Please Help Me Choose!

It’s been fun having Secret Lives available as an e-book and I’ve enjoyed hearing from those of you who are reading it for the first time. Now I need to figure out which of my out-of-print books I should make available next. Whether you read e-books or not, I’d love your help in this decision. If you’ve read my early books, which was your favorite? Or if you haven’t read them, which sounds most intriguing to you? I apologize to those of you who only read print books and wish I could accommodate you as well. I hope they will be reissued some day by my publisher. Thanks so much for your help.

 The choices (with the original bookcovers) are:

1998 The Escape Artist softcover The Escape Artist: A young woman, about to lose custody of her eleven-month-old son, takes the toddler and escapes to Annapolis, Maryland to start a new life, leaving behind the man she loves. In Annapolis, she’s befriended by a mural artist with secrets of his own. When she stumbles into a dangerous situation that could cost people their lives, she’s unable to turn to the authorities because she’s on the run.

From Library Journal: “. . . a moving tale of parental love and desperation.” From Kirkus Reviews: “A sure-fire grabber.”

 

 

 

 

1995 ReflectionReflection: Twenty years ago, a tragedy struck the Pennsylvania town of Reflection and everyone holds one woman, Rachel Huber, responsible for what happened. When Rachel returns to care for her elderly grandmother, she discovers she has only one person in her corner–a Mennonite minister who was her childhood friend. As the story shifts between past and present, secrets unfold, a romance blossoms, and both the town and Rachel are put to the test.  

From the Richmond Times Dispatch: “. . .  as the plots interlock, the reader is swept into the town’s emotion and suspense.”

 

 

 

 

1993 Fire and Rain hardcoverFire and Rain: The tiny southern California town, Valle Rosa, is withered by drought and ravaged by wildfires when a stranger appears, promising he can create rain. He asks only for total privacy while he works, but he becomes the center of two women’s worlds–Mia, who falls in love with him, and Carmen, who vows to learn his true identity at all costs. Neither woman realizes that their involvement with him can jeopardize far more than the future of Valle Rosa.

From Publishers Weekly: “Nearly every chapter finishes with the sort of emotional jolt that keeps the pages turning.”

 

 

 

 

1994 Brass Ring hardcoverBrass Ring: Claire Harte-Mathias tries unsuccessfully to save a woman who leaps from a bridge in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. As she tries to understand the reasons for the woman’s suicide,  Claire is jarred by frightening, half-hidden memories. Torn between the love and support of two men–her husband and the brother of the woman on the bridge–she tries to make sense of the images that haunt her, discovering that the past, present and future are intertwined in a way she is powerless to change.

From the Chicago Tribune: “You’d think there’s nowhere for a story to go after a distraught woman plunges to her death in an icy river, but Brass Ring will prove you wrong.”

38 Comments

  1. Joyce Whitley on July 15, 2010 at 12:08 am

    Diane, I liked the Escape Artist best of the above books. I had a hard time getting into Brass Ring and Fire and Rain. Reflection was a good story but it was a little tough to deal with the school tragedy since I am a teacher and there have been other school issues. The Escape Artist I thought was interesting and I liked the sweetness of the characters. It was one of the books that left me feeling good after I finished it.

  2. Hope on July 15, 2010 at 12:30 am

    I think “REFLECTION.” It never got the press your other books received, and it would be good to give your new readers a chance to enjoy it. Also, it was one of my favorites. I may just have to put it in my TBR pile again.

  3. Ann on July 15, 2010 at 2:44 am

    I agree that Reflection would be a great choice.

  4. Linda on July 15, 2010 at 7:19 am

    I vote for the Escape Artist! That’s long been a favorite of mine.

  5. Melissa on July 15, 2010 at 7:37 am

    The Escape Artist sounds really good!!

  6. Susan on July 15, 2010 at 7:54 am

    I would vote for any of them except Escape Artist since I happened to find that one at a used book store! I am currently reading Secret Lives and enjoying it. I have not read an e-book before so that takes some getting used to.

  7. Gina on July 15, 2010 at 8:10 am

    Diane, I really liked Brass Ring.

  8. Margo on July 15, 2010 at 8:15 am

    This is a hard decision Diane!…they were all so wonderful.
    My choice would be FIRE AND RAIN because of the unique story…at times I almost felt surreal as I became so caught up in the story…and of course I loved that Mia was an artist…This was definitely a spectacular novel. My friend Laura has always loved REFLECTION so I know that would be her choice.

  9. Debbie on July 15, 2010 at 8:19 am

    I love them all. But the first book I ever read by you was Brass Ring. I was completely hooked after that. I have read any and all things published by you. So I’d vote for Brass Ring. It introduced me to your wonderful writing and awesome stories.

  10. Ronnie on July 15, 2010 at 8:21 am

    For a purely selfish reason, my vote is for either Fire and Rain or Brass Ring. The other 2 books I was able to get new (from you know who). Fire and Rain and Brass Ring I bought used and you know how I feel about used books (where’s the hand sanitizer), so I have not been able to read them yet.

    btw, loved Escaped Artist and Reflections.

  11. Betty Savage on July 15, 2010 at 9:33 am

    My choice would be Reflection or Brass Ring. I’m fortunate enough to have copies of both but think the “world” should have a chance to read them.

  12. Diane Chamberlain on July 15, 2010 at 10:12 am

    Yikes, we’re all over the map here! But it’s helpful.

  13. Rachelle on July 15, 2010 at 12:13 pm

    This is awesome! I have a Nook and am always looking for books to put on it. The four that you have listed above are ones I have not yet read, but my vote is for The Escape Artist. That one sounds good! You always wonder what you would do in a situation like that and I could never imagine losing my child. The mystery of it sounds intriguing too!

  14. Diane Chamberlain on July 15, 2010 at 1:22 pm

    Rachelle, I hope you’ve had a chance to check out Secret Lives for your Nook. Thanks for the input!

  15. Debbie hearne on July 15, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    They all sound good, but if I had to choose it would be Reflection!

  16. brenda on July 15, 2010 at 7:42 pm

    I love love love BRASS RING…love it…am home after a two day trip from CA with delays and cancellations-don’t ask…but had to vote on this. BRASS RING is a timeless book.
    Love all of them, but this one is exceptional

  17. Diane Chamberlain on July 15, 2010 at 9:13 pm

    As of 9:11 ET Thursday night, we have:
    Reflection 5 votes
    The Escape Artist and Brass Ring tied with 4 votes
    Poor Fire and Rain with 1 vote.

    There’s a chance I have a version of The Escape Artist on my computer, which would mean I wouldn’t have to have it scanned. If that’s the case, I might have to add MY vote to the talley.

  18. Jodi on July 15, 2010 at 10:23 pm

    I finished Reflection last week (in just 2 days) and looooved it a ridiculous amount. I found myself utterly drawn to all the characters and completely swept away by the mystery of the plot. It reminded me of my feelings for the Lockwoods in Before the Storm. I’m just sad that unlike that book, it has no sequel! Can you do us all a favor and write a sequel within 2 days and make that available as an e-book? Great…thanks!

    Just kidding, of course. But clearly my vote is for Reflection. I tend to be a bit biased against *older* books by my favorite authors, but it completely changed my mind. I can’t praise it enough.

    I looooved loved loved the Escape Artist too, so your idea of allowing yourself a vote is something I strongly support. 🙂

  19. Ashley on July 16, 2010 at 11:51 am

    All of them? I know, that is totally NO help at all.. but I absolutely loved all 4 of them.
    *think think think* …Reflection, for the story; The Escape Artist, for the story and possible ease of not having to scan it 😛

  20. brenda on July 16, 2010 at 1:12 pm

    I think you should use what you have on your computer as you have the other books to consider right now. you will eventually get to all of them.

  21. Kim on July 16, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    Okay, I’ve told you this before, but after reading The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes, I said to myself for the first time ever that I must read everything this author has ever written. And I have come close. I found all of your books with the exception of Lovers and Strangers. As far as what book is my favorite of those listed above, I would have to go with Fire and Rain. It’s up there on my list of all time favorite books. Now, if you ever make Lovers and Strangers available, I would have to consider getting something to read it on:)

  22. Diane Chamberlain on July 16, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    Brenda, you are so logical! Thanks for keeping me grounded.

  23. brenda on July 16, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    You are welcome. I know when I am trying to prepare classes, this type of organization keeps me from going nuts. I am home after two days of flying, airports, cancellations, delays…you name it…dehydration…good grief…going to DRIVE to my daughter’s in a few days and then a short trip to the beach…Can’t wait to get an IPAD so I can order the books even though I have them in already.

  24. Kare on July 16, 2010 at 8:03 pm

    My vote is for The Escape Artist. Unfortunately, I have not read any of these books. I, too, became a fan of yours after reading The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes and have read all books of yours pubished after that and I am slowly going back and reading some older titles now. You must know that you are now my favorite author!

  25. Diane Chamberlain on July 16, 2010 at 8:11 pm

    Kare, welcome to the blog and thank you for reading my books!

  26. Shaz on July 16, 2010 at 11:17 pm

    My vote would have to go with Reflection. I would dearly love to read a copy of this book but can’t find it for sale anywhere. If not Reflection then I would vote for The Escape Artist as this also looks like a great read.

  27. brenda on July 17, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    When I save enough to get my IPAD…maybe by next year…I am ordering your books to have when I fly…just too hard to travel with my books and libraries are not everywhere. I know when I read these books, I will be entertained and engrossed…just as I am when I read the copies I have.
    Thank you for going to so much trouble to get them on E for the readers.

  28. Doreen Scott on July 17, 2010 at 7:11 pm

    Hi Diane
    It’s me again, I think it should be The Brass Ring
    That’s the book that got me hooked on Diane
    Chamberlain. I have read each one of your books, some
    even twice. Always a pleasure to read you.

  29. Cher on July 17, 2010 at 8:52 pm

    I vote the the Escape Artist. It’s my favorite of your earlier books. My favorite books are mysteries, and this had lots of suspense and great characters.

  30. brenda on July 18, 2010 at 12:35 pm

    Sounds like you have tons of readers who like all of your books…wait until you decide to put your newer ones on the E…

  31. Diane Chamberlain on July 18, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    Brenda, all my newer books are already available as e-books!

  32. Nicole on July 19, 2010 at 12:46 am

    Diane – I am new to your blog, but I have been following for a few weeks. I received a kindle from my husband about a year ago and am now an avid reader. You have become one of my absolute favorite authors….I have read every one of your ebooks on amazon. My request is that you consider putting all of your old books in ebooks format! Thanks for considering what your readers want! 🙂 Can’t wait to read whichever ones you pick!

  33. Diane Chamberlain on July 20, 2010 at 3:25 pm

    Nicole, eventually I hope to do that. It’s quite an effort, but I’ll tackle it one at a time. Have you read Secret Lives yet?

  34. Nicole on July 21, 2010 at 3:24 am

    I am actually reading it right now and around 30 percent of the way into it and loving it. I never want to put your books down and go to bed! Thanks for putting this one on amazon!

  35. Anne-Marie on July 26, 2010 at 9:44 am

    I vote for Brass Ring: I am currently reading secret lives ( it is the first book I am reading on my kobo ereader)and it really enjoyable, I am so into the story that I don’t realize I am reading on a ereader and not a hardcover..

    Keep up the great work.

  36. Diane on September 13, 2010 at 4:30 pm

    Diane,

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all of your books I have read I think I am down to Private Relations, Secret Lives and Loners & Strangers I have not read anything about these book but you would make me a very happy lady if you told me that one of them is a sequel to Fire and Rain. I loved Fire and Rain just not the ending it just leaves you hanging. I would love to read a sequel to that one. The first book I read was The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes and could not put it down. Since then I have done everything to find ever book you have wrote. I just love you books. I have never wrote but I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your work and in hopes to a sequel to Fire and Rain.

    Thank you,
    Diane

  37. Diane on September 13, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    Also I will be having surgery next month and plan on buying the video’s that are on your site to watch while I am down for a few months.

    Thanks again,
    Diane

  38. Diane Chamberlain on September 14, 2010 at 11:19 pm

    Diane, I’m so glad you’re enjoying my books! Sorry to tell you but there is no sequel to Fire and Rain. I know that ending left you a little up in the air, but in my imagination everything worked out just fine! Also, I should warn you that the videos on my site are just short little trailers for a couple of the books or short videos about the writing process. The good news is, they’re all free. Good luck with your surgery!

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