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Pieces of Camden
This a story of love.
And hate.
Loss.
And struggle.
Self-preservation.
And addiction.
Then there’s Yanelys Sanchez—the one who made the journey worthwhile. She was the one who picked up my broken pieces, smoothed out the rough edges, and made me whole.
At least as much as I can be.
I’m still failing, still recovering, still trying. I’m only human—drunk on the idea that she, and only she, can save me.
***Due to adult content, this book is intended for readers 18 years of age and older***
And hate.
Loss.
And struggle.
Self-preservation.
And addiction.
Then there’s Yanelys Sanchez—the one who made the journey worthwhile. She was the one who picked up my broken pieces, smoothed out the rough edges, and made me whole.
At least as much as I can be.
I’m still failing, still recovering, still trying. I’m only human—drunk on the idea that she, and only she, can save me.
***Due to adult content, this book is intended for readers 18 years of age and older***
Unknown Binding
Published June 20, 2016
12 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Yessi Smith
14 books494 followersYessi 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 20, 2016
Oh my goodness, Yessi Smith, you have done it again. You’ve captured my heart and you’re not letting go. This story here is a MUST READ.
Camden's childhood was anything but happy, and reading the hell he went through was so heartbreaking, it had me in tears. I honestly could not imagine the cruelty that was inflicted in him on a daily basis. He was able to escape from his hell by having his best friend—and love of his life—Yanelys. Yanelys’ love for Camden grew every day, and she made sure to tell and show him every day.
Due to Camden's nightmare, he was left with a negative view of himself, and that lead to spiral down of his life. This was truly difficult to read, and yet so realistic. Someone out there has gone through this exact same thing!! Just beware, this story will grab your heart right from the beginning and take it on a roller coaster of emotions, not knowing if it will make it to the end.
Truly, Pieces of Camden is a beautiful story of courage, hope, kindness, patience and love. Love to be there for the ones that need us, love to help them no matter how hard the fight gets. ~ Kara, 6 Amazing stars
Camden's childhood was anything but happy, and reading the hell he went through was so heartbreaking, it had me in tears. I honestly could not imagine the cruelty that was inflicted in him on a daily basis. He was able to escape from his hell by having his best friend—and love of his life—Yanelys. Yanelys’ love for Camden grew every day, and she made sure to tell and show him every day.
Due to Camden's nightmare, he was left with a negative view of himself, and that lead to spiral down of his life. This was truly difficult to read, and yet so realistic. Someone out there has gone through this exact same thing!! Just beware, this story will grab your heart right from the beginning and take it on a roller coaster of emotions, not knowing if it will make it to the end.
Truly, Pieces of Camden is a beautiful story of courage, hope, kindness, patience and love. Love to be there for the ones that need us, love to help them no matter how hard the fight gets. ~ Kara, 6 Amazing stars
June 20, 2016
Pieces of Camden is the body and soul of beautiful writing. I went on a journey whilst reading this novel, and for a while there I wasn't sure if things were going to turn out the way I hoped they would which kept the strong urge for 'just one more chapter' alive and well. Camden has my heart, and Yessi Smith has my gratitude for creating such a flawed, but striking character.
October 18, 2016
Such a gorgeous story!!! Cam and Yanley captivated me from start to finish!!!
*review to come*
*review to come*
June 20, 2016
***** 5 cranky stars *****
5 glorious, emotionally charged, tear soaked stars
Quote:
“Whatever’s going on, Cam, I need you to know , I believe in you.” She cups my face in her delicate small hands, holding my gaze with eyes full of love and tenderness. “I believe in us, in the love we share. In your strength and the goodness I see in you.”
Yanelys has always been there for Camden and always will. She's his protector, friend and his heart. She believes is him enough to help him see the good through the bad, but sometimes even that isn't enough.
Camden has been torn to pieces by his abusive parents, addiction and life. The one person he knows can piece him back together is gone and he's so lost.
Another travesty, another hit, another blow to Camden brings him back face to face with Yanelys and it's time to fight.
I have to say Yessi Smith always seems to find her way to the center of my heart, obliterate it and then put it back together painfully slow. This book pulls out all the feels and still leaves you wanting more. I had to read it twice before writing this review and I still feel that Im unable to this book justice.
Do yourself a favor and one-click this today. Hunker down for the best read of 2016.
June 22, 2016
A broken soul kissed my heart 10 zillion heartbreaking stars
Wow. Just wow. Yessi Smith has brutally yanked my heart out of chest, I don’t know if I can recover from this gritty and raw story that is Pieces of Camden. I am reeling from the emotions that have bombarded me from all directions, leaving me unable to breathe or think straight, to say this story is close to my heart would be a major understatement. Camden Riley rode in on his broken dark horse and claimed my heart for his own, forever.
From the prologue until she wrote The End, Ms. Smith has yanked my chains in every direction possible and then some. I was scared, relieved, elated, and heartbroken, my soul wailed for the utter desolation that invaded Camden. His thoughts and his belief that he was all alone devastated me and left my heart bleeding, I could do nothing but curl into a fetal position and rage at the injustice of it all.
Pieces of Camden is a story of a young boy named Camden Riley who struggled every day to survive, to not lose a piece of himself in the chaos that always seemed to hound him. But there was one ray of light in his life, a place where he found peace, and that was within the arms of his best friend, Yanelys Sanchez. You see for him the devil was not imaginary, the devil lived with him. I loved the emotions that these two felt for each other, their love so pure that my soul simply sighed. I loved those small moments when Cam felt the love, Yan’s love for him, his birthday cart ride, the Iron Man movie, being part of the family, and Cam speaking to Santiago and Carmen about making Yan his bride when he was old enough. All this made my heart and soul sigh and swoon. The lost boy found acceptance and love in Yan’s family.
The brutality Camden had faced in his young life had scarred him and left him unable to reconcile that he was good inside, that he had a heart of gold and that he was lovable. I wanted to rant and rave at his family and I wanted his HEA. Sometimes the soul is so scarred that you are unable to see the light that shines through. Sometimes you do the right thing by walking away. Sometimes you lose everything to save the ones you love.
Will Camden put together his broken pieces and find salvation again in Yan’s arms? Will he fight his demons to be the hero we all know he can be? If you want to lose your heart to a young boy and his forever girl and Livvy and Tito and Ita and find the truth behind his brutal life. You have to 1-click this book and find out. Pieces of Camden is a beautiful masterpiece. It is a story that will wrap itself around you heart and never leave you. As a reader I live for stories like this, so thank you, Yessi Smith for stealing my heart yet again with your beautiful mind.
Wow. Just wow. Yessi Smith has brutally yanked my heart out of chest, I don’t know if I can recover from this gritty and raw story that is Pieces of Camden. I am reeling from the emotions that have bombarded me from all directions, leaving me unable to breathe or think straight, to say this story is close to my heart would be a major understatement. Camden Riley rode in on his broken dark horse and claimed my heart for his own, forever.
From the prologue until she wrote The End, Ms. Smith has yanked my chains in every direction possible and then some. I was scared, relieved, elated, and heartbroken, my soul wailed for the utter desolation that invaded Camden. His thoughts and his belief that he was all alone devastated me and left my heart bleeding, I could do nothing but curl into a fetal position and rage at the injustice of it all.
Pieces of Camden is a story of a young boy named Camden Riley who struggled every day to survive, to not lose a piece of himself in the chaos that always seemed to hound him. But there was one ray of light in his life, a place where he found peace, and that was within the arms of his best friend, Yanelys Sanchez. You see for him the devil was not imaginary, the devil lived with him. I loved the emotions that these two felt for each other, their love so pure that my soul simply sighed. I loved those small moments when Cam felt the love, Yan’s love for him, his birthday cart ride, the Iron Man movie, being part of the family, and Cam speaking to Santiago and Carmen about making Yan his bride when he was old enough. All this made my heart and soul sigh and swoon. The lost boy found acceptance and love in Yan’s family.
The brutality Camden had faced in his young life had scarred him and left him unable to reconcile that he was good inside, that he had a heart of gold and that he was lovable. I wanted to rant and rave at his family and I wanted his HEA. Sometimes the soul is so scarred that you are unable to see the light that shines through. Sometimes you do the right thing by walking away. Sometimes you lose everything to save the ones you love.
Will Camden put together his broken pieces and find salvation again in Yan’s arms? Will he fight his demons to be the hero we all know he can be? If you want to lose your heart to a young boy and his forever girl and Livvy and Tito and Ita and find the truth behind his brutal life. You have to 1-click this book and find out. Pieces of Camden is a beautiful masterpiece. It is a story that will wrap itself around you heart and never leave you. As a reader I live for stories like this, so thank you, Yessi Smith for stealing my heart yet again with your beautiful mind.
June 20, 2016
It's not really a story about love (only), but maybe more about surviving love.
I won't lie, having read her other thriller novel, I was caught off guard by the hauntingly beautiful parts of this one in dealing with addiction, redemption, and the biggest question we all have to ask ourselves in these situations, "Can people change?"
It would be silly to say much more, because that's the question the book poses, and it would be way too spoilerish to answer it here.
I will say that this book is poignant, touching, a tear-jerker, and still sticky-sweet (in a good way).
I think it reminded me how we can't change our past, but we can change this moment, and it's not really hard if you've got someone to do it for....
Too beautiful for words...but Mrs. Smith manged to find them.
I won't lie, having read her other thriller novel, I was caught off guard by the hauntingly beautiful parts of this one in dealing with addiction, redemption, and the biggest question we all have to ask ourselves in these situations, "Can people change?"
It would be silly to say much more, because that's the question the book poses, and it would be way too spoilerish to answer it here.
I will say that this book is poignant, touching, a tear-jerker, and still sticky-sweet (in a good way).
I think it reminded me how we can't change our past, but we can change this moment, and it's not really hard if you've got someone to do it for....
Too beautiful for words...but Mrs. Smith manged to find them.
July 16, 2018
I debated on how I wanted to rate this book. Addiction and abuse is a hard subject to approach. There is no why’s or rational explanations as to why someone would abuse a child or give in so far to an addiction that they can’t see through the haze. So, the way the story unfolds is no big surprise to me. People have hate in their heart do things that “normal” people can’t comprehend. We can’t see why their reasons are legit enough to cause an innocent child pain. But, that’s the thing with rage, there is NO rational explanation and it broke my heart for Camden. It really did, it screwed him up and he has to live with all that was done to him and find a way to cope, other than what he was shown.
****I turn away from Yanelys, not wanting her to see the pieces she has never been able to put together. An unfinished puzzle with broken chunks and missing bits. Marred and scarred and unable to be redesigned so that I could portray a better picture.
I am my past. Ugly and polluted. Breathing but barely alive.
****I want to be saved—not just from the things I’ve experienced, but from myself as well. Mainly from myself.
This story took pieces of my heart and crushed them. For all the pain and torment that Camden suffered through. I really felt his pain and his need to shelter himself any way he knew how. Even in the same affliction that the one who was supposed to love him most suffered through.
The writing was good. It bounced back and forth between past and press in alternating POV so we got a very clear picture as to what Camden suffered through, through two sets of eyes.
Yanelys parents are great. Love her dad and his stance in taking up for Camden. He was great and really stood up for his family, including Camden.
Although I didn’t like the idea of a pastor giving someone drugs. Just thought I’d throw that out there.
****I turn away from Yanelys, not wanting her to see the pieces she has never been able to put together. An unfinished puzzle with broken chunks and missing bits. Marred and scarred and unable to be redesigned so that I could portray a better picture.
I am my past. Ugly and polluted. Breathing but barely alive.
****I want to be saved—not just from the things I’ve experienced, but from myself as well. Mainly from myself.
This story took pieces of my heart and crushed them. For all the pain and torment that Camden suffered through. I really felt his pain and his need to shelter himself any way he knew how. Even in the same affliction that the one who was supposed to love him most suffered through.
The writing was good. It bounced back and forth between past and press in alternating POV so we got a very clear picture as to what Camden suffered through, through two sets of eyes.
Yanelys parents are great. Love her dad and his stance in taking up for Camden. He was great and really stood up for his family, including Camden.
Although I didn’t like the idea of a pastor giving someone drugs. Just thought I’d throw that out there.
June 21, 2016
From sad tears to happy tears and the journey in between.
I'm not sure how to put this story into just a few words to explain this story to those reading this review...it's not a pretty story, its not an easy story, it's complicated, intense, emotional and breathtaking. It's the story of a broken boy and the healing friendship and love of a girl. It's the story of an even more broken man and the forgiveness and unconditional love of a woman.
Camden has struggled his entire life, with his only hope coming from the girl he has loved almost his whole life, Yanelys. She has been his strength and his constant in a world and family that has ripped him to pieces, literally. She is his everything which is why he feels she would be better off if he leaves. He disappears for years only to endure more and more struggles, to where he feels worthless. Now with Yan back in his life, will he fight for what he knows he wants?
If you like angst, unconditional love, unexpected twists, and great writing, you need to read this book. If you don't mind your heart hurting, your gut wrenching, your eyes leaking, you need to read this book.
I'm not sure how to put this story into just a few words to explain this story to those reading this review...it's not a pretty story, its not an easy story, it's complicated, intense, emotional and breathtaking. It's the story of a broken boy and the healing friendship and love of a girl. It's the story of an even more broken man and the forgiveness and unconditional love of a woman.
Camden has struggled his entire life, with his only hope coming from the girl he has loved almost his whole life, Yanelys. She has been his strength and his constant in a world and family that has ripped him to pieces, literally. She is his everything which is why he feels she would be better off if he leaves. He disappears for years only to endure more and more struggles, to where he feels worthless. Now with Yan back in his life, will he fight for what he knows he wants?
If you like angst, unconditional love, unexpected twists, and great writing, you need to read this book. If you don't mind your heart hurting, your gut wrenching, your eyes leaking, you need to read this book.
June 9, 2016
**I was given an ARC**
Holy crap. This book had all the feels. Very dark and serious topics were dealt with in Pieces of Camden but it was also such a beautiful story. I honestly recommend it to everyone.
Holy crap. This book had all the feels. Very dark and serious topics were dealt with in Pieces of Camden but it was also such a beautiful story. I honestly recommend it to everyone.
February 9, 2018
Love this story! Yessi has a way of capturing you heart and soul. I’ve never read a book by her and not fallen in love with every word written.
June 18, 2016
What the hell did I just read. Pieces of Camden had me hooked from the first chapter. Yessi Smith, you sure do know how to pull at a readers heart strings. I was a emotional mess and it took me two days to get over this from freaking book. What is truly sad is that although this book is a work of fiction, it's major subject is all too real for some.
From the outside Camden had everything a child could ask for but what hid behind his door was something else. The only thing Camden could count on was the support of his best friend Yani. She and her family offered a safe haven for the abused little boy and after one horrific night her family home became his.
After years of being safe and knowing the love and support of peek who care, Camden's past makes a appearance. Such a appearance that soon sends him off the deep end and the only thing he can think to do is leave. It's the only way to protect the ones he loves, Yani and her family.
But when years go by and Camden is riddled with addiction, he and Yank are reunited. However not everything is what it seems. Both are broken in their own ways. Each hold their own set of secrets but something seems to pull them back together. Can Camden fight his demons while being back with Yani? Or will his actions and the truth destroy everything?
Please know that this book does have lapses in time that take us readers on a journey through Camden and Yani's childhood. It is also written in both of the main characters point of view, so get the opportunity to see into what each are thinking. The supporting characters are fantastic and how they welcome and embrace Camden is heartfelt. There are many topics that may be hard for some readers but the story wouldn't be what it is if Yessi tackle such hard subjects. So if you can get over them this is definitely a book to pick up.
4 star review
From the outside Camden had everything a child could ask for but what hid behind his door was something else. The only thing Camden could count on was the support of his best friend Yani. She and her family offered a safe haven for the abused little boy and after one horrific night her family home became his.
After years of being safe and knowing the love and support of peek who care, Camden's past makes a appearance. Such a appearance that soon sends him off the deep end and the only thing he can think to do is leave. It's the only way to protect the ones he loves, Yani and her family.
But when years go by and Camden is riddled with addiction, he and Yank are reunited. However not everything is what it seems. Both are broken in their own ways. Each hold their own set of secrets but something seems to pull them back together. Can Camden fight his demons while being back with Yani? Or will his actions and the truth destroy everything?
Please know that this book does have lapses in time that take us readers on a journey through Camden and Yani's childhood. It is also written in both of the main characters point of view, so get the opportunity to see into what each are thinking. The supporting characters are fantastic and how they welcome and embrace Camden is heartfelt. There are many topics that may be hard for some readers but the story wouldn't be what it is if Yessi tackle such hard subjects. So if you can get over them this is definitely a book to pick up.
4 star review
June 11, 2016
I came across Yessi on facebook when she posted a horrible email a reader had sent her. I admit the email was so mean it instantly convinced me to one click. I am so glad that I did, that brought me to Life Interrupted which was a whirlwind ride from the first chapter. I found myself staying up to 3am to continue reading until I just couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. As I read Life Interrupted there was a quote that stopped me in my tracks " Your life was interrupted by something you couldn't have prevented or predicted. That doesn't mean its over" I had lost a parent recently and that simple sentence summed up what I needed to hear in one sentence. ( I still tear up when I read it ) This prompted me of course to contact Yessi and tell her how much that line meant to me and why.
Which leads me to months later and being given the opportunity to have an advance copy of Pieces of Camden to read. I had just finished a series that I loved and just hadn't been able to bring myself to starting something new but since I had agreed I would read this I started. OMG this book had me from the first page! I fell in love with Camden from the very start, the raw honest emotions of Yessi's characters grab a hold of your heart and don't let go. I couldn't stop reading, I was sneaking in chapters at work on my phone just so the story could continue. I was completely heartbroken when I turned the page to Acknowledgements realizing it was over. I hope there is more! Is there more? Yessi tell me there is MORE!!!
Thank you for entrusting me to read it before it was released I LOVED every second of it :)
Which leads me to months later and being given the opportunity to have an advance copy of Pieces of Camden to read. I had just finished a series that I loved and just hadn't been able to bring myself to starting something new but since I had agreed I would read this I started. OMG this book had me from the first page! I fell in love with Camden from the very start, the raw honest emotions of Yessi's characters grab a hold of your heart and don't let go. I couldn't stop reading, I was sneaking in chapters at work on my phone just so the story could continue. I was completely heartbroken when I turned the page to Acknowledgements realizing it was over. I hope there is more! Is there more? Yessi tell me there is MORE!!!
Thank you for entrusting me to read it before it was released I LOVED every second of it :)
June 9, 2016
I was given an ARC of this book and I knew ahead of time from reading Yessi's books before that I was in for it. Well let me just say that Yessi again did NOT disappoint!
Camden has struggled his entire life, with his only hope coming from the girl he has loved almost his whole life, Yanelys. She has been his strength and his constant in a world and family that has ripped him to pieces, literally. She is his everything which is why he feels she would be better off if he leaves. He disappears for years only to endure more and more struggles, to where he feels worthless. Now with Yan back in his life, will he fight for what he knows he wants?
This book has so many feels! This is one of the best "ugly cry" books I have ever read. My heart shattered into millions of pieces for Camden, for Yan, for their family. I literally could not put this book down once I started reading it. I felt Cam and Yan's pain and heartache. I felt the turmoil that raged inside of Camden. I felt the fight that Yanelys had in her spirit. There is nothing that I didn't love about this book.
Will you cry? YES. Will your heart break? YES Will you question if the fight is worth it? YES But will Yessi pick up the pieces of your heart and put it back together again piece by piece? ABSOLUTELY YES!!!
This book deserves 6 stars! A total MUST READ!!!
Camden has struggled his entire life, with his only hope coming from the girl he has loved almost his whole life, Yanelys. She has been his strength and his constant in a world and family that has ripped him to pieces, literally. She is his everything which is why he feels she would be better off if he leaves. He disappears for years only to endure more and more struggles, to where he feels worthless. Now with Yan back in his life, will he fight for what he knows he wants?
This book has so many feels! This is one of the best "ugly cry" books I have ever read. My heart shattered into millions of pieces for Camden, for Yan, for their family. I literally could not put this book down once I started reading it. I felt Cam and Yan's pain and heartache. I felt the turmoil that raged inside of Camden. I felt the fight that Yanelys had in her spirit. There is nothing that I didn't love about this book.
Will you cry? YES. Will your heart break? YES Will you question if the fight is worth it? YES But will Yessi pick up the pieces of your heart and put it back together again piece by piece? ABSOLUTELY YES!!!
This book deserves 6 stars! A total MUST READ!!!
June 20, 2016
Pieces of Camden by Yessi Smith is not a pretty, fluffy, mushy kind of read. No, it's a raw, real, grab your heart and don't let go kind of read.
Smith brings Camden Riley and Yanelys Sanchez to life with so much depth and inner turmoil, that you will find yourself completely immersed in the world of these two young lovers who have faced more in their lives than many of us will ever face.
Camden has faced the worst any child could ever face, and just when he thinks he is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, his world is once again turned upside down.
Yanelys is left to deal with all the pieces that make up Camden, and it's up to her yo decide if she is strong enough to handle all these fracture imperfect pieces or whether she should walk away forever.
I am so proud that Smith tackled such hard subjects with rawness and realistic openness.
A definite 5 star read for me!
Smith brings Camden Riley and Yanelys Sanchez to life with so much depth and inner turmoil, that you will find yourself completely immersed in the world of these two young lovers who have faced more in their lives than many of us will ever face.
Camden has faced the worst any child could ever face, and just when he thinks he is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, his world is once again turned upside down.
Yanelys is left to deal with all the pieces that make up Camden, and it's up to her yo decide if she is strong enough to handle all these fracture imperfect pieces or whether she should walk away forever.
I am so proud that Smith tackled such hard subjects with rawness and realistic openness.
A definite 5 star read for me!
June 20, 2016
Pieces of Camden
***5 stars***
This is a story of redemption, undying love and the power to overcome addictions that have destroyed everything in their wake. It’s hard hitting, unfortunately true to real life, with no sugar coating involved. Yessi Smith has brought an absolute breathtaking story to us, and brought me to my knees on many occasions.
Camden has lived a true nightmare his whole life, he’s literally never gotten that second chance. Just when we think he’s reached the bottom of the barrel, he’s thrown back into the fire. Through everything, he’s had the love of Yanelys, who no matter what, has never given up hope that the real Camden is still there somewhere.
Yanelys has been the constant in the chaos that is Camden. Since they were kids, she’s been somewhat of a protector. Will she be able to carry the burden for them both? Can she bring him back to life? The love these two share is beyond belief, and it completely grips at your heart. LOVE!!!
***5 stars***
This is a story of redemption, undying love and the power to overcome addictions that have destroyed everything in their wake. It’s hard hitting, unfortunately true to real life, with no sugar coating involved. Yessi Smith has brought an absolute breathtaking story to us, and brought me to my knees on many occasions.
Camden has lived a true nightmare his whole life, he’s literally never gotten that second chance. Just when we think he’s reached the bottom of the barrel, he’s thrown back into the fire. Through everything, he’s had the love of Yanelys, who no matter what, has never given up hope that the real Camden is still there somewhere.
Yanelys has been the constant in the chaos that is Camden. Since they were kids, she’s been somewhat of a protector. Will she be able to carry the burden for them both? Can she bring him back to life? The love these two share is beyond belief, and it completely grips at your heart. LOVE!!!
July 8, 2016
4.5 Yanelys Sanchez + Camden Riley= 4-ever stars
Awe, this book! I knew Yessi Smith's word were going to bring tears to my eyes.
Camden's childhood broke my heart. He grew up neglected and unloved. I wanted to jump through the pages and hold him. Love him. Tell him he deserved all the love in the world. His childhood best friend and love of his life, Yanelys, tried to be there for him. She gave him a safe haven. She loved him unconditionally. ( I loved the childhood flashbacks) But Camden's demons filled him with self doubt. Always there, reminding him he didn't deserve her.
Still, Yanelys refused to let him go, fight those demons alone. I loved how hard she fought from Camden. How pure her love for him was. Touching story. Loved this authors writing.
Can't wait to see what she writes next.
Awe, this book! I knew Yessi Smith's word were going to bring tears to my eyes.
Camden's childhood broke my heart. He grew up neglected and unloved. I wanted to jump through the pages and hold him. Love him. Tell him he deserved all the love in the world. His childhood best friend and love of his life, Yanelys, tried to be there for him. She gave him a safe haven. She loved him unconditionally. ( I loved the childhood flashbacks) But Camden's demons filled him with self doubt. Always there, reminding him he didn't deserve her.
Still, Yanelys refused to let him go, fight those demons alone. I loved how hard she fought from Camden. How pure her love for him was. Touching story. Loved this authors writing.
Can't wait to see what she writes next.
June 3, 2016
Review of Pieces of Camden.
I wish I could give this work 10 stars instead of the 5 we are given. Yessi, you outdid yourself again. You are simply an evil genius when it comes to writing. You have me sucked in and not wanting to come up for air until the end of the book, then I get mad because its over. EVIL!!
I think people who has or had dealt with any type of addictions will love this book. The momma in me wanted to wrap my arms around Camden and make it all better. But Yanelys did that just fine. I could go on and on about this book but I don’t like writing spoilers into my reviews. My only spoiler is have tissues handy.
Thank you for your talent and letting us into your creative world.
I wish I could give this work 10 stars instead of the 5 we are given. Yessi, you outdid yourself again. You are simply an evil genius when it comes to writing. You have me sucked in and not wanting to come up for air until the end of the book, then I get mad because its over. EVIL!!
I think people who has or had dealt with any type of addictions will love this book. The momma in me wanted to wrap my arms around Camden and make it all better. But Yanelys did that just fine. I could go on and on about this book but I don’t like writing spoilers into my reviews. My only spoiler is have tissues handy.
Thank you for your talent and letting us into your creative world.
June 10, 2016
From sad tears to happy tears and the journey in between.
I'm not sure how to put this story into just a few words to explain this story to those reading this review...it's not a pretty story, its not an easy story, it's complicated, intense, emotional and breathtaking. It's the story of a broken boy and the healing friendship and love of a girl. It's the story of an even more broken man and the forgiveness and unconditional love of a woman.
If you like angst, unconditional love, unexpected twists, and great writing, you need to read this book. If you don't mind your heart hurting, your gut wrenching, your eyes leaking, you need to read this book.
I'm not sure how to put this story into just a few words to explain this story to those reading this review...it's not a pretty story, its not an easy story, it's complicated, intense, emotional and breathtaking. It's the story of a broken boy and the healing friendship and love of a girl. It's the story of an even more broken man and the forgiveness and unconditional love of a woman.
If you like angst, unconditional love, unexpected twists, and great writing, you need to read this book. If you don't mind your heart hurting, your gut wrenching, your eyes leaking, you need to read this book.
April 7, 2017
Not impressed....
I hate to review a book this poorly but I really felt no emotions when reading it. The story is supposed to be heart wrenching and raw and I don't think it was. I actually found the book quite corny and cheesy most of the time. Sure there were some hard times but I don't think they were given enough spotlight in the story to really get that raw intensity. I wanted a story that pulled me in and made me feel things and this story did not. A lot of other readers loved this book and I'm sure many more will it just wasn't for me.
I hate to review a book this poorly but I really felt no emotions when reading it. The story is supposed to be heart wrenching and raw and I don't think it was. I actually found the book quite corny and cheesy most of the time. Sure there were some hard times but I don't think they were given enough spotlight in the story to really get that raw intensity. I wanted a story that pulled me in and made me feel things and this story did not. A lot of other readers loved this book and I'm sure many more will it just wasn't for me.
August 16, 2018
DNF at 48% I love the cover that on itself would be 5 stars. The story not so much. I get why others would love this but I want my books to feel real and this was too much of everything. You can read stories about aliens etc and it still can feel real.
Yanely's to sweet, perfect, so young to express and love so much.
Camden broken.
Yanely's parents to nice, perfect,
Camden goes away for such a stupid reason, comes back and bla bla bla takes about 1 day and they are back together and ready to have sex and what not. This book made no sense to me.
Yanely's to sweet, perfect, so young to express and love so much.
Camden broken.
Yanely's parents to nice, perfect,
Camden goes away for such a stupid reason, comes back and bla bla bla takes about 1 day and they are back together and ready to have sex and what not. This book made no sense to me.
June 9, 2016
"This isn't a love story, but a story a love."
Those words couldn't describe the emotions in this book any better! So many highs AND lows throughout this story makes you crave more.
Every time you think you've got the story figured out, here comes Yessi to sadistically snatch your hopes away, only to moments later hand them right back with a smile and a sorry!
Excellent read and masterfully put together! Keep it up!
Those words couldn't describe the emotions in this book any better! So many highs AND lows throughout this story makes you crave more.
Every time you think you've got the story figured out, here comes Yessi to sadistically snatch your hopes away, only to moments later hand them right back with a smile and a sorry!
Excellent read and masterfully put together! Keep it up!
June 11, 2016
This book! It's not your swoony romance. It's not unicorns and rainbows. It is a book that needs to be read. Pieces of Camden deals with some dark, serious issues. Issues that many have faced. Issues that some don't some don't come back from. This is a story that is so beautifully written it will lead you down a road of feels. You will feel frustrated, happy, scared, sad. Yessi will make you feel it all.
June 20, 2016
A breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful love story, full of tragedy and triumph. The tender and unconditional love between Yanelys and Camden was so sweet. It was heartbreaking to see everything that Camden had to endure in life and what he had to do to overcome his demons....but to see what the outcome was, was so rewarding!! Happt tears have been shed! Love it Yessi!!
June 20, 2016
Pieces of Camden is beautifully written, emotional and gut wrenching. Yessi Smith is a true story-teller weaving a picture of love, loss and the true nature of the human spirit.
June 27, 2016
I loved, loved, loved Pieces of Camden!! I was sucked into the life of Camden and his family from the beginning. Yessi's work is splendid!
October 25, 2017
Pieces of Camden
Pieces of Camden is one of those books that will forever be in your soul. What Camden went through in his life is something that no one either child or adult should go through. I felt every single one of their pain. It was a total emotional roller coaster.
“Yan, in the real world, the knight doesn’t become a knight to save anyone but himself. No one cares about him or sees him until he becomes a knight.”
Reading this part I just wanted to hug little Camden and tell him it's not true, people care.
Now as for the ending... HOLY COW! Talk about a twist of events! I can't wait for what comes next but for now Yan and Cam are finally happy.
Pieces of Camden is one of those books that will forever be in your soul. What Camden went through in his life is something that no one either child or adult should go through. I felt every single one of their pain. It was a total emotional roller coaster.
“Yan, in the real world, the knight doesn’t become a knight to save anyone but himself. No one cares about him or sees him until he becomes a knight.”
Reading this part I just wanted to hug little Camden and tell him it's not true, people care.
Now as for the ending... HOLY COW! Talk about a twist of events! I can't wait for what comes next but for now Yan and Cam are finally happy.
July 30, 2018
Heartbreaking and powerful!
This book was heartbreaking and powerful. It had me hooked from the first page and I wasn't able to put it down. Camden and Yan's story was heart wrenching and beautiful. This was my first Yessi Smith book and I was not disappointed. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
This book was heartbreaking and powerful. It had me hooked from the first page and I wasn't able to put it down. Camden and Yan's story was heart wrenching and beautiful. This was my first Yessi Smith book and I was not disappointed. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
February 5, 2019
In the author note, she mention she was grateful that cadmen sought her to share his story. So, this is based on true story right.
Sometimes one need to hit rock bottom to get out from one's hell. Im so glad he manage to get control of his life. I know it wasn't easy to let go of the past and that take tremendous amount of strength to move forward and forgive. I'm so happy for him.
Sometimes one need to hit rock bottom to get out from one's hell. Im so glad he manage to get control of his life. I know it wasn't easy to let go of the past and that take tremendous amount of strength to move forward and forgive. I'm so happy for him.
July 17, 2019
Amazing...
A gripping powerful story that draws you in from the beginning. Love is powerful enough to bring anyone back from the brink, but a love that’s woven in your soul is powerful enough to see you to the other side of life, laughter and commitment like no other... this story is one of those times. Beautifully written and captivating from the start. A great read!
A gripping powerful story that draws you in from the beginning. Love is powerful enough to bring anyone back from the brink, but a love that’s woven in your soul is powerful enough to see you to the other side of life, laughter and commitment like no other... this story is one of those times. Beautifully written and captivating from the start. A great read!
May 19, 2018
Wow
This was a great read. It was emotional and totally need tissues. It was beautiful and I couldn’t put it down.
This was a great read. It was emotional and totally need tissues. It was beautiful and I couldn’t put it down.
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