Yesterday: A Novel of Reincarnation

Yesterday: A Novel of Reincarnation

by Samyann

5 out of 5

Synopsis
A tender love story pulls the reader back to previous lives and a time richly elegant. In modern day Chicago, deja vu draws together a handsome mounted policeman and the beautiful young woman who saves his life.

Yesterday is also a harrowing tale of escape through the American Civil War, the heart wrenching love of slaves for their young white charges, and The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. In this historical romance, Mark fights through Amanda's rejection to prove that she will love again as she once loved - Yesterday.

Review
A freak accident brings Mark and Amanda together as they each risk their life to save the other.  Then Mark can't get the girl out of his head - or the thought that somehow, he already knows her.
Amanda feels the same way, but knows that she can't let anyone else into her life right now, as she can't handle losing another loved one.
Throw in a clock and a history that seeps forward and you have a glimpse of Yesterday.

There was a lot to enjoy about this debut novel.
There are two stories weaved together: Mark and Amanda in the present day, trying to overcome the emotional barriers that Amanda has but up; and the story of Bonnie, a girl caught up in the Civil War.
My favourite storyline would change every other chapter, as you become engrossed in one, then switching to another.  It is very clearly set out and easy to follow, despite it jumping to different points in the timeline.

The history itself plays a major factor in this book, and it is very well done by Samyann.  I am British, which means I know absolutely nothing about American history.  But even I found it self-explanatory, without coming off as lecturing; and most-importantly it was absorbing and entertaining.
Throughout the book, I was so impressed by the Civil War era sections, I hope that Samyann has plans to write one solely based then and there.

The not-so-good bits.
I'm not sure why the harassment by the press thread was involved.  In the beginning, Amanda becomes an instant hero and media darling.  A chapter or so later, it's dropped and never mentioned again.  It just felt a little unnecessary in the grand scheme of things. Especially after Mark gets shot and is a hero cop.  You'd think the press would love that.

Overall it was a very nice read, a pleasant meander through Amanda and Mark's blossoming romance; and the mystery of Bonnie's life.
It often hovered between a 4 and 5 star for me and is a very strong debut!

Goodreads link
Amazon.co.uk