Dianna Nicolai

“Dianna Nicolai is a gifted storyteller who focuses “A Love Like That” on a set of people who don’t seem to get much attention in the romance novel world — older folks who are still capable of falling in love. Her two main characters are likeable and human, and we find ourselves rooting for them, even when it seems like the rest of the world is against their budding romance. The mother-daughter relationship is one many readers can appreciate and understand, and Nicolai does a good job of not reducing these two strong women to caricatures. I enjoyed “A Love Like That” thoroughly, and can’t wait for Dianna’s next novel.”

JenaPassut, Newspaper Editor

 “My first observation of Dianna was to wonder where she could find all that energy to do all she did, and I still question where it all comes from. She seems to be a multi-tasker because she accomplishes many things in many directions. I have sat in on her signings, her training meetings when she teaches writers about certain topics, and I have read her news articles in the LeRoy Independent. She covers both the school board and the city council meetings in LeRoy each month, then writes the articles which come from them. She is learning to see what makes a news story for a newspaper and this is hard to do sometimes. I can’t help be amazed at Dianna’s capability to make life adjustments so she can be the writer she is aimed to be. She is a determined person and I see her gaining momentum the longer I know her.”

Eileen M. Evans, Newspaper Publisher and writer

“Dianna is an observer of people.  Her insight brings her characters to life, and we meet them as new friends that we want to get to know.

Her news reporting is rich in descriptive detail that holds your interest and keeps you reading to the end.  She is a standout writer.”

Bonnie Warrington, writer

“I found the story enchanting.  What does it say about yours truly that I seem to have moved beyond love stories featuring people in their 20s?  I’m into “mature” couples now.”

Mary Herold, Library Director

 “I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Love Like That.  I do enjoy romance novels.  I could relate to the heroine and reading about her dealings with her daughter, made me think more about my relationship with my daughter.  Thank you for this good read and I look forward to your next novel.”

Sarah Stang, writer 

“A Love Like That seemed to start out too fast, but as I continued to read, discovered that it worked as a means of pulling the reader deeply into the story before they had any chance of becoming distracted. Once there, it certainly became a "page turner". Even I wanted to know what was going to happen next.” 

Bud Fleming, teacher

 “A Love Like That," by Dianna Nicolai is a fast moving, never boring, romance novel that held my attention from the first to the last page. Even though the couple in the story are senior citizens, the story line is one that transcends varied age groups.  Dianna's book " A Love Like That," exposes the family difficulties seniors have to deal with when they become romantically involved.  I would like to see this book reviewed in a seniors publication such as AARP.  It would also make a great Hallmark movie.  I am anxious for Ms. Nicolai’s next novel to hit the bookstores.” 

Arlene Shelton, writer

 “I read your book.  Very nice!!!  especially for a first time.  Hope you have continued success.  I'm sure it will take a while to get going, but you will do it. I'm the former librarian at LeRoy and was impressed. Good luck to you! “

Jan Soltau

“After you came to Osage to our Tuesday morning Book Talk, I came home and started on your novel.  I could hardly put it down and was so excited about it that a couple friends of mine have read it, too.  They had the same impression. It created and exciting conversation at our weekly coffee hour. This book is a winner.” 

Charlotte Kirkegaard

“Your novel was often able to touch the feelings of this sixty-some -year-old reader.  The dialogue was witty and revealing.  Lots of interesting detail. However, I feel the plot needed more depth; perhaps the use of flashbacks to tell us more about the deceased spouses. Sylvia could be developed into more of an important character.  Good tension between Donna and Mary. Chris' last name was a little corny, I thought.  I was disappointed in the ending. The quick tearful makeup scene with Donna was a little contrived and a bit phony.  I found it hard to believe that Mary who isn't even 70 yet should have her car taken away!! 

Lovers of light romance and quick reads will enjoy your novel.  Thanks for visiting our book club and sharing your writing experiences with us. My best to you!”  

Johanna Anderson 

 “I have finished reading your book and did enjoy it!   You have a way of bringing the reader right into the story!    (Or is it because it is one of the few books about "older folks" I can identify with!!!)   I find my mind wandering back to revisit the story and wonder how Mary and Curt and Donna are doing! I will definitely encourage others to pick it up.  I look forward to reading more of your work!”  

Cyndy Groff

“I enjoyed reading your book!  Your reference to big bands brought back many memories. Best of luck.”

Barb Kough

“Just finished reading your book, enjoyed it very much. You have written a book that everyone can identify with. We have all been there at one time or another, to one degree or another. Looking forward to your next book.  I am sure there will be many more. I sent a request to your publisher, asking for a list of all your work. Told them how much I enjoyed your book and would like to see the list.” 

Pat and Rosemary Higley

 “I enjoyed your book a lot!! Curt and Mary were such lovable characters. On the other hand I got so mad at Donna I wanted to slap her! Ha Ha! Hope you're writing a sequel I'd love to know how married life is for them!”

Cheri Weis

“I want to tell you that I enjoyed your book [A Love Like That] so much. It had me captivated throughout the entire book. At times I couldn't put it down. You were so descriptive in your writing. I could picture the color of clothes & textures.  I could almost smell the food and flowers. The music was playing in my head.  I was annoyed and disappointed by Donna's behavior and total disrespect to her mother's life. She was very controlling and manipulative. To go to the extent of taking her to court.  I will tell you that I know this sort of thing happens more often than people realize. There seems to be a deterioration of family values nowadays. People lose their moral values when greed for money is involved.  I don't know how Donna's husband lived with her as long as he did. I was happy to know that her granddaughter was more mature than her mother.”  

Alice Stone