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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
You can also find this review on Hedgehog Book Reviews!!
“Life, as I’ve learned, fails to be a concrete, concise package that can easily be wrapped up and contained. Life is full of messy, unpredictable circumstances that test not only our characters, but the people around us as well.”
I was given an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Corbin and Emma meet on the first day of their sophomore year art class. Emma stumbles with her words and is embarrassingly uncreative, while Corbin dreams of attending an art school after graduation. The two are seemingly opposites, but soon find themselves completing each other. Corbin brings out the fun in Emma–he takes her out sledding on snow days and adventures in the woods. Emma helps Corbin heal and overcome the hardships in his life. They are a perfect couple, but their world gets torn apart with Corbin is convicted of murder. Corbin is innocent, but is sentenced to a life behind bars. 28 years later, evidence of the real killer arises and Corbin is set free. Where does that leave him and Emma?
This book tore me apart. I was so excited for Emma and Corbin’s journey through their first love. I enjoyed the innocent passion they felt for each other. Every step in their relationship made me smile. Somehow, at the same time, this book ripped my heart out and crushed it.
It’s so hard to think of a life that could have been, but was unjustly stopped short. No one can say who had it worse– Corbin behind bars or Emma having to give up on the life planned out ahead of her. I was sad for both of them and was in a bad mood for half of my time spent reading this book. I wondered why I was feeling so upset a few days ago, and realized it was because Corbin and Emma were in a fight. Lindsay Detwiler certainly has a way of capturing the reader and pulling them into her world.
This was a quick read, but a great one. It’s full of angst and I loved it!
“Life, as I’ve learned, fails to be a concrete, concise package that can easily be wrapped up and contained. Life is full of messy, unpredictable circumstances that test not only our characters, but the people around us as well.”
I was given an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Corbin and Emma meet on the first day of their sophomore year art class. Emma stumbles with her words and is embarrassingly uncreative, while Corbin dreams of attending an art school after graduation. The two are seemingly opposites, but soon find themselves completing each other. Corbin brings out the fun in Emma–he takes her out sledding on snow days and adventures in the woods. Emma helps Corbin heal and overcome the hardships in his life. They are a perfect couple, but their world gets torn apart with Corbin is convicted of murder. Corbin is innocent, but is sentenced to a life behind bars. 28 years later, evidence of the real killer arises and Corbin is set free. Where does that leave him and Emma?
This book tore me apart. I was so excited for Emma and Corbin’s journey through their first love. I enjoyed the innocent passion they felt for each other. Every step in their relationship made me smile. Somehow, at the same time, this book ripped my heart out and crushed it.
It’s so hard to think of a life that could have been, but was unjustly stopped short. No one can say who had it worse– Corbin behind bars or Emma having to give up on the life planned out ahead of her. I was sad for both of them and was in a bad mood for half of my time spent reading this book. I wondered why I was feeling so upset a few days ago, and realized it was because Corbin and Emma were in a fight. Lindsay Detwiler certainly has a way of capturing the reader and pulling them into her world.
This was a quick read, but a great one. It’s full of angst and I loved it!
My favorite character was Corbin . . . even when he sometimes sounded more like a teenage girl than boy (I'm talking about raging male hormones that fluctuate during this time). He was forced into adulthood early (no spoiler as to why) by three different events that happened in his life. Even with some of the challenge of those events, he grew from them and was grateful - unlike I could say for Emma.
There were times where I got a little lost with the back and forth with the memories and felt like Emma dwelled on her sadness way too much . . . but, everyone responds differently in life. I just wished there was more growth for her as well.
This was a cute read and could be very beneficial to a number of readers.
There were times where I got a little lost with the back and forth with the memories and felt like Emma dwelled on her sadness way too much . . . but, everyone responds differently in life. I just wished there was more growth for her as well.
This was a cute read and could be very beneficial to a number of readers.
I was up until the wee hours of the morning reading this one, guys! The Voice of Innocence is this perfect combination of cutesy love story mixed with a horrible, horrible tragedy to create this bitter-sweet feeling throughout. If there hadn't been this underlying "love lost" theme, it could have been really run-of-the-mill YA romance. But, The Voice of Innocence stood out by staying in the present, focusing on 47-year-old Emma, 28 years after the love of her life, Corbin had been wrongfully charged of first degree murder.
The writing was great, and I loved the banter between Emma and Corbin. An added bonus was her involvement in the marching band, playing clarinet no less, which obviously speaks to me :) They even performed Thriller, which my college marching band does for most Halloween games. I felt rather at home in Emma's head, if I do say so myself.
The only thing holding me back from five stars was the fact that we don't get to see much of the present lives when he comes back. I was more concerned with seeing how their adult characters handled situations than reading about the cute dates that they went on in high school. Emma was still married when Corbin came back. How did that shake out? To me, that's where the drama lies. That would have been the fifth star for me.
See my full book talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-y-eZgmaqY
The writing was great, and I loved the banter between Emma and Corbin. An added bonus was her involvement in the marching band, playing clarinet no less, which obviously speaks to me :) They even performed Thriller, which my college marching band does for most Halloween games. I felt rather at home in Emma's head, if I do say so myself.
The only thing holding me back from five stars was the fact that we don't get to see much of the present lives when he comes back. I was more concerned with seeing how their adult characters handled situations than reading about the cute dates that they went on in high school. Emma was still married when Corbin came back. How did that shake out? To me, that's where the drama lies. That would have been the fifth star for me.
See my full book talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-y-eZgmaqY
A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Original review posted at: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-review-voice-of-innocence-by-lindsay-detwiler/
‘Voice of Innocence’ by Lindsay Detwiler is the true vision of what it is like to have your world turned upside down. Heart-wrenching, inspiring, and tragic all at the same time. This story has the appeal for those young and old and should be on everyone’s reading list.
The story follows the life of Emma and her all-consuming love affair through high school with Corbin, the mysterious, devoted boy from art who swept her off her feet and never put her down. Throughout the story you go back and forth between the teenager years for Emma and Corbin, to Emma’s new life decades later, and Corbin’s story.
What I love about this story is you get to see the consequences to actions as well as the immediate response to certain situations. I loved seeing how Emma had made herself a life after tragedy unfolded in her younger years and tore Corbin and her apart. Even though I know that there is devastation looming, I couldn’t help getting wrapped up in their love story. Detwiler did an incredible job showing the all-consuming love that goes with, not only a high school love, but your first love. Your true love, if I will. While I loved the story and the jumping between present and memories, there were a few small things that bothered me. At some points I felt the explanations were too long, repetitive, or drawn out. These could be from descriptions of an outfit or to feelings. They weren’t filling the story, so I wouldn’t say these moments brought the story down, just something I could have done with less of.
Those small instances aside, ‘Voice of Innocence’ is fantastic. It’s real life. The ups and the downs. The overly happy, ‘my-world-couldn’t-be-better’ moments, to the absolute despair that comes with parts of life. A true story of redemption and second chances and the path people have to travel to get there. Wonderful job to Detwiler for writing this book. The characters were people I could connect with and the story flowed smoothly. A well-deserved four stars.
Original review posted at: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-review-voice-of-innocence-by-lindsay-detwiler/
‘Voice of Innocence’ by Lindsay Detwiler is the true vision of what it is like to have your world turned upside down. Heart-wrenching, inspiring, and tragic all at the same time. This story has the appeal for those young and old and should be on everyone’s reading list.
The story follows the life of Emma and her all-consuming love affair through high school with Corbin, the mysterious, devoted boy from art who swept her off her feet and never put her down. Throughout the story you go back and forth between the teenager years for Emma and Corbin, to Emma’s new life decades later, and Corbin’s story.
What I love about this story is you get to see the consequences to actions as well as the immediate response to certain situations. I loved seeing how Emma had made herself a life after tragedy unfolded in her younger years and tore Corbin and her apart. Even though I know that there is devastation looming, I couldn’t help getting wrapped up in their love story. Detwiler did an incredible job showing the all-consuming love that goes with, not only a high school love, but your first love. Your true love, if I will. While I loved the story and the jumping between present and memories, there were a few small things that bothered me. At some points I felt the explanations were too long, repetitive, or drawn out. These could be from descriptions of an outfit or to feelings. They weren’t filling the story, so I wouldn’t say these moments brought the story down, just something I could have done with less of.
Those small instances aside, ‘Voice of Innocence’ is fantastic. It’s real life. The ups and the downs. The overly happy, ‘my-world-couldn’t-be-better’ moments, to the absolute despair that comes with parts of life. A true story of redemption and second chances and the path people have to travel to get there. Wonderful job to Detwiler for writing this book. The characters were people I could connect with and the story flowed smoothly. A well-deserved four stars.
*I received this story for review. This review is spoiler free.*
I have mixed feelings about this story. Let me start off by saying that I really loved the concept of this story. I thought it was beautifully written. The author's writing style is beautiful and easy to follow. I particularly enjoyed the flashback parts of the story.
As far as the characters go, I found it easier to connect with Past Emma than Present Emma. I just could not find depth in Present Emma. Corbin was very well written in that it was easy to connect with him in both the Past and the Present. His character was a bit deeper, and it was easier to get into him as a character. The character of John, for me, was very flat. I realize he was not a main character, but all of the other side characters had more depth, even Emma's father who never actually makes an appearance. I feel like John was a big enough character in the story to earn a bit more dimension. I didn't really feel any emotional connection between Emma and John. It felt more like he was just there to be a place marker - which may have been intentional, but it really just did nothing for me, and I felt it didn't add anything to story. I feel like if he had been written a little differently, it would have possibly added a little more impact to that part of the storyline.
I found the reason for Corbin's arrest slightly disappointing. It sort of came out of left field for me, but not exactly in a good way. It just felt awkward in the plotline.
The biggest problem I had with the story, was the ending. No spoilers, but I felt that the ending was so very disappointing in that it didn't feel like an ending. I didn't feel that it resolved anything. It just ended. I felt like the author spent all this time building up this great romantic story, and then in just 4 pages it was done. The End. It wasn't even a cliffhanger ending, or a leave it up to the reader's imagination ending. It was just done. For me it felt like one of those copout endings where the author isn't quite sure how they want to end the story, so they just don't. Maybe I just wanted a certain ending and was disappointed that it didn't end the way I wanted it to. I don't know, but I feel like something could have been resolved.
I feel like overall it was a good story with potential. The concept was really different than most of the stories in the genre. I'm not a huge fan of the romantic contemporaries - with the exception of a few authors that have just managed to hook me. I enjoyed Lindsay Detwiler's writing style and would definitely like to read something else by her. I just feel that Voice of Innocence fell somewhat short.
I have mixed feelings about this story. Let me start off by saying that I really loved the concept of this story. I thought it was beautifully written. The author's writing style is beautiful and easy to follow. I particularly enjoyed the flashback parts of the story.
As far as the characters go, I found it easier to connect with Past Emma than Present Emma. I just could not find depth in Present Emma. Corbin was very well written in that it was easy to connect with him in both the Past and the Present. His character was a bit deeper, and it was easier to get into him as a character. The character of John, for me, was very flat. I realize he was not a main character, but all of the other side characters had more depth, even Emma's father who never actually makes an appearance. I feel like John was a big enough character in the story to earn a bit more dimension. I didn't really feel any emotional connection between Emma and John. It felt more like he was just there to be a place marker - which may have been intentional, but it really just did nothing for me, and I felt it didn't add anything to story. I feel like if he had been written a little differently, it would have possibly added a little more impact to that part of the storyline.
I found the reason for Corbin's arrest slightly disappointing. It sort of came out of left field for me, but not exactly in a good way. It just felt awkward in the plotline.
The biggest problem I had with the story, was the ending. No spoilers, but I felt that the ending was so very disappointing in that it didn't feel like an ending. I didn't feel that it resolved anything. It just ended. I felt like the author spent all this time building up this great romantic story, and then in just 4 pages it was done. The End. It wasn't even a cliffhanger ending, or a leave it up to the reader's imagination ending. It was just done. For me it felt like one of those copout endings where the author isn't quite sure how they want to end the story, so they just don't. Maybe I just wanted a certain ending and was disappointed that it didn't end the way I wanted it to. I don't know, but I feel like something could have been resolved.
I feel like overall it was a good story with potential. The concept was really different than most of the stories in the genre. I'm not a huge fan of the romantic contemporaries - with the exception of a few authors that have just managed to hook me. I enjoyed Lindsay Detwiler's writing style and would definitely like to read something else by her. I just feel that Voice of Innocence fell somewhat short.
Voice of Innocence is such a good, good book! I actually couldn't bare to put it down. I just had to know more! It's such a heartbreaking story and I think that's the reason why I've found it so difficult to write this review.
Voice of Innocence it told via the point of view of both Emma and Corbin, not only during the present day but also through flashbacks that they both have. This allows us to gain a clear understanding of their thoughts, feelings and struggles. The flashbacks allow us to see how their relationship progressed from their first meeting and first kiss to graduation and Corbin's arrest. It's so tragic seeing Corbin and Emma reminisce over what could have been and trying to understand what they could have done differently.
I adored both Corbin and Emma and just wanted to hug them both a massive hug. Teenage Corbin was just so carefree and laidback, and so cute! The way in which he obviously doted on Emma was just so... aww! Understandably, adult Corbin has lost his carefree attitude - been falsely accused and locked up for nearly three decades has completely crushed him. He is a shadow of the boy he was. However, he still retains quite an immature aspect, probably because he wasn't able to grow up normally and experience life. As my granny would say: "It's such a crying shame".
I felt so sorry for Emma. Being with Corbin allowed her to come out of her shell in a way and this is completely reversed when he goes to prison. She secluded herself and like Corbin was unable to experience life. Emma just went through the everyday motions. I can't begin to imagine how brave Emma was to stay in her home town and face the pitying looks and whispers. I would have run a mile!
Voice of Innocence is a fantastic and tragic story. I would definitely recommend it. However, you should definitely keep tissues handy - I bawled my eyes out. I look forward to any other books by Lindsay Detwiler.
Voice of Innocence it told via the point of view of both Emma and Corbin, not only during the present day but also through flashbacks that they both have. This allows us to gain a clear understanding of their thoughts, feelings and struggles. The flashbacks allow us to see how their relationship progressed from their first meeting and first kiss to graduation and Corbin's arrest. It's so tragic seeing Corbin and Emma reminisce over what could have been and trying to understand what they could have done differently.
I adored both Corbin and Emma and just wanted to hug them both a massive hug. Teenage Corbin was just so carefree and laidback, and so cute! The way in which he obviously doted on Emma was just so... aww! Understandably, adult Corbin has lost his carefree attitude - been falsely accused and locked up for nearly three decades has completely crushed him. He is a shadow of the boy he was. However, he still retains quite an immature aspect, probably because he wasn't able to grow up normally and experience life. As my granny would say: "It's such a crying shame".
I felt so sorry for Emma. Being with Corbin allowed her to come out of her shell in a way and this is completely reversed when he goes to prison. She secluded herself and like Corbin was unable to experience life. Emma just went through the everyday motions. I can't begin to imagine how brave Emma was to stay in her home town and face the pitying looks and whispers. I would have run a mile!
Voice of Innocence is a fantastic and tragic story. I would definitely recommend it. However, you should definitely keep tissues handy - I bawled my eyes out. I look forward to any other books by Lindsay Detwiler.
Reviewed on behalf of Readers' Favorite
Voice of Innocence by Lindsay Detwiler is a bittersweet, coming-of-age novel. Emma Groves is studious and keeps to herself. While sitting in art class on the first day of her tenth grade year, she finds herself partnered with the new student in two, Corbin Jones. From that moment, the two are destined to be together. Forming an unlikely relationship, they traverse the social problems of high school and grow together. Emma comes out of her shell and finds herself thanks to Corbin’s gentle mannerisms and unending support. However, one fatal day will change and define their relationship and lives for years to come. Can love conquer the passage of time?
Miss Detwiler weaves together two stories into one. Told from the perspective of both Corbin and Emma, the reader is taken between memories and real-time events. I did like getting the viewpoints of both characters, but I felt it took away from the emotional impact of the story and limited the narrative. I appreciated the use of labels to allow the reader the ability to know who was reminiscing. I would have liked to see variation in the tone between Emma’s recollections and Corbin’s. I felt it was too similar and without the labels, would be easily misconstrued as one or the other. I also found the ending to be very abrupt and left me wanting more. Aside from these niggling items, I did enjoy the novel, Voice of Innocence, and I look forward to reading other works by Miss Detwiler.
Voice of Innocence by Lindsay Detwiler is a bittersweet, coming-of-age novel. Emma Groves is studious and keeps to herself. While sitting in art class on the first day of her tenth grade year, she finds herself partnered with the new student in two, Corbin Jones. From that moment, the two are destined to be together. Forming an unlikely relationship, they traverse the social problems of high school and grow together. Emma comes out of her shell and finds herself thanks to Corbin’s gentle mannerisms and unending support. However, one fatal day will change and define their relationship and lives for years to come. Can love conquer the passage of time?
Miss Detwiler weaves together two stories into one. Told from the perspective of both Corbin and Emma, the reader is taken between memories and real-time events. I did like getting the viewpoints of both characters, but I felt it took away from the emotional impact of the story and limited the narrative. I appreciated the use of labels to allow the reader the ability to know who was reminiscing. I would have liked to see variation in the tone between Emma’s recollections and Corbin’s. I felt it was too similar and without the labels, would be easily misconstrued as one or the other. I also found the ending to be very abrupt and left me wanting more. Aside from these niggling items, I did enjoy the novel, Voice of Innocence, and I look forward to reading other works by Miss Detwiler.