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Reader Views Literary Awards gives 5-star review for “Eva”!

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READER VIEW AWARDS gives “Eva,” my romantic suspense novel, 5 stars!

“This beautifully written romantic suspense and metaphysical fantasy tale entices readers to ponder the delicate balance between vulnerability and self-discovery. I rate it five out of five stars for its beautifully structured plot, eloquent prose, relatable characters, vividly descriptive sceneries, and flawless editing. Lovers of romance novels with a supernatural mix will devour “Eva.”   Reviewed by Natalia Kavale for Reader Views (08/2023)

“Eva” by Diane Solomon

 

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Book Reviews, Books, Diane Solomon author, Romantic suspense novels, Uncategorized

Another wonderful editorial review for my novel, “Eva,” from Literary Titan!

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I am so thrilled; another incredible review from a respected editorial review site, Literary Titan Reviews. 

EXCERPT:  “This novel is a must-read treasure for those seeking a narrative enriched with emotion, intrigue, and a sprinkle of the otherworldly.”

 “A standout feature of this book is its expert weaving of romance, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural.”

“The depth and intricacy of character development is a highlight. Eva, both grounded and emotionally delicate, is portrayed with finesse.”  

COMPLETE REVIEW: “Eva” from LITERARY TITAN

“In the enthralling pages of this novel, we are introduced to Eva McGrath, a passionate 26-year-old with a unique aspiration: to delve deeply into the realm of animal care as a veterinary technician. To Eva, animals offer steadfast companionship in a life marked by unpredictable trials, most notably the profound losses of her mother and, later, her cherished aunt. Her refuge throughout these trials is her loyal dog, Cookie.

The novel beautifully captures Eva’s deep connection with animals, especially those on the brink of health crises. There’s a captivating essence to the moments she shares with them at the shelter and the veterinary hospital. Remarkably, animals teetering on the edge of life exhibit inexplicable recoveries after her visits. This pattern doesn’t go unnoticed by Dr. Michael Lowery of the Wood Lane Animal Hospital, leading to intriguing speculations: might Eva harbor an undiscovered healing gift?

The depth and intricacy of character development is a highlight. Eva, both grounded and emotionally delicate, is portrayed with finesse. Her hesitations to establish relationships, shaped by her history of loss, resonate deeply. The evolving relationship between Eva and the astute, empathetic Dr. Michael Lowery adds layers to the narrative. Their dynamic beautifully contrasts Eva’s instinctual guard over her emotions and Michael’s earnest quest to unravel the mystery of her possible gift.

A standout feature of this book is its expert weaving of romance, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural. Through the story, readers are prompted to reflect on themes of self-belief and the enigmatic. The author’s excellent storytelling ensures the book concludes satisfyingly yet leaves readers eagerly anticipating more. It hints at the onset of a riveting series that charts Eva’s explorations with her emergent talents.

This novel is a must-read treasure for those seeking a narrative enriched with emotion, intrigue, and a sprinkle of the otherworldly.”

 

I couldn’t be more thrilled that this reviewer got what I was saying so completely. Just thrilled. 

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Books, Diane Solomon author, Fiction, Romantic suspense novels

Another author interview question

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Another Author Interview Question

Here is another question I recently answered while promoting my new novel, “Eva; a riveting romantic suspense with a supernatural twist.” 

CHECK OUT EVA HERE

When you write a novel, are you a plotter? Or are you a seat of your pants writer?

I am definitely a plotter. I lay it all out in advance. First, I tend to brainstorm with my wonderful husband Mark Carey, and he’s a brilliant thinker and writer. Then as I’m getting down into the details, I scribble down the jist of each scene on a postcard, and then pin the cards up on a large corkboard. Then I can move the scenes around as needed to get the structure and pacing right. I spend a long time on character development, even down to drawing the family tree, deciding each character’s backstory, their likes and dislikes, what their tragedies were, etc. How they became who they are.

But then the real fun starts! When I write the first draft, I just let go of everything; I try not to edit myself in the first draft. And as I’m sinking more and more into each character, I find they take over my fingers on the keyboard or my voice as I’m speaking into the mic for voice recognition.

This is the part I love the most; they write the book to a great extent! If I’m deeply involved with the character, it is similar to acting (my first career was as a singer and actor in the UK). As I begin a scene, I know what is going to happen, in general, and what I need to achieve in that scene. But what the characters actually say, and the things they do is a continual surprise. It can be delightful! Sometimes I find I pull sharply out of the moment when something unexpected occurs. I read what I wrote and say out loud, “Oh that’s cool!” How to explain this? I get the distinct feeling that I’ve opened up a channel to some creative source out there in the universe. As if there is an ocean of creativity we can all access.

I hope I answered the question. I’m a plotter, but I let it rip and let it flow in the first draft. It is enormous fun!

 

 

Books, Diane Solomon author

Author interview questions

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Author Interview Questions

With all the promotion for my new novel, “Eva; a riveting romantic suspense with a supernatural twist,”  I have had a chance to answer some fascinating questions posed to me by book bloggers.

CHECK OUT EVA HERE

Is there any part of the story of Eva to which you relate, from your own life?

Absolutely. My first career was in show business in England. I was a singer, and songwriter, and actress, and had my own variety show on BBC television. Then I enjoyed another 15 years or so of traveling around the world entertaining. With that came a goldfish bowl that you have to experience to understand. It sounds glamorous: the TV appearances, the radio interviews, the press coverage, singing in front of people (I did love that!), the nice clothes, the money… But it comes with the price of a loss of privacy and space. In the first few years, when I was recognized all the time, I’d pop down to the grocery store, where people often felt free to make all kinds of strange comments like, “You’re not as pretty as you are on the television.” Or “You’re fatter than we thought you were.” Seriously.

Eva, the protagonist of the novel, keeps to herself, and tries to keep her magical gift a secret. When inevitably word gets out, she is undated by media and requests from around the world. Her life is no longer her own.  Although I have no magical gift (how I wish!) I think I relate to her loathing of attention from my show business experience.

Do you write to a schedule? Or do you write when you feel like it?

That’s a good question. I know most career authors work a certain amount every day whether the mood strikes them or not.  My writing is not structured in this way. I tend to be an all or nothing person, meaning when I do something I love I do it 125%. When I’m working on a book, whether on my own or with my husband Mark Carey, I tend to get on a roll. It’s hard for me to stop. Laundry doesn’t get done, the weeding doesn’t get done, I forget to eat. And I can write for hours, even in the middle of the night. I’ve never been very disciplined about following a routine; it might be better if I did. That’s what the little voice in my head tells me, in a chastening tone. But we are who we are, and we do things the way they work for us. And I had the time of my life writing Eva.