Hayley Solomon

Genre:

Adult Fiction
Children's Fiction
Romance
Poetry
Short Stories
Young Adult

Skills:

Academic Writing
Competition Judging
Editing

Branch:

Top of the South

Location:

Blenheim

Publications:

Under the shade of the feijoa trees and other stories/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Proverse Prize Edition; Hong Kong 2019 (Proverse Prize Supplemetary winner)

Under the shade of the feijoa trees is the 2018 Supplementary winner of the International Proverse Prize. It offers a representative sample of Hayley Ann Solomon’s particular brand of high quality, emotionally resonant short stories. The styles and intensities vary extensively, but the common denominator is humanity in all its complexity, woven with philosophy. “This eclectic and very personal collection of short stories by successful writer of genre fiction and emerging poet, Hayley Ann Solomon, describes in lyrical detail widely dispersed places and situations. The stories are well-constructed and intensely-felt and the author’s joy in the sounds and sequencing of beautiful words is evident.”—Philip Chatting, Winner of the Proverse Prize 2014, author of The Snow Bridge and Other Stories (Proverse, 2015). The short stories are stylistically diverse, but all imbued with some kind of enchantment- from wish fulfillment to witches, spellbinding poetic justice to incarnations of Hell. Hayley waves a wand over enigmatic pirates, dazzling dukes, hidden histories and the murder of self respect. She offers ethical conundrums, philosophic constructs and the opportunity for laughter. She speaks from multiple voices –a jaded male, an intelligent, seeking child., a warm, indigenous mother. She flavours many of the stories with the literary, or poetic, or plain, quizzically ironic. Distribution worldwide and online by: Chinese University Press, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR: www.chineseupress.com Direct link: https://bit.ly/2FZejjj Hong Kong bookshops can order for customers from CUHKP. Available by order from UK bookstores Available online also from: amazon. Direct link: https://amzn.to/2OXDhUf. Also available from: many other online retailers. MEDIA INTERVIEWS & QUERIES: Please contact Proverse Hong Kong at: proverse@netvigator.com

Celestial Promise/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Proverse Prize Edition; Hong Kong 2017 (Proverse Prize Supplemetary winner)

Celestial Promise is the winner of the International Proverse Prize 2016 Supplementary Prize. In this collection of poetry, written over half a lifetime, Hayley Ann Solomon focuses primarily on the pursuit of excellence, immortality achieved through finite life, love in all its forms, and social justice. As it waxes and wanes, the collection cycles through sequences of lyrical ballads, sonnets, elegies, haiku, snippets of nonsensical verse; all blended with a substantial dose of existential philosophy and social comment. The collection covers a full spectrum, from the darkest psycho-social moments, to zeniths of absolute joy. The liberal use of consonance, assonance, alliteration, echoes and half-echoes, rhyme and cross-rhyme make for a style rich in sound-play. This, together with strong metrical awareness – very often iambic or trochaic pentameter and tetrameter – evokes a flow that is quite typically euphonic. There is therefore a sense of lyricism despite a broad diversity of topics and moods. The anthology evolves to become a promise of regeneration, in synchrony with the phases of the moon, from which it takes its celestial title.

Wishbinder Hayley Ann Solomon Calumet, Minnesota, USA 2017 (Young adult fantasy)

Wishbinder... is one of the most original and delightfully imaginative books that has appeared in years: a glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irresistible. Wishbinder, peopled with elves, men, wizards, and servants of the dark power, rivals Tolkien.' This is Hayley's debut young adult adult fantasy novel. Light, but with lyrical and philosophical overtones, it features, amongst other characters, an accident prone dragon with an identity crisis, a couple of rather uppity messenger elves and Septimus Kahikatea, born somewhere on the south island of New Zealand. (Review by Michael D. Mann, Amazon.com 2017) Wishbinder transports us from earth to Elvenswolde, a magical realm of elves and dragons, where the business of wish fulfillment is overseen by the Wish Maker . However, malicious wish bubbles seem to be brimming and brewing, threatening to weave malice into the intricate balance of enchantments. Septimus, seventh son of a seventh son, raised on earth but half elf, must now fulfill the prophecies to restore the balance of the worlds. He is helped by a dragon hatchling with a remarkable propensity for trouble. ‘Hilarious, magical, heartbreaking at times, this amazing novel presents a world we can only wish existed.’

Raven's Ransom/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA (Romantic Times 'Top Pick', 2001)

Raven's Ransom is a Romantic Times nominee for most innovative regency 1992. Teresa Roebuck, the reviewer, writes 'Hayley Ann Solomon’s tale is a delicious romp with startlingly original heorines and dashing, debonair heroes. Delightful!’ . The tale is quite a frolic with not one but three heroines, a wily grandad, and an assortment of fortune hunters, rakes and less than salubrious characters. Fortunately as per genre, mayhem resolves rather satisfactorily at the conclusion. Shhh... I did not say that....

An imperfect proposal/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA

With two young nieces now in his charge, the Earl of Devonport is quite suddenly in need of a wife—and kind, gentle Amaryllis Hastings fits the bill nicely. His marriage will be nothing more than a convenience, after all—but his "retiring" bride surprises him at every turn, especially when he discovers that she has stolen his heart!

Lady Caraway's cloak/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA

Lady Serena Caraway had always prided herself on being sensible and level-headed. Yet when the estate she calls home passed from her late brother to a distant relation, Robin, the new Lord Caraway, Serena did a most foolish thing: She wrote to him at his residence abroad--not as a young lady, which would have been shocking enough, but in the guise of the Caraway Estate bailiff. She only meant to write once. She never intended to continue deceiving him. But his replies were so engaging, his grasp of every situation so keen, that before she knew it she had put pen to paper once more. Only now, Serena is at her wit's end. For Lord Caraway has returned to England and wants very much to know what has become of his bailiff. Which leaves Serena crossing swords with a tall, dark and devastatingly handsome earl who makes it dangerously clear that he won't rest until he uncovers the truth--and every other dazzling secret the mysterious and enticing Lady Caraway has to hide. . .

A rag mannered rogue/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA

Resourceful, intrepid, but nonetheless a lady, Miss Theresa Hampstead is spoiling for adventure. . .and about to stumble upon it. Having set out--alone--for London to investigate the state of her pending inheritance, Tessie soon finds herself stranded at a roadside inn, where she is denied a room--until a well-heeled, but decidedly arrogant stranger secures her accommodation. Far from feeling gracious, however, Tessie is infuriated at the man's brusqueness. . .and intrigued when she spies him creeping stealthily from his room for a midnight rendezvous. . . . . .Turnabout Is Fair Play Romance is most certainly not on Lord Nicholas Cathgar's agenda when he comes to the aid of the vexatious Theresa Hampstead. His mission to foil a group of anarchists brings him to a meeting spot near the inn where, as he fights a losing battle with the bloodthirsty gang, he is rescued by none other than a certain spirited female--who happens to be a crack shot! To his chagrin, Nicholas now owes the lady his life, as well as the forty guineas that were pilfered from her room. He insists on escorting her to London, and presents her with a debt of honor. It's a debt he'd gladly repay --if the captivating Tessie will only accept. . .

By way of a wager/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA

Though her brother is presumed dead at Waterloo, Miss Cassandra Beaumaris is determined to find him. Sheer desperation forces her to accept shelter from the eighth Duke of Wyndham, only to have the nobleman (for reasons of his own) insist she marry. And so Cassandra proposes a game of chance. If she wins, she will have her freedom. If she loses, she will place her future--and her heart--in his hands.

A scandalous connection/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA

Do not come home... I have a perfectly clever plan up my sleeve..." Those words, penned by his sister Caroline, are precisely what prompts Demian, Duke of Darris, to ride like the devil from London back to his ancestral estate. For Caro's "plans" tend to go awry in the most creative--and unfortunate--ways. Now, with the family property in arrears, there's no telling what well-meaning mischief the minx might get up to. Demian arrives home not a moment too soon--to find his sister hosting a gaggle of well-to-do spinsters--and himself forced to pose as none other than his own butler! On the brink of engagement to a stiff-rumped society heiress, Demian can hardly afford to playact, and intends to quash Caro's harebrained scheme posthaste. That is, until he sets his eyes--and his heart--upon Miss Amy Mayhew. One glimpse of her fiery spirit and unconventional beauty is enough to make him risk both fortune and reputation...for a chance at her love.

Seeking Celeste/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA

STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT... Miss Anne Derringer had failed miserably as a lady. Her passion for astronomy had labeled her a bluestocking. She'd plunged her fortune into a ship named Polaris--which sank. Penniless, she was forced to accept a position as a dowager's companion, only to lose her way on her first day. Now she'd come face to face with the arrogant Lord Edgemere, who mistook her for his siblings' new governess...and produced an entirely wanton effect upon her senses. ...GRANT A WISH FOR LOVE TONIGHT Lord Edgemere immediately wanted to seduce this clever beauty who arrived out of nowhere. Her response to his bold kiss was a sigh, a shiver--and a stinging slap. Soon he was being blackmailed into an engagement with a lady of the ton, yet he was moonstruck whenever he looked at Anne, whom he nicknamed "Celeste." Unless he devised a plan, the love sparkling between them might prove as impossible as catching a falling star.

The brambleberry bride/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA

Abandoned heartbroken at his wedding altar, Viscount Waverly has decided it is up to his brother, Captain Bertram Ralston, to carry on the family name, and he believes Anastasia Richmond will make the perfect bride. But upon arrival at the Richmond estate, Bertram is smitten by a woman he soon learns is not the woman he was intended to wed. Now caught in a tangled web, Bertram finds himself in a most unsatisfactory situation. . . or is it?

Madrigals and Mistletoe/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA

Song of Love Seraphina Camfrey, newest darling of the ton, is angelic in both name and face. Alas, the same can scarcely be said for her singing. And now she fears her off-key notes have sentenced her to yet another fussy old tutor. But Captain Argyll, though arrogant, proves irresistible! So the scampish Seraphina cares nothing for plans to match her with a duke at a country Christmas. Starry-eyed amid the snow and sugar plums, she hears only her heartstrings--strummed by her handsome music master. ...In a Season of Joy Frederick Argyll is all set to fund his musical composition by teaching. No doubt his pupil will be some dreary wallflower. But Seraphina's hair flames as bright as the yule log and her spirit crackles as cheerily. Can Frederick mold her into the star of the Christmas pageant, and--despite a medley of misunderstandings--accompany her in holiday harmonies of love?

Enchanting kittens/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA

There is a magic about cats that is both alluring and dangerous. Even as kittens, they can be as mischievous as the flirtatious glint in a maiden's eye or as mysterious as the enigmatic smile on a rake's lips. These three bewitching Regency tales prove that when felines intervene in the lives of mortals, true love follows. One moonless night, Lord Guy Santana meets a lovely young woman carrying a black cat. 'I am your destiny', she cries, then vanishes. His lordship is certain this strange encounter must have been a dream. But when Guy wins the cat in a wager, it leads him back to the mysterious beauty and he knows he must do anything to make her his bride.

Seducing Lord Sinclair/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA

A REFORMED RAKE AND A DELIGHTFUL HOYDEN... Alistair Raoul Griffin Sinclair wanted nothing to do with Miss Marianne Spencer-Pultney. Until he learned the little minx was to be forcibly wed to his curmudgeonly cousin, the aged Lord Sinclair. Quickly, a deal was struck. Marrying young Lord Sinclair would ensure Marianne's inheritance. Marrying a well-bred young woman would satisfy Raoul's mamma. It was a bargain both ways -- as long as neither bride nor groom foolishly fell in love with the other! But Raoul could not resist this dark-haired beauty. And though Marianne yearned to become Raoul's true wife, pride bade her resist a husband she believed didn't love her. A CONFIRMED BACHELOR AND A BLUESTOCKING... Never had Lord Raphael Delware and Lady Amber Sinclair seen two people more needlessly miserable. If the urbane marquis and the intellectual lady could admit their undying love for each other, anyone could. The only way to help Amber's brother and his wife end the awful charade of wedded stalemate was to play a little game of their own -- and set Marianne the pleasurable task of seducing her own husband. Cupid was never more clever in bringing kindred spirits together in wedded bliss!

Viscount victorious/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA

The Quizzing glass Bride/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA

When Lady Fern Reynolds confided in a sympathetic houseguest that she was considering running away to London to escape betrothal to an unknown suitor, she didn't expect him to offer her shelter. And she certainly didn't imagine tumbling for him, the Viscount Sandford. But that was the least of her surprises, as she discovered the wedding was to go on as planned--and her groom was strangely familiar...

Mingled voices - International Proverse Poetry Prize Anthology - Chinese University Press

MINGLED VOICES is an anthology of thirty-one poems, selected for the inaugural annual international competition for the Proverse Poetry Prize (single poems) in 2016. The places of birth of the twenty writers whose work is included in the anthology range from Scandinavia to the Far East, to the southern hemisphere; and include Canada, Cap Verde, Cuba, Estonia, Israel, Italy, Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, the People’s Republic of China, Turkey, the UK and the USA. Some have strong links with other countries, including Austria, Chile, Holland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Spain and the USA. The poets are: Aytül Akal, Joy Al-Sofi, Maria Elena Blanco, Gili Haimovich, Hei Feng, Akin Jeje, Susan Lavender, Liv Lundberg, Marta Markoska, Mathura (Margus Lattik), Glória Sofia Varela Monteiro, Keith Nunes, Sam Powney, Vaughan Rapatahana, Angelo Rizzi, Hayley Solomon, Dong Sun, Luisa Ternau, Carter Vance, Mavisel Yener. Also included is a non-entered poem on the theme, by Gillian Bickley. “The changes in our environment, not all of them man-made, concern the inhabitants of every country on earth, and it is refreshing to see the response from writers in so many lands.” —Margaret Clarke, Oxfordshire “When I read this Anthology, I felt that I took a tour in the garden of the poetry world. In that garden each flower has not only her own odour but also has her own shape and meaning. And all flowers were in harmony with each other. I hope one day the real world will be a poetic anthology of humanity, like this.” —Hasan Erkek, Turkey

From Tolerable to Tempting/Hayley Ann Solomon Balboa USA 2014

Can Darcy ever be absolved of his wicked remark “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me…?” This is a JAFF variation of Austen's Pride and Prejudice. From Tolerable to Tempting diverges from the original with the death of Mr. Bennet. Lizzie is evicted from Longbourn after Mr. Collins, the heir,proves his usual insufferable self. Lizzie finds herself governess to Georgiana with heartrending complications. What of Anne De Bourgh? What luminously cunning scheme is contrived to thwart Lady Catherine? Does Wickham’s insidious charm still have consequences? For whom? When does an astonished Lizzy discover that the last man on earth she could ever be prevailed upon to marry is actually—quite sinfully—tempting?

My lady luck/ Hayley Ann Solomon, Kensington Publishing, NY USA 2004

Despising the confines and conventions of polite society, rebellious Honor Finchely is determined to use her extraordinary memory and talent for games of chance to parlay her winnings into a fortune, masquerading as a young man until the handsome Marquis of Laxton uncovers her charade. Original.