Review by Kimbo93 -- Yesterday by Samyann
-
Kimbo93
- Posts: 8
- Joined: 17 Jun 2017, 17:18
- Bookshelf Size: 500
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kimbo93.html
- Latest Review: Farmer Beau's Farm by Kathleen Geiger
Review by Kimbo93 -- Yesterday by Samyann
[Following is a volunteer review of "Yesterday" by Samyann.]
2 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Yesterday by Samyann is classified as a romance novel about reincarnation. It is the story of Amanda and Mark, both of whom seem drawn to an old clock and have feelings of having known each other previously. Their story begins when Amanda saves Mark, a Chicago police officer, from a train accident. As they get to know each other and try to investigate why they feel so familiar, we travel with Amanda back in time as she discovers her past lives.
I am not normally a romance novel reader, but I thought the historical/past lives aspect was intriguing. However, this novel did not keep my interest and I rate it 2 out of 4 stars. This book moved at a very slow pace in the beginning, and I was a little confused at the plot jumping around at times. Setting and year were clearly marked in some spots or chapter breaks but not at others. At one point near the beginning of the story, this was very distracting to me as I was trying to figure out the characters. There was also a lot of detail on how the past life regression would work, and that bogged down the story. I actually liked the characters in the past life regression better. Bonnie, Jack, and their struggles would have made for a much more interesting tale. I found myself wishing there was more to their story. Mark and Amanda’s plotline paled in comparison.
The novel is correctly billed as a novel of reincarnation. In the description, I seem to recall it being described as a romance and historical fiction. Readers who enjoy romance may find this novel interesting, however I don’t think this novel should be characterized as historical fiction. Although those were the more engaging parts to me, there weren’t enough of them. I am not a fan of romance novels, and this one was heavy on the immediate attraction of Mark and Amanda. I felt if Mark told Amanda she was “beautiful” or “stunning” one more time, I would have to put this book down. Themes of persistence and family are also woven into the plot, but the romantic love themes are much stronger.
Although I cannot quite pinpoint the reason, I don’t much care for the author’s style. This is not a novel I read quickly. I found myself struggling to finish. A few things were distracting and, quite frankly, annoying:
• I think the author was trying to make Mary (Amanda’s godmother) eccentric and endearing, but her cursing and inappropriate comments came off as the author trying too hard. I didn’t find Mary endearing but rather irritating.
• Mark undergoes an injury in the novel, and I felt his activities immediately afterwards were not possible. I can suspend belief for the sake of a story, but this was a little too unbelievable.
• What is with all the drinking? Alcohol (mostly), tea, coffee . . . sometimes all at once! As a reader, why do I always have to know what the characters are drinking? Unless it pertains to the story, I don’t care!
Grammatical errors were minimal in this novel, and it seemed to be professionally edited. That’s always a plus when reading a novel and kept the rating from sliding down to 1 star out of 4.
Yesterday is a novel that may appeal to romance fans, but I found it just ok. If you’re not a fan of romance, I would suggest passing on this one. I wish the author had focused on Bonnie’s story. I think it would’ve improved the novel’s overall allure.
******
Yesterday
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Kimbo93's review? Post a comment saying so!
2 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Yesterday by Samyann is classified as a romance novel about reincarnation. It is the story of Amanda and Mark, both of whom seem drawn to an old clock and have feelings of having known each other previously. Their story begins when Amanda saves Mark, a Chicago police officer, from a train accident. As they get to know each other and try to investigate why they feel so familiar, we travel with Amanda back in time as she discovers her past lives.
I am not normally a romance novel reader, but I thought the historical/past lives aspect was intriguing. However, this novel did not keep my interest and I rate it 2 out of 4 stars. This book moved at a very slow pace in the beginning, and I was a little confused at the plot jumping around at times. Setting and year were clearly marked in some spots or chapter breaks but not at others. At one point near the beginning of the story, this was very distracting to me as I was trying to figure out the characters. There was also a lot of detail on how the past life regression would work, and that bogged down the story. I actually liked the characters in the past life regression better. Bonnie, Jack, and their struggles would have made for a much more interesting tale. I found myself wishing there was more to their story. Mark and Amanda’s plotline paled in comparison.
The novel is correctly billed as a novel of reincarnation. In the description, I seem to recall it being described as a romance and historical fiction. Readers who enjoy romance may find this novel interesting, however I don’t think this novel should be characterized as historical fiction. Although those were the more engaging parts to me, there weren’t enough of them. I am not a fan of romance novels, and this one was heavy on the immediate attraction of Mark and Amanda. I felt if Mark told Amanda she was “beautiful” or “stunning” one more time, I would have to put this book down. Themes of persistence and family are also woven into the plot, but the romantic love themes are much stronger.
Although I cannot quite pinpoint the reason, I don’t much care for the author’s style. This is not a novel I read quickly. I found myself struggling to finish. A few things were distracting and, quite frankly, annoying:
• I think the author was trying to make Mary (Amanda’s godmother) eccentric and endearing, but her cursing and inappropriate comments came off as the author trying too hard. I didn’t find Mary endearing but rather irritating.
• Mark undergoes an injury in the novel, and I felt his activities immediately afterwards were not possible. I can suspend belief for the sake of a story, but this was a little too unbelievable.
• What is with all the drinking? Alcohol (mostly), tea, coffee . . . sometimes all at once! As a reader, why do I always have to know what the characters are drinking? Unless it pertains to the story, I don’t care!
Grammatical errors were minimal in this novel, and it seemed to be professionally edited. That’s always a plus when reading a novel and kept the rating from sliding down to 1 star out of 4.
Yesterday is a novel that may appeal to romance fans, but I found it just ok. If you’re not a fan of romance, I would suggest passing on this one. I wish the author had focused on Bonnie’s story. I think it would’ve improved the novel’s overall allure.
******
Yesterday
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Kimbo93's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Farmer Beau's Farm by Kathleen Geiger
