About Yesterday by Carrie Thorne (ePUB) - A Comprehensive Review

Plot Summary, Characters, and Setting

“About Yesterday” by Carrie Thorne, part of the Foothills series, centers around Trace, a French teacher in the small town of Foothills, Washington. Trace, characterized as a modern wallflower, is feeling stifled by her routine and the pressure to maintain a cheerful facade. She yearns to break free from her perceived “boring” existence. The story is complicated by the return of Cole, Trace’s former foster brother, a mercenary and antihero who has been running from his past for a decade. Cole is back in Foothills after being injured in an operation. Their reunion, far from a romantic meet-cute, begins with a comical mishap – Trace accidentally hitting Cole on the head with a bathroom door. This event sets the stage for an evolving relationship, filled with past traumas and burgeoning feelings. The setting of Foothills, a small town, provides a backdrop of familiarity and the close-knit community dynamic that both Trace and Cole must navigate.

Overall Thoughts and Feelings

“About Yesterday” is a charming and engaging read that explores themes of self-discovery, overcoming past trauma, and the complexities of family and found family. The book evoked a sense of empathy for the characters, particularly Trace, who struggles with self-acceptance. The story balances humor with moments of genuine emotion, making it a well-rounded experience. I found myself invested in Trace and Cole’s journey and eager to see how they would overcome their respective challenges and find their way to each other.

Writing Style, Character Development, and Literary Themes

Carrie Thorne’s writing style is accessible and easy to read. The prose is clear and engaging, with a good balance of dialogue and narrative. The character development is a strong point of the novel. Trace’s transformation from a wallflower to someone who embraces her true self is compelling, and Cole’s gradual shedding of his stoic exterior is equally well-handled.

Character Analysis: Trace

Trace represents the internal struggle many face to break free from the constraints of societal expectations. Her journey is about self-discovery and the courage to be authentic.

Character Analysis: Cole

Cole embodies the burdens of the past and the difficulties in seeking redemption. He shows the potential for vulnerability hidden beneath a hardened exterior.

The primary literary themes are self-acceptance, healing from trauma, and the power of connection. The motif of the small-town setting highlights the significance of community and the impact of past experiences on present relationships.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing is generally well-executed, with the story unfolding at a steady pace. The plot held my interest throughout, although the initial meet-cute, while humorous, felt somewhat cliché. The structure of the story, with alternating perspectives between Trace and Cole, allows for a deeper understanding of each character’s inner world and contributes to the overall narrative depth. There were no sections that I found particularly slow or confusing.

Author’s Use of Language and Imagery

Thorne demonstrates a good ability to create vivid imagery. The descriptions of Foothills and the characters’ emotions are effective in drawing the reader into the story. The language used is straightforward and appropriate for the genre, effectively conveying the characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Memorable Quotes or Passages

While specific quotes are difficult to recall without the text at hand, the interactions between Trace and Cole, particularly their initial banter, were memorable. These scenes, filled with witty dialogue and underlying tension, contribute to the book’s overall charm.

Emotional Impact

The book elicited a range of emotions, from amusement to empathy. The struggles of both Trace and Cole resonated, and I found myself invested in their well-being. There were definitely moments that were moving, especially during scenes where they opened up about their pasts and vulnerabilities.

Themes and Messages

The author successfully conveys the message that healing from trauma and embracing one’s true self are essential steps towards happiness. The novel also highlights the importance of communication, forgiveness, and the strength of human connection. The small-town setting subtly underscores the idea that community and support can be found in unexpected places.

Social or Cultural Commentary

The novel provides a subtle commentary on the pressures faced by individuals in modern society, especially the importance of fitting in and the desire to be accepted. It also touches on the challenges of returning home and reintegrating after experiencing significant life events.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Engaging plot and relatable characters.
  • Well-developed character development.
  • Effective use of humor and emotional depth.
  • Clear and accessible writing style.
  • Strong exploration of relevant themes.

Weaknesses:

  • The initial meet-cute felt slightly cliché.

Recommendation

I would recommend “About Yesterday” to readers who enjoy contemporary romance novels with a touch of humor and depth. Anyone who appreciates stories about self-discovery, healing, and the power of connection would likely enjoy this book. Fans of the Foothills series will, of course, especially appreciate it.

Comparison to Other Works

Since I don’t have specific familiarity with other works by Carrie Thorne, I cannot offer a direct comparison. However, based on the description, it’s a contemporary romance similar to other small-town romance novels.

Rating

I give “About Yesterday” a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Overall Impression

“About Yesterday” is a well-written and enjoyable contemporary romance novel. The engaging characters, compelling plot, and exploration of meaningful themes make it a satisfying read. The book’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile addition to the genre. Consider heading to My Ebook for more exciting reads.

Where to Get It

To acquire the eBook, you can try the following places:

  • Ebook Retailers: Search for “About Yesterday Carrie Thorne” on popular ebook retailers like Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Google Play Books.
  • Online Libraries: Check your local library’s online catalog for availability of the ebook.
  • Direct from Publisher: Sometimes, the publisher’s website will offer direct ebook downloads.

(Please note that specific download links are unavailable without checking these platforms directly).