The Sorcerer’s Garden – D. Wallace Peach

On By ResaIn Book Reviews

Wow! Fantasy adventure, mystery and reality all rolled into one. Lillian might be looking into a crystal ball, but all else can only see what she, the Dreamer, reveals.

Peach has us looking through that crystal ball revealing window, always. Yet, are we looking into a garden filled with verdant life, or from the garden into a darkness? Perhaps death? In fact, the author takes us to both sides & then a third.

The saga opens in a time long ago. Two brothers, Dustin and Cody, slay a fire breathing dragon. It’s a well planned battle, and the brothers emerge heroes.

Peach quickly takes us to a second revealing window. We are in a different time. Place?  I was compelled to ask the author a few questions.

Peach – Well, I haven’t ever visited a catacomb or a crypt, though I’d like to! I tend to collect images randomly from the internet and use them to gather cool details – like the slant of light or the shape of columns or the pattern of tiles on the floor.

The Sorcerer’s Garden was a little different because it takes place in Portland, Oregon, near where I live. I used the Pittock Mansion, a real place, as Dustin and Cody’s mansion home. To prepare for the book, I took a private tour of the building (now a museum) and got to explore the areas the public doesn’t normally get to visit.

I took tons of notes, and collected photos and floor plans. Lillian’s music room in the book is exactly as it looked in the house. The tour included the basement, which was a little creepy and dusty and made for a perfect catacomb.

It was strange and disorienting going there for another tour after I completed the book. I felt like I’d stepped into the pages. I stood in Cody’s room, leaned on the counter where Pagan made coffee, and sat on Lillian’s sofa, looking out her picture window.

Resa – Quite cool, or in more modern words -that’s sick!

Resa – Our lead character, Madlyn, wears a black gown, the hem trimmed with onyx beads. It’s to a corporate dinner hosted by Dustin, head of the corporation. She is his social co-host. It sounds like a simple classic piece, no frills or poufs. She accessorizes with her mother’s elegant string of pearls.

 When we first see Princess Madlyn, in days of yore and gore, she’s in a black gown, its hem trimmed in onyx. Is she wearing any other jewels? A  different necklace, perhaps? Gloves?

Peach – I love your impressions of her gowns. I always envisioned the gowns as the same, since the story is already starting to overlap with the real world. But I never say that in the book, so her gowns are created by each reader’s imagination.
One of the coolest things about writing is that readers fill in the blanks, not only in clothing but in the general appearance of the characters and the setting. You’re the expert, so let your imagination create. Anything you do will be just right! I might even add some of your details to the book!
Resa – I imagined 2 gowns, as the story proceeded. One is her original black gown, with the addition of shoes and a sweater (scripted). The gown is now torn from horse riding through battles, the sweater disheveled.
Confession! First, I did create a gown that was not scripted. Yet, the era apparent of the story gave me way to come up with this gown. In the end I realize I created a fusion image. The image is Madlyn, The Queen & Lillian the Dreamer, all rolled into one.

So, to the battles. I engage emotionally when I write, so I hold my breath, make faces, grit my teeth, and cry when something bad happens.
My husband used to worry about me sobbing at my laptop, but knows to ignore it now.
I figure I need to immerse myself in a scene emotionally and feel all the feelings, because if I hold back, readers will sense the distance. I don’t feel bad about slaughtering monsters and bad guys, but it does hurt when I bump off characters I’ve grown fond of, and that certainly was the case in the book. The twist at the end changed the story, but in the moment, I was blubbering. I prepare by scheduling big chunks of time for tough scenes. That way I can give in, go where I need to go, process, and finish in one sitting.

Resa – There are some really bad guys in your story. I mean BAD, and not in the cool way.

The bad guys start off mean, greedy and willing to give into the Soul Thief. Once they give into the Soul Thief, they physically evolve into individual images of that evil. Peach, I bumped into this piece of alley art. I thought – OMG, it’s Warson, most of the way though his metamorphosis. His hair is evolving into horns, and he’s not dressed. Gross!

We find ourselves at the third revealing window. You’ll want to peer keenly through this window! It seems like there is a third entity, a spirit perhaps, writing another book. Nonetheless, it’s still this book. This is a brilliance of Peach’s writing. I’ve said lots, yet said nothing. You’ll just have to read the book!

This book deserves  all great reviews and accolades. It is in many ways about the age old struggles: peace and love vs. hate and war, bad vs. good; decency vs. cruelty. It is intense. Although good triumphs, it is not without loss. This is also an ancient reality.

A long-time reader, best-selling author D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life after the kids were grown and a move left her with hours to fill. Years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books, and when she started writing, she was instantly hooked.

In addition to fantasy books, Peach’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of the arts in her local community, organizing and publishing annual anthologies of Oregon prose, poetry, and photography.

Peach lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes.

Visit Diana on her blog!

You can buy D. Wallace Peach’s books on:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Kobo

All pics of street art taken by Resa – 2019 – 2022

Toronto, Canada

Artists:

Dragon (manipulated) – from a mural by Allan Bender John Nobrega & Stacey Kinder

All other artists unknown

225 thoughts on “The Sorcerer’s Garden – D. Wallace Peach”

  1. I love the way you review and interpret the books you read. You always make me want to hurry up to get the book. This sounds fabulous.

    1. AGM Dale!
      My dear Thunder, if you only knew how great a writer Peach is…. you’d buy a second book. I will, eventually. I have promised some other readings & reviews, but once all are accomplished, I will read another of Peach’s books!
      xoxoxoxo

    2. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I was just thrilled that Resa read the book and then offered to do one of her artistic reviews. I hope that you enjoy the book if you decide to pick it up. Happy Reading.

    1. Thank you, John!
      I want to read one of your books.
      I wish you were on Kobo!
      I’m trying not to collect any more books. So, right now that means ebooks. Yes, I am still boycotting Amazon.
      Nevertheless, I want to read one of your books. I would review it, in my odd way! xx

      1. Sadly other than Amazon there are only print copies at Barnes and Noble. Why don’t you read the descriptions and then let me know which book you would like and I’ll send you a file that you can load into your e-reader device. I will need your e-mail address to do that. Take your time.

  3. Timothy Price

    That was a really fun interview. Your drawings are gorgeous. “The Sorcerer’s Garden” sounds fabulous. While I love Icelandic Sagas and Norse Mythology, I rarely read contemporary fantasy fiction. Seems kind of strange doesn’t it?

    1. Thanks Tim!
      Not that strange.

      Contemporary fantasy fiction is not my go to genre. Thing is, I’ve been reading books by my blog pals. I seem to be going where their books take me. All genres are included.

      Sorcerers Garden is another wonderful departure, x

    2. Fantasy is such a broad broad genre, Tim, I’m not surprised that you enjoy one niche of it and don’t explore other areas much. I’m the same way even though it’s my writing genre. Resa’s interview and review were such a treat for me and I couldn’t be more grateful. Thanks for the visit and comment!

      1. Timothy Price

        I read various blogger’s books and my neighbor’s books. They end up being lots of fun. Lately, I’ve been doing research for papers I’ve submitted to conferences. The reading for research gets in the way of novels

        1. I tend to read a variety of books based on mood, so after something dense or heavy, I might jump into something light. One of the fun thing about writing is the wide range of readers. Good luck with your research. 🙂

          1. Timothy Price

            My current paper is titled “Demonic and Divine: Possession and Gender in the Middle Ages”. The conference is in Banff, Calgary, but I haven’t heard if it’s in-person or virtual yet. When I received the acceptance email, they hadn’t decided. I presented papers at two conferences via video conference last year. Virtual conferences are not as much fun. One of the points of conferences is traveling to different places.

              1. Timothy Price

                It is a fascinating subject. Especially when you start digging into it and see that most of the people considered to be possessed were women, and there was often a fine line determining whether the possessions were demonic or divine.

                1. That’s crazy! I have a feeling demonic lead the wins.
                  I like the one… if you want to know if she’s a witch – tie boulders to her and toss her in the water. If she floats up to the top, she’s a witch, so burn her.
                  If she stays sunken, she’s not a witch. Landsakes!

                  1. Timothy Price

                    The good old Trial by Ordeal. Took care of the wretch one way or the other. There were various was men were executed back then. Women were burned at the stake and that’s it. A particularly cruel execution.

  4. I love your artistic reviews, Resa. They’re the best ever. What a total honor and complete delight. You found some great artwork, and of course, I love your gowns. I’m so tickled that you enjoyed the story and took the time to pull this together. I’m running out now to pick up my grandson, but I’ll will be back to visit with everyone before the day’s done. Many hugs!

      1. Thanks for your patience. He had a rough day at school so Grammy came to the rescue. Lol. And thanks again for the wonderful kindness. I’m going to reblog, but just want to find a good spot in my schedule for a proper celebration… Lol. Many hugs. ❤

    1. It’s an honour to draw characters in books. This book was a wonderful read & experience. Of course this is only the second author I’ve drawn a character … from/of.
      oxoxox

    2. I can’t even express how delighted I was with the drawings, Holly. I wanted Resa to be creative since she is certainly the fashionista extraordinaire! I can’t stop smiling. Thanks for the beautiful comment and the lovely support. Happy Reading!

  7. Hi Resa, this book sounds really interesting, especially the balance of peace and love vs. hate and war, bad vs. good; decency vs. cruelty – it sounds very familiar to a franchise I follow in a galaxy far away.
    Portland Or. seems to be a hotbed for creativity as I seem to recall the city has a thriving community and a creative mentality of “Keep Portland Weird”. A fellow blogger named Pete Scully introduced me to this movement through his artworks.
    Great art from all three of you!

    1. We do have a slogan “Keep Portland Weird.” It struck me as so funny when I moved here and I still get a kick out of it. It was fun basing a contemporary story here that completely slides off the rails into the fantastical. Thank you so much for taking a peek at Resa’s amazing review and fun interview. For an author, it’s a bit of heaven. Happy Reading.

    2. It was a great book, Tyeth! It’s a massive adventure, so I can draw a parallel to your far away galaxy adventures. Of course the fighters had swords and crossbows, not light sabers.
      “Keep Portland Weird”…. interesting.

      Thank you for your sweet comment!

  8. :o;. I did laugh at the bit about sobbing over your laptop Dianne. What a fabulous post ladies. Resa, you always the best questions. Ones that take a reader right into the heart of the book as well as how a writer works. Dianne, or should I say ‘Peach’ this sounds epic . it is another one for the kindle.

    1. Eeee! Shey!
      Thank you! Diana is an amazing writer. I’m a slow reader. However, at a certain point, I couldn’t stop.
      I can hardly wait for your book! xoxo

      1. I am genuinely on the last trawl through. This one for any errors. Lord, they were just such a hard couple to write I wanted to string them. And it was like they were laughing at me thinking..now they could have done this or that –as in the easy option –but they weren’t in a book like that….. Swines. xxxxxxxxxxx

            1. I am not a fan of fantasy cos I feel it often over reaches itself clobbering the world building bit to death but Diana does it so like ‘what’s the deal here, this is this world.’ But I felt that so many things in the first book of the Rose Shield were very relevant despite it being fantasy, especially the thinking control.

        2. LOL!!!! You already have the dudes bossing you around! Now, you have characters in a book telling you what you should do?
          Oboy! Let’s just hope they don”t join forces.
          Excited to draw your newest heroine!!! Gowns’r’me! xxxxxxx

          1. Yeah she has a creamy silken embroidered with metal gown so it shimmers. Generally she does about in a big old coat and hat like a souffle and she has Titian hair so there you go. And yeah my characters boss me the entire time. From Sin deciding he was going to be in the Viking book when it was NEVER EVER to be time travel, from Mitchell Killgower and Divers O’Roarke telling me they did not like …even their names, which I then changed to these names, never mind anything else. And to get it changed. ( I wrote the Writer and the Rake to contractual obligation in 3 months. Imagine after r2 him doing that so i had to go back and rewrite the book.) Yep, they boss. But this pair are taking the proverbials xxxx

    2. Ha ha. Thanks, Shey. I do sob over my characters, snotty tissues and puffy eyes and all! Not right now though. I’m grinning ear to ear as I swoon over this post. And I started your book today, the minute it hit my laptop. Malice is currently feeling a little seasick. 🙂 Happy Reading, my friend.

      1. Oh dear… Malice does have a problem that way and she tries to be all …what problem??… having various other agendas. Resa does fabulous book posts. I love the way she mails questions one at a time and you don’t realise it is an interview. I keep having this image of you wailing over the laptop. It is brilliant. i just bang my head on the desk over mine. Away to start book two of Rose Shield Can’t wait to dive back in xxxxxx

            1. The book specific questions were great, because you’re right that those are rare. I’ll reblog tomorrow and hopefully send a lot more bloggers her way. She deserves the attention. 🙂

        2. BTW! The bodice came out gorgeous on the green gown. I decided to do the skirt in bias, so after cutting the pieces, I had to let the pieces fall for almost a week. I have now begun the seams.

                1. Yeah, I mean if I’d called her uhm. I dunno ..but Janet, or Jean or something… well i don’t think the impact would ahve been the same.(BTW.. originally she was meant to be nice, kind and lovely, no trouble at alll. I don’t know what happened.)

              2. Yeah.. I think the name Malice roughly came from what I said to Resa below but Snotra? Well. I guess that one just came from being a certain way. And yeah I confess now she is the most cardboardy villain I have ever written –deliberately so xxx

            2. Alas I could not help myself on that onexxxxx (ps..Ii had found many years back while researching ancestors, a historical provenance for the name Malice. . For once, despite assassins, sword for hire, and robber barons, any of mine. But yes it existed. Snotra??No.)

  9. LOVE LOVE LOVE this review. Resa – you are truly a gifted artist who creates stories with needle and thread as well as with pen, paper, paintbrush and canvas. Don just walked by, saw your drawings and pronounced that you were brilliant.

    You are also a master of collaboration, bringing people together for amazing projects. I just downloaded “The Sorcerers Garden” and will keep this post close for the “gown” inspiration.

    Diana – you have the magic of creating atmosphere. “Even the wind fled the carnage.” And I love the title “Soul-Thief.”

    I am looking forward to this read!!!

    Sending many hugs along with my thanks to you both!!

    1. Resa is talented, kind, and so very generous, Rebecca. I’ve never had anyone create art related to one of my books. So this feels especially special 🙂 and I’m honored. I’m tickled that you decided to pick up the book and hope you enjoy the zany adventure. It’s a wild one! Thanks for dropping by and Happy Reading.

    2. Kiss Don for me!

      I like collaborating. You do too, which is why you have podcasts.

      Diana is an excellent writer, in more ways than one. There’s story, structure, grammar and flair. There is no one way to write, I have learned from reading various writers.
      For example, Diana & Shey are different in their approaches to story telling. I adore them both!
      {{{hugs}}}

      1. I just downloaded “the Viking and the Courtesan (Time Mutants Book 1) by Shey. I have my reading organized for this year, starting Shey, Diana, and Leo Tolstoy. What a great trio!! 2022 will be a great year of reading. Many hugs coming back to you!!

        2. I’m reading the Viking and the Courtesan right now, Rebecca. I love Shey’s style – so snappy and clever. And thanks for putting us up there with Tolstoy. Lol. Happy Reading, my friend.

  10. I really enjoyed reading a bit about the process that went into writing the book and of course I loved your dresses. I did chuckle (and shudder) at the thought of riding in a gown. So glad to be able to wear jeans and boots when I ride (and other clothes as well, of course.) 🙂

    janet

    1. I totally agree about “riding a horse in a gown,” Janet. Of course, the skirt of the gown rides up her legs, improper in this world. I much prefer jeans myself, unless I’m writing and that’s always in pajamas. 🙂 Resa’s gowns are amazing as always and I’m just delighted with her artwork and kindness. Thanks for the visit and comment, and Happy Reading.

    2. Oh good! I always enjoy asking the writers questions…… 1 question at a time! I need the answers to settle in.

      Well, the thing about riding in a gown is that I got to draw a torn gown blowing in the wind.
      Hahaha! Glad you added the part (and other clothes as well, of course.) otherwise you’d be a western Godiva! xo

    1. Her drawings are wonderful, Marina, and I couldn’t be more honored. And it was fun to answer questions so specific to the book, something that doesn’t happen often. Thanks for dropping by and for your wonderful comment. 🙂 ❤

    2. Dahling Marina!

      Thank you about my drawings. They keep getting better, although N prefers my scribble drawings. I must say the first gown…plain with the pearls was the most difficult to draw.
      The next 2 were easier, more fun. I guess I’m just too, used to drawing Art Gowns.
      xoxoxo 💃🏽❤️xoxoxo 💃🏽❤️xoxoxo 💃🏽❤️xoxoxo 💃🏽❤️

  14. I’ve never seen a book review like this before. I love, love, loved it!!! Brava to Resa for the creativity and originality and brava to Diana for writing book that inspired them!

    2. Isn’t it great, Liz? It’s so unbelievably creative and super generous. I just love the blend of review, Q&A, the street art (one of my favorite things), and Resa’s original gowns. Those are the best. She overflows with kindness and I couldn’t be more delighted. Thanks for the visit and the wonderful comment. Have a great afternoon, my friend.

    1. I’ve seen photos of the catacombs in Paris, Michel. Wow, they are creepy and gristly. There are also lots of fantasy images/illustrations of catacombs that add a lot of cool details I can draw on. It’s all fun. Resa did a fabulous job with the literary and gown report. Lol. Thanks for dropping by.

  16. Pingback: A Creative Review or what! | Myths of the Mirror

    1. Jill!
      You are so sweet. Setting the bar high, lol!
      I don’t know how to write a review, actually, so I just came up with this mixed media approach. Someone said it was a 3D review. I like that!!! Take care!

    2. Ha ha ha. I agree, Jill. I’ve been thinking about how I can up my game when it comes to reviewing books. But I don’t think it’s possible to match anything like this. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind comment. Hugs.

    1. Thank you Cold Hand! The story drips with passion. It’s great. Well, I don’t really know how to write a book review, so I came up with this style.
      I’ve done some on my Art Gowns blog, as well, with gown drawings.

    2. I agree, Darlene. What a great way to describe it! Multi-media. I’m so glad you stopped by and enjoyed all Resa’s work. She put hours and hours into this. I couldn’t be more grateful. Have a wonderful day, my friend.

  20. What a great review. I find that most everything I read by Diana is a spectacular mix of good vs. evil with a lot of gray areas to make the reader think and feel. And did I mention color—as in vibrant, colorful, immersive worlds? She excels at them!

    I love the addition of the stunning drawings to this review. Congratulations to Diana, and many thanks for sharing, Resa.

    1. Thank you so much, Mae!
      It’s wonderful that you took time to read this.
      Sounds like you’ve read a lot of Diana’s books. Is there one you would suggest,for my next read?
      Did you read The Ferryman and the Sea Witch?
      Diana is an excellent writer, agree!!!!
      I have a penchant for drawing characters in gowns. Mermaids are fun, too!

      1. The Ferryman and the Sea Witch is superb, Resa. Although I haven’t read all of Diana’s books, I’ve read a good deal of them. My personal favorites are the two books in the Shattered Sea series–Soul Swallowers and Legacy of Souls. They’re gems!

    2. Thanks so much for visiting, Mae, and for the lovely comments about my writing and worldbuilding. You know how to spoil a writer… and so does Resa. I don’t reblog reviews often, but had to show off her generosity and talent. I was so tickled by this. Have a wonderful day.

  22. What a wonderful review and interview Resa! I love your questions, illustrations, and how you nudged Diana to reveal more of her process. Diana, I love how you described diving into your character’s story emotionally so that we would experience it with you. I could see you sobbing at your laptop while your husband shakes his head!

    1. Ha ha ha. The first time it happened, Brad, over a decade ago, the look on his face was priceless. He was so worried. I looked up at him and said, “I just killed off (so and so).” I think he thought I was a lunatic. Resa did a wonderful job, didn’t she? I was so honored by the whole thing. Thanks for the visit, my friend. Hugs.

    2. I like asking questions, but not so much like an interview. The questions come up 1 at a time. It’s like the answer to one question leads to another question. I try to keep it to 3. So happy you enjoyed this, W2F!

  23. Jane Sturgeon

    What a wonderfully artistic review, Resa. Your loving energy flows through and yes, Diana is a gifted writer. Great post. ❤

    1. Thanks so much for taking a peek at the review and for the comment, Jane. It was wonderful answering questions specific to the book, and of course, the whole composition of the post was a delight. Have a lovely day and Happy Writing. 🙂

      2. Diana! Thank you for the reblog…thingy. Lol.
        Have been approving many first time comments, so there are many lovely things people have said!

          1. I saw that! I’ll be over to Art Gowns later. Uch, first, once I catch up here, I have to wash the bathroom floor and dishes. Then I can treat myself to some more blogging.

              1. The building I live in is 130 years old. There are some gorgeous features, and dirt isn’t one of them. It seems the new dirt hides, then after cleaning, it puffs up through any cracks it can find.

                I’ll just catch up a bit here, then it’s GARBAGE DAY! I’ll be back.

    1. A feel very lucky, Jacqui. It was such an honor and so creative. It makes the rest of us mortals’ reviews feel dull indeed! Ha ha. Not really, every review is a treasure, but this was quite special. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs.

    1. Isn’t it amazing, Jan? Resa is hyper-talented, and I’m just over the roof with gratitude that she took the time to pull all this together. The drawings of my character were such a treat. If you really want to be blown away, follow the link on my post to her real-life gowns. Thanks for stopping by and many thanks for the kind comment.

    2. Thanks for stopping by, Staci. I just loved Resa’s creativity pulling this together. You know the anticipation when you’re waiting for a new book cover from your designer? This was like that, and I loved the result. Have a lovely afternoon, my friend.

    1. Thanks for dropping by and commenting, Robbie. I’m still glowing over Resa’s talent and her generosity. I was delighted to share the review and send everyone over her to check out her blog(s). Happy Writing, my friend. ❤

      1. D.L. Finn, Author

        What an amazing interview and review filled with beautiful artwork! This is a story I loved, and I have some exploring to do next time I visit Portland 🙂

              1. Oh Resa. A good overwhelmed I hope. I have very active and engaged followers. I love every one of them, but it does make for busy days. Things should start calming down now. Many hugs.

        2. Thanks for the sweet comment, Denise. If you visit Portland, the Pittock Mansion is worth a look. It’s a beautiful old building with a fascinating history. And you can check out the actually setting where the book took place. Ha ha. I loved this creative review and had to share it. I’m delighted that you enjoyed it. 🙂

    2. Thank you, Roberta! So many fab writers here on WP. Working my way through as many as possible, but with all the gown sewing and street art collecting, it’s a slow row I hoe. Then of course, I read at turtle speed. Cheers!
      I really enjoyed the podcast on TT&T!

  29. Wow, Resa, what a brilliant interview and review of Diana. You walked me through the exhibit of The Sorcerer’s Garden. I love your gowns and the artwork of the garden. I didn’t know the background of the book, Diana. I just visited the Pittock Mansion on the day of Christmas Eve and learned a little history of the mansion and the restoration. I saw the laundry room in the basement. The switchboards are sealed. Of course, your private tour took you to places not open to the public. I could see you crying and laughing when writing your book. You do emerge yourselves in writing. I thought your set up your writing room with a miniature display of scenes and characters, but you said they are in your head.

    I totally enjoyed reading this review, Resa. Congratulations to you, Diana!

    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Miriam to take a peek at the review and check out Resa’s amazing artwork. She is so gifted. That’s very cool that you visited the mansion, Miriam. It must have been beautifully decorated for Christmas. I haven’t been there in years, but that sounds like a great time to book another tour. I used the actual floor plan for the book and knew where everyone’s room was. There’s no fountain there (which features in the book), but in one version of the construction plans, there was a fountain too! 🙂 Thanks again for the great comment, my friend. Hugs.

      1. Only my son-in-law Will, Autumn and us went. Mercy didn’t go in the last minute because she didn’t want to wake up Nora. I took photos of each room because it has a different theme for each room with different Christmas tree and decorations. One room had the bubble theme and had the bathtub filled with transparent bubbles with some bubbles “floating.” Autumn was fascinated and thought the bubbles were real. No color schemes were duplicate. The decorations were sponsored by different groups.

        I have to read that book, Diana. It’s on the Kindle.

    2. Thank you, Miriam!
      Diana sure made the most out of her tour of Pittock Mansion.
      The book is fab, and making this review was a lot of fun!
      Be well!

  31. I’m definitely a Peach fan, but you’ve shown me a whole new way to imagine and connect to her work, Resa! Thanks!!! Especially fun to see your gown designs and how her characters respond to them. It’s like they rise to the awesomeness of each gown.
    Your interview questions are really creative and fun too. A different angle than most. I bet it was fun for the author to think through the answers. Definitely fun for us to read them!!
    I look forward to seeing more of your artwork and more reviews and interviews here, Resa. Glad we got introduced today! -Sheri

    1. Thanks for taking the time to visit, Sheri, and for the wonderful comment. Every part of this process was fun and I loved the questions. When someone’s read a book, the Q&A feels more connected to the story. And I was delighted with the artwork, so tickled and honored. I’m glad you stopped by to meet this talented artist… and now, talented reviewer. Happy Writing, my friend.

    1. That was amazing, Teri. And the time it took to draw and pull together the post has me floored. And it’s not like Resa has nothing to do! Lol. This is a kind and generous blogging community and this week, she’s my star. Thanks for dropping by, Teri. Have a great Friday and wonderful weekend. 🙂

    2. Thank you Teri!
      It’s a wonderful feeling to draw a character. Admittedly, if there is a gown… or mermaid involved I can draw it better.

    1. LOL You’re so funny, Andrea. Wasn’t this the greatest? I just love Resa’s creativity, not to mention the kindness and all the time she put in. The original artwork is especially touching. You don’t need to read the book again though! Ha ha. Thanks for the visit and the wonderful comment. Happy Weekend, my friend.

      1. -grin- I don’t /have/ to…but I want to. 😀 I’m pretty sure it was the first book of yours I ever read, and that was years ago now. lol Time flies. 😀

          1. YES! Now you have made my day. 😀 Any clues dropping as to what the new book will be about? Not being greedy. Just one or two will do. 😀 -hugs-

  34. What a wonderful way to review a book, Resa! Lovely drawings. Super interview with Diana too. I understand that weird feeling she gets having based a setting on a real place and returning to it later. That’s happened to me. I recently downloaded The Sorcerer’s Garden to my Kindle, so I’ll prepare myself for the sadness.

    1. Awww. Thanks, Chris. I was just floored by Resa’s review and couldn’t be more grateful. I’m so glad you’ve experienced that weird sense of standing where your characters stood. It’s almost disorienting! And I’m delighted that you have the read in your kindle. When you get to it, I hope you enjoy. Have a great weekend!

    1. Thanks, Mark, for the visit and the lovely comment. I was totally delighted with Resa’s review and had to share. It’s the first time anyone has actually created artwork for one of my books. Have a glorious weekend and Happy Writing, my friend. 🙂

  36. Resa and Diana, this is marvelous! Resa, your perspective and imagination brought out new things for me. I can’t remember if this was the first book I got from Diana, but I’m always amazed by her unique ideas. Hugs to you both.

    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Teagan. Resa’s outdone herself again, and I think she’s exhausted now. Lol. I’m certain she’s picked up a bunch of admirers too. Thanks for the kind comment about the book. I’m tickled and honored. Have a wonderful Friday and weekend, my friend. Happy Writing. ❤ Hugs.

    2. Teagan!
      I’m thrilled to have added to your thoughts on the book!
      I’ve been having a lot of fun. Diana and her followers are all sweethearts.
      I’m so glad you came to see this! {{{HUGS}}}

  37. Hi Resa, It was this book that enticed me into reading the fantasy genre. I loved the book, and Diana’s creative mind and story-telling is amazing. And your book reviews and presentations are phenomenal. I was thrilled, to say the least, with my review, and yours for The Sorcerer’s Garden is beyond magnificent. 💕

    1. Hi Lauren. It was lovely to see your name and comment pop up here. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing the book and for checking out Resa’s creative interview/review/art. I was utterly delighted with her post. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend, and Happy Writing. ❤

  38. Diana, this is a fabulous interview and review. I love how Resa is captivated, and sketches the gowns. Isn’t it wonderful when someone ‘gets it’ and truly loves your book? Cheers to Resa!

    1. It is wonderful, Jennie. I so appreciated Resa’s time and talent. It feels like a gift and honor to have one of my books featured here. Thanks for the visit, my friend. Have a lovely week!

    2. Hi Debby. Thanks so much for taking a peek during your vacation. Another opportunity for me to jump over to Resa’s and bask in the beautiful post. It was such a treat and I was tickled to the gills. Have a wonderful evening. ❤ ❤

  40. what a great review Resa and always a great idea to feature Diana’s work so worthy. You made it so compelling to drop everything and go read her book. I don’t have this one yet but it’s going on my nightstand because even if I don’t get through them all they are eye candy and make my room look amazing. She knows what I mean with time. Wll done! 💖

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