Review of 'A Cry From The Deep' by Diana Stevan
Review of ‘A Cry From The Deep’ by Diana Stevan
This is one of the most powerful, captivating mysterious eternal love stories I have ever read! With its spiritual connection and major setting in Ireland, (though Provence and New York City are also part of this story’s landscape) plus the focus on a shipwreck site off the Irish coast, I was glued to the pages from start to finish. I have always been fascinated by lost ships and passengers’ stories so this intriguing expedition was of great interest. I also come from a family of seafarers from the east coast of Canada (who originally emigrated from Ireland), so some might say it is in my DNA! There are so many incredible stories hidden at the bottom of the deep dark sea that need to be heard. And this novel echoes hauntingly with some of those voices from the past that literally rise as ghosts from Irish waters (and Ireland’s landscape). These apparitions tell their story in a way that quickens the senses and lulls the human heart to dreamland.
Waves of emotion swept over me as I read A Cry From The Deep, especially when the plot moved from Manhattan to Ireland. This time slip novel captured me with its profound, poetic and imaginative elements. In many ways this supernatural tale knocked me off my feet for it reminded me so much of my grandfather’s sightings and yes the Irish are definitely a superstitious lot as I can attest from my own family. Plus, when the reader is reminded of this Irish trait, and that curses are as real as blessings, I nodded in agreement.
I was fully immersed in the story from the first page and became invested in the characters who came across as being very real. Catherine Fitzgerald is an underwater photographer who has had an accident that almost ended her life while on a past dive. It left her so shaken she has not been able to return to diving for many years. It affected her relationships and possibly contributed to a split from her husband. She leaves him in Manhattan and moves to a centuries-old lavender farm in Provence to raise their daughter, Alex. But an incredible opportunity arises with the National Geographic that is hard to pass up on. With encouragement from others, she musters enough courage to accept the position and becomes part of the dive team to locate and photograph a sunken 18th Century Spanish Galleon off the coast of Ireland. This trip brings many revelations: some personal and others work related. She also learns about the hazards of greed that often takes over those who search the depths of the ocean for lost treasures. Before she goes on the mission, though, she buys an old claddagh ring that is at a flea market. It is beautiful and fits perfectly but she soon learns it has unusual powers that will drag her into the past in ways she would never have expected.
Daniel Costello is assigned to the expedition with Catherine. He is a reliable, gentle soul who provides support and encouragement in ways that have a positive effect on her—helping her to overcome her fears of diving again. But there is an unexpected spark that happens between them which throws up all kinds of issues—one being he is unavailable since he is engaged to be married in the near future. Though it appears he is reluctant to take that step with his fiance and we eventually learn why. But aside from his personal restrictions and dilemmas, he is an exceptional underwater archaeologist, a great advisor and partner for this mission.
The relationship between Catherine and Daniel, though good as it is, ends up in unexpected rough waters. Diana Stevans gives us opportunity for doubt which creates a sense of challenge and drama for the reader. We understand and feel Catherine’s own concerns both personally and workwise. And we discover, when she does— the truth. All of it. The past and present. The ghost that haunts her and how this woman from the past is connected to her and even Daniel. It is a marvellous journey that I don’t want to say much about as these mystical elements are best experienced by reading the novel. But I can say, all fuzzy areas come into full focus and pure revelations conclude this story wonderfully.
This is a book I would give more than five stars if I could as I loved it that much and felt its complex layers and smoothly executed passages showed great care and finesse with the topic and delivery. This is a story that appears to have evolved over time as there is a maturity and organic feel to it. A special story from the author’s heart that is well researched and finely crafted.
I must not forget to mention the gorgeous underwater cover which I think is perfect for it captures the heart of the plot and suggests mystery. The ring being visible in the shot, is also important as even its design holds a fascinating history with the Irish culture and in this story we see its inspired timeslip magic.
I sincerely loved A Cry From The Deep by Diana Stevan for its Irish spiritual connections, shipwreck focus, the mysterious story behind the claddagh Irish ring, a ghost from the past who appears to a woman living in the present – the connections between the two and how they come together to fulfil a mission and find peace and love. Its originality haunts and shines like moonlight on a summer sea. It is a novel that everyone with a romantic heart will enjoy and contains such an intriguing mystery. For those who love happy endings, you won’t be disappointed. Fall under the spell of this timeless love story that has its feet firmly on the ground, swimming in the sea and soaring in the heavenlies. Get your copy, you won’t be disappointed. A Cry From The Deep gets 5+ Stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☘️
Many thanks to the author for a review copy.
