What do you think?
Rate this book
The Repeat Year
Everyone has days, weeks, even months they wish they could do over—but what about an entire year? After living through the worst twelve months of her life, intensive care nurse Olive Watson is given a second chance to relive her past and attempt to discover where she went wrong…
After a year of hardships, including a messy breakup with her longtime boyfriend Phil, the prospect of her mother’s remarriage, and heartbreaking patient losses at the hospital, Olive is ready to start fresh. But when she wakes up in her ex-boyfriend’s bed on New Year’s Day 2011—a day she has already lived—Olive’s world is turned upside down. Shouldering a year of memories that no one else can recall, even Olive begins to question herself—until she discovers that she is not alone. Upon crossing paths with Sherry Witan, an experienced “repeater,” Olive learns that she has the chance to rewrite her future. Given the opportunity of a lifetime, Olive has to decide what she really wants. Should she make different choices, or accept her life as she knows it, flaws and all?
After a year of hardships, including a messy breakup with her longtime boyfriend Phil, the prospect of her mother’s remarriage, and heartbreaking patient losses at the hospital, Olive is ready to start fresh. But when she wakes up in her ex-boyfriend’s bed on New Year’s Day 2011—a day she has already lived—Olive’s world is turned upside down. Shouldering a year of memories that no one else can recall, even Olive begins to question herself—until she discovers that she is not alone. Upon crossing paths with Sherry Witan, an experienced “repeater,” Olive learns that she has the chance to rewrite her future. Given the opportunity of a lifetime, Olive has to decide what she really wants. Should she make different choices, or accept her life as she knows it, flaws and all?
400 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2013
17 people are currently reading
1754 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Lochen
3 books128 followersAndrea Lochen is the author of three novels: VERSIONS OF HER, IMAGINARY THINGS and THE REPEAT YEAR. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan. She teaches college writing and lives in Wisconsin with her husband, two small children, and adorably fluffy dog, Maddy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
December 5, 2021
Better than a normal 3 star read (I usually give a book 3 stars if I plan on not re-reading it, but was good). I think that I might have liked this story even more if it was the first of the books from this author, not the last. Andrea Lochen takes a situation that we (I) have read about/watched films of and puts a spin on them that is (at least in my mind) fresh, crisp. As this was her debut story I didn't get the same feelings that "WOWed" me as I did with next two novels...
3.? stars
3.? stars
April 19, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. If you woke up one New Years Day and you actually had to repeat the previous year, how would you react? Would you repeat the year the same exact way or change some things for the better?
May 25, 2013
"The Repeat Year" is a very engaging story of a young woman, Olive, getting the chance to undo some bad decisions she made in her life. Waking up on New Years Day, 2011, when it should be New Years Day, 2012,it takes her a while to come to grips with the fact that she actually is reliving a year that brought her some of the lowest points of her life. This concept is probably fascinating to most of us, since which of us hasn't made such a bone-headed move that we wished desperately for a chance to go back in time and change things.
Olive has numerous regrets, not the least of which is her misbehavior leading to a breakup with her long-time boyfriend, Phil. She manages to right some of the relationships that went awry in 2012, although a situation with her best friend Kerrigan develops an entirely new set of problems. Of course, the main focus of the book is whether Olive will be able to keep her relationship with Phil intact once he learns of the reason for the breakup in 2012 (never mind the whole time shift!), since her honesty compels her to be completely open with him.
I really enjoyed this book - another plus is that the locale is Madison, a nearby and familiar city and Andrea has excellent descriptive powers, so the reader can truly visualize the characters and their surroundings. I am looking forward to the next book!
Olive has numerous regrets, not the least of which is her misbehavior leading to a breakup with her long-time boyfriend, Phil. She manages to right some of the relationships that went awry in 2012, although a situation with her best friend Kerrigan develops an entirely new set of problems. Of course, the main focus of the book is whether Olive will be able to keep her relationship with Phil intact once he learns of the reason for the breakup in 2012 (never mind the whole time shift!), since her honesty compels her to be completely open with him.
I really enjoyed this book - another plus is that the locale is Madison, a nearby and familiar city and Andrea has excellent descriptive powers, so the reader can truly visualize the characters and their surroundings. I am looking forward to the next book!
May 21, 2013
Andrea Lochen astonished me by managing to create a story about traveling back in time to relive 2011. She was so succinct in her story-telling that she made this possibility truly believable, needing very little explanation to understand the premise. I know other novelists that have written about time travel and they really had to delve deep to explain how the whole “going back in time” concept could truly occur. Andrea Lochen’s writing was not only very conceivable, but she was flawless in her efforts to explain how Olive was able to repeat the year 2011. She did not miss a beat on any specifics, absolutely no loopholes existed; it was as if this wondrous possibility was plausible for any of us. Upon opening the book, it was as if the book was wrapped in a bow, and given to me as a present that I would unwrap and devour like a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Andrea Lochen’s writing seemed effortless.
At the core of this novel was a 25 year old woman named, Olive Watson; who seemed to be living the perfect life. Her love life, family life, and work life were all going well until 2011, when everything fell apart within the confines of that one year. All of these drastic turns were taking a toll on Olive’s heart of hearts.
In 2011, Olive’s father had passed away, her mother was marrying another man that Olive did not deem worthy. She also managed to lose both her best friend, Kerrigan; and the love of her life, Phil Russell. For good!
But, when she woke up on January 1st, 2012 she noticed that something very strange had occurred. Every indication pointed to the fact that it was January 1st, 2011; again! Olive took some time trying to make sense of how this could have happened. It all seemed too far-fetched for her to comprehend that she was about to repeat the year. Was she in a dream? Had the past year even occurred? So many questions engulfed her.
Finally, that very first confusing day she spoke with her Mother’s neighborhood friend, Sherry Witan at her families annual New Year’s Day brunch, and everything came to light. Apparently, Sherry had Repeated quite a few years herself. They spoke only briefly, but Olive understood that this repeating of 2011 was her chance to change things that steered her life in a direction that she was not proud of or completely at peace with; let alone content.
Andrea’s writing flowed so effortlessly with a theory that seems truly outlandish; I mean how could we have a chance to repeat a year in our lifetime? I was very enthralled with the ease of the Andrea’s writing; the ebb and flow of her story-telling was mesmerizing. I read the book in a very quick two days, because I could not put it down.
Each character brings such meaning to the Olive’s life, each choice even more so. She had the possibility to change each decision she made in 2011. But, how could she go about doing that, without dealing with the moral consequences! Would there be any? Could every outcome be exactly how she wanted it to be? Was she that strong and powerful?
Sherry Witan is a very strong character in this book, yet weaves in and out just enough to remind you that Olive is not alone in this “Repeat Year” process. Sherry and Olive create a bond that was grounded on having their repeat year in common; but, soon finds it is even more than that.
Olive was so alive on each page! As the reader, I was truly engulfed by how much any slight choice, decision and action could change the outcome of Olive’s year. It made me consider some of the choices I had made in the past. Would I want a “Repeat year”?
You will walk away from this novel with a clear understanding that each moment in our lives can truly change our path. But, the question is, how does it change Olive’s life?
At the core of this novel was a 25 year old woman named, Olive Watson; who seemed to be living the perfect life. Her love life, family life, and work life were all going well until 2011, when everything fell apart within the confines of that one year. All of these drastic turns were taking a toll on Olive’s heart of hearts.
In 2011, Olive’s father had passed away, her mother was marrying another man that Olive did not deem worthy. She also managed to lose both her best friend, Kerrigan; and the love of her life, Phil Russell. For good!
But, when she woke up on January 1st, 2012 she noticed that something very strange had occurred. Every indication pointed to the fact that it was January 1st, 2011; again! Olive took some time trying to make sense of how this could have happened. It all seemed too far-fetched for her to comprehend that she was about to repeat the year. Was she in a dream? Had the past year even occurred? So many questions engulfed her.
Finally, that very first confusing day she spoke with her Mother’s neighborhood friend, Sherry Witan at her families annual New Year’s Day brunch, and everything came to light. Apparently, Sherry had Repeated quite a few years herself. They spoke only briefly, but Olive understood that this repeating of 2011 was her chance to change things that steered her life in a direction that she was not proud of or completely at peace with; let alone content.
Andrea’s writing flowed so effortlessly with a theory that seems truly outlandish; I mean how could we have a chance to repeat a year in our lifetime? I was very enthralled with the ease of the Andrea’s writing; the ebb and flow of her story-telling was mesmerizing. I read the book in a very quick two days, because I could not put it down.
Each character brings such meaning to the Olive’s life, each choice even more so. She had the possibility to change each decision she made in 2011. But, how could she go about doing that, without dealing with the moral consequences! Would there be any? Could every outcome be exactly how she wanted it to be? Was she that strong and powerful?
Sherry Witan is a very strong character in this book, yet weaves in and out just enough to remind you that Olive is not alone in this “Repeat Year” process. Sherry and Olive create a bond that was grounded on having their repeat year in common; but, soon finds it is even more than that.
Olive was so alive on each page! As the reader, I was truly engulfed by how much any slight choice, decision and action could change the outcome of Olive’s year. It made me consider some of the choices I had made in the past. Would I want a “Repeat year”?
You will walk away from this novel with a clear understanding that each moment in our lives can truly change our path. But, the question is, how does it change Olive’s life?
June 29, 2013
This is a wonderful debut novel by Lochen. If you buy ONE book this summer this is the one to purchase! The premise of a woman who is given a cosmic do over to relive the last year of her life is at once engrossing and intriguing. The main character Olive Watson is someone you will cheer for and Olive's time travel "guide" Sherry has just the right amount of humor and oddity yo keep you turning the pages at a feverish pace. "What happens next?", you will ask excitedly as you sit out on your deck or on the beach enjoying a cold drink and a great book! Really looking forward to Andrea Lochen's second novel. I know it will be amazing!
May 17, 2013
The girl cheated and she got a free pass when she went time travelling to undo her cheating! I didn't like it one bit that she evaded to man up to her mistake and just completely erased it through her time travel. I didn't liked this at all!
November 15, 2018
Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by Book Sparks PR for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
If I were given the chance to go back to the beginning of the year for a do over I would love to be able to choose the year that I wanted to do over. But for Olive she wasn’t given a chance to choose she woke up in the previous year. I loved ‘Groundhog Day’ so for me this light read was a really fun way to start my summer reading with. The biggest question is if given the chance to change the year; how do you stop yourself from making the same mistakes all over again? My question is what effect does the repeat and correcting the changes have on the future of not only your life but those around you because after all they are involved also.
Olive finds that she needs to focus on her relationships. Her boyfriend Phil…let’s just say she blew it causing a big break-up. She needs to figure out how to fix the problem. Then there is her best friend Kerrigan. It is hard enough to find good friends let alone a best friend. Wrecking that relationship leaves you all alone. To add to her continued heartache her dad dies. I really liked the way grief was dealt with in the whole circumference of the story. Mom decides to re-marry and Olive finds a way to alienate her mom because she doesn’t like the guy she marries. So for Olive a repeat sounds perfect but sometimes rethinking things and changing them even the slightest tends to alter the outcome of our lives. Had I done this instead of that I wouldn’t have or be where I am today kind of thing.
Olive learns that her mom’s neighbor Sherry Witan has had repeat years. With this in common they bond, form an unlikely friendship finding out that what they share is more than just the experience of a repeat year.
Ms. Lochen writes the story in such a simple way that it just flows. Which in turn has a way of keeping it (the story and the reader) going and reading in a nice way. The strong storyline adds depth to her writing as do the characters; showing that each one has meaning and purpose in Olive’s life. She wrote as if she herself experienced a repeat year. It wasn’t written so far out there that you would think it was a scene from the ‘Twilight Zone’ or that perhaps aliens might have been involved. She made it seem real. I could picture it actually happening.
This story is a nice light read that keeps you thinking about things till the very end. A great read to pack in your things for the beach or maybe just staying at home. Whatever you have planned this summer you might want to pick up your copy of Ms. Lochen book The Repeat Year and find out for yourself that everyone is human and we all make mistakes. It was kind of fun to think about what you would do to change the year if anything.
Book provided by Book Sparks PR for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
If I were given the chance to go back to the beginning of the year for a do over I would love to be able to choose the year that I wanted to do over. But for Olive she wasn’t given a chance to choose she woke up in the previous year. I loved ‘Groundhog Day’ so for me this light read was a really fun way to start my summer reading with. The biggest question is if given the chance to change the year; how do you stop yourself from making the same mistakes all over again? My question is what effect does the repeat and correcting the changes have on the future of not only your life but those around you because after all they are involved also.
Olive finds that she needs to focus on her relationships. Her boyfriend Phil…let’s just say she blew it causing a big break-up. She needs to figure out how to fix the problem. Then there is her best friend Kerrigan. It is hard enough to find good friends let alone a best friend. Wrecking that relationship leaves you all alone. To add to her continued heartache her dad dies. I really liked the way grief was dealt with in the whole circumference of the story. Mom decides to re-marry and Olive finds a way to alienate her mom because she doesn’t like the guy she marries. So for Olive a repeat sounds perfect but sometimes rethinking things and changing them even the slightest tends to alter the outcome of our lives. Had I done this instead of that I wouldn’t have or be where I am today kind of thing.
Olive learns that her mom’s neighbor Sherry Witan has had repeat years. With this in common they bond, form an unlikely friendship finding out that what they share is more than just the experience of a repeat year.
Ms. Lochen writes the story in such a simple way that it just flows. Which in turn has a way of keeping it (the story and the reader) going and reading in a nice way. The strong storyline adds depth to her writing as do the characters; showing that each one has meaning and purpose in Olive’s life. She wrote as if she herself experienced a repeat year. It wasn’t written so far out there that you would think it was a scene from the ‘Twilight Zone’ or that perhaps aliens might have been involved. She made it seem real. I could picture it actually happening.
This story is a nice light read that keeps you thinking about things till the very end. A great read to pack in your things for the beach or maybe just staying at home. Whatever you have planned this summer you might want to pick up your copy of Ms. Lochen book The Repeat Year and find out for yourself that everyone is human and we all make mistakes. It was kind of fun to think about what you would do to change the year if anything.
May 26, 2013
So I just finished this unbelievable book. Every time I would put it down I would wonder if this is a good thing or bad thing Olive is living through. I'm sure we all have moments we would like to change but I'm not sure I would want to go through a whole year. She faced many challenges both years and tried to successfully make the right decisions the second year. This was not easy because she didn't really know why she was repeating.
I loved the character of Sherry and how she affected things in the book. I don't want to say too much and give parts of the story.
I cried a lot in parts of this book. Sometimes tears of joy and sometimes sad for what was occurring.
This is not an easy book to put down. I loved the ending but even that brought tears.
I can't wait for Andrea's next book.
I loved the character of Sherry and how she affected things in the book. I don't want to say too much and give parts of the story.
I cried a lot in parts of this book. Sometimes tears of joy and sometimes sad for what was occurring.
This is not an easy book to put down. I loved the ending but even that brought tears.
I can't wait for Andrea's next book.
March 29, 2013
In a word, excellent. The basic premise requires that you suspend reality a bit, but the characters are so engaging and the plot so charming that it's easy to leave behind any feelings of "wait, that's not how time works!" This book is a real treat for anyone who knows Madison, Wisconsin, but if you don't, the local references are just part of the excellent description. It's an adult novel, but has great crossover potential for young adult readers because the characters are in their early 20s, and have real issues that YA readers are about to face themselves. Very satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended!
January 31, 2020
Andrea Lochen’s debut novel is a beautifully written poignant story about second chances and a unique glimpse into a woman’s opportunity, through a magical twist of fate to rewrite her past and make choices that could potentially change her future forever. Anyone who has fantasized of getting a second chance at love…at friendship…at life… will not be able to put this heartwarming book down. Told with beautiful prose, Lochen takes us on this mystical journey that questions fate, karma, chance and choice while compelling readers to do the same. This debut novel is a most enjoyable, magical read that most certainly will capture your heart.
May 17, 2013
When I began reading this book, it was as if I kept thinking about the author, mentally critiquing this, her first book, her style of writing, development of characters and story line. After about 40 pages, I found I was no longer reading it in this way. None of the above mattered any longer. It became a most enjoyable read, loved everything about it and am already looking forward to her next book. It was so great to finally read a book I didn't want to put down. Kudos, Andrea, you really hit the mark with this one.
November 14, 2013
I enjoyed this book. Pretty awesome that I've met the author and she's coming to our book club next week. Once I started the book I couldn't put it down. I wanted to know how everything would turn out. Nice work, Andrea. :)
October 24, 2013
I adored this clever, witty, heartwarming novel. A must-read for anyone who has ever wished life had a rewind button. I'm looking forward to many more novels from this talented debut author.
September 4, 2017
My first read by this author and most certainly not my last. This is a different kind of story then I would normally read. It has that magical aspect to of it by reliving a year. However, this was also so thought provoking for me to read. If I had a year to relive, what would I do differently? And would it make things better or could it make things worse?
I really liked this story and hope to read more by this author!!
I really liked this story and hope to read more by this author!!
February 9, 2018
I have been on a roll with reading books that are a total departure from my preferred genre. This was probably the closest to a “romance” that I’ve ever read, and I loved it. It had heart without being ‘mushy’. What a great story!
June 4, 2013
What would you do if you woke up tomorrow morning and found out it was exactly a year prior right down to the day? Everything you did one year ago was the beginning point for where you found yourself today. What would you do if you had the opportunity to relive that year again?
That is just the premise for the latest novel, The Repeat Year by author Andrea Lochen. Not only does Olive Watson wake up on New Year's Day in 2011 with a new beginning but it really is a new opportunity. She finds herself suddenly right back where she was a year ago. Back with her now ex-boyfriend Phil. The very same Phil that broke up with her ten months ago. She's not exactly sure what happened, but all she knows is that she is suddenly provided with an opportunity to fix some mistakes in her life that happened a year ago. Is it possible to move forward with the knowledge of having already lived those mistakes and not yet feel a sense of remorse for having that knowledge to help you with making different choices. It's not exactly like you can leave those feelings behind just because you have a chance to make things right in the lives of the people you dealt with that previous year. Is there even a point to having this happen?
I received The Repeat Year by Andrea Lochen compliments of Penguin Publishers and Book Sparks Tours for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. This is like an expanded version of Groundhog Day only it takes some unexpected twists and turns when you have 365 days to do over again. Unlike Groundhog Day where the concept was the same day over and over again, Olive has a year to find the one thing that has brought her back to doing the year over again with no clue as to what that is. Is it the opportunity to stay living with her roommate Kerrigan instead of moving out, is it a chance to fall in love with her ex-boyfriend Phil and possibly get married, or rekindle some family relationships that she burned in the first go around, or is it something she never considered about how her interactions with someone needed a second chance? Maybe repeat years aren't just redoes for quick fixes, but they're last chances.
Based on my personal review criteria I have to rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. Not for the storyline but based on the profanity contained in the beginning of the book that readers might find offensive. However, the story is amazing. I found myself wondering what I would do if faced with the same challenges that Olive did. What if what I thought needed changing wasn't the reason I had the opportunity to redo that year again and I had to repeat it again until I did? This is definitely a unique concept and I found I could relate to a lot of decisions that Olive makes. It makes you see the people you often take for granted in your life and when given the chance to revisit them again, you realize what a gift a repeat year could be. This book makes for a perfect addition to your summer reading list and I'd love to see this one brought to the big screen some day.
That is just the premise for the latest novel, The Repeat Year by author Andrea Lochen. Not only does Olive Watson wake up on New Year's Day in 2011 with a new beginning but it really is a new opportunity. She finds herself suddenly right back where she was a year ago. Back with her now ex-boyfriend Phil. The very same Phil that broke up with her ten months ago. She's not exactly sure what happened, but all she knows is that she is suddenly provided with an opportunity to fix some mistakes in her life that happened a year ago. Is it possible to move forward with the knowledge of having already lived those mistakes and not yet feel a sense of remorse for having that knowledge to help you with making different choices. It's not exactly like you can leave those feelings behind just because you have a chance to make things right in the lives of the people you dealt with that previous year. Is there even a point to having this happen?
I received The Repeat Year by Andrea Lochen compliments of Penguin Publishers and Book Sparks Tours for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. This is like an expanded version of Groundhog Day only it takes some unexpected twists and turns when you have 365 days to do over again. Unlike Groundhog Day where the concept was the same day over and over again, Olive has a year to find the one thing that has brought her back to doing the year over again with no clue as to what that is. Is it the opportunity to stay living with her roommate Kerrigan instead of moving out, is it a chance to fall in love with her ex-boyfriend Phil and possibly get married, or rekindle some family relationships that she burned in the first go around, or is it something she never considered about how her interactions with someone needed a second chance? Maybe repeat years aren't just redoes for quick fixes, but they're last chances.
Based on my personal review criteria I have to rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. Not for the storyline but based on the profanity contained in the beginning of the book that readers might find offensive. However, the story is amazing. I found myself wondering what I would do if faced with the same challenges that Olive did. What if what I thought needed changing wasn't the reason I had the opportunity to redo that year again and I had to repeat it again until I did? This is definitely a unique concept and I found I could relate to a lot of decisions that Olive makes. It makes you see the people you often take for granted in your life and when given the chance to revisit them again, you realize what a gift a repeat year could be. This book makes for a perfect addition to your summer reading list and I'd love to see this one brought to the big screen some day.
May 16, 2013
I think that every person has at one point or several points in their lives, dreamed of having a second chance. Dreamed of being able to make a different choice, correct a mistake, save a life, capture lost love, and the list goes on. This is the dramatic story that Lochen has attempted and succeeded in encompassing within The Repeat Year. The concept of time travel has a huge capacity to dive into the corny side or pure science fiction, and I will admit that initially my mind went straight to another book I loved The Time Traveler's Wife, which did not translate as well into a movie. The Repeat Year, however is a true testament to talented writing. What would you do, if one day you awoke to discover that the past 365 days of your life never happened, yet you remember it completely? This is the grand question the novel explores.
The plot is where the true talent lies in this novel... how does one relive a year of their life, knowing that nobody other than them has experienced that year. At no point does Lochen drift into the bizarre, nor become a science fiction movie, she plots out a story that flows effortlessly. The characters that work through this are well defined, and yet you know that Olive is the character to watch. Yes, she is the main character, but she must interact within a world that thinks it is a year ago. Lochen creates a character that goes through pretty much every emotional turmoil that you'd expect. She also highlights that this character is simply put, human, and not infallible. The Repeat Year is a very multifaceted story that makes you laugh, cry, and want to scream. A book that can elicit such emotion from a reader has achieved the pinnacle to me, touching a reader at their core being, the soul.
Not only would I highly recommend this novel, I would gladly be thrilled to see if there would be future stories that will include Olive. Shout out to a fellow Wisconsinite! Always thrilled to learn about authors from my home state, and a big high five for featuring Wisconsin as the story's setting.
The plot is where the true talent lies in this novel... how does one relive a year of their life, knowing that nobody other than them has experienced that year. At no point does Lochen drift into the bizarre, nor become a science fiction movie, she plots out a story that flows effortlessly. The characters that work through this are well defined, and yet you know that Olive is the character to watch. Yes, she is the main character, but she must interact within a world that thinks it is a year ago. Lochen creates a character that goes through pretty much every emotional turmoil that you'd expect. She also highlights that this character is simply put, human, and not infallible. The Repeat Year is a very multifaceted story that makes you laugh, cry, and want to scream. A book that can elicit such emotion from a reader has achieved the pinnacle to me, touching a reader at their core being, the soul.
Not only would I highly recommend this novel, I would gladly be thrilled to see if there would be future stories that will include Olive. Shout out to a fellow Wisconsinite! Always thrilled to learn about authors from my home state, and a big high five for featuring Wisconsin as the story's setting.
May 15, 2013
The Repeat Year is Andrea Lochen's debut novel.
Olive Watson wakes up on what she thinks is New Year's Day 2012. But it seems that somehow it's January 1 2011 - again. Olive has already lived this year - and it wasn't her finest. She made some mistakes, hurt some people, damaged some friendships and struggled at work. If it's really a repeat year, can she go back and do things the way she should have? Make sure she doesn't make the same mistakes? Will her changes affect other's lives? For the better? Or worse?
Lochen has come up with a good premise. What would you change if you could go back and redo a year? Olive's focus is her relationship with her boyfriend Phil. She made a mistake that cost her this relationship the first time around and is determined to not lose him this year. But, somehow I just never connected with Olive. All the right character attributes are there, but I found her to be selfish and self absorbed despite her avowal of setting things rights. Another 'repeater' (and I must say I found this just a tad too serendipitous) with connections to Olive's family is battling cancer. Olive promises to check in on her many times, but forgets or doesn't bother more than once.
The characters I did enjoy were Phil and Olive's mother Kathy. They seemed truly interested in other's feelings and more 'real'. Kathy seems to have moved forward after the death of her husband with grace. While I initially enjoyed the light hearted friend Kerrigan, her actions towards Olive at the end of the book seemed to be too easily accepted and explained away.
I'm quite pragmatic, so I did have a problem with everyone accepting that this repeat year was something that could actually happen. But, the Repeat Year does spark the reader's own 'what if' scenarios. So, although we can't go back in time, going forward and making reparations is an alternative.
Tuck this one in your beach bag for some light summer reading.
Olive Watson wakes up on what she thinks is New Year's Day 2012. But it seems that somehow it's January 1 2011 - again. Olive has already lived this year - and it wasn't her finest. She made some mistakes, hurt some people, damaged some friendships and struggled at work. If it's really a repeat year, can she go back and do things the way she should have? Make sure she doesn't make the same mistakes? Will her changes affect other's lives? For the better? Or worse?
Lochen has come up with a good premise. What would you change if you could go back and redo a year? Olive's focus is her relationship with her boyfriend Phil. She made a mistake that cost her this relationship the first time around and is determined to not lose him this year. But, somehow I just never connected with Olive. All the right character attributes are there, but I found her to be selfish and self absorbed despite her avowal of setting things rights. Another 'repeater' (and I must say I found this just a tad too serendipitous) with connections to Olive's family is battling cancer. Olive promises to check in on her many times, but forgets or doesn't bother more than once.
The characters I did enjoy were Phil and Olive's mother Kathy. They seemed truly interested in other's feelings and more 'real'. Kathy seems to have moved forward after the death of her husband with grace. While I initially enjoyed the light hearted friend Kerrigan, her actions towards Olive at the end of the book seemed to be too easily accepted and explained away.
I'm quite pragmatic, so I did have a problem with everyone accepting that this repeat year was something that could actually happen. But, the Repeat Year does spark the reader's own 'what if' scenarios. So, although we can't go back in time, going forward and making reparations is an alternative.
Tuck this one in your beach bag for some light summer reading.
March 16, 2015
Olive wacht an am Neujahrsmorgen auf und findet sich im Bett ihres Ex-Freundes Phil wieder!Total perplex und überfordert mit der Situation lässt sie sich von ihm heimfahren. Aber auch dies kommt ihr suspekt vor,da er Olive an ihrer alten Wohnung rauslässt. Die Wohnung die sie sich mit ihrer besten Freundin Kerrigan geteilt hat. Nach und nach kriegt sie raus das sie immer noch im Jahre 2011 steckt. Sherry Witan,einer Freundin ihrer Mutter,hat dieses Deja Vu Erlebnis schon mehrere Male erlebt. Sherry und Olive teilen das selbe Schicksal. Zwei Frauen die sich vorher nichts zu sagen hatten, haben die Chance ihr 2011 neu zu erfinden und alles was in dem Jahr schief gelaufen ist,einen besseren Ausgang zu geben! Nur leider läuft nicht alles nach Plan....
Ich hatte damals schon die Chance eine Leseprobe des Buches erhaschen zu können. Nach den ersten 30 Seiten war ich schon sehr angetan von dem Buch. Man wollte sofort wissen wie es weitergeht,da schon allein der Klappentext sehr vielversprechend war. Ich kam noch nie in den Genuss solch eines Handlungsstrangs. Auch wenn ich etwas länger zum Lesen brauchte,hatte dies aber einen anderen Grund. Denn das Buch lies sich sehr flüssig lesen. Der Schrreibstil war sehr vielversprechend.
Olive war mir als Protagonistin sehr sympathisch...man konnte in jeder Situation mit ihr mitfühlen und konnte verstehen warum sie so gehandelt hat,wie sie es immer getan hat! Auch die anderen Charaktere wie Phil und Kerrigan sind einem sehr schnell ans Herz gewachsen. Man hatte das Gefühl man würde jeden so richtig kennen. Jeder Protagonist wurde charakterlich genau beschrieben,und so kam es das man sich wirklich von jedem ein Bild am Ende machen konnte!
Andreas Lochen hat mit diesem Buch wirklich was ganz zauberhaftes gemeistert! Deshalb verdient dieses Buch auch ganze 5 Sterne!!!
Sobald ein Andrea Lochen ein neues Buch rausbringt,bin ich definitiv mit einer der Ersten die sich das Buch kaufen wird!
Ich hatte damals schon die Chance eine Leseprobe des Buches erhaschen zu können. Nach den ersten 30 Seiten war ich schon sehr angetan von dem Buch. Man wollte sofort wissen wie es weitergeht,da schon allein der Klappentext sehr vielversprechend war. Ich kam noch nie in den Genuss solch eines Handlungsstrangs. Auch wenn ich etwas länger zum Lesen brauchte,hatte dies aber einen anderen Grund. Denn das Buch lies sich sehr flüssig lesen. Der Schrreibstil war sehr vielversprechend.
Olive war mir als Protagonistin sehr sympathisch...man konnte in jeder Situation mit ihr mitfühlen und konnte verstehen warum sie so gehandelt hat,wie sie es immer getan hat! Auch die anderen Charaktere wie Phil und Kerrigan sind einem sehr schnell ans Herz gewachsen. Man hatte das Gefühl man würde jeden so richtig kennen. Jeder Protagonist wurde charakterlich genau beschrieben,und so kam es das man sich wirklich von jedem ein Bild am Ende machen konnte!
Andreas Lochen hat mit diesem Buch wirklich was ganz zauberhaftes gemeistert! Deshalb verdient dieses Buch auch ganze 5 Sterne!!!
Sobald ein Andrea Lochen ein neues Buch rausbringt,bin ich definitiv mit einer der Ersten die sich das Buch kaufen wird!
June 4, 2013
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads for review.
This book had a very intriguing theme. Olive lives one year but then on New Years day wakes up and starts the year all over. What might be in some ways an awesome chance to change her life also comes with baggage. Even though everyone around her is living 2011 for the first time, she still remembers all the mistakes she made the first time. Her biggest regret and guilt is over cheating on her boyfriend and causing them to break-up.
It was great watching Olive grow and her character develop as she begins to change all the mistakes she had made that year. I liked that she was hesitant to marry Phil but at the same time fought so completely hard for him. When he finally found out the truth it was interesting that he thought she might be tempted to make the previous choices again. But losing him again allowed her to realize he was what she truly wanted. She also made new mistakes --a fight with her best friend, confronting her mother on infidelity -- it wasn't a perfect do-over. However she used her experiences from the previous year to gain ground in her relationships with her friends and family and be strong enough to stay away from temptation.
I really enjoyed this novel. The characters were very real and believable despite the extrordinary circumstances of a do-over year. I would read more books by author Andrea Lochen.
This book had a very intriguing theme. Olive lives one year but then on New Years day wakes up and starts the year all over. What might be in some ways an awesome chance to change her life also comes with baggage. Even though everyone around her is living 2011 for the first time, she still remembers all the mistakes she made the first time. Her biggest regret and guilt is over cheating on her boyfriend and causing them to break-up.
It was great watching Olive grow and her character develop as she begins to change all the mistakes she had made that year. I liked that she was hesitant to marry Phil but at the same time fought so completely hard for him. When he finally found out the truth it was interesting that he thought she might be tempted to make the previous choices again. But losing him again allowed her to realize he was what she truly wanted. She also made new mistakes --a fight with her best friend, confronting her mother on infidelity -- it wasn't a perfect do-over. However she used her experiences from the previous year to gain ground in her relationships with her friends and family and be strong enough to stay away from temptation.
I really enjoyed this novel. The characters were very real and believable despite the extrordinary circumstances of a do-over year. I would read more books by author Andrea Lochen.
June 13, 2013
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. Olive has had rough year. Her mother has remarried and Olive feels that it is too soon and that her mother is trying to forget her father. Not only that, but Olive made an unforgivable error in judgment where her long term relationship was concerned, now she has an entire year to redo in her life. Will she fix the relationship of her lifetime? Will she repair the damaged relationship with her mother and accept her new husband?
I’ve always loved the movie Groundhogs Day, and dream of having a “do over” button to change the outcome of certain situations. I can’t even fathom having an entire year! This was a fun read, as you see how Olive grasps what has happened and realizes what a great opportunity it is. Being an ICU nurse, however, reliving patients’ deaths had to be disturbing. The characters are so realistic that you can relate to them on many levels. For a debut novel, this author surpassed my expectations! There is so much depth in her writing that she made repeating an entire year plausible. Although this book isn’t slated to be part of a series, it could easily become one because of this unique concept. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I’ve always loved the movie Groundhogs Day, and dream of having a “do over” button to change the outcome of certain situations. I can’t even fathom having an entire year! This was a fun read, as you see how Olive grasps what has happened and realizes what a great opportunity it is. Being an ICU nurse, however, reliving patients’ deaths had to be disturbing. The characters are so realistic that you can relate to them on many levels. For a debut novel, this author surpassed my expectations! There is so much depth in her writing that she made repeating an entire year plausible. Although this book isn’t slated to be part of a series, it could easily become one because of this unique concept. I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 14, 2013
A lovely idea of righting the wrongs of a whole year seems easy enough, but would it be? How would anyone know what to change and what needs to stay the same in order for things to work out in our best interest.
The author, Andrea Lochen, did an amazing job of not only creating in The Repeat Year a base of characters I wanted to root for, but also subtly asking the harder questions. I found myself cheering Olive on and hoping she could fix the mistakes of her past year, while also wanting to shake her for not doing what I hoped. What could be changed? What are the domino effects of each choice we make in our lives? And what is really important?
Everyone loves the idea of getting a second chance and The Repeat Year takes a look at what price it may come at.
This was a great book to start off Summer reading! Not too heavy, but still gave me enough to think about between reading sessions. I can't wait to see what Andrea Lochen will write next. She is a bright and rising author.
The author, Andrea Lochen, did an amazing job of not only creating in The Repeat Year a base of characters I wanted to root for, but also subtly asking the harder questions. I found myself cheering Olive on and hoping she could fix the mistakes of her past year, while also wanting to shake her for not doing what I hoped. What could be changed? What are the domino effects of each choice we make in our lives? And what is really important?
Everyone loves the idea of getting a second chance and The Repeat Year takes a look at what price it may come at.
This was a great book to start off Summer reading! Not too heavy, but still gave me enough to think about between reading sessions. I can't wait to see what Andrea Lochen will write next. She is a bright and rising author.
June 6, 2013
A do-over. Who hasn't thought at some time or another that they would like to completely do over a day, a week - but an entire year?
In her debut novel, author Andrea Lochen takes her readers on a journey that finds her main character, Olive Watson, waking up in a weird time-warp situation where she has the opportunity to "do-over" a particularly disastrous year. Lochen expertly spins this creative and captivating tale with a cast of intriguing characters and a storyline that is heartwarming at times, and heart-wrenching at others.
I found myself drawn into the story, sympathizing with the characters, laughing at clever lines, and tearing up as Olive struggles to find ways to make her do-over year better for everyone she loves and cares for.
"The Repeat Year" is a well-written novel that will keep readers entranced to the very end. A perfect summer read!
In her debut novel, author Andrea Lochen takes her readers on a journey that finds her main character, Olive Watson, waking up in a weird time-warp situation where she has the opportunity to "do-over" a particularly disastrous year. Lochen expertly spins this creative and captivating tale with a cast of intriguing characters and a storyline that is heartwarming at times, and heart-wrenching at others.
I found myself drawn into the story, sympathizing with the characters, laughing at clever lines, and tearing up as Olive struggles to find ways to make her do-over year better for everyone she loves and cares for.
"The Repeat Year" is a well-written novel that will keep readers entranced to the very end. A perfect summer read!
May 17, 2013
Great book to start the summer reading session. The storyline was a fun read, though like others I still was left wanting a better explanation of what causes a Repeat Year. But what stood out the most to me about this book was the author's explanation of everything in such vivid details from the events to the people to even the surroundings in a given moment. For example, Phil doesn't just have gorgeous green eyes, instead his eyes are compared to the green on a snake (and the actual wording is with better linguistic style than I have).
Finally, I loved having the book set in Madison as I can picture the actual locations referenced though I'll admit that the details of Madison were not essential to the book. (Just a lovely bonus).
Finally, I loved having the book set in Madison as I can picture the actual locations referenced though I'll admit that the details of Madison were not essential to the book. (Just a lovely bonus).
July 5, 2013
A captivating book. I think my favorite part about this book is the premise of repeating a year and getting a do-over in life. Throughout the book, I constantly asked myself what I would do in the same situation (=I think it's the mark of a well-developed protagonist when the reader can't stop putting herself in the character's shoes). My favorite related plot point is when Sherry tells Olive she's lived through some years twice, opening up the possibility that this may not be the last time Olive has to repeat this same year. Wonderful sense of dread built in! Time travel is a fun but risky topic to base your story around, especially if it's not going to be a scifi novel, but I think Andrea Lochen did a fantastic job balancing the realistic story with one rather fantastical element.
June 28, 2013
I was fortunate enough to read Andrea's early drafts of THE REPEAT YEAR. Already the prose was clean and engaging, and the emotional landscapes rang true. I felt the hearts of these characters, and they acted in logical, though not expected, ways. What I love about this version-- the final one, the published one-- are the stakes of the book. Olive works in the ER and we see her making tough decisions as a nurse and grappling with how those choices will affect her patients and their families. Ideas of guilt, love, devotion are teased out, and while suggestions are given, never does Lochen hand out easy answers.
July 4, 2013
Don't we all wish we could have one chance to make a another choice at least one time? Whether it would be in a relationship or at the grocery store?
I liked Andrea Lochens premise. It's a book that relives character Olive Watson's year 2011. While it may not be completely reality, it's a bit magical, fun, and it's gives the reader a chance to put their lives in perspective.
Being from Wisconsin, I really appreciated local references.
This was a quick read and any age older than 15 could read this book. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading many other books by this author.
I liked Andrea Lochens premise. It's a book that relives character Olive Watson's year 2011. While it may not be completely reality, it's a bit magical, fun, and it's gives the reader a chance to put their lives in perspective.
Being from Wisconsin, I really appreciated local references.
This was a quick read and any age older than 15 could read this book. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading many other books by this author.
June 4, 2013
I received a copy of The Repeat Year by Andrea Lochen in exchange for an honest review.
I’m always up for a book with a bit of complex, almost magic-like quality, and The Repeat Year fit just into that. I love to question myself along with the characters, wondering what I would do if I were in their situation. Olive was great to take this journey with, as she was ready to start afresh in the New Year only to be forced to relive it – and try to decide if she should make different decisions along the way. What would we do if we got that chance? A very intriguing concept, a well-written story with well-developed characters, and I think The Repeat Year should make it on your to-read list!
I’m always up for a book with a bit of complex, almost magic-like quality, and The Repeat Year fit just into that. I love to question myself along with the characters, wondering what I would do if I were in their situation. Olive was great to take this journey with, as she was ready to start afresh in the New Year only to be forced to relive it – and try to decide if she should make different decisions along the way. What would we do if we got that chance? A very intriguing concept, a well-written story with well-developed characters, and I think The Repeat Year should make it on your to-read list!
May 27, 2016
Olive wakes up for a second time on New Year's Eve 2011 in her (now ex-) boyfriend's bed and has a chance to change how things went for her the first time through.
Good thing: The mind boggles at what should be changed/could be changed/might be changed - what if you 'fixed' something and caused a different, much worse thing, to occur?
Bad thing: I thought the attempt to change one of the ICU patient's lives was glossed over too superficially.
I enjoyed reading this - it made me realize that there are no easy fixes or obvious paths, especially when it comes to relationships. If the author writes another book that has a plot that sounds tempting, I'll likely read another by her.
Good thing: The mind boggles at what should be changed/could be changed/might be changed - what if you 'fixed' something and caused a different, much worse thing, to occur?
Bad thing: I thought the attempt to change one of the ICU patient's lives was glossed over too superficially.
I enjoyed reading this - it made me realize that there are no easy fixes or obvious paths, especially when it comes to relationships. If the author writes another book that has a plot that sounds tempting, I'll likely read another by her.
June 29, 2014
I must admit I was not very excited to read this novel, but it was recommended by a friend so I did. I actually really loved this story. Reminded me a lot of a Time Traveler's Wife. Makes you question the role/balance of fate vs. free will and how much control we actually have. Also, makes you question how "perfect" a spouse needs to be. I also really enjoyed that the story took place in Madison, WI where I went to college.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews