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Old Wounds #2
Little Battles
5 STARS
"The writing is excellent and the story really takes you over."
Andrea, Books, Baking, and Other Objects of Beauty.
5 STARS
"awesome"
Grace, Books Like Breathing
4 STARS
"Smith’s writing is so brilliantly natural, raw and beautiful."
Bonnie, Hands and Home
Summary of Little
Spending time with Elliott instills a faint whisper of hope within Sophie Young; hope that both terrifies her and promises redemption. But the demons of her past are never far behind, and old habits are hard to break. The more she tries to push him away, the stronger the pull towards him becomes. As Sophie’s broken heart continues to seek comfort in Elliott, can she put aside her destructive ways and take the most dangerous risk of all?
For many years, Elliott Dalton had lived a solitary existence, keeping his emotions under tight control. But as his feelings for Sophie grow and her life spins further out of control, his carefully built facade begins to crack. He is determined to protect her at all costs, just as he protects the hidden secrets of his past. Secrets that threaten everything. For if she knew, he would lose her forever...
“One of my hands broke loose from hers and I carefully brought it up to run through her hair. It was like silk, soft and smooth between my fingers. With a gulp, she nodded. “Hhhhhide from e-e-everyone else, b-but not from mmmme.”
Sophie’s amazing blue eyes widened and her breath was shaky.
“I w-worry about you.”
Her breathing was raspy as she shook her head.
“I w-won’t hhhurt you,” I promised again.
There was a sound and I realized that I hadn’t been looking directly at Sophie. I’d been focusing on her lonely ear and now that I shifted my eyes back to her face, I could see the pain my words had caused.
I understood it.
A promise like that cut deep because she didn’t believe it.
A girl like Sophie expected pain. She expected every person she met to contribute to the deep well within her that housed that pain.”
5 STARS
“Loved it even though it was bittersweet in the end”
Monica, Goodreads.com
Learn more about N. K. Smith at thewriterscoffeeshop.com/nsmith
Looking for other books in the Old Wounds series? Search Old Wounds and Weight of the World
"The writing is excellent and the story really takes you over."
Andrea, Books, Baking, and Other Objects of Beauty.
5 STARS
"awesome"
Grace, Books Like Breathing
4 STARS
"Smith’s writing is so brilliantly natural, raw and beautiful."
Bonnie, Hands and Home
Summary of Little
Spending time with Elliott instills a faint whisper of hope within Sophie Young; hope that both terrifies her and promises redemption. But the demons of her past are never far behind, and old habits are hard to break. The more she tries to push him away, the stronger the pull towards him becomes. As Sophie’s broken heart continues to seek comfort in Elliott, can she put aside her destructive ways and take the most dangerous risk of all?
For many years, Elliott Dalton had lived a solitary existence, keeping his emotions under tight control. But as his feelings for Sophie grow and her life spins further out of control, his carefully built facade begins to crack. He is determined to protect her at all costs, just as he protects the hidden secrets of his past. Secrets that threaten everything. For if she knew, he would lose her forever...
“One of my hands broke loose from hers and I carefully brought it up to run through her hair. It was like silk, soft and smooth between my fingers. With a gulp, she nodded. “Hhhhhide from e-e-everyone else, b-but not from mmmme.”
Sophie’s amazing blue eyes widened and her breath was shaky.
“I w-worry about you.”
Her breathing was raspy as she shook her head.
“I w-won’t hhhurt you,” I promised again.
There was a sound and I realized that I hadn’t been looking directly at Sophie. I’d been focusing on her lonely ear and now that I shifted my eyes back to her face, I could see the pain my words had caused.
I understood it.
A promise like that cut deep because she didn’t believe it.
A girl like Sophie expected pain. She expected every person she met to contribute to the deep well within her that housed that pain.”
5 STARS
“Loved it even though it was bittersweet in the end”
Monica, Goodreads.com
Learn more about N. K. Smith at thewriterscoffeeshop.com/nsmith
Looking for other books in the Old Wounds series? Search Old Wounds and Weight of the World
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2014
1 person is currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
N.K. Smith
11 books146 followersBased in the American Midwest, N.K. Smith is the author of the Old Wounds Series, Ghosts of Our Pasts, My Only, Are You Mine?, Hollywood Lies, and Hollywood Sins (available 7/2014).
An avid lover of history, art, music, books, and people, she is interested in telling stories that speak to the human condition.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NKSmithAuthor
An avid lover of history, art, music, books, and people, she is interested in telling stories that speak to the human condition.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/NKSmithAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 3, 2017
Loving this series! It's very emotional and some very heavy stuff revealed in this second book,but still not all of it ,so it keeps me interested and invested in the story . The sexual and romantic tension between Sophie and Elliott is high and I love it,I'm definitely not one of those readers who enjoys insta- anything .
We still don't know much about Elliott and what exactly happened to him in his past ,so I'm off to book nr.3
We still don't know much about Elliott and what exactly happened to him in his past ,so I'm off to book nr.3
February 10, 2013
So the first book got me hooked on this series the next three I read in one day. I couldnt stop avoided all the house work the kids well not totally but my mind was on the books for sure. This series left me crying and feeling heartbroken but at the same time joy. Joy that i know my kids dont have to go thru what Sophia and Elliot went thru. Yes i know that the story was made up but it was so believable that my heart ached every time some new information came out and my respect for therapist that have to deal with patients like the two main characters grew. I loved it so well written the tears i have to admit was flowing freely while i read.
June 24, 2011
From the beginning we are subtly immersed into the main idea underlying Little Battles: “… [Survivors of abuse] either internalize the event and become withdrawn, or they act out, immersing themselves in the world they perceive as cruel and painful, but protecting themselves with a variety of coping mechanisms that are, more often than not, unhealthy. The severity and length of time of the assault typically correlates with the severity of the reaction.”
As the title suggests, life, especially for survivors of extreme abuse, is often defined by the hundreds of little battles which can become necessary to get through any given day, especially when these brave souls courageously embark on the path to healing. Some battles are won, some are lost, and still the struggle continues. This story treats us to achingly turbulent and personal insight into the mind of an abused girl on the cusp of change - or tragedy - and the equally-scarred boy whose friendship and love may make all the difference.
We quickly come to see how Sophie’s view of Elliot is vastly different from any other relationship she has ever had before: “[despite] my unfortunately obvious coping mechanisms of drugs and brashness, I knew that somewhere inside of me, I wanted a friend.” and “…I was certain I would break him. I didn’t want to break him. I wanted to make him whole.”
This story could very easily have been a modern fairytale, instead it is ripe with compelling real world truths such as the following: “…Everything an addict goes through is deeply personal, and unless they arrive at the decision to change on their own, it’ll never stick. [This girl] needs to come to an understanding that she’s not really dealing or coping with anything by her current methods.”
Over all, this story plunges the reader into a deeply-moving, powerful, poetic, and sensual story full of tremendous insight into the minds of two intriguing, tortured misfits. After joining these two on their painful journey toward learning to care not only for each other, but for themselves by extension, we are left amazed by the incredible resilience of the human mind and spirit, marveling at its underlying delicacy, and left aching deeply to continue the journey with them uninterrupted. This witty, smart, wonderful, angst-filled story reaches in, grabs your soul, and compels you to keep turning page after page. Long after you’ve put the book down, your thoughts will keep coming back to these dark yet compelling characters.
As the title suggests, life, especially for survivors of extreme abuse, is often defined by the hundreds of little battles which can become necessary to get through any given day, especially when these brave souls courageously embark on the path to healing. Some battles are won, some are lost, and still the struggle continues. This story treats us to achingly turbulent and personal insight into the mind of an abused girl on the cusp of change - or tragedy - and the equally-scarred boy whose friendship and love may make all the difference.
We quickly come to see how Sophie’s view of Elliot is vastly different from any other relationship she has ever had before: “[despite] my unfortunately obvious coping mechanisms of drugs and brashness, I knew that somewhere inside of me, I wanted a friend.” and “…I was certain I would break him. I didn’t want to break him. I wanted to make him whole.”
This story could very easily have been a modern fairytale, instead it is ripe with compelling real world truths such as the following: “…Everything an addict goes through is deeply personal, and unless they arrive at the decision to change on their own, it’ll never stick. [This girl] needs to come to an understanding that she’s not really dealing or coping with anything by her current methods.”
Over all, this story plunges the reader into a deeply-moving, powerful, poetic, and sensual story full of tremendous insight into the minds of two intriguing, tortured misfits. After joining these two on their painful journey toward learning to care not only for each other, but for themselves by extension, we are left amazed by the incredible resilience of the human mind and spirit, marveling at its underlying delicacy, and left aching deeply to continue the journey with them uninterrupted. This witty, smart, wonderful, angst-filled story reaches in, grabs your soul, and compels you to keep turning page after page. Long after you’ve put the book down, your thoughts will keep coming back to these dark yet compelling characters.
May 12, 2011
Smith’s writing is so brilliantly natural, raw and beautiful. There was nothing about the narration in this story that felt forced or contrived and I think that is why this book affected me as much as it did, it was just so unbelievably real.
Smith wrote Sophie and Elliott’s characters with such authenticity that it literally hurt me to read their stories at times. I did not feel as though I was reading a novel, I felt like I was watching these two kids try to come to terms with their past traumas and understand how they were affecting their present lives. In Little Battles we as readers are given a painfully close look at Sophie’s past and how it has affected every detail of her life, from her drug use to her inability to be close with anyone. The explanations given for Sophie’s behaviors and attitudes are heart wrenching and I couldn’t help but feel for this girl.
What was so interesting to me is how Sophie and Elliott were able to connect with each other when they either had difficulty or no desire to connect with others. How Elliott’s character developed and changed surprised me and throughout the novel I was dying to read more about him. There was so much that he wanted, or needed to say, but just couldn’t. I am absolutely sitting on pins and needles waiting for the 3rd installment of this series Weight of the World to come out on August 25, 2011! I think that this is the book that will give me the answers that I so desperately crave about Elliott.
See my full review at: http://www.handsandhome.ca/2011/05/li...
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Smith wrote Sophie and Elliott’s characters with such authenticity that it literally hurt me to read their stories at times. I did not feel as though I was reading a novel, I felt like I was watching these two kids try to come to terms with their past traumas and understand how they were affecting their present lives. In Little Battles we as readers are given a painfully close look at Sophie’s past and how it has affected every detail of her life, from her drug use to her inability to be close with anyone. The explanations given for Sophie’s behaviors and attitudes are heart wrenching and I couldn’t help but feel for this girl.
What was so interesting to me is how Sophie and Elliott were able to connect with each other when they either had difficulty or no desire to connect with others. How Elliott’s character developed and changed surprised me and throughout the novel I was dying to read more about him. There was so much that he wanted, or needed to say, but just couldn’t. I am absolutely sitting on pins and needles waiting for the 3rd installment of this series Weight of the World to come out on August 25, 2011! I think that this is the book that will give me the answers that I so desperately crave about Elliott.
See my full review at: http://www.handsandhome.ca/2011/05/li...
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 18, 2015
http://confessionofalitchick.blogspot...
There is nothing little about the internal battles Eliot and Sophie fight. Constantly trying to bury their pasts so they no longer have to remember it. But that is impossible. Eliot and Sophie's relationship forces them to push each other to the limits and slowly unravel their pasts and share them with each other.
Although, their experiences with people and abuse has given two very different ways of coping.
Sophie is aggressive, sarcastic and does everything in her power to not feel anything for anyone. Since the only person she was able to depend on was her self, because everyone hurt her in the deepest way possible. The parents who were supposed to protect her didn't.
Whilst,
Eliot is shy, quiet and is constantly in his head. Unable to form simple sentences without stuttering and the amount of bullying he has had, has caused him to feel unworthy and is extremely insecure.
But
Sophie and Eliot together is perfect. Sophie becomes affectionate but only towards Eliot. And Eliot actually talks and has a conversation but only with Sophie.
They have trust, but what happens when that trust is broken?
I love these books, their bitter and stark and handle real problems, Although I do find my self hating Robin a little bit, she appears rather selfish at times with her observations.... Maybe I've been in Eliot's and Sophie's head too long though :D
There is nothing little about the internal battles Eliot and Sophie fight. Constantly trying to bury their pasts so they no longer have to remember it. But that is impossible. Eliot and Sophie's relationship forces them to push each other to the limits and slowly unravel their pasts and share them with each other.
Although, their experiences with people and abuse has given two very different ways of coping.
Sophie is aggressive, sarcastic and does everything in her power to not feel anything for anyone. Since the only person she was able to depend on was her self, because everyone hurt her in the deepest way possible. The parents who were supposed to protect her didn't.
Whilst,
Eliot is shy, quiet and is constantly in his head. Unable to form simple sentences without stuttering and the amount of bullying he has had, has caused him to feel unworthy and is extremely insecure.
But
Sophie and Eliot together is perfect. Sophie becomes affectionate but only towards Eliot. And Eliot actually talks and has a conversation but only with Sophie.
They have trust, but what happens when that trust is broken?
I love these books, their bitter and stark and handle real problems, Although I do find my self hating Robin a little bit, she appears rather selfish at times with her observations.... Maybe I've been in Eliot's and Sophie's head too long though :D
March 4, 2015
This is the second book in the Old Wounds series by N.K. Smith, and if you recall I loved the first one and gave it five stars.
In Little Battles, Sophie and Elliott continue to open up to each other and we begin to learn what horrendous pasts they both have had. Sophie reveals more than Elliott, and even begins to share her experiences with her counsellor in therapy, but for all the progress she makes she still finds herself in situations that, frankly, broke my heart. I had to walk away from the book in the middle when things got particularly dark, but I couldn’t stay away for too long.
Elliott is still so sweet and kind, but he reveals an anger management problem and hints at some of the horrors of his early years. I imagine the third book in the trilogy – Weight of the World, due out in August – will be more devoted to his story, and I also hope they can finally get it together by then!
Again, I loved this. The writing is excellent and the story really takes you over. I fear Smith must have experienced something like this in her own life, otherwise how could someone write about it so authentically? I hope she hasn’t, and that this is just an amazing writing gift.
Small disclaimer: I was thrilled to be asked to proofread this before publication (but I don't know the author at all, just the publisher).
In Little Battles, Sophie and Elliott continue to open up to each other and we begin to learn what horrendous pasts they both have had. Sophie reveals more than Elliott, and even begins to share her experiences with her counsellor in therapy, but for all the progress she makes she still finds herself in situations that, frankly, broke my heart. I had to walk away from the book in the middle when things got particularly dark, but I couldn’t stay away for too long.
Elliott is still so sweet and kind, but he reveals an anger management problem and hints at some of the horrors of his early years. I imagine the third book in the trilogy – Weight of the World, due out in August – will be more devoted to his story, and I also hope they can finally get it together by then!
Again, I loved this. The writing is excellent and the story really takes you over. I fear Smith must have experienced something like this in her own life, otherwise how could someone write about it so authentically? I hope she hasn’t, and that this is just an amazing writing gift.
Small disclaimer: I was thrilled to be asked to proofread this before publication (but I don't know the author at all, just the publisher).
December 29, 2012
I don't know how to write this without giving parts of it away and it's too amazing to do just that and ruin it for other readers. Everyone should have the chance to experience this book without any spoilers but I do have to say that I love angry Elliot possibly more than tame Elliot. The way Sophie and Elliot pull each other into a somewhat version of sanity makes my heart melt. Everytime Robin questions Sophie and Sophie's response is to ask if she can go see Elliot, my heart pulls for her. I would love to see these two have a session together and I wonder if maybe that would help Sophie open up even more. I love how far she has come and I especially love that she's doing it for him. The ending was not fun but my attention is definitely held...I immediately started the third book :) I also just want to thank the author for showing Elliot's 'disability' in a positive light. I've worked with children who have the same issue and it has no effect on their intelligence. I love how talented and brilliant your character is despite the obstacle he has communicating. I would recommend this book to anyone who has bullied others over this reason. What Elliot goes through in school is awful and makes me want to hug him even more!
May 29, 2013
Another good read.
But gosh I just want to know what happened to Elliott. I have all these guesses, but they keep changing the farther I read.
I like this/these book(s). Their slow paced, which means not everything is rushed. Sophie just now shares a big part of her past with someone other than herself. And Elliott is slowly on his way to revealing SOMETHING.
Damn that ending though! Things were moving in a positive direction, and now...
Well it sure is going to be interesting to see how Elliott will handle the 'it'.
But gosh I just want to know what happened to Elliott. I have all these guesses, but they keep changing the farther I read.
I like this/these book(s). Their slow paced, which means not everything is rushed. Sophie just now shares a big part of her past with someone other than herself. And Elliott is slowly on his way to revealing SOMETHING.
Damn that ending though! Things were moving in a positive direction, and now...
Well it sure is going to be interesting to see how Elliott will handle the 'it'.
December 24, 2013
I'll review books one and 2 at the same time. Initially the story was cheesy and twilight cliche. But as I continued to read this heartbreaking, beautiful amazing story it was worth it. The character development is outstanding. Elliot is hilarious. He is a beautiful person. I absolutely love him and Sophie. Sophie is a strong young lady and so likeable. I don't think I've genuinely and fully liked characters this much in a long time. The plot is is not that original but the spin the author puts on it is. Amazing story so on to book 3 i go!!!!!!!!!
November 27, 2011
Found this book a little harder to get through, but I got there in the end.
Sophie has finally let her biggest darkest secret out of the bag but we still know very little about Elliott and can only guess the traumas he went through.
Dispite it being a heavy going book I am really like this series so far.
Sophie has finally let her biggest darkest secret out of the bag but we still know very little about Elliott and can only guess the traumas he went through.
Dispite it being a heavy going book I am really like this series so far.
May 30, 2016
Ok this book was harder to read, it dragged in my opinion, at times failed to keep my interest. ..kind of repetitive and depressing. But the story IS depressing although there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Onto book three
August 22, 2011
Loved it even though it was bittersweet in the end, but im ok with that cuz book 3 is on it way :D YAY!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2016
See book the third for review.
July 18, 2012
same as book 1.....hmmmm when can these guys find happines.....=(
February 21, 2013
Its great the way Elliott and Sophie have a strong connection and are able to help each other through. But I am finding that I need a little bit more of something. Book 3 may.
February 22, 2013
Just can't stop reading.....
Read
May 10, 2016ehhh. Honestly, more aggravating than anything.
August 27, 2023
Now that is a way to end a book to make the readers to run out and get the next one in a series.
not-for-me
September 3, 2013See comments.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews