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Yesterday
Yesterday is a novel of love, loss, and a powerful sense of deja vu between a handsome Chicago policeman and the beautiful young woman who saves his life. Everyone Amanda Parker has ever loved has died prematurely, most recently her fiance. A fear of commitment based on a life of tragedy is Amanda's destiny, or so she believes. But then Amanda saves Mark Callahan from being crushed to death by a falling elevated train in Chicago's Loop. Yesterday is also the tragic journey of a little girl escaping the South during the American Civil War, a harrowing tale of disaster, devotion, and The Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
In this historical romance, Mark Callahan fights through Amanda's rejection to prove that she will love again, as she was once loved - Yesterday.
In this historical romance, Mark Callahan fights through Amanda's rejection to prove that she will love again, as she was once loved - Yesterday.
404 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2013
22 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Samyann
1 book84 followersSamyann is a Chicago native. A lifelong fascination with the rich history of her city, coupled with an abiding curiosity about the intersection of past, present, and future, have led to the creation of a speculative masterpiece, Yesterday.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. - Vicki Corona, Tahitian Choreographies: Intermediate to Advanced Level Female Instruction
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. - Vicki Corona, Tahitian Choreographies: Intermediate to Advanced Level Female Instruction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
March 9, 2020
This novel is based on reincarnation. The story starts with an accident when a beautiful young woman Amanda Parker saves the life of a handsome Chicago policeman, Mark Callahan. They both feel an instant connection but Amanda thinks that she knows Mark from her past life and her instinct will become stronger when she purchases an antique clock from the 18th century. Amanda lives with her godmother Mary, who is a psychiatrist and a cat named Oprah.
The story revolves around Amanda how she lost her parents and boyfriend. She started thinking that everyone she ever loves will die sooner or later and because of this, she doesn't want to come closer to Mark. Every time she meets Mark she felt a connection with him and with that clock she buys after her accident. Mary helps Amanda to learn things about her past life where she is a girl name, Bonnie.
Ben, the Negro man was Bonnie’s father. Jack is her cousin, and they lived in Virginia. Apparently, Bonnie's parents died and all the other people she ever loved. The truth of Amanda's past life broke her and she started to think about how unlucky she is. But with the help of Marry and the unconditional love of Mark she understands the purpose or truth of her past life. Amanda is very hesitant towards Mark at first, but she has no problem involving him sexually. The kisses and cuddles, as hot as they were, seem pointless and overdone.
But It's a story of love and loss. The details of Amanda's regression session described well. There are so many characters in this book and Amanda try to figure out who was Mark and what is the connection between two of them which makes her life tough day by day. The little details in this book, like the St. Michaels church, the angel bells, and many such important artifacts too, later revealed to be real, blew my mind.
The author described historical parts very well as the American Civil War and Chicago fire. There is a story in the story of a different era. The characters are mix with past and present very well. But sometimes it creates confusion or the words used in the 18th century part is stupify. The story is both romantic and mysterious. The story pace is slow. The clock scenes were added to the fascinating spiritual viewpoint throughout the story. The research and detail were just excellent. The feeling of these two characters falling in love will stay with you long after you finish the book. It's a satisfying read and if you are a historical fiction fan then this book is for you.
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
The story revolves around Amanda how she lost her parents and boyfriend. She started thinking that everyone she ever loves will die sooner or later and because of this, she doesn't want to come closer to Mark. Every time she meets Mark she felt a connection with him and with that clock she buys after her accident. Mary helps Amanda to learn things about her past life where she is a girl name, Bonnie.
Ben, the Negro man was Bonnie’s father. Jack is her cousin, and they lived in Virginia. Apparently, Bonnie's parents died and all the other people she ever loved. The truth of Amanda's past life broke her and she started to think about how unlucky she is. But with the help of Marry and the unconditional love of Mark she understands the purpose or truth of her past life. Amanda is very hesitant towards Mark at first, but she has no problem involving him sexually. The kisses and cuddles, as hot as they were, seem pointless and overdone.
But It's a story of love and loss. The details of Amanda's regression session described well. There are so many characters in this book and Amanda try to figure out who was Mark and what is the connection between two of them which makes her life tough day by day. The little details in this book, like the St. Michaels church, the angel bells, and many such important artifacts too, later revealed to be real, blew my mind.
The author described historical parts very well as the American Civil War and Chicago fire. There is a story in the story of a different era. The characters are mix with past and present very well. But sometimes it creates confusion or the words used in the 18th century part is stupify. The story is both romantic and mysterious. The story pace is slow. The clock scenes were added to the fascinating spiritual viewpoint throughout the story. The research and detail were just excellent. The feeling of these two characters falling in love will stay with you long after you finish the book. It's a satisfying read and if you are a historical fiction fan then this book is for you.
Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/
March 17, 2023
This book was an okay read. I definitely think it could have been shorter and the ending was weird.
IF both Bonnie and Daniel got married and passed down the stone wouldn't that mean Mark and Amanda are related? How on earth would they both get a stone if they are not from the same family tree.
I was kind of tired of them both being sooo stubborn, especially Amanda, especially since she was a weird mix of hysterical crying-(granted the situations did deserve those emotions) but then she would also by unrelentingly stubborn. The end is rather anticlimactic. So the whole point of her doing regression was so that she would discover not everyone around her died in a previous life and now she was free to love Mark? Hmn. I wanted something else...Not sure what it is but something else. I also didn't like the fact that Mark kept trying to convince her he wasn't going to die. He is going to die, everyone is, that is not a promise anyone can make to another.
Overall like I said a decent read, but definitely could have been shorter.
IF both Bonnie and Daniel got married and passed down the stone wouldn't that mean Mark and Amanda are related? How on earth would they both get a stone if they are not from the same family tree.
I was kind of tired of them both being sooo stubborn, especially Amanda, especially since she was a weird mix of hysterical crying-(granted the situations did deserve those emotions) but then she would also by unrelentingly stubborn. The end is rather anticlimactic. So the whole point of her doing regression was so that she would discover not everyone around her died in a previous life and now she was free to love Mark? Hmn. I wanted something else...Not sure what it is but something else. I also didn't like the fact that Mark kept trying to convince her he wasn't going to die. He is going to die, everyone is, that is not a promise anyone can make to another.
Overall like I said a decent read, but definitely could have been shorter.
July 23, 2017
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
ACTUAL RATING – 4.5/5
I LOVED THIS BOOK. Why isn’t anyone else reading and raving about it? Just 85 ratings on goodreads?! THAT’S THE WORST KIND OF DISRESPECT A BOOK THIS WELL-WRITTEN DOESN’T EVEN DESERVE.
PLEASE, PEOPLE – GRAB THIS BOOK AND READ IT. YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID.
Yesterday, as the title says, is a story of reincarnation. I’d thought it would be some cheesy, filmy romance, but no, it was amazing (romantic yes, but amazing all the same).
Amanda Parker saves the life of Mark Callahan from a train accident, in front of an antique shop. Mark is instantly attracted to Amanda, but Amanda is less so. She is still mourning for the death of Joe, her boyfriend. Everyone she has ever loved has succumbed to death. She now lives with Mary, her godmother, who is a psychiatrist. Amanda has vowed to herself that she would never let herself close to anyone ever again. But Mark is not the one to give up.
Both of them have this daunting feeling that they know each other but also know that they have never met before. Through regression sessions with Mary, Amanda learns of a past life, where she was Bonnie, living in Chicago in the late 1800s. Bonnie’s life is similar to Amanda. Her loved ones had deceased. This makes her all the more reluctant to accept Mark. But fate has a way of revealing its most brilliant plan at times like these. Amanda and Mark’s life are intertwined by fate. Will Amanda let it loose?
THOUGHTS
I was instantly hooked up by this book in the beginning itself. It had a very Gone With The Wind feel to it which made it even more appealing.
The plot, even though quite simple, is executed perfectly. The way the narratives alternate between the past and present lives, makes you more and more curious. And the little details in this book, like the St. Michaels church, the angel bells, and many such important artifacts too, later revealed to be real, blew my mind.
The writing was pure bliss. It isn’t the easy-to-read, comfortable style you are familiar with, but the engrossing style we associate with classics. Amanda and Mark’s slight bickering was refreshing.
Mark might come across as a dominant character, but he was a gentleman in true sense. Amanda’s reserved nature added mystery and depth to her character. I couldn’t find a fault with the character development, as hard as I did try.
There were some little issues though, which is the reason this was not a five-star read.
I wasn’t a fan of the constant romantic moments of the book, but because it was Mark and Amanda, it felt a bit more bearable. Amanda is very hesitant towards Mark at first, but she has no problem involving with him sexually. The kisses and cuddles, as hot as they were, seem pointless and overdone.
And also,
Also, there’s a cat named Electra, which seems to live a bit too longer than its natural lifespan. Maybe cats lived for 20 years in the 19th century? Ah I don’t know.
I AM SAYING THIS AGAIN FOLKS, I LOVED THIS BOOK, AND I WANT YOU ALL TO READ IT. DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU LOVE IT OR NOT, IT IS ONE PIECE OF LITERATURE THAT SURE AS HELL DESERVES MORE ATTENTION THAN IT HAS.
As Sherlock Holmes once said, ‘When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.’
ACTUAL RATING – 4.5/5
I LOVED THIS BOOK. Why isn’t anyone else reading and raving about it? Just 85 ratings on goodreads?! THAT’S THE WORST KIND OF DISRESPECT A BOOK THIS WELL-WRITTEN DOESN’T EVEN DESERVE.
PLEASE, PEOPLE – GRAB THIS BOOK AND READ IT. YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID.
Yesterday, as the title says, is a story of reincarnation. I’d thought it would be some cheesy, filmy romance, but no, it was amazing (romantic yes, but amazing all the same).
Amanda Parker saves the life of Mark Callahan from a train accident, in front of an antique shop. Mark is instantly attracted to Amanda, but Amanda is less so. She is still mourning for the death of Joe, her boyfriend. Everyone she has ever loved has succumbed to death. She now lives with Mary, her godmother, who is a psychiatrist. Amanda has vowed to herself that she would never let herself close to anyone ever again. But Mark is not the one to give up.
Both of them have this daunting feeling that they know each other but also know that they have never met before. Through regression sessions with Mary, Amanda learns of a past life, where she was Bonnie, living in Chicago in the late 1800s. Bonnie’s life is similar to Amanda. Her loved ones had deceased. This makes her all the more reluctant to accept Mark. But fate has a way of revealing its most brilliant plan at times like these. Amanda and Mark’s life are intertwined by fate. Will Amanda let it loose?
THOUGHTS
I was instantly hooked up by this book in the beginning itself. It had a very Gone With The Wind feel to it which made it even more appealing.
The plot, even though quite simple, is executed perfectly. The way the narratives alternate between the past and present lives, makes you more and more curious. And the little details in this book, like the St. Michaels church, the angel bells, and many such important artifacts too, later revealed to be real, blew my mind.
The writing was pure bliss. It isn’t the easy-to-read, comfortable style you are familiar with, but the engrossing style we associate with classics. Amanda and Mark’s slight bickering was refreshing.
Mark might come across as a dominant character, but he was a gentleman in true sense. Amanda’s reserved nature added mystery and depth to her character. I couldn’t find a fault with the character development, as hard as I did try.
There were some little issues though, which is the reason this was not a five-star read.
I wasn’t a fan of the constant romantic moments of the book, but because it was Mark and Amanda, it felt a bit more bearable. Amanda is very hesitant towards Mark at first, but she has no problem involving with him sexually. The kisses and cuddles, as hot as they were, seem pointless and overdone.
And also,
Also, there’s a cat named Electra, which seems to live a bit too longer than its natural lifespan. Maybe cats lived for 20 years in the 19th century? Ah I don’t know.
Trees grow tall for the sake of the view. Falling is a small price to pay if you see something interesting on the way up.
I AM SAYING THIS AGAIN FOLKS, I LOVED THIS BOOK, AND I WANT YOU ALL TO READ IT. DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU LOVE IT OR NOT, IT IS ONE PIECE OF LITERATURE THAT SURE AS HELL DESERVES MORE ATTENTION THAN IT HAS.
January 19, 2015
This is a really well written book, which captured me from the very first pages and kept me turning so I read it in only two sittings. (I had to get some sleep in-between!)
This is the romantic story of Amanda and Mark who meet in exciting circumstances at the beginning of the book. However, both have a feeling they have met before, despite logic telling them they haven't. This is where the reincarnation of the title comes in as they eventually decide to use hypnosis to travel back in time and unravel their pasts, to see if they could have been lovers in a different time.
The historical parts of the book are well described, with a very authentic feel of a different era and we then have a story within a story about the American Civil War. The characters are an interesting mixture in both the past and present.
Amanda hasn't had the easiest life and this has a significant impact on her behaviour towards Mark throughout the book, which keeps us hooked with the will they/won't they question!
This is an unusual romance, with a third of the book being a historical story and the two elements cleverly combined by the idea of reincarnation.
This is the romantic story of Amanda and Mark who meet in exciting circumstances at the beginning of the book. However, both have a feeling they have met before, despite logic telling them they haven't. This is where the reincarnation of the title comes in as they eventually decide to use hypnosis to travel back in time and unravel their pasts, to see if they could have been lovers in a different time.
The historical parts of the book are well described, with a very authentic feel of a different era and we then have a story within a story about the American Civil War. The characters are an interesting mixture in both the past and present.
Amanda hasn't had the easiest life and this has a significant impact on her behaviour towards Mark throughout the book, which keeps us hooked with the will they/won't they question!
This is an unusual romance, with a third of the book being a historical story and the two elements cleverly combined by the idea of reincarnation.
January 26, 2015
‘Yesterday’ ranges across the decades from present day Chicago to the American Civil War to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The reseach is impeccable but not intrusive. At no time do you feel you are being ‘told’ stuff in a clunky way. Rather it is woven seamlessly into the plot.
‘Yesterday’ tells the story of Amanda, a young women who saves the life of Mark, a mounted policeman, then resists his advances. Both feel they have known each other before and are drawn to each other. However, Amanda has known great tragedy in her life and strongly resists the pull towards Mark. As they attempt to uncover the mystery, we meet Bonnie, Jack and Daniel and gradually learn the parts they played in the pasts of each of the main characters.
This is both a romance and a mystery. The historical background is convincing, there’s a clever weaving of past lives regression and modern day forensics, and altogether an enjoyable, fast-paced read.
‘Yesterday’ tells the story of Amanda, a young women who saves the life of Mark, a mounted policeman, then resists his advances. Both feel they have known each other before and are drawn to each other. However, Amanda has known great tragedy in her life and strongly resists the pull towards Mark. As they attempt to uncover the mystery, we meet Bonnie, Jack and Daniel and gradually learn the parts they played in the pasts of each of the main characters.
This is both a romance and a mystery. The historical background is convincing, there’s a clever weaving of past lives regression and modern day forensics, and altogether an enjoyable, fast-paced read.
March 26, 2018
Wow, what a romance! Definitely not my usual fare, but the taste was none the less delightful. It got four stars because it felt a bit rushed at some points, and it was rather predictable, but the little details remained enticing despite being able to guess the arc of the story. Samyann has a wonderful way with words, and if anyone is looking for some fare that is both fluff and heavy cream, Yesterday is the book for you.
November 4, 2020
Yesterday is a split-time novel centering on the idea of reincarnation.
Modern-day Amanda is having some problems committing in relationships because so many people have died or dropped out of her life, and it is hurting her future with the wonderful man she recently met. He suggests she talk to someone who can provide therapy by helping her remember her past lives. She tries it, and memories of a different time and a different life come to her and will hopefully help her come to terms with her struggles.
Yesterday was an interesting story. It wasn’t my favorite book ever, but it held my attention. It is told first from Amanda’s perspective and then from the perspective of her past life. The historical details of her past self were rather entertaining. What I remember most was how terrifying it must have been to live through the Chicago fire as this girl did.
There was a romance going on in the story as well. If I recall, the characters jumped into their relationship a little too quickly for my liking. I wish they would have gotten to know each other better over time rather than move right into a physical relationship that was described with too much detail for my comfort. At least both characters were good people who cared for and respected each other.
I found Yesterday to be a decent book. Perhaps you will enjoy it more than I did.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I am not obligated to provide a positive review.
Modern-day Amanda is having some problems committing in relationships because so many people have died or dropped out of her life, and it is hurting her future with the wonderful man she recently met. He suggests she talk to someone who can provide therapy by helping her remember her past lives. She tries it, and memories of a different time and a different life come to her and will hopefully help her come to terms with her struggles.
Yesterday was an interesting story. It wasn’t my favorite book ever, but it held my attention. It is told first from Amanda’s perspective and then from the perspective of her past life. The historical details of her past self were rather entertaining. What I remember most was how terrifying it must have been to live through the Chicago fire as this girl did.
There was a romance going on in the story as well. If I recall, the characters jumped into their relationship a little too quickly for my liking. I wish they would have gotten to know each other better over time rather than move right into a physical relationship that was described with too much detail for my comfort. At least both characters were good people who cared for and respected each other.
I found Yesterday to be a decent book. Perhaps you will enjoy it more than I did.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I am not obligated to provide a positive review.
May 29, 2019
I received Yesterday: A novel of Reincarnation in a book club giveaway. This is a first time read/listen from Samyann, the author for this reader.
The author did a very nice job of putting the reader in the time and place and making you feel you were intertwined in the story. I am not big on reincarnation stories but understood Amanda and Mark’s therapy to bring about their feelings of connection. The H/h do have obstacles to overcome and the walls they built needed to be torn down in order for them to have the relationship I was expecting. I did find myself becoming tired of Amanda’s resistance to Mark at times, although he was charming. I think his background as a police bought about his character seeming to be too alpha, which could be construed by Amanda as negative. In her defense, I thought she would just kick him to the curb.
The characters sounded a bit drone. There were a lot of hit or miss places in the first half of the story where it needed more development (i.e. added details) to bring about more cohesiveness to some scenes of the story…fine tuning at times. I did enjoy the writing of the scenes of the past..nicely done. Although the story had a good plot, I think it could have been written better.
2-Stars
The author did a very nice job of putting the reader in the time and place and making you feel you were intertwined in the story. I am not big on reincarnation stories but understood Amanda and Mark’s therapy to bring about their feelings of connection. The H/h do have obstacles to overcome and the walls they built needed to be torn down in order for them to have the relationship I was expecting. I did find myself becoming tired of Amanda’s resistance to Mark at times, although he was charming. I think his background as a police bought about his character seeming to be too alpha, which could be construed by Amanda as negative. In her defense, I thought she would just kick him to the curb.
The characters sounded a bit drone. There were a lot of hit or miss places in the first half of the story where it needed more development (i.e. added details) to bring about more cohesiveness to some scenes of the story…fine tuning at times. I did enjoy the writing of the scenes of the past..nicely done. Although the story had a good plot, I think it could have been written better.
2-Stars
January 6, 2014
Have you ever had that feeling when you meet someone for the first time that you have met each other before? After Amanda saves Chicago Mounted Police officer Mark Callahan, neither one can shake the feeling that they already know each other. Thus begins the character’s journey in Yesterday: A Novel of Reincarnation.
The story starts with a literal bang, and you’re in the action right away. We get our two leads, the object that ties them together somehow (hint: it’s a clock), and the magnetic pull that draws them together to figure out just why they feel that way. The author playfully takes her time dropping hints and defying expectations while we wait for the topic of reincarnation to be addressed in the story.
Once we finally get to the point that it is a possibility, we journey through Amanda’s present and past lives while we work toward figuring if or how she knew Mark and just what that connection actually is.
As a reader/listener, my interest was so-so in the beginning. I think the narration wasn’t as strong at that point or I simply didn’t like it as much. I found Amanda to sound weak, but at the beginning of the story Amanda is weak (mentally, not physically). Once we got to the Civil War flashbacks, I was all in. I found that timeline and those characters much more interesting than present-day Chicago. The parallel timelines worked for me, and it was great to get both of them resolved by the end of the book.
Narration:
I am a frequent audiobook listener, and I know how a great narration can elevate a mediocre book. Likewise, a poor narration will make it very difficult for a good book to shine. The narrator for this was very good, and though I’ve not heard any of her work before, I would give future listens of any of her productions a chance.
She had to bring to life characters of different ages and ethnicities, and to that she succeeded. She even did a rather impressive owl in the nighttime sound that could have been straight from nature. My favorite of her voices was that of Mary and Mark when he starts slipping into his Irish brogue.
I would also like to point out here that the narration for the regression scenes was particularly well done. We hear Mary speaking to Amanda and guiding her through the process. It was done in such a calming way that I could almost believe I could put that section of the book on and put myself into a past life. As I was operating heavy machinery at the time (i.e. driving), I didn’t do it and don’t recommend it to any of you, either. In the safe comfort of your own home, have at it.
The only negative of the narration itself that I would specifically want to point out is that the voice for Ed Morgen seems a very odd choice. He sounds like an old Scandinavian from North Dakota or Minnesota, though it isn’t stated in the text or by the character’s name to be the case. The narrator is consistent, but it’s odd all the same.
Chicago as Character:
In many stories, the setting can become a character all its own. In this story, Chicago native Samyann puts in the confident details to make Chicago vital to its role as the setting. This story, in either time line, really couldn’t have happened anywhere else, and it begins at the start when Amanda is looking out through her window and sees the Ferris wheel on the Navy Pier. Amanda’s cat is even named Oprah, a cute, though sometimes distracting detail.
Mark’s physicality:
Some of the writing shines in what might seem as throw-away details that would have been forgotten or skipped with other writers. In one scene, Mark has a toothpick and it is explicitly stated that at one moment the toothpick is flat across Mark’s bottom lip. In a different passage later in the book, Mark sits down and is described as putting his ankle on his knee. (Samyann does it better than I did just there.) That is such a typically male piece of body language, and it helped make Mark seem a more complete person.
Amanda:
I found Amanda to be a completely frustrating character. She is so damaged and wears her damage close to the surface at times. I don’t think Amanda was a poorly written character. I actually think the opposite is true. She was so well written that it made my time with her uncomfortable for me since I am not naturally sympathetic to that type of person. Many times I wanted to slap the woman and tell her to stop wallowing in self pity. I am obviously not as kind as Mark, who had the patience of a saint.
Though I didn’t initially like her very much, I did hold out some hope that the author would make Amanda’s narrative arc one where she conquered her personal demons, and by the end she is in a much better place as a character.
The Cover:
Book covers are an art, and in many indie books they can be embarrassingly bad. This cover is not that kind at all. It is truly clever and appropriate to the story, and the font choice is appropriate and effective.
Lots and lots o’ Alcohol:
I am not a drinker, and I find mentions of it in writing laughable and distracting. Many times it seems like an attempt to make a character look cool and sophisticated, but that backfires for me as a reader. In this story, Amanda and Mark are drinking at almost every single occasion they are together, and there are usually multiple drinks. The first time Mark stays over at Amanda’s apartment he does so because he’s too drunk to go home.
I was starting to get put out with the alcohol mentions that had seemed more like unnecessary scene flavoring, but it resulted in a very specific plot point. After one particularly stressful regression, delicate Amanda goes on this 3 day drunken bender in her apartment where she has done nothing but drink and drink. Mark goes to check on her and helps sober her up against her will. After that point, the alcohol mentions almost completely disappear.
Sex and Language:
Yes, sex happens, but never explicitly on the page. The author avoids describing the actual act, and scenes fade out usually right before or fade in right after. This is not a problem as it seems to fit the tone of the story well. The most sensual scene is a shared shower scene, but even that is kept from being too explicit.
As far as language, yes, there is swearing in this story. It’s not a main feature. There’s actually more alcohol than colorful language. I would say it’s appropriate to the characters and doesn’t detract from the story.
Miscellaneous bits and bobs:
This isn’t a comedy, but there are a few big laughs from the book really took me by surprise.
At about two-thirds into the book, Mark is critically injured and has an out of body experience. The writing and narration for that scene is very deft, one of the better scenes of the book.
I thought antique dealer Ed Morgen would play a bigger role in the book.
I also thought Mary might die by the end of the book since she is old and so important to Amanda (hint 2: she doesn’t).
Further, I had hoped perhaps we’d see Mark’s cop partner Pete get himself a girl, but there are only so many side plots a writer can put into a book without losing focus.
Conclusion:
As an indie debut novel, this delivers an interesting, quality story that one might not expect to find in the sea of self-publishing. The pieces all tie together in the end to give a satisfactory experience, and I’m sure the author worked very hard to bring it together. When she did, though, the effect of the whole is that it’s exactly the story it should be.
This would appeal to those who love a mystery (what about the clock?), the Civil War, and a love story with a hero who does not give up on his heroine. I don’t think belief in reincarnation is required to enjoy the story, though an open mind and suspension of disbelief wouldn’t hurt.
My real rating: 4.5 stars (but 5 because we really can’t give half stars anywhere)
Disclaimer: I received a free Audible download for this story in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts with a literal bang, and you’re in the action right away. We get our two leads, the object that ties them together somehow (hint: it’s a clock), and the magnetic pull that draws them together to figure out just why they feel that way. The author playfully takes her time dropping hints and defying expectations while we wait for the topic of reincarnation to be addressed in the story.
Once we finally get to the point that it is a possibility, we journey through Amanda’s present and past lives while we work toward figuring if or how she knew Mark and just what that connection actually is.
As a reader/listener, my interest was so-so in the beginning. I think the narration wasn’t as strong at that point or I simply didn’t like it as much. I found Amanda to sound weak, but at the beginning of the story Amanda is weak (mentally, not physically). Once we got to the Civil War flashbacks, I was all in. I found that timeline and those characters much more interesting than present-day Chicago. The parallel timelines worked for me, and it was great to get both of them resolved by the end of the book.
Narration:
I am a frequent audiobook listener, and I know how a great narration can elevate a mediocre book. Likewise, a poor narration will make it very difficult for a good book to shine. The narrator for this was very good, and though I’ve not heard any of her work before, I would give future listens of any of her productions a chance.
She had to bring to life characters of different ages and ethnicities, and to that she succeeded. She even did a rather impressive owl in the nighttime sound that could have been straight from nature. My favorite of her voices was that of Mary and Mark when he starts slipping into his Irish brogue.
I would also like to point out here that the narration for the regression scenes was particularly well done. We hear Mary speaking to Amanda and guiding her through the process. It was done in such a calming way that I could almost believe I could put that section of the book on and put myself into a past life. As I was operating heavy machinery at the time (i.e. driving), I didn’t do it and don’t recommend it to any of you, either. In the safe comfort of your own home, have at it.
The only negative of the narration itself that I would specifically want to point out is that the voice for Ed Morgen seems a very odd choice. He sounds like an old Scandinavian from North Dakota or Minnesota, though it isn’t stated in the text or by the character’s name to be the case. The narrator is consistent, but it’s odd all the same.
Chicago as Character:
In many stories, the setting can become a character all its own. In this story, Chicago native Samyann puts in the confident details to make Chicago vital to its role as the setting. This story, in either time line, really couldn’t have happened anywhere else, and it begins at the start when Amanda is looking out through her window and sees the Ferris wheel on the Navy Pier. Amanda’s cat is even named Oprah, a cute, though sometimes distracting detail.
Mark’s physicality:
Some of the writing shines in what might seem as throw-away details that would have been forgotten or skipped with other writers. In one scene, Mark has a toothpick and it is explicitly stated that at one moment the toothpick is flat across Mark’s bottom lip. In a different passage later in the book, Mark sits down and is described as putting his ankle on his knee. (Samyann does it better than I did just there.) That is such a typically male piece of body language, and it helped make Mark seem a more complete person.
Amanda:
I found Amanda to be a completely frustrating character. She is so damaged and wears her damage close to the surface at times. I don’t think Amanda was a poorly written character. I actually think the opposite is true. She was so well written that it made my time with her uncomfortable for me since I am not naturally sympathetic to that type of person. Many times I wanted to slap the woman and tell her to stop wallowing in self pity. I am obviously not as kind as Mark, who had the patience of a saint.
Though I didn’t initially like her very much, I did hold out some hope that the author would make Amanda’s narrative arc one where she conquered her personal demons, and by the end she is in a much better place as a character.
The Cover:
Book covers are an art, and in many indie books they can be embarrassingly bad. This cover is not that kind at all. It is truly clever and appropriate to the story, and the font choice is appropriate and effective.
Lots and lots o’ Alcohol:
I am not a drinker, and I find mentions of it in writing laughable and distracting. Many times it seems like an attempt to make a character look cool and sophisticated, but that backfires for me as a reader. In this story, Amanda and Mark are drinking at almost every single occasion they are together, and there are usually multiple drinks. The first time Mark stays over at Amanda’s apartment he does so because he’s too drunk to go home.
I was starting to get put out with the alcohol mentions that had seemed more like unnecessary scene flavoring, but it resulted in a very specific plot point. After one particularly stressful regression, delicate Amanda goes on this 3 day drunken bender in her apartment where she has done nothing but drink and drink. Mark goes to check on her and helps sober her up against her will. After that point, the alcohol mentions almost completely disappear.
Sex and Language:
Yes, sex happens, but never explicitly on the page. The author avoids describing the actual act, and scenes fade out usually right before or fade in right after. This is not a problem as it seems to fit the tone of the story well. The most sensual scene is a shared shower scene, but even that is kept from being too explicit.
As far as language, yes, there is swearing in this story. It’s not a main feature. There’s actually more alcohol than colorful language. I would say it’s appropriate to the characters and doesn’t detract from the story.
Miscellaneous bits and bobs:
This isn’t a comedy, but there are a few big laughs from the book really took me by surprise.
At about two-thirds into the book, Mark is critically injured and has an out of body experience. The writing and narration for that scene is very deft, one of the better scenes of the book.
I thought antique dealer Ed Morgen would play a bigger role in the book.
I also thought Mary might die by the end of the book since she is old and so important to Amanda (hint 2: she doesn’t).
Further, I had hoped perhaps we’d see Mark’s cop partner Pete get himself a girl, but there are only so many side plots a writer can put into a book without losing focus.
Conclusion:
As an indie debut novel, this delivers an interesting, quality story that one might not expect to find in the sea of self-publishing. The pieces all tie together in the end to give a satisfactory experience, and I’m sure the author worked very hard to bring it together. When she did, though, the effect of the whole is that it’s exactly the story it should be.
This would appeal to those who love a mystery (what about the clock?), the Civil War, and a love story with a hero who does not give up on his heroine. I don’t think belief in reincarnation is required to enjoy the story, though an open mind and suspension of disbelief wouldn’t hurt.
My real rating: 4.5 stars (but 5 because we really can’t give half stars anywhere)
Disclaimer: I received a free Audible download for this story in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2017
https://inkedbookdragon.blogspot.com
This book really hit close to home with me. I have been places that I would swear that I had been to before. There is nothing like stepping into a place and you know that you have never been to but yet you truly feel like you have been there. I have encountered people that I felt that I knew but had never met them before. That feeling is really something. Call it deja vu. Call it a strange coincidence. It is very much there and I am sure most people have experienced it at one time or another.
The author has the ability to paint a picture so well that you feel like you are there. You feel the breeze blow. You hear the traffic. That ability is a true skill. Many people claim to have it but very few people actually do. The characters were so likable that I found myself wanting to know them in real life.
Time and locations. What a gorgeous use of time and the area around them to help tell the story. Not everyone can write a time travel/reincarnation novel successfully. This book was truly remarkable in that regard. I felt like I was in modern day Chicago. I felt that I was on the battle field. The reader is transported to these locations with such elegance.
Thank you to the publisher for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I am rating this book Five Stars because it flowed well and kept my attention. The author has a beautiful way with words. I have already started recommending this book and will continue to do so. It was a delight to read.
InkedBookDragon
This book really hit close to home with me. I have been places that I would swear that I had been to before. There is nothing like stepping into a place and you know that you have never been to but yet you truly feel like you have been there. I have encountered people that I felt that I knew but had never met them before. That feeling is really something. Call it deja vu. Call it a strange coincidence. It is very much there and I am sure most people have experienced it at one time or another.
The author has the ability to paint a picture so well that you feel like you are there. You feel the breeze blow. You hear the traffic. That ability is a true skill. Many people claim to have it but very few people actually do. The characters were so likable that I found myself wanting to know them in real life.
Time and locations. What a gorgeous use of time and the area around them to help tell the story. Not everyone can write a time travel/reincarnation novel successfully. This book was truly remarkable in that regard. I felt like I was in modern day Chicago. I felt that I was on the battle field. The reader is transported to these locations with such elegance.
Thank you to the publisher for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I am rating this book Five Stars because it flowed well and kept my attention. The author has a beautiful way with words. I have already started recommending this book and will continue to do so. It was a delight to read.
InkedBookDragon
August 3, 2014
The following is a review of “Yesterday – A Novel of Reincarnation” by Samy Ann. Frankly, I had reservations based upon the title, but found that the story was straightforward rather than mystical. It will be evident upon reading the review that I enjoyed the book – it made me feel and that’s always a treat, but following the review will be an exploration of a tendency in romance writing that I find…curious.
“A masterfully woven tale which transitions seamlessly from past to present and back again. The vivid pictures painted by the author both of contemporary society and the turbulent times of the Civil War transport the reader entirely into the midst of a timeless love story. You’ll be moved to tears not only by trials and tragedy, but by the shameless purity of love that never dies.”
“A masterfully woven tale which transitions seamlessly from past to present and back again. The vivid pictures painted by the author both of contemporary society and the turbulent times of the Civil War transport the reader entirely into the midst of a timeless love story. You’ll be moved to tears not only by trials and tragedy, but by the shameless purity of love that never dies.”
April 20, 2019
A novel penned down by Samyann, Yesterday is a tale of reincarnation. Beginning with a beautiful girl named Amanda, with sapphire blue eyes, she saves a cop’s life from a train accident. From then on, Amanda becomes deeply attracted to this sexy cop named Mark and the same can be said for him. They both cannot deny the fact that an invisible thread links them together and that they have known each other far longer than hospital visits and store run-ins. A journey through their past following hypnosis, Yesterday takes us down the path of regression sessions and present lives of the protagonists in a phenomenal sequence and clever combination of past and present until they stumble upon the truth.
Given the summary, it is quite clear that the book is all about love, loss, and chances. The storyline, though cliché, overbearingly so at some points, is well researched and presented in such a manner that it didn’t seem fictional at times. The idea of reincarnation was intriguing to me, and its portrayal would have been totally up to the mark had it not been about the things that were clear as day to me, and I am sure to other readers too, but frustratingly not to Amanda. The first half or so of the book is adorable with a few sub-standard parts. Those can be overlooked, though until you get to the last quarter of the book. I hadn’t thought that my review would be this negative when I had started it despite the number of average reviews I had read about it, but in time, there came many un-satisfactory pieces.
When it comes to characters, Mark, Mary, and Jack are easily the ones I loved the most. They have a way about them that makes them even more realistic than the characters in many other mainstream novels. You feel an instant connection to them right from the very first encounter. Especially with Mark who, throughout the book, maintains a dominating and charge-taking attitude. These traits make him almost perfect in comparison to Amanda’s flaws. Speaking of, the female protagonist is a different story. She seems to be a pleasant girl, in the start. Fragile yet strong – a paradox in her own self, this woman’s personality gets more than enough to try the patience of a saint. She is immature and silly to an extent that I had to put the book down for almost an hour to calm myself when she kept pushing Mark away and proceeded to presume anything and everything. Her fear of losing the people she loves hit closer to home than anticipated until she began overreacting. I mean, kicking Mark to the curb is fine but what of Mary? Doesn’t Amanda love her or her brother and his family to push them away? If you manage to ignore those parts, the book is wonderful, but the sad part is, these parts cover almost 40% of the book.
The world building is beautifully sewn, kudos to Samyann for that. The tiny parts of real Chicago, Charleston and times from the Civil War had me reading and yearning for these sections more. There are some conversations like that of Mark and Maggie’s, however, that lacked a background, and it felt like I was missing some pages from my version of the novel. The author could have worked a bit on such situations more instead of overstretching the unneeded romance. It makes the book incoherent and leaves loose ends all over the place for anyone to pull and the story to unravel.
Similarities, oh, there are way too many to be authentic. The people from the past even have the exact occupations to the ones living in the present, and so is the way of communicating, the dialogues to be specific. No, it doesn’t end there. There is a replica of cats too. Are they a part of the reincarnations as well? Anyway, somewhere along the read, it had started to feel like a bit of a stretch. Being completely religious, I do have confidence in the phenomenon of rebirth, but even I refuse to believe that such recurrences are probable.
In spite of some irksome pieces, I enjoyed the book way too much to conclude at an antipathetic note. Thus, onto the best parts now - the conversations between Mary and Amanda, Pete and Mark, and Bonnie and Jack add color and humor to the story and are too pleasing as well. Oh, and how can I forget about the clock? The descriptions of the design are next to perfect; I want to get one for myself if only to listen to the ‘angel bells’. Apart from that, getting to know of the reality of things like ‘Idiot’s Delight’, the church and numerous other data is such a unique addition to the book that I read each and everything religiously.
Overall, Yesterday is the kind of novel that enraptures you to not put it down and will keep you on the edge of your seat, regardless of its flaws. I recommend this book to the people who are fans of myths related to life, death and everything that comes in between and after. The rating I have decided for this story is 3 out of 4 stars for the professional edit with no grammatical errors and finely written words, but the minus one is owing to the repetitions and implausible recurrences.
Given the summary, it is quite clear that the book is all about love, loss, and chances. The storyline, though cliché, overbearingly so at some points, is well researched and presented in such a manner that it didn’t seem fictional at times. The idea of reincarnation was intriguing to me, and its portrayal would have been totally up to the mark had it not been about the things that were clear as day to me, and I am sure to other readers too, but frustratingly not to Amanda. The first half or so of the book is adorable with a few sub-standard parts. Those can be overlooked, though until you get to the last quarter of the book. I hadn’t thought that my review would be this negative when I had started it despite the number of average reviews I had read about it, but in time, there came many un-satisfactory pieces.
When it comes to characters, Mark, Mary, and Jack are easily the ones I loved the most. They have a way about them that makes them even more realistic than the characters in many other mainstream novels. You feel an instant connection to them right from the very first encounter. Especially with Mark who, throughout the book, maintains a dominating and charge-taking attitude. These traits make him almost perfect in comparison to Amanda’s flaws. Speaking of, the female protagonist is a different story. She seems to be a pleasant girl, in the start. Fragile yet strong – a paradox in her own self, this woman’s personality gets more than enough to try the patience of a saint. She is immature and silly to an extent that I had to put the book down for almost an hour to calm myself when she kept pushing Mark away and proceeded to presume anything and everything. Her fear of losing the people she loves hit closer to home than anticipated until she began overreacting. I mean, kicking Mark to the curb is fine but what of Mary? Doesn’t Amanda love her or her brother and his family to push them away? If you manage to ignore those parts, the book is wonderful, but the sad part is, these parts cover almost 40% of the book.
The world building is beautifully sewn, kudos to Samyann for that. The tiny parts of real Chicago, Charleston and times from the Civil War had me reading and yearning for these sections more. There are some conversations like that of Mark and Maggie’s, however, that lacked a background, and it felt like I was missing some pages from my version of the novel. The author could have worked a bit on such situations more instead of overstretching the unneeded romance. It makes the book incoherent and leaves loose ends all over the place for anyone to pull and the story to unravel.
Similarities, oh, there are way too many to be authentic. The people from the past even have the exact occupations to the ones living in the present, and so is the way of communicating, the dialogues to be specific. No, it doesn’t end there. There is a replica of cats too. Are they a part of the reincarnations as well? Anyway, somewhere along the read, it had started to feel like a bit of a stretch. Being completely religious, I do have confidence in the phenomenon of rebirth, but even I refuse to believe that such recurrences are probable.
In spite of some irksome pieces, I enjoyed the book way too much to conclude at an antipathetic note. Thus, onto the best parts now - the conversations between Mary and Amanda, Pete and Mark, and Bonnie and Jack add color and humor to the story and are too pleasing as well. Oh, and how can I forget about the clock? The descriptions of the design are next to perfect; I want to get one for myself if only to listen to the ‘angel bells’. Apart from that, getting to know of the reality of things like ‘Idiot’s Delight’, the church and numerous other data is such a unique addition to the book that I read each and everything religiously.
Overall, Yesterday is the kind of novel that enraptures you to not put it down and will keep you on the edge of your seat, regardless of its flaws. I recommend this book to the people who are fans of myths related to life, death and everything that comes in between and after. The rating I have decided for this story is 3 out of 4 stars for the professional edit with no grammatical errors and finely written words, but the minus one is owing to the repetitions and implausible recurrences.
September 26, 2018
A death-defying encounter with a random stranger and a fire ravaged old clock propels a young Chicago woman into a journey of a lifetime, or rather two lifetimes, as she soon discovers she may have lived before during some of the most significant points in her city’s past. Yesterday is more than a typical romance. Rather it’s a historical time travel study that delves into the deepest aspects of who we are, who we possibly were and facing the path before us toward a future destiny.
Amanda Parker is haunted by a tragic past of loss and betrayal when she crosses paths, literally, with handsome Chicago police officer, Mark Callahan. Although she has no intentions of risking her heart again, a strange connection pulls her toward those mesmerizing blue eyes and the man’s familiar face. But how could that be? She’s sure they’ve never met and resists his attentions, until an old grandfather clock, musty and smelling of smoke damage, brings back haunting memories of an undeniable past reaching back to the 19th century. A childhood during the Civil War, left orphaned in the care of runaway slaves, and later barely escaping the Great Chicago fire. As the story unravels back toward these events, the reader discovers gems of untold history and ordinary people who survived the odds, luring us deeper into their lives and connecting seemingly unrelated events as if they could have truly happened that way. By the end, I was almost ready to believe in reincarnation, the author does such a good job of giving insight and background into the para-science, showing her meticulous research into the field as well as the historical background facts.
Underscoring it all is the city of Chicago, resonating as a character within the setting and a vibrant backdrop as luminous as the cover art, featuring an actual painting of the Great Fire from the Chicago Art Museum. I had the privilege of watching this story unfold as a critique partner and waited with bated breath to have the completed copy in hand. It’s a story I’ve returned to again and again, always finding something new to discover in its multi-layered story – a romance, a mystery, a psychological thriller, historical drama and a heartwarming family saga. A little something for everyone and just my kind of read! 5.0 stars!
Amanda Parker is haunted by a tragic past of loss and betrayal when she crosses paths, literally, with handsome Chicago police officer, Mark Callahan. Although she has no intentions of risking her heart again, a strange connection pulls her toward those mesmerizing blue eyes and the man’s familiar face. But how could that be? She’s sure they’ve never met and resists his attentions, until an old grandfather clock, musty and smelling of smoke damage, brings back haunting memories of an undeniable past reaching back to the 19th century. A childhood during the Civil War, left orphaned in the care of runaway slaves, and later barely escaping the Great Chicago fire. As the story unravels back toward these events, the reader discovers gems of untold history and ordinary people who survived the odds, luring us deeper into their lives and connecting seemingly unrelated events as if they could have truly happened that way. By the end, I was almost ready to believe in reincarnation, the author does such a good job of giving insight and background into the para-science, showing her meticulous research into the field as well as the historical background facts.
Underscoring it all is the city of Chicago, resonating as a character within the setting and a vibrant backdrop as luminous as the cover art, featuring an actual painting of the Great Fire from the Chicago Art Museum. I had the privilege of watching this story unfold as a critique partner and waited with bated breath to have the completed copy in hand. It’s a story I’ve returned to again and again, always finding something new to discover in its multi-layered story – a romance, a mystery, a psychological thriller, historical drama and a heartwarming family saga. A little something for everyone and just my kind of read! 5.0 stars!
February 16, 2018
Yesterday, by Samyann, is a historical fiction book with a story that ranges across decades from the Chicago of today to the American Civil War of the 1800s and the most horrific conflagration of those times that we now know as the Great Chicago Fire.
This well-written novel tells us the story of Amanda Parker who saves the life of Mark Callahan—a mounted policeman—and drags his limp form through a litter of rubble and out of the path of a falling train. When Amanda gets hurt in the process, Mark manages to move her to safety and call for help. These events form a bond between the two of them and they end up seeing a lot of each other. They cannot shake off this feeling that they know the other from before. However, tragedy has always kept Amanda company. What’s more, death has always managed to claim all her loved ones without fail. That is why she strongly resists the pull she feels toward Mark. Amanda and Mark are sure of one thing though: they both want to uncover the mystery of how they were connected to each other in their past. The story introduces us to Bonnie, Jack, and Daniel, and we gradually learn the parts each of these characters played in the pasts of the main characters.
I loved how much research has gone into this story. There is a lot of history that we are educated on but never in a way that bores us. Every minute detail related to Amanda’s and Mark’s pasts has been woven seamlessly into the plot.
What’s really admirable about this book is how it is a healthy mix of romance and mystery. We get to learn much about the process of past life regression—something I have not seen dealt with in so much detail in any other book I have read to date. Modern day techniques of forensics also come into the picture and play their part in putting together the pieces of the puzzle involving the past of the main characters. The whole story is really enjoyable, and the storytelling itself is fast-paced.
The author focuses on generating some really warm, fuzzy feelings in the reader—and it really works! However, I feel that Amanda’s character could have been a little stronger. I know that she has had a difficult past, but she seems to use that as an excuse for her odd behavior at times. For example, when she knows she isn’t too good at handling regressions herself, she still attempts slipping into one of these sessions unassisted, gets hurt mentally by it, and runs out of the house to avoid the people she loves. At another time, she locks herself in a room for three whole days and goes on a drunken bender. I know I am being less sympathetic to the character, but I guess I have always preferred seeing stronger female leads in books. Note to Amanda: Stop wallowing in self-pity; you have a wonderful man (a soulmate at that) and a beautiful family!
I rate Yesterday 4 out of 5 stars. I am someone who likes to see mush levels at a minimum in romance novels, and this one was right up my alley. Unfortunately, the book contains a number of punctuation errors. This prevents me from giving it a higher rating. I recommend Yesterday to all those who enjoy historical fiction.
This well-written novel tells us the story of Amanda Parker who saves the life of Mark Callahan—a mounted policeman—and drags his limp form through a litter of rubble and out of the path of a falling train. When Amanda gets hurt in the process, Mark manages to move her to safety and call for help. These events form a bond between the two of them and they end up seeing a lot of each other. They cannot shake off this feeling that they know the other from before. However, tragedy has always kept Amanda company. What’s more, death has always managed to claim all her loved ones without fail. That is why she strongly resists the pull she feels toward Mark. Amanda and Mark are sure of one thing though: they both want to uncover the mystery of how they were connected to each other in their past. The story introduces us to Bonnie, Jack, and Daniel, and we gradually learn the parts each of these characters played in the pasts of the main characters.
I loved how much research has gone into this story. There is a lot of history that we are educated on but never in a way that bores us. Every minute detail related to Amanda’s and Mark’s pasts has been woven seamlessly into the plot.
What’s really admirable about this book is how it is a healthy mix of romance and mystery. We get to learn much about the process of past life regression—something I have not seen dealt with in so much detail in any other book I have read to date. Modern day techniques of forensics also come into the picture and play their part in putting together the pieces of the puzzle involving the past of the main characters. The whole story is really enjoyable, and the storytelling itself is fast-paced.
The author focuses on generating some really warm, fuzzy feelings in the reader—and it really works! However, I feel that Amanda’s character could have been a little stronger. I know that she has had a difficult past, but she seems to use that as an excuse for her odd behavior at times. For example, when she knows she isn’t too good at handling regressions herself, she still attempts slipping into one of these sessions unassisted, gets hurt mentally by it, and runs out of the house to avoid the people she loves. At another time, she locks herself in a room for three whole days and goes on a drunken bender. I know I am being less sympathetic to the character, but I guess I have always preferred seeing stronger female leads in books. Note to Amanda: Stop wallowing in self-pity; you have a wonderful man (a soulmate at that) and a beautiful family!
I rate Yesterday 4 out of 5 stars. I am someone who likes to see mush levels at a minimum in romance novels, and this one was right up my alley. Unfortunately, the book contains a number of punctuation errors. This prevents me from giving it a higher rating. I recommend Yesterday to all those who enjoy historical fiction.
August 12, 2022
Check out the full review here- https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
A novel of timeless love, Yesterday is a wonderfully written tale with reincarnation as its main idea. The first book I have ever read about the topic, Samyann drew me into a romance filled with wonder and history.
I give Yesterday a rating of 4 stars. The overall plot of this novel was good, and there was the added new (to me) premise of reincarnation. While I am not a traditional lover of romance, the author was able to keep my attention with the historic elements that were added in as well. However, the slow pacing did give me some trouble; I wish the action components had been better spread throughout the story.
A novel of timeless love, Yesterday is a wonderfully written tale with reincarnation as its main idea. The first book I have ever read about the topic, Samyann drew me into a romance filled with wonder and history.
I give Yesterday a rating of 4 stars. The overall plot of this novel was good, and there was the added new (to me) premise of reincarnation. While I am not a traditional lover of romance, the author was able to keep my attention with the historic elements that were added in as well. However, the slow pacing did give me some trouble; I wish the action components had been better spread throughout the story.
July 22, 2015
Overall 5 Stars
Performance 5 Stars
Story 5 Stars
"A Marvelous Tale of Reincarnation and Love!"
This was a wonderful story of love. Set in Chicago in the present day the story alternates between Chicago of the 21st century and the 19th century.
Amanda is minding her own business when a disaster strikes in Chicago and she finds herself playing the hero as she saves the life of Mark, a Chicago PD police officer who will come to play a huge role in her life.
Ever have that feeling that you have have met someone before but you can't quite put your finger on where? That is how both Amanda and Mark feel about each other. Both are convinced they know each other from somewhere and are determined to remember where they met even though both are certain that they have never met, at least not in this lifetime.
When Amanda saves the life of Mark it happens in front of an antique store. Inside the antique store there is a grandfather clock whose ticking and chimes capture Amanda's attention. Her godmother, Mary, convinces her she needs to go back to the store and buy the clock. Amanda finds herself totally drawn to it and swears that she has heard the chiming before. Again, she does not know why it is so familiar to her, but she cannot help but stand in front of it and listen to it tick, tock, tick, tock. Inside the clock is the name "Wellington 1873". She knows that the clock is much older than this and determines to find out the significance of the inscription.
Mark, in an effort to help, convinces Amanda that she should try past life regression to see if it yields any answers for her. Mary, her godmother, is a psychiatrist and has helped many patients through past life regression therapy and agrees to help Amanda.
Amanda has issues with the present. She won't allow herself to love or otherwise become attached to another person because she is convinced that every she loves dies or goes away. This is a problem with Mark because she finds herself drawn to him like no other person she has ever known. When she begins to fall in love with him she does everything she can to push him away convinced that it is the only way to make sure he does not die as well.
Mary is convinced that this PLR therapy can help Amanda overcome her issues and give her answers about the past that can help her in the future. Meanwhile Amanda remains torn between her love for Mark and her need for him in her life and saving his life by not allowing him to become to close to her. Will she succeed in pushing him away or will love truly conquer all.
This is as much a historical novel as it is a present day love story. Samyann obviously did quite a lot of research on Civil War era and post Civil War era history in order to write the passages regarding Amanda's past life regression sessions. The final chapter of the book is a short list of some of the historical research that went into the book.
The characters in the book are all believable and lovable in their own ways. I had no trouble in bringing myself to care about them. They are all flawed in some way and yet they are so perfect. My favorite character has to be Mark. I could relate to him in many ways, and in many ways I wanted to BE him putting myself into the story in his place.
The narrator, Darlene Allen, did quite a wonderful job with the story. I never felt like I was just being read to out of a book. She does quite a good job with her voice intonations and the voices of individual characters in the book.
This is quite a charming love story. Even though there are many love scenes between Amanda and Mark they are never explicit, and I absolutely ADORE that. This book is proof that love stories can be enchanting without being dirty. BRAVO!!! Samyann...I want more like this.
I received this audio book from the Author via the Goodreads Audiobook Group in exchange for an honest review.
Performance 5 Stars
Story 5 Stars
"A Marvelous Tale of Reincarnation and Love!"
This was a wonderful story of love. Set in Chicago in the present day the story alternates between Chicago of the 21st century and the 19th century.
Amanda is minding her own business when a disaster strikes in Chicago and she finds herself playing the hero as she saves the life of Mark, a Chicago PD police officer who will come to play a huge role in her life.
Ever have that feeling that you have have met someone before but you can't quite put your finger on where? That is how both Amanda and Mark feel about each other. Both are convinced they know each other from somewhere and are determined to remember where they met even though both are certain that they have never met, at least not in this lifetime.
When Amanda saves the life of Mark it happens in front of an antique store. Inside the antique store there is a grandfather clock whose ticking and chimes capture Amanda's attention. Her godmother, Mary, convinces her she needs to go back to the store and buy the clock. Amanda finds herself totally drawn to it and swears that she has heard the chiming before. Again, she does not know why it is so familiar to her, but she cannot help but stand in front of it and listen to it tick, tock, tick, tock. Inside the clock is the name "Wellington 1873". She knows that the clock is much older than this and determines to find out the significance of the inscription.
Mark, in an effort to help, convinces Amanda that she should try past life regression to see if it yields any answers for her. Mary, her godmother, is a psychiatrist and has helped many patients through past life regression therapy and agrees to help Amanda.
Amanda has issues with the present. She won't allow herself to love or otherwise become attached to another person because she is convinced that every she loves dies or goes away. This is a problem with Mark because she finds herself drawn to him like no other person she has ever known. When she begins to fall in love with him she does everything she can to push him away convinced that it is the only way to make sure he does not die as well.
Mary is convinced that this PLR therapy can help Amanda overcome her issues and give her answers about the past that can help her in the future. Meanwhile Amanda remains torn between her love for Mark and her need for him in her life and saving his life by not allowing him to become to close to her. Will she succeed in pushing him away or will love truly conquer all.
This is as much a historical novel as it is a present day love story. Samyann obviously did quite a lot of research on Civil War era and post Civil War era history in order to write the passages regarding Amanda's past life regression sessions. The final chapter of the book is a short list of some of the historical research that went into the book.
The characters in the book are all believable and lovable in their own ways. I had no trouble in bringing myself to care about them. They are all flawed in some way and yet they are so perfect. My favorite character has to be Mark. I could relate to him in many ways, and in many ways I wanted to BE him putting myself into the story in his place.
The narrator, Darlene Allen, did quite a wonderful job with the story. I never felt like I was just being read to out of a book. She does quite a good job with her voice intonations and the voices of individual characters in the book.
This is quite a charming love story. Even though there are many love scenes between Amanda and Mark they are never explicit, and I absolutely ADORE that. This book is proof that love stories can be enchanting without being dirty. BRAVO!!! Samyann...I want more like this.
I received this audio book from the Author via the Goodreads Audiobook Group in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2013
R2R
Thank you to the author for a chance to listen to this great read in exchange for an honest review.
There are some great elements in this story. Although it is a work of fiction, the author does such a superb job with the research to support this novel that it enhances the reader's experience.
The story is about a chance meeting between Amanda and Mark in which Amanda rescues Mark from what could have been a fatal event. Pulled towards each other by an unforeseen familiarity that nags at each other, Mark convinces Amanda to undergo past-life regression therapy in order to determine where the sense of deja vu lies. Set in modern time with glimpses of a life long passed lived, the novel flips back and forth in a seamless movement that takes the reader through a tale of past lives, soul-mates, and the fear of loss. Samyann is a master at description, cleverly using words to portray each character, the situation, and the location of the story, she gives you the right amount of details, but not too much to saturate the scene. I enjoyed this part of the story, however I would have given it a higher rating if I didn't find the main character, Amanda, difficult to relate to. I have never experienced loss like she had and maybe this is where the disconnect lies, but I felt that a strong leading character would have been written where I could somehow empathize with the individual. Amanda was immature and reluctant in ways that made my head-spin and roll my eyes. She had a huge character flaw she needed to overcome, but the progression was slow and painful and I had trouble bringing myself to listen to the tale when I knew I was going to be greeted with more silliness from her. I liked Mark and his dominating, take-charge attitude, however. He was the best part of the tale except he was almost perfect especially in contrast to Amanda's flaws. I also enjoyed the supporting cast of Amanda's aunt and Mark's partner as they added color and humor to the story.
I just wanted to mention: I love romance novels, but I tend to gravitate towards the romance novels that are more risque in content, if you know what I mean. This novel is not my normal romance read. A lot was left to the readers interpretation of what happens behind closed doors. So keep that in mind those of you who share my taste in romance novels;)
Narrator: Darlene Allen
Performance: 3/5
I listened to this book at 1.3X the speed and I think that may have distorted my opinion of Darlene Allen's narration. She would pause for emphasis, but it would come across as interrupted flow in the narration. Also when she read Amanda's line she sounded almost child-like (especially the scene where Amanda was drunk, it was detrimental to my perception of Amanda). Otherwise, he distinction between characters were great.
Thank you to the author for a chance to listen to this great read in exchange for an honest review.
There are some great elements in this story. Although it is a work of fiction, the author does such a superb job with the research to support this novel that it enhances the reader's experience.
The story is about a chance meeting between Amanda and Mark in which Amanda rescues Mark from what could have been a fatal event. Pulled towards each other by an unforeseen familiarity that nags at each other, Mark convinces Amanda to undergo past-life regression therapy in order to determine where the sense of deja vu lies. Set in modern time with glimpses of a life long passed lived, the novel flips back and forth in a seamless movement that takes the reader through a tale of past lives, soul-mates, and the fear of loss. Samyann is a master at description, cleverly using words to portray each character, the situation, and the location of the story, she gives you the right amount of details, but not too much to saturate the scene. I enjoyed this part of the story, however I would have given it a higher rating if I didn't find the main character, Amanda, difficult to relate to. I have never experienced loss like she had and maybe this is where the disconnect lies, but I felt that a strong leading character would have been written where I could somehow empathize with the individual. Amanda was immature and reluctant in ways that made my head-spin and roll my eyes. She had a huge character flaw she needed to overcome, but the progression was slow and painful and I had trouble bringing myself to listen to the tale when I knew I was going to be greeted with more silliness from her. I liked Mark and his dominating, take-charge attitude, however. He was the best part of the tale except he was almost perfect especially in contrast to Amanda's flaws. I also enjoyed the supporting cast of Amanda's aunt and Mark's partner as they added color and humor to the story.
I just wanted to mention: I love romance novels, but I tend to gravitate towards the romance novels that are more risque in content, if you know what I mean. This novel is not my normal romance read. A lot was left to the readers interpretation of what happens behind closed doors. So keep that in mind those of you who share my taste in romance novels;)
Narrator: Darlene Allen
Performance: 3/5
I listened to this book at 1.3X the speed and I think that may have distorted my opinion of Darlene Allen's narration. She would pause for emphasis, but it would come across as interrupted flow in the narration. Also when she read Amanda's line she sounded almost child-like (especially the scene where Amanda was drunk, it was detrimental to my perception of Amanda). Otherwise, he distinction between characters were great.
April 10, 2014
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I was drawn to this book by the cover, and the description. I love historical romance, and am intrigued by this idea of reincarnation. The idea that Amanda and Mark knew each other in past lives was fascinating, and the tale behind how they knew each other and continued to find one another life after life involving two sapphire stones was an incredible one. I have to admit that I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would, or in the way that I expected. It was more interesting to me in a historical measure than in the romance category. The history drew me in and kept me reading. Yes, the main characters were in love, but the way Amanda swayed back and forth between letting Mark in and shutting him out of her life, with repetitive self-analysis in her private thoughts – could she know Mark somehow or was it impossible? Can she let herself love someone or should she keep love at bay to fend off disaster? It became tiresome. Also, when Amanda regressed, and I saw things play out, it was excessive to have to hear the whole story being told over again in conversation between the characters. It was information already gleaned from Amanda’s voyages into the past and I found myself bored, skimming through the “talks” afterward to get to new story.
I am rating the novel three stars because even though I didn’t love the entire map of the journey, over all, I liked its premise, and it was obviously painstakingly researched. Mark, was charmingly an “arrogant ass” through the ages and I was drawn to his character more so than Amanda. There was something so likable about him, and his confident claim over the woman who would be his for all eternity.
I was drawn to this book by the cover, and the description. I love historical romance, and am intrigued by this idea of reincarnation. The idea that Amanda and Mark knew each other in past lives was fascinating, and the tale behind how they knew each other and continued to find one another life after life involving two sapphire stones was an incredible one. I have to admit that I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would, or in the way that I expected. It was more interesting to me in a historical measure than in the romance category. The history drew me in and kept me reading. Yes, the main characters were in love, but the way Amanda swayed back and forth between letting Mark in and shutting him out of her life, with repetitive self-analysis in her private thoughts – could she know Mark somehow or was it impossible? Can she let herself love someone or should she keep love at bay to fend off disaster? It became tiresome. Also, when Amanda regressed, and I saw things play out, it was excessive to have to hear the whole story being told over again in conversation between the characters. It was information already gleaned from Amanda’s voyages into the past and I found myself bored, skimming through the “talks” afterward to get to new story.
I am rating the novel three stars because even though I didn’t love the entire map of the journey, over all, I liked its premise, and it was obviously painstakingly researched. Mark, was charmingly an “arrogant ass” through the ages and I was drawn to his character more so than Amanda. There was something so likable about him, and his confident claim over the woman who would be his for all eternity.
February 17, 2015
I absolutely fell in love with this book. At first, I was skeptical because reincarnation can be a touchy subject and has been done poorly- a lot. It didn’t take long for my skepticism to disappear.
Amanda has been through a lot in her life. She has experienced a tremendous amount of loss and operates under the belief that anyone she gets closed to is not going to be in her life for long. Other than her brother and her surrogate mother, she lets very few people in. That is, until she saves the life of a dashing police officer. For Mark, it is almost love at first sight, except that none of it feels like first sight to him. He knows Amanda, but from where?
At the same time that Amanda is dealing with a new guy, a mysterious clock enters her life. The clock and the sounds it makes are familiar in an eerie déjà vu kind of way. Amanda and Mark go to extreme measures and learn about a past life that is affecting their lives today.
My favorite idea from this book is that soul mates can find each other again and again across the span of time. It’s incredibly romantic. The characters in this book are so incredibly deep and vibrant that they could almost be real people from history. The author obviously has a strong knowledge of civil war times and of antique furniture. I found both of that fascinating.
Much of this book takes place during real events. The Chicago fire, for example, actually happened and the effect it has on some of these characters is incredible. I could picture all of it.
I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys history, love, and very good writing.
Amanda has been through a lot in her life. She has experienced a tremendous amount of loss and operates under the belief that anyone she gets closed to is not going to be in her life for long. Other than her brother and her surrogate mother, she lets very few people in. That is, until she saves the life of a dashing police officer. For Mark, it is almost love at first sight, except that none of it feels like first sight to him. He knows Amanda, but from where?
At the same time that Amanda is dealing with a new guy, a mysterious clock enters her life. The clock and the sounds it makes are familiar in an eerie déjà vu kind of way. Amanda and Mark go to extreme measures and learn about a past life that is affecting their lives today.
My favorite idea from this book is that soul mates can find each other again and again across the span of time. It’s incredibly romantic. The characters in this book are so incredibly deep and vibrant that they could almost be real people from history. The author obviously has a strong knowledge of civil war times and of antique furniture. I found both of that fascinating.
Much of this book takes place during real events. The Chicago fire, for example, actually happened and the effect it has on some of these characters is incredible. I could picture all of it.
I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys history, love, and very good writing.
July 4, 2013
Darlene Allen is an ideal narrator for this book. She does a good job with her female voices and with the dialects. Most of her male voices are convincingly masculine. I liked her voice of Mark, the male protagonist, the best,though she does have a little trouble with his accent, sometimes.
Samyann, with her beautiful gift for writing, uses reincarnation to resolve the conflict between the lovers in a way that I found unique. In addition to being a romance, this story is also a historical fiction, and the historical aspects are tied in well with the storyline. There are scenes in the story that slow down the momentum and the tension. However, these scenes are historically informative and have characters in them, you’ll enjoy meeting. The sex in the book is not explicit, and there is a good deal of profanity. Amanda and Mark, the heroine and hero, respectively, are well-developed characters. Listeners should have no problems wanting to follow them through their struggles to overcome the past and be happy together in the present.
Read my extensive review of this audiobook at
Just Audiobook Reviews.
Samyann, with her beautiful gift for writing, uses reincarnation to resolve the conflict between the lovers in a way that I found unique. In addition to being a romance, this story is also a historical fiction, and the historical aspects are tied in well with the storyline. There are scenes in the story that slow down the momentum and the tension. However, these scenes are historically informative and have characters in them, you’ll enjoy meeting. The sex in the book is not explicit, and there is a good deal of profanity. Amanda and Mark, the heroine and hero, respectively, are well-developed characters. Listeners should have no problems wanting to follow them through their struggles to overcome the past and be happy together in the present.
Read my extensive review of this audiobook at
Just Audiobook Reviews.
August 12, 2014
Yesterday by Samyann is a beautiful love story sprinkled with mystery and intrigue. This book had me immediately. Amanda has lived a life full of loss of those she cares for; her parents, fiancé. She fights tooth and nail not to get involved and love any more people but Mark worms a way into her heart. She saves his life and from that moment the connection between them is evident. Neither can place where or how they know each other but somehow, somewhere they do. Enter the old clock in the picture. Amanda deals in antiques and becomes mesmerized by an antique clock. The connections between her, the clock, and mark catapult her into trying regression .These sessions slowly bring her to the answers.
The pacing and suspense of this novel was absolutely perfect; not too slow nor rushed. Just enough to keep me pondering what was going to happen next. The regression took Amanda back to civil war and post war days in the South and North. Samyann did a truly exceptional job writing down the accents and conveying a full picture of the novel as it unfolded. I was intrigued from page one. There wasn’t a dull moment in the read.
Fantastic!
The pacing and suspense of this novel was absolutely perfect; not too slow nor rushed. Just enough to keep me pondering what was going to happen next. The regression took Amanda back to civil war and post war days in the South and North. Samyann did a truly exceptional job writing down the accents and conveying a full picture of the novel as it unfolded. I was intrigued from page one. There wasn’t a dull moment in the read.
Fantastic!
May 16, 2015
Yesterday: A Novel of Reincarnation focuses on Amanda and Mark and their search to learn about their past lives in order to understand how it is affecting their present.
The novel is well-written but the main character, Amanda, comes off as flighty in parts of the novel. Mark is a bit too well versed in Gaelic and Irish lore for a current day Chicago native. It comes off as contrived after a while. If the goal was imbuing the story with authentic Irish characters and atmosphere, promoting the myth about corned beef and cabbage being an Irish dish rather than an Irish American dish could have been left out.
Despite these relatively minor irritations, the story was enjoyable overall. I bought the kindle book and was given the audible version by the author in exchange for a review. I alternated reading and listening through whispersync and the story line kept me intrigued enough to finish it in a day.
The novel is well-written but the main character, Amanda, comes off as flighty in parts of the novel. Mark is a bit too well versed in Gaelic and Irish lore for a current day Chicago native. It comes off as contrived after a while. If the goal was imbuing the story with authentic Irish characters and atmosphere, promoting the myth about corned beef and cabbage being an Irish dish rather than an Irish American dish could have been left out.
Despite these relatively minor irritations, the story was enjoyable overall. I bought the kindle book and was given the audible version by the author in exchange for a review. I alternated reading and listening through whispersync and the story line kept me intrigued enough to finish it in a day.
May 18, 2015
Past Life Romance
Yesterday: A Novel of Reincarnation focuses on Amanda and Mark and their search to learn about their past lives in order to understand how it is affecting their present.
The novel is well-written but the main character, Amanda, comes off as flighty in parts of the novel. Mark is a bit too well versed in Gaelic and Irish lore for a current day Chicago native. It comes off as contrived after a while. If the goal was imbuing the story with authentic Irish characters and atmosphere, promoting the myth about corned beef and cabbage being an Irish dish rather than an Irish American dish could have been left out.
Despite these relatively minor irritations, the story was enjoyable overall. I bought the kindle book and was given the audible version by the author in exchange for a review. I alternated reading and listening through whispersync and the story line kept me intrigued enough to finish it in a day.
Yesterday: A Novel of Reincarnation focuses on Amanda and Mark and their search to learn about their past lives in order to understand how it is affecting their present.
The novel is well-written but the main character, Amanda, comes off as flighty in parts of the novel. Mark is a bit too well versed in Gaelic and Irish lore for a current day Chicago native. It comes off as contrived after a while. If the goal was imbuing the story with authentic Irish characters and atmosphere, promoting the myth about corned beef and cabbage being an Irish dish rather than an Irish American dish could have been left out.
Despite these relatively minor irritations, the story was enjoyable overall. I bought the kindle book and was given the audible version by the author in exchange for a review. I alternated reading and listening through whispersync and the story line kept me intrigued enough to finish it in a day.
July 20, 2016
I would be the first to admit that I am not a romance fan but I have to say that I was intrigued by Yesterday. Amanda and Mark’s tale draws you in- as someone who has a nagging suspicion that you’ve known someone you have met before and seeing the possibility of what such an encounter could hold. I could relate more to Mark than Amanda and found myself drawn more to his view than hers but I liked how it all worked together to weave their historical, epic love. Yesterday is quite descriptive, a bit wordy in some parts, but Samyann does a great job incorporating those elements we look for about the Civil War to buttress a good love story. Overall a great, satisfying read- especially if you enjoy historical fiction.
March 6, 2013
Masterfully written! Samyann has meshed historical romance with suspense in this wonderful tale of timeless love. Her descriptions of everything from civil war military uniforms, to glittering Chicago sidewalks made it impossible to not become fully engrossed in the story. Bravo to her for taking the time to research her subject and make it so believable.
Another thing I'd like to point out is that although there was a lot of back and forth between time periods the author never lost me. The story was easy to follow. Finally, although this is a romance novel, the sexuality was left mostly to the readers imagination. I wouldn't hesitate to let my daughter read this.
Another thing I'd like to point out is that although there was a lot of back and forth between time periods the author never lost me. The story was easy to follow. Finally, although this is a romance novel, the sexuality was left mostly to the readers imagination. I wouldn't hesitate to let my daughter read this.
March 16, 2013
The book was definitely a sweet romance. Combines some elements of a few great books I've read recently. The past life regressions are growing on me. I was slightly disappointed that I couldn't always connect with Amanda on an emotional level. Maybe I've matured more than Amanda realizing death and tragedy always comes in bundles and is a part of life but I couldn't follow her tantrums to doorway of the closest asylum every time someone in her past life died. As for the ending of the book there better be a sequel catching us up on whether Amanda accepts her connection to Mark and what that means for their future. Overall, I really enjoyed Yesterday.
July 28, 2013
I really enjoyed the book, the author does a really good job of blending emotion into a captivating story that for me stayed entertaining from the time I started it until the time I finished it. The story is really unique and there weren't any parts that I feel shouldn't have been there or seemed to be 'filler'; I thought that every chapter fit very well with each other and it's evident that the author has definitely put a lot of thought a long with time into making this story the best it can be, it's very well thought out and the refined story with the very original characters is executed very well and overall makes a very enjoying read.
July 29, 2013
A nice, light read that starts off with the well known love at first sight concept. It follows Amanda Parker's journey of discovering her past life and learning to love without fear. Samyann seamlessly entwines past and present Chicago while keeping the two narratives relevant. The characters themselves are sweet and easy to connect with. Although pleasant, this is not a book for the skeptics or people who demand fast paced action. The pages do keep turning in 'Yesterday' but at there own leisurely pace. If you're looking for a nice romance to read on a cozy winter night, this is just the book for you.
December 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It took me on a journey, made me care about the characters, it was well-written and well narrated.
I discovered that this is the first offering by this author. This astounds me, as I have read books that weren't half as good as this one, by authors who have been at it for decades.
The research done for this book was thorough and the book never leaves you hanging, and the factual bits are footnoted.
All in all, this is a great read. It's not a deep book, though it does have its moments, and you do come away with a few insights at the end as well.
Well done, Samyann, I look forward to more work from this author!
I discovered that this is the first offering by this author. This astounds me, as I have read books that weren't half as good as this one, by authors who have been at it for decades.
The research done for this book was thorough and the book never leaves you hanging, and the factual bits are footnoted.
All in all, this is a great read. It's not a deep book, though it does have its moments, and you do come away with a few insights at the end as well.
Well done, Samyann, I look forward to more work from this author!
September 22, 2015
This is a great book! Excellent writing. Amanda fears to love because every one she loves dies or so she think. Mark comes along and although both feel they have known each other forever, she doesn't want to love him. Mark is persistent. Amanda agrees to a past life regression and here we go on a journey to the Civil War and hence the Great Fire Of Chicago. There is much comedy in here including a cat named Oprah!
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