Nothing But The Blood

Dianna, your story had me pinned to my chair the entire day! I couldn't walk away, not to eat, not for anything in the world. The story is so well-written, that I was immersed in a different world, alongside Miah, my anger colliding with her words of faith. I felt enraged at the perpetrator and battling all sorts of human emotions. I read through tears and in the end, I smiled through tears. I don't know what else to say except that I lived every moment of the book. Thank you for writing it. I wish to own my copy someday.

I don't want to be a spoiler for those who will read it after me, but let me just write, still through tears, that I am walking "forward in faith and know that He is in the business of making miracles happen."
Donna
No Kiss Good-bye

Dianna, as you know, I've read a great deal of your fascinating story. I also know you're editing the opening chapters, and I look forward to seeing what you do! Your characterization of Miah is so heart-felt, and in those early chapters you also capture life on an Australian cattle station, Amaroo Station, so vividly a reader can breathe the air of it.

Miah's faith is so strong, so admirable it makes me weep for lack of her strength, would I have to endure such wrongs. In those later chapters, in America as well as back home I think you capture her thoughts so poignantly and perfectly on what has happened, that perhaps God knew - well, of course He did! - she would have *compromised her purity with Brandt, and had taken drastic measures to save them both from the struggles that come to couples who go against His will*. And that now, she'd been spoiled anyway, and *she still had to suffer the same consequences as someone who had lived a life of promiscuity.* Oh, that poor, sweet girl, to think like this after the terror and injuries inflicted upon her. What torment to live on in her mind, in her nightmares.

I do like how you've got her reading her journal as she waits for Brandt, how she does some thinking. AND we learn from this about Duane's sentencing - effectively a dead man.

Brandt is the embodiment of the man every young girl should really hope to meet and hold on to for dear life. When we know what he has done, his haircut and what it means, I know readers will fear for them. His plan, for the Army, for both their college educations, and that ranch in the Big Horn Mountains, make so much sense it hurts. As does his reasoning that he wants justice for HIS America after 9/11, and to make those people pay for it, and for the monster who hurt his Miah. That he, a Sioux, is to become a Cavalry Scout is wonderful, and of course, against a common foe, not his own kind as many Indians did out of necessity in days gone by. When he gives her a bag, asking her to be the keeper of his soul, is BEAUTIFUL. I love *His nod was apologetic to the faith they both held in their hearts.*

Only when she has gone back to Amaroo for a kind of convalescence, and he to Fort Hood to train, do we learn of her ultimate sacrifice.

I love Brandt's letter to her - One nit... it's said the letter's been typed! So perhaps a font that's easier on the eyes! (But I HAD to read all of it.)

The whole homecoming to Amaroo, how she tells friend Kylie of that promise she felt she had to give in the name of God's will, is very well done.

Back in America, we learn what has happened to such a sacrifice, and hurt for Miah. And then the biggest sacrifice of all, her *Standing Rock*. Oh, dear God, why? So many ask this question, and Miah's faith has to be at breaking point, beyond breaking point. But as the keeper of his soul, she knows her duty, and ultimately finds what God has in mind for her, what she has always wanted and perhaps denied herself.

The music theme throughout is Miah's mainstay, her constant. Much as many people write stories in their darkest hours, perhaps to keep them sane, Miah is somewhat lost when she cannot write the songs that give her a reason to live. Perhaps the gift is meant to be - to be her gift to mankind. Music, after all, is a gift from God. And so it shall be, through Miah.

I just know that years of work and your heart and very soul have gone into this book, Dianna. Your courage in writing it shines, and I salute you.

All I can give are Stars - wishfully thinking that perhaps they're from the Milky Way for you as a gift from Brandt and his people, and a place on my shelf as soon as possible.

From Kay with love
(*Annacara*)

Hello Dianna--

Book-Nothing but the Blood-

What a beautiful laid back cover, as the morning sunrise comes alive, to the sound of music in the air.

extremely well written pitch, with a definitive spiritual message just under the surface-
Will Miah keep the faith- well, as i am a Christian, this is a must read.

After reading the first six chapters and scan reading quite a few more to get a glimpse of some more.
have to say; that whatever faith i may have lost after the recent events here and how priests abused their power,
it is now regained in my mind.

this book of yours that one has to sit back to digest and relish without any distractions; word by word and line by line, this has to be one of the best literary reads on site , if not the best.
How i loved that plea to God, as she scans the brilliant , blue light in the heavens for a sign , that god existed, with a cry ' please God, let me see your face. A cry from a torn heart indeed, as we all have doubts from time to time.
loved reading about the wide open plains that is life in the outer back Queensland, a tonic indeed.
on reading the tags of the events and places further down in this mammoth book. i look forward to dipping into it from time to time to enjoy, Powerful writing, so gritty and believable.

I have no hesitation in recommending this book to other readers, as i said, in it's genre, it's one of the best, and should in all fairness reach the editors desk for review and hopefully to be published.

needless to say, i give this book my six stars with great pleasure and more if i could.

good luck and God bless.

tom bye Dublin Ireland.
Slan leat agus go N-heri and botair leat--

book - from hugs to kisses'

book- from hugs to kisses'

Dianna,

I have had the pleasure of reading the first seven chapters of "Nothing but the Blood" and I have to say that this is breathe taking. If beauty was to be in the from of writing I really believe that yours would be it. To me this is elegance, it flows so well and it draws me in. The way you have made the family is just so perfect, and by that I mean they have flaws. Your characters are real to me, I swear that I could walk down the street and find a family like this. You have brought such a magnificent work to us here at authonomy. It is breath taking how beautiful you write. This is definitely a book I shall recommend proudly to others and it is so going to be one that I will read the rest of.

To all those who are reading this comment I want you all to know that I am not the type of person that would normally spring to read one of these books. To be honest I probably avoid them as if they were the plague. But Dianna has made something that is so much different than all other books in her genre. From the first paragraph I feel as if you are going to get pulled into the story. I instantly fell in love with the main character Miah and she is one of those characters that I will always remember, I believe the rest of you will too. Give this book a chance and I hope that you come to love it as much as I have. This is truly a magnificent work.


Dianna, I really believe this will be one of the next best selling books that Oprah and every other famous celebrity that reads will pick up and never put down. This is why I love this place we discover amazing talent just like yours. Can't wait to see you on the top of the best sellers list.

Now if you all will excuse me, I need to read more this.
Dakota

Review for Christian Critique Group:

Nothing but the Blood (great title and book cover) is a beautifully written book about a girl called Miah, struggling with her inner voice, and a past that haunts her. This is a must read for Christians and those searching for a place to call home. Clinging to her faith, we see a strong, complex character not about to be pounded like a bowling pin. Already she holds the attention and compassion of your target audience with a prelude laced with passion and doubts many people experience. Since it is a familiar stronghold, your readers will identify with the battle and settle in nicely to the pace. I like the time sequence—from present to past where chapter 1 takes us to Queensland in 1996 and where we meet an authentic and likeable family. I enjoyed Miah’s reference to her mother’s graciousness and her resignation over the household chores. There are so many encouraging messages in these opening chapters alone, I can definitely see this being a very popular YA novel.

Haven’t we all bowed to an imaginary audience, desperate to live our dreams? This visual had me laughing, bringing out the child in me and recalling the precious times I had with my fantasy guitar. And the imagery of cherry lollies or blocks of chocolate bursting from the skies was delicious. I am licking my lips in anticipation since the desert of New Mexico is as dry as a bone. Manning up to her responsibilities, Miah cannot find her journal, a sacred and precious book revealing her soul. It is a dangerous thing to lose and her brothers appear to have no idea where it is. This particular section in the chapter was well crafted with dialogue that suited the occasion. The vehemence in her voice is easily heard and reveals the relationship with her brothers.

I don’t go through books with editorial nits especially if I see a comment below that has already addressed this and I didn’t see any on my journey either. I was too carried away by the poetic prose and detail to thoughts—things I value in a book. It may be that there are those who would prefer it simply written and straight to the point, delving into the heart of the book first before any back-story. But I believe the back-story in your case, IS the heart and essential to the plot. However, if I am in the minority then the book may need to be worked on to throw your audience straight into the plot with occasions of brief dialogue and exposition later on.

This is not a book a reader ploughs through on a wet Sunday afternoon. It is thought-provoking and gets the heart pumping. It is sensual and brings joy. All in all, it’s like a jazzercise class—you feel much better once you’ve read it. I enjoy a challenge and yearn for more books of this style. There are just not enough of them out there. Great stars for a great read. Claire ~ Chasing Pharaohs.

{Nothing But The Blood} – Dianna Lanser
Dianna,
I love your book so much, that I could read it in any mood. Including this current mood, where the heat is frying my brains, and I am on the brink of being totally over reading, after far too many return-reads in one day! It is a credit to your amazing storytelling skills that you have captivated me even now :)

Chapter 6 was a great chapter from Trace’s perspective, and I especially love the last paragraph, when he speaks of the ‘new light… shining in their daughter’s eyes.’ Beautiful!! :)

Here are also my more detailed notes:
1) comma in second sentence; ‘kill one another, and now bore …’ → slight shift in focus so separate the two actions
2) perhaps ‘disbelief’ instead of ‘unbelief’ – not sure might just be my taste :)
3) comma after ‘bed, and walked around’ → again, splitting action slightly
4) I’d just have ‘Plunking back down’ → not sure if ‘then’ works for some reason… maybe it would work with a comma after then; Then, plunking back down… not sure
5) simply ‘Trace sat up, forgetting all his efforts to relax.’ → more active, eliminating passive ‘were’
6) I’d say ‘savoring their touch’ → ‘feel of her’ feels a little clumsy to me, just a thought
7) perhaps ‘she looked beautiful’ instead of ‘she was’ → because it is from his perspective, so using ‘looked’ makes it more intimate/personal
8) comma; ‘through her smile, then lightly bit his lower lip’ – oh yeah also with my comma suggestions, this is really just stylistic stuff, so of course do what you think is best!!!
Have a fabulous day! Not long to go now :)
Cara

Dianna,
This story has the premise of being a really interesting read.
You juggle the vast number of characters with simple ease, and have managed to describe them so well.
The various struggles in their own lives, and within the family, provide a perfect scope for the storyline, while not being too over-indulgent.
I will be coming back to continue from where I left off, as I know this is setting up to be an ideal enjoyable novel.
Jamie Tubbs.

Hello, Dianna, this is not my preferred genre but it's funny how this site can change one's perceptions because I actually enjoyed this! You have a lovely writing style. I only noticed one tiny typo:

...she just didn't think the it would be so high.
Should this be 'that' instead of 'the'?

I can offer absolutely no advice here; it's fine the way it is. All the best of luck on the ED. Highly starred, well done.

Just received your message. You are back on the bookshelf, and rightfully so. 6 stars!!

{Nothing But The Blood} – Dianna Lanser
Dianna,
Today I decided to start reading your book again from the beginning, because it had been a while since I left off. I wanted to re-immerse myself in your fabulous work! So I read the prologue and first five chapters again, and will keep going :)

I am struck by your beautiful writing, and I absolutely adore the character of Miah. I love being inside her head, the sibling rivalry, her ‘grittiness’… and her relationship with her father is all so wonderfully portrayed. You also describe the Australian landscape terrifically (you have done your research!), and the Christian infusions perfectly compliment your story – what is great about your work is that, though it does speak of God, these messages are universal and transcend religious barriers.

I have begun to make some detailed notes for you, because you shall make the desk this month – and deservedly! So I hope these extreme nitpicks will be helpful in making any final adjustments before the review ;)
Take care and have a terrific day! And thank you so much for sharing your beautiful book :)
Cara
------
In chapter one
1) the para beginning ‘The jumped-up dunny rat!’ has a lot of exclamation marks in it… so wondering if maybe cut out a few, with the idea that less is more.. just a thought!

In chapter two:
1) para ‘Back then the rains had been plentiful’… Just a thought, I’d reword third sentence to; ‘To the west of the original homestead, there would stretch miles of lush…’ → Just thought eliminating ‘one’ makes it sound less formal, and also ‘stretch’ instead of ‘be’?
2) how about rewording to ‘Then the hot Australian sun would burn up the vivid spectrum…. , shriveling them to various shades of brown.’ → thought more active, because you eliminate the ‘would be’ and have more active verbs in the sentence
3) How about specifying that it is Miah from the beginning; ‘Hot tears stung Miah’s sunburned cheeks’ → giving the reader a clear indication of the perspective switch. I know all the time I have random ‘hes’ and ‘shes’ in my writing, and I do that because I want to create mystery. So just wondering if making it clearer in the beginning here might be better

Chapter three:
1) comma after tearful and after Daddy maybe?
2) perhaps reword to ‘Nathan’s approaching footsteps interrupted the tension that filled the paddock’ → eliminates passive voice
3) simply ‘before it erupted’ → remove the ‘could’ to cut down words?
4) comma after ‘siding’ and before ‘causing’ – to separate the two actions
5) instead of ‘everything that could live’ how about ‘all life forms’ then ‘were either barely…’ etc. not sure about the ‘could’ here

Chapter four:
1) how about simply ‘Striking, like her mum.’ Because we’re in Trace’s thoughts, you can have a short sentence and not worry about grammatical conventions. This eliminates the passive ‘she was’, and also makes it more like a though – thoughts?
2) I’d reword this sentence; ‘For the next hour and a half his heart had drummed with fear, watching as his brave wife labored with sweat…’ → removes one of the ‘had’s for less wordiness
3) what about ‘… Manya, the aboriginal word for small,’…
4) I’d put comma and ‘lost control himself, tossing her over a fence?’

Chapter five:
1) need the talking marks; before “It seems to me sweetheart…
2) reword to remove passive voice; ‘Miah kept her gaze intently fixed on the endless landscape…

What a truly fantastic story Dianna! I'm not done yet, but I can love your writing style, and I love the complete attention to detail. I can't wait to finish it, and I definitely couldn't wait to give it six stars...very well done!

Love the book!

Dianna,
Your writing is without fault, the story,I'm still reading, but no hesitation at giving it six stars and putting it on my shelf. GL with the ED.
cassie

Hi Dianna,

Congratulations on getting to #1...you deserve it. I just read your last chapter and it's just as captivating as your first. Your writing is sooo strong. I'm amazed at the words you place on paper. You'll get a book deal for sure!

Sarah

Congrats on number #1!! Sweet success for truly wonderful book. You deserve this, Dianna! :)

~Faith

Read through chapter 7....LOVELY story!

Read through chapter 7....LOVELY story!

Love you book cover, it asks the question, "What song is she playing and who is she playing too?"

The story is gripping and fantastic.

Good luck with the ed.

Backed and highly starred.

Dear Dianna, your book is amazing, though heart wrenching at times. Manya and Standing Rock... You've managed to depict your protagonists' love to be as deep, mighty and clear as ocean wave. I was really moved by the farewell scene (Ch.33). The final chapter is no less strong.

Well done, dear Dianna!
Highly starred again and is being backed to the final.

P.S.
Pay attention to Ch.33 :"That's what brother's (brothers ?) are for, aye?"

Val But
Escape

Dianna, excellent book! Immediately we can tell that this woman is struggling, not only in her faith but in morals. Excellent description, excellent character, and use of detail. You show the reader how hard this time is for her through your words and her emotions and the questions. It is an excellent book, nice work! You earned #2 with every word!
S.C.

Dear Dianna,

I just re-read chapter 20. My eyes are full of tears yet again. I am genuinely amazed how you are able to tell this story... this emotionally raw, heartwrenching story... with such a deep, deep love. I treasured the part when Miah was momentarily removed from the present and taken back to her childhood... a place of such warmth and love and Jesus' love. A place where "fear and sorrow" were removed for a moment. Beautiful.

Your words are full of the Spirit and love of God Himself. In your words we find the One who "hem(s) (us) in...behind and before..." Indeed, "Where can I go from (His) Spirit? Where can I flee from (His) presence?"

Beautifully written, full of pain, yet full of hope.

~Faith

Though I couldn't read the whole thing, I was drawn in from the beginning. Your descriptions were very captivating, and I do hope that you get the ranking you desire. As for me, I would back it, if it wasn't for the fact that I already backed five stories, one of which is mine (due to me not entirely sure what backing was at the time. I do now), and I'm not sure how to unback it.

Read through chapter 5 this evening, and I have to say, the relationship between Miah and her dad seems very familiar to me, who has her own struggles with temper, and has a 19 year old boy who also struggles with anger issues. I have found myself so often in the place of Trace, having to sit down with the boy and admit I also lost it.
So I guess what I'm saying is this story is very realistic! Great job! Very well written!
Georgia

Dianna,

I am so pleased that you are #2 on the Editor's Desk List. You are such a talented writer and I can only hope that you remain at the top so that your wonderful precious book can be published. So many people are needing your inspiration in the world today. Best of luck and can't wait for the sequel.

Chapters 12-14 – you are really developing the story well over these chapters, with pace and passion (in more than one sense!) You have commented on the overall length, and yes I do wonder whether you spend too much time in the first 11 chapters? In one sense I think they are important to develop the characters and the setting, but are they just a bit too slow moving to keep your readers engaged? Not sure.
Chapter 15 – you’re doing a great job over these chapters of capturing a teenagers emotions and struggles.
Chapter 16 finishes on a great cliff hanger. I found it jolted a bit to go from Miah’s sudden pain and paralysis to ‘He woke to the sound…’ I personally think it would work better as ‘Trace woke to the sound…’ to help the reader adjust to starting this chapter from someone else’s perspective.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t access chapter 18. Chapter 19 though is where the book really takes off I think. Shades of The Shack, though very different, and in terms of developing and expressing the range of emotions in your characters, far excelling what could be achieved in the brevity of that book. This chapter had me in tears as you had me empathizing with Trace’s feelings as a father. I suspect part of this is because you’ve been able to build up the characters through the first 16/17 characters, so if you do cut it back at all, just be very careful about not losing the sense of character development. I liked the way, in ch 17, you had the family praying first before phoning the police or starting their own searches – that is real and important. In the middle of ch 19, the sentence, ‘He gave the dog a pat, then second’s later…’ shouldn’t have an apostrophe in seconds.

Chapter 20 – all I can say is well done. You have managed to cover the rape scene with incredible effect – realistic, horrific, but sensitive and not inappropriate or excessive. That can’t have been easy to write and I am full of admiration for what you have achieved there. Bringing in the anchors of the psalms and ‘Jesus loves me this I know’ is a wonderful touch. In my paediatric work, I often have to assess teenagers and younger girls who have been sexually abused. I often come away from those medicals feeling tainted myself by what I have, in a sense, been party to; and full of grief, sorrow, anger and shame. This chapter has raised all those same emotions in me. Dianna, I think you have achieved something here that has the touch of God’s spirit – in exposing the utter darkness of such abuse. My prayer is that others, reading this, will cry out to God for his healing, forgiveness and for his light to shine where it is so needed. For now, I can’t read any more.

Hi Dianna,
My heartiest congratulations to you for making the ED.
NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD was highly recommended by Kamal Baluja.
I just read the first chapter and can see why this is at #2.
Six shining stars from me with the guarantee of a backing in case it slips.
Best regards,
AGC

Dianna, the prelude was amazing! There is so much passion in your writing, which is just beautiful, that i couldn't help but become involved, and feel and sympathise. I felt Miah's desperation, her fear but i also knew her faith wouldn't leave her because i felt that the author wouldn't let it. I feel that your own faith must be strong and settled, as it runs wonderfully in your writing.
I love Miahs childish character, her singing and imagination. I like how you tell us how she feels about each member of her family with small incidences.
I will read on when there isn't a wasp in my room. :)
Emma

Dianna, the prelude was amazing! There is so much passion in your writing, which is just beautiful, that i couldn't help but become involved, and feel and sympathise. I felt Miah's desperation, her fear but i also knew her faith wouldn't leave her because i felt that the author wouldn't let it. I feel that your own faith must be strong and settled, as it runs wonderfully in your writing.
I love Miahs childish character, her singing and imagination. I like how you tell us how she feels about each member of her family with small incidences.
I will read on when there isn't a wasp in my room. :)
Emma

Wow... Just WOW. I am an amateur compared you. I am utterly ashamed to call myself a writer. You are absolutely incredibly talented. Please tell me you plan to publish this in book format because I would love to buy it based on the first few pages. I love your use of Faith and religion, and am curious to know what sect you belong to. I myself am a Jehovah's witness and your attention to detail tells me that you are of a religious nature or you simply know how to research better than anyone else I have ever encountered. Well done. My words can not give your story justice. How do I back it?????

Dianna, I've just read the first couple of chapters and, honestly, I have nothing to say other than - you've done a great job! Your writing is great and enjoyable to read. I laughed aloud at the 'road apples' reference. Your descriptions of Australia are beautiful. (Question: What are 'illywackers'? Ha ha. I'm Aussie and I have no idea what that is). Anyway, congrats on doing so well on Authonomy! When I have the time I'll continue reading :)

Hi Dianna i got up to the end of chapter 5 last night, but after that the book was being edited. I was completely engaged from the first page - this was such a scary and dramatic opening, I felt like I couldn't abandon Miah and I wanted to stay with her. The spiritual side of the book is very re-assuring and calming and I think that readers can identify with the emotions and the characters that have created. Your story, pace and writing flow very smoothly. Very well done, i can't wait to read more. Good Luck. Little Miggy x

Hi Diana, I have only just discovered your manuscript. The story line is amazing and so is your style of writing, but you have been told that many times before. I have only read a few chapters and I am looking forward to reading more and to see your manuscript in print to read it at leisure wherever I am.
Good luck on the ED.
best wishes
Philip (Brigitte's son)

How wonderful to see such a beautiful, touching, life-changing book on the desk at #3!! :)

Love it!
~Faith

Hang there sister...yer gonna make it!
:-)

Dear Diana, Oopps, I sure goofed it; the comment I gave yesterday was on ch's 2 & 3, not 3 & 4; have edited comment to reflect that. Still don't know how that happened. But, here, is my comment for Ch 4: Still very good, and realistic. I know exactly how Miah feels -- -- I had, and still have, to deal with such out of control outbursts, and the search for the solution.

Here's my crits on ch 4:
"...know by now to stay out her..." -- -- should be "...stay out of her..."
"...timid voices, leaving him alone -- -- think this should be "...leaving Trace alone..."

Sorry about the mix-up. Guess I was trying to do to much at once yesterday.

God bless,
kiddies

I have not read the complete book but I could tell from the first few chapters, not to mention the pitch, that this was going to be a very stylish read. You write superbly well and deserve the success you have achieved so far.

Keep on writing!

Regards Philip John

Chapter 30 -- well-written, clean writing. When I was 17-18, my hometown had a serial killer operating. He killed five women, one an 11-year-old girl. My brother knew of the families at the time and I became friends with the parents and daughter of another victim later. So I came to this scene in Miah's hospital with that experience, trying to imagine what this family was feeling based upon personal knowledge. Trace is the embodiment of my friend Ellis who lost his 18 year old daughter. You're writing about a very tough subject and doing it with skill and realism. Well done!
Lauri (Lela Markham, The Willow Branch)

Dianna, I consider your writing to be of high quality and the storyline you've chosen to be one of great and deep meaning. As you know I have read your book and commented at length and I cannot tell you how glad I am to see your book reach the editor's desk. Remember that you have huge support from the readers on this site and that the responses have been highly favorable. You've used your gift to minister to many with the message of Christ - that being, in my opinion, the most important thing. Thank you for sharing your faith and the understanding you have of God's gracious mercy and love for all.

with love and friendship in Christ,
julie

YARG review:
As you were looking for comments on your later chapters I read the last three. So, taking in mind that I don’t know what happens between the first few chapters and the last few, here are my thoughts:
Chapter 35:
There’s a lot of tension in this chapter, from Miah’s nightmare to the phone call about Brandt. I like how you delayed revealing the identities of the people in the picture instead of letting the question be answered right away.
Some of the dialogue felt a little too formal and informative, but that’s just my opinion.
Miah’s shock and grief in response to the telephone call felt very real—very well done.
I also noted a couple grammatical issues:
“God let Brandt” should be: “God, let Brandt”
“Maybe, just maybe she’d take” should have another comma after the second “maybe”
Chapter 36:
I liked how you let Miah be angry with God before she chooses to accept what has happened. It makes her seem real—especially when she wonders how many times she must lose everything.
“pushed through the brush offering” should have a comma before “offering”
Postlude:
This is a really touching ending. Miah’s faith really shines through here.
The only downside for me was that I felt it ended just a little too abruptly, and C.J. telling her that he will talk to the woman on the phone kind of diminishes this moment for Miah. It’s not his decision, it’s hers. She should be the one who takes that step and agrees to the interview. Just my opinion.
You’ve got quotation marks after “backed away onto the sand” that don’t really belong there.
I found these three chapters to be very well written, full of honest, heart-felt emotion. I really do think this is a book that should be published; there’s definitely a market out there for writing of this quality.

Dianna
Congrats on completing ur book! :) I loved the story u told about Miah struggles and fears. It was told so beautifully. The story was very descriptive and timeless. :) It was fill with action and motivation for a person to have faith in ones own life. :) Good luck on ur book ! :)

Ch. 34 para starting, "He misses you too ..." you have the phrase "her stomach was literally turning around in her stomach" ... besides the repetition, it just isn't clear. Maybe: "Her stomach was doing flip flops" or "Her stomach was turning around nauseatingly."

Dear Diana, So very glad you are still in the top 5; hope it continues. Have just finished reading ch's 3 and 4, both are realistic, but yet, not too heavy. Well done.

Chapter 2:
Very good chapter. Shows how Miah's anger is becoming uncontrollable, and over a matter that, to at least her brothers, is a minor one.

Chapter 3:
Realistic reactions by Miah's father and brothers to a sudden almost near death experience. Excellent.

Good luck, and God bless,
kiddies, a reader

Man alive! Here I am ... at work ... waiting for the "next wave" of business, reading Miah's goodbyes ... fighting tears ... and here comes the next business! How embarrassing!
Excellent work, my friend. Excellent!
Joyce

Dianna,
This is beautifully written from beginning to end. You have created real characters whose faith is tangible even as they struggle with anger, doubt, and hatred. Miah's struggle brought me to tears and touched me deeply. Thank you for writing this.
Kate

Dear Dianna,

I just read chapter 18 (well your 17, I guess). How beautiful! The spirit of prayer is so evident. A lowly man calling on the Lord... to be humble, to chip away at self-reliance and arrogance. A man of the earth praying to God Almighty for protection over his family... and for total surrender. And wow... the end...a prayer of hope to find Miah. The whole tone of this chapter is one of prayerful surrender. It is truly beautiful. I'm so glad I read this tonight.

Blessings,
~Faith

NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD is an interesting book, especially in that it is a book that definitely writes toward a Christian audience, but that it has the ability to reach a secular audience as well. I have to say that at first I wondered if its appeal would be only to a Christian audience as Miah's inner monologue and thoughts are very much focused on her belief in God and how she is relying on her faith to help her through a troubling time. Obviously, it is fine to have a specific audience and the book's effectiveness would have to be judged according to what the author intended to do, but Dianna Lanser here has created a story with much wider appeal. Miah's Christian viewpoint is very important to the story and understanding her as a character, but her troubles are universal. As soon as the "devil" she wrestled became something other than a metaphor and instead a very ominous real tormentor, I was hooked and wanted to read more.

This looks to be an exciting book that will appeal to both a Christian audience and a wider audience that appreciates strong writing, characterization, and plot.

Daniel Rider
"Indian Summer"

6 stars gladly given!!!

Ch. 32 para starting, "Although it had been about nine weeks ..." you write: "...an odyssey thats purpose ..." In common speech "thats" is used as you use it here, but it isn't a proper word anymore than "ain't" is (does that make sense?) lol
Maybe try something like: "...an odyssey, the purpose and destiny of which, was unknown ..." or change it even more to something like: "...would be the last step toward a purpose and destination that began with this unexpected, unwanted odyssey. (of pain and terror?)"

"...crystal fire in his eyes ..." nice!
extra quote mark at the end of "You are so brave, Miah..."

Hi Dianna,

I see you are at the top! Congrats! I put you back on my bookshelf, I hope you make it to the ED!

Blessings,
RJ Stanley
Why Didn't Someone Tell Me? The Truth About Love

Ch. 30 para starting: "Claire licked another envelope ..." I'm wondering if you want to say "...community of people could DRAW IN the likes of someone ..." In American parlance, to "draw in" someone is to fool them. ie: "She was DRAWN IN by his beautiful eyes and charming ways." Maybe: "...could BE DRAWN IN by the likes ..." or "...could attract the likes of Jeffrey ..." (again, you're repeating as well "draw in THE LIKES of someone LIKE ..."

Hi, Dianna—I’m starting at Ch. 25 as you requested and will comment as things occur to me.

I am currently working on showing more of Caroline’s feelings, and Ch. 25 offers a tutorial in how to give the reader insights into a young woman’s thoughts. Very helpful (=:

I’ve run across, “…if only she could see what lie beyond…” Of course, lie should be lay here.

As Bailey and Ryan hike, they are concerned about lightening, but should be more concerned about lightning.

It’s too exciting to stop every time I see a nit to pick, but Ryan is hearing a woman’s voice, not a women’s voice as he takes aim.

“Did you get the womens name?” should be woman’s name. Or maybe girl’s name now that everyone knows it’s Miah.

These chapters are taut and well-paced and very exciting. I’m just reading in gulps here.

“…low blood oxygen levels would effect…” should be affect.

I have to get to bed so I’ll be energetic for my kiddles tomorrow…hope to read more later. I’m leaving off right where the attorney arrives.

~AudreyB
Forgiveness Fits

Dianna,

I'm sorry that I haven't had time to read your entire manuscript. I just skimmed through the last several chapters and though I couldn't fully appreciate them due to not reading the rest of the story, it's clear that they're written with much passion and purpose. Peace and blessings as you continue to trust God with your beautiful story.

Patti

Hi Dianna,

As promised, I have now read ‘Nothing But The Blood’. Fantastic!

I have only managed to get to Chapter 20, but I have thoroughly enjoyed every word of it. Your writing flows very freely and the characters are all believable and likeable. The descriptions of the family members really captured my imagination, which is what good story telling is all about. And you do tell the story extremely well.

Miah’s dreams and flashbacks are credible and quite scary, and the boys seem so typical of a band of brothers with only one sister. Miah’s attack upon them was so descriptive I felt I was there. Though I did think the outcome was going to be far worse that it was. And then there is Miah’s father. Rough and ready, and able to dispense punishment with ease, yet thoroughly kind at heart. And to me, her relationship with her mother was just perfect.

I became completely immersed in the story, reading until early hours of yesterday morning and just had to get back to it as soon as I could. I will certainly be back for more at a later date.

Just one small error you may not have noticed, in Chapter 9 – there appears to be a word missing between happened and clinic.
“A mate of mine. He’s studying Vet Med too. He was supposed to have an internship, but something happened the clinic”.

I have given you all the stars possible, and felt I just had to back you, you deserve to go all the way with this beautifully written, absorbing work.

Best wishes and lots of luck,
Amelia 

Just finished your baby. :) I read the last two chapters. Your messages of forgiveness, and striving to see God in our hardships are universal. Congrats on reaching the top 5. :)

Jonie