"Loved this book. The story pulled me in and I just couldn’t put it down. I ended up reading half the night. Well written with solid believable characters. What will happen to them next? Can’t wait for the sequel."

—Lynn Daly

"I just closed the book on "Wallflowers." Thanks for an engrossing read and real insights into the lives of the Masons and Millers, their friends, onlookers, and antagonists. You tell a compelling story in a simple and graceful narrative style, driven by very natural dialogue. From the beginning I cared about Mina and Emma, their struggles at home and the challenges they faced in the world beyond their front door. Your portrayal of Sam and Winona, their siblings and parents embodies their humanity and genuineness without ever saying in so many words how human and genuine they are. Mina's father's late awakening feels completely authentic. Congratulations on a well done work of fiction. It was worth the wait to experience and I look forward to reading more good stories from your pen."

—Jim Zien

"This story is complex without contrivance, with deep psychological insights. It offers a sensitive look at the impact of a mother's hoarding on other family members. At the same time, it celebrates the resilience of youth and the joy of young love.

My Mother Grows Wallflowers is C.L. Howland’s debut novel. It offers characters the reader cares about, who deal with difficult situations without blame or self pity and leaves the reader with a lot to think about after enjoying a really good story."

—Carol J. Bova, Chesapeake Style Magazine