Dear Maria,

I've just finished reading Midwinter Turns to Spring and I couldn't help but weep.  This is one of the most beautiful, moving, and emotionally satisfying novels I've read in a long time.

For a first-time novelist to write such a fine novel means that God has given you a talent and a gift for this.  The message that comes through shines with so much hope, grace, redemption -- and stands as such a powerful picture of true, faithful love, that I can only weep and hope that it will reach and heal many people.

Your novel humbles me and challenges me to deeper definitions of love.

-- Diane Eble, Winfield, Illinois [Author of 11 books, including Abundant Gifts and MotherStyles]
 

"A phenomenally important work ... with a message of transcendence."

“Midwinter Turns to Spring is a phenomenally important work that represents the synergistic fusion of prose and music.  Maria Veloso is pioneering a next-generation genre in fiction that incorporates profound insights, a message of transcendence and extraordinary songwriting.” -- Tony Trupiano, host of the nationally syndicated "Tony Trupiano Show" and Congressional Candidate (Michigan)

"This book is life-changing ... "

"I just finished reading Midwinter Turns to Spring last night!  Amazing!  This is the best book I've ever read!  I did not want it to end!  I loved listening to the music soundtrack while reading the book, curled up on my sofa with a glass of wine -- what an unforgettable experience! 

"This is a must-read book ... a touching, beautifully written love story"

"I love Midwinter Turns to Spring!!!  I can't remember the last time I cried reading a novel. It made it more special listening to the music -- and I cried even more listening to Zendrik sing, especially La Ultima Vez.  The book has given me a renewed sense of hope about love.  It is such a touching, beautifully written love story and a feel-good type of book.  I fell in love with Alfonso right from the start -- so passionate, caring and loved life so much. Savannah is what every girl can relate to.  We have a little bit of Savannah in all of us.  And the way the author described every place and thing and feeling was as if I was there. I've been telling everyone that this is a must-read book!!  This certainly deserves to be on Oprah's Book Club and I've written an e-mail to Oprah telling her so.  This book rocks!"
-- Marilen Ojeda, San Francisco, California
 

"I've read this book 5 times ... memorized the words to all the songs ... and bought many copies to give away as gifts!"

"Midwinter Turns to Spring is a surprisingly attention-grabbing book that caught me pleasantly off-guard.  I first bought this book online in mid-July of 2006, not knowing whether I would like it or not.  It turns out I truly enjoyed this novel -- so much, in fact, that in the last 7 months, I've read it 5 times!  I've also listened to the music soundtrack CD so often that I've memorized the words to all the songs.  I've been telling everyone about this book, and have bought many copies to give away as gifts -- even to friends and family members who live overseas.  It's that good!

The story depicts a love between two people not shared by convenience, but by compassion and tenderness in the most unconditional sense. 

"Midwinter Turns to Spring  takes its readers on a roller coaster ride through its frustrations and rewards as two people find themselves entangled in the web of life's realities holding only to the seemingly lost love they have found for each other.  It is a refreshing experience for people like me, a single father of three beautiful children, who once believed that unconditional love can never be found.  The CD and book combination made the wonderful experience even better as it brings me back to the pages every time I play the lovely music.  Midwinter Turns to Spring  is a must read (and listen) for all people who choose to attain a meaningful lifelong love affair nurtured from the Heavens.  Thank God, Maria Veloso, for giving you the gift of writing this novel.  Thank you for sharing it with the world.  God Bless." -- Eric Alcasid, Northridge, California

"Touches your soul .. and uplifts your spirit for life and love"

"I enjoyed Midwinter Turns to Spring so much -- it was such a lovely story, so believable and so well-written from beginning to end.  The characters just came to life for me.  Throughout the whole book, I was just riveted to it, and couldn't wait to find out what would happen in each chapter. 

I'm an artist by profession, and therefore, I loved the art aspect of the story -- it intrigued me and drew me into the world of the characters.  I cried on numerous occasions throughout this book, but at the end when I read the letter from Christina to Savannah my heart just broke for them all.

Whenever I read books, I usually tell the story to my husband as I go along -- and he got as engrossed in this story as I was.  When I finally finished reading the book and was trying to tell him the ending, I just fell into his arms and broke down sobbing.  I was so happy with the ending and I just had to fall in love with the character of Alfonso.  The whole package is beautifully done -- from the book cover to the companion music CD.  It's simply marvelous -- and I told my husband this book needs a big audience, and should be made into a movie -- I'd love to see it come alive on the big screen because the story is so lovely.  Maria Veloso is an incredible writer -- I wish she'd write more novels like this." -- Nadine Parker, Denver, Colorado
 

"Relationship wisdom ... that made me
jump up from my reading"

“I loved the story told in the novel, but what I enjoyed even more were the relationship insights I derived from the story.   While reading the novel, I would come upon passages that had so much relationship wisdom that they made me jump up from my reading, find my husband, read the passages to him and tell him this is the way love should be.  This novel dispelled many myths I used to believe about love.  It taught me more about how to build a lasting relationship with my husband than most relationship books I’ve read.  This book ought to be on Oprah's Book Club.” -- Lori Jensen, Eclectic Book Club, Los Angeles, California

"One of the best love stories
I've ever read..."

"Wow!  I just finished reading Midwinter Turns to Spring and I can't say enough good things about this novel and accompanying CD.. What a literary piece of work!  This novel is one of the best love stories I've ever read. The accompanying CD really took me to a whole new level while reading the story!  I hope that the author plans to write another piece of work like this one.  The author has such a gift for writing.  I can honestly say I just became so engrossed in the story I felt like I was watching a movie as I proceeded through the book.  What a wonderful idea and interesting concept to incorporate music into the story...I definitely had a deeper understanding and relationship with the characters while listening to the CD. The music is just beautiful.  I've played the CD so often my
3-year-old now walks around humming the songs." -- Heather Arcuri, Cary, North Carolina

"I'm in surreal awe..."

"When I started reading Midwinter Turns to Spring, I immediately fell in love with it and became an instant fan of Maria Veloso.  The music that comes with the novel is so soothing, relaxing and enchanting -- I really, really love it. I'm in surreal awe of Maria's words and I savor her words as one would savor rich chocolate truffles.  I've read and enjoyed novels like Bridges of Madison County, but this work reaches emotional heights seldom reached by other novels.  It certainly deserves to be on Oprah's Book Club."
-- Celine Hamel, Walnut Creek, California 

"This book enthralled me ... I devoured it in one evening"

"I heartily recommend this book ... a unique reading experience with a beautiful music soundtrack"

"I'm an avid book reader, and recently my son-in-law lent me a book titled Midwinter Turns to Spring written by first-time novelist, Maria Veloso. Many times throughout the book, it seemed that Veloso was using a camera rather than a pen -- so perfectly does she create a scene for the reader.  What I loved most about this novel -- it was detailed, compassionate, with satisfyingly real and vivid characters.  No brief description of this book can give a sense of the care that has gone into making it.  I intend to follow Maria Veloso's budding career as author and look forward to reading the prequel and sequel that I understand she's in the process of writing. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a unique reading experience with a beautiful music soundtrack that both my husband and I enjoyed listening to." -- Marlene Westerlund, Walnut Creek, California

"I've nominated this book for
Oprah's Book Club..."

"I'm a U.S. Army pilot serving in Iraq.  My girlfriend, who lives in California, read Midwinter Turns to Spring recently -- it was her book club's second-anniversary book read.  She enjoyed the book so much that she sent a copy to me here in Balad, Iraq, where I'm stationed.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel -- a great story!  The author's descriptions of the various settings were so vivid that I felt like I was actually there.  It was like seeing a movie unfold in front of my eyes.  I’ve nominated this book for Oprah’s Book Club, and two of my Army friends have done the same."  -- First Lieutenant Diego Palma, U.S. Army Pilot from California serving in Balad, Iraq (Click here to view a candid photo of Lt. Palma reading the novel while in Army headquarters)
 

"Oprah should put this in her
book club..."

"I have read Midwinter Turns to Spring and listened to the music CD and I love both of them!  I live in Indiana and I talk about this book to my friends and family and some have borrowed the book to read, and to listen to the CD. The feedback I got was it was beautiful, they cried, they absolutely loved the CD, and that Oprah should put this in her book club so that more people can enjoy it!". 
-- Donna H., Martinsville, Indiana

"Moved me to tears"

"Midwinter Turns to Spring deeply and profoundly touched me -- and moved me to tears.  It's as though the author gathered all the gems from Gone with the Wind, Thorn Birds, Bridges of Madison County, and The Notebook and crafted them into the exquisite crown jewels that comprise this novel." 
-- Sydney Morgan, W.O.W. Book Club, Los Angeles, California

"This is pure poetry..."

"The very first time I heard the music soundtrack of Midwinter Turns to Spring, I immediately fell in love with the songs.  They sent shivers up and down my spine because the vocals were full of heartfelt emotion, and the melodies and words were so romantic and captivating.  I've been listening to the CD everyday -- I play it in the car while driving to and from work.  Whenever I get in the door of my house and realize I've left the CD in the car, I hurry back to the car and get it so that I can again listen to it throughout the house.  The more I listen to the CD, the more I get addicted to the songs.  I can't go through a day without listening to the CD at least once.  At the same time, I also read the novel -- and the music seemed to cast a dreamy impact on my reading, making me enjoy the extraordinary love story even more.  The novel itself is so beautifully written that at times (especially in Chapter 11), it seemed like I was reading pure poetry.  The novel and the music certainly enhance each other.  I loved the multi-media experience!"  
-- F. Isaac, Rancho Cucamonga, California

"Unforgettable Story"

"Maria, all I can say is that you make poetry with words.  It was heart warming to read such a love story with pure depth of emotions like hope, faith and selfless love. The music, oh the music gives me goosepimples whenever I listen to it. Maria, all I can say is we need you to keep making beautiful music and stories.  Thank you so much for the unforgettable story."  -- Shikha Garg, Bangalore, India

"Extremely powerful--an emotional love story..."

"Wow!  Maria, you are FANTASTIC!  I just finished reading your novel, Midwinter Turns to Spring.  It was wonderful!  I could not put it down once I started reading it.  I finished the book in one day!  Readers who don't mind shedding a few tears won't be disappointed.  This novel would surely make a GREAT MOVIE.  "Extremely powerful, an emotional love story."  I hope you continue writing for years to come -- and thanks for sharing this talent with the world."
-- Marie Samson, Livermore, California

"Maria Veloso is a virtuoso..."

"When I first heard that Midwinter Turns to Spring came with its own music soundtrack, I thought it was just some sort of marketing gimmick to get people to buy the book.  When I learned that the author also wrote the songs in the companion music CD, I seriously doubted that the songs would be any good -- and that they were probably put together and made a part of the book just to attract publicity. 

"Upon reading the review copy of the book and listening to the dreamy songs on the music CD, however, I realized that Maria Veloso is a virtuoso at both disciplines -- she did an amazing job writing both the novel and the songs.  I still can't decide if she's better at novel-writing or songwriting.  The craftsmanship with which she wove the sentiments of the novel and the music into a harmoniously superb tapestry is a stroke of genius.  I wish there'll be more novels like these in the future."
-- Therese Kendall, Mount Vernon, New York 

"The book left me speechless..."

"Maria, I just finished reading Midwinter Turns to Spring -- and I have to say, your book left me speechless and in tears.  Magnifico !!! -- and bravo on a story well told.  This is as beautiful as a love story can be -- you couldn't have done a better job.  Now that I've finished reading the novel, the songs on the soundtrack seem even more captivating in the context of the story.  Oprah Winfrey would LOVE this book!"
-- A.D.G., Dublin, California

"..drop-dead gorgeous songs..."

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading Midwinter Turns to Spring – and plan to read it again many times. But the music CD came as a big surprise.  It has more drop-dead gorgeous songs than I’ve seen contained in a single CD.  The songs tenderly wrapped me in the strains of Spanish guitars and put me right smack into the world of Alfonso and Savannah!  I can already see these songs being played at weddings."
-- Taylor Baskin, Middlefield, Connecticut
 

"..very insightful..."

"Midwinter Turns to Spring is very insightful on the many complexities of relationships -- spouses, lovers, parent/child.  I am normally a fast reader but the beauty of the story, the words and poetry made me want to savor and linger on each and every word so as to make sure I am not missing a thing and at the end, I still wanted more!  Thank you!"
-- Joy Magallanes, Los Angeles, California
 

"...made my heart melt."

"I read Midwinter Turns to Spring, and I reveled in it, cried over it, and was touched by it – all before even listening to the music CD that came with the novel.  The novel was so wonderful and hard to put down that I really doubted that the music CD would add much more to my enjoyment of it.  I was wrong.  I finally listened to the songs on the CD and realized that they should really be enjoyed alongside the novel.  So I read the novel all over again and listened to the relevant songs when I got to key sections in the story.  I felt myself strangely becoming part of the story, involved in the events as though I was a silent character.  Especially when I heard the haunting song titled “Let Me Come Eagerly”, which was in the finale of the story, it gave me gooseflesh because it tied everything together into an ending that made my heart melt. I predict that this song will be played at more  weddings than any other song.”
-- Charlotte Kirk, Berea, Ohio
 

"I give you a standing ovation!"

"...sure to become a bestseller!"

"I applaud Midwinter Turns to Spring and the brave, new genre Maria Veloso is pioneering. This is sure to become a bestseller!  Give this book to Oprah Winfrey!  The novel is moving, and the songs on the CD soundtrack are so beautiful that they should be enjoyed not only in the context of novel reading, but be heard on the airwaves as well."  -- Jackie Silva, Valparaiso, Indiana
 

"This would make a great movie!"

"I loved Midwinter Turns to Spring.  It touched my heart, and the story and the characters stayed with me long after I finished reading the book.  I think it would make a great movie!  I love the songs on the CD, too -- especially Time and Space." -- Luisa Q., Rancho Cucamonga, California
 

"Oprah would love this book"

"My son gave Midwinter Turns to Spring to me as a gift.  I loved the characters, the wonderful story, and the beautiful words in which the story was told.  Even Oprah would love this book.  I can already see it being made into a movie.  
-- Juanita Anderson, Chicago, Illinois
 

"...a truly remarkable book..."

"If you haven't read Midwinter Turns to Spring (and listened to the music CD that goes with it) yet, you're sure missing a lot!  On several occasions, while reading the novel, I stopped just to tell my wife what a truly remarkable book this is, and how amazed I am at the fine job of writing Maria Veloso has done.  I'm accustomed to reading novels by John Grisham, and other action adventure and mystery thrillers, and I wasn't sure at first if Midwinter Turns to Spring would be the kind of novel I'd enjoy.  But upon reading it, I realized that everyone would enjoy this book.  My wife will be reading it, too, now that I've raved about it.   And the music in the companion soundtrack is excellent, too.  Zendrik is a great singer, and even my brother was very impressed with the songs on the CD when he came over to listen to them.   But don't take my word for it.  Enjoy both the novel and the music CD for yourself, and you won't regret doing so."
– Doel Joaquin, Claremont , California

"Took my breath away"

"I loved the novel – but the songs on the music CD took my breath away.  Romantic strains of Flamenco guitar were woven throughout, tugging at my heartstrings and giving me a taste of what Alfonso’s sentiments must have been like, and how Savannah must've felt.  Not only is the music tantalizing, but the vocalists, Zendrik and Seana Fisher, obviously are world-class singers.  Incidentally, the name 'Zendrik' appears in the novel as one of the main characters who wrote songs inspired by Alfonso and Savannah.  It makes me wonder whether the character, Zendrik, was based on the real person, Zendrik, the singer who also produced the Midwinter Turns to Spring music album.”
-- Georgia Phillips, Montpelier, Vermont

"...an extraordinary tour de force..."

"I can’t decide which I like better – Midwinter Turns to Spring, the novel, or its companion music CD with the same title.  What I do know is that the music gave a whole new dimension to novel reading.  Without exaggeration, the songs in the album – including my personal favorite, From Where I Stand -- are of the same caliber as those award-winning songs at the Academy Awards like You Must Love Me from Evita, A Whole New World from Aladdin, My Heart Will Go On from Titanic, or the theme song from Beauty and the Beast.  This novel/CD combo is something no book or music lover should be without. It’s an extraordinary tour de force for Maria Veloso to have been able to excel in both the literary and music aspects equally well. Kudos to her on a job superbly done.  Oprah Winfrey would really love this book.
-- Cindy Bennett, Folsom, New Jersey

"...a touching, awesome book!"

"This was such a touching book that I couldn't put it down.  I read it in one sitting -- midnight to 6am, when I should have been sleeping.  I've always known I'm destined for this kind of love, and even though this story may be fiction, we can all relate to such a love.  Love is about the conscious choice of choosing your partner always through thick and thin.  Having the faith in God and love is the message this book embodies. Midwinter Turns to Spring, the book as well as its companion CD, is not only absolutely beautiful, and a wonderful reminder of what love is, but it is also inspiring.  It has inspired me to write a wedding song for when I get married to the love God will guide me to.  So thank you, Maria and  Zendrik, for the book, the words, the music, the song, the inspiration!!!  – V. Angelica, Las Vegas, Nevada

Mesmerizing Story

"Without a doubt, Midwinter Turns to Spring is one of the most romantic love stories I've ever read.  The story made its way straight to my heart.  I couldn't stop crying at the end of the book.  I've read a lot of novels, but I haven't encountered any other book or story that has mesmerized me as much.  I've read a lot of books (including every book on Oprah's book club) and this is definitely one of the best -- and I'm not easily impressed!"
-- Kayla Nash, Dallas, Texas

"Marvelous ... I wished it would never end!"

"Your name, 'Maria Veloso,' is an appropriate name for you because it sounds like maravilloso, which in Spanish, means marvelous -- also fantastico (fantastic).  These words describe exactly how I felt while reading your novel!

"I think Midwinter Turns to Spring is a great book!  While reading, I relished it so much. I wished that it would never end!!" -- Fely Santos, Manila, Philippines

"...this will definitely be a big hit!"

"Beautiful love songs"

"Both the melodies and the words of the songs on the Midwinter Turns to Spring music CD are so beautiful they make me want to cry.  I like all the songs on this album that I can't decide which one is my favorite.  I like I'll Remember You, Let Me Come Eagerly, Let Our Souls Touch and Midwinter Turns to Spring, in particular.  I listen to the CD wherever I go -- when I'm driving in my car, I take it with me.  When I get back to my house, I listen to it on the home stereo, and when I'm sitting at my desk, I play it on my computer's CD player.  I can't get enough of it!"
-- M. Langston, Sacramento, California

"I cried through all the songs..."

"When I received Midwinter Turns to Spring in the mail last week, before even reading the book, I listened to the CD.  I don't know what came over me but I cried through all the songs.  I later got the chance to read the entire novel, and I'm convinced that it, too, will touch many people's lives and give renewed hope for those who have been hurt by love or have stopped believing in love.  Although I think that both the novel and the songs on the CD have great commercial potential, I predict that the songs on the CD will breakout way ahead of the novel."
-- Greg Stiles, Hollywood, California

"Melodic words ... rhythmic lyrics"

"Both the novel and the CD moved me in so many ways -- the melodic words described in the novel not only measured well with the rhythmic lyrics of the songs but it also harmonized well with my true feelings of what true love can be.  We all have a choice with love if we can let go of fear.  The significance of this fiction novel does not only live within the pages of this book or within each track of the CD. Because I, too, have been able to experience and continue to grow with my beautiful husband - by letting go of fear and allowing love to evolve us.  Thank you again for the captivating reminder."  -- T. Pueblos, N. Hollywood, California

"Definitely a great candidate for Oprah's Book Club"

"Midwinter Turns to Spring was a delight to read! It usually takes me 2 weeks or more to read a novel, but this took me only 3 days because I couldn't put it down. The words that Maria Veloso used were so beautiful and the story was captivating!  Definitely a great candidate for Oprah's book club."
-- Norma Frisan, Los Angeles, California

"Exhilarating!"

"I'm not one who's inclined towards fits of fantasy, but Midwinter Turns to Spring transported me to a place and a season I've never dared dream about, and I'll never forget the tender, yet exhilarating feelings I associate with the story, its unforgettable characters, and its timeless music."
-- Leslie Ebersole, Grayson, Georgia

Swoon Factor of 10

"The swoon factor of Midwinter Turns to Spring is a perfect 10.  While reading through the chapters, I often felt goose bumps and currents of electricity running up and down my body because of the poignant and emotionally-charged sentiments expressed in the dialogue and the thoughts of the characters.  The story is unforgettable, and the author, Maria Veloso, ought to be praised for being a wordsmith of the highest caliber.  Her word pictures are at once evocative, provocative and seductive.  I couldn't put this book down."
-- Fran Underwood, Charlotte, North Carolina

Ripped My Heart Out

"While reading Midwinter Turns to Spring, I felt my heart being ripped out.  I'm not going to spoil it, but if you've read the book, you know what I'm talking about.  I surprised myself because books usually don't have the power to make me cry like this one did.  I've read many books that move me -- but move me to tears, very seldom.  Midwinter Turns to Spring made my knees buckle at various points in the story, but I shed the most tears upon reading the last chapter."
-- Rowena Calhoun, Minneapolis, Minnesota

"I wanted to live within its pages"

"After reading Midwinter Turns to Spring , the only thing I wanted to do was read it all over again.  I wanted to live within its pages and wrap myself in the music -- and never leave.
-- Jane Gladden, St. Louis, Missouri

"...the best love story of all time."

"I cry every time I think about Midwinter Turns to Spring.  I remember the words Alfonso said to Savannah, "I love the entire universe of you..."  I won't spoil the story for those who haven't read it yet, but I'm getting teary-eyed now just remembering the words.  This truly qualifies as the best love story of all time." 
-- Laura Carter-Leeds, East Haven, Connecticut

Emotional Sorcery

"This is emotional sorcery at its best.  I've never been so moved by a story before.  And the love scene in Chapter 11 has no equal -- it was throbbing with exquisite sensuality.  Maria Veloso's masterful use of metaphors and innuendos is sublime."  -- Pat Snowden, Rochester, New York

A Heart-Wrenching Story

"I've never been a 'softy' -- and I don't cry over books.  And I never did understand people who do.  Therefore, it felt weird when I not only got choked up, but found myself sobbing at the end of Midwinter Turns to Spring.  It's a heart-wrenching story, and the second time I read it, it stimulated my tear ducts yet again!  Turned me into a Softy with a capital S."
-- Alexa Hill, Siloam Springs, Arkansas

"What a novel idea!!"

"The power of love and caring are deeply expressed in Midwinter Turns to Spring. And what a novel idea for a book to have a musical score!" -- Anthony Griarte, West Covina, California