Life's A Cappella

A Cappella #1

by Yessi Smith

Book #1 Life's A Cappella
Book #2 Our A Cappella (to be released April)

I want to tell you how great my life was.

How I lived without regrets. With constant laughter. Without any tears. I want to tell you how I lived each moment to the fullest. How each breath I took was fresh and full of life. With eagerness. Without any fear.

I want to tell you all of that, but then my story would be masked with lies and not worth telling.

My life didn’t start until I left my past. And I left everything…

My mother, my friends, my name. My new name, the name everyone knows me by is Erin Lewis.

Four years after finding the courage to leave her hometown in Alabama, Erin is finally happy with where her life has led her. Not only is she secure in her environment, but the relationships she has formed center her, making her forget how damaged she once was. Before she can fully settle into her new life, her past crashes into her present, unraveling a set of events that destroy the very foundation she has built her new life on.

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Abuse, Contemporary, Emotional, Adult

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2013

About the author

Yessi Smith is a South Florida girl living in Texas with her husband and two sons.

She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s in Human Resource Management and has held several jobs, from picking up dog poop to upper management positions. And now she hopes to leave the business world behind so she can live full time in a world that does not exist until she places her fingers on a keyboard and brings them to fruition.

Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book - Life's A Cappella
Author - Yessi Smith
Publication Date - November 15,  2013
Type - Stand Alone
Genre - New Adult, Romance, Self-Discovery
Rating - 4 1/2 out of 5 Stars

Book provided by Author in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis
I want to tell you how great my life was. How I lived without regrets. With constant laughter. Without any tears. I want to tell you how I lived each moment to the fullest. How each breath I took was fresh and full of life. With eagerness. Without any fear.

I want to tell you all of that, but then my story would be masked with lies and not worth telling.

My life didn’t start until I left my past. And I left everything. My mother, my friends, my name.

My new name, the name everyone knows me by is Erin Lewis.

Four years after finding the courage to leave her hometown in Alabama, Erin is finally happy with where her life has led her. Not only is she secure in her environment, but the relationships she has formed center her, making her forget how damaged she once was. Before she can fully settle into her new life, her past crashes into her present, unraveling a set of events that destroy the very foundation she has built her new life on.



Review
Here are my original thoughts when I first finished this story....

Damn....I never thought I would like this book as much as I did!!

I cried - not just once but twice and then a third time with tears of joy!

I am giving this book 4 1/2 stars - and the only reason I took 1/2 back is for the many many references to songs and their singers - it was nice but a bit too much after awhile.

Other than that...this book TOUCHED me....I mean really TOUCHED me! I CONNECTED

I kinda feel like a disciple back in the B.C. times and listening to Jesus preach a parable - because there were so many lessons to learn with this story.



This author is AMAZING!!  It is a rare thing that I get so connected with a story that it emotionally and physically effects me, the way this book did.  And here is the kicker...this is the author's debut novel!!

One single tear that screamed louder than a torrential downpour of tears.

This is a story about a girl who has fought to survive through a terrible childhood and continues to battle with her inner demons regarding trust, acceptance, help, love and self-esteem.  This girl's life has been heartache after heartache but with the help of a few people and her own strength, she finds herself and true love.

Erin lived with an abusive and drug addicted mother until she was old enough to leave and start over again - leaving everything about her past behind.  She starts a new life for herself and is close to finishing college to become a nurse when the story opens.  She has a group of friends who she trusts to an extent and meets Trent in Key West.

"You can change your name and your address, but you can't escape
your past, especially when it's staring you in the face in the present."

Finally her life is happy and she is content until her past catches up with her and she finds out that she has a 4 year old sister she knew nothing about along with finding out her mother is dead.



Erin is hit with more and more devastation in her life that leaves her spiraling downward and it isn't until a trip back home to try and get custody of her sister, that Erin fights to make a life for her and her sister.

It is through the help of each other that the girls start to heal and learn to trust in each other to put their past demons to rest.  Is this enough for Erin though?  

It was with Leah's help and our weekly venture to meetings that made me
understand that who I was today was shaped by my past, but that my past could not define me as a person. Only I could do that.

Can she learn to trust others also?  Even though she continually pulls away from Trent and has lost him in her life, is that what she really wants?



Erin again has to fight against herself and others to get her happily ever after.

Wrap Up
I can't explain fully the feelings I had while reading this book - this book MOVED me - and I wanted to fight right next to Erin the whole way through.

Every loop life had thrown at me was responsible for where I stood today.

Don't miss the opportunity to live a life in Erin's footsteps.

[Just My Bucking Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a ARC copy of Life's A Cappella from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Life's A Cappella
Author: Yessi Smith
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Series: None
Publication Date: November 15th, 2013

5 BUCKING STARS!

You know when you find a book that makes you so happy and sad at the same time and you can't bring yourself to do anything but love it whole? Life's A Cappella is that book for me. I fell whole heartedly in love with it and it's characters that I'm gonna do my damned best to get a signed paperback because I cherish it so much that I want it in my hands and not just on my Kindle.

(Got me my signed paperback!! Thank you, Yessi!! :D)

It's hard to type up this review because this book hit home for me on a lot of issues and even though they weren't as severe as what Erin went through in the story, they were enough to make me wish I could mould myself into a new person, move away and start over. This may sound stupid but this book actually helped me deal with a lot of shit and change my outlook on my life and how I think and feel about certain things and people in my life. I'll be forever grateful to Yessi for writing this, because of her I feel I can look back on my childhood and not hate myself for things I had no control over, it made me not hate me, it made me like me. I wouldn't be the good person I am today if I didn't live my past and I just realised that with the help of Erin, Trent, Nate, Shayla and most of all, Yessi. Thank you, you have no idea the weight you have taken off my heart and shoulders <3

Okay, enough with the heavy and lets get down to my review on this beauty.

Erin Lewis is a 22 year old woman - the same age as myself which freaked me out because we're so alike with similar lives! - who has survived a gruelling past at the hands of her abusive mother. At the age of 18 she left her life in Alabama, her mother and her identity - a person who she truly never was - behind to start on a clean slate in Miami, in a new life, as a new person. That's what this story is about, surviving through the bullshit obstacles life throws at you and powering right on through because life can go fuck itself!

Through the course of the story we follow Erin adjusting to her new life four years after escaping her Hell. She is in her final semester at university as she studies to become a paediatric nurse. Nobody knows a thing about her past, not even her best friend Camilla, and she plans to keep things that way. Forever.

That plan goes to shit when tragedy strikes - well, it's not really a tragedy to Erin - and she is made aware of something - someone - that will change her new life in more ways than one while completely exposing her old life in the process.

Dealing with her past in front of people she has come to love - her best friend Camilla and her amazingly kind hearted, smoking hot boyfriend, Trent - is too much for her to handle so she does what she does best in order to protect herself. She pushes people away.

Pushing those certain people away caused her only more heartache because when life suddenly turns around and punches a hole through her chest, she is left with guilt racking her body and feels nothing but disgust for herself. The scene in the book that this is directed at made me cry like a baby, it was so unexpected. It really blind-sided me and upset me all at the same time.

Things just went from bad to worse for Erin, especially when she started to slip and lose her new self and had to rely on substances to get her through the day. She hit rock bottom. That was hard to read.

Watching her pick herself back with with the help of others and of course music, put a smile on my face. It was beautiful to read of her overcoming her past, forgiving and letting go. This will be a book I turn too when I'm in need of a reminder that I make my present and future, my past is just that. My past. It doesn't define me.

Everyone should read this.

Everyone.

Just My Bucking Book Blog

[Silla Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin has had a tough life. She has fled her past, changed her name, and made a new life for herself. While with her best friend Camilla she meets Trent. The scene where Trent and Erin meet is really funny. Erin and Trent start a relationship. When Erin's past clashes with her present, it really throws her off.

The characters where very well written and it was easy to connect with them. The story switches back from Erin and Shayna' s view. When I was reading, I wasn't sure who Shayna was. When it was revealed who she is and how she fits in I was surprised.

This is a great story of over coming your past and finding unconditional love. I would definitely recommend it.

[My Secret Book Spot · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Life’s A Cappella” by Yessi Smith
5 out of 5 stars

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars because it is so good. I typically read for entertainment and a bit of escape. I tend to like series because I get invested with each new set of characters and I like to live in their world while I’m reading about them. For that brief moment in time they are very real to me. This book was like a punch in the gut. It grabbed me and took me on an emotional ride. The story of Erin and her journey is heart-breaking, painful, exciting, touching, and triumphant. Yessi Smith is a master at getting her readers to feel everything Erin feels as we follow her along her road.

Life has not been kind to Erin. Abused and broken, she leaves home and remakes herself in Miami, Florida. She has left her past and her name behind and become someone new. She has put herself through college, made a great group of friends, and has her future carved out in stone. On a spur of the moment trip, she meets Trent and it seems as though all the pieces to her puzzle are finally in place. When a knock on the door threatens the life she has created, Erin realizes that the band-aids holding her together are temporary and has to decide if she really wants to heal the wounds of her past.

I found Erin inspiring. She’s so complex and flawed and so very human. I laughed every laugh with her, cried every tear by her side, and fought every battle she faced. My heart ached for her and as a mother I was angry for her. If I could have pulled her out of the book, I would have held her as her own mother should have. Where she saw a girl broken, I saw a girl who had faced demon after demon and was still standing tall. She was a victory in the making and I was her cheering section.

Trent was balance and patience personified. He was loving and thoughtful. He pushed her when she needed it and held her together when the cracks threatened to break her apart. My only wish is that he would have fought a little harder for her when times got especially rough, but I understand that he is human, too, and needed reassurance that he was wanted. I liked how the relationship he had with his mother became a way for Erin to reconcile some preconceived notions she had and helped her be able to ask for own help when the time came.

Shayna, as a small child on the verge of being forgotten, was a bit of salvation for Erin. She enabled Erin to face the past, pick up the shattered pieces of her life, and have a reason to hope again. Nate, seen through the eyes of a lost child, was a hero. He was a Shayna’s savior and the link to the past that Erin needs to help her realize that families can be made not necessarily inherited.

I loved this book and I hope that Smith continues to write these characters into a series. There is a heartbeat in this story and this cast of people that is rare in the written word. I can’t recommend this book enough…just have a few tissues handy.

*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Shannon, My Secret Book Spot

[Neeny Boucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Five Stars***

I know it is early in the year, but I can safely say that this book will be on my list of favorites for 2104. Also, I don't read a lot of New Adult, but this book might change my mind. One of the first things I'd like to state before getting to the review is how I enjoyed Yessi Smith's writing style. Her direct style appealed to both my head and my heart. There were no wasted words and nothing was over-written.

From the opening chapter, I knew that this work would give me a massive book hangover and it has. But like all hangovers, you have to remember the reasons why you got in that state in the first place.

"Life's A Cappella" centres on Erin Lewis a dark, damaged, outsider that has a traumatic past and sees Erin struggling for happiness. 'Happiness' is a foreign country to Erin and in order to cope with her old life, she creates a new one. She lives inside her head, presenting a different picture of herself to the world, refusing to divulge a history she wants to forget.

Erin has a strong internal dialogue and her feelings are narrated through music. Songs become the soundtrack of Erin's life, speaking for her when words are fraught with danger. As an aside, I loved the musical references in this work. I could emotionally locate Erin in the songs she used to speak for her when pain put her in stasis.

Slowly, Erin allows people into her new life: the wonderful Camilla, and then in walks Trent. Trent is a fantastic character that radiates warmth, emotional courage and humor. Erin and Trent's chemistry is instant and believable, with their romance blossoming into something real, and strong. I loved their budding intimacy that was humorous, hot, and tender.

When tragedy strikes, Erin defaults to her old patterns of pushing people away and locking her feelings behind a wall of pain. She isolates and alienates, living in the darkness she is accustomed to, but as Martin Luther King Junior once said: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that." When you live in the dark, however, sometimes it is difficult to see the light, but in the worst of times, Erin's struggle to find real happiness begins.

The character development in this story was phenomenal and believable. Erin is an incredibly strong, young woman, which is fantastic to see, especially considering her past. Through this wonderful story, however, we see that there are different types of 'strengths' in the world, such as love, compassion and recognizing your worth as a human being.

Highly recommended.

[Lisa (Two Bookish Brits) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

What a beautiful and heartbreaking book this was.

I went into this with no warnings what so ever, I read the description and it didn’t prepare me for what this book gave me.

Their story is one of heartbreak.

No spoilers here but I know how much this book could trigger someone so I WILL say this book contains abuse and addiction so if they’re triggers I’d definitely keep away from this book.

Erin is from a past that she wants to keep hidden. Growing up the way she has, has changed the kind of person she was. She finds it hard to trust and talk to people about her past, she’s closed off but needing comfort. She’s an incredibly brave woman with so many struggles you just want to hug her so hard.

Trent is a beautiful and loving guy who tries to see the best in everything. He’s happy and carefree even with problems himself. He’s supportive and kind and will do anything to help those he loves even when pushed away.

Watching this relationship grow has been amazing, the struggles they went through, the pain they felt was felt by me too. It was real, it was hard and it broke my heart.

This is the first book I’ve read from this author and certainly won’t be my last. It’s been intriguing to read although hard at times.

[StephanieThe BookHooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life’s A Cappella by Yessi Smith
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Release Date: November 15th 2013
Print Length: 273 pages
Format: eARC
Source: via tour host
Overall Rating: 5 Stars



I want to tell you how great my life was. How I lived without regrets. With constant laughter. Without any tears. I want to tell you how I lived each moment to the fullest. How each breath I took was fresh and full of life. With eagerness. Without any fear.

I want to tell you all of that, but then my story would be masked with lies and not worth telling.

When I first finished this book my emotions were just all over the place. At points this book totally broke me, I sobbed big ugly tears several times. Then just when I
Thought my heart was broken beyond repair there were happy tears, lots of happy tears. I had heard so many great things about this book, and when I read the Synopsis I knew I was going to like it. But what I didn’t know was how much I was going to love it, how it was going to grab me, pull me right in and not let me go. How it was going to let me feel every single emotion right along with the characters. To say this book was great just doesn’t do it justice, this book was Unbelievable. It was so superbly written and this is a Debut Novel! A freaking Debut novel!!

Now I’m going to try and write this review, but this is one of those books were I don’t want to go to far into details in fear that I might give something away. It’s a story filled with so many surprise twists and moments I just didn’t see coming at all. You just have to read it yourself to truly experience Erin’s Amazing story. So I will try my best to do this book justice and not go to far into the story.

Erin Lewis knows what its like to feel broken and unloved. She’s known it as far back as she can remember, born to a drug addicted Mother who didn’t care about anything but getting her next fix. After years of physical and emotional abuse Erin decides she has to leave everything behind in order to really live. So at the age of 18
She leaves the only home and only so called family she has ever known.

I learned at a very young age that home was not a place I wanted to be.

Erin is happy in her new life, she has worked hard to get to where she is. She has a small close group of friends and an awesome best friend, though she still keeps them all at a safe distance. Never fully trusting anyone.


Then one night at the beach with her friends Erin meets Trent. Ah Trent is just Amazing. He is so sweet and kind. He takes his time with Erin and let’s her set the pace for their relationship. He knows she is hiding something but doesn’t want to push her away, so slowly he tries to break down the wall that she has built up around her heart. As their relationship grows Erin still constantly struggles with her feelings and how to deal with them. She doesn’t know how to accept the fact that someone wants her and cares for her. She desperately wants the love that Trent has given her, she just doesn’t know if she deserves it. But she carefully starts to open up her heart and let herself feel things for Trent that she has never felt before. She wants a chance to be truly happy.

This man who was slowly,oh so quietly opening my heart and gaining my trust

I was broken,damaged; my heart was hardened by loss and years of not being wanted. Now, after years of running, I was going to let go of the control I needed to manage on a day to day basis, so I could love unconditionally. So I could trust a man who trusted me enough to give me a second chance at this life I wanted us to have together. Because Trent deserved it. And because I deserved it, too.

But then Erin’s life she has so carefully built for herself is turned upside down when her past comes crashing down on her like a tidal wave and everything she thought she left behind is brought to the surface. Will the secrets that Erin tried so desperately to leave behind destroy the new life she worked so hard to build? Or will fight for what she wants?

Life with its twists turns and inevitable drops were to much.Let someone else deal with it. But I wasn’t built that way. No, I was built to fight. I may never win, but I’d try.

This was such an incredible story and the author did an Amazing job with all the characters in this book. I loved Erin’s character, I felt so connected to her. When most people would be broken by a past filled with so much devastation she fights on. Yessi Smith is a very talented Author. I would very highly recommend this book to everyone. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

Reviewed by Stephanie The Book Hooker

[The Book and The Harlot's Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life’s a Cappella put me a little out of my comfort zone. I normally read hardcore, rip-your-clothes-off Romance. While, there are a few hot sex scenes throughout this book, the entirety doesn’t hinge on those alone. Even without the sex, this book would still do amazing! I must say Yessi blew it out of the water with her debut novel. It focuses more on the dramatic back-story of it’s characters and the current situations they find themselves in.

Erin is, quite possibly, one of the greatest heroines I have read about thus far. She had an extremely rough childhood and since she couldn’t outrun it, she buried it. But, what was buried, does not always stay hidden. And sometimes, it can come back to hurt you…..or help you.

Trent is a harmonica playing hot-ass policeman, who goes around asking complete strangers if they’d like his banana. He’s funny, strong and will push until something breaks. Sooner or later the torrent will be unleashed and both Erin and Trent will have to be able to deal with the debris that comes falling.

Life’s a Cappella is a funny, witty, dramatic, tear-jerking book of awesomeness. I loved reading every word, flicking every single page. Her characters are extremely relatable, not in the sense that you’ve experience what they have (although some may have) but, in the way that each of them have been hurt in some way or another. They all came out on top of it. This story gives you strength in your weakest of hours. Erin survived through unspeakable horrors, and Trent stayed strong for his mom. Both overcame the low points in their childhoods to make something of themselves, even when life knocks them right back down.

I found myself tearing up at multiple points in the book just for the fact that Yessi made these experiences so real. I can’t even begin to tell you how pissed I was, how angry I became at some points. I wanted to reach through my kindle and hug/strangle/maim each character a time or two. But, I must say, she gave her characters beautiful HEA and I could not be more proud of this debut!

If you’re looking for a book full of strength, determination, sex appeal and humor you have definitely found it in Life’s a Cappella.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, this book was incredible!! Erin Lewis is running from a horrible past that she wishes she could forget. Her mother was a poor excuse for a parent, leaving her alone for days, passed out drunk or high when she was home and never enough food for a growing child. This is just the stuff I feel comfortable telling you! As soon as Erin (that’s her name now) turned 18 she took off and reinvented herself or at least tried too. She is determined to make something of her life. She has put herself through nursing school and has a best friend for the first time in her life. Although for as close as they are, Erin has never told her about her early years.

The winter break before graduation her best friend talks Erin into going to Key West for some fun. While sitting eating a sandwich she made for dinner a strange man sits in front of Erin and offers her a banana. Erin, who doesn’t trust anyone, refuses. This strange man turns out to be Trent Park, sexy harmonica playing police officer. “What if I told I was in a band? . . .Would you be impressed?” “I dunno. Are you the sexy guitarist?” “I play the harmonica.” Trent is funny and full of confidence and it turns out that they both live in Miami and only in Key West for a visit.

Needless to say, Erin’s past comes back to smack her in the face full force. This leads to Trent and her best friend finding out she has a TON of baggage and has been hiding it. Trent wants to be supportive but Erin pushes him away of course. The roller coaster ride begins but the past revealing its self turns out to be good for Erin. It helps center her as well as helping her learn how to trust and love. This is an AWESOME HEA and I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars.

“I still don’t want your banana.”

[Haveyoureadbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Author gave me a free arc copy for an honest review...

Life's a Capella

First of I would like to say that I loved the playlist for this book. Every song fit right with what was happening at the moment. This book caught my attention from the beginning, it's not your usual girl meets alpha male and falls in love story it's about a trouble young women(Erin) who had a very difficult past, but was strong enough to leave it behind and start a new life with new people, in a new state. Erin was an abused child and therefore couldn't trust many people n shut herself out. That was until she met her best friend Camilla who's attitude and personality I loved she was the complete opposite of Erin and that's probably why they fit so well together. She thought her to let lose a little and live. Of course she didn't know about Erin's past, none of her friends did and neither did the cute guy "Trent" who Erin met one night and started falling for. Her life was going great. She had the fun best friend and the new boyfriend, until her past comes back to haunt her and throws everything out the window. She receives new that there's something from the past that she didn't know about and now had to deal with. It was a good story I wanted to cry so many times and I was so proud of her because she was strong enough to overcome her issues to be able to love and be loved even after losing so much already. I will definitely be reading for of this author's work.

-Maria from Have you read book blog

[Yolanda March · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life’s a Cappella by Yessi Smith
Review
This is the story of Erin Lewis a young lady who left her life in Alabama because of her horrid past. She completed her education and was about to graduate from her nursing program.
Erin has a wonderful group of friends, her best friend Camilla was like her sister. They go away for a vacation and that’s where she meets Trent. Trent is a nice guy and she loves being with him. The begin a great relationship. Everything is going so well until there is a knock on Trent’s door that changes her life forever.
Good God this review is going be the hardest (not because I didn't enjoy this book because I 100% did) it’s just going be hard to give a review without ruining the book.
I totally loved this book, Yessi Smith is a terrific writer. I really love the mystery of this book. Erin had a love of music and a variety of it and there is certain reason why. The way it was introduced in the book was clever and meaningful. This book definitely has a message; the test of love, what happens in you pasts can affect your future. Trent was just darling very kind funny and caring. I was so impressed by the bonds and connections that were made in this story. I’m generally into the whole passion and sex acts in most of the books I read and I enjoyed that this book wasn't about the physical more than the mental. I give this book a 4 out 4 stars a must read.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving behind not only your life, your 'family', everything you know, even your name, like you never existed, would be something that would bring most people to their knees! But not Erin Lewis.....she started over completely with the intent of never looking back to any of those things. Leaving behind everything, except her music....the one thing that saved her! Not knowing that one day, a part of the biggest thing she left behind, the thing that completely broke her, would be the one thing to mend her heart, her life!

As bad as I want to go into a long, detailed review, I'm not going to! I don't want to give anything away! But I will say....this book is beyond amazing! Yessi takes you into the life of Erin & lets you feel her every emotion! With her words, she captivates you, makes you feel like you're walking beside her & able to see into her heart, watch as it goes from broken & shattered to completely mended & full of love! (Get your tissues ready!)

After reading this book, it's hard to believe this is Yessi's first!! She is an amazingly talented writer & has a bright future ahead of her! She definitely deserves all the 5 stars I know she will get with Life's A Capella!!

*My favorite quote from the book:
"For it was not in my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul." -Judy Garland

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I have to say about this book is that I was not prepared for the emotional roller coaster ride that it took me on. Life's A Cappella by Yessi Smith was a wonderful read that had me frustrated, laughing, and teary eyed several times. It pulled me in from the first paragraph and wouldn’t let me go till the end. The main character Erin Lewis is strong, stubborn, and beautiful. She has no idea though and can be very obstinate when it comes to what she believes to point of making me want to throw my kindle. Trent is understanding, kind, and protective. He is also a hot guy in a uniform. The chemistry between them is blazing hot. I loved the way that Yessi let their relationship develop before just throwing them into bed together. When Erin is finally happy in life and starts to accomplish her goals; her past comes back to haunt her. Erin has to make some really difficult choices and decide if her love for Trent is enough to let him in. She also has amazing people to help her through the tough times. The other characters in the book are just as interesting as the main ones and really help add more to the story. Yessi Smith has created an amazing read full of raw emotions, romance, heartbreak, friendship, and family. I can’t wait to see what she does next with this series.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Natalie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yessi will have you on an emotional rollercoaster. I did some ugly crying reading this book. Erin just wants to forget the past that she left behind in Alabama and start her new life in Miami. With new best friends, well first best friends, she has learned a new life is what she needed. In life you never what is going to happen and it can always throw something at you to see if you will fail or succeed. Erin learns this all to well. With the loss of love and a friend you can only hope something good will happen but when that ray of hope comes in a tiny package do you know what you would do. Do you fight like Hell for what you want or back down? Erin doesn't know how to back down so she decides it's time to fight like Hell for what she wants but is it to late to start the fight. I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did. This is a great debut book for Yessi and I can only hope there is going to be more from her!

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a book hangover this morning and my eyes are bloodshot over the heartache, grief, tragic loss, emotional turmoil, and the innocence lost in this utterly profound and moving story.

Erin was a captivating young woman who went through absolute torture in her childhood at the hands of her mother and her addictions. She learns to overcome her anger and anxiety of her horrible past with music, food, friends and love.

Shayna was so lovely, my heart bleed for her and her confusion and pain. I wept for her innocent thoughts, her need and hunger for both nourishment and love. She was such a strong and smart little 4 year old delight.

I thought this was a very moving and emotional read and encourage all of us to read and spread awareness of 'ABUSE', child abuse, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse. This book shows the real people out there, the people that are strong enough to fight back and SURVIVE!

Thank you so much Yessi Smith. Congrats! =)

[Crystal Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so hard to believe that this is Yessi's first book! She is an amazing writer, I could not stop reading this book once I started. Erin was a girl that didn't like her life growing up so at the first opportunity, she left. She ran away from her life unable heal, but when it all catches up to her she has to deal with it. I don't want to give too much away, but know that this book is so full of emotion. Music helps Erin get through all of the good and bad in her life. I can relate to this because music plays such a huge part of my life as well. You would be really missing out if you didn't take the time to read this book, I cannot wait to see what else Yessi will have for us in the future! She is definitely one to watch, I know I will be.

[Lydia's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional, heart-breaking, and truly profound story! Life’s A Capella was more than just another book to me…it was an experience. I felt as if I had lived every single event right alongside Erin. Truly fantastic!

Since this is a book you have to read to fully grasp its amazingness, I will discuss it in general but not go into any of the details. I don’t want to ruin it for you. Safe to say, I devoured it and could not put it down!

“I learned at a very young age that home was not a place I wanted to be.”

Erin had created a life for herself in Miami. She had a new name and new friends. She was almost done with her nursing degree and everything was finally great…she was finally happy. She was away from everything and everyone in her gut-wrenching, horrible past.

One weekend of fun with her friends at Key West, changed her life. She met the guy that would show her what it meant to open your heart to another person…. She met, Trent. He was funny, smart, hot, talented, and simply, perfect. Their relationship turned into one of the best things in Erin’s life. Even though she had a hard time opening up and expressing her feelings, as reader, I could just tell she was truly and madly in love with Trent. Everything was even more perfect now for Erin.

Until it happened.

Erin’s past was no longer in the past. Surprise number one . My already aching heart, broke. I had theories of who that ‘other character’ could be, but nope!!! I was faaaaaaaaar from being right. And then…. BAM! Surprise number two . I’ve never felt the rug get pulled out from under me this way…. To say I was FLOORED would be an understatement. There had been a few scenes where I’d gotten teary, but now?? I had tears rolling down my cheeks. Sigh.

“This time, not even music could ease the pain so interwoven throughout my body it was becoming a part of it.”

Life had once again proven to Erin that it would keep making her fall. How many times could she get up and keep going before fully breaking? I thought Erin would surely give up after that millionth blow, but no. She proved that she was one hell of a strong woman. However, just as she was strong, she was also stubborn. Unfortunately, her relationship with Trent suffered.

“I stared into his eyes, pleasing with him to take me as I was. Broken.”

In a way, it needed to happen. She needed to face the new changes in her life and come to terms with them before being able to share her life with someone else. I loved seeing her get stronger and stronger.

Once Erin and Trent got back together, I was beyond cloud nine. I was in love with how much they loved and supported each other. It felt amazing seeing how their relationship was stronger this time around. Trent became a part of Erin’s ‘new life’ in every way possible. Swoon. That guy melted my heart.

“I found Trent; the only one who knew the song of my heart.”

The secondary characters were remarkable!!! Nate, Shayna, and Camilla were my favorites; especially Camilla, Erin’s best friend. She was sarcastic, witty, and hilarious! I absolutely adored her. Her conversations with Erin literally made me laugh out loud. They were so natural and real. They had the type of friendship that I have with my best friends in real life. LOVED IT.

“What do you mean you lost your car?” I asked cautiously. Camilla didn’t like driving or anything having to do with vehicles.
“I lost my fucking car,” she sighed heavily. A bit of an exaggerated sigh so that I could fully appreciate her situation. I stifled a laugh and asked, “Like, the whole thing?”
“Yes, the whole damn thing!”

OMG! Camilla’s nickname for Trent??? LMFAO!!! So damn funny!!!! Seriously, the humor throughout the plot was a welcomed breath of fresh air. It balanced off the book perfectly. I also really loved how music played such a key role in the story line. Erin lived for it...

Life’s A Capella is a heart-felt story about second chances in life and love that you must read! Really, go buy this book. I cried, swooned, and laughed. Yes. All three. And that ending!!??? Happy tears!!!! Wonderful ending!!! Congrats Yessi Smith on such an extraordinary debut!! Five stars!!!! I am very much looking forward to the next installment!!

[Jodie Squelch · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sign of a good book for me……Is not being able to put it down......this book did not let me down.
I read the whole story in one sitting….
A Simply Amazing debut novel....
This story introduces you to Erin Lewis......a young woman, who at the tender age of eighteen flies from her home town of Alabama to Miami......she leaves everything behind including her name.
All Erin wants is to create a new safe life but most importantly to escape her past which has left her broken....
Like the saying goes ‘fake it till you make it’
Erin works hard at being a strong independent woman whilst studying for her nursing qualifications....
Erin’s past didn’t allow her to develop confidence in social situations......she was a quiet shy girl who escaped reality within lyrics of songs......for Erin every life event needs a sound track....
In Erin’s new life she lets very few people pasted her concrete barriers......she believes if she doesn’t let anyone in no one can hurt her again......her past as left her so broken she doesn’t know how to let love in....
Erin has created a safe haven within Miami surrounded by a close knit group of friend......Camilla, Brianna and Tonya but she can’t completely open up to them has no one knows what she is hiding!
On her final winter break from college......Erin and friends load up and head out to Key West to enjoy some sphere fishing.
Trent is a HOT Harmonica player come law enforcement officer from Miami......who shakes up Erin’s concrete barriers......there is an instant spark which Erin doesn’t know how to handle....
On return from Key West......Erin and Trent soon becomes an item....
Erin has successfully created a happy safe haven surrounded by people who love her but even with all her hard work to re-invent herself......she still holds back and can’t completely trust anyone but herself.
‘The past always catches up with you’
One simple knock on a door……hands Erin……her past right back to her....
Erin’s carefully built new life comes crashing down around her and she does the only thing she knows......she pushes the people close to her away because she thinks no one will want her once they know her history.
I don’t want to give any spoilers away......but Erin truly needs to hit rock bottom before she can start to overcome her past, she needs to let go to let in....
This story is a completely refreshing read......It will keep you gripped from the prologue and wanting more right to the last sentence.
I took Erin into my heart and felt every step of her story......I laughed and cried right along with her......hoping, praying, willing she got her fairy-tale ending....
I highly recommend this novel to everyone!!!!
I can’t wait to read more work from his amazing new author 

[Michelle Horst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started writing this review when I was in the middle of the book, so I wouldn’t miss saying something.
Yessi Smith has a way of taking what is an emotional life and weaving it into the most breathtaking story, I’m sure most can relate to – I sure can. By the way, Yessi – I used more than one toilet roll!
There are huge spoilers in my review so don’t say I didn’t warn you. This is your last chance to stop reading….in 3…2…1…
The first time the story hit me hard – really hard was when Trent compared Erin to her mother, the day of Cam’s funeral. Oh my word, did I gasp along with her. I know he didn’t mean it the way it came out, but I felt for Erin right then. I could imagine Erin easily hitting rock bottom with those words alone. Being compared to the person you tried to make disappear from your very life. But instead she came back swinging, like the fighter she was born to be!
The second time the story hit me hard was when Shayna was sitting on Erin’s lap and again poor Erin was compared to her mother – this time the truth came from the mouth of a babe. She looked like her mother. To wake up and see a piece of your mother staring back at you day in and day out - that can break you.
There will be days you wonder if you’re not becoming the same monster.
The third time the story hit me hard was when Erin sat across from Trent’s mom. Again I could see myself in Erin’s shoes. I felt what Erin was feeling towards this woman who was a recovering alcoholic.
I was sitting with Erin in that AA meeting, thinking where do they get the right to feel proud when all they have done was hurt those around them with their made up disease? And then I ugly cried again, because I knew Yessi was far from done with me… it was only the beginning of a long journey.
The turning point in the story for me…
‘Who I was today was shaped by my past, but that my past could not define me as a person. Only I could do that.’
Can I trust you with my heart? I stared at this line for a long time. well. ‘I was broken, damaged; my heart was hardened by loss and years of not being wanted.’ – That’s why Erin didn’t trust anyone, but after a long journey she learned to trust again, to love again.
That journey is such a hard one to travel, because trust I feel is more precious than love. Trust makes you vulnerable – it takes away those high walls and allows you to love unconditionally.
Erin learned this through her journey. She suffered, she lost – but in the end all the hardship made her the strong person she became in the end – a person who learned to love and trust, a person with family and friends. That’s what we all want at the end of the day, a place we can call home. We all want that one person who is like Trent.
Yessi you know the song of my heart. ;)

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC**

Erin needed to leave her past behind, everything that she hated about her old life. She went off to college and never looked back at the mother that abused her mentally and let men abuse her physically, so that she could get her next fix. Erin did the only thing she could, and that was move to a new state, change her name and start fresh. She never thought that her past would come back and haunt her 4 years later.

Erin moved to Miami and the first person she met and became friendly with was Camilla. Camilla always told her how it was, and never let her believe that she wasn't worth the friendship. They became like sisters. One day they are at a concert on the beach when up walks Trent. Erin is kind of taken aback by his directness but knows in her gut that he means well. They become inseparable from this point on.

When things are going great in her life, there is a knock on Trents door that brings her whole life crashing down around her, and her past collides with her future. She never wanted Camilla or Trent to find out the real her and who she was before, but she runs from everyone hoping that they will never know the old her.

Erin is told that she has a sister, that she needs to go home and get her, that she is in foster care. Erin doesnt believe that her mother would bring another child into this world to torture, but apparently she did. Erin isnt ready for this, and the only person who has ever stuck by her side in life is there now to let her know she is not alone. Camilla tells her that she doesnt care who she was before, that she will always love her as a sister and stick by her side and she needs to go to her sister. That was the last thing those two said to one another....

This book had me on the edge of my seat from the first chapter. It was being told in two P.O.V.s and it was heartbreaking to read Erin's sister shayna's chapters. These two girls have overcome so much in life, and have taught one another so much. They learned how to love, make friends, forgive the past and let the future shine. By the middle of the book, it was hard for me to keep my eyes clear of tears. I mean how could you not fall in love with Erin and then Shayna? Lets not forget Camilla's mom Sofia, who helps Erin learn what it is really like to be loved by a mom...

[Jen Cothran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story of one woman's strength and drive to be better than her beginnings. Erin's story is of accepting things you can't change, dealing with life's journey and making the best of it. Even when Erin is at her lowest she finds the inner strength to pull up her big-girl panties and forge on. I loved the realism of the journey and the authors lack of sugar-coating issues that needed to be addressed. A love story within a journey of acceptance and strength and lots of love.

Erin "was born into a family in which the word family in and of itself was laughable." But she picked her new name and made a new life in Miami. She put herself through school and had her circle of girls known as "The Cunt Hut"...seriously!! With her best friend Camilla aka Cam, they had fun and could laugh and rely on one another like sisters, to call them on their shit and laugh at their antics. From Cam loosing her car, yes, her whole vehicle in a parking garage...LOL...to Erin getting so animated with recalling something, Cam would accuse her of her "Cuban is showing. Hands and tongue flapping so fast..." They share an amazing friendship anyone would envy.

Trent was "bananas" for Erin, literally, as he "offered us a banana." In a most sweet and kind gesture he worked his way into Erin's life and though his actions wound up helping her heal what was broken. He was in a band....OH YES!!.. a band....not full time but he played the most rockin' instrument...ok, not really...well kind-of....hahahaha, nope you have to read that part ;) But his honest and openness to life and his feelings made you want to *swoon* over him.

Nate and Shayna are a part of Erin's past that come into the story and ambush you and your heart. You can't (i dont care who you are) you can't help but love both of them. Both independantly and together. It changes everything and makes this story into so much more, more heartache, more love, more joy and more healing.

This is a must read, I can't say enough about this book without giving away every delicious detail. I laughed till If almost PMP. I cried ugly tears and hiccups. But most of all I loved the warmth and love this story told. I hope when you pick up this book you enjoy it as much as I did. :)

[Jen Cothran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story of one woman's strength and drive to be better than her beginnings. Erin's story is of accepting things you can't change, dealing with life's journey and making the best of it. Even when Erin is at her lowest she finds the inner strength to pull up her big-girl panties and forge on. I loved the realism of the journey and the authors lack of sugar-coating issues that needed to be addressed. A love story within a journey of acceptance and strength and lots of love.

Erin "was born into a family in which the word family in and of itself was laughable." But she picked her new name and made a new life in Miami. She put herself through school and had her circle of girls known as "The Cunt Hut"...seriously!! With her best friend Camilla aka Cam, they had fun and could laugh and rely on one another like sisters, to call them on their shit and laugh at their antics. From Cam loosing her car, yes, her whole vehicle in a parking garage...LOL...to Erin getting so animated with recalling something, Cam would accuse her of her "Cuban is showing. Hands and tongue flapping so fast..." They share an amazing friendship anyone would envy.

Trent was "bananas" for Erin, literally, as he "offered us a banana." In a most sweet and kind gesture he worked his way into Erin's life and though his actions wound up helping her heal what was broken. He was in a band....OH YES!!.. a band....not full time but he played the most rockin' instrument...ok, not really...well kind-of....hahahaha, nope you have to read that part ;) But his honest and openness to life and his feelings made you want to *swoon* over him.

Nate and Shayna are a part of Erin's past that come into the story and ambush you and your heart. You can't (i dont care who you are) you can't help but love both of them. Both independantly and together. It changes everything and makes this story into so much more, more heartache, more love, more joy and more healing.

This is a must read, I can't say enough about this book without giving away every delicious detail. I laughed till If almost PMP. I cried ugly tears and hiccups. But most of all I loved the warmth and love this story told. I hope when you pick up this book you enjoy it as much as I did. :)

[Cassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received in exchange for honest review.

Wow! What an emotional roller coaster ride! I loved it! This book drew me in from page one. I couldn't put it down. The characters were so well developed I really felt a connection. Erin's character in particular really got to me. I laughed with her, I cried with her, my heart broke along with hers. I cheered her on. I wanted to smack her upside the head a couple of times as well.

Erin Lewis left her previous life behind wanting to forget about her horrible past in Alabama. A past full of abuse. A past no child or young woman should ever have gone through. Changing her name and moving to Florida to start a new life never sounded better. Things were finally going well. She was finishing up nursing school, starting her new career, and had finally met someone she felt safe with when it all came crashing down. Her past catches up with her. She learns that her mother had died and she has inherited a little sister she never new she had. She's just coming to terms with this new responsibility when tragedy strikes it's ugly head again really challenging her strength and ability to cope.

I loved the way this story was written. Having bits and pieces written in Shay's point of view really brought it together. It intensified the emotion felt in this book tens times more. I will continue to think about this book for a long time to come. Can't wait for the next installment. 5 well-deserving stars from me!!!

Dream Cast

Review can be seen on http://www.stephaniesbookreports.com

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life’s A Cappella by: Yessi Smith

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Erin Lewis has had it hard, so bad that she leaves everything she knows behind to start again. From a trailer in Alabama to beach in Miami she starts again, changes her name, goes to college, and meets new friends in an attempt to hide her old life. Her old life was riddled with drugs, violence, and abuse. In Florida, Erin, finds a new tight group of friends and sweet boyfriend, Trent. Everything in Erin’s life contains music, a playlist for everything. Everything seems to be going fine until her old life catches up with her, will she be able to keep her head up, or will she sink back into her old life?

This is the debut novel by Yessi Smith, and what a great one it is! The author was able to tell a great story of friendship, love, heartbreak, and perseverance. This is a tough one to review without giving away some key points to the book, even when I got there I was thrown off course. How can one person take so much growing up, and yet turn our pretty much normal? It’s clear that Erin is on the right path and wants to finish nursing school and live a life far different from her Mother and for that she is admirable.

This was a great length for a New Adult/Contemporary read. Occasionally I find myself reading what might just be filler, but I didn’t find this at all with this book. I might even go as far to say that this could be read as a mature Young Adult read, but with a warning of mild sexual content, violence, and some drug use. No cliffhanger in this one, thank goodness! But wait; there is more of this story! February 7th, Yessi will release “Our A Cappella” continuing the story from Trent’s POV. I can’t wait!
I would like to thank the author for the opportunity to read and review her book. I encourage you to grab this one today. This is a new fresh author that you will adore!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author for an honest review

When I first looked up Ms. Smith’s book, my first thought was “This cover is beautiful!” It fits the character of Erin perfectly. The haunted expression and the toned out colors are genius.

The reoccurring thought that I have when thinking about this book is “whirlwind of emotion”. As a reader, we are put through an onslaught of feelings. It was as if Ms. Smith wanted to test us to see if we were capable of empathy, hatred, love…the whole sha’bang. And let me tell you what, she achieved her goal of making me connect with Erin on an almost personal level. I was bawling! I had to stop, do the whole count to ten, deep breathing exercises, blow my nose and splash cold water on my face…just to pick up my Kindle and have to do it all again. Brilliant.

I cannot get into too much detail of the book itself as to not give anything away. This is a read that you have to just immerse yourself in and let the story evolve.

There is a lot of music association throughout the entire book. I did have to stop a few times and Google the song title that was referenced in a particular scene just because I like to know exactly what is being felt as it has to have a deep meaning for both the character and the author to have mentioned it. After a handful of times doing that, I got slightly burnt out of stopping, going, stopping, going. But that’s just me and my OCD. Others might not feel the need to do that.

It’s extremely hard to believe that this book is Ms. Smith’s debut novel. It reads as if she’s a practiced professional author. I look forward to reading more of her work and will definitely be stalking for the next release!

This is a standalone. There is language, drinking and sex. We also get an alternating POV which is extremely well done!

https://www.facebook.com/just1morecha...

[Nerd Alert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life's A Cappella
By - Yessi Smith
*****I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*****
At the age of 18, Erin Lewis found the courage and determination to leave her hometown in Alabama. She left behind her past, her mother, her friends, even her real name. She left it behind to go somewhere else and start her life the way she wanted it, fresh and new with her past behind her.
...My life didn't start until I left my past...
Erin is now a 22 year old woman who has been living in Miami for almost 4 years. She is about to start her final semester of college and get her degree in nursing. Erin wants to become a pediatric nurse in a Doctor's office. Her love of music is her therapeutic way to relax herself and focus.
Erin builds her new life. She has an incredible best friend Camilla, who shows her how to trust a person and how to laugh and have fun. She has a wonderful boyfriend, Trent who shows her the true value of the love from a good family as well as warmth and compassion.
Just when Erin thinks life is finally turning into the life she always wanted her past comes knocking at the door. Her whole world is thrown off balance in front of her friends and Trent. Erin must find away to let go of her past, let love in completely, and decide on what she really wants with her future.
Yessi Smith really knows how to play on your emotions with her words. There were parts of this book that made me laugh, that made me want to reach in and hurt someone, and made me cry. I gladly rate this story a Nerd Alert A or 5 stars. Yessi really wrote an incredible debut story and I look forward to what she will write next.

[Stacey Medak · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC from the Author for an honest review**

Wow! First, this was an amazing story by Yessi Smith! I didn't count how many times I cried, but I know it was a lot. It was heart wrenching, but an absolute wonderful story to read.

Yessi Smith captured the hurt, pain, friendship and love in this story about a girl named Erin Lewis. It was heartbreaking at times and I wasn't sure how to deal with the pain because you could feel it along with the characters in the book.

You will understand what I am talking about when you read this story. I don't want to give anything away, but if you have ever lived this way or knew anyone that has had struggles like this, you will hurt for them. You will want to rip someone's head off. Unfortunately, I know this happens in real life and it might make you want to expell the disgust from inside of you.

I loved the way the author shows the changes with Erin and how you have to deal with your struggles for you to truely move on and move forward with your life.

It is because of who you have in your life that will you help you move forward. I loved Nathan and Trent. I actually liked all the characters and was happy that Erin had all of them in her life. It was an experience and makes you think about how you should live your own life, without regrets. Don't miss out on love when it is right in front of you.

Amazing...wonderful...heartbreaking...5 Freaking Stars!!!
Thank you Yessi for this story. I look forward to what you will bring us next!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Michelle Schroer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great title by the way, the author uses music a lot in the book. Erin uses it for relaxation and healing and boy does she need it. She has been through the ringer in life. Extremely abusive, sexually and otherwise, childhood. It's only touched on so no need to shy away if it upsets you. When she was old enough she ran and established herself in Miami. Erin changed her name and has worked her ass off in college and will graduate as an RN soon. She's got a great group of friends that make for terrific secondary characters!

Erin meets Trent as a musician, however, that's just his side job with his brother. He's really a cop! A man in uniform!! They have great chemistry but Erin has baggage and it's hard to let someone ALL the way in. The angst and struggle is a great read!!

The book is told in alternating POV which is brilliantly done!!! There really isn't a review I could write to do this book justice. It's funny, it's heartfelt, it's romantic, it's sexy and most of all...it's really, really a beautiful journey of 2 people who need each other most to heal. I ugly cried more than once...so grab the large tissues!!

There is an HEA!

Thank you Yessi Smith for the journey. It was MORE than amazing!!