Novel Crosses Thriller And Romance Genres

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Heart of Diamonds, a high-concept thriller about diamond smuggling and civil war in the Congo, gives romance fans a strong love story, too.

West Harrison, NY, September 24, 2008 — Why can’t a thriller appeal to romance readers?” asks author Dave Donelson. His Heart of Diamonds is a newly-released high-concept thriller about diamond smuggling and civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but it has a strong romance angle, too. He adds, “Fans of both genres like intricate, exciting plots and characters who lead complicated lives in fascinating locales.”

“There’s a big romantic love triangle in Heart of Diamonds,” Donelson points out. “It propels the main characters and I think the romance adds depth to the book.”

The heroine of the novel, Valerie Grey, is a star TV reporter whose career hits a major obstacle just as her boyfriend and mentor, David Powell, decides they should get married. While she struggles with problems at the fictional MBS-TV network, Grey can’t decide whether or not she wants to marry David—or anyone else. “Internal conflicts like those are hallmarks of romantic fiction,” Donelson says.

Complications arise when the reporter meets Jaime Talon, an altruistic doctor who runs a money-starved clinic near the diamond mine in the Congo where much of the book’s action takes place. Their romance takes root early in the book and finally blooms just before tragedy strikes.

Heart of Diamonds’ intricate plot implicates an American televangelist, the President of the DRC, and the White House in a diamond smuggling scheme that leads to U.S. military involvement in the Congo’s civil war. When Grey uncovers the conspiracy, powerful forces—a ruthless mercenary, the Congolese army, and cold-blooded agents sent by the White House—try to stop her before she can expose it to the world. One Amazon reviewer said, “There’s enough sometimes-bloody action and intense suspense to please the most demanding thriller addict.”

Donelson is a freelance writer and photographer whose byline has appeared in publications as diverse as The Christian Science Monitor, Westchester Magazine, and Disney’s FamilyFun. Heart of Diamonds is his third book. “I wanted to write something that captures the vibrancy and complexity of Africa, and a romantic adventure framed against the endless war in the DRC seemed like the perfect approach,” he says.

“My wife, Nora, and I traveled to Africa twice to research the book,” Donelson explains. “As a journalist, I’m a stickler for detail. Seeing the landscape and meeting the people in person was the only way to achieve the level of authenticity I want.” He adds that he took thousands of photographs in Uganda and Zambia, many of which are used as graphic chapter headings in the book.

Heart of Diamonds was published by Kunati Books, named Independent Publisher of the Year at the 2008 Book Expo America.

High-res photos and audio clips are at www.heartofdiamonds.com/Press_Room/press_room.html
Press Release Submission By PressReleasePoint

Contact:
Dave Donelson
Heart of Diamonds
44 Park Lane
West Harrison, NY 10604
914-949-7483
[email protected]
http://www.heartofdiamonds.com

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