Yesterday's Tomorrow [Paperback]

Catherine West (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2011

She's after the story that might get her the Pulitzer. He's determined to keep his secrets to himself. Vietnam, 1967. Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father's memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother's wishes. Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he's hiding something. Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they're forced to work together. Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts. 

- A poignant love story set amidst the tumultuous Vietnam War. -

"Beautifully crafted and thoroughly engaging!" -DEBORAH RANEY, best-selling author ofthe Clayburn Novels and Almost Forever. "Filled with action, emotion, and splendid imagery that captivates the reader from the get-go." -DON BROWN, author of Zondervan's Navy Justice series "Exquisitely captures the feel of that time and place. Speaks to the very depths of your heart." -KATHI MACIAS, award-winning author of more than 30 books, including the popular Extreme Devotion series "Spans seas and generations to report on the Perfect Love Who will never let go. Don't miss this poignant debut novel." -PATTI LACY, author of The Rhythm of Secrets.  

"Shows how even the most painful history can bring a future of beauty and redemption." -MEREDITH EFKEN, author of Lucky Baby

"A beautifully crafted love story with poignantly flawed characters...a story of redemption, of finding Place when the known world is upheaved into the unknown."  -KATHRYN MAGENDIE, author of Tender Graces, Secret Graces, Sweetie, Publishing Editor, Rose & Thorn Journal

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The edgy realism and poignant honesty that flow from West's pen in Yesterday's Tomorrow place it head-and-shoulders above some of biggest bestsellers on bookstore shelves today, and it easily fulfills all the requirements set forth to make it the INSPY Award Winner for Romance."

I truly, truly recommend this novel. It's filled with so much emotion, so much adventure, and so many wonderful characters...I can't wait to read another story by this fabulously talented author. This is going in my list of books to read again and again! Well done, Ms. West!Reviewed by Molly E. for Readers Favorite

About the Author

 
Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a degree in English from the University of Toronto. When she's not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. Catherine and her husband live on the beautiful island of Bermuda, with their two college-aged children. Catherine is a member of Romance Writers of America, and American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a founding member of International Christian Fiction Writers. Catherine's debut novel Yesterday's Tomorrow, releases March 15th, through
OakTara Publishers.
 
Website: catherinejwest.com
OakTara Website: oaktara.com
Blog: catherinewestblog.blogspot.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: OakTara (March 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160290278X
• ISBN-13: 978-1602902787
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.8 x 6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,226,793 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Catherine West is an award-winning author writing inspirational stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a degree in English from the University of Toronto. Her first novel, Yesterday's Tomorrow, released in 2011, her second, Hidden in the Heart, in September, 2012. When she's not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two college-aged children. Catherine is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary. Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at [e-mail]

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Gritty Fabulous Debut March 13, 2011

By Lisa J. Lickel

Format:Paperback

I intended to take this book in chunks, but when I reached my first self-imposed stopping point, I ignored it. Yesterday's Tomorrow is so compelling that I had to keep turning pages. Delicious characters who live so fully that they allow themselves to get filthy and face evil and temptation from friends as well as obvious foes will make you remember them for a long time. Cathy's story isn't about women's rights, although the late sixties in America is a testing time. The character of Kristin isn't out to prove that a woman can do a war-time correspondent job; she's out to prove that she has an eye for a story like no one else. A chance meeting with international journalists gives Kristin a roommate in Saigon; the roommate has a brother who's a mysterious photo-journalist. Although Kristin has defied her mother and her boss to go to Vietnam, she quickly grows up, finds the right connections and the chance to write the story of a lifetime on the unspoken role of the US government behind the scenes. Luke lives fast and recklessly, and when he and Kristen are thrown together as a team for Life magazine, they share secrets that bind them long after the war is over.

I remember all those messed-up soldiers coming home. I was in junior high and very impressionable, and lived through some pretty gruesome aftereffects in our neighborhood, including the stabbing of a neighbor's wife. As I read the book I wondered if Cathy had lived through the era, and found out later that she had researched well. The book is so complex in that Cathy touches on women's rights, racism, espionage, the fallout of war on orphans, temptation and the aftermath, besides a raw faith element. All of the beautiful ingredients create a rich and sensuously satisfying meal. She also has a great book trailer.

When I first received this book for review, I read the opening and part of the first chapter, then went to check out the author. I still have trouble believing that this is Cathy's debut novel. I read a lot of books for review and I rarely give raves, but this book is rave-worthy. For readers who like thought-provoking, gritty, death-defying and fast-paced realism in their recent history entertainment, or for those who just want a taste of what it was like for people going through this devastating time in American history, Yesterday's Tomorrow will satisfy you for the moment and stay with you long afterward.

Lisa Lickel
LisaLickel.com

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling, Fresh Fiction March 13, 2011

By Sarah Varland

Format:Paperback

It takes a talented author to stir a reader's emotions at a deep level, but Catherine West managed it with no problem in her debut novel Yesterday's Tomorrow. The story centers around Kristin Taylor, a twentysomething journalist who goes to Vietnam to continue her father's legacy of touching people's lives with the written word. She's unprepared for the gritty reality of war and the emotions--and sometimes lack of emotions--that go with it, but she's spunky and determined to stay in Vietnam and report the truth about the war. She traveled to the country without a visa or a press pass, but finds work with Time magazine shortly after arriving. A photographer, Luke Maddox, reluctantly introduces her to the cuontry and the media's way of life there. Kristin and Luke, along with Jonno, who is a soldier who, for medical reasons, spends most of his time chauffering Luke around, travel into the dese jungles and throughout the war ravaged country visiting men who are involved in the war and hearing and reporting their stories.

Kristin and Luke, who are still only reluctant acquaintances, are assigned by Time magazine to be partners. Kristin will write and Luke will take the pictures. As the two of them get to know each other while still trying to keep secrets, their witty dialogue and back-and-forth sarcastic comments keep the reader interested in their relationship and wondering if anything romantic could ever develop between two people with such distinct and strong personalities.

I laughed. I cried. I know it's completely cliche to say so, but I really did. The story made me feel every emotion along with the characters. Fear. Guilt. Hope. Finally--peace. It will appeal to a wide variety of readers. Romance fans, I think you'll enojoy the sparks that fly between these characters. Women's fiction and Karen Kingsbury fans? I can almost guarantee you'll love Catherine West's heart-tugging story telling.

Kudos to Cathy for crafting a story in such a controversial setting and making it about MORE than just Vietnam or the political climate. The story is well integrated in its setting but the characters and their journeys as people are the focus of the book. Very well done--this debut novel is only the first of many compelling stories I'm anticipating from Catherine West. She's definitely an author to watch.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional writing and riveting story May 2, 2011

By Lydia

Format:Paperback

A harrowing and affecting debut novel that throws you head first into the catastrophic reality of the Vietnam War both in the field and on the homefront. Cathy introduces us to the untold stories that permeate wartime. This is an era in the world's history that we can not escape or ignore because it set the ground work for where we are today as a society.

The rhythm and flow of the narrative takes the reader from extreme action-packed highs, to insightful and suspenseful twists and turns, through to contemplative and heart-wrenching moments. Cathy's writing engages all of your senses and transports the reader so that they are immersed in the congested and sweltering streets and exotic and terrorizing jungle of Vietnam. These characters will burrow themselves into your heart as their stories began to unravel and they have to reacclimatize to a life juxtaposed by what they experienced in Vietnam. The romantic elements were an added treat that adds to the complexity and richness of this story.

This is a book that you have to experience to fully appreciate it. I can throw out pages and pages of superlatives and never get close to describing how much I was touched by this book. Cathy is the fresh voice that modern historical inspirational fiction has been waiting for, especially with the brave undertaking of such a pivotal and controversial point in history. This story is for the reader that craves intelligent, mature and substantial storylines. Put her on your reader radar because this debut novelist is just getting started!

Rating: 10/10
**Heartfelt thank you to Cathy West for sending me a review copy**