I’m in total awe of this story, and I’ve literally been thinking about it for the last week, wondering why it took me so long to find Yessi Smith. What an amazing storyteller she is, and this one will absolutely shatter your heart, then turn around and mend it! It’s emotionally charged with real life tragedies, and shows how one person’s struggles can turn into the beginning of a bright and happy future. Erin has gone through hell and back, and has a closet full of secrets that will blow your mind. How one person carries that through life, I will never know, but she’s one of the most stubborn yet beautifully strong people you could ever meet. She has a new life she’s worked hard to obtain, with a few close friends that would do anything for each other, and it’s pretty awesome. She sometimes has a hard time realizing just how lucky she is, which causes misunderstandings and trust issues with certain people. Never could she imagine meeting someone who would sweep her off her feet, but in walks Trent, maybe the sweetest “book boyfriend” ever! He’s everything you’d want in a man…caring, protective, sexy as hell, and a total family man. Their chemistry was instantly hot, yet cute at the same time. Erin tried to play it off, not wanting to believe this could be real, but when it’s right, you eventually have to drop your guard…right? Erin and Trent slowly make a life together, and just when things seem to be moving forward, the past comes back to haunt her. She has some major decisions to be made that affect not only her, but others around her. It’s a breath-taking ride, and I loved every second of it, and give major props to Yessi Smith for such a beautiful story. Four years after leaving Alabama, Erin Lewis is finally happy with her life, she has a small apartment is nearing the completion of her Nursing Degree which she has worked to put herself through and she has a small group of friends and a BFF Cam, who treats her like a sister. Then on a trip to the Keys with her friends she meets Trent. Trent is a good guy he is just what Erin needs and deep down wants (really badly), and thank goodness he sticks it out through her insecurities and is there to support her.Life is good… far better from where she began. She has tried to forget her past, but life has a funny way of throwing you a curveball . Before she can fully settle into her new life, her past catches up with her. Music is a main component to this book - Erin uses music to cope with her feelings, to celebrate, to pick herself up when she is feeling down. That’s where the Book titles come in – Book 1 ‘Life’s A Cappella’.This book is written in Erin and Shayla’s POV – I haven’t mentioned who Shayla is and this is deliberate – I would spoil the book if I did.For a debut novel this book is well written, the characters feel real. I got attached to Erin and her struggles (but tissues will be needed at times). the secondary characters are written well too, and I am looking forward to reading the next installment… I recommend this book to all Romance readers over the age of 17.
