Book excerpt: This story is a dramatic look into the horrible world of drugs, suicide, love and depression. The novel is in three segments where the characters each convey their tragic story in a first-person rendition as their paths cross in life.In the first section- Broken Hearts- we meet Ivy, a middle-aged woman who overdoses. In this portion of the book, her spirit tells the story of her friends, family, and her battle with addiction. She reveals the dark secrets of her family and her past, up until the moment of her death. She sets the tone and provides the background of coming events.In the second section- Bright Eyes- we get a glimpse into young Amy's surprising life from her point of view. Throughout the next few chapters, Amy recalls her battle with drugs, the secrets of her family, and how her own brother and cousin have taken advantage of her. She recounts her tragic years of molestation, her struggle with drugs, her own close encounter with suicide, and how the man of her dreams has come to save her. The third segment- Lost Souls- opens with us being introduced to Amy and her new boyfriend, Tom. In this section, he recalls firsthand how he and Amy met, how he helped her through the stages of withdrawal and gave her a new chance at life. Tom speaks deeply about his true love and devotion for her and opens his soul to the reader. His commitment of love and adoration are beyond conception and his tale is a true love story for the ages."Broken Hearts, Bright Eyes, and Lost Souls" is a tragic look into the lives of three interconnected people, their families and friends, and their darkest secrets. As a modern-day tragedy, the novel explores their lives and how they affect, and are affected by so many others. In today's world, this novel and its intertwined story lines are often seen in everyday life within our society. This novel provides a thought-provoking message for many of us who know people that have fought these demons every day and continue to fight battles with addiction, abuse, and depression. It is also an endearing tale of faith and love.For those who can relate, this novel will strike a nerve and hit home.