I absolutely adore any author who has the skill to teach while telling a gloriously romantic tale. Samyann does this. Through the twists and turns as we follow Amanda and Mark through time and struggle and survival, we also learn so much! Chicago is an old city with a rich and tragic at times history. As Amanda and Mark explore their unnatural connection and attraction to each other, we get to go on a journey through Chicago's past as well.
I found Samyann's writing to be sharp and full of life, the structure and flow pulled me in and kept me there, fully immersed in the world painted for me.
I wished Amanda could let go and join Mark in his pursuit, it seemed he chased her through lifetimes! But I know this was important to keep the stories alive and thrumming. I loved the character structures. You can't get more fleshed out characters than these two (or four) and watching as they learned about each other and about their pasts was addicting.
I am surprised Samyann doesn't have any other books out, she writes with the skill of someone who has been at the ink and quill for a while. But I am happy to have stumbled into reading Yesterday. I will be keeping an eye out for further works.
There comes a time when a story touches your heart and you wish there was more to read. This is exactly what happened to me in the historical fiction romance, Yesterday by Samyann. In this work of fiction the author tells the story of a brokenhearted young woman and the man who tries to convince her of the deep love they have for each other.
Amanda Parker has vowed to never let anyone close to her again. She has lost so many loved ones and is fearful for anyone that gets too close. That is until one day, with a mix of adrenaline and instinct, she saves the very handsome Chicago policeman, Mark Callahan. Instantly feeling a bond between the two, both adults begin to understand that there is more to their story than meets the eye.
Take a journey with Amanda and Mark as they explore the lives in which they once lived. Through the difficult times of the American Civil War, the bond felt between slaves and the white children they vowed to take care of, and The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Amanda learns more about herself and what life is truly about. Now, all Mark needs to do is somehow convince her that their love is real and she should not let her past tragedies keep them apart.
When I first picked up this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. The plot seemed somewhat intriguing, but the idea of reincarnation was a bit off-putting for me. However, after reading some of the positive reviews for Yesterday, I decided to give it try. I am pleased to say how thrilled I am that I did!
Written in the third-person omniscient point of view, Samyann does a beautiful job in giving his characters a chance to tell their stories. He allows them to take the lead in both the present Chicago and their reincarnated pasts. Through both storylines, it was easy to care and sympathize for the protagonists, which in turn made the story more appealing. It is noteworthy to mention that when the characters “time-traveled” to their past lives, the author made it abundantly clear when and where the story was taking place.
A novel that brings in history into the mix, most often, I deem a worthy read because you are able to learn as you read. Reading a fictional storyline about the difficulties people faced in the South during the American Civil War, and the struggles and troubling times of the Chicago Fire in 1871 nearly broke my heart. It helped me to remember these very real times and appreciate my life.
With themes of friendship, losing hope, trust, and everlasting love, Samyann has scripted a tale that I felt honored to read. I happily give this well-written book a 4 out of 4 stars rating and recommend it to those who enjoy romantic reads that involve history and don't mind some time traveling thrown in the mix.
