Losing Innocence

by Brian R. Smith

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1424100380
• ISBN13: 9781424100385
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Publish America
• Length: 204 Pages
• Weight: 0.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 9.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

How adversity Can Be Overcome When One Develops Self-Esteem, Individuality and Trust

Sometimes the best stories are the simplest ones, and Brian Smith's debut novel, Losing Innocence, would definitely fall within this category. Smith traces the relationship between two individuals, who before having met one another, were caught up in horrendous marriages. Mia is the mother of two teenage boys, Vince and Jesse and she has recently divorced her husband Jeff, who had physically and emotionally abused her. Lance is the father of a teen age daughter, Tori, and he likewise has just divorced his spouse due to infidelity and substance abuse. Lance was also the product of an abusive relationship with his father during his childhood and teenage years. Mia and Lance meet, after the latter's daughter, who is very concerned about her father's erratic behavior, arranges a meeting through an Internet dating site. Mia and Lance fall in love and eventually marry. However, Mia, who shares joint custody of her sons with her husband Jeff, is constantly being badgered by her ex-husband, who is trying to have her relinquish full parental control of the children to him. In addition, there is suspicion that Jeff is physically abusing his son Vince. That is the bare bones of the narrative. But the story is much more, wherein the author powerfully and painfully explores the emotional, physical and verbal abuse that tear families apart and sometimes can lead to tragic endings. Moreover, it is a subject worthy of writing about, when you consider that in the USA domestic violence accounts for the single largest cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44. Unfortunately, main stream publishing houses very often shy away from the subject matter, as it is still considered taboo to write about this disturbing topic. The novel is also an attestation of how adversity can be overcome when one develops self-esteem, individuality and a regaining of trust in others. Although, Losing Innocence is replete with human suffering, there is still room for love and that unquenched thirst for survival. Smith is not the most polished writer and readers will not find high literature style here, as evidenced by the sometimes cartoonish and mundane dialogue. Nonetheless, he does know how to write a page- turning novel and once started it becomes very difficult to put down. It is quite easy to be swept along with the story, even though reading about ugly family relations is always emotionally a challenge and can be heavy slogging at times. Norm Goldman Editor Bookpleasures

Enjoyable reading!

What did it take to stop Lance's downward spiral to self destruction? Lance can tell you in one word. Love. A daughters love then the love of a good woman. When his daughter insisted he stop his life of strippers and bar fights, Lance agreed to go on a date with Mia. The internet connection turned into a love connection that brought hope and happiness into their lives. The couple each had a past of abuse. Lance, by his catholic father for whom he could do nothing right. Mia, by her ex husband that felt she should be a punching bag throughout the marriage. Mia and Lance heal through honesty and compassion. They find the strength in each other to fight for their newly combined family. When Mia's ex-husband insists on using her boys in a game of control, Lance fails to show weakness and play by the cowards rules. Her ex finds a way to retaliate that ends in a surprising twist of losing innocence. But who's? You will have to find out for yourself. In this story of finding love and innocence lost, Brian R Smith keeps you engrossed by writing with raw male emotion and a good dose of reality. The characters come to life and you find yourself praying the family can find their peace. "Losing Innocence" is a must read that a lot of readers will relate to. I personally can't wait to review Brian's next novel.

"Loss of Innocence." by Brian Smith

Brian Smith has written an interesting story served up with a large dose of reality. If there are children involved, and you have been divorced, you will certainly identify with some of the same situations. Lance and Mia are a couple in love. Both, have suffered through a divorce, and are now trying to make a life together. The abusive ex-husband uses the children as pawns, for the sole purpose of hurting their mother. They are characters you will become involved with, for Smith, makes it impossible not to care about the outcome of their lives. In the climax, Smith, shows the family as a simmering pot of churning human emotions. It is inevitable that it boil over into disaster. It is devastating for the whole family and for the children it truly is a "Loss of Innocence." The book is well written, realistic, and a look at what goes on in the world every day. I highly recommend this book author Donna J. Thompson "Plot Twist"

A Page Turner

In his new book, "Losing Innocence" Mr. Smith tells a heartwarming love story while delving into the ugly, harsh realities of both spousal and child abuse. Mr. Smith writes of these issues with raw honesty while developing the love story between the two main characters. Mia and Lance, both from prior abusive relationships, are fearful of becoming too close and getting hurt again. You will find yourself turning page after page as they fall in love and try to provide their children with a safe and stable home life. Mr. Smith brings life and warmth to his characters and you will begin to think of them as personal friends. When an abusive ex spouse uses the children as pawns in a game with emotionally devastating consequences you will be shocked and appalled. "Losing Innocence" will hold you captive from the first page to the last and when you read that last page you will find yourself wanting more from this writer. I will be anxiously awaiting his next book. Elizabeth Melton Parsons [...]