confident I just finished my #1 read of 2025. From the first chapter where I was laughing out loud, shaking the couch to the last chapter when my sobs were shaking the couch, I absolutely loved this book.
The way Manley creates these flawed, yet strong female leads who are nothing like me, but somehow feel like exactly me is incredible. After reading the summary, I didn't think I'd really like Birdie more than Nel from EBM, but again she wormed her way right in.
The cast of supporting characters are absolutely perfect from Huck to Mabel and everyone in between. The perfect (and now my favorite ever) book boyfriend in Bo.
Such an amazing story! Perfection! Read it!
5+ ⭐We are not even halfway through January yet, and I am 💯 confident I just finished my #1 read of 2025. From the first chapter where I was laughing out loud, shaking the couch to the last chapter when my sobs were shaking the couch, I absolutely loved this book.
The way Manley creates these flawed, yet strong female leads who are nothing like me, but somehow feel like exactly me is incredible. After reading the summary, I didn't think I'd really like Birdie more than Nel from EBM, but again she wormed her way right in.
The cast of supporting characters are absolutely perfect from Huck to Mabel and everyone in between. The perfect (and now my favorite ever) book boyfriend in Bo.
Such an amazing story! Perfection! Read it!
February 14, 2025
WHEN WILDFLOWERS BLOOM by Ashley Manley ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ashley has done it again! I enjoyed this book so much, and I think if you have dealt with some of the hard topics in this book, it would be an easy five stars for you. The main characters in this book you will love, but the real stars to me were Vera, Mabel, and Sam… tell me when you fall in love.
Birdie is 37 and has a gene that makes her more susceptible to cancer. Both her Mother and Grandmother passed away at 37, so Birdie is anxious this is her last year to live. Wanting to be more adventurous with her possibly limited time, Birdie makes a bucket list. When she meets Bo, he is all too willing to help her complete the list.
Perfect if you like:
•Senior citizens.
•George Strait.
•Small town love.
•Difficult conflict and resolution.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Mood: 🌮🍫
🚪: 26, 34, 36
⚠️: explicit language. TW: cancer, death, BRCA, adoption.
Birdie is 37 and has a gene that makes her more susceptible to cancer. Both her Mother and Grandmother passed away at 37, so Birdie is anxious this is her last year to live. Wanting to be more adventurous with her possibly limited time, Birdie makes a bucket list. When she meets Bo, he is all too willing to help her complete the list.
Perfect if you like:
•Senior citizens.
•George Strait.
•Small town love.
•Difficult conflict and resolution.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Mood: 🌮🍫
🚪: 26, 34, 36
⚠️: explicit language. TW: cancer, death, BRCA, adoption.
June 28, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ this author has my heart!
May 15, 2025
3 stars for the fucking RAW MILK pancakes and weird right wing undercurrent I was getting (I might be overthinking it but some of the abortion talk had me raising my eyebrow).
This would have been a 2 if Birdie died at the end and a 4 if it also didn't drag as much at the end. I did cry a lot and it was super sweet + I would kill for Huck !!!!
This would have been a 2 if Birdie died at the end and a 4 if it also didn't drag as much at the end. I did cry a lot and it was super sweet + I would kill for Huck !!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
4.5🌟 Can’t wait for her next book to come out
May 14, 2025
This is the most wholesome book I’ve ever read and i loved every minute of it🩷
July 1, 2025
looooove
September 17, 2024
I had the privilege of being some early eyes on this absolute masterpiece and I was immediately hooked!
The characters are lovable, relatable, and VISIBLE. The entire story comes to life so seamlessly and truly feels like you’re sitting down to press play on that favorite movie you watch 4-5x a year, even though it makes you sob. Because it also makes you laugh. And giggle. And squeal.
Birdie is particular and silly and unbelievably burdened, and our introduction to her is comedic gold. Bo is all man (that dang toothpick🫠) and all things good. But then there’s the side characters. OH these side characters. They are sweet and spicy and the perfect dose of crazy. And they all play such a special part in this story of life and loss and love.
Ashley’s stories read as if she is a seasoned author, a master at crafting characters with depth and soul and flaws.
I love this book. And I love these characters. And I’m pretty certain that you will too.
The characters are lovable, relatable, and VISIBLE. The entire story comes to life so seamlessly and truly feels like you’re sitting down to press play on that favorite movie you watch 4-5x a year, even though it makes you sob. Because it also makes you laugh. And giggle. And squeal.
Birdie is particular and silly and unbelievably burdened, and our introduction to her is comedic gold. Bo is all man (that dang toothpick🫠) and all things good. But then there’s the side characters. OH these side characters. They are sweet and spicy and the perfect dose of crazy. And they all play such a special part in this story of life and loss and love.
Ashley’s stories read as if she is a seasoned author, a master at crafting characters with depth and soul and flaws.
I love this book. And I love these characters. And I’m pretty certain that you will too.
September 4, 2025
This story 🥹
“Wildflowers don’t hide when they bloom, Birdie.”
Birdie lives life by routine. She has to because a long life isn’t in the cards for her. Or is it? When a chance meeting with Bo takes Birdie’s structured world on a journey of hope filled adventure, Birdie soon realizes there’s more to life than what came before you.
This book is tender and comforting. It’s a reminder that life is worth living even when the outcome may be a bit messy. Manely packed her novel with characters that are relatable and compelling, people who can’t help but cheer for.
“When Wildflowers Bloom” was my first experience with Ashley’s work. As soon as I finished this one, I downloaded her entire backlist. I’m all in.
“Wildflowers don’t hide when they bloom, Birdie.”
Birdie lives life by routine. She has to because a long life isn’t in the cards for her. Or is it? When a chance meeting with Bo takes Birdie’s structured world on a journey of hope filled adventure, Birdie soon realizes there’s more to life than what came before you.
This book is tender and comforting. It’s a reminder that life is worth living even when the outcome may be a bit messy. Manely packed her novel with characters that are relatable and compelling, people who can’t help but cheer for.
“When Wildflowers Bloom” was my first experience with Ashley’s work. As soon as I finished this one, I downloaded her entire backlist. I’m all in.
August 24, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this through Ashley's newsletter and I. LOVED. IT!
Birdie is particular about absolutely everything in her life, because she's trying to outrun the genetic disease that took her mom and grandma. She doesn't realize that there's a difference between living and being alive until she has a chance encounter with a handsome stranger. That encounter turns into friendship, which turns into more.
This book brings together complex main characters and a cast of supporting characters that are extremely lovable. The story is beautiful. I laughed and cried too many times to count.
I highly recommend this book!
Birdie is particular about absolutely everything in her life, because she's trying to outrun the genetic disease that took her mom and grandma. She doesn't realize that there's a difference between living and being alive until she has a chance encounter with a handsome stranger. That encounter turns into friendship, which turns into more.
This book brings together complex main characters and a cast of supporting characters that are extremely lovable. The story is beautiful. I laughed and cried too many times to count.
I highly recommend this book!
January 15, 2025
WOW! I would rate this book 10 stars if I could! I was very excited to read this one after loving "Every Beautiful Mile", and I was blown away with how much I loved it. I honestly haven't cried while reading a book in a very long time and I definitely cried a few times (mostly happy tears). The author writes so beautifully and has a wonderful way of connecting us to the characters. I was obsessed with not only the main characters, but all of the supporting ones too. I could picture them all so vividly and just felt like I was right there with them. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know & I cannot wait to read what's next by Ashley Manley!!!
May 1, 2025
5.0 stars. 👏👏👏 Another wonderful, heartfelt, beautiful story from a gifted author. The characters are so real, I loved them all. I LMAO ("Pam Beesly"), I cried and loved every minute of it. Can't say enough about how much I adore this author. Already marked my calendar for her next release in September. Can't come soon enough.
Oh, how I wish Audible would release her books with awesome dual narrators. They're all worth a re-read/listen.
Oh, how I wish Audible would release her books with awesome dual narrators. They're all worth a re-read/listen.
January 7, 2026
Hands down probably one of my favorite books ever. — I didn’t loveeee Every Beautiful Mile, but that book lead me to read this and I am sooo grateful.
Love is not a big enough or strong enough word to encompass my feelings for this story. — prepare to cry, feel your heart clenching, and fall in love with alllllllll the hilarious and endearing side characters. And of course there’s a hunky “lumberjack” cabin builder, single-dad as our MMC.
Love is not a big enough or strong enough word to encompass my feelings for this story. — prepare to cry, feel your heart clenching, and fall in love with alllllllll the hilarious and endearing side characters. And of course there’s a hunky “lumberjack” cabin builder, single-dad as our MMC.
April 5, 2025
A great read. I didn’t love it as much as her other 2 books but no the less she’s a great writer and enjoyed this one. I just didn’t connect with the mfc and a few things were a little too predictable
August 9, 2025
gosh, am I crying at 4am just finishing this book? Obviously.
This book had so many powerful messages and complex systems/experiences people face. I really like the writing in this book and got to really connect with the characters. Just so wholesome and felt quick to read! Some pieces were pretty predictable but still loved it.
This book had so many powerful messages and complex systems/experiences people face. I really like the writing in this book and got to really connect with the characters. Just so wholesome and felt quick to read! Some pieces were pretty predictable but still loved it.
September 16, 2024
Wow.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC to this book.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC to this book.
October 17, 2024
What an amazing book! You don’t regret it.
May 6, 2025
It has been a bit since I read a book that shook my heart. It has its flaws, but the storyline had me feeling every emotion.
July 17, 2025
3.5
it was pretty cheesy throughout but the ending was really cute and well done🥹
it was pretty cheesy throughout but the ending was really cute and well done🥹
July 20, 2025
Beautiful and powerful story!!
January 6, 2026
One of the best books I have read in a long time. Excellent characters, and I actually cried multiple times. Beautiful. Definitely going to find her other books now!
August 13, 2024
This is easily one of my all-time favorite reads! The book is breathtaking in every way imaginable. The characters will have you laughing and craving more. Ashley’s storytelling is phenomenal—her talent is truly extraordinary!
November 16, 2025
Women need to stop writing unrealistic fictional men because my standards have reached impossible heights. This was so good.
“I learned one more person in my life can make my world so much bigger but ultimately leave me feeling crushed and small. I learned that, after a lifetime of wishing I had a different life, it turns out a different life is just the same damn bullshit.”
“I learned one more person in my life can make my world so much bigger but ultimately leave me feeling crushed and small. I learned that, after a lifetime of wishing I had a different life, it turns out a different life is just the same damn bullshit.”
January 28, 2026
I knew from the start this would be a book that makes me cry at the end and I was completely right. WOW- if you need a feel good book this is the one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews