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Reflections by Karen Devaney
Artista by the Sea
Juliana, a nurse and a talented artist finds her life turned inside out after she marries Sam ( a close friend) for immigration reasons and the very next day her ex-fiance returns begging for forgiveness and a second chance. As Nate and Sam battle for Juliana's devotion (Sam secretly is in love with her) Juliana grapples with her desire to live her legacy as an artist. When her grandmother passes away one week before the wedding she reminds Juliana to "paint like a reckless lover--go to Italia and discover the truth."
Artista by the Sea is a generational female driven narrative packed with passion and hysterical characters that influence and torment Juliana. Ultimately, she has to decide between the two men she loves (in different ways) and living the unconventional life she envisions for herself. During a trip to Italy, a family secret is divulged and Juliana is flung into a world she never knew existed.
Classic Title
Between the Vines
(Excerpt)
In 1945, as WWII came to an end, an 18 year old Italian immigrant Tomasina watches as the bucolic town of Sonoma celebrates the victory fueling her battle to live the destiny she desires, that of becoming the first female winemaker shaking men off their eternal reign over the grapes. When she meets Tiago, another immigrant Tomi falls in love, but remains committed to Golden Hills, the family winery, Tragedy and the underbelly of winemaking threaten to destroy Tomasina, but ultimately, she triumphs. Between the Vines is told through the perspective of several characters bouncing through timelines and ultimately landing in the 1990’s where Tomasina’s trailblazing contributions are celebrated. This novel with its stunning backdrop and captivating heroine has enormous film and television potential. Think Coppola gone feminist!
With Crow the Tale of Two Sisters
With Crow; The Tale of Two Sisters is a middle grade novel laced with Native American themes, adventure, and a story driven narrative. Julie and Bridget, the main characters in this gripping tale, are modern adventurers as they seek to find remnants of their past. They are on a mission to find the people who knew their parents before they perished in a head on collision. The deadly crash causes, Julie and Bridget, to be condemned to live in San Francisco with the two meanest people on the planet, Aunt Rosie and Uncle Sam.
When the girls are old enough to plot their escape, they receive a mysterious letter from a W.C. who happens to be the last person to see their parents alive. The sisters encounter danger, new friends, and a crow they name Angel as they bike, bus, and train their way back to Wyoming to find W.C.. Along the way, Julie and Bridget meet a host of characters; an old man named Ernie, a migrant worker, and a Sioux Indian Tribe.
These and others play a critical role in leading the girls to the knowledge they have longed for. Angel becomes just that-- a winged guardian that watches over the girls and leads them to W.C. and the person responsible for their parent’s death.
Although this novel is intended for middle grade readers, it will warm the hearts of all ages. With Crow; The Tale of Two Sisters whisks readers on a journey as Karen Devaney explores the innate yearning for people of all generations to know their familial past. The travels of this tale end full circle and leaves readers with a startling conclusion.