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Butterfly Weeds #1
Butterfly Weeds
A National Bestseller
If you got a second chance to be with your first love, would you take it?
"One of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read." ~Jelena's Book Blog
"5 stars!" ~Back Porch Romance Book Reviews
Julia Lang expected a nice night away from the office—free of thoughts about the case, her failed engagement, her past. But she should have known better. Her past haunted her every chance it got these days, and tonight it came in the form of lyrics she never expected to hear again—not after a decade, not in the arms of another man and definitely not in the form of a confession. Now, Julia must discover for herself if the song—and more importantly, the man behind it—is enough to leave her new life for her small-town, Missouri roots and a second chance at love.
If you got a second chance to be with your first love, would you take it?
"One of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read." ~Jelena's Book Blog
"5 stars!" ~Back Porch Romance Book Reviews
Julia Lang expected a nice night away from the office—free of thoughts about the case, her failed engagement, her past. But she should have known better. Her past haunted her every chance it got these days, and tonight it came in the form of lyrics she never expected to hear again—not after a decade, not in the arms of another man and definitely not in the form of a confession. Now, Julia must discover for herself if the song—and more importantly, the man behind it—is enough to leave her new life for her small-town, Missouri roots and a second chance at love.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Laura Miller
13 books433 followersLAURA MILLER is the best-selling author of contemporary romance. She grew up on a farm in a little Midwestern town. Now, she lives in Kansas City, Mo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 452 reviews
August 13, 2016
Butterfly Weeds....
The story of a butterfly weed waiting for it's butterfly to come back to it.
“Tell me you’ve seen the world.
Now, you’ve come back home
Tell me you’ve carried me with you,
That you’ve held me close.
Tell me you’ve missed me
Or that I’m not crazy for waiting cause
Of all the butterflies that chose to stay,
I’m in love with the one that got away”
---------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Readers!
Are you wondering why did I chose to read this book all of a sudden??
Well the answer is......
“How does the story really go?
Does she ever cross your mind?
Does she ever steal your nights?
Is she still a part of you?
Do you ever wish she were still by your side?
And what would you do?
If she walked up here tomorrow
And told you that she loved you?
Would you drop it all and run to her?
Would you tell her you love her too?
Or would you simply send her home?
And tell her you’ve moved on?
Tell me, Buddy, what would you do?”
......I picked up this book to find out the answers to these questions.
And I did find them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
My feelings--
To tell you that I loved this book will not be wrong.A part of me did hopelessly fall in love with this book.
But while I was reading this book,there was this bigger part of me which got so bored by the silliness of the main characters that it wanted to give it 2 stars.
But after I finished,keeping in mind the beautiful premise and ending,I decided to give this one 3 stars and I'm sticking with that.
And now Readers.....
I am writing this review nearly two weeks after I read this book,and somehow in these two weeks I have lost that part of me that was so very annoyed with this book.
I am amazed by the fact that this story is still with me.
So to tell you the truth,I have forgotten how much they annoyed me.
I have forgotten how silly they were.
I have forgotten all their idiotic deeds.
The only thing I now remember,is the beauty of this story.....
.....Butterfly Weeds.
--------------------------------------------------------------
"Life didn’t go how I had planned, but I couldn’t have planned a better life. Somewhere in between the beginning and eternity, I fought the war that we all must fight – the journey that in taking, forces us to come face to face with our own realities. My reality was that I was, is and will always be madly and hopelessly in love with you. You are my love of loves, my dream of dreams, my hope of hopes, and I would take the journey all over again because it led me to you, because it’s our story – the story of us.
As for the war, I surrendered."
The story of them....Julia and Will!
"What's your favourite sport?" I asked.
"Aah,basketball," he said confidently.
"What's your favourite food?" I continued.
"Umm,I don't know.Aah...," he stuttered.
"Will,the game doesn't work if you don't answer the first thing that comes to your head.It's supposed to be the truth.You have to do it fast."
"Okay,pizza," he said,grinning....
"Who are you going to marry?" I rambled off quickly.
"You," he answered without missing a beat.
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You gonna be my butterfly forever?" he asked me then,softly,almost a whisper.
------------------------------------------------------------
"Though you'd rather watch a sappy ending
Than a football game
And you're not very good at fleeing the scene
Without a sprain
I wouldn't want it any other way
I'm yours forever,My butterfly
So,looks like you're stuck with me
'Til the end of time."
---------------------------------------------------------
"It's a butterfly weed," he said softly, releasing the flowers into my hands.
"It's pretty for a weed.I've seen it before?" I asked.
"Yeah,along roads and in fields,pretty much everywhere around here.They keep cuttin' 'em down,but they always grow back.They never give up."....
"Do you know why they never give up?" Will asked me softly.
I shook my head.
"No," I whispered.
"Because they want the butterflies to come back to them.They need each other to survive," he said softly....
"You'll be my butterfly,right?You'll come back to me?"
-----------------------------------------------------------
I want to tell you more Readers,I really want to.
What happens after the Butterfly Weed lets its butterfly go....
Does the butterfly come back?
Or does it fly far,far away?
You'll have to find out the answers yourself.
“It's a summer night
And I can hear the crickets sing
But otherwise,all the world's asleep
While I can only lie awake and dream
And everytime I close my eyes
A butterfly comes to me
It has soft,green eyes
A sweet soul
Brave wings
And each time,it hears me sing...”
You'll find many in this song!!
And Readers,that ending!!
Oh God!!That ending was B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.
So no matter how much this frustrates you,annoys you,irritates you....
Hang on till the end.
Because trust me,the end is worth it.
That's all for now,Readers.
Ta-Ta!!
January 17, 2013
WOW. I don’t even know where to start on this one!
I. SOBBED.
S O B B E D.
Seriously, guys. Ugly tears at the end. That LETTER!!! *wipes tears*
Like I actually spent 10 minutes curled up in my husband’s arms crying.
Ok, first off, don’t be freaked out. Its technically a HEA in that they spend the rest of their lives together, but it was a long and rough journey to get there.
I need to be clear on the rating first. To me, it was a 4 star book that pulled 5 star emotions out of me. The hero was a 5 star hero. The heroine though made 3 star decisions. Ok, on to the review.
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I loved it in so many ways but I disagreed with a lot of the heroine’s actions. My heart completely and utterly BROKE for the hero over and over again. But at the same time, maybe it felt very … real? *deep breath* Its hard to judge.
Basically, Will and Jules had known each other since they were kids. As teens, they fell in love and were together for several years until college when their long distance relationship made their relationship harder to maintain and Jules decided she wanted a break…. over the next decade, they went their separate ways – occasionally connecting, occasionally intersecting. Will was and always had been madly in love with Jules. She was always his forever girl. The “one” for him. She just couldn’t see it…. it took them a decade of heart ache and missed opportunities but they did eventually find their way back together – to where they were always meant to be.
Its weird but this book felt very… real, in some ways. I feel like the mistakes were ones that have probably happened a lot in the world. But still. I’m sorry to say that I just strongly didn’t agree with the heroine’s decisions and actions. She was not annoying, not a bitch, nothing like that. She was actually very sweet and kind hearted. But she was just SO incredibly indecisive and, honestly, just plain dense for not realizing the beauty and preciousness of what was right in front of her with Will – of what she walked away from. It got to a point where it was really making me mad (and very sweary). Every decision she made was just wrong wrong WRONG!!! One of them in particular even made me have to put the book down for a bit afterwards to calm down before I could continue.
My heart HURT just SO much for Will. Literally, I felt mine being ripped to shreds right along with him. Seriously, the PAIN was almost physical. He was just SO sweet, and kind, and perfect, and just so TOTALLY in love with her!!! God. Just broke. my. heart. seeing what she kept doing to him (however unintentionally).
He’s a singer – not like a rockstar per say, but he ends up getting pretty famous and throughout the years, she hears his songs on the radio. He’s always called her his butterfly. Look, here’s a song snippet *SNIFF*
Now you’ve come back home
Tell me you’ve carried me with you
That you’ve held me close
Tell me you’ve missed me
Or that I’m not crazy for waiting cause
Of all the butterflies that chose to stay
I’m in love with the one that got away
And yet STILL she’s unsure?? :/
This book was really one of those that just reached right in and squeezed my heart. I cried a few times during the book – just a little – but, at the end, I SOBBED so much!!!! Ugly Tears. Like throat hurting, heart aching, out of breath, can’t think ugly tears!!! It was just SO freaking BEAUTIFUL what he did for her!!!! Totally solidifying all my thoughts of how utterly PERFECT Will was. Think The Notebook style ending… not exactly the same but similar. *sob sob sob*
The progression of the book though is very unclear. It starts out present day in the first chapter. Then in the second, without being marked, it skips back to when Jules and Will were teenagers and falling in love. From there the story moves chronologically forward only, catching up to the present day and going beyond. BUT! The time progression is unclear and unmarked. Sometimes there’s less than an hour between chapters, sometimes its a few weeks or months or years. There is no indication and you kind of have to figure it out as you go that I will say that it threw me a little and just you should know so that you go into it expecting it so it hopefully wont throw you too.
Like I said earlier, I had several issues with heroine’s actions and decisions but the hero was darn near perfect (in a good way). My heart just went right out to him in so many ways. And this book absolutely pulled 5 star emotions out of me. There are very few books out there that have made me full-out sob. This is one of them.
I feel like if you want the best idea for how I reacted to this book, check out my status updates/reading progression below this review. You’ll get a very clear idea for how I felt while reading it.
If you’re looking for a book that’ll give you a good cry, this is absolutely it.
It was a pretty quick read – I read it a few hours. The writing style is beautiful and really pulls you emotionally into the story.
The whole story is told from the heroine's POV. From what I hear, the author is working on writing the book from the hero's POV next.
4 – 4.5 stars
PS I apologize for the lack of casting photos, I'm writing this review from the road, I'll cast the book later when I get home and update it.
I. SOBBED.
S O B B E D.
Seriously, guys. Ugly tears at the end. That LETTER!!! *wipes tears*
Like I actually spent 10 minutes curled up in my husband’s arms crying.
Ok, first off, don’t be freaked out. Its technically a HEA in that they spend the rest of their lives together, but it was a long and rough journey to get there.
I need to be clear on the rating first. To me, it was a 4 star book that pulled 5 star emotions out of me. The hero was a 5 star hero. The heroine though made 3 star decisions. Ok, on to the review.
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I loved it in so many ways but I disagreed with a lot of the heroine’s actions. My heart completely and utterly BROKE for the hero over and over again. But at the same time, maybe it felt very … real? *deep breath* Its hard to judge.
Basically, Will and Jules had known each other since they were kids. As teens, they fell in love and were together for several years until college when their long distance relationship made their relationship harder to maintain and Jules decided she wanted a break…. over the next decade, they went their separate ways – occasionally connecting, occasionally intersecting. Will was and always had been madly in love with Jules. She was always his forever girl. The “one” for him. She just couldn’t see it…. it took them a decade of heart ache and missed opportunities but they did eventually find their way back together – to where they were always meant to be.
Its weird but this book felt very… real, in some ways. I feel like the mistakes were ones that have probably happened a lot in the world. But still. I’m sorry to say that I just strongly didn’t agree with the heroine’s decisions and actions. She was not annoying, not a bitch, nothing like that. She was actually very sweet and kind hearted. But she was just SO incredibly indecisive and, honestly, just plain dense for not realizing the beauty and preciousness of what was right in front of her with Will – of what she walked away from. It got to a point where it was really making me mad (and very sweary). Every decision she made was just wrong wrong WRONG!!! One of them in particular even made me have to put the book down for a bit afterwards to calm down before I could continue.
My heart HURT just SO much for Will. Literally, I felt mine being ripped to shreds right along with him. Seriously, the PAIN was almost physical. He was just SO sweet, and kind, and perfect, and just so TOTALLY in love with her!!! God. Just broke. my. heart. seeing what she kept doing to him (however unintentionally).
He’s a singer – not like a rockstar per say, but he ends up getting pretty famous and throughout the years, she hears his songs on the radio. He’s always called her his butterfly. Look, here’s a song snippet *SNIFF*
Now you’ve come back home
Tell me you’ve carried me with you
That you’ve held me close
Tell me you’ve missed me
Or that I’m not crazy for waiting cause
Of all the butterflies that chose to stay
I’m in love with the one that got away
And yet STILL she’s unsure?? :/
This book was really one of those that just reached right in and squeezed my heart. I cried a few times during the book – just a little – but, at the end, I SOBBED so much!!!! Ugly Tears. Like throat hurting, heart aching, out of breath, can’t think ugly tears!!! It was just SO freaking BEAUTIFUL what he did for her!!!! Totally solidifying all my thoughts of how utterly PERFECT Will was. Think The Notebook style ending… not exactly the same but similar. *sob sob sob*
The progression of the book though is very unclear. It starts out present day in the first chapter. Then in the second, without being marked, it skips back to when Jules and Will were teenagers and falling in love. From there the story moves chronologically forward only, catching up to the present day and going beyond. BUT! The time progression is unclear and unmarked. Sometimes there’s less than an hour between chapters, sometimes its a few weeks or months or years. There is no indication and you kind of have to figure it out as you go that I will say that it threw me a little and just you should know so that you go into it expecting it so it hopefully wont throw you too.
Like I said earlier, I had several issues with heroine’s actions and decisions but the hero was darn near perfect (in a good way). My heart just went right out to him in so many ways. And this book absolutely pulled 5 star emotions out of me. There are very few books out there that have made me full-out sob. This is one of them.
I feel like if you want the best idea for how I reacted to this book, check out my status updates/reading progression below this review. You’ll get a very clear idea for how I felt while reading it.
If you’re looking for a book that’ll give you a good cry, this is absolutely it.
It was a pretty quick read – I read it a few hours. The writing style is beautiful and really pulls you emotionally into the story.
The whole story is told from the heroine's POV. From what I hear, the author is working on writing the book from the hero's POV next.
4 – 4.5 stars
PS I apologize for the lack of casting photos, I'm writing this review from the road, I'll cast the book later when I get home and update it.
July 22, 2016
4.5 “I love you, and I’m sorry,” stars
“It’s a butterfly weed,” he said softly, releasing the flower into my hands.
Julia and Will have been together for three years, but Julia wants to go off to college. Will wants to be a fire-fighter. But when they go their separate ways, they drift apart...
Will and Julie first met in their first year of high-school, but were only friends. That is, until Will finally gets the courage to ask her out. They're together until Julia leaves for college- but they break up. She carries on studying and meets Brady. They hit it off, but when he proposes, she knows she's missing something. She can't work it out
The first proportion of the book is where Julia and Will are young, and their love blossoms
It was a completely new feeling for me-like someone had just released a million, tiny butterflies loose in my stomach, and they were feverishly up into my head and making me lose my mind.
Eventually, they lead to showing why they broke up, which was because
Will and Julia finally get to talk to each other, after she
“Julia, you have been my world since I first laid eyes on you, and you may not realize it, but I have taken you with me everyday in the last decade. Please know that there is not one moment that I stopped loving you.”
Just like For All You Have Left I bawled my eyes out. Because of the damn
BW is written really well, but It took me just over 1/3 of the book to get into their romance. I didn't really feel it for a while, but everything else made it enjoyable, and when I did get it, it was awesome! So that's why it's 4.5 rather than a 5. There were also a few grammatical errors (I'm no expert though, so I just may be way wrong with this) and some of the word choices could have been better, which made the experience very slightly un-enjoyable.
I didn't really get emotional until the last part with Will's song and the letter. But it's really superb for Laura's debut. I actually read her other book; For All You Have Left which was released two years after this one, and I found it to be slightly better than this one (gave it a 5) probably because the author has gotten more practice.
The romance was really sweet, but clean, which I overlooked because everything else was really great.
But overall, a really enjoyable read. And am looking forward to reading My Butterfly, from Will's perspective.
I received a copy of Butterfly Weeds in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2012
4.5 **** STARS
I want to give this book 5 stars but it would be purely based on my obsessiveness for HAPPILY EVER AFTER endings. I require angst in a good love story however the angst in this story is far different than the angst normally found in romance books which is why this story is so flipping good. Will is beyond SWOOOOOOON worthy. He realizes the error of his ways and waits..then fights FINALLY, then waits some more. Jules (I love this more than Julia because it reminds me of Will)goes and accomplishes what she thinks is required for a happy life and Will, well Will waits but lives.
I normally do not like narrative type stories which this is and isn't and I normally don't like such descriptive narratives of a characters surroundings however both were necessary in this story and were done well. When I can picture every page of a story in my head and or connect with characters the book wins me over whole heartily.
I am so happy the ending wasn't rushed and the last chapter made the read worth while to me. I cried like a freaking baby. This story is purely a romantic read, a story of growth, and a story of finding oneself and where you belong.
If you need a sweet love story read this debut novel by Laura Miller. Congratulations Ms Miller on a fine debut novel and thank you for sharing your talents with us. I will follow your career and will read all of your future books.
I want to give this book 5 stars but it would be purely based on my obsessiveness for HAPPILY EVER AFTER endings. I require angst in a good love story however the angst in this story is far different than the angst normally found in romance books which is why this story is so flipping good. Will is beyond SWOOOOOOON worthy. He realizes the error of his ways and waits..then fights FINALLY, then waits some more. Jules (I love this more than Julia because it reminds me of Will)goes and accomplishes what she thinks is required for a happy life and Will, well Will waits but lives.
I normally do not like narrative type stories which this is and isn't and I normally don't like such descriptive narratives of a characters surroundings however both were necessary in this story and were done well. When I can picture every page of a story in my head and or connect with characters the book wins me over whole heartily.
I am so happy the ending wasn't rushed and the last chapter made the read worth while to me. I cried like a freaking baby. This story is purely a romantic read, a story of growth, and a story of finding oneself and where you belong.
If you need a sweet love story read this debut novel by Laura Miller. Congratulations Ms Miller on a fine debut novel and thank you for sharing your talents with us. I will follow your career and will read all of your future books.
October 20, 2012
This is going to be my first "darn you Maryse" review. So... I couldn't sleep last night and around 1:00 AM I checked Maryse's facebook page and saw chatter about this book. I had already downloaded it a few days ago, but was reading two other books. Well... I started reading this one and never did go back to sleep and now I have an event to attend at 8:00 AM. Zzzzzzz...sleepy eyes -_-
The book is a very, very sweet and heart warming story of first and everlasting love. The way the author opens this book really prompts you to not-put-it-down, which is exactly what I did. The story is squeaky clean and sugary sweet with a few heart squeezing moments, especially the end.
The book is a very, very sweet and heart warming story of first and everlasting love. The way the author opens this book really prompts you to not-put-it-down, which is exactly what I did. The story is squeaky clean and sugary sweet with a few heart squeezing moments, especially the end.
December 21, 2012
Why am I crying like I just watched The Notebook !?!?
Holy cry-fest !
At 75% I was angry .... I did not agree with Jules decisions while she was spreading her wings ! She wasted so many good years... Years they should have been TOGETHER
At 90% I'm uncontrollably sobbing. Will kept his promises !!!!! He never gave up ! Finally she realizes that he was always THE ONE !!!!
Now at 100% I'm back to angry ..... I need more ! I need more of their time and the in betweens and some of the happily-ever-after ! Not that letter to her !!! No fair. I needed some of their " making up for lost time " !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy cry-fest !
At 75% I was angry .... I did not agree with Jules decisions while she was spreading her wings ! She wasted so many good years... Years they should have been TOGETHER
At 90% I'm uncontrollably sobbing. Will kept his promises !!!!! He never gave up ! Finally she realizes that he was always THE ONE !!!!
Now at 100% I'm back to angry ..... I need more ! I need more of their time and the in betweens and some of the happily-ever-after ! Not that letter to her !!! No fair. I needed some of their " making up for lost time " !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 24, 2012
This is one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. I just finished this book, with tears rolling down my face. You will not find "steamy" love scenes in this book. What you will find is a true love story that lasts the test of time.
Will and Julie find each other at sixteen years old and their young love grows as each year passes until its time to separate for college. Julia has big dreams and Will is a hometown boy who's only dream is Julia. Will always refers to Julia as his beautiful butterfly with wings...
"Happiness is like a butterfly, you know? The more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come sit on your shoulder"
This love story will take on an emotional journey through the life of Julia and Will. Their gently beginnings, their heartbreaks and joy of finding "the one"
"I believe there is a perfect someone for everyone, and I know you still believe that too. There is a perfect someone, even if that road to that someone isn't perfect"
This is a beautiful, heartfelt, emotional book that I highly recommend to young and old.
Will and Julie find each other at sixteen years old and their young love grows as each year passes until its time to separate for college. Julia has big dreams and Will is a hometown boy who's only dream is Julia. Will always refers to Julia as his beautiful butterfly with wings...
"Happiness is like a butterfly, you know? The more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come sit on your shoulder"
This love story will take on an emotional journey through the life of Julia and Will. Their gently beginnings, their heartbreaks and joy of finding "the one"
"I believe there is a perfect someone for everyone, and I know you still believe that too. There is a perfect someone, even if that road to that someone isn't perfect"
This is a beautiful, heartfelt, emotional book that I highly recommend to young and old.
April 14, 2017
5 stars....though, at first, my gut was telling me 4. I'm getting more and more worked up over this book as I'm sitting here writing this review and to me...that means...throw the extra one up! Laura Miller...You've earned it. All 5 baby!
When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.
The first part of the the book goes from Will taunting Jules with his amazing
skills to
becoming her sweetheart.
Eventually as in real life, high school ends and she
goes off to college. . .
Over the next decade, Jules moves from place to place. Life interrupts and Will and Jules grow apart. Throughout it all his love for Julia has never faltered. There were several times within the book that I wanted to
her and tell her to "Snap out of it!" But I don't think it would have helped. She needed to see things for herself.
Even as she sits there listening to the words from his song...
“Tell me you’ve seen the world.
Now, you’ve come back home
Tell me you’ve carried me with you,
That you’ve held me close.
Tell me you’ve missed me
Or that I’m not crazy for waiting cause
Of all the butterflies that chose to stay,
I’m in love with the one that got away”
she still doesn't fully gasp what is truly in her heart until she hears these words...
“I just want her to know that she's still beautiful, after all these years, and that I'm here - always,”
And from that moment on, Jules was a goner. And so was I.
The end of the book left me in such an emotional state that I will need some time to recover. It left a hole in my heart for one, Will Stephens. A hole that can be replaced by no other.
Thank you for giving me wings, Will Stephens, and thank you for guiding me home.
And thank you also to Laura Miller for creating such a wonderful story and wonderful characters to elicit such emotion.
When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.
The first part of the the book goes from Will taunting Jules with his amazing
skills to
becoming her sweetheart.
Eventually as in real life, high school ends and she
goes off to college. . .
Over the next decade, Jules moves from place to place. Life interrupts and Will and Jules grow apart. Throughout it all his love for Julia has never faltered. There were several times within the book that I wanted to
her and tell her to "Snap out of it!" But I don't think it would have helped. She needed to see things for herself.
Even as she sits there listening to the words from his song...
“Tell me you’ve seen the world.
Now, you’ve come back home
Tell me you’ve carried me with you,
That you’ve held me close.
Tell me you’ve missed me
Or that I’m not crazy for waiting cause
Of all the butterflies that chose to stay,
I’m in love with the one that got away”
she still doesn't fully gasp what is truly in her heart until she hears these words...
“I just want her to know that she's still beautiful, after all these years, and that I'm here - always,”
And from that moment on, Jules was a goner. And so was I.
The end of the book left me in such an emotional state that I will need some time to recover. It left a hole in my heart for one, Will Stephens. A hole that can be replaced by no other.
Thank you for giving me wings, Will Stephens, and thank you for guiding me home.
And thank you also to Laura Miller for creating such a wonderful story and wonderful characters to elicit such emotion.
October 23, 2012
Well, I didn't like this book as much as some people seemed to but it was good. It was super syrupy sweet with little to no drama at all. Totally YA without a drop of steam to be seen. Emotional I suppose, because really, who among us can't relate to at least SOME of this?! First love and the pain of moving forward and looking back with longing. The songs that Will wrote were genuinely beautiful and the ending total had me tearing up.
Beyond that, I found myself kind of waiting for something to actually happen and I found Julie being so utterly oblivious to not only Wills feelings, but ber own as well, to be more then a little annoying. Frankly, at about, what, 92% or so I wanted to punch her. Literally punch her!
Will's steadfast love and devotion was sweet if not terrible realistic.
Over all very good but I think I need something to rinse the sticky sweet out of my mouth now. ;)
Beyond that, I found myself kind of waiting for something to actually happen and I found Julie being so utterly oblivious to not only Wills feelings, but ber own as well, to be more then a little annoying. Frankly, at about, what, 92% or so I wanted to punch her. Literally punch her!
Will's steadfast love and devotion was sweet if not terrible realistic.
Over all very good but I think I need something to rinse the sticky sweet out of my mouth now. ;)
February 20, 2013
I can't write a review for this ATM. Just read it! Jules will piss you off many times along the way. But Will, he's perfect and patient and oh just read this beautiful story!!
I do want to note that I'm from small town Missouri and I wanna say....this author rocks!!!! She nailed it about our country fun:)
And I don't want to forget that it helped for me that I got to read this w/two of the BEST buddy readers...Emilia and Mags;)
I do want to note that I'm from small town Missouri and I wanna say....this author rocks!!!! She nailed it about our country fun:)
And I don't want to forget that it helped for me that I got to read this w/two of the BEST buddy readers...Emilia and Mags;)
February 20, 2013
This is a truly beautiful heartwarming story!
Will is loving, playful, patient, loyal, just perfect!! His love conquered Jules! There were so many times when my heart was breaking for him, but he remained strong & steady.
Jules never really forgot him or their love, she was just working towards her goals and needed the time to stop & look into her heart. Thank God everything finally clicked for her.
I cried happy & sad tears for Will & Jules. I don't think I will ever forget their love story; I miss them already!!
April 19, 2013
This book was more of a 3 star for me until I got towards the end. Will's concert and thereafter bumped the stars up for me.
The end made me cry (very The Notebook feel).
I still hate Julia and her selfish ways. She doesn't deserve his love. I love Will and wish I had met him while I was in high school.
The end made me cry (very The Notebook feel).
I still hate Julia and her selfish ways. She doesn't deserve his love. I love Will and wish I had met him while I was in high school.
July 6, 2020
A beautiful love story that I read in one sitting, at times I found myself getting frustrated with Julia but I did like her. Will was so swoony, I'm not going to lie, when I started reading the songs he wrote I got a little tearful! A sweet book to check out.
October 22, 2012
This was one of the most beautiful books I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
From the very first chapter I was sucked in to Julia's world and wanted to know her secrets. What were the words to the song that literally had her stop in her tracks? Who was the man behind them? I could not wait to find out.
After that first chapter the story went back in time right to the very start of Julia and Will's story. And what a beautiful, heart wrenching story it was. I loved every single minute of it, even the bits where they weren't together because eventually, it made for their very own loving journey.
Be warned though, the last 30% or so will have you crying. And they aren't just normal tears, they are big ass ugly ones that make it near impossible to read. But for me, that's a winner. What's the point in a book if it doesn't make you feel anything? I don't think there is one, so I'm so glad I stumbled upon this one.
5 huge stars from me.
From the very first chapter I was sucked in to Julia's world and wanted to know her secrets. What were the words to the song that literally had her stop in her tracks? Who was the man behind them? I could not wait to find out.
After that first chapter the story went back in time right to the very start of Julia and Will's story. And what a beautiful, heart wrenching story it was. I loved every single minute of it, even the bits where they weren't together because eventually, it made for their very own loving journey.
Be warned though, the last 30% or so will have you crying. And they aren't just normal tears, they are big ass ugly ones that make it near impossible to read. But for me, that's a winner. What's the point in a book if it doesn't make you feel anything? I don't think there is one, so I'm so glad I stumbled upon this one.
5 huge stars from me.
November 23, 2012
A beautiful story about a love that surpasses time and obstacles. Julia and Will are one of my favorite fictional couples of all time. Their love is so wonderful it had me smiling almost the entire book.
And the ending. Gah, the ending! It was heartbreaking and gorgeous and amazing and I'm still thinking about it. This is a story that will stay with you and you'll definitely come back to it, just so you can revel in the lyrical words and their meaning.
I loved that music played an important part in the book, but I feel that it should've been more prominent in the story. I just love music, and I love when it becomes an integral part of a book.
Truly a wonderful book, recommended to all who enjoy a good cry and an eternal love a la The Notebook.
P.S. The song made me think of E.E. Cummings's poem, "I carry your heart with me."
And the ending. Gah, the ending! It was heartbreaking and gorgeous and amazing and I'm still thinking about it. This is a story that will stay with you and you'll definitely come back to it, just so you can revel in the lyrical words and their meaning.
I loved that music played an important part in the book, but I feel that it should've been more prominent in the story. I just love music, and I love when it becomes an integral part of a book.
Truly a wonderful book, recommended to all who enjoy a good cry and an eternal love a la The Notebook.
P.S. The song made me think of E.E. Cummings's poem, "I carry your heart with me."
November 27, 2012
If you look up the word "love story" in the dictionary, this book should be under the definition for it. It is an absolutely beautiful story about undying love. Amazing.
"Now you and I both know that I'll wait a lifetime for you- remember, Butterfly Weeds never give up..."
"As for the war, I surrendered." <3 This is still making me cry.
"Now you and I both know that I'll wait a lifetime for you- remember, Butterfly Weeds never give up..."
"As for the war, I surrendered." <3 This is still making me cry.
September 7, 2018
A truly heartwarming love story
I feel it like the heroines does
I really loved this story. How they were together initially to the broke up, followed by the whole big turn around to finally realizing both parties were definitely meant to be together.
This is the kind of pure romance that I would recommend to romance readers
I feel it like the heroines does
I really loved this story. How they were together initially to the broke up, followed by the whole big turn around to finally realizing both parties were definitely meant to be together.
This is the kind of pure romance that I would recommend to romance readers
October 23, 2012
Butterfly Weeds is definitely one of my favorite books of 2012; I couldn't put this one down. I was so spellbound by the story of Julia and Will. I will forever love and be captivated by Will Stephens; I only wish I knew someone like him in real life. I rarely, if ever, list a book as a must read, but I am putting Butterfly Weeds into the Must Read category.
This book touched me in so many ways that I am having such difficulty finding the words to explain and do the book justice. I was so enthralled by the story of Will Stephens and Julia Lang. The way the author told their story and developed their relationship - the ups and the downs - took me to heights of panic, tears, heartbreak, and joy. My tears were not pretty. They were the face twisting, nose dripping, loud, yet silent tears of all encompassing emotion. I was taken back to a time when life was simple, fun, and forgiving; only to grow into adulthood when life was more complicated and priorities shifted. I felt as if I was living Julia's life....I wanted to live Julia's life and be forever 16.
The feelings between Will and Julia are akin to that of Romeo and Juliette. They have that intense type of forever love with the ability to conquer the world, but the world isn't what their love must defeat; the stresses of life are what threaten their relationship and happiness. This story is told in Julia's point of view, but Will's thoughts are clearly made known with regard to his feelings for Julia. The dialogue between the two of them is very strong and beautiful. Laura Miller managed to put Will's and Julia's heart and soul on display throughout the pages of this book through her lyrical words. Julia is the intelligent realist who sets high goals in life and makes her course to accomplish them, yet her decisions in life prove risky to her happiness. Will is also a goal setter of sorts and a dreamer, but he only has one goal in life. His patience and faith prove to be his strengths in meeting that goal. Julia is intelligent, yet Will is the wise one. Together they are beautiful, complementary of each other, and complete.
I only wish I could have written my review immediately after finishing the book to really convey my feelings, but I was so lost in their story, I couldn't find the words...which is still proving difficult. I was so captivated and enthralled by it all. Laura Miller has written a debut novel that will take you on a journey through the trials and adversities of first love and will touch the very essence of your heart. Butterfly Weeds will inspire and captivate your soul as you forge through the pains and triumphs of all that is Julia and Will. The ending was not at all what I expected, yet it was perfect and lovely. I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it those who enjoy a well written and very satisfying novel. I look forward to many more books from Laura Miller in the future.
This book touched me in so many ways that I am having such difficulty finding the words to explain and do the book justice. I was so enthralled by the story of Will Stephens and Julia Lang. The way the author told their story and developed their relationship - the ups and the downs - took me to heights of panic, tears, heartbreak, and joy. My tears were not pretty. They were the face twisting, nose dripping, loud, yet silent tears of all encompassing emotion. I was taken back to a time when life was simple, fun, and forgiving; only to grow into adulthood when life was more complicated and priorities shifted. I felt as if I was living Julia's life....I wanted to live Julia's life and be forever 16.
The feelings between Will and Julia are akin to that of Romeo and Juliette. They have that intense type of forever love with the ability to conquer the world, but the world isn't what their love must defeat; the stresses of life are what threaten their relationship and happiness. This story is told in Julia's point of view, but Will's thoughts are clearly made known with regard to his feelings for Julia. The dialogue between the two of them is very strong and beautiful. Laura Miller managed to put Will's and Julia's heart and soul on display throughout the pages of this book through her lyrical words. Julia is the intelligent realist who sets high goals in life and makes her course to accomplish them, yet her decisions in life prove risky to her happiness. Will is also a goal setter of sorts and a dreamer, but he only has one goal in life. His patience and faith prove to be his strengths in meeting that goal. Julia is intelligent, yet Will is the wise one. Together they are beautiful, complementary of each other, and complete.
I only wish I could have written my review immediately after finishing the book to really convey my feelings, but I was so lost in their story, I couldn't find the words...which is still proving difficult. I was so captivated and enthralled by it all. Laura Miller has written a debut novel that will take you on a journey through the trials and adversities of first love and will touch the very essence of your heart. Butterfly Weeds will inspire and captivate your soul as you forge through the pains and triumphs of all that is Julia and Will. The ending was not at all what I expected, yet it was perfect and lovely. I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it those who enjoy a well written and very satisfying novel. I look forward to many more books from Laura Miller in the future.
October 28, 2012
Oh my God. I cannot tell you the last time a book had me such an emotional wreck. I have never read a love story as powerful as Jules and Will's. When I started the last chapter I was so hoping I was reading it wrong, and while it was so romantically beautiful it was a heart breaking ending to me. My heart ached for Will through the entire book. I wanted him to show her he was fighting for her because I knew he was and I wanted Julia to run back to him every minute even if she wasn't sure he was still in love with her. I fell in love with the couple from the very beginning and I mean it when I say my heart ached for them. I almost wished more for a Notebook ending over the one that was given, but God, I think I'll be crying for hours thinking about this one. Ugh I just wish the ending had been a different one. I really do see all the love and beauty that was in it, but I just wanted a glimpse into the Jules and Will that I fell in love with in the beginning. I needed more of Will and that was something I didn't get. That is possibly the only complaint I have about this entire story. It was beautiful, it was passionate, it was honest, and it was so much more than most stories. Will Stephens is a dream character and I just wanted more of him. I wish there had been an ending that left the door open to continuing their story. I would have read and loved every word of anything about them, and maybe after a few more books the ending wouldn't have hurt me as much as it did, but ugh, here I go again balling like a baby. Timeless and beautiful story that needs to be experienced by all!!
November 15, 2012
Let me start this by saying, I'm still crying... The end of this book was just so emotional, I'm bawling my eyes out. This is truly a beautiful love story, Is one of those you need to read after you finish a really intense, twisted book that leaves you feeling uneasy this will be the cure for that! I thought that this author is truly talented in the way of writing in such a beautiful and delicate way. So this book is about a couple of 16 year old kids who fall in love and promise each other they will grow old together, but life happened and they let get in the way of their love, so they go their separate ways. Julia is a small town girl with big dreams, she moves away to pursue her dreams, and Will stays behind and tries to move on with his life but he never forgets his butterfly. I didn't give it the 5 stars because at times I found myself skipping a little, it got a little slow at times and I felt like it took to got damn long for Julia to realized what she really wanted... So if you read this one make sure to bring the Kleenex box with ya. Seriously romantic.....
October 9, 2012
MY HEART. MY SHEDDING TEARS. It's The Notebook all over again everyone knows how they went with that lol *cries*. Growing up reading his novels, this one really hit home and it really hit HARD. Oh, but this was so beautiful and I absolutely lost it so many times I've lost count - had no shame, no control, no nothin'! Coming from someone who's not an easy crier while reading her books.
My favourite quote:
"Where have you been?
I’ve missed you so
Tell me of your travels
Tell me you’ve seen the world
Now, you’ve come back home
Tell me you’ve carried me with you
That you’ve held me close
Tell me you’ve missed me
Or that I’m not crazy for waiting cause
Of all the butterflies that chose
to stay,
I’m in love with the one that got
away"
Oh Will, why do you have such beautiful words? <3 Can I have you please?
Honestly, anyone that ever but more likely never, write a song about me, consider us married and the love of my life LOL.
My favourite quote:
"Where have you been?
I’ve missed you so
Tell me of your travels
Tell me you’ve seen the world
Now, you’ve come back home
Tell me you’ve carried me with you
That you’ve held me close
Tell me you’ve missed me
Or that I’m not crazy for waiting cause
Of all the butterflies that chose
to stay,
I’m in love with the one that got
away"
Oh Will, why do you have such beautiful words? <3 Can I have you please?
Honestly, anyone that ever but more likely never, write a song about me, consider us married and the love of my life LOL.
November 13, 2012
INEED A MINUTE ....another one ...maybe one more.. I literally can not breathe..I'm still wiping away tears!!!
This has got to be one of the purest love stories i have read, lets say it was one of the best love stories i have ever had the privilege of reading...SIMPLY AMAZING..!!!
Emotional read that will leave you hoping for a love like this,will touch the very essence of your heart.One of the best love stories that I've ever read.. This book touched me in so many ways that I am having such difficulty finding
the words to explain ....this book had some of the MOST BEAUTIFUL WORDS I have ever heard ...TIMELESS PERFECTION.!!!
The story grabs hold of you and not let you go, and stay with you long after finishing. ..will warm your heart!!!
Words can't describe what I was feeling when reading this book or felt when I finished. I have never cried so much......this is definitely one of the best books that I've read in 2012..
Will Stephens is a dream character and I just wanted more of him... and The letter Jules was reading had me in tears.....i wish I could give this book more stars!
P.S: Cant wait to read Jules journal’s pages her old tattered DIARY...BOOK NUMBER 2 ...i hope so :)
“You are my love of loves, my dream of dreams, my hope of hopes, and I would take the journey all over again because it led me to you, because it’s our story–the story of us.” Butterfly Weeds by Laura Miller
“No matter how i tried to push you to the back of my mind, you always found a way to the forefront “ will-Butterfly Wedds
"and tonight, as you watch that big, orange sun disappear into the earth, and you world gradually grow dark, I'll help God turn on the stars and I'll wait for my dawn when you return to me" Oh !!! Will Stephens , why do you have such beautiful words.
Tell me you’ve seen the world.
Now, you’ve come back home
Tell me you’ve carried me with you,
That you’ve held me close.
Tell me you’ve missed me
Or that I’m not crazy for waiting cause
Of all the butterflies that chose to stay,
I’m in love with the one that got away...JUST PERFECT ...NO WORDS!!!
Butterfly Weeds by Laura Miller
I wish all love are like butterflies and butterfly weeds.....
This has got to be one of the purest love stories i have read, lets say it was one of the best love stories i have ever had the privilege of reading...SIMPLY AMAZING..!!!
Emotional read that will leave you hoping for a love like this,will touch the very essence of your heart.One of the best love stories that I've ever read.. This book touched me in so many ways that I am having such difficulty finding
the words to explain ....this book had some of the MOST BEAUTIFUL WORDS I have ever heard ...TIMELESS PERFECTION.!!!
The story grabs hold of you and not let you go, and stay with you long after finishing. ..will warm your heart!!!
Words can't describe what I was feeling when reading this book or felt when I finished. I have never cried so much......this is definitely one of the best books that I've read in 2012..
Will Stephens is a dream character and I just wanted more of him... and The letter Jules was reading had me in tears.....i wish I could give this book more stars!
P.S: Cant wait to read Jules journal’s pages her old tattered DIARY...BOOK NUMBER 2 ...i hope so :)
“You are my love of loves, my dream of dreams, my hope of hopes, and I would take the journey all over again because it led me to you, because it’s our story–the story of us.” Butterfly Weeds by Laura Miller
“No matter how i tried to push you to the back of my mind, you always found a way to the forefront “ will-Butterfly Wedds
"and tonight, as you watch that big, orange sun disappear into the earth, and you world gradually grow dark, I'll help God turn on the stars and I'll wait for my dawn when you return to me" Oh !!! Will Stephens , why do you have such beautiful words.
Tell me you’ve seen the world.
Now, you’ve come back home
Tell me you’ve carried me with you,
That you’ve held me close.
Tell me you’ve missed me
Or that I’m not crazy for waiting cause
Of all the butterflies that chose to stay,
I’m in love with the one that got away...JUST PERFECT ...NO WORDS!!!
Butterfly Weeds by Laura Miller
I wish all love are like butterflies and butterfly weeds.....
October 22, 2012
Okay people cry like a baby, warning........if your looking for an emotional investment look no further, because Butterfly Weeds has it in spades...
WOW isn't even close to describing the feeling I have for this book. I kept hearing tear jerker,cry fest,made be blubber, but though I got this and by 74% I was thinking what am I missing? I love the book I just wasn't feeling the tears, Well by 76% it hit I became concerned that we would not receive a happy ending but I have to say never fear you romance die-hardships like myself, While it was an emotional ending, It was happy. I hope in the future we get the years we missed....Please. Don't just read this book buy it and make someone else read it.
WOW isn't even close to describing the feeling I have for this book. I kept hearing tear jerker,cry fest,made be blubber, but though I got this and by 74% I was thinking what am I missing? I love the book I just wasn't feeling the tears, Well by 76% it hit I became concerned that we would not receive a happy ending but I have to say never fear you romance die-hardships like myself, While it was an emotional ending, It was happy. I hope in the future we get the years we missed....Please. Don't just read this book buy it and make someone else read it.
December 7, 2012
I started reading this book at 6 pm pulled an all nighter bc I could not put it down. But before I got beyond 15% I started asking my book group buddies for a tad of info I didn't want to continue if it had a bad ending for Will. Any how I'm very happy I continue reading, Will was an exceptional young man and more amazing as an adult, what a beautiful love story so much angst but he would not give up on his butterfly, Jules got on my nerves a lot of the times but he made up for all her stupidity.
Very well written story, a def must read. But keep a box of tissues on hand you will need it throughout the story and beyond. It was crying uncontrollably sobbing like if I was experiencing what I was reading.
Very well written story, a def must read. But keep a box of tissues on hand you will need it throughout the story and beyond. It was crying uncontrollably sobbing like if I was experiencing what I was reading.
February 7, 2013
“Now, you and I both know that I’ll wait a lifetime for you – remember, Butterfly Weeds never give up – so take your time down there. And tonight, as you watch that big, orange sun disappear into the earth and your world gradually grow dark, I’ll help God turn on the stars, and I’ll wait for my dawn – when you return to me, Julia Stephens.
I love you, My Butterfly. You’ll always be my endless song.
Love always and forever,
Your one and only Butterfly Weed, Will”
---cried a bunch with this book. One of my favorites this year.
I love you, My Butterfly. You’ll always be my endless song.
Love always and forever,
Your one and only Butterfly Weed, Will”
---cried a bunch with this book. One of my favorites this year.
October 10, 2012
If you love romance, and a good old-fashioned love story, you must read this book. The author does a fantastic job of sharing the story of Jules & Will...so bittersweet. I was completely sucked in and felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. I laughed, I sighed, got frustrated, and I cried...ugly cry even. Please read this book and enjoy:)
January 15, 2013
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the story, but struggled with the heroine & the hero for that matter. Neither one of them fought at all for what they wanted. Even to the very end. I would have thought at some point sooner one of them would have become a little more assertive, but the misery just kept dragging on.
I enjoyed the story, but struggled with the heroine & the hero for that matter. Neither one of them fought at all for what they wanted. Even to the very end. I would have thought at some point sooner one of them would have become a little more assertive, but the misery just kept dragging on.
February 20, 2013
5 stars!!!
Review to come
This was a beautiful story and I just need some time to compose myself
Review to come
This was a beautiful story and I just need some time to compose myself
November 10, 2012
what a beautiful story!! the last 20 percent I was in tears because it was so amazing and wonderful. A great read for sure!! melts your heart
October 24, 2012
4.5 stars!!
Such a beautiful and timeless romance story about first and only loves. The story was so endearing and heartfelt that it left my lil heart aching. Will and Jules story is amazing!!
Such a beautiful and timeless romance story about first and only loves. The story was so endearing and heartfelt that it left my lil heart aching. Will and Jules story is amazing!!
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