Author
Debi V. Smith
In 1990s Honolulu Ariana Baraquio’s current boyfriend, James Devlin, meets her last boyfriend, Lance Byun, in a chance meeting and the interaction goes south in a blink. Lance’s views on dating and Asian-American women have changed since Ari last saw him. He lets her know that she should be with him again instead of J.D. because J.D. isn’t Asian. Ari’s refusal to accept his racial purity ideology leads to Lance stalking and ultimately holding them hostage before disappearing. It takes time and heartache before Ari and J.D. can move on from the trauma. Before they know it, Lance returns engaging in the same patterns of stalking and violence. Ari’s story will not just make you wish for a better future in which the system, institutions, and individuals take victims at their word and do more to protect them, making them feel safer to report in the first place, but to understand that it’s not hyperbole when Asian-American women say their lives are in danger because they’ve been fetishized.
A new day always comes, and with it, the chance to change your life forever when you believe in yourself and the strength you never knew you possessed.
~Sara Parker, Family Ties
Praise for Family Ties
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"Most writers aspire to create a work that will change people's lives, and many fall short. I think that Debi V. Smith has achieved that with Family Ties. In the very beginning there is a letter from the protagonist which asks “Once you know everything, how can you turn your back on someone like me?” In answer to this question, we can't, Sara, and books like Family Ties go a long ways towards opening our eyes to what that 'everything,' might be." ~Review on Amazon
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"It took me less than six hours to finish this book. Six hours that included me doing house chores with one hand holding the book. I couldn't put it down. It traps you and doesn't let you go. When Sara hurt, I hurt. Not only could I understand her feelings I was living them. I cried more times that I can count. It's masterfully written and I feel like anything I write won't make it justice." ~Review on Goodreads
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"Though gut wrenching at times, this book is a excellent read. It sheds light on child abuse victims, foster homes, and social services and shows both the good and the bad of all of it. I hope this book gets into the hands of those who need it most. Victims who need hope." ~Review on Amazon
Praise for The Downward Spiral
"In The Downward Spiral, Debi V. Smith once again proves that she is not afraid to charge headlong into dark topics that others often shy away from discussing, let alone writing a novel about. This time the topic is depression. The characters are solid and lovable, the plot is compelling, the story telling is fantastic, and the style is both intriguing and educational.
"Don't expect that you'll get anything else done between the moment you lay eyes on the first page and the time you find yourself eagerly reading the “About the Author” on the last page because it is all that's left; all other talents aside, Debi V. Smith is a master at making you her willing captive until she's done telling her tale." ~ Review on Amazon