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A Love Beyond Choice
Eva: A riveting romantic suspense follows a young woman who prefers animals to people and discovers she has a unique ability to help animals heal. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I practiced as a homeopath and nutritionist for some years and fantasized regularly about really being able to heal people. Just with my touch. I also have longed to “meet” a dolphin my whole life… So, I put the two ideas together. A healer who gained her gift from a dolphin? Or does she give the healing power to the dolphin? Bottom line: My compassion for people who are ill or injured made me dream of the power of healing.
Eva grew up without a father and lost her mother early in life, only to then lose her Aunt. The only constant in her life is her dog Cookie. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Abandonment, whether intentional or from death, is traumatic and people can tend to build up walls to protect themselves from connecting in the future, to prevent further pain. I wanted to write from the perspective of a young woman who was in this situation and allow her to fulfill her arc to self-development. She must battle new challenges galore, in this story, both external and internal, in order to embrace her power, both as a normal healthy woman and as a supernatural healer!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There were several important themes I was melding into this story: the love of soulmates, of “a love beyond choice;” the connections between people, between spirits, and between people and animals; and the theme of the walls we often build that separate us from others. Also, there is the theme of power, both real and magical. And not least was investigating the theme of fame, notoriety, and how the media tends to beat down, pummel, and invade those who dare to cross its path.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I am strongly considering writing a follow-up to this book. I love Eva, and I don’t want to leave her! I’m seriously considering exploring the life of her daughter… she would, of course, be the next generation of power from a source undefined.
Since the elements of character arc and personal development are so important to me, I will have to explore certain themes for Eva and for her daughter: how to deal with power and the responsibility that comes with it. For now, my ideas are to do with the melting tundra, which may release untold ancient viruses humanity has never encountered. And what they may do to us as a species. Being healers, the pressure on Eva and her daughter would be huge.
On the other hand, I might just stay with Eva and have the mighty challenge be hers. But I like the idea of a daughter who is even more powerful than Eva.
It remains to be seen! Right now, my husband and I are in the middle of writing a time-travel mystery, with a romance in it. It’s called Dream Traveler and it will be out next year. So, the sequel to Eva might just have to wait!
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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.
Eva: a riveting romantic suspense with a supernatural twist
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.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0C8PGY1NS
LITERARY TITAN 