Review: Remembrance by Michelle Madow

REMEMBRANCE
By: Michelle Madow
Published By: Dreamscape Publishing
Release Date: July 27, 2011
Series: Transcend Time (#1)
Pages: 314
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Author
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she seem to get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn't going to be easy.



Once I knew that the story of Remembrance was inspired by the music video for Taylor Swift's song "Love Story," I knew I had to read this book. (Yes, I do like country music and Taylor Swift. But I digress.) Add in the reincarnation aspect and the flashes to Regency England and I was completely sold.

Lizzie is ready for her junior year...until Drew Carmichael walks into her classroom. Even though Lizzie has a wonderful boyfriend Jeremy and her best friend Chelsea seems interested in Drew, Lizzie cannot help but be drawn to him. She cannot deny that things are changing between her and Jeremy and perhaps even changing in her life outside of her relationship. Lizzie finds herself drawing Regency-era masks and dresses that she's never seen before as if they were right before her eyes, and certain memories even return to her. Could it be that she and Drew were together in a past life? And if so, what does it mean for them - and their friends - in this lifetime?

I love the idea of reincarnation, and so I always enjoy books that have this as part of them. I think it's a fascinating concept and always interesting to see how authors work it into their books. Besides, who can resist a timeless love story? I loved watching Lizzie rediscover more of her past life as well as discover new talents. In addition, there were some very touching moments between her and Drew. Aside from the reincarnation aspect, much of this book felt incredibly realistic and seemed to be a true picture of high school life. One of the other things I really enjoyed about this book were the references and allusions to Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen's life. That is one of my favorite books and it was fun to relive aspects of that story here.

I will admit that I did get frustrated with both Lizzie and Drew at times. Although I respected Lizzie's desire to not hurt her friends and Drew's desire to not hurt Lizzie, I thought that they both dragged things out longer than they should have. It would have been nice to see Drew and Lizzie discover or remember some moments together. When everything did come out, I was slightly disappointed about the big secret. That being said, I am curious to see what the future holds for this couple.

Overall, Remembrance is a fast, enjoyable read that truly does show just how love can transcend time. I am looking forward to the next book in this trilogy!