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Yesterday's Tomorrow

by Catherine West (Goodreads Author)

4.35 of 5 stars 4.35 · rating details · 75 ratings · 43 reviews

WINNER of the 2011 INSPY AWARDS in the Romance Category

SILVER Medalist in The Reader's Favorite 2012 Awards (Christian Historical)

FINALIST in the 2011 GRACE AWARDS (Christian Historical)

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

...more WINNER of the 2011 INSPY AWARDS in the Romance Category

SILVER Medalist in The Reader's Favorite 2012 Awards (Christian Historical)

FINALIST in the 2011 GRACE AWARDS (Christian Historical)

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

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Paperback, 288 pages

Published March 15th 2011 by Oaktara

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Apr 25, 2011 Amber Stokes rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Haunting. Yesterday's Tomorrow is a gripping story--one that vividly depicts the heroism and heartbreak of the Vietnam War, along with its aftermath in the lives of those who lived through it.

I cried several times while I was reading, and also after I finished the book in the wee hours of the morning. I could hardly put it down once I started it. The characters, the setting, the horror, and the hope are so real that I became thoroughly engrossed in the story. A friend reminded me as I voiced my...more

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Mar 31, 2011 Renee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-christian-fiction

Okay so I'm going to come flat out and say this, I LOVED THIS BOOK! It quite possibly could be my favorite Christian fiction book EVER, yes you read that correctly, EVER! It doesn't have a cowboy or a duke in it, it's not set in the 1800s but I LOVED IT! It's edgy, action-packed, romance laden and it's a tearjerker ladies and gentlemen. Remember when Bubba died in Forrest Gump? there's a scene in this book that rivals that, so grab the tissues and not just one of those little pocket packs either...more

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May 03, 2011 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up Yesterday’s Tomorrow. After reading the back cover I wondered if it would turn into another fluffy, love story with the faint backdrop of war. I was, to my satisfaction, vastly mistaken. The author doesn’t glaze over the truth, but shows the horrors of Vietnam, with all its gritty details, through the lives of her characters. This is not a fluffy romance—this is an honest, realistic story of the kind of love between two people that will survive anyth...more I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up Yesterday’s Tomorrow. After reading the back cover I wondered if it would turn into another fluffy, love story with the faint backdrop of war. I was, to my satisfaction, vastly mistaken. The author doesn’t glaze over the truth, but shows the horrors of Vietnam, with all its gritty details, through the lives of her characters. This is not a fluffy romance—this is an honest, realistic story of the kind of love between two people that will survive anything, no matter what.

The cast of characters in Yesterday’s Tomorrow were all fun and down-to-earth. Luke and Kristin were the most complex, but by the end of the book I felt like I knew them personally. Cathy did a fabulous job in writing three-dimensional, believable people. Both Luke and Kristin are incredibly stubborn and while they don’t follow the normal “opposites attract”, they were perfect for each other…they needed each other. I loved watching the high, seemingly-impenetrable walls of these characters come crumbling down. And Jonno, wow! That guy was SO much fun to get to know. I was devastated by the turn of events surrounding him.

The subject of the war over in Vietnam was sobering. Journeying with Kristin, I felt her emotional struggles as she watched people dying all around her. Towards the end of her time in Vietnam, after the terrible tragedy that she blames herself for, it hurt to see her falling down into depression. My admiration for Luke soared as he cared for her.

Because of a few situations that occur, I wouldn’t recommend this book to younger teens. Two of the characters end up sleeping together and having a baby. The way that the author wrote the scene was very vague, which I appreciated. In fact, I wasn’t even certain if they had done anything until the girl became pregnant. Along with this, there are a few bad words, but I never felt uncomfortable reading it, and they were words such as h*ll and d*mn. I understood, since it was war. And the author didn’t overuse bad words and, more often than not, jus mentions that a character swore.

When Joshua made an appearance, I confess to raising an instant dislike for the man. Not that he was bad, but I was stuck on Luke. I gripped the pages in suspense, hoping Kristin would make the right decision. I confess to being on the edge of my seat for the last hundred pages and reading through it as quickly as I could just so I could be assured of how everything would end. While I was a little perturbed at Kristin for ever wavering, I did eventually come around and see things from her point of view.

The ending was satisfactory. But this isn’t a book where you sit back with a large smile and think about how beautiful the story was. No. This is a sobering read filled with true feelings and facts about war and its effect on the people in it. Certainly not a book to be taken lightly. One reviewer used a word to describe Yesterday’s Tomorrow, and I cannot agree more—Haunting. How true. This honest, gritty, thought-provoking book is sure to stay with me for a long time to come.(less)

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Dec 03, 2011 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

In light of just celebrating Veteran’s Day on 11/11/11, Yesterday’s Tomorrow by Catherine West gives credence to Vietnam Veterans, a group of veterans who have mostly been forgotten or ridiculed. They gave their lives for a cause, put themselves in personal danger, and suffered mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) was identified from this war. Schnurr, Lunney, and Sengupta[46] identified risk factors for the development of PTSD in Vietnam vete...more In light of just celebrating Veteran’s Day on 11/11/11, Yesterday’s Tomorrow by Catherine West gives credence to Vietnam Veterans, a group of veterans who have mostly been forgotten or ridiculed. They gave their lives for a cause, put themselves in personal danger, and suffered mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) was identified from this war. Schnurr, Lunney, and Sengupta[46] identified risk factors for the development of PTSD in Vietnam veterans. (Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P...)

Catherine weaves a thread of romance in her book through the eyes of independent, career-driven journalist, Kristin Taylor, out to finish a job her father had started, and superb photographer, Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, seemingly holding out on a secret mission that needed exposing. Their romance helped to alleviate some of the trauma of reading about the horrors and atrocities of the war.

The romance itself was traumatic, too, due to the circumstances, but also the brooding and hot temper of the characters. Lack of sleep added to the tension, which was palpable in Catherine’s characters. The full breath of their relationship is heartrending at times.

Personally knowing men who have come back from Vietnam, I am acquainted with the stresses of the war and the resulting turmoil, especially those in combat, search and rescue, and physicians and their nurses. Catherine did an excellent job of describing the horrifying experiences of the war and its toll on the men and women serving, as well as the war correspondents. It made me think about whether I would have the courage to engage in war as they did. Personally convicting.

Catherine’s inclusion of humor was appreciated to lower the emotional trauma of reading about the wartime circumstances and to bring some sanity into the midst of the insanity of the war. The web of faith spread by the ‘Preacher’ ultimately kept many of the men and women striving for resolution and hope for healing. In fact, I just heard this week that they are providing ‘stick Bibles’ (technological forms of the New Testament) for the men and women overseas today, giving them hope through Christ during their stressful times.

A great book to help understand PTSD in loved ones and encouraging them to receive help for their very real symptoms.

This book was provided by Catherine West through This Is A Blog About Books in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.(less)

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Jun 08, 2011 Nora St Laurent rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved the cover of this book. It helped to set the tone for what to expect inside! I was thankful for the review copy and the opportunity to read such a gripping, emotional book.

Catherine West pens an honest portrayal of how disturbing the Vietnam War was for everyone. What happened there, the challenges they faced and how the soldiers were treated so horribly when they came home.

Main character Kristin Taylor is young and was passionate about being the best reporter in Vietnam, which wouldn’t...more

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Jun 07, 2011 Terri Harr rated it 5 of 5 stars

Yesterday's Tomorrow was captivating. I was just a child when these things took place and the only knowledge that I had of that war was hearsay and of course the famous TV show that ran for 11 seasons. It took me back to that time and showed me some realities that are often over looked, in any war, not just that one. It was personal and devastating to everyone who was there. The characters in the book took on a life of their own as I turned page after page. I had to find out how their story unfo...more

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Jun 06, 2011 Keli Gwyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Catherine West tackled a tough subject in Yesterday’s Tomorrow. For those of us who can remember the Vietnam War, there are sure to be strong feelings associated with it. West doesn’t dance around them. In fact, she explores them with compassion and understanding.

Through the eyes of journalist Kristin Taylor and photographer Luke Maddox, the reader witnesses the realities of that war as well as the aftermath. While West captures the essence of the experience in tastefully crafted scenes, the sto...more

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May 26, 2011 Rel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Gritty. Compelling. Moving. Catherine West's debut novel epitomises these words as she plunges the reader into a much derided war and a time in history many wish to forget. Vietnam in the late 60s and 70s comes alive in this story of an idealistic journalist and a jaded photographer, both struggling to make sense of a country torn apart, as much by political agendas as bullets and mines. Luke's despair and fatalistic courage made him an intriguing and complex character that I was drawn to and wh...more

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May 01, 2011 Tamara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

YESTERDAY’S TOMORROW was a wonderful surprise! Though I requested the book in exchange for a review, I wasn’t too sure I would appreciate the Vietnam setting. But the amazing writing by Catherine West won me over.

Kristin Taylor is determined to be an overseas correspondent. Not just to honor her father who died while reporting the war in Vietnam, but she knows she has what it takes to write the stories no one else is reporting.

Luke Maddox is a photographer who thinks of Kristin as nothing more...more

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Mar 21, 2011 Janet Sketchley rated it 5 of 5 stars

It’s 1967. Journalist Kristin Taylor defies convention and flies to Vietnam to take up her father’s legacy of reporting from the war zone. She lands an assignment with a US-based paper and begins producing a string of high-quality articles. Her editor pairs her with Luke Maddox, a photographer with a painful past—and whom she suspects of working for the CIA.

Sparks fly between Kristin and Luke from their first meeting (he nearly shoots her) but so does an attraction that’s hard to ignore. Problem...more

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Mar 21, 2011 Ausjenny rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

I found this an interesting book. The story is quite challenging as at the time so many were protesting against the war in vietnam and when veterans got back home they were often forgotten and didn't get the help needed. This story deals with the horrors of war and how being in a war zone can change a person. Kristin is a good reporter wanting to follow in her fathers footsteps and Luke is a talented photographer with issues. The books also deals with reentry into so called "Normal" life back st...more

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Mar 15, 2011 Edwina Cowgill rated it 5 of 5 stars

There are some books that grab you by the heart and never let go, even after you’ve read the last page and closed the book for the last time. Yesterday’s Tomorrow, Catherine West’s debut novel, is one such book.

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 photograp...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Christine Lindsay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Yesterday’s Tomorrow is one of those ultimately satisfying love stories that captures my heart and mind, and will stay with me for years. Debut author, Cathy West, has written a new type of Christian inspirational, and one I find refreshingly authentic.

At the height of the war in Saigon, she meets Luke Maddox, a photographic journalist, but she very soon suspects he’s much more than that. Tension rises as they see the war from different viewpoints.

Cathy West drew me into this bravely written st...more

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Mar 13, 2011 Bruce Judisch rated it 5 of 5 stars

In 1954, Malcolm Taylor, a noted foreign-affairs journalist, kissed his daughter at the front door, said goodbye, and promised to come back. He didn't.

In 1967, Kristin Taylor, a budding novice journalist, followed her father's trail to find out why.

So begins a gritty and heart-rending tale of integrity, faith and perseverance in two war-torn countries: Vietnam and the United States.

In Saigon, Kristin meets up--or rather, is forced into reluctant collaboration--with Luke Maddox, a photojournalist...more In 1954, Malcolm Taylor, a noted foreign-affairs journalist, kissed his daughter at the front door, said goodbye, and promised to come back. He didn't.

In 1967, Kristin Taylor, a budding novice journalist, followed her father's trail to find out why.

So begins a gritty and heart-rending tale of integrity, faith and perseverance in two war-torn countries: Vietnam and the United States.

In Saigon, Kristin meets up--or rather, is forced into reluctant collaboration--with Luke Maddox, a photojournalist who irks Kristin in just about every way imaginable. And she reciprocates. Little do either of them know that Kristin's determination to follow through on a story her father had begun the previous decade and Luke's hidden past are intertwined. Finally, her self-imposed assignment, an exposé on a secret war within a war, threatens to explode both of their worlds, which have now become one.

Professionally, Kristin excels in her honest portrayal of a conflict gone so wrong, endearing herself to the men she has come to respect and love. Personally, she doesn't do so well in shielding her emotions from the horror engulfing a nation she has also come to love. From the trauma of a blood-spattered field hospital, to the heat of battle at a forward fire base, to the precious and precarious existence of a Saigon orphanage, Kristin learns the hard way how to survive physically, mentally and emotionally in an environment man was never meant to endure.

Her love-hate relationship with Luke comes to a head, then Kristin is forced to return to the States. Like most veterans of that conflict, part of her she leaves in Vietnam, part of Vietnam she brings home with her. And life is never again the same.

Ms. West delivers an honest, compelling, and very well written tale of war and the aftermath of war. But it's not a mere blood-and-guts story. It's one of hope. She shows us how love and faith have curious and unexpected ways of sprouting even in the most barren soil. "Yesterday's Tomorrow" will leave you very satisfied at its conclusion, but don't expect the path to be strewn with rose petals. Few paths to meaningful destinations are.

As an endnote, Ms. West is represented by Rachelle Gardner of the Wordserve Literary Agency. Neither Ms. Gardner nor Wordserve are known for tolerating mediocrity. In Catherine West, and Yesterday's Tomorrow, they've advanced their excellent reputation.

This is a review of an ARC of "Yesterday's Tomorrow." The book is due to be released through online outlets in March 2010 by OakTara--another pretty good outfit, I might add. ;-)
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Jul 15, 2011 AnneOK rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, 2011-reads

I've tried and tried to write a review worthy of this wonderful book. I give up. There is no way I can do it justice. "Yesterday's Tomorrow" was simply spell-bounding and a book that has forever touched my heart. I was in high school during the Vietnam War and lost two friends from my graduating class to this conflict. I know for sure that I will reread Catherine West's treasure again many times and recommend it to anyone and everyone.

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Mar 21, 2011 Tracy Krauss rated it 5 of 5 stars

Gripping, heart wrenching, poignant, fast paced, tender, descriptive … these are all adjectives that aptly describe Catharine West’s debut novel Yesterday’s Tomorrow. It’s the story of Kristin Taylor, a young reporter out to prove herself by going into the field during the Vietnam War. In the midst of the horror and carnage she finds out what it means to be a friend, a lover, a Christian - a human being. This unfortunate era in US history is well researched yet never pedantic. Descriptive passag...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Lynda Schab rated it 5 of 5 stars

I met Catherine West about three years ago when we were in the same critique group. Immediately, I loved Cathy's writing style. She was in the middle of writing a story that took place during the Vietnam War and I always looked forward to the next installment to critique. Our group eventually broke up but I still kept in touch with Cathy. When I heard the news that this book would be published, I wasn't surprised. I had yet to read the entire novel, so I quickly snatched it up. I ended up devour...more I met Catherine West about three years ago when we were in the same critique group. Immediately, I loved Cathy's writing style. She was in the middle of writing a story that took place during the Vietnam War and I always looked forward to the next installment to critique. Our group eventually broke up but I still kept in touch with Cathy. When I heard the news that this book would be published, I wasn't surprised. I had yet to read the entire novel, so I quickly snatched it up. I ended up devouring the book in only a few hours.

Other reviews give the overview of the story, so I'll just stick with why I loved it so much. Cathy's writing style is easy and so relatable. She has an incredible sense of humor, which shines through, especially in the dialogue between her hero and heroine, Kristin and Luke. Their banter caused me to laugh out loud and relieved the tension from the harsh reality of war.

That said, there were several dark moments, too. Her portrayal of the Vietnam War - often avoided in fiction - was realistic and raw. It was never glorified, but gave the men and women who served the credit they deserve. Some of the issues covered include orphans, equality for women, temptation and sin's consequences, racism, as well as the aforementioned traumatic after-effects of war.

The story was captivating and provided a few surprises along the way. I kept picturing the book as a movie - definite possibilities there. The love story between Kristin and Luke was tender and will satisfy the biggest romance fan, but it also contains enough suspense and action for other audiences.

I believe this book is labeled as contemporary fiction but is borderline historical. I personally consider it historical because it was just before I was born. :-) My opinion is that this story will appeal to you whether your preference is historical or contemporary. The writing is fresh, original, and engaging...and that's all that really matters.

Excellent, excellent debut novel. Eagerly awaiting her next.
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Apr 04, 2011 Lindsey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Wow, wow, WOW! This is going on my "books to rave about" list. :)

Here's the review I posted on Amazon - a full review is coming on my blog for the FIRST tour as well:

"I'm afraid I won't be able to do justice to this book or the talent of the author with mere words - I'm still speechless after finishing it. It was superb, without a doubt the best I read in 2010 and 2011. I was completely absorbed in the lives of Kristin, Luke, and numerous other characters... I found myself caring for so many! I...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Carol rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, christian-fiction

Yesterday’s Tomorrow by Catherine West is a touching love story, played out against the backdrop of the Vietnam War.

First off, from reading the synopsis, I wouldn’t have realized that this was Christian fiction. For me, I don’t think it would have affected my decision to read it, but I know that a lot of folks like to know details like that up front. And, as such, there aren’t the hot sex scenes that it has the potential for. There are tender moments, but anything racy happens way off screen. An...more

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Apr 01, 2011 Casey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contentment-reading-challenge-2011

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It gave me experiences I wasn’t expecting and left me enriched.

‘Yesterday’s Tomorrow’ covers a lot of ground, continent and time wise, but does it well. I was surprised a few times by how fast some sections moved through time, but it wasn’t jarring.

The story. What a great one! Set in Vietnam during the war, I saw it all. I could feel the crack of gunfire and felt the panic of a landmine waiting to blow up. Some of the lines are so charged and empowered I...more

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Jun 04, 2011 Shelli Proffitt Howells rated it 3 of 5 stars

Interesting setting. I liked the characters for the most part. The story was weak, though, and kind of depressing. It felt difficult to slog through at times. It certainly lost momentum once the main character went home. I know this story must have been written for a Christian audience because of the references to faith; yet, the behavior exhibited didn't seem to coincide with Christian values. I'm not saying that every character in a Christian book needs to be perfect, but it rings hollow when...more

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May 02, 2011 Lydia (Overweight Bookshelf) rated it 5 of 5 stars

First posted here: http://overweight-bookshelf.blogspot....

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 h...more

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Nov 07, 2011 Catherine Richmond added it

Journalist Kristin hopes to complete the story her father was working on when he was killed in Vietnam. She meets an intriguing photographer, Luke, and realizes he's the key to unraveling the story. But sometime between filing the article and its publication, she falls in love with Luke. The news report hits the stands, endangering both their lives.
Like the war, Yesterday's Tomorrow does not provide easy answers or simple solutions. And like the war, not all story threads are wrapped up in a ne...more

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Jul 05, 2011 Courtney rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-historical-fiction, favorites

Un-forgettable!! I thought that I wouldn't truly love or enjoy a book based off of Vietnam but I was SO AMAZED by this story!! I will never forget the characters in Yesterday's Tomorrow or the impact it made on my life! This story is about the heroes and heroines that gave their time and lives to the Vietnam War, what it was like for them there and how it was when they came home!

The main character Kristin goes to Vietnam as a journalist trying to finish the story her dad started in Vietnam befo...more Un-forgettable!! I thought that I wouldn't truly love or enjoy a book based off of Vietnam but I was SO AMAZED by this story!! I will never forget the characters in Yesterday's Tomorrow or the impact it made on my life! This story is about the heroes and heroines that gave their time and lives to the Vietnam War, what it was like for them there and how it was when they came home!

The main character Kristin goes to Vietnam as a journalist trying to finish the story her dad started in Vietnam before he was killed. She meets Luke, who is a photographer and her room-mates brother and together they go out in to the war zones to capture the truth of what the soldiers were experiencing!

The suffering and sorrow was so authentic and realistic that I found myself crying several times while reading this book. I felt like I was right there living the pain and heartache along with the characters!

The first majority of the book is about what Kristin and Luke went through in Vietnam and the latter half is about the homecoming. This part of the book lacked a bit in keeping me interested but it was necessary for the story to flow well. I found myself fighting the urge to read the ending just to find out if everything was going to be okay.

The dialogue was great! I LOVE grouchy yet sexy and mysterious heroes!! I feel awful that I'm always attracted to the "bad boy" in the books I read but it is true and Luke fits this well. He and Kristin have some hilarious banter back and forth and it was great to feel like you were a part of it! They argued a lot yet the passion was unbelievable!!

The romance is so strong and so passionate!! They make mistakes and are slow to acknowledge the feelings they have but I loved it!! I actually went back and re-read some of the scenes I loved just to feel the passion all over again! The kissing scenes were breath-taking, not just because they were so passionate but also because of emotions involved with the kissing! Wow!!

The spiritual threads were kept to a minimum and I enjoyed what was in there. I don't really care to read a story that is jammed packed full of strong-un-wavering Christians. This story was much more believable because the Christians struggled with their faith off and on and I found it much more relatable to my life.

Content: There are a few swear words, maybe 2. There are some passionate kissing scenes and some questionable choices. Due to the darkness of what these characters went through and the effects of war I recommend this for adults only, maybe 16 and up.

I find it hard to believe that this is a debut novel; I really have only read one other book that moved me quite like this one did! I will be keeping an eye out for more great books by this author!(less)

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Jul 09, 2012 Krisi Keley rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of historical fiction and romance

Shelves: historical-fiction, christian-fiction, romance

One of my favorite reads this year, Yesterday’s Tomorrow is an incredibly moving story of love and loss, doubt and faith, and suffering and hope during the Vietnam War. Through the eyes of journalist Kristin Taylor, who goes to Vietnam to follow in the footsteps of her beloved father and to keep an eye on her brother, Teddy, the suffering on both sides of this terrible conflict is made painfully real, while the hope in love is beautifully presented. Everything about this exceptional novel, from...more One of my favorite reads this year, Yesterday’s Tomorrow is an incredibly moving story of love and loss, doubt and faith, and suffering and hope during the Vietnam War. Through the eyes of journalist Kristin Taylor, who goes to Vietnam to follow in the footsteps of her beloved father and to keep an eye on her brother, Teddy, the suffering on both sides of this terrible conflict is made painfully real, while the hope in love is beautifully presented. Everything about this exceptional novel, from the amazing character development to the rich historical detail made in unputdownable for me, and I admit it brought tears to my eyes more than once.

Although I wasn’t born until near the end of US involvement in this conflict and my knowledge of it comes predominantly from history classes and more modern discussions on the horrible toll, physical and emotional, that resulted for all involved, what I found even more significant about author Catherine West’s gifted storytelling was that Yesterday’s Tomorrow doesn’t only vividly portray the heartrending result of the Vietnam War for main characters Kristin and Luke and their family and relationships, it also gives the reader a greater understanding of and sympathy for the tragedy that is war itself for all people in all times. In other words, though West paints a realistic picture of the given time and place in this story, she also manages to give a sense that this story could have taken place and that these people could have been involved in any war in any time and in any place – and I consider that a great strength in a story, as it makes it possible for any reader of any age, and whether they’ve personally endured or have known someone who has endured the effects of war or not, able to relate and empathize.

At the same time, despite the reality of suffering, this novel does not come across as hopeless and dark, but just the opposite. Through every one of Kristin and Luke’s trials, through their mistakes and their successes, in their struggle with doubt and in their growing faith, hope and the ability to overcome shines through the darkness. And while the story is filled with passion and emotion, their tumultuous relationship, as it grows into love and shapes their faith, also imparts a sense of the quiet peace that comes from learning who we truly are and what we truly want and need in life.

I can’t recommend this novel enough for the beautiful writing, the perfect mix of historical fiction and romance and the wonderful character development that makes the reader think he or she may, in fact, be reading a true story. I feel so fortunate I was able to read this Grace Awards finalist novel and I definitely look forward to reading more works by this outstanding author.
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Sep 06, 2011 Trish rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, i-own-kindle, reading-group

Young journalist, Kristin Taylor, goes to war-torn Vietnam in 1967 without a plan to continue her father's legacy that took his life when she was young. She quickly gets a job working with a hard edged photographer, Luke, who slowly becomes an aquired taste. He & his friend Jonno teach Kristin some survival skills, give her some laughs, and surprises, amid all of the devistation and heart ache of war. Behind Luke's back, Kristin uncovers secrets about him that make for an amazing story and p...more

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Jun 03, 2011 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: forreview, forpleasure, christianfiction, favorite-2011

This review is going to be difficult for me to condense into a few paragraphs. There were so many things I loved about this book. I was talking to my aunt about how I was alive during the Vietnam War, but it wasn't talked about much when I was growing up. It was like people wanted to forget it ever happened. I've met a number of Vietnam Vets and none of them wanted to talk about their experiences either. So while I wasn't sure if I'd like this book or not because of the subject matter, I decided...more This review is going to be difficult for me to condense into a few paragraphs. There were so many things I loved about this book. I was talking to my aunt about how I was alive during the Vietnam War, but it wasn't talked about much when I was growing up. It was like people wanted to forget it ever happened. I've met a number of Vietnam Vets and none of them wanted to talk about their experiences either. So while I wasn't sure if I'd like this book or not because of the subject matter, I decided to try it anyway because it was a debut novel. Well, I am so glad I did because it far exceeded my expectations.

I've read a few other books set during the Vietnam war era, but none of them were as detailed and compelling as this story. I felt like I WAS Kristin and that I was in Vietnam with her. I rarely have an experience that is so enthralling that I forget I'm reading and my mind goes to the place where I'm reading about. I felt that connection with this story. I read a lot of books so I know exceptional writing when I read it. Why was this story so amazing? I'll tell you...

When I read a book I want to get lost in the story. This book did that for me. When I read a book I want to care about the characters. This book did that for me, too. I loved the people and the relationships between them. I loved the emotion and the fact that the author wasn't afraid to let her characters deal with some difficult challenges. I got tearful a number of times and had to refrain from crying in the airport (I didn't want people to wonder why I had tears rolling down my cheeks.) All I wanted to do was read the book until I finished it, but I had to go out of town, so when I got a chance to finish the story I picked it up again and stayed up until I read THE END.

Did I mention that I loved this book? My emotions soared. I felt like I understood the characters when they had PTSD symptoms. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but toward the end I was practically biting my nails wondering what would happen to them. This novel satisfied me in every way. I never thought a love story set in Vietnam would have such a powerful impact on me that I would keep thinking about the story even after I finished it. There were so many good nuggets of truth in the story. The faith message was believable, and the love story was incredible!

I am definitely going to read another book by this author. Not only is her prose beautiful, but her pacing is perfect and her romantic tension is written exactly the way I like it. A very satisfying read, and just edgy enough to be compelling without being overly done. In fact, though I really hate to part with this book, I told my aunt she MUST read it because I can guarantee she will not only love it, but will spread the word about the story, too. This book is worthy of that kind of buzz.
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Apr 06, 2011 Jennifer Taylor rated it 5 of 5 stars

Yesterday's Tomorrow is different--not the typical Christian romance novel--but compelling and realistic in that it shows the temptation and downfall of mankind, but the redeeming power of God's love and grace. It is one of the few in it's genre (maybe the first) to be set in Vietnam. The characters are gripping--they grab your heart and don't let go. Even after the book, you're left thinking about Luke and Kristin and their lives. Catherine West has a fresh, new voice that readers looking for v...more

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May 02, 2013 Dineen Miller rated it 5 of 5 stars

Yesterday's Tomorrow displays Catherine West's amazing ability to write captivating stories packed with deep emotions and rich characters. By the end of this book, my stomach was in knots as I raced through the pages to reach the end. No predictable ending on this one. And I love that West tackles real issues with believable characters and emotions intertwined with the promising hope of faith. West is a much needed voice in the Christian fiction arena.

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Sep 22, 2011 Jackie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a book I'll always remember. I was swept away from the beginning and didn't want to put it down.
Catherine West took me to Vietnam during the war. She showed me the beauty and despair of Vietnam.
I rooted for the hero and heroine to get together against all the odds.
Catherine even adds an intriguing secondary plot woven into the main story.
I'd recommend this book to anyone.

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