Review by Rebecca Henderson -- Yesterday by Samyann

[Rebecca Henderson]

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

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3 out of 4 stars

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Do you believe in reincarnation? Like some of you, Amanda Parker and Mark Callahan were skeptics—at first; however, after a series of events brings the two together in a memorable way, their paths will never part again. In this life, or the next!

Samyann’s Yesterday combines a bit of romance, a sprinkle of mystery, and a whole lot of past life regression. Switching between the viewpoints of Amanda and Mark, this historically-imbued tale describes their chance meeting and follows them as they struggle to find out just how they know each other. Amanda comes from a past full of loss and her heart is near it’s breaking point. Himself a mounted policeman, Mark falls head-over-hooves in love with Amanda, and his patience and determination to win her over is what keeps them together. Much more than a tale of star-crossed lovers, Yesterday will have you saying “awe!” even as you turn the pages in a rush to figure out the fate of these two people.

There are many historical aspects to this text, and the work is better for them. Samyann weaves the Chicago Fire of 1871 and the climate of the Civil War into her work, and gives the events new life through the character Bonnie. A young woman at the height of the Civil War, Bonnie and her cousin, Jack, are saved by two freed slaves, Ben and Magdalene, after Bonnie’s father dies. Though Bonnie later endures the Chicago Fire and experiences loss herself, her fate is closely tied to Amanda’s. Both women associate certain events, feelings, and even people whom they know with the chimes of St. Michael. Bonnie heard the bells in her life, and Amanda hears the tune from an antique clock she buys not long after she and Mark meet. To say much more would be giving the best parts of the story away, but rest assured, the clock, Mark, and Amanda are all interconnected!

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The complexity of the ideas presented showed that this author did their research and did the events justice in conveying those historical details with precision. The characters were fully developed and though some of the moments might have been cliché, the author did a great job in removing all the “cheesy” parts from the text, and imbuing the romance with a sense of authenticity. The pacing was well done and plot reveals were timed soon enough that the text didn’t lack in terms of suspense, but far enough apart that the reader’s mind could digest what was happening and why.

I’m not much for romance books, sappy or otherwise erotic, but this novel had me interested from the very beginning. I wish the ending had a bit more of a punch to make the text memorable, but I still recommend Yesterday, not only for it’s refreshing take on romance, but also the mystery involved. I cannot say it is the best book I’ve read thus far, but neither is it the worst. All in all, Yesterday struck me as a competent text written by an author who spent the time necessary to perfecting their work. For a touching yet sensation read, pick up Yesterday—today!

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

[Manang Muyang]

My faith does not allow me to believe in reincarnation but I do not think it is taboo to read a story about it. I can always label it as a fantasy.

I liked the way you ended the review with the advice to pick up Yesterday today. That was a clever ending. Keep writing!

[Rebecca Henderson]

Thank you Miriam! It is always good to have an open mind. Thanks for reading my review, and I hope you enjoy the book if you do choose to read it!

[Jaime Lync]

Nice review. I also read and reviewed this a while back and wished for that punch you are talking about the end, but it was really good overall. I disagree with many theories represented in this book so I viewed it as it is to me - fictional- that way I could enjoy it better.