Romance at Heart Magazine: review of All Our Yesterdays: China by Janet Lane Walters

Title: All Our Yesterdays: China
Author: Janet Lane Walters

Published in January 2006 by New Concepts Publishing
Genre: Fantasy/Time Travel
ISBN: 1-58608-810-6

All Our Yesterdays: China is the third book in the serial of Astrid as she journeys once again into the past.

The pulsating heat between Astrid and Duncan stirs all throughout the story as the third installment reaches into the land of China. Clive wishes more than anything to take over the gallery while her father is recuperating. In the meantime, Duncan finds Lorna sending him bizarre threats. But no sooner than a lovely jade pendant finds its way into the Antique, Astrid admires its beauty to once again be carried into another life.

Astrid is thunderstruck with Duncan. Just a simple touch of his finger leaves a branding scorch to her skin. She will never understand why she feels such a strong connection to a handsome stranger. Astrid reminds herself that Paula once mentioned that Duncan is not one for long-term relationships. She must remember that so she does not end up with a broken heart. Yet the attraction they feel for each other is overwhelming each time they come in contact.

After she finishes up the inventory at the antique promising to remember her dinner date with Duncan, she steps over to the hospital to see her father, who is only frustrated with his helplessness. When he mentions Duncan’s past, Astrid realizes there is a connection with Duncan and her father and his past, but until her father can regain his strength from his stroke, she doubts she will ever have all the answers.

Duncan is mesmerized when he sees Astrid at the restaurant and takes the liberty of ordering not considering her taste. He is full of compliments when they begin their conversation over dinner. He fully intends to see that her father has the best rehab facility no matter how much it puts a dent in his wallet. His desire for Astrid grows by leaps and bounds.

Lorna decides that she wishes Duncan, she does not want Clive. She is determined to get the necklace that Clive promised to her but Clive said she could make an offer, he never intended it be given to her. Astrid wishes to know why the necklace is so important to Lorna. Something does not sit right with Clive or Lorna in her book.

Past:
Xing-Xing/Astrid comes from a wealthy family. She knows that her merchant father plans to secure a wealthy husband for her but she is already in love with Wu Ping. He is a scholar that has come to teach the younger sons of her second brother, Huang Yu’s. Wu Ping thinks she is the loveliest of the women in the household. Each time they meet in secret, their love for each other grows but when she learns that her father has already chosen a wealthy husband for her she finds herself surrounded by disloyalty. After tragedy strikes, Xing-Xing finds no honor in love and hardens her heart to ever feeling true love again.

Present:
Astrid wakes wondering how she could enter so many different lives. First it was Egypt, then Babylon, now China. She has no idea what it means nor what purpose it serves. It is as if she is reincarnated in other people’s lives and she wakes up not understanding any of it. This time her father had been the impression of a cold and cruel man in China. If things continue in this way for her she might have to search for a good psychiatrist. When she arrives at the hospital she discovers that Duncan has dropped off the pamphlets for the rehab. After telling her father goodbye she heads back to the gallery when Clive enters only to make a big production about staying away from Duncan who only breaks women’s hearts like he did Lorna. Astrid has no desire to hear any of it nor does she wish Clive to know any of the pieces that she has removed from the vault, with any luck he will not even know the difference. Astrid is sure that Clive is up to something but with her dad’s stroke, she is unable to discuss anything with him. If she could only find out what Clive is planning, then perhaps the puzzle would fitly connect.

All Our Yesterdays: China begins to weave a little more interest between the present day characters. Once again Ms. Walters has penned an installment spanning time with the characters as the reader is carried into different lives. She blends a touch bit more mystery as she incorporates Lorna and Clive making them good protagonists in the series. The chemistry between Astrid and Duncan really begins to boil as the kisses and light petting casually marks a path into their dinner date. The way she details the story is really outstanding.

Ms. Walters produces a story that transcends into the heart of the reader. She paints Astrid as careful in her everyday life yet a keen woman when it comes to matters of the heart and business. Still she blends in an unguarded side to her as a female when she has her encounters with Duncan. Her womanly instincts seem too cautious her when Lorna and Clive act suspicious and this adds a touch of apprehension in the story. The way she describes Duncan there is a sense of suave, sophistication and a bit of sultry enigma that oozes across the pages. All Our Yesterdays: China is another installment that keeps the reader glued to the pages while wondering the outcome. This is yet another fine story that once again leaves the reader anticipating the next installment drawing them closer to finding out the truth surrounding all the interesting characters. Don’t miss this third installment of All Our Yesterdays: China. This is a series that doesn’t skip a beat. Be sure to get your copy at New Concepts Publishing.

Sincerely good reading,

Linda

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