Tag Archives: fantasy fiction

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

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. 

AMAZON READ NOW

 

Superb editorial review for my novel, “Eva,” from Feathered Quill!

Eva, a riveting suspense, receives superb Feathered Quill review! READ HERE

I am thrilled!

My thanks to Lily Andrews, of Feathered Quill.

I am so delighted she enjoyed the book.

Here are snippets. To read the whole review, click here: Feathered Quill Eva Review

“A gorgeous tribute to the newest genre of magical realism, Diane Solomon’s novel Eva wears its influences on its sleeve as it sublimely melds intriguing suspense, supernatural elements, and romance.”

“Diane Solomon has written a resplendent delight for the heart and soul. Written in taut, evocative prose, this novel conjures up the literal specter of false accusations and their possible effects, what it means to be different and unique, the common human longing for honest connections, and what it takes to protect special skills. The text further explores the distinctness and sameness of people and animals through the protagonist’s inexplicable relationship with the animal world. Solomon writes like a tightrope artist, keeping the tale’s balance in place. She beautifully recreates the time and space allowing readers to experience Pine Hill in the state of Connecticut along with the Rhode Island Coast straight from their living room through her apt descriptions.

With a touch so sure, the exuberance of the author shines in the many trenchant lines that are marvelously quotable and suitable as excellent takeaways. The simmering romance between Michael and Eva is not rushed and ample time is given in the narrative for it to grow right before readers’ eyes. The touch of mysticism displayed by Eva’s ability manages to explore the boundaries between the real world and the imaginary, ultimately enticing one to embrace the enigmatic by incorporating it into a realist framework of real people and places.”

Read the entire review

 

Another author interview question

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!

 

 

My new romantic suspense novel, “Eva,” is published!

My new book, Eva,  is published!

Hi all, hope your summer is going well!  I confess I am so excited!

Although the idea for Eva came to me twenty-five years ago, only now did I feel ready to write it… 

Here’s a preview read:

First three chapters of “Eva”

I would love reviews on Amazon if you enjoy the book!

  Amazon link to Eva


Eva is a romantic suspense story with a supernatural twist…

Eva possesses a unique and powerful gift. But is it a curse?

She plays down her beauty, to avoid attention. But it doesn’t work. She has a magnetic quality, a calm, a power of which she is unaware.

Never having known her father and having lost her mother when she was young, Eva believes she’s better off alone. She only connects deeply with animals, they are her first love. But another great love is on the horizon, along with other life-changing discoveries.

When they learn of her gift, the media jackals gather, and Eva is forced into the limelight she’s avoided all her life. She is accused online of being a heretic and scam artist.

 Facing challenges at every turn, including her own inner demons, she must fight to protect, even embrace, her newfound ability.

But someone wants her dead.

*        *        *

Best-Selling Author Review : “I was captivated by Eva’s story and riveted to the end. Diane is a beautiful writer who has captured the essence of Eva’s unearthing of her true self. A story that is timeless. Bravo!” Laurie Seymour, M.A., twice a #1 international best-selling author, host of Wisdom Talk Radio, Executive Coach, international speaker and Founder/CEO of The Baca Institute.

Beta Reader review: “This book grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go!”

 

~ ~ ~ Read the first three chapters here 

Warm regards!
 
Diane

 
New Facebook writer page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086970980833
Amazon author page for all books: https://www.amazon.com/Diane-Solomon/e/B0186OZOVQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1 
www.EloquentRascals.com
www.SolomonHealing.wordpress.com
             

Top 1% Reviewer on Goodreads give The Twain 5 stars!

Top 1% Goodreads reviewer gives a wonderful 5-star review of “The Ravenstone: The Twain,” (part 2 of our Ravenstone series).

REVIEW: “Younger readers, this one’s for you! (But don’t be surprised if the rest of the family wants to read it, too!)

Diane Solomon and Mark Carey have teamed up to pen another middlegrade fantasy that will rocket readers into the world of time travel, evil villains and a desperate attempt by twins Aidan and Nadia to keep their mother safe. Armed with a magical stone and their own special powers, these two young heroes must depend on each other through danger, adventure and slipping in and out of different eras, all while not changing the future a little too much, all while risking being trapped in the past with no way to get home.

THE RAVENSTONE: PART 2: THE TWAIN is written for younger readers to enjoy, understand and relate to, because, really, just how cool would it be to travel through time? Fuel for the imagination created in a rapid-fire pace without getting bogged down in too many details, positive role models, dilemmas to solve and even some socially conscious topics to wrestle with, delightful reading for the entire family to share and discuss!

I received a complimentary copy from Diane Solomon! This is my honest and voluntary review.”

Many thanks to lovely Dianne Bylo!

Dianne’s website/blog: https://tometender.blogspot.com/2020/07/the-ravenstone-part-2-twain-by-diane.html

Dianne’s Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/TomeTender

The Ravenstone: The Twain is available from Amazon, promotional price of 99c for the eBook!    AMAZON LINK

 

Wonderful intelligent book review from Quills and Roses!

quills-roses-twitterMark and I received a Christmas present today: a wonderful review from Quills and Roses.

Please forgive me if I toot a horn or two:

“…for the middle-grade category, this novel is up there with the greats.”

“The world is really interesting and well thought-out, and every leaf and branch is there, on the page.”

“The world is described so well that the magic practically jumps off the page and feels real. It’s absolutely wonderful.”

Thank you Sally of Quills and Roses!

 

Book Review Excerpt

“This novel kind of reminds me of those Magic Tree House books I used to love (anyone remember those? Or am I too old?). Except, with more sophisticated plotting and writing.

“There was a lot of suspense and mystery. The bad guys were terrifyingly bad and the good guys were cute and smart and good. Older readers may find that a bit too simple, but for the middle-grade category, this novel is up there with the greats.

“Conclusion: If you’ve ever wanted to go on a magical time travelling adventure with a pair of smart, inquisitive twins (or are doing some Christmas shopping for young, avid readers) be sure to check The Ravenstone out!”

Read book review here:  Quills and Roses Review of The Ravenstone 

Author Interview on Chat About Books!

Chat About Books:
Author Interview with Diane Solomon and Mark Carey
Diane Solomon Chat About Books interview

 

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

Diane & Mark: For the pure logistics, we are outliners. We use a large board, into which we stick pushpins to hold up postcard-sized cards with scenes, sections, or individual pieces of the story (or sections if non-fiction). Then we can physically see the jigsaw puzzle and move things around until they feel right.

Character is vital: We spend a long time on character development, and each day before either of us writes, at least at the beginning, we tend to read through all the notes and reacquaint ourselves with the character.

Diane: Yes, if I am beginning to live and breathe the character – if I am in the protagonist’s head, and she is in mine – she will write her own actions and words.

But, I want to bring up something else, something required for the writing process for me. It’s hard to define, but essential. My writing seems to stem from what my husband calls my “extreme heart.” My writing process only works well if heart is involved….

Continue : READ MORE ON CHAT ABOUT BOOKS

Raventsone Homeschooling Book Cover

Check out Diane and Mark’s new middle grade novel  

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