Review by k2rugman -- Yesterday by Samyann

[k2rugman]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Yesterday" by Samyann.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Samyann’s Yesterday is a tale that proves love transcends time and space. This story is about Amanda, an antique dealer who has had a hard life full of struggle and loss, and Mark, an attractive Irish-American Chicago police officer. They meet when a derailed train requires Amanda to save Mark from being crushed. They hide from immediate danger within an antique shop where they are both drawn to a beautiful grandfather clock whose chiming bells invoke deep emotions.

They both feel a connection deeper than anything superficial. They recognize that they may have met before, even if not in this life. Amanda is hesitant to fall for Mark due to her track record of losing people she loves. Mark is a romantic who has eyes only for Amanda and won’t let her give up on their journey to discover their connection. Amanda purchases the clock in an effort to find a clue to her past life. Utilizing her godmother’s psychiatric skills, Amanda undergoes regression therapy to try and access a previous life.

The regression therapy introduces a subplot about a young girl named Bonnie (who is actually Amanda) whose father, John, cousin, Jack, and negro house helps Magdalene and Ben, are caught in the tumult of the Civil War. Recognizing the danger, John leaves all their belongings behind to take the children to family in Chicago. Amanda soon realizes she not only experienced great loss in this life but in her previous one as well. Bonnie and Jack’s new life in Chicago isn’t exactly what she was hoping for but she eventually finds a life she is very happy with.

The clock plays as a centerpiece to this story and the clues from it allow Amanda and Mark to piece together the puzzle of their eternal love. They found love through the Civil War and the Great Chicago Fire; will it withstand the pang of potential heartache and loss?

I give Yesterday 3 out of 4 stars. I am a hopeless romantic and this book played to all my senses of a great romantic story. The writing was beautiful without being too flowery and unnecessarily descriptive. I was concerned with starting a reincarnation book because often the time line gets muddled and difficult to follow. I did not have that problem with this book which I appreciated. I was, however, very underwhelmed with the subplot. There was a lot about how Bonnie got to Chicago but little time was left for the great love story between her and Mark’s reincarnated character (I don’t want to mention his name to keep some suspense). When they are finally brought together it is pretty unbelievable that their connection runs as deep as is suggested because it feels entirely one sided and spontaneous. I also could have done without all the swearing. I feel like if more depth had been given to the subplot relationship I would have definitely given it four stars.

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Yesterday
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Like k2rugman's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Manang Muyang]

Thanks for your honest review. I too am a hopeless romantic and I plan to get my own peek at Yesterday.

[Jaime Lync]

The subplot romance could have done with some more depth - I agree with you since I also read and reviewed this. Nice and honest review. Thanks.