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Déjà Vu
They each sense a powerful connection at their first meeting, but no one could have ever imagined the incredible scenario about to unfold, forever altering the lives of all involved. . . .
DEANNA
A new business venture takes priority over romance, yet she longs to meet her Mr. Right. At the same time, shes being haunted by a recurring nightmare, relentless in its tormenting attacks until desperation leads her to a dark and dangerous world.
JOSH
At the pinnacle of a demanding career, with everything he worked for finally coming together, he begins to yearn for the serious relationship his cherished grandmother, ANNA, insists he needs. Neither could have ever suspected that a vintage keepsake would clear the path to true love.
FAITH
Deannas closest friend, her greatest ally through the best and worst of times, she believes she could supply an antidote for the horrifying dreams that are threatening her friends well-being. If only Deanna would let her.
RIVKA and DAVID
Fortified by young love, emboldened by circumstances, they stand strong against a ruthless enemy in a grueling fight for their lives.
DEANNA
A new business venture takes priority over romance, yet she longs to meet her Mr. Right. At the same time, shes being haunted by a recurring nightmare, relentless in its tormenting attacks until desperation leads her to a dark and dangerous world.
JOSH
At the pinnacle of a demanding career, with everything he worked for finally coming together, he begins to yearn for the serious relationship his cherished grandmother, ANNA, insists he needs. Neither could have ever suspected that a vintage keepsake would clear the path to true love.
FAITH
Deannas closest friend, her greatest ally through the best and worst of times, she believes she could supply an antidote for the horrifying dreams that are threatening her friends well-being. If only Deanna would let her.
RIVKA and DAVID
Fortified by young love, emboldened by circumstances, they stand strong against a ruthless enemy in a grueling fight for their lives.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2013
3 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 12, 2013
WHERE DO SOUL AND SPIRIT GO...DO THEY LINGER?!....
Have you ever visited a place for the first time and had it feel eerily familiar?...ever had that fleeting mysterious sense, meeting someone for the very first time and felt you've known them forever?...that you've had that same conversation before even though you know you haven't? That strange knowing feeling that makes you think that you've experienced it before although you know you couldn't have, you know exactly what's going to be said or what's coming next..a feeling of deja vu!
Have you ever wondered where ones spirit go when one passes on this life?...do they just linger, or they find another soul and mingle, intertwined? I read somewhere each one of us has nine and only nine soul mates in this whole wide world...we just have to find our way to each other...David and Rivka did, and so did Josh and Deanna. The poignancy of this story somehow gave me that melancholic yet moving and stirring feeling, that maybe I've met mine but just don't know it yet.
Deanna Lewis has had a recurring disturbing dream since she was 10 years old. Although she hasn't had it for sometime, it came back with a vengeance, frequent enough to cause her loss and deprived of sleep when both her parents died in an auto accident.
At the airport on the way back to Florida from visiting her childhood friends where she grew up, her attention was caught by an attractive handsome man, Josh Haber, whom like her, was also so attracted to her, bought her a drink while on a rush to get to the terminal to catch his flight to New York. Both felt that sense of loss for that fleeting moment as he left...little did they know that was just the beginning. The beginning of the continuation of a beautiful extraordinary love story, that of Rivka and David. A reminiscent link between them, a mystifying link that brought Josh and Deanna together, a link from the past to the present and to their future together.
Rivka and David's fascination to each other as youths was enchanting, as adults, that fascination grew to be the greatest love story ever told. Their common cause to fight for freedom, not just for them but for others too, risking their own life on every crucial and terrifying mission, up to that fateful night, had me gripping in imagined terror. Their love for each other, the expression and innocent ways, the sweet tenderness, puts me in an awesome euphoric feeling...that love as great as theirs exists!
This beautiful story is not just for the dreamers, nor just for the romantics, it is for everyone. I couldn't put it down yet I had to...to catch my breath, control my emotion, to refrain from getting choked up. It's a true wonder...the touching, undying love story of David and Rivka, the inexplicable connection shared by Josh and Deanna and the beginning of the first day of the rest of their life together, puts a beautiful ending to an equally beautiful love story I have ever read and it will stay with me for a very long time.
Have you ever visited a place for the first time and had it feel eerily familiar?...ever had that fleeting mysterious sense, meeting someone for the very first time and felt you've known them forever?...that you've had that same conversation before even though you know you haven't? That strange knowing feeling that makes you think that you've experienced it before although you know you couldn't have, you know exactly what's going to be said or what's coming next..a feeling of deja vu!
Have you ever wondered where ones spirit go when one passes on this life?...do they just linger, or they find another soul and mingle, intertwined? I read somewhere each one of us has nine and only nine soul mates in this whole wide world...we just have to find our way to each other...David and Rivka did, and so did Josh and Deanna. The poignancy of this story somehow gave me that melancholic yet moving and stirring feeling, that maybe I've met mine but just don't know it yet.
Deanna Lewis has had a recurring disturbing dream since she was 10 years old. Although she hasn't had it for sometime, it came back with a vengeance, frequent enough to cause her loss and deprived of sleep when both her parents died in an auto accident.
At the airport on the way back to Florida from visiting her childhood friends where she grew up, her attention was caught by an attractive handsome man, Josh Haber, whom like her, was also so attracted to her, bought her a drink while on a rush to get to the terminal to catch his flight to New York. Both felt that sense of loss for that fleeting moment as he left...little did they know that was just the beginning. The beginning of the continuation of a beautiful extraordinary love story, that of Rivka and David. A reminiscent link between them, a mystifying link that brought Josh and Deanna together, a link from the past to the present and to their future together.
Rivka and David's fascination to each other as youths was enchanting, as adults, that fascination grew to be the greatest love story ever told. Their common cause to fight for freedom, not just for them but for others too, risking their own life on every crucial and terrifying mission, up to that fateful night, had me gripping in imagined terror. Their love for each other, the expression and innocent ways, the sweet tenderness, puts me in an awesome euphoric feeling...that love as great as theirs exists!
This beautiful story is not just for the dreamers, nor just for the romantics, it is for everyone. I couldn't put it down yet I had to...to catch my breath, control my emotion, to refrain from getting choked up. It's a true wonder...the touching, undying love story of David and Rivka, the inexplicable connection shared by Josh and Deanna and the beginning of the first day of the rest of their life together, puts a beautiful ending to an equally beautiful love story I have ever read and it will stay with me for a very long time.
March 24, 2013
I loved this book! An engrossing tale that will touch your heart--two riveting love stories with interesting characters you'll care about immediately--important life lessons you won't soon forget--stunning surprises you'll never see coming. A quick, easy read you'll be glad you discovered.
The author also included an intriguing preview of their next novel, FANTASYLAND that pulled me right in. Now I can't wait to read it! After just one book and one excerpt from another, I'm already looking forward to more from D.J. Starling.
DEJA VU SPOILER ALERT: If you don't believe in reincarnation or the idea of past lives, DEJA VU by D.J. Starling will change your way of thinking, or at least make you want to change your mind.
The author also included an intriguing preview of their next novel, FANTASYLAND that pulled me right in. Now I can't wait to read it! After just one book and one excerpt from another, I'm already looking forward to more from D.J. Starling.
DEJA VU SPOILER ALERT: If you don't believe in reincarnation or the idea of past lives, DEJA VU by D.J. Starling will change your way of thinking, or at least make you want to change your mind.
September 7, 2014
4.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is her debut novel. And... I loved it! Just a beautifully written love story. It was so engaging that I could not put the book down once I started.
A quick summary:
This is a story about two couples... one from the present and one from the past. The story begins with us getting to know Deanna and Josh. They keep crossing paths and are immediately drawn to each other in such a way that they can't quite understand or comprehend. Deanna suffers from chronic nightmares... always the same dreams and they are getting worse. In an effort to get to the bottom of her nightmares Deanna allows her friend Faith to attempt Regression therapy. Faith believes that she may be experiencing memories/flashbacks of a previous life. During her therapy Deanna is able to take us to the past that haunts her nightmares. That's when the story switches over to Rivka and David... the couple from the past. The last part of the book is back to Deanna and Josh who are trying to come to terms with the possibility that they could be the reincarnated souls of Rivka and David.
The beginning of this book starts out like your typical ordinary modern love story. And, I wasn't really sure where the story was going. But, when we finally get to Rivka and David's story around the middle of the book that is when I became completely glued to my couch. They were a young couple in love in Poland during the unfortunate Nazi invasion. Their story was so very beautiful and tragic and there were many moments where I had to put the book down and just pull myself together. This part of the book was so well written and had my emotions at full attention.
When the story finally comes back to the present I was filled with hope for Deanna and Josh. I wanted so badly for them to have an opportunity to fulfill the dreams that Rivka and David were never able to have for themselves.
We also spend time with Josh's best friend Michael throughout this story. Michael and his family are very close and have sort of adopted Deanna and Josh into their family. They spend quite a lot of time at their home which has been nicknamed Fantasyland. And, guess what... that is the title of the next book! I already have book two on my to read list. So, keep an eye out for that review somewhere down the road.
The end of the book was just wonderful... can't give anything away... but I was truly touched by the way all of the little bits and pieces of this story were all beautifully tied together. Have your hankies ready! I even found myself thinking about this story the next day and my eyes filled with tears... again. Gosh, I am such a sappy chick...
It's so hard to tell why some books touch us so deeply... for me it was Rivka and David's story. Two characters that are now permanently embedded into my mind. Their story allowed me to take a moment to appreciate everything that I have and probably take for granted.
It's kind of hard to say who will like this book and who won't. If you are someone who appreciates stories that touch the heart then I would definitely recommend this one. You don't really need to believe in reincarnation to buy into this story either... after all it is a work of fiction. It is kind of nice to play around with the idea that we might get a second chance at the game of life. Yeah... I could live with that.
Follow my blog:
www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is her debut novel. And... I loved it! Just a beautifully written love story. It was so engaging that I could not put the book down once I started.
A quick summary:
This is a story about two couples... one from the present and one from the past. The story begins with us getting to know Deanna and Josh. They keep crossing paths and are immediately drawn to each other in such a way that they can't quite understand or comprehend. Deanna suffers from chronic nightmares... always the same dreams and they are getting worse. In an effort to get to the bottom of her nightmares Deanna allows her friend Faith to attempt Regression therapy. Faith believes that she may be experiencing memories/flashbacks of a previous life. During her therapy Deanna is able to take us to the past that haunts her nightmares. That's when the story switches over to Rivka and David... the couple from the past. The last part of the book is back to Deanna and Josh who are trying to come to terms with the possibility that they could be the reincarnated souls of Rivka and David.
The beginning of this book starts out like your typical ordinary modern love story. And, I wasn't really sure where the story was going. But, when we finally get to Rivka and David's story around the middle of the book that is when I became completely glued to my couch. They were a young couple in love in Poland during the unfortunate Nazi invasion. Their story was so very beautiful and tragic and there were many moments where I had to put the book down and just pull myself together. This part of the book was so well written and had my emotions at full attention.
When the story finally comes back to the present I was filled with hope for Deanna and Josh. I wanted so badly for them to have an opportunity to fulfill the dreams that Rivka and David were never able to have for themselves.
We also spend time with Josh's best friend Michael throughout this story. Michael and his family are very close and have sort of adopted Deanna and Josh into their family. They spend quite a lot of time at their home which has been nicknamed Fantasyland. And, guess what... that is the title of the next book! I already have book two on my to read list. So, keep an eye out for that review somewhere down the road.
The end of the book was just wonderful... can't give anything away... but I was truly touched by the way all of the little bits and pieces of this story were all beautifully tied together. Have your hankies ready! I even found myself thinking about this story the next day and my eyes filled with tears... again. Gosh, I am such a sappy chick...
It's so hard to tell why some books touch us so deeply... for me it was Rivka and David's story. Two characters that are now permanently embedded into my mind. Their story allowed me to take a moment to appreciate everything that I have and probably take for granted.
It's kind of hard to say who will like this book and who won't. If you are someone who appreciates stories that touch the heart then I would definitely recommend this one. You don't really need to believe in reincarnation to buy into this story either... after all it is a work of fiction. It is kind of nice to play around with the idea that we might get a second chance at the game of life. Yeah... I could live with that.
Follow my blog:
www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com
May 12, 2013
I thought the book was very well written. The story line drew me in immediately and held my attention throughout the whole story. I couldn't wait to see what would happen. I am an avid reader who reads an average of 3 books per week and this was one of the best I have read recently. The scenes were well described so I was able to "picture" everything as it happened. They smoothly moved back and forth between the current relationship of Deanna and Josh and the Holocaust events that connected to the current story. The characters were well drawn out and felt like your friends before the end of the book. You wanted good things to happen to them. I got so caught up in the story that I wound up being very late to work one morning!
July 19, 2014
ARR received from author in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very intricate story of two people who feel an instant connection in one brief encounter and them discovering that connection goes so much deeper than either of them could have imagined.
Deanna and Josh share several stolen moments in passing. Their lives seem to intersect and everything about each other seems so familiar. But all they have only shared a few spoken words and a handful of lingering glances. Until Deanna finally approaches him. They both feel something in an instant. Some connection that makes no sense, but it is comfortable and within a few days it has already consumed them.
After giving into the notion that her nightmares that have been plaguing her could be solved with regression therapy, she begins to tell a story of another life, another time. But there is one constant in that life and this one. In the eyes of the boy in her dreams she sees Josh. But believing that she knew him in another life is not an easy thing pill to swallow.
This was far more than just a simple romance story of two people meeting and falling in love. The details given in the retelling of the past life of Rivka and David gave me chills and stark reminders of what history holds. Two young people in love during a time when their lives could be taken at any moment. Two children who lost everything at the hands of the Nazis and fought to keep going. I had been fully pulled into the story of the past, completely memorized by the events that played out.
And as Deanna gains the strength to share her discovery with Josh she finds that another connection exists. But this one, is one that can verify all of it. Anna, Josh's grandmother holds the pieces to the puzzle that connects everything together. And as she learns the fate of Rivka and David - she is given a chance that was taken away from her decades before.
This was a beautiful story, that although was a romance - felt different. Two lives at two different times in history were woven together perfectly. I was not sure what to expect when I started this, but was pleasantly surprised by where this story took me.
This was a very intricate story of two people who feel an instant connection in one brief encounter and them discovering that connection goes so much deeper than either of them could have imagined.
Deanna and Josh share several stolen moments in passing. Their lives seem to intersect and everything about each other seems so familiar. But all they have only shared a few spoken words and a handful of lingering glances. Until Deanna finally approaches him. They both feel something in an instant. Some connection that makes no sense, but it is comfortable and within a few days it has already consumed them.
After giving into the notion that her nightmares that have been plaguing her could be solved with regression therapy, she begins to tell a story of another life, another time. But there is one constant in that life and this one. In the eyes of the boy in her dreams she sees Josh. But believing that she knew him in another life is not an easy thing pill to swallow.
This was far more than just a simple romance story of two people meeting and falling in love. The details given in the retelling of the past life of Rivka and David gave me chills and stark reminders of what history holds. Two young people in love during a time when their lives could be taken at any moment. Two children who lost everything at the hands of the Nazis and fought to keep going. I had been fully pulled into the story of the past, completely memorized by the events that played out.
And as Deanna gains the strength to share her discovery with Josh she finds that another connection exists. But this one, is one that can verify all of it. Anna, Josh's grandmother holds the pieces to the puzzle that connects everything together. And as she learns the fate of Rivka and David - she is given a chance that was taken away from her decades before.
This was a beautiful story, that although was a romance - felt different. Two lives at two different times in history were woven together perfectly. I was not sure what to expect when I started this, but was pleasantly surprised by where this story took me.
August 1, 2013
The author gave me a copy of this book in exchange for writing an honest review.
D.J. Starling (a pen-name for two women who write together) has written an interesting and believable story about love and reincarnation. As the modern-day characters (Josh and Deanna) fall in love, the book has a familiar romance-story feel. They're both good looking and smart, wealthy, and working on successful careers. The authors give enough background on the main characters and their friends to make you feel a connection and want to know more.
The story really grabbed me when I got to the middle of the book and met Rivka and David. Their love story and the horrible experiences they had during the Holocaust had me staying up late to find out what happened to them.
There's a surprise at the end of the book, that ties up a lot of loose ends and left me with a warm glow. Whether or not you believe in reincarnation, the idea of souls finding and recognizing each other in the next life is seductive and left me wanting it to be true.
If you're a fan of romance novels, this is a great story. If you believe that souls are meant to be together, you'll love this book.
D.J. Starling (a pen-name for two women who write together) has written an interesting and believable story about love and reincarnation. As the modern-day characters (Josh and Deanna) fall in love, the book has a familiar romance-story feel. They're both good looking and smart, wealthy, and working on successful careers. The authors give enough background on the main characters and their friends to make you feel a connection and want to know more.
The story really grabbed me when I got to the middle of the book and met Rivka and David. Their love story and the horrible experiences they had during the Holocaust had me staying up late to find out what happened to them.
There's a surprise at the end of the book, that ties up a lot of loose ends and left me with a warm glow. Whether or not you believe in reincarnation, the idea of souls finding and recognizing each other in the next life is seductive and left me wanting it to be true.
If you're a fan of romance novels, this is a great story. If you believe that souls are meant to be together, you'll love this book.
September 3, 2013
Description:
“They each sense a powerful connection at their first meeting, but no one could have ever imagined the incredible scenario about to unfold, forever altering the lives of all involved. . . .” “DEANNA”
A new business venture takes priority over romance, yet she longs to meet her Mr Right. At the same time, she’s being haunted by a recurring nightmare, relentless in its tormenting attacks until desperation leads her to a dark and dangerous world. “JOSH”
At the pinnacle of a demanding career, with everything he worked for finally coming together, he begins to yearn for the serious relationship his cherished grandmother, ANNA, insists he needs. Neither could have ever suspected that a vintage keepsake would clear the path to true love. “FAITH”
Deanna’s closest friend, her greatest ally through the best and worst of times, she believes she could supply an antidote for the horrifying dreams that are threatening her friend’s well-being. If only Deanna would let her. “RIVKA and DAVID”
Fortified by young love, emboldened by circumstances, they stand strong against a ruthless enemy in a gruelling fight for their lives.
Review:
Wow !!! I loved it, I cried I cheered, and I wanted to slap our hero Josh. The way both of the main characters felt about each other, and they hadn’t even met in person, it was a glance, a chance encounter, and perhaps fate. It was breath stealing.
Deanna was an independent young woman, who suffers from terrible nightmares, her friend Faith wants her to try regression therapy, so see if a past life or trauma from her childhood is influencing her dreams.
Josh is an up and coming music promoter, he lives life in the fast lane, and has time for the ladies, but on his terms, and none have a part in his future.
Faith is Deanna’s friend and a therapist, she thinks that if she unlocks her friends past, then she can conquer her dreams.
Anna is Josh’s beloved grandmother, she brought him up, and as far as he is concerned, she is his number one lady, after each visit away, Josh comes home to his grandmother, (and we find out that reason at the end of the book)
So, Deanna and Josh have this instant connection, and once they meet for dinner, things progress at a fast rate, in at such a fast rate is scares Josh, and he uses excuses to leave Deanna’s home early. He has meetings away from home, so he uses this time to discover that maybe he doesn’t really know Deanna, so how can he be in love with her. So he has convinced himself that he was just on a high from grabbing a few contracts and getting some of his artists some concerts, and that he needed someone to share his good fortune. So he goes home and breaks Deanna’s heart !!
In the meantime poor Deanna has suffered from a few of her nightmares, so when Josh breaks up with her, her nightmares go into overdrive. Faith has managed to convince her that she really should try this therapy as nothing else is working. Now this is when it gets interesting. and for the first few pages, I got a little confused, but once I re- read it, I was raring to go.
Deanna is regressed into a past life, a life where she is a young Polish girl called Rivka. And she has a huge crush on a young man called David. He has known Rivka all her life as his best friend is her brother.
This is set before the occupation of Poland, and before the second world war. Both David and Rivka’s families are Jewish. And then Deanna goes into such a detailed account of Rivka’s life, that there is no way she could be making this up, and Faith is fascinated by this, she sets a tape into play and sets of a chain of events that will have you laughing and crying as Deanna tells Faith the love story of Rivka and David.
It is a very detailed and moving love story. It tells of two families torn apart by the occupation and war. WE all know how the Jewish people and Polish people were treated I that time, and the author handled it with all the love and care of a truly caring person. Nothing was out of context, everything was well researched. And I lived in those pages whilst reading them, I cried when their parents were murdered, I cried when they lost brothers, sisters were shipped abroad for their welfare. I cheered when they joined the resistance, and I cheered when David asked Rivka to be his bride. These two people deserved each other and all their happiness they could squeeze out of their life, as they didn’t know how long they would have each other. I didn’t like the ending of Rivka’s story, but I could see where the author was taking us.
So whilst Deanna was living in the past, Josh was grappling with his future, he thought that once he was away from Deanna that would be it, he would carry on his life as normal, and look back on it as a fun few weeks. But he couldn’t he began to realise that she meant more to him that that, he wanted her in his life, she enriched it as only a loved one could. Stumbling on the fact he LOVED her, he races over to tell her.
Deanna wants nothing to do with him, he hurt her, what if he did it again, her heart could bear it, so she shuts the door on Josh and the life he was offering. So this goes on for a little while, and it didn’t detract from the story, the author shows 2 love stories and how they are influencing the story. I am sure you can see who the young man Rivka fell in love with, and to who Deanna fell in love with, but reading the stories, it wasn’t apparent at first.
But I can see where the author was going with this, it tells of a love that transcends through time, it finds your soul mate and it will reunite you.
Does Rivka and David’s story have a happy ending ? I think so, in the end ;-) Do Deanna and Josh reunite ? And there are a few things in this book that make you cry, there are a few things that you don’t see coming, and there are a few things that I would love to discuss with the author ;-) (1) Is it just the main characters that are past lives ? or are there a few other characters that can be included ?
“They each sense a powerful connection at their first meeting, but no one could have ever imagined the incredible scenario about to unfold, forever altering the lives of all involved. . . .” “DEANNA”
A new business venture takes priority over romance, yet she longs to meet her Mr Right. At the same time, she’s being haunted by a recurring nightmare, relentless in its tormenting attacks until desperation leads her to a dark and dangerous world. “JOSH”
At the pinnacle of a demanding career, with everything he worked for finally coming together, he begins to yearn for the serious relationship his cherished grandmother, ANNA, insists he needs. Neither could have ever suspected that a vintage keepsake would clear the path to true love. “FAITH”
Deanna’s closest friend, her greatest ally through the best and worst of times, she believes she could supply an antidote for the horrifying dreams that are threatening her friend’s well-being. If only Deanna would let her. “RIVKA and DAVID”
Fortified by young love, emboldened by circumstances, they stand strong against a ruthless enemy in a gruelling fight for their lives.
Review:
Wow !!! I loved it, I cried I cheered, and I wanted to slap our hero Josh. The way both of the main characters felt about each other, and they hadn’t even met in person, it was a glance, a chance encounter, and perhaps fate. It was breath stealing.
Deanna was an independent young woman, who suffers from terrible nightmares, her friend Faith wants her to try regression therapy, so see if a past life or trauma from her childhood is influencing her dreams.
Josh is an up and coming music promoter, he lives life in the fast lane, and has time for the ladies, but on his terms, and none have a part in his future.
Faith is Deanna’s friend and a therapist, she thinks that if she unlocks her friends past, then she can conquer her dreams.
Anna is Josh’s beloved grandmother, she brought him up, and as far as he is concerned, she is his number one lady, after each visit away, Josh comes home to his grandmother, (and we find out that reason at the end of the book)
So, Deanna and Josh have this instant connection, and once they meet for dinner, things progress at a fast rate, in at such a fast rate is scares Josh, and he uses excuses to leave Deanna’s home early. He has meetings away from home, so he uses this time to discover that maybe he doesn’t really know Deanna, so how can he be in love with her. So he has convinced himself that he was just on a high from grabbing a few contracts and getting some of his artists some concerts, and that he needed someone to share his good fortune. So he goes home and breaks Deanna’s heart !!
In the meantime poor Deanna has suffered from a few of her nightmares, so when Josh breaks up with her, her nightmares go into overdrive. Faith has managed to convince her that she really should try this therapy as nothing else is working. Now this is when it gets interesting. and for the first few pages, I got a little confused, but once I re- read it, I was raring to go.
Deanna is regressed into a past life, a life where she is a young Polish girl called Rivka. And she has a huge crush on a young man called David. He has known Rivka all her life as his best friend is her brother.
This is set before the occupation of Poland, and before the second world war. Both David and Rivka’s families are Jewish. And then Deanna goes into such a detailed account of Rivka’s life, that there is no way she could be making this up, and Faith is fascinated by this, she sets a tape into play and sets of a chain of events that will have you laughing and crying as Deanna tells Faith the love story of Rivka and David.
It is a very detailed and moving love story. It tells of two families torn apart by the occupation and war. WE all know how the Jewish people and Polish people were treated I that time, and the author handled it with all the love and care of a truly caring person. Nothing was out of context, everything was well researched. And I lived in those pages whilst reading them, I cried when their parents were murdered, I cried when they lost brothers, sisters were shipped abroad for their welfare. I cheered when they joined the resistance, and I cheered when David asked Rivka to be his bride. These two people deserved each other and all their happiness they could squeeze out of their life, as they didn’t know how long they would have each other. I didn’t like the ending of Rivka’s story, but I could see where the author was taking us.
So whilst Deanna was living in the past, Josh was grappling with his future, he thought that once he was away from Deanna that would be it, he would carry on his life as normal, and look back on it as a fun few weeks. But he couldn’t he began to realise that she meant more to him that that, he wanted her in his life, she enriched it as only a loved one could. Stumbling on the fact he LOVED her, he races over to tell her.
Deanna wants nothing to do with him, he hurt her, what if he did it again, her heart could bear it, so she shuts the door on Josh and the life he was offering. So this goes on for a little while, and it didn’t detract from the story, the author shows 2 love stories and how they are influencing the story. I am sure you can see who the young man Rivka fell in love with, and to who Deanna fell in love with, but reading the stories, it wasn’t apparent at first.
But I can see where the author was going with this, it tells of a love that transcends through time, it finds your soul mate and it will reunite you.
Does Rivka and David’s story have a happy ending ? I think so, in the end ;-) Do Deanna and Josh reunite ? And there are a few things in this book that make you cry, there are a few things that you don’t see coming, and there are a few things that I would love to discuss with the author ;-) (1) Is it just the main characters that are past lives ? or are there a few other characters that can be included ?
October 25, 2013
I just finished reading Deja Vu by D.J. Starling and I had to take just a little while to get my words together after reading this very interesting and fascinating story.
I really liked Deanna, this poor girl has been through a LOT in her life and suffers horrible nightmares. I admired her wonderful friendship with Faith. These two show us what a blessing true friendship can be.
Josh has his hands full with a thriving new career. He doesn't think he has time in his life for a relationship.
I loved how Josh and Deanna kept bumping into each other in so many different places. They truly were meant to meet up again. When they start to explore their feeling for each other and try to build their relationship it isn't easy. I have to admit there are several times I would have loved to have smacked Josh.
Deanna finally allows her friend Faith to explore regression therapy. I honestly had never heard anything about this until I read this story. I truly found this to be very fascinating and completely interesting. I LOVED this part of the story. There is a LOT of drama involved here and it kept me turning the pages quickly. I don't want to tell you to much even though I could go on and on about this part of the story. I found it so intriguing. However, I sure do not want to spoil the story for you. So you must click the link to buy this book so you can read all about Deanna's past and what is causing her nightmares. It really is a must read.
I enjoyed all the characters in this story. I liked Josh's grandma Anna, and his friend Michael. All the characters were entertaining and made for a great story.
I can not wait to see what D.J. Starling has in store for us lucky readers next. I have the next book FANTASYLAND in my to be read pile. I can't wait to see what story this fabulous new author has written next.
I was given the fabulous opportunity to read Deja Vu to share my thoughts with you. As always it has my been my pleasure to share my thoughts about this fascinating story with you.
I really liked Deanna, this poor girl has been through a LOT in her life and suffers horrible nightmares. I admired her wonderful friendship with Faith. These two show us what a blessing true friendship can be.
Josh has his hands full with a thriving new career. He doesn't think he has time in his life for a relationship.
I loved how Josh and Deanna kept bumping into each other in so many different places. They truly were meant to meet up again. When they start to explore their feeling for each other and try to build their relationship it isn't easy. I have to admit there are several times I would have loved to have smacked Josh.
Deanna finally allows her friend Faith to explore regression therapy. I honestly had never heard anything about this until I read this story. I truly found this to be very fascinating and completely interesting. I LOVED this part of the story. There is a LOT of drama involved here and it kept me turning the pages quickly. I don't want to tell you to much even though I could go on and on about this part of the story. I found it so intriguing. However, I sure do not want to spoil the story for you. So you must click the link to buy this book so you can read all about Deanna's past and what is causing her nightmares. It really is a must read.
I enjoyed all the characters in this story. I liked Josh's grandma Anna, and his friend Michael. All the characters were entertaining and made for a great story.
I can not wait to see what D.J. Starling has in store for us lucky readers next. I have the next book FANTASYLAND in my to be read pile. I can't wait to see what story this fabulous new author has written next.
I was given the fabulous opportunity to read Deja Vu to share my thoughts with you. As always it has my been my pleasure to share my thoughts about this fascinating story with you.
August 20, 2013
This was a novel I had some serious trouble putting down. The story line was very much unlike any books I have read before. I laugh, cried, became frustrated, lets just say that I experienced a rainbow spectrum of emotions reading this book.
The characters were very lovable, with deeper pasts than you would think. The spark of reconnected love is enough to make your heart flutter, and your heart will break when unconventional love becomes denied.
One of the things I really loved about this book was the past they uncovered. I thought maybe they met when they were young children and were little kid sweethearts, but I was pleasantly surprised. I won't give it away, but you're heart will break as mine did as you read on and turn the page uncovering more than you ever could have thought possible.
Though it seemed far fetched, the author does an amazing job making it believable. All in all Starling has spun a well written piece of work featuring love, loss, pain, sorrow, happiness, and has proved that love can transcend through all, even time
The characters were very lovable, with deeper pasts than you would think. The spark of reconnected love is enough to make your heart flutter, and your heart will break when unconventional love becomes denied.
One of the things I really loved about this book was the past they uncovered. I thought maybe they met when they were young children and were little kid sweethearts, but I was pleasantly surprised. I won't give it away, but you're heart will break as mine did as you read on and turn the page uncovering more than you ever could have thought possible.
Though it seemed far fetched, the author does an amazing job making it believable. All in all Starling has spun a well written piece of work featuring love, loss, pain, sorrow, happiness, and has proved that love can transcend through all, even time
September 13, 2013
Dejavu is the story of Deanna and Josh who are destined to meet, after a chance meeting in an airport they feel the instant connection between them. Deanna suffers from nightmares and premonitions of someone being killed. She seeks the help of her friend who is a Hypnotist that represses Deanna and helps her find her past. But her past turns out to mean more to her and Josh than either of them could know.
I thought this book was a good romantic story of finding love, loosing it and the hope of finding it again. Very well written with a lovely storyline, that really keeps you hooked. There is a lot going on in the book as you jump from present to past, but it's an easy read and I would highly recommend this to any romantic reader who likes a bit of war time history.
I thought this book was a good romantic story of finding love, loosing it and the hope of finding it again. Very well written with a lovely storyline, that really keeps you hooked. There is a lot going on in the book as you jump from present to past, but it's an easy read and I would highly recommend this to any romantic reader who likes a bit of war time history.
November 21, 2013
Past lives, soul mates, and the belief that some connections are strong enough to last multiple lifetimes merge in this spiritual tale of two successful people falling in love and finding out they shared a love in a past life as well.
The story follows Josh and Deanna meeting in current time paired with a WWII-era story of Rivka and David. It explores what it’s like to realize you’ve known this person in a past life and the different emotions such a realization might evoke.
The beginning of DÉJÀ VU was a very slow start for me. I felt like the Third Person Omniscient point of view kept me at arm’s length for all of Josh and Deanna’s romance. Ironically, I didn’t feel the same separation during Rivka and David’s story. I felt much closer to them and much more invested in their story.
Also, I felt like Josh and Deanna’s love felt somewhat clinical in its execution. It just underwhelmed me:
Josh made me so angry—I felt like he had a lot of growing up to do and I was surprised Deanna was able to overlook some major red flags. He had a tendency to pull away at the slightest discomfort and lash out when he was afraid. I just felt as if those qualities were clearly demonstrated and much more believable than being told of his romantic or sweet tendencies since those were just stated as characteristics but not shown over the course of the story. I also thought it was a little presumptuous of him when he ordered for Deanna and insisted on following her home on their first date. Deanna might not have been ready for him to know where she lived and if this was a hint at how they felt like they already knew each other, I needed it spelled out a little clearer.
I also had a few complaints about some of the minor characters. I thought Faith was rather pushy about performing regression therapy— I would find that off-putting in a friend. I was also a bit surprised that a guy as young as Michael would encourage his friend to bring his grandma out for a visit. That seems like something older people would find fun but not someone so young. It just didn’t seem realistic to me and I didn’t understand why it happened other than that it allowed a segue to D.J. Starling’s other novel, FANTASYLAND.
I truly enjoyed every moment of Rivka and David’s story and as a standalone would rate their story 4 stars. But in David and Rivka’s instance, I enjoyed it not so much as a romance (which is what I was looking for when I picked up this book) but as a Jewish historical fiction novel. People who like the idea of past lives, soul mates, and/or WWII-era historical fiction will enjoy this story.
**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.
The story follows Josh and Deanna meeting in current time paired with a WWII-era story of Rivka and David. It explores what it’s like to realize you’ve known this person in a past life and the different emotions such a realization might evoke.
The beginning of DÉJÀ VU was a very slow start for me. I felt like the Third Person Omniscient point of view kept me at arm’s length for all of Josh and Deanna’s romance. Ironically, I didn’t feel the same separation during Rivka and David’s story. I felt much closer to them and much more invested in their story.
Also, I felt like Josh and Deanna’s love felt somewhat clinical in its execution. It just underwhelmed me:
It had been a peaceful, comforting evening that inevitably led them to mutually enjoy another session of the best sex he had ever known.
Josh made me so angry—I felt like he had a lot of growing up to do and I was surprised Deanna was able to overlook some major red flags. He had a tendency to pull away at the slightest discomfort and lash out when he was afraid. I just felt as if those qualities were clearly demonstrated and much more believable than being told of his romantic or sweet tendencies since those were just stated as characteristics but not shown over the course of the story. I also thought it was a little presumptuous of him when he ordered for Deanna and insisted on following her home on their first date. Deanna might not have been ready for him to know where she lived and if this was a hint at how they felt like they already knew each other, I needed it spelled out a little clearer.
I also had a few complaints about some of the minor characters. I thought Faith was rather pushy about performing regression therapy— I would find that off-putting in a friend. I was also a bit surprised that a guy as young as Michael would encourage his friend to bring his grandma out for a visit. That seems like something older people would find fun but not someone so young. It just didn’t seem realistic to me and I didn’t understand why it happened other than that it allowed a segue to D.J. Starling’s other novel, FANTASYLAND.
I truly enjoyed every moment of Rivka and David’s story and as a standalone would rate their story 4 stars. But in David and Rivka’s instance, I enjoyed it not so much as a romance (which is what I was looking for when I picked up this book) but as a Jewish historical fiction novel. People who like the idea of past lives, soul mates, and/or WWII-era historical fiction will enjoy this story.
**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews.
October 3, 2013
Soul and spirit; mind and body. Of what do we exist? We know we are space dust, bits and particles of the origination of the universe. But what makes us “human” gives us consciousness, a sense of self? And does that consciousness remain, passing from generation to generation? Déjà Vu does a beautiful job of exploring the idea that souls do, indeed, continue on. That spirits move through the generations, finding one another and losing one another again, a cycle of growth and learning.
Deanna Lewis has had some nasty occurrences in her life. The death of her parents threw her off, knocking her life off course. Now, Deanna has learned to live with her new life, changing and growing a new business as a party planner. Her focus is totally on her business, a workholic, but she longs to grow her life as well, to find and develop a relationship.
Josh Haber is another workaholic, focused on his music business, not really wanting to “waste time” on a relationship, but still lonely and wishing for more in his life.
What happens between Deanna and Josh explores the ideas of past lives and how the past informs the future, the possibilities of love and loss through the eons. The perceptions of hope, and growth.
I don’t really know what to think about the concept of past lives. I am not a believer, but then again, I am not really a non-believer either. Many years ago, I was part of a study, at CU Boulder, by a PhD candidate in Psychology. The study showed that, in my case, I was apparently a member of an Aboriginal tribe in New Zealand, long, long ago. Is it true? I have no idea, but I was reported as the only “100% match” in the study group, which is interesting in and of itself. Would I be interested in doing past-life regression? Yes, I think I would. Maybe. With the bad things that have happened in my life (this life?) maybe I was a rank-and-file warrior, or maybe a lead warrior, who did bad things to innocent people in that lifetime. Wouldn’t that be, in a way, a comfort? To know that you have the opportunity to make up for past mistakes, or to re-locate past friends, past loves, in a new life?
If these questions interest you even in the slightest, you should really read Déjà Vu. It isn’t perfect – Josh is a bit too much of a brat for my tastes, but then, he had a hard life in both this life and the last. So, yea, I am willing to cut him a bit more slack than some! Deanna has a friend, Faith, who is a wonderful secondary character. She is a Psychologist, a student of past life regression, and her take on Deanna and Josh’s situation, and the help she provides, is beautifully done.
Overall, this is an interesting, fun, and deeply thoughtful book. Recommended.
___________
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author. All opinions of the book are my own opinion.
Deanna Lewis has had some nasty occurrences in her life. The death of her parents threw her off, knocking her life off course. Now, Deanna has learned to live with her new life, changing and growing a new business as a party planner. Her focus is totally on her business, a workholic, but she longs to grow her life as well, to find and develop a relationship.
Josh Haber is another workaholic, focused on his music business, not really wanting to “waste time” on a relationship, but still lonely and wishing for more in his life.
What happens between Deanna and Josh explores the ideas of past lives and how the past informs the future, the possibilities of love and loss through the eons. The perceptions of hope, and growth.
I don’t really know what to think about the concept of past lives. I am not a believer, but then again, I am not really a non-believer either. Many years ago, I was part of a study, at CU Boulder, by a PhD candidate in Psychology. The study showed that, in my case, I was apparently a member of an Aboriginal tribe in New Zealand, long, long ago. Is it true? I have no idea, but I was reported as the only “100% match” in the study group, which is interesting in and of itself. Would I be interested in doing past-life regression? Yes, I think I would. Maybe. With the bad things that have happened in my life (this life?) maybe I was a rank-and-file warrior, or maybe a lead warrior, who did bad things to innocent people in that lifetime. Wouldn’t that be, in a way, a comfort? To know that you have the opportunity to make up for past mistakes, or to re-locate past friends, past loves, in a new life?
If these questions interest you even in the slightest, you should really read Déjà Vu. It isn’t perfect – Josh is a bit too much of a brat for my tastes, but then, he had a hard life in both this life and the last. So, yea, I am willing to cut him a bit more slack than some! Deanna has a friend, Faith, who is a wonderful secondary character. She is a Psychologist, a student of past life regression, and her take on Deanna and Josh’s situation, and the help she provides, is beautifully done.
Overall, this is an interesting, fun, and deeply thoughtful book. Recommended.
___________
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author. All opinions of the book are my own opinion.
October 19, 2013
Deanna and Josh just keep running into each other. It’s almost as if they were destined to meet. As it turns out, they are perfect for each other and a relationship begins. But Deanna is having strange nightmares, despite her idyllic new boyfriend. Another friend convinces her to undergo hypnosis to see if they can pinpoint the root of the problem.
During this process, the reader is transported into Deanna’s past life during World War Two. This was the most intriguing part of the story and definitely the most entertaining, even though I am not a proponent of reincarnation, nor do I believe it to be true. But fiction is fiction, after all, and once I disengaged myself from my skepticism, I thoroughly enjoyed this part of the book. The characters in this section were multi-dimensional and truly came alive. I felt their joy and their pain. It was at this point in the book that I actually didn’t want to stop reading.
Previous to that, I found the story dragged a bit in spots. Although there was plenty of romance, there was also a lot of backstory which sometimes got in the way of the action. I also found the resolution was drawn out past what was necessary, and well beyond what I would consider to be the climax. Perhaps this was to set up for the sequel, which is apparently in the works. Despite that, my overall impression of the book was good. I enjoyed it as a whole, especially since the author did such a good job of connecting with the historical characters. It is an intriguing read and I would recommend it.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
During this process, the reader is transported into Deanna’s past life during World War Two. This was the most intriguing part of the story and definitely the most entertaining, even though I am not a proponent of reincarnation, nor do I believe it to be true. But fiction is fiction, after all, and once I disengaged myself from my skepticism, I thoroughly enjoyed this part of the book. The characters in this section were multi-dimensional and truly came alive. I felt their joy and their pain. It was at this point in the book that I actually didn’t want to stop reading.
Previous to that, I found the story dragged a bit in spots. Although there was plenty of romance, there was also a lot of backstory which sometimes got in the way of the action. I also found the resolution was drawn out past what was necessary, and well beyond what I would consider to be the climax. Perhaps this was to set up for the sequel, which is apparently in the works. Despite that, my overall impression of the book was good. I enjoyed it as a whole, especially since the author did such a good job of connecting with the historical characters. It is an intriguing read and I would recommend it.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2013
Reincarnation, time travel, the whole paranormal romance bit has been done before, but I ended up completely enchanted by the way the author told the tale of these two star crossed lovers.
I was skeptical at first, Josh and Deanna's relationship didn't offer the reader much. Just a happenstance meeting of two characters from time to time. Two characters that really weren't all that great either. I found these modern era individuals to be lacking a certain something; they almost read too young adult, even though they both are 30(ish) and have already accomplished so much in life.
I simply wanted more adult chemistry between the two, and I'm not talking sex even. Just a more mature narrative Enter Rivka and David. The author managed to redeem that when we were taken back into Deanna's dreams. Suddenly there was smart and fascinating historical writing. We we given a reason to root for Josh and Deanna - a passed love so great you could only wish they'd find each other in the future. A twist in fate that has you dreaming that you and your loved ones are able to come together time and time again.
Still, I can't forget that the main characters are Josh and Anna and being that I wasn't overly enthralled with them, I am giving this a 3 star review. I was very close to giving up on this story line before the hypnosis, and I hate when I have to preface my book recommendations with, "Stick with it, because it does get better!" But it really does.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I was skeptical at first, Josh and Deanna's relationship didn't offer the reader much. Just a happenstance meeting of two characters from time to time. Two characters that really weren't all that great either. I found these modern era individuals to be lacking a certain something; they almost read too young adult, even though they both are 30(ish) and have already accomplished so much in life.
I simply wanted more adult chemistry between the two, and I'm not talking sex even. Just a more mature narrative Enter Rivka and David. The author managed to redeem that when we were taken back into Deanna's dreams. Suddenly there was smart and fascinating historical writing. We we given a reason to root for Josh and Deanna - a passed love so great you could only wish they'd find each other in the future. A twist in fate that has you dreaming that you and your loved ones are able to come together time and time again.
Still, I can't forget that the main characters are Josh and Anna and being that I wasn't overly enthralled with them, I am giving this a 3 star review. I was very close to giving up on this story line before the hypnosis, and I hate when I have to preface my book recommendations with, "Stick with it, because it does get better!" But it really does.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
March 28, 2014
A novel told in multiple points of view, D. J. Starling’s Déjà vu offers two stories in one, with present day successful adults pining for love, and WWII teens finding it. The honest urgency of Jewish life in Poland contrasts well with the superficiality of present day America, and the love story of David and Anna is pleasingly told. They grow up fast. They learn to fight. And they wait to enjoy what they’re sure fate will soon have in store.
Fate, of course, has different ideas. In the present day Deanna loves Josh. Josh is fickle. And neither is sure they can give up all they’ve worked for, or trust the other in the name of love. Strange coincidence, scary nightmares, and a convenient best friend with experience in regression therapy tie the stories together in sometimes surprising ways.
The author knows her topic well and the novel is weighty with backstories and explanation. Shifting points of view add introspection and occasional repetition, though it’s interesting to see through alternate eyes—which, of course, is what the two timelines force readers to do. The dangers and horrors of World War II create an immediacy and depth to relationships which today’s superficial needs might tempt us to deny.
I don’t believe in past life regression, but it works well in the context of this novel and creates an enjoyable backdrop to romance and hope.
Disclosure: The author gave me an ecopy and I offer my honest review.
Fate, of course, has different ideas. In the present day Deanna loves Josh. Josh is fickle. And neither is sure they can give up all they’ve worked for, or trust the other in the name of love. Strange coincidence, scary nightmares, and a convenient best friend with experience in regression therapy tie the stories together in sometimes surprising ways.
The author knows her topic well and the novel is weighty with backstories and explanation. Shifting points of view add introspection and occasional repetition, though it’s interesting to see through alternate eyes—which, of course, is what the two timelines force readers to do. The dangers and horrors of World War II create an immediacy and depth to relationships which today’s superficial needs might tempt us to deny.
I don’t believe in past life regression, but it works well in the context of this novel and creates an enjoyable backdrop to romance and hope.
Disclosure: The author gave me an ecopy and I offer my honest review.
September 10, 2013
If you are looking for a warm wonderful read this is the book for you. Denna and Josh are a great couple. It has a wonderful cast of characters in it and some surprises. I believe in past lives and this book has a very heartbreaking regression that Deanna goes through. The only problem I had is that it moves slowly in places.
November 15, 2013
This is a very interesting book by D.J. Starling. It is a unique look at love and the all the different roads that lead there. They do a wonderful job of drawing the reader in and making them want to stay. The writing is great, not too descriptive and well developed characters. I give this book 4 stars.
August 16, 2013
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Review to come soon!
Book provided by the author in return for an honest review.
Review to come soon!
Book provided by the author in return for an honest review.
May 8, 2013
A great attempt. Had a hard time getting into the book. Simply written. Middle gets much better. Easy reading.
I will love to watch the development of the authors.
I will love to watch the development of the authors.
August 10, 2013
Review to be posted soon. Will also be posted on Jeep Diva
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