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Where the Wildflowers Grow
NAMED A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF THE YEAR BY Goodreads, Essence, Sunset Magazine, SheReads, BookBub, and more!
From acclaimed author Terah Shelton Harris comes a poignant story of survival and redemption that questions what it means to stop existing and start living.
Leigh is the last of the Wildes. She knows this because she watched them all die.
Grief never truly fades and even as the tragedy haunts her, Leigh carries on, because survival is in her blood. So, when the transport bus taking her to prison careens off the road, killing everyone onboard except her, she does what’s in her nature. She survives.
While searching for a place to hide, Leigh stumbles upon an unexpected a flower farm in rural Alabama tucked away from the world. What Leigh doesn’t expect is the found family there who have built something from the wreckage of their own lives. Especially Jackson, the farm’s owner, who sees through Leigh’s defenses, offers her small moments of tenderness, encourages her to face her own tragedies. Slowly, Leigh finds peace with the hard pace and soft nature of the farm, taking comfort in the life blooming around her. Maybe she’s not beyond redemption, not too broken for something good. And maybe, just maybe, Leigh starts to heal.
But the past isn't so easily buried.
No matter how far she runs, the truth of who she is and the ghosts of the Wildes follow. And when those secrets catch up to her, threatening everything she’s come to love, Leigh will have to truly face what she can survive.
From acclaimed author Terah Shelton Harris comes a poignant story of survival and redemption that questions what it means to stop existing and start living.
Leigh is the last of the Wildes. She knows this because she watched them all die.
Grief never truly fades and even as the tragedy haunts her, Leigh carries on, because survival is in her blood. So, when the transport bus taking her to prison careens off the road, killing everyone onboard except her, she does what’s in her nature. She survives.
While searching for a place to hide, Leigh stumbles upon an unexpected a flower farm in rural Alabama tucked away from the world. What Leigh doesn’t expect is the found family there who have built something from the wreckage of their own lives. Especially Jackson, the farm’s owner, who sees through Leigh’s defenses, offers her small moments of tenderness, encourages her to face her own tragedies. Slowly, Leigh finds peace with the hard pace and soft nature of the farm, taking comfort in the life blooming around her. Maybe she’s not beyond redemption, not too broken for something good. And maybe, just maybe, Leigh starts to heal.
But the past isn't so easily buried.
No matter how far she runs, the truth of who she is and the ghosts of the Wildes follow. And when those secrets catch up to her, threatening everything she’s come to love, Leigh will have to truly face what she can survive.
Audible Audio
First published February 17, 2026
328 people are currently reading
97376 people want to read
About the author
Terah Shelton Harris
3 books1,182 followersTERAH SHELTON HARRIS is an author and former librarian, who now writes upmarket fiction with bittersweet endings. She is the author of One Summer in Savannah and Long After We Are Gone. Her books have been chosen as a Target Book Club pick, LibraryReads pick, Kobo Best Book, Together We Read pick, Publisher’s Marketplace Buzz Book, and a Goodreads Choice Awards nominee for Best Debut. Terah was also named Target’s first Author of the Year. Her third book, Where the Wildflowers Grow, will be published in February 2026.
Find Terah online:
Website: www.terahsharris.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terahsharris/
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/13825...
Find Terah online:
Website: www.terahsharris.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terahsharris/
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/13825...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
January 17, 2026
Where the Wildflowers Grow is a breathtaking meditation on survival—not just of the body, but of the heart, the spirit, and one’s sense of self after unimaginable loss.
Leigh’s story is not a light one—how could it be, when it begins in the wreckage of a prison bus crash? But what Terah Shelton Harris does so brilliantly is to offer light through the cracks. With prose that’s both raw and deeply compassionate, Harris invites us to walk beside a woman who has forgotten what it means to live, and watch as she begins to remember—through the rhythm of the earth, the quiet kindness of strangers, and the persistence of things that bloom in spite of everything.
The flower farm setting is more than just atmospheric—it becomes a metaphor for slow, organic healing. There’s something quietly radical about the way this book frames redemption not as a dramatic turnaround, but as a series of small, brave choices: to stay, to trust, to let someone in. And in Jackson—flawed, gentle, and real—we find not just a love interest, but a symbol of the kind of steady presence that trauma survivors are rarely granted in fiction.
But perhaps the most powerful element here is the exploration of identity and memory. Leigh is not simply running from the law—she’s fleeing the ruins of a life she never had the power to build in the first place. Watching her rediscover herself, not through grand epiphanies but in quiet routines and acts of care, is profoundly moving.
This isn’t a story about flowers and romance on the surface—though it delivers both with grace—it’s a story about how we piece ourselves back together, how we learn to trust the soil we once thought too barren to grow anything. It’s tender, atmospheric, grounded, and at times heart-wrenching, but never without hope.
Deepest thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for sharing this remarkable and emotional women’s fiction digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Leigh’s story is not a light one—how could it be, when it begins in the wreckage of a prison bus crash? But what Terah Shelton Harris does so brilliantly is to offer light through the cracks. With prose that’s both raw and deeply compassionate, Harris invites us to walk beside a woman who has forgotten what it means to live, and watch as she begins to remember—through the rhythm of the earth, the quiet kindness of strangers, and the persistence of things that bloom in spite of everything.
The flower farm setting is more than just atmospheric—it becomes a metaphor for slow, organic healing. There’s something quietly radical about the way this book frames redemption not as a dramatic turnaround, but as a series of small, brave choices: to stay, to trust, to let someone in. And in Jackson—flawed, gentle, and real—we find not just a love interest, but a symbol of the kind of steady presence that trauma survivors are rarely granted in fiction.
But perhaps the most powerful element here is the exploration of identity and memory. Leigh is not simply running from the law—she’s fleeing the ruins of a life she never had the power to build in the first place. Watching her rediscover herself, not through grand epiphanies but in quiet routines and acts of care, is profoundly moving.
This isn’t a story about flowers and romance on the surface—though it delivers both with grace—it’s a story about how we piece ourselves back together, how we learn to trust the soil we once thought too barren to grow anything. It’s tender, atmospheric, grounded, and at times heart-wrenching, but never without hope.
Deepest thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for sharing this remarkable and emotional women’s fiction digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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November 7, 2025
There are just never enough stars for a Terah Shelton Harris book.
Have you ever thought of what shame really feels like? How you carry it on your back? How it permeates your soul and shows up in every aspect of your life? And how someone can LIVE with shame and survive. That is what this story is about to me.
Have you ever thought of what shame really feels like? How you carry it on your back? How it permeates your soul and shows up in every aspect of your life? And how someone can LIVE with shame and survive. That is what this story is about to me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25 stars Where the Wildflowers Grow is a poignant and moving meditation on survival and redemption. The story opens with Leigh as the only survivor of a prison bus crash. She stumbles upon a wildflower farm in Alabama and meets found family there. Identity and memory become strong themes as well. The wildflower farm serves as an allegory for Leigh's transformation and growth from barren soil to a blooming garden. While at the farm Leigh begins to heal emotionally, gain confidence and transform into a person who learns to trust others, including herself.
I loved so many things about this book. The author's prose is absolutely stunning, especially in the first few chapters of the novel, I found it breathtaking. As the story continued, I felt somewhat of that was lost and not seamlessly woven throughout. The characters are fully fleshed and explored which I enjoyed. Romance fans will adore this book as that is a large theme of the novel which was a surprise for me.
The audiobook performance by Tracie Thoms, Diontae Black, and Terah Shelton Harris is exceptional and added emotional depth to the novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, Sourcebooks Audio, and Terah Shelton Harris for an advance reader's copy and an advance listening copy. All opinions are my own. 📚🎧
I loved so many things about this book. The author's prose is absolutely stunning, especially in the first few chapters of the novel, I found it breathtaking. As the story continued, I felt somewhat of that was lost and not seamlessly woven throughout. The characters are fully fleshed and explored which I enjoyed. Romance fans will adore this book as that is a large theme of the novel which was a surprise for me.
The audiobook performance by Tracie Thoms, Diontae Black, and Terah Shelton Harris is exceptional and added emotional depth to the novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, Sourcebooks Audio, and Terah Shelton Harris for an advance reader's copy and an advance listening copy. All opinions are my own. 📚🎧
Want to read
January 29, 2026Love poignant stories of survival and redemption.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and the author, Terah Shelton Harris for an early eARC!
Publication date: February 17, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and the author, Terah Shelton Harris for an early eARC!
Publication date: February 17, 2026
August 18, 2025
Where the Wildflowers Grow by by Tera Shelton Harris is an emotional novel sharing a woman’s survival of a deeply dysfunctional family, utter tragedy, and the fallout and grief that is left behind. It follows “Leigh” who is the only survivor of a prison bus crash. But that is what Leigh does, she survives. The instinct has been drilled into her since she was a small child. She has experienced profound loss, emotional abuse, even prison. Now, after the bus transporting her to a new facility crashes and she alone walks away she must fight to survive again. But this isn’t just a story of physical survival. It is a deep dive into what grief, abuse and guilt can do to a person over the years. Leigh begins the very hard task of finding her way out of the emotional abyss. By chance she lands at a beautiful flower farm in rural Alabama where she begins her journey of healing. There she meets a close knit group of three men whom have all had their share of loss. Jackson, the owner of the farm, takes a special interest in Leigh, and through kindness, patience and friendship allows her to confront her past.
The novel does an excellent job exploring the feelings and thoughts of a deeply wounded Leigh as she begins to confront her demons. The flower farm is described beautifully and the connection between working the earth and connecting with inner self is done very well. The slowly unfolding relationship between Leigh and Jackson provides a blueprint for “being there” for another person. Jackson allows her to feel and share and is a strong sounding board for Leigh.
I mostly enjoyed the novel and how the story opened up little by little as Leigh herself did. It is an emotional look at one woman’s struggle to confront her past, make peace with it and move forward to truly live. One small detractor for me were the sex scenes…they were a long time coming but more than I needed to read. I’d rather some of that was left to the imagination.
All in all though it was a compelling story, well done and the ending was satisfying.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the Advanced Reader Copy.
The novel does an excellent job exploring the feelings and thoughts of a deeply wounded Leigh as she begins to confront her demons. The flower farm is described beautifully and the connection between working the earth and connecting with inner self is done very well. The slowly unfolding relationship between Leigh and Jackson provides a blueprint for “being there” for another person. Jackson allows her to feel and share and is a strong sounding board for Leigh.
I mostly enjoyed the novel and how the story opened up little by little as Leigh herself did. It is an emotional look at one woman’s struggle to confront her past, make peace with it and move forward to truly live. One small detractor for me were the sex scenes…they were a long time coming but more than I needed to read. I’d rather some of that was left to the imagination.
All in all though it was a compelling story, well done and the ending was satisfying.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the Advanced Reader Copy.
February 18, 2026
⭐⭐⭐.5
Pre-Read Notes:
The cover got me here. And it's an abuse narrative written by an author who shows compassion for her reader. I expect to find this an extremely difficult read, but moving, and possible for me to read because of the author's kindness. Thank you Terah!
"Moments of our becoming are never easily identified." p281
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) This book is sort of like 2 books in one, both starring the same characters. The first half is the recovery arc for the main character, Leandra. The second half is a romance between her and the mmc, Jackson. I wish the author had chosen one of these and developed it more fully.
I think this form made me prefer one half (the first) significantly more than the other, which is unusual for me. And I didn't favor the ending at all. I think it was meant to be a twist but for me, it came out of nowhere and did not make sense.
I recommend this to fans of Trigger Warning by Jacinda Townsend or The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes.
My 3 Favorite Things:
✔️ THIS IS HOW TO DO TRIGGER WARNINGS! She did not spoil her book. She respected her audience. Fiction authors, please take note. "What she endures in this story may be difficult to read, especially if you, too, have walked a similar path. Survivor’s guilt, an all-too real and common experience, will be explored in these pages along with child abuse (emotional and physical), sibling and parental deaths, and sexual abuse (not depicted on the page). As I’ve written before, we bring a piece of ourselves into everything we read, so please take care of yourself as you engage with this book. Your emotional well-being matters, so it’s understandable if you need to pause or step away. This story is here to honor your strength and your survival, not to serve as a trigger."
✔️ "“Rest, Leigh.”His voice softened, as though wrapping the words in something tender. “I can give you that here and I can help you sort through whatever you’ve buried. But you have to stop. You have to cut back your foliage and dig up your tubers.”" Oh man, a recovery arc with gardening themes? This author is writing directly to my soul💜
✔️ "“It’s called grounding. When your bare feet come in contact with the earth, free electrons flow into your body. Grounding helps us to harness Earth’s natural energies to calm us. We’ve become so separated from our bond with nature and from the very essence that once tethered us to the land.”" p175 Grounding does help anxiety. Being in contact with nature is good for mental health for a few reasons. But it has nothing to do with electrons. That's unscientific. That’s not how charge, current, or physiology work. But seriously? Go outside barefoot for five minutes. You'll thank Terah. (Thank you Terah!)
✔️ "That day I forged my own reality. And Jackson, the man that I loved, stood at the center." p261 This book really did not go in the direction I thought it would.
Content Notes: See the author's trigger warnings in the preface.
Thank you to Terah Shelton Harris, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of WHERE THE WILDFLOWERS GROW. All views are mine.
Pre-Read Notes:
The cover got me here. And it's an abuse narrative written by an author who shows compassion for her reader. I expect to find this an extremely difficult read, but moving, and possible for me to read because of the author's kindness. Thank you Terah!
"Moments of our becoming are never easily identified." p281
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) This book is sort of like 2 books in one, both starring the same characters. The first half is the recovery arc for the main character, Leandra. The second half is a romance between her and the mmc, Jackson. I wish the author had chosen one of these and developed it more fully.
I think this form made me prefer one half (the first) significantly more than the other, which is unusual for me. And I didn't favor the ending at all. I think it was meant to be a twist but for me, it came out of nowhere and did not make sense.
I recommend this to fans of Trigger Warning by Jacinda Townsend or The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes.
My 3 Favorite Things:
✔️ THIS IS HOW TO DO TRIGGER WARNINGS! She did not spoil her book. She respected her audience. Fiction authors, please take note. "What she endures in this story may be difficult to read, especially if you, too, have walked a similar path. Survivor’s guilt, an all-too real and common experience, will be explored in these pages along with child abuse (emotional and physical), sibling and parental deaths, and sexual abuse (not depicted on the page). As I’ve written before, we bring a piece of ourselves into everything we read, so please take care of yourself as you engage with this book. Your emotional well-being matters, so it’s understandable if you need to pause or step away. This story is here to honor your strength and your survival, not to serve as a trigger."
✔️ "“Rest, Leigh.”His voice softened, as though wrapping the words in something tender. “I can give you that here and I can help you sort through whatever you’ve buried. But you have to stop. You have to cut back your foliage and dig up your tubers.”" Oh man, a recovery arc with gardening themes? This author is writing directly to my soul💜
✔️ "“It’s called grounding. When your bare feet come in contact with the earth, free electrons flow into your body. Grounding helps us to harness Earth’s natural energies to calm us. We’ve become so separated from our bond with nature and from the very essence that once tethered us to the land.”" p175 Grounding does help anxiety. Being in contact with nature is good for mental health for a few reasons. But it has nothing to do with electrons. That's unscientific. That’s not how charge, current, or physiology work. But seriously? Go outside barefoot for five minutes. You'll thank Terah. (Thank you Terah!)
✔️ "That day I forged my own reality. And Jackson, the man that I loved, stood at the center." p261 This book really did not go in the direction I thought it would.
Content Notes: See the author's trigger warnings in the preface.
Thank you to Terah Shelton Harris, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of WHERE THE WILDFLOWERS GROW. All views are mine.
February 19, 2026
Since I didn't exactly know what genre this book was when I chose to review it on NetGalley. I will start with that.
Also as I work my way through this review I will decide to give this 4 or 5 stars. I truly wish most rating systems allowed us to rate between the two. If that were the case this would be a 4.7. It is not a perfect book. But it is close to be quite totally fulfilling in the genre where it sits. This is Contemporary Fiction, Southern Fiction or Uptown Fiction.
Since this is my first time hearing of Uptown Fiction I will share this definition I found…
Upmarket fiction is
a genre-blending category that sits between literary and commercial fiction, offering a "page-turning" plot combined with elevated, nuanced writing and deep character development.
If that is the definition then this book definitely filled the requirements of this definition.
First, I was drawn in by the synopsis of this novel. Secondly, in the beginning of the novel because of the beautiful prose I was ready to proclaim this Literary Fiction. But Harris went back and forth between the incredible prose to just strong and steady story telling.
The author evidently is known for her bittersweet endings. She certainly delivered that in spades.
For a good majority of the novel this became a Romance. Romance is a genre I never choose purposefully. I often read it accidentally. This was a deep and beautiful romance.
Even though I felt this novel really leaned toward Romance I would read her work again.
Harris really succeeded in her character development.
If you would like to be spirited off to another place and time pick up Where the Wildflowers Grow.
Thank you to Terah Shelton Harris and her publisher Sourcebooks Landmark for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Where the Wildflowers Grow and to NetGalley for putting reading reviewers and authors together.
Also as I work my way through this review I will decide to give this 4 or 5 stars. I truly wish most rating systems allowed us to rate between the two. If that were the case this would be a 4.7. It is not a perfect book. But it is close to be quite totally fulfilling in the genre where it sits. This is Contemporary Fiction, Southern Fiction or Uptown Fiction.
Since this is my first time hearing of Uptown Fiction I will share this definition I found…
Upmarket fiction is
a genre-blending category that sits between literary and commercial fiction, offering a "page-turning" plot combined with elevated, nuanced writing and deep character development.
If that is the definition then this book definitely filled the requirements of this definition.
First, I was drawn in by the synopsis of this novel. Secondly, in the beginning of the novel because of the beautiful prose I was ready to proclaim this Literary Fiction. But Harris went back and forth between the incredible prose to just strong and steady story telling.
The author evidently is known for her bittersweet endings. She certainly delivered that in spades.
For a good majority of the novel this became a Romance. Romance is a genre I never choose purposefully. I often read it accidentally. This was a deep and beautiful romance.
Even though I felt this novel really leaned toward Romance I would read her work again.
Harris really succeeded in her character development.
If you would like to be spirited off to another place and time pick up Where the Wildflowers Grow.
Thank you to Terah Shelton Harris and her publisher Sourcebooks Landmark for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Where the Wildflowers Grow and to NetGalley for putting reading reviewers and authors together.
January 6, 2026
Love to Leigh and her found family! If you’re a fan of found family and romance then this is the book for you. Leigh’s journey was heartfelt and a tough road but her quiet strength was admirable. This almost read as a survivor’s memoir.
I can’t wait for more people to read this book 😭♥️
I can’t wait for more people to read this book 😭♥️
February 17, 2026
TSH is the Queen of Southern women's fiction stories with emotional depth!! This latest book follows Leigh, a woman on the run from her dark past who finds shelter, family, a sense of purpose and community and even love on a struggling small town Alabama wild flower farm.
When Jackson, the farm's owner offers Leigh a job no questions asked she can't help thinking maybe this is the perfect place for her to hide from her problems. She doesn't expect to fall in love with the farm or the men who work there.
When disaster strikes Leigh is forced to surrender her freedom for a chance to help the place and man she loves, sacrificing herself for them in a heartbreaking ending that might see readers reaching for tissues. Great on audio and highly recommended for anyone looking for a heavier story perfect for book clubs.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review. Recommended for fans of authors like Talia Hibbert or Tayari Jones. I can't go without mentioning the important author's note at the end or the GORGEOUS cover!!
When Jackson, the farm's owner offers Leigh a job no questions asked she can't help thinking maybe this is the perfect place for her to hide from her problems. She doesn't expect to fall in love with the farm or the men who work there.
When disaster strikes Leigh is forced to surrender her freedom for a chance to help the place and man she loves, sacrificing herself for them in a heartbreaking ending that might see readers reaching for tissues. Great on audio and highly recommended for anyone looking for a heavier story perfect for book clubs.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review. Recommended for fans of authors like Talia Hibbert or Tayari Jones. I can't go without mentioning the important author's note at the end or the GORGEOUS cover!!
August 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled a lot to get into this book.
It follows Leandra who is a prisoner and, after the prison bus crashed into a lake, she escapes. We follow her life after the accident and her relationships that follow.
The writing was over-complicated and all of the flourishes felt massively unnecessary. The first half was really challenging to sink into and the second half just felt off.
I struggled a lot to get into this book.
It follows Leandra who is a prisoner and, after the prison bus crashed into a lake, she escapes. We follow her life after the accident and her relationships that follow.
The writing was over-complicated and all of the flourishes felt massively unnecessary. The first half was really challenging to sink into and the second half just felt off.
February 19, 2026
Where the Wildflowers Grow is a page-turning and compelling story of survival, grief, found family, and healing.
Leigh has watched her family die, has spent years in prison, and now she is the sole survivor of a prison bus crash and is presumed dead. Is this her chance to rebuild her life, hide her past, deal with her grief, and restore her spirit? Perhaps a flower farm she stumbles upon in rural Alabama holds the answers. Just as she begins to find comfort in “found family” and heal from the wreckage of her life, her secrets catch up to her.
“Where wildflowers bloom so does hope.”
Enduring childhood neglect, the death of family members, and a prison sentence, Leigh has battled to survive her entire life. When she is presumed dead after a prison bus crash, she wonders if it’s possible to begin a new life. This daring idea takes root when she stumbles upon a rural flower farm. Can she work hard to build a new life while hiding in plain sight?
I love that Leigh’s healing takes place on a flower farm. Through vivid descriptions and a sense of safety and peace on the farm, the author creates a lovely metaphor for healing and growth. The tender care of strangers, soil preparation, planting, tending, and blooming restore Leigh’s spirit, her ability to trust, and to dream of a better future.
“There’s much to say about this second life. This one matters as much as the first. It’s the one that healed me after the first one broke me, the one that pushed me to reach into the dirt with my bare hands to dig up and inspect the grief I had buried long before, the one that reconnected my body and spirit to the Earth.”
I appreciate the care and the time that the author takes in addressing Leigh’s trauma and the healing process. Yes, there is a love interest, but this wonderful man provides more than romance as he is the steady, nurturing, accepting presence that a trauma victim requires.
“He wasn’t just a farmer, but a creator of safe places for his friends, a man with a brimming heart and a genuine concern for his community. Everything he did, every action he took, stemmed from a deep commitment to those around him. None of this had been an act with him–it was the very essence of who he was.”
One of my favorite themes in a story is found family, and the author creates a special one here. Each of the characters has experienced trauma and has found healing and support at the flower farm, a unique place of acceptance and understanding.
Content Consideration: childhood neglect (backstories), childhood trauma, prison conditions, death of a child (in the past), grief
Despite some difficult content, this is a heartfelt, tender, and page-turning story of healing and survival. Fans of “own voices” stories will appreciate this well-written work of literary fiction. Where the Wildflowers Grow is a memorable read and will likely earn a spot on my best-of-the-year list. I’ll be watching for more from this author.
Thanks #NetGalley @Sourcebooks [ Landmark for a complimentary eARC of #WhereTheWildflowersGrow upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
Leigh has watched her family die, has spent years in prison, and now she is the sole survivor of a prison bus crash and is presumed dead. Is this her chance to rebuild her life, hide her past, deal with her grief, and restore her spirit? Perhaps a flower farm she stumbles upon in rural Alabama holds the answers. Just as she begins to find comfort in “found family” and heal from the wreckage of her life, her secrets catch up to her.
“Where wildflowers bloom so does hope.”
Enduring childhood neglect, the death of family members, and a prison sentence, Leigh has battled to survive her entire life. When she is presumed dead after a prison bus crash, she wonders if it’s possible to begin a new life. This daring idea takes root when she stumbles upon a rural flower farm. Can she work hard to build a new life while hiding in plain sight?
I love that Leigh’s healing takes place on a flower farm. Through vivid descriptions and a sense of safety and peace on the farm, the author creates a lovely metaphor for healing and growth. The tender care of strangers, soil preparation, planting, tending, and blooming restore Leigh’s spirit, her ability to trust, and to dream of a better future.
“There’s much to say about this second life. This one matters as much as the first. It’s the one that healed me after the first one broke me, the one that pushed me to reach into the dirt with my bare hands to dig up and inspect the grief I had buried long before, the one that reconnected my body and spirit to the Earth.”
I appreciate the care and the time that the author takes in addressing Leigh’s trauma and the healing process. Yes, there is a love interest, but this wonderful man provides more than romance as he is the steady, nurturing, accepting presence that a trauma victim requires.
“He wasn’t just a farmer, but a creator of safe places for his friends, a man with a brimming heart and a genuine concern for his community. Everything he did, every action he took, stemmed from a deep commitment to those around him. None of this had been an act with him–it was the very essence of who he was.”
One of my favorite themes in a story is found family, and the author creates a special one here. Each of the characters has experienced trauma and has found healing and support at the flower farm, a unique place of acceptance and understanding.
Content Consideration: childhood neglect (backstories), childhood trauma, prison conditions, death of a child (in the past), grief
Despite some difficult content, this is a heartfelt, tender, and page-turning story of healing and survival. Fans of “own voices” stories will appreciate this well-written work of literary fiction. Where the Wildflowers Grow is a memorable read and will likely earn a spot on my best-of-the-year list. I’ll be watching for more from this author.
Thanks #NetGalley @Sourcebooks [ Landmark for a complimentary eARC of #WhereTheWildflowersGrow upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
June 14, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
This story takes us into the world of Leandra, whose life we follow through challenges and transformation. It is a tale of healing, survival, and the strength one can find when faced with life at its most difficult. Leandra’s journey is serious and often harsh, but it stands as a powerful testament to human resilience and hope.
This story takes us into the world of Leandra, whose life we follow through challenges and transformation. It is a tale of healing, survival, and the strength one can find when faced with life at its most difficult. Leandra’s journey is serious and often harsh, but it stands as a powerful testament to human resilience and hope.
February 12, 2026
Terah Shelton Harris delivers something truly special with Where the Wildflowers Grow, a story that is as devastating as it is beautiful, as brutal as it is tender. This is a novel about grief in all its forms: the loud, shattering kind and the quiet, lingering ache that never fully leaves. Leigh’s journey begins in trauma and survival—she has outlived everyone she’s ever loved, and when yet another catastrophe leaves her the sole survivor, it feels almost mythic. But what unfolds on that hidden Alabama flower farm is not just a story about surviving. It’s about what it means to begin living again. Harris writes with such poignancy and care, allowing the emotional weight to settle slowly, thoughtfully. This is deeply character driven fiction, it’s layered, human, and unforgettable.
The audiobook experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Narrated by the legendary Tracie Thoms, Dionte Black, and the author herself, the performances elevate an already powerful story into something immersive and intimate. Tracie Thoms, an incredible actor, delivers a breathtaking performance—raw, nuanced, and emotionally precise. You can hear every crack in Leigh’s armor, every flicker of hope she’s afraid to trust. Dionte Black brings warmth and grounded strength, and the author’s presence adds an additional layer of authenticity. Together, they create an atmosphere that feels lived in and deeply personal.
At its heart, this is a story of loss, redemption, found family, and the fragile courage it takes to heal. It asks big questions about identity, guilt, and whether we are defined by our worst moments, or by what we choose to do next. It’s thoughtful, poignant, and incredibly moving. A perfect pick for book club discussions, this one lingers long after the final chapter. I absolutely adored it.
August 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️
Thank you @NetGalley for this ARC.
Some books just aren’t for everyone, and unfortunately this one wasn’t for me. The premise sounded really strong—a convict escapes a prison bus crash and we follow her life after—but I struggled to connect with the execution.
The pacing felt off, weighed down by too many unnecessary details, and the story as a whole came across as disjointed. I truly wanted to love this, but it just didn’t land for me.
Thank you @NetGalley for this ARC.
Some books just aren’t for everyone, and unfortunately this one wasn’t for me. The premise sounded really strong—a convict escapes a prison bus crash and we follow her life after—but I struggled to connect with the execution.
The pacing felt off, weighed down by too many unnecessary details, and the story as a whole came across as disjointed. I truly wanted to love this, but it just didn’t land for me.
September 14, 2025
Mrs. Terah does it AGAIN 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
What I absolutely love her ability to hightlight the humanity in her characters. This book is emotional. It's romantic. It's also thrilling! We as readers are on the edge of our seats waiting to know Leigh's story and her full truth. It doesn't come all at once. This is a slow burn in the best way! Jackson and her found family provide a steady, patient love that is transformative and it was absolutely beautiful to watch it unfold! Great story!!!
What I absolutely love her ability to hightlight the humanity in her characters. This book is emotional. It's romantic. It's also thrilling! We as readers are on the edge of our seats waiting to know Leigh's story and her full truth. It doesn't come all at once. This is a slow burn in the best way! Jackson and her found family provide a steady, patient love that is transformative and it was absolutely beautiful to watch it unfold! Great story!!!
July 14, 2025
While I was reading I kept coming to the book's Goodreads page to see what everyone who gave five stars wrote, because I was just not feeling it. It just wasn't for me, in the first half I felt like I was reading a self-help book and in the second half I was thinking how much I don't like romances where people are just lying about everything. But I'm clearly the outlier here.
February 13, 2026
thank you so much to netgalley & source books for the alc 🫶🏼
“beginnings are just one part of the story, that it is not how you start but how you end that matters”
Wow. I did not expect to get so emotionally invested in this story. We follow Lee, an escaped convict, who arrives in this small town where she meets Jackson, the flower farmer. This story follows Lees journey of survival, physically and mentally, and encapsulates found family so well!!
The writing was insanely beautiful and the audiobook narrators did an incredible job of providing proper inflection so you really felt what the characters were feeling. I truly felt so deeply for these characters, all of their traumas and emotions GOT ME. The ending and the epilogue almost had me in tears, which is when you know it’s an impactful story.
“beginnings are just one part of the story, that it is not how you start but how you end that matters”
Wow. I did not expect to get so emotionally invested in this story. We follow Lee, an escaped convict, who arrives in this small town where she meets Jackson, the flower farmer. This story follows Lees journey of survival, physically and mentally, and encapsulates found family so well!!
The writing was insanely beautiful and the audiobook narrators did an incredible job of providing proper inflection so you really felt what the characters were feeling. I truly felt so deeply for these characters, all of their traumas and emotions GOT ME. The ending and the epilogue almost had me in tears, which is when you know it’s an impactful story.
August 22, 2025
Tears streamed down my face as I immersed myself in "Where the Wildflowers Grow." This deeply moving novel tells the story of Leigh, who escapes from a prison bus crash and embarks on a new life at a flower farm. Despite carrying significant emotional baggage, Leigh finds support in the three men on the farm—Tibb, Luke, and especially Jackson—who assist her in confronting her past and navigating her inner turmoil. This is undoubtedly a five-star read that deserves a place on your must-read list!
October 17, 2025
Where the Wildflowers Grow is a book about grief, discomfort, and sorrow that does not fit neatly in a box. It takes takes on years of layers that have broken the main character, Leandra. As the story opens we meet Leandra telling her story growing up in a double-wide trailer in rural South Carolina. She lived with her mother, father, and sister Lila. Both she and Lila were born on their kitchen floor and their parents never reported their births. Her father insisted they live off grid and he rejected the government. Early on Harris lets us know that Leandra is on a van being transported from a Richland County prison to one in Anderson, the upstate of South Carolina to finish out her prison sentence. The van crashes and Leandra is the only survivor. She chooses to walk away and then finds herself on a wildflower farm in Alabama. Her goal was to blend in as much as possible and begin a new life. It is on that farm that she tells her story of the past and begins to discover just who she really is in this world. This was my first book by Terah Shelton Harris and I flew through it in two days. The ending was perfect.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC.
February 5, 2026
This story was a winner for me. Leigh is telling the story of her life and must choose a beginning. She chooses the tale of her survival from a submerged prison bus. She has always been a survivor but has perhaps never lived life fully. As Leigh walks away from the wreckage with a plan to manage her limited funds and get far away, she is unexpectedly stranded in the town of Camden. It is here she finally learns to face her past, let others in and build community. Finally belonging, she is a different woman than the one who left the bus crash but she may have to keep running in order to survive. The author does a great job of painting the picture of these characters, the setting and the community. As a reader, I could imagine the glory of the flower farm and could imagine how breathtaking it would be - also how the manual labour and being one with nature could be healing. Luke was like an exuberant puppy and Tibbs seemed matter of fact with a soft side. I didn't get a good sense of the Carly character but it did not distract from the story telling. I was in tears towards the end although I found it a little wordy, reiterating all that the farm had done for Leigh and how she was healing; also the placement of what became of the farm in the years following seemed odd. But, again, none of these things detracted from my enjoyment. The author's note explains that Gee Bend and their quilts are real. Also the annual Cahaba Lily Festival is real. I loved that this story took place and referenced things/places that existed.
I would recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Readers copy. This book is expected to be published February 17, 2026.
I would recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Readers copy. This book is expected to be published February 17, 2026.
February 17, 2026
Thank you Sourcebookscasa for the gifted ARC and finished copy!
The way this book had me bawling at the end, like to the point where I was mad at the author for a min. Like why would you do this?? Don’t Worry yall- you gotta keep reading 😂😂 but listen I was in tears. Ugly crying. whew. The way she sets the book up was brilliant. She kept us wondering throughout the book what happened to Leigh’s family and how did she end up in prison. She gave us breadcrumbs bit by bit until the truth was finally revealed. She did a great job making us feel the way I presume the FMC felt. You know when life is going good, so good, But you know it can’t/wont last? The feeling that the rug will be pulled from under you because you’re not used to good things happening to you? I loved how the two characters built a friendship and a deep trust and comfort with eachother before anything happened. I was profound joy for Jackson and Leigh, because I could feel their love illustrated so beautifully through Terah’s words.
I also really enjoyed the found family in here. Upon going to the flower farm, Leigh had no idea she’d discover a family she never thought she’d have. Jackson ran the farm with two other men and they all welcomed her with open arms. It was refreshing to see as men, they wanted nothing from her. The helped her heal and grow in ways she never expected. The supporting characters were beautiful.
Where the wildflowers grow, gives us grief, healing, deep love, family trauma, strength, rebuilding, found family, sacrifice, and so many emotions!
The way this book had me bawling at the end, like to the point where I was mad at the author for a min. Like why would you do this?? Don’t Worry yall- you gotta keep reading 😂😂 but listen I was in tears. Ugly crying. whew. The way she sets the book up was brilliant. She kept us wondering throughout the book what happened to Leigh’s family and how did she end up in prison. She gave us breadcrumbs bit by bit until the truth was finally revealed. She did a great job making us feel the way I presume the FMC felt. You know when life is going good, so good, But you know it can’t/wont last? The feeling that the rug will be pulled from under you because you’re not used to good things happening to you? I loved how the two characters built a friendship and a deep trust and comfort with eachother before anything happened. I was profound joy for Jackson and Leigh, because I could feel their love illustrated so beautifully through Terah’s words.
I also really enjoyed the found family in here. Upon going to the flower farm, Leigh had no idea she’d discover a family she never thought she’d have. Jackson ran the farm with two other men and they all welcomed her with open arms. It was refreshing to see as men, they wanted nothing from her. The helped her heal and grow in ways she never expected. The supporting characters were beautiful.
Where the wildflowers grow, gives us grief, healing, deep love, family trauma, strength, rebuilding, found family, sacrifice, and so many emotions!
September 12, 2025
Once again the writing in this was just so beautiful. This one made me cry and my heart dropped at the end but in a good way. Harris is just such a talented author I love her books and highly recommend this one.
August 22, 2025
Loved it. (Full review to come.)
May 16, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC! If you're looking for a beautifully written story that blossoms with emotion, resilience, and hope, Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris is a book that will leave you feeling inspired. This soulful novel takes you on a journey through life's ups and downs, set against the vivid backdrop of nature's resilience—wildflowers flourishing against all odds. Harris masterfully crafts characters who are real, relatable, and deeply human, each battling their own struggles while finding moments of grace and renewal. The narrative weaves between their stories, highlighting themes of healing, self-discovery, and the importance of community. The lyrical prose paints a picture of wildflowers blooming in unexpected places, symbolizing strength in vulnerability. What truly captivated me was how Harris balanced heartfelt emotion with uplifting messaging. The storytelling feels genuine, with tender moments that made me smile and poignant scenes that touched my soul. The pacing is steady, allowing time to savor each character’s growth while keeping the story engaging. A small critique: at times, some plot threads felt slightly rushed or could have been expanded for more depth. However, these minor hiccups don’t detract from the overall beauty of the book. In summary, Where the Wildflowers Grow is a charming, inspiring read perfect for anyone who appreciates stories of resilience and renewal. Harris’s lyrical voice and heartfelt storytelling earned this one a well-deserved 4 stars. Highly recommended for fans of feel-good, soul-searching fiction!
June 26, 2025
5 out of 5 stars. I would give more if I could!
Where the Wildflowers Grow is an absolutely stunning novel. Terah Shelton Harris delivers a moving, lyrical story about grief, survival, and the fragile beauty of second chances. From the first chapter, I was completely absorbed. I laughed. I cried. I worried. I hoped. Even when I thought I could predict where the story was going, it surprised me in thoughtful and powerful ways.
Leigh is one of the most complex and unforgettable characters I have read in a long time. Her resilience, her pain, her moments of softness; they all felt so real. The author gave just the right amount of backstory to make every character feel fully formed without slowing the narrative down. And the setting of the Alabama flower farm was like a balm to both Leigh and the reader. It grounded the emotional weight of the book with something hopeful and tangible.
This story will make you ask yourself, “What would I do if I were in her position?” It is one of those rare books that stays with you long after the last page. A must-read for anyone who appreciates layered characters, emotional journeys, and the kind of redemption that feels earned.
Where the Wildflowers Grow is an absolutely stunning novel. Terah Shelton Harris delivers a moving, lyrical story about grief, survival, and the fragile beauty of second chances. From the first chapter, I was completely absorbed. I laughed. I cried. I worried. I hoped. Even when I thought I could predict where the story was going, it surprised me in thoughtful and powerful ways.
Leigh is one of the most complex and unforgettable characters I have read in a long time. Her resilience, her pain, her moments of softness; they all felt so real. The author gave just the right amount of backstory to make every character feel fully formed without slowing the narrative down. And the setting of the Alabama flower farm was like a balm to both Leigh and the reader. It grounded the emotional weight of the book with something hopeful and tangible.
This story will make you ask yourself, “What would I do if I were in her position?” It is one of those rare books that stays with you long after the last page. A must-read for anyone who appreciates layered characters, emotional journeys, and the kind of redemption that feels earned.
December 27, 2025
I was drawn to this book by its beautiful cover, and it was a story worthy of its cover. Full review for NetGalley to come.
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This is a story of redemption and resilience that begins with the crashing of a prison bus carrying "Leigh" for transfer. Ever the survivor, Leigh manages to escape the underwater wreckage and make her way to Alabama, where she finds herself working at a flower farm with three men who have all worked to overcome their own losses to form a family. As she begins to trust and open up to them about the tragedies in her past, Leigh slowly begins to heal. The flower farm provides a perfect setting for Leigh's story, and the supporting characters were equally well developed. I have seen this book start to pop up on lists for anticipated 2026 reads, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories of survival, perseverance, and hope.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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This is a story of redemption and resilience that begins with the crashing of a prison bus carrying "Leigh" for transfer. Ever the survivor, Leigh manages to escape the underwater wreckage and make her way to Alabama, where she finds herself working at a flower farm with three men who have all worked to overcome their own losses to form a family. As she begins to trust and open up to them about the tragedies in her past, Leigh slowly begins to heal. The flower farm provides a perfect setting for Leigh's story, and the supporting characters were equally well developed. I have seen this book start to pop up on lists for anticipated 2026 reads, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories of survival, perseverance, and hope.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2025
"If I knew then what I know now..." This line was used so much, it could've been the title of the book. This book didn't know what it wanted to be: thriller/suspense, romance, general fiction. Despite the initial setup, there was very little action. Nothing happened. And, the characters were not believable. Is Jackson a licensed therapist smh? I don't think I'll read anything else written by this author.
February 17, 2026
Thank you @ for my gifted ARC and finished copy and tote! It’s beautiful just this the book itself!
4.5⭐️
💭This books was a slow burn but one of those slow burns that is well worth the wait and anticipations. The anticipation of knowing what led Leandra to be in prison. What was her life like leading up to the tragedy of her family with her being the only survivor. As the anticipation blooms we follow her story and her path to healing, finding a sense of belonging, finding a family that is much needed, finding a renewed spirit, and most importantly, love!
Now, I have loved every one of Terah’s books and her pen is lethal and addicting. She writes stories that you can get lost in and find yourself, and for me, those hidden meanings behind the fictional story. This one did just that! Now, I waited so long to finish the book, but I think it was In perfect timing that I needed to read this one because I felt it!
Now I need to get my hands on the audiobook so I can hear the voices and fall in love all over again! Pick this one up today!
4.5⭐️
💭This books was a slow burn but one of those slow burns that is well worth the wait and anticipations. The anticipation of knowing what led Leandra to be in prison. What was her life like leading up to the tragedy of her family with her being the only survivor. As the anticipation blooms we follow her story and her path to healing, finding a sense of belonging, finding a family that is much needed, finding a renewed spirit, and most importantly, love!
Now, I have loved every one of Terah’s books and her pen is lethal and addicting. She writes stories that you can get lost in and find yourself, and for me, those hidden meanings behind the fictional story. This one did just that! Now, I waited so long to finish the book, but I think it was In perfect timing that I needed to read this one because I felt it!
Now I need to get my hands on the audiobook so I can hear the voices and fall in love all over again! Pick this one up today!
January 18, 2026
Where the Wildflowers Grow was on my list of most highly anticipated 2026 releases. I loved One Summer in Savannah by Terah Shelton Harris. Unfortunately this book fell short for me in a few ways.
Leandra is an inmate on a transport when the bus she is on crashes. She is the sole survivor of the crash and she uses this opportunity to escape back into the world. This premise alone pulled me in! I thought it would be suspenseful as she is a fugitive on the run, but instead the news of the lost transport fizzled. Renamed, “Leigh” spends the majority of the first half of the book making a home for herself on a flower farm.
The flower farm becomes somewhat of a therapeutic retreat. This is where I thought the book dragged. The author got overly descriptive about insignificant points. Leigh is both running and recovering from her traumatic past and we only got small glimpses into what happened. Meanwhile there were pages of flower descriptions and an entire chapter in which she makes dinner.
Leigh builds friendships with 3 men working on the flower farm. One is like a brother, one teaches her yoga (PAGES of yoga!), and the owner of the farm becomes a love interest. The way Leigh and Jack’s relationship built was believable and I did feel like they had chemistry. The odd part was that as much as she opened up, she was hiding that she was an escaped convict. On his end it felt like he was pushing her emotionally in a therapist type of way.
While the first 80% of the book was overly descriptive the last 20% was a whirlwind. In a tell not show type of fashion everything comes together and crashing down until the end. By the end I was quite sick of the heavy handed metaphors about flowers and regrowth. The ending felt rushed and unsatisfying.
I will admit that while I didn’t connect with this book, I can see how some readers will. They may have more patience for the descriptive writing and use of figurative language. I know there is an audience for this book that will really love it but unfortunately it was not me.
Leandra is an inmate on a transport when the bus she is on crashes. She is the sole survivor of the crash and she uses this opportunity to escape back into the world. This premise alone pulled me in! I thought it would be suspenseful as she is a fugitive on the run, but instead the news of the lost transport fizzled. Renamed, “Leigh” spends the majority of the first half of the book making a home for herself on a flower farm.
The flower farm becomes somewhat of a therapeutic retreat. This is where I thought the book dragged. The author got overly descriptive about insignificant points. Leigh is both running and recovering from her traumatic past and we only got small glimpses into what happened. Meanwhile there were pages of flower descriptions and an entire chapter in which she makes dinner.
Leigh builds friendships with 3 men working on the flower farm. One is like a brother, one teaches her yoga (PAGES of yoga!), and the owner of the farm becomes a love interest. The way Leigh and Jack’s relationship built was believable and I did feel like they had chemistry. The odd part was that as much as she opened up, she was hiding that she was an escaped convict. On his end it felt like he was pushing her emotionally in a therapist type of way.
While the first 80% of the book was overly descriptive the last 20% was a whirlwind. In a tell not show type of fashion everything comes together and crashing down until the end. By the end I was quite sick of the heavy handed metaphors about flowers and regrowth. The ending felt rushed and unsatisfying.
I will admit that while I didn’t connect with this book, I can see how some readers will. They may have more patience for the descriptive writing and use of figurative language. I know there is an audience for this book that will really love it but unfortunately it was not me.
February 18, 2026
A moving heartwarming book that will capture you from the beginning. The setting of the book happening in the f;power farm was original. I will remember this story for a long time the emotions that Jack and Leigh endure. It was hard to put this book down. This is my first time reading this book I look forward to reading other great books by this author.
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