Title: Voice of Innocence
Editor: Lindsay Detwiler
Publication: February 26, 2015
Publisher: Melange Books
Source: Author
Genre Category: Romance
SYNOPSIS: (From Goodreads)
We’ve all heard the saying: you never forget your first love. For some, however, perhaps the better terminology is haunted—haunted with the memories, the connections, and the life-changing relationship. So begins the tale of Emma Ranstein and Corbin Jones, two typical teenagers who travel the road of first love together, hearts sealed by a seemingly impenetrable bond. When Corbin Jones is convicted of murder and faces years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, though, their love is put to the test. As Emma and Corbin await his release from prison decades later, both reflect on the power of a relationship neither has gotten over. Their unique story speaks to a universal heartstring within all of us: how do we move on past a first love if we aren’t meant to do so? More importantly, it reminds us that there is hope if the heart leads the way.
REVIEW:
‘Voice of Innocence’ by Lindsay Detwiler is the true vision of what it is like to have your world turned upside down. Heart-wrenching, inspiring, and tragic all at the same time. This story has the appeal for those young and old and should be on everyone’s reading list.
The story follows the life of Emma and her all-consuming love affair through high school with Corbin, the mysterious, devoted boy from art who swept her off her feet and never put her down. Throughout the story you go back and forth between the teenager years for Emma and Corbin, to Emma’s new life decades later, and Corbin’s story.
What I love about this story is you get to see the consequences to actions as well as the immediate response to certain situations. I loved seeing how Emma had made herself a life after tragedy unfolded in her younger years and tore Corbin and her apart. Even though I know that there is devastation looming, I couldn’t help getting wrapped up in their love story. Detwiler did an incredible job showing the all-consuming love that goes with, not only a high school love, but your first love. Your true love, if I will. While I loved the story and the jumping between present and memories, there were a few small things that bothered me. At some points I felt the explanations were too long, repetitive, or drawn out. These could be from descriptions of an outfit or to feelings. They weren’t filling the story, so I wouldn’t say these moments brought the story down, just something I could have done with less of.
Those small instances aside, ‘Voice of Innocence’ is fantastic. It’s real life. The ups and the downs. The overly happy, ‘my-world-couldn’t-be-better’ moments, to the absolute despair that comes with parts of life. A true story of redemption and second chances and the path people have to travel to get there. Wonderful job to Detwiler for writing this book. The characters were people I could connect with and the story flowed smoothly. A well-deserved four stars.
Make sure to pick up ‘Voice of Innocence’ on Amazon. Also make sure to add it to your TO READ list on Goodreads! You can also read more about the author, Lindsay Detwiler on her website HERE!
