Readers Comments

March 2007

I wanted to thank you so much for the special note you put in my book. That meant a lot to me. I also wanted to let you know that I finished reading it and I LOVED IT!!! I could not put this book down.

I loved Allison. The more I read the more I wanted to hug her because of everything she was going through. Oh my and Bill, Well I think I just want to bring him home and marry him, among other things, (oh that was naughty).

I am the type of person that when I find a writer whose book I like, I try to read everything they have written. I can't wait to read more.

Thanks again for the wonderful book.
Cheri (Georgia)

February 27, 2007

From a reader who ordered two copies, one for a friend.

…we were just talking about it (UNRAVELED) last night. She’s on chapter 8 and I’m finished. I (we) really think you should do another. She’s been to your web site and is excited about reading more…So are you working on anything now? “Unraveled” was great, it hooks you on the first page, heck, the first paragraph and reels you in.

Marsha (Georgia)

February 1, 2007

UNRAVELED

I read the book [Unraveled] and thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe you have a hit. Thanks
David (South Carolina)

January 28, 2007

UNRAVELED

“I read before I go to sleep. It kept me up through page 12. Usually, I don’t get that far. I felt so sorry for the heroine. I’m already curious where this mystery is going to take me. No tellin’ with you. I can say that I hope you write more mysteries. This flows as well as any top 10 mystery. Thanks a lot!!”
---- A little later ---Upon reading my first review (5 stars)
“No surprise! I’m on page 60 and look forward to the quiet time tonight to read more!”
---A little later still ---
I couldn’t stand it. I had to know that ___ and _____would be okay. I glanced at the ending. That’s how suspenseful it is!!! Super.
Love,
Dianne” (Texas)

1/22/07

UNRAVELED

Diana,

I can't remember if I emailed you to let you know. I read through the book in two night flats--couldn't put it down. Wonderful story. Can't believe this is your first mystery! I loved _____ and _______. And your villains are so well drawn. I love that even when you know that _______ is the villain, you can still sympathize with Allison being attracted to the love he has for her.

Congratulations on penetrating a new genre!

Linda (Virginia)

March 11, 2006

Dear Diana,

I am totally immersed in the Hamilton family and amazed at the twists and turns of your mind. Just when I think I know what will happen, another twist. I am nearing the end of the book and am trying to make it last. I hate ending a good book. It would make a better movie than "Gone with the Wind". Please get back to writing and get that sequel done. I now understand the cover. When I looked at it, I could not figure out why the riverboat was important, and wondered if it was just a setting, another twist. I love it. I get bragging rights when you get your first movie deal…

(March 15. 2006)

Well, I finished it and the only thing I got right was that Andrew wasn't really dead. It is a great book and I can't wait until the sequel comes out. I hated finishing it but all good things must come to and end. Marie – [New York]

March 14, 2006

I took Castle of Sorrows with me to Galveston and read the whole thing. I really liked it because it was good entertainment and, as you said, a nice break. My friend, Cheri is reading it now. I'm going to go online and order some more. Marsha – [Georgia]

September 10, 2001

Hi Diana - My name is Joyce ... and I am Vivian's sister. I visited her and Noah in their beautiful new home over Labor Day Weekend and she introduced me to you, or more precisely, your novel, "Too Late for Tomorrow." I began reading it over the weekend and have finished it since I've been home. Congratulations on a terrific first novel. I did love the characters and stayed interested all the way to the end. You have an engaging style of writing. I commend your efforts and am happy for your success. I trust you have written or are writing or at least planning to write more." Joyce (Riva, Maryland)

August 21, 2001

I finished the book, not that I wanted to, I hate reading the last pages of a good book. I enjoyed it because; the characters are well defined and easy to follow, there is not paragraph after paragraph of description, it moves quickly and just when you are sure you know what is going to happen, you turn the page and discover how wrong you were. I have read a lot of Civil War based novels and in all honesty when I looked at this one I thought here we go again, burning plantations, beating slaves, eating raw turnips, spoiled southern girls and mint juleps on the verandah, then I started reading and realized this one is going to be different and it was. Thank you for writing a side of southern life I wasn't aware existed. I am looking forward to reading the next stage in the lives of your book family. I cannot imagine being able to create a family and giving them lives to live. Marie (Wellsburg, NY)

May 14-16, 2001

DIANA HI, I AM DAWN'S MOM AND I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I LOVED YOUR BOOK, "TOO LATE FOR TOMORROW" AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN WILL THIS BOOK BE AT THE BOOK STORES. I'M GLAD THAT YOU ARE DOING TWO MORE BOOKS AND I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THEM. I REALLY ENJOYED THAT BOOK.
(Not sure which "Dawn" the email referred to, I had to ask.)

DAWN, MY DAUGHTER, WORKS AT THE HAIRCUTTERY AT KINGSTOWN. SORRY, I GUESS I WAS SO HAPPY THAT I FORGOT TO TELL YOU THAT. THANK-YOU DAWN'S MOM
(When I asked if I may use her quote on my website:)

SURE, IF IT HELPS YOU TO LET PEOPLE KNOW HOW GOOD YOUR BOOK IS. I WILL BE WAITING FOR YOUR OTHER BOOKS AND I HAVE A FRIEND THAT LOVES TO READ AND I KNOW SHE WOULD LOVE YOUR BOOKS ALSO. THAT'S WHY I CAN'T WAIT TILL THEY ARE IN THE BOOK STORE. I WANT TO BUY ONE FOR ME AND ONE FOR MY FRIEND. AND IF YOU LET ME KNOW THE NEXT TIME YOU GO TO DAWN TO GET A HAIR CUTE AND I HAVE YOUR BOOK, I WONDER IF YOU WOULD SIGN IT AND MY FRIENDS BOOK TO? THANK-YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO E-MAIL ME AND I WILL NOW LET YOU GET BACK TO WHATEVER YOU WERE DOING CAUSE I DON'T WANT TO STOP YOU OR SLOW YOU DOWN. YOU MUST BE VERY BUSY. SO I WILL SAY AGAIN THANK-YOU SO MUCH.
DAWN'S MOM

“5 février, 2001” (Feb. 5, 2001)

Good morning Diana,

About the book--I thought it was very romantic and at first I had trouble accepting the relationship between Gabby and Jeremy. . . it was a relationship that was not possible. Although by reading on and on I finally accepted it and was happy for them. The story was both sad and exciting. It was very easy for me to visualize the scenes by the way you wrote it. I'm sure this book must have taken a lot of research on your part and I am happy to see that some people back then were working on liberating a lot of slaves. I guess it took a lot of people like them to be where we are right now.

Anyway I enjoyed reading your book, and good luck on getting the next one published.

Carole” (Omerville, Quebec [Canada])

August 15, 2000

“Diana, I took your book on vacation to Emerald Isle and could not put it down. My husband commented that he had not seen me so engrossed in a book since before the children were born (21 years ago!). I was intrigued with the characters and the history - I felt like I was part of the novel. When can I expect your next release? Great job!!!!”

Cheroyl (Richmond, Virginia)

July 24, 2000

“Diana. I just finished reading your book. I have been taking the bus to work and have been reading quite a bit more. I started your book last Monday, and was unable to put it down until I finished it. It is very good. Enjoyed it tremendously. It is sensitive, historical, intense, and suspenseful. I hope Oprah gets to hear about it. Keep the stories coming.

Charles” (Fairfax, Virginia)

From someone who was sent Too Late for Tomorrow as a gift, to the person who sent it:

“July 9, 2000 …I finally found time to read Diana’s book and it was so good. I hope she continues with writing as she must have a tremendous knowledge of history to be able to put such a story together. History is not something I enjoyed until the last few years but learning from her book made it interesting … I belong to 3 book clubs—you can’t imagine how many books I have … 3 have been along the same lines as Diana’s but not nearly as detailed … I can’t thank you enough for sending me Diana’s book and do encourage her to continue writing.”

Beulah (Branson, Missouri)

May 24, 2000

Dear Diana,

…I want you to know that I loved your book. I started reading it the next day after you were here, and could hardly put it down. It really held my interest and I think you did a tremendous job. I’m really proud of you, and will be looking forward to your next one …

Love, Elizabeth” (Berryville, Virginia)

Tuesday, April 25, 2000 4:28 AM
Subject: Finished the Book!!!!

Diana,

I have just finished reading your novel and I am so impressed!!! The book was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it . Very hard to put down. It is being passed on today to … so you should be hearing from her soon.

Congratulations on your achievement and hope the next one will be coming out soon.

Sandi (Henrico, Virginia)

March 2000

After receiving a copy of Too Late for Tomorrow as a Christmas gift from one of her relatives, this reader wrote to say how much she enjoyed the novel and to find out if she could buy another copy directly from me to donate to her local public library. After receiving that copy she wrote:

“Thanks so much for mailing me the book. I will donate it to the local library. I really enjoyed it… Now I hope many others will borrow it from the Jessie Peterman Library. Good luck on the next one.

Love, Pat---“

Feb. 2, 2000

Dear Diana,

…This is my first fan letter after reading romance stories for over 60 years. But I wanted to write and tell (you) how much I enjoyed your book TOO LATE FOR TOMORROW….I hope I’ll be able to read many more of your books.

Bette (Florida)

Feb. 2000

You really made me care about the characters and what was happening to them. I tire of reading stories when I don’t really feel anything for the characters. Though I admit this is not one of my normal subjects of interest, I truly enjoyed it. Too Late for Tomorrow is as good as anything on the bookstore shelves.

Lauren (Springfield, Virginia)

Jan. 2000

This is the first chance I’ve had to tell you how much I enjoyed your book. The characters were wonderful and I cared what happened to them. You have a real gift.

Linda (PhD) (Alexandria, Virginia)

Jan. 11, 2000

“Now that Christmas is over, I have a spare moment to let you know how much I enjoyed your book. The characters came to life for me and some of your writing – maybe it was the subject – reminded me of Eugenia Price…Look forward to your sequel. How can you get more publicity? …

Diane (Florida)

Dec. 1999

Congratulations on your book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next installment. It has all the ingredients for a mini-series if ever adapted for TV…I know a lot of people are going to be wrapped up in your characters and their continuing story.

Jon (Louisville, Kentucky)

Dec. 12, 1999

(Written to a woman who sent the book to her father who is a Civil War buff.)

“…Congratulate Diana Lee as the book flows smoothly as it intertwines its characters in a period of American History that I love. “

Joe (California)

Nov. 17, 1999

Well, I was finally able to pick up your book again this week after reading the first chapter a month or so ago when I absconded with it from Heather's house. I finished it in two nights before bed. What an intriguing story and rich characters! Damn your foreboding! You kept me waiting for Jeremy's letters, for Edmond to show, for Gabby to reveal her secrets, and for Christopher to return. How clever of you to reveal Yvonne's motives as well, since I didn't expect to hear more about her late in the story. You have the devil in you with your hints of possible incest and interracial affairs and you put a human face on Gabby when she was tempted and kissed Daniel. OK, so now I'm waiting for the sequel, but with the war now passed what could this clan possible get into next? Well, you've left enough remaining men for a few generations to come! I'll return the book to Heather now...

Kevin (Virginia)

Nov. 17, 1999

Just a quick note. I wanted to let you know that I finished reading your book….I really did like it. The ending was a surprise…It really kept my interest. I’m glad you didn’t leave us hanging until the next book. I was afraid things would not get resolved and I would have to wait for the sequel. The characters really seemed to come alive for me. You’ll have one loyal customer for your next book.

Sandi (Florida)

Sunday, August 29, 1999

Miss Diana Lee Johnson,

I had the good fortune of buying your new book while attending the NIGP Conference. I read it on the way home to Phoenix, Arizona. Your wonderful words and delightfully human characters made the trip most enjoyable.

Thank you for sharing your love of that period in our history with all of us.

I do so look forward to the sequel of which you spoke one morning as a group of us were taking breakfast. I will be looking for your name in print.

Katherine (Arizona)

Sat., September 11, 1999

Loved your book...can’t wait till the next installment! I guess you knew I retired on August 20th...Keep up the good work and keep in touch.

Larry (Virginia)

October 12, 1999

... It's not everyday you meet a novelist on an airplane is it? Our flight back from Halifax was uneventful, but very long. Thanks to you and your book it made the flight and drive back home "fly" by. I did not put your book down until I hit my driveway that night. I even read in the shuttle back to our house. I was rather unsocial to my husband. He commented I should have had the book when I started the trip, but then I probably wouldn't have seen much of Halifax.

The problem is that when I walked into my house my other life restarted and that's a working Mom with three kids ages 4 to 11. Reading a novel doesn't much fit into my lifestyle, until everyone is in bed and then by that time I'm usually too tired to read. However, I did plug away at the your book determined to finish, since I had already invested a lot of time in it and truly was enjoying it. I'm proud to report that I finished it a few weeks ago.

I really loved the book. It was captivating and educational as well. I really learned a lot about Civil War history in a fun relaxing way. There was a point I admit that I really did not want Gabby and her true love to be together. I was kind of pulling for Christopher and secretly hoping that he might win her heart. The ending was surprising and fun to have Lincoln in your novel. I wonder if his wife really liked planning weddings? I read the last 100 pages... One night I couldn't sleep and I was motivated to finish it so I could report back to you. I finished it in one sitting...

Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to share your work. ... I hope our paths will cross again. Let me know when your next book is finished. ... I will buy it! ...

Sincerely, Ann —, Kansas City, Kansas

Monday, July 26, 1999

WAITING IMPATIENTLY FOR THE SEQUEL TO "TOO LATE FOR TOMORROW"

Diana,

Hi, I hope all is well with you. I've completed the book and it was outstanding!!!! Although I didn't want it to end, I was anxious to know the outcome. From beginning to end I was mesmerized.

You asked me did I want to read the sequel, I told you I can wait. I lied, I CAN'T. It may not mean much coming from me, but it takes a special person with a vivid imagination to write a book. Honestly Diana it was a great book coming from the heart of a great person.

I hope your book signings are going well. Again CONGRATULATIONS.

MARIAN (Alexandria, Virginia)

Oct. 1999

I finished your book the night before last and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm glad to hear you have a sequel coming. I'm looking forward to continuing the saga.

Armand (Virginia)

Thursday, August 19, 1999

Diana,

I read your book while I was at the beach and really enjoyed it. You're a wonderful writer. When I first started reading it, I was very aware of thinking "Diana wrote this sentence." "This is how Diana described that." and so on. But it didn't take long for me to be immersed in the story and forget about the author. That sounds funny, but it's a good thing!

Tina (Leesburg, Virginia)

Tuesday, September 7, 1999

Hi...I read your book last week and enjoyed it immensely! Didn't put it down. Your characters were so interesting, and you made me really care what was happening to them. I have stopped reading books with good plots but with characters that I just couldn't like or care about. You certainly got into yours.

I am sincerely impressed with your ability and talent. I am sure this first novel will not be an only novel.

It was lucky we met on the plane, or I might not have made the purchase and missed not only knowing you better, but reading a terrific book. I also liked the depiction of the South much better than we are usually presented.

I look forward to your NEXT novel.

Pat (Georgia)

From England:

"Dear Diana,

How thrilled we are to have received a copy of your book! Thank you for sending it and for your personal note within! As D--- is unable to read now because of her stroke, I have read the whole story to her. We have both enjoyed it very much and have looked forward each evening to the next chapter. We have always liked stories with a strong factual content. To us, you have conveyed a story of the terrible times of the war between North & South, plus the loves and lives of the indomitable family Hamilton. . . . D--- joins me in wishing you luck in any future stories. Maybe a sequel?? . . .

Much Love, D---- & R---."

“I’m on page 185. I just can’t put it down. My kids and my husband can’t believe I’m reading a book. They’ve never seen me with anything but magazines. Every night I can’t wait to get back to it.”

Beverly (Manassas, Virginia).

"I need to buy another book. I can't get my copy back from my mother-in-law. She liked it so much she's reading it a second time.@ (a week later). AI couldn’t put it down. I usually stick to newspapers and magazines, but this was a great story. It's a keeper.

Walter (Alexandria, Virginia)

A reader from Alexandria, Virginia, August 10, 1999

A story of Love, tragedy and war.

I really was not interested in reading this book about slaves and war. When I finally decided to read the book I could not put it down. The love scenes were so passionate, and the togetherness that the families had for each other was so full of strength. You will be surprised at what this book holds.

A reader from Farmville, Virginia, USA , April 21, 1999

An exciting and heartwarming story of family love.

This is a must-read book for anyone who loves historical romances, particularly those of the Civil War era. The characters are rich and full, with family ties and love being the strings that bind them all in one way or another. This is a novel of a family forced to deal with strong beliefs and opinions, frequently at odds with each other, but always with love enough to fill even the reader's heart. You will want to read every word on every page of this Civil War saga. I have just three more words to say: sequel, sequel, sequel!

A reader from Fort Washington, MD , April 23, 1999

Fascinating Story of Love and War.

An enjoyable read, full of intrigue and romance. Although I am no fan of the Civil War era, the story held my attention as these characters faced many obstacles to their love during the conflicts of war. I recommend this book to any one who loves an historically accurate and captivating drama.

Linda (Virginia)

Love,
Dianne” (Texas)

I read the book [Unraveled] and thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe you have a hit.

Thanks
David (South Carolina)