Tag Archives: magical realism

“Eva” wins the Reviewer’s Favorite Award at Feathered Quill Book Awards!

Feathered Quill Book Awards chooses “Eva!” 

 
I’m so thrilled! The reviewer, Lily Andrews, who reviewed my book for Feathered Quill Book Awards, chose my book of all that she reviewed in 2023 as her favorite. She said, “The author, Diane Solomon, skillfully melds the real world and the imaginary, delivering a tale with all the crystalline incisiveness that modern novels of a similar genre often lack.”
 
Yay!!! 
 

Writing style: “elegantly uncomplicated”

REVIEWS FOR EVA:

 
In a beautiful review for “Eva” the reviewer stated that my writing was “elegantly uncomplicated.” I was thrilled. That is a high compliment, in my view.
 
I took an oath, to myself, after college creative writing classes. I vowed: Simple. Just say it. Go for Hemingway-esque with passion and suspense. Don’t use two words when one will do. Get out of yourself, Diane and just tell the story.
 
Years later, when I edited the thesis for my homeopathic degree, I realized I had been showing off my Writing, with a big ole’ capital W… So I edited to rub off its intellectual rough edges. To make it easily comprehensible.


DON’T BE CAUGHT WRITING!

And with fiction, I don’t want anyone yanked out of the story because they’ve noticed my writing. I want them lost in it, for them to forget they are reading a book. To me, that is the ultimate goal. I don’t read ( and certainly don’t write) literary fiction. It is too often self-involved. Self aware. It feels as if the author was sunk into her writing experience, forgetting the reading experience. (Perhaps we are looking at the difference between art and performance, but I think that’s another blog!)
 
I am a storyteller, a performer, and a communicator, and that can’t be filled up with obtuse, often unintelligible words or sentences. If someone reads a long sentence and has to go back and read it again to understand the message, in my view the author has failed. I need no one to think I am erudite and intellectual. I want them to be moved by the story.
 
AI hasn’t learned it yet. It is clever, too clever, with every adjective and enthusiastic turn of phrase. And it’s repetitive. Everything I read from AI needs a good editor. When AI gets more astute and evolved, watch out. But I bet it will never move you like a human author can. An author who shares a story with the river of emotion running through her blood. That you can feel when you read her words. There’s nothing like that for me.


What do you think?

“Eva” eBook on special .99 promotion this weekend

My novel, Eva: a riveting romantic suspense, will be on a weekend promotion, only .99 for the eBook. 

 

 

 

Diane Solomon has written a resplendent delight for the heart and soul. Written in taut, evocative prose…” Editorial Review: Lily Andrews of Feathered Quill

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

Eva is an enthralling and well-crafted novel that seamlessly weaves together a captivating blend of supernatural, romantic suspense, and family drama elements.” Editorial Review from Demetria Head at Readers Favorite.

THE STORYEva possesses a unique power. Is it a blessing or a curse?

Never having known her father and losing her mother when she was young, Eva believes she’s better off alone. Volunteering at the local rescue center in her small New England town, she connects deeply with the animals. They are her first love. But another great love is on the horizon, along with more life-changing discoveries. A father she didn’t know she had, a new family she doesn’t trust, and Michael, who is unlike anyone she’s ever known.

When the world learns of her gift, she’s forced into the limelight she’s avoided all her life. The internet lights up with wonder… and accusation.

Facing challenges at every turn, including her own inner demons, she must fight to protect, even embrace, her newfound ability. And learn to trust enough to open her heart.

◆ Escape into Eva’s world. Grab your copy now before the price changes.

◆ 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.

Reader Review Snippets:

  • “…one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.”
  • ” a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and the supernatural that kept me on the edge of my seat.”
  • “…a beautiful escape and leaves you filled with inexplicable joy.”
  • “a poignant and captivating novel that explores the depths of human resilience and the power of redemption.”

Feathered Quill posts great author interview with Diane!

Feathered Quill posts fascinating author interview with Diane!

Lily Andrews, the reviewer and interviewer, asked such interesting questions. Here is just one:

FQ: In Eva’s world, sick animals are healed through supernatural abilities. I found this a very heartwarming concept. Is this something you’ve imagined for a long time and wanted to put into one of your stories? Do you believe that animals have spirits that their human friends can connect to?

SOLOMON: Yes, animals have spirits just as we do. For me, mankind has been guilty of arrogance regarding the treatment of animals, and I hope and pray that day is soon over. We all share this planet, and I don’t believe humans have any more right to its resources than other species on Earth. This is a passion for me.

Not only does every cat or dog I’ve ever had the pleasure of “owning” have a different personality, each has feelings. And I don’t just mean feeling pain, which of course they do. They feel embarrassment, for example. I was playing with my little black cat, Fudgie, with a feather on a rod, on the bed, and she leaped into the air to catch it. One time she misjudged her landing and slid down between the end of the bed and the bench at the bottom of the bed. There was nothing to hurt her, it was soft, but we laughed. We laughed. She stayed under the bed and wouldn’t come out, wouldn’t look at me. When she finally reappeared, she was not hurt at all, of course, but had been embarrassed, or even angry that we laughed at her. I’ve seen examples like this many times.

And how about animals’ ability to connive? That takes brains and cunning. We had a beautiful English Setter named Feather, who was obsessed with a robin’s nest in a lilac, with a few babies in it, chirping. Drove her crazy. We kept demanding she leave the area alone, and I must have said “No!” a hundred times. She would back away, then sneak all the way around the house, thinking she could slink around unobserved and get under that lilac. And when I caught her doing it, she stopped abruptly and looked around innocently. “La la la, here I am, what a nice day, just happened to be here…. La la la.” It was too funny.

That spirit in an animal that I can feel when I hold them and meditate, quietly, focusing on them, is the energy that Eva connects with when she heals them. But how I wish I knew how she does it!

Read More: Feathered Quill Interview with Diane Solomon

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. 

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