Escaping Yesterday

by Pamela Nowak

In 1905, Lottie Chase arrives in Denver with her ten-year-old daughter, Elsa,
after fleeing her abusive uncle in New York. She secures a job at Elitch’s
Gardens, one of the city’s new amusement parks. Everything would be perfect if
it weren’t for the garden manager, Caleb Hudson. Cared for by park co-owner Mary
Elitch Long since he was a boy, Caleb is fiercely protective and fears that
Lottie plans to take advantage of the Longs. But a series of dramatic events
brings the two closer, and together they endure an attack on Lottie, extortion,
and the arrival of Lottie’s uncle. Lottie realizes the only way to save her
relationship with Caleb and protect Elsa from her uncle is to face her past…

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 2015

Reviews

[Donia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. At first glance it had all the things that for me make good historical fiction. But, sadly the story fails to deliver on several levels. Something is lacking with the character development and there seems to be confusion as to what the central story is about. Is it about a sexual abuse victim and the consequences? Is it about a single mother trying to make it in the world? Is it about the history of the famous theme park? Is it about cheaters? To make matters worse the language, behavior, styles and attitudes are seriously out of sync. The year 1905 in which this story takes place is at the very height of the Edwardian era and this is not reflected in the story. I had to constantly try to place myself in the correct era while reading because Nowak's characters use modern speech, and mannerisms, scenes of tongue kissing and bare legged bathing suits just didn't fit. The whole story was not period correct.

Lottie the main character is simply not believable. The reader is expected to forgive her outlandish behavior because she was the victim of childhood sexual abuse. The reader should care shouldn't they? After all, she was seriously wronged. And I mean this sincerely, but it stops there. The real world doesn't like people who constantly do stupid, annoying, things, who lie and cheat everyone and keep on doing it over and over. They don't get a pass just because someone hurt them. Although we understand why she behaves as she does, she is annoying. Every twist of the plot is predictable. Perhaps more seriously I found it insulting to victims of sexual abuse to depict Lottie as she was.

[Stina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #48 for 2015

Yes, I knew this was a romance novel when I bought it. Yes, I know I am not generally fond of romance novels. But this one sounded interesting for other reasons, and it fulfilled that promise, so I'm not going to judge it harshly for being what it set out to be and not caring that I'm not a romance fan. I will say that this might be one of those stories I would probably enjoy more on the big screen, where you can watch the characters' chemistry developing rather than read lots of repetitive passages about the characters examining their feelings and urges.

So, romance aside, what piqued my interest? Mainly the historical aspects regarding Elitch Gardens. I'm not a Colorado native, so I'm ignorant of much of the history that natives are raised on. And Denver has some really fascinating history, especially for a steampunk writer like me. This book was set in 1905, so it's much later than the period I am obsessed with study, but I enjoyed it for its escapism values. I did wonder that Lottie, coming from Brooklyn, didn't experience more culture shock landing so unceremoniously in Denver, but I have to remind myself that I know practically nothing about Brooklyn. I also felt that the story moved a bit slowly at times, but that may also be a standard feature of romance novels.

If you like romance novels with some interesting history woven into the story, you should give this a try. If you're more of a history buff, you'll have to decide how much romance narrative you're willing to tolerate.

[Joyce · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw this book on the new books shelf at my local library and checked it out after reading that it had history of Elitch's Gardens in Denver, Colorado. That piqued my interest because I had many wonderful memories of times spent there while growing up in Aurora, Colorado. Unfortunately, the story which did involve Elitch Gardens in its early years was a disappointment. Although there was potential for a good story, the character development and plot line were very shallow.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting light summer read that kept my attention

[Anne M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful romance, yes romance, about two very different people, both suffering from trauma.
“In 1905, Lottie Chase is willing to take any risk to save her daughter from their abusive uncle. Stranded in Denver, Lottie meets Caleb Hudson, manager at Elitch's Gardens amusement park, who sees her as a manipulative huckster. Caleb, a veteran suffering from PTSD, craves the tranquility of the park's gardens. Lottie brings anything but peace as she seeks to convince the owners to add thrill rides so she can collect the sales commission and support her daughter. Just as the two discover growing passion and common emotional demons, Lottie's former friend tries to extort her, then reveals her whereabouts to her uncle. Together, Lottie and Caleb must face their pasts in order to bring the villains to justice and free their love.”
A fast read, as these characters struggle to keep their secrets, yet yearn for trust and security. Well researched. I really enjoyed the carousel factory and the details of the production of these historical works of art and fun, as well as the history of amusement parks in the US.
I recommend this book and look forward to more by the author.

[Linda Ulleseit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this tale of a turn of the century (the LAST century!) Denver amusement park. All the characters are richly compelling, and the setting details are well researched. Many layers makes this more than a story about a small park deciding how to expand. There are mother/daughter issues, a con man, an abusive father, a mentor couple, and of course a love story. Not to mention bears, a balloon ride, and a roller coaster.

[AGMaynard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look at amusement parks at the turn of the century, particularly Elitch Gardens in Denvers. I particularly liked the look at the Carousel makers and carvers. Romance woven into the overall story of Lottie and Elsa starting over in Denver after fleeing a bad situation in New York.

[Cindy McCabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book. I was more interested in the historical part than the romance, but I did like the character and how strong she was.

[Terri Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Love the historical references to places I've been in and around Denver.

[Jacqueline Seewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of Pamela Nowak’s novels is a quality book. Escaping Yesterday is no exception. The year is 1905. Lottie Chase leaves the New York home of her sexually abusive Uncle Edward and cruel Aunt Aggie, taking her ten-year-old daughter Elsa with her. Elsa is the child of the sexual abuse forced on Lottie when she was not much older than her daughter. Lottie has understandably confused feelings about her sexuality but she is a brave, intelligent young woman determined to make a new life for herself and her child. Caleb Hudson is also emotionally wounded. He suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome brought about during his service in the Spanish-American War.

Lottie and Caleb are attracted to each other but also at odds. Lottie is a go-getter and wants a permanent job at Elitch Gardens (a real-life Denver amusement park). Caleb is suspicious of her desire and ideas for change. The characters are well-developed, realistic and sympathetic. Nowak’s research is impeccable. She doesn’t info dump but creates a true picture of the people and the times as well as the park itself.

This is not a formula romance but an excellent novel that readers will want to enjoy more than once because it is so well-written. I highly recommend it.

[Patricia Stoltey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escaping Yesterday is fine historical romance with an emphasis on Denver and Elitch Gardens. Nowak deals with tough topics such as incest and pedophilia with a delicate touch. Main character Lottie Chase had to deal with and then escape the family environment that drove her into the arms of manipulative thief. Escaping into a world of nice people and finding a good man changes Lottie's life and that of her young daughter Elsa, but not before facing a series of tough challenges.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical novel set in Denver in the early 1900's. I grew up going to Elitch Gardens and loved that I learned some history from the time that it was growing. I thought it was the perfect setting for a romance and parts of the book were quite exciting. Now, I'll have to plan a field trip to Burlington to visit the old carousel.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars I finished it but I started last year and put book down and only recently picked it back up. I got halfway through and started skimming. It was a readable story but didn't keep me focused. Still I think others will enjoy the book. All the characters were three dimensional and relatable and the story line was unique. I recommend giving this book a try.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escaping Yesterday held everything I needed for a wonderful weekend read; history, mystery, the girl, the guy, the jerk, the bears, a carousel and more. I enjoy Pamela Nowak's word weaving and the character's developed nicely. You'll enjoy this.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book off the new book stand at my local library on a whim.
Once I got it home and did a bit of research on goodreads about it I wasnt very confident I would enjoy it. But I thoroughly did. It was a nice story and I enjoyed the amusement park story line

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up the book because its setting is historical Denver, Co and Elitch Gardens. It was enjoyable; mystery, romance, a little hot sex but not something I will buy for my personal library.