FLOATING UNDERWATER has been awarded the B.R.A.G. MEDALLION and placed as FINALIST with WISHING SHELF AWARDS and NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARDS.
Part psychological fiction and part mystical fiction with a dash of magical realism, Floating Underwater follows a woman’s astonishing journey through the extraordinary and, ultimately, to her own self-actualization and power.
Fearful that her lifelong premonitions not only predict the future but can also change its very course, Paloma Leary is devastated when her latest vision foretelling a third miscarriage comes true.
Falling into a mystifying world of increasingly bizarre phenomena, including a psychic connection with her mysterious neighbor, out-of-body experiences, and visits from her long-dead mother, Paloma grows desperate for answers. She is also desperate to start a family. But when a life-changing vision reveals a tragic secret from the past, Paloma learns to accept her gifts and embraces a far different future than she ever could have imagined.
Tracy Shawn is based on the coast of California. Her novels Floating Underwater (2021) and The Grace of Crows (2024 as a second edition) have won a variety of indie book awards. Her short stories and poems have appeared in several literary publications, including two featured works in Spillwords Press. She’s written numerous articles for print and online publications and is currently working on her third novel.
Tracy enjoys visiting local book clubs and is also available as a virtual guest author (her novels provide book club questions to further deepen individual reader’s experience and encourage in-depth group discussions).
As a person who does not read books in the genre of mystical and magical realism, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed and was invested in this story!
Floating Underwater focuses upon Paloma Leary, a character who is dealing with grief and the constant trauma of having miscarriages, while undergoing vivid visions that sometimes predict the future. As the story progresses, instead of ignoring and being ashamed of her visions, Paloma finds meaning and strength in the power that has been given to her. In doing so, she is able to uncover the truth about her past and find a way forward into her future.
After reading the first chapter, I found the story extremely compelling. The writing style is easy to follow, quick paced, and written in a way that makes you sympathise with the characters - particularly Paloma. As well as this, the story is not simply linear, as it contains different sub-plots that are cleverly linked together to reach the overall ending, which is something that I loved! As a result of these different elements in the story, I was gripped with the mystery and the secrets that Paloma was trying to uncover. I also really liked the emphasis placed on the setting of the story, which is the ocean near to where Paloma lives. It’s as though the setting symbolises the waves of emotion that Paloma feels, as well as the waves of emotion the reader feels while reading Paloma’s tragic story.
I’m so glad that I read this book because I thought it was a great story that was filled with mystery and secrets, well written characters, and the important message of being true to one’s self!
Title: Floating Underwater Author: Tracy Shawn Release Date: September 10th, 2021 Page Count: 275 Start Date: November 15th, 2022 Finish Date: December 1st, 2022
Review: Story: When I first saw this book, I had some theories. I thought the whole story may take place in a sea or ocean. I also thought it could be about mermaids. I'm not going to give it away, but I will say that I may have been partially right. It's a big stretch though. There is some references to a child disappearing many years ago. That part plays an important role later. I can't say this book completely went the way I thought it would. I'm okay with that though. It was still an enjoyable read. It does cover mental health issues, kidnapping, and psychic abilities. Characters: Paloma has been going through so much. When she was younger, her sister was kidnapped and the case was never solved. Her sister was never found. Once she became a woman, she found that she couldn't carry a child to term. After a few miscarriages, she's ready to quit trying and look into adoption. I really felt for her. She's this amazing woman who is willing to do whatever for her loved ones. Nobody seems to understand her pain fully. On top of all that, she also has visions. Her husband doesn't believe they are real. It's intense. Critiques: None. Narration: Really enjoyable. I felt like it added to the story. Final Thoughts: I came in with some guesses on what this book was about. I was right and wrong. More on the wrong side than I was the right one. I really enjoyed this story! I'd have liked to see some after the story kind of events. I won't get into the details with what I was looking for. I would definitely read other books by this author. They definitely know how to hold your attention and keep you wanting more!
•• R E V I E W •• This book had potential if done well. The plot was an extremely slow burn that seemed to go on forever and i was already getting bored with it. I wasn’t a fan of the magical realism but I enjoyed the psychological and mystical fiction part. The character was so raw and vulnerable and i felt her emotions. I just wish that the storyline had more significant events and did not drag on for way too long.
I really enjoy a good magical realism and while this one is a well-written and emotionally stimulating read, it took a while to get going. I don't mind slower paced books but this one seemed to go long without going anywhere.
Eventually though, all is revealed as Paloma learns what the visions that plague her are about. Serena is a loveable character and was my favorite part of this read. I loved the relationship between her and Paloma.
It's heartbreaking what Paloma goes through and sharing in her grief and her loss will definitely tug at the heart strings. Overall, a satisfying and enjoyable read.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and Book Publicity Services for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
Thank you to Book Publicity Services for sending me an ARC.
I thought the books was well thought out and written. I loved the finding yourself and not letting anyone tell you who you should be theme. It is a beautiful story of learning the truth about Paloma finding who she was is and what she was meant to do and where she was going in life.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more from Tracy Shawn.
I would like to thank Ms. Kelsey for giving me a chance to read this novel. I loved the composition of the novel though I am not that into mystical stories, but still I truly appreciated the novel. ☺️☺️
This is a thoughtful book, and I can see a lot of women really relating to the main character or immersing themselves in this world. Paloma is experience aspects of both the normal human, woman experience and also of mystical or magical elements.
Paloma has had visions all of her life, but after her third miscarriage she goes on an adventure of discovery. She is figuring out more about herself and her family on this journey. This book deals with plenty of tragic topics from miscarriage to mental health.
The writing is good and the characters are well-written; you can always tell when the characters are good because you’ll find yourself getting heartbroken for them or in some cases hating them/infuriated by them (I was infuriated by one of them for sure). When an author has brought up strong emotions like that, they’ve managed to create some great, well-rounded characters.
My main problem with the book was where something would happen that I would be so interested in, can’t wait to see what something means or what happens next, and then the story would seem to stall or plateau for a while. It made the book feel like it dragged a little bit. The ending is a bit of a surprise too!
This book follows Paloma as she navigates through her 30s and faces many trials and tribulations. She has faced great losses in her past, most recently a string of miscarriages (big trigger warning here as it does go into detail of the pain and grief that follows these). Her life is filled with unresolved questions about her family history and to top it off she has visions. The visions are vivid but criptic and given her family history with Schizophrenia (another trigger warning) the people around her worry. On her quest for self discovery Paloma is thrown into a world of psychics and possible mermaids which is gripping and makes for a quick read. I did figure out the big plot twist but it wasn't disappointing to have done so. This was a good read and had an interesting concept. I enjoyed the mix of magical realism and psychological mystery it definitely kept things interesting along the way. I did enjoy the characters and seeing how their pasts came together, there are some good twists too.
First off, I want to point out that this book has many potential triggers, especially miscarriage. So please be aware before picking up this book if that is a sensitive topic for you.
Overall, I liked this book. The story is very emotional and rooted in an intimacy with the characters that Shawn does well. As I read the book, I felt connected to Paloma and her journey. I also thought the story was very compelling, especially the magical realism aspect.
At times the story did feel a bit slow and the dialogue fell flat in places, but that didn’t take too much away from the story or Shawn’s descriptive writing. I could always picture what was happening and felt like I knew where the characters were coming from.
This is a good option for fans of mystical realism.
The author’s writing style is easy to follow, and the pace is active enough to engage the reader early on. Characters are well-developed, and scenes are clearly depicted. Paloma is easy to connect with and root for. Her story of grief and loss will likely resonate with many. The various subplots are neatly woven together. The mystery and secrets have the reader guessing along with the characters. The ocean setting complements the emotional waves Paloma experiences. There are a few lulls in the plot, but it balances out overall. Floating Underwater is a heartbreaking tale that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
I usually don’t read this genre but was surprised to enjoy the book! Paloma was relatable and the amount of diverse topics (although some could be triggering depending on your own lived experience) kept me invested in the story. For once I didn’t guess the ending either! Definitely recommend if you enjoy reading thrillers / magical realism.
A Lyrical Dive into Healing and Mysticism Tracy Shawn’s Floating Underwater is a mesmerizing blend of psychological depth and magical realism, following the journey of a woman grappling with grief, identity, and the uncanny forces that guide her toward redemption. Set against the haunting beauty of California’s Pacific Coast, the novel weaves dreams, premonitions, and nature’s whispers into a tapestry of self-discovery.
Key Strengths -Emotional Resonance: Shawn’s prose is achingly poetic, capturing the protagonist’s turmoil with raw honesty. Themes of loss and rebirth resonate deeply, making the story feel both personal and universal. -Magical Realism: The mystical elements—visions, floating sensations, and symbolic sea imagery—are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the narrative’s ethereal quality without overshadowing its emotional core. -Setting as Character: The coastal town breathes life into the story, its tides and storms mirroring the protagonist’s inner chaos. Fans of The Ocean at the End of the Lane will appreciate this symbiotic relationship between place and psyche.
Potential Considerations Pacing: The novel's introspective nature may slow momentum for readers seeking plot-driven action, though the languid rhythm suits its meditative tone. -Ambiguity: Some mystical moments are lean and abstract, which could polarize readers who prefer concrete resolutions.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5) -Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A contemplative, character-driven arc with mystical twists. -Prose: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Gorgeously lyrical and immersive. -Themes: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Profound exploration of grief and transformation. -Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A fresh take on magical realism. Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) – A luminous, soul-stirring read.
Ideal Audience -Lovers of The Midnight Library or Where the Crawdads Sing who crave emotional depth. -Readers drawn to nature-infused spirituality and introspective narratives. -Fans of authors like Alice Hoffman or Isabel Allende.
Gratitude Thank you to NetGalley and Tracy Shawn for the advance review copy. Floating Underwater is a testament to the power of storytelling to heal—a novel that lingers like the tide long after the last page.
Final Verdict Shawn’s novel is a rare gem: a quiet storm of beauty and pain that pulls you under its spell. While its pace may not suit everyone, its emotional payoff is unforgettable. A must-read for those who believe in the magic of second chances.
Note: This review reflects the ARC edition; minor changes may appear in the final publication.
We’re often taught that “Seeing is believing,” yet in Paloma’s case, it would be: “Believing is seeing.” That sort of thought process is carried throughout Floating Underwater, particularly in the interactions Paloma has with those closest to her. She’s had a gift for premonitions since childhood, yet there were many around her who discounted her beliefs, chalking it up to wishful thinking or experiences due to trauma and loss. Even her own husband can’t begin to believe, and it’s what has made Paloma want to shut down the door to her inner eye. But as certain characters within her circle show her, if she chooses to believe, she’ll be able to see, see, see…
It was a different way of storytelling, from start to finish for Paloma’s story. In the beginning, Paloma is just as confused as we are with the characterizations of certain characters, like Serena, or Patsy. But they’re all verbal bread crumbs that lead the way to eventually discovering Paloma’s place in the world, the truth behind her premonitions, the reason her mother chooses to reach out to her, and what her father has been hiding from her. Maybe where she is in life isn’t where she should be at all. But, how can she ever find her true calling or place in the world?
The storyline floated softly and effortlessly from one chapter to the next, with a lot of emphasis on water. Water is often seen as a symbol for wisdom, or a cleansing of the soul. But it is also seen as a symbol for life and birth, which was the perfect metaphor here. Believing really is seeing. And I really appreciated the symbolism, and more, within Floating Underwater! It was a five-star experience for me.
At first, I wanted to finish this book because I had promised the publishers I would give it a review in exchange for my free ebook copy and I felt honored to be chosen by the publishers. However, as I kept reading, I realized I wanted to finish this book because it renewed my interest in psychological disorders, an interest that pushed me to get a psychology minor in college. The mind and soul are so complex and those that suffer with mental illness have a deep and intricate mind, like looking into a deep and dark tunnel and wondering which way they should go. This book is a tribute to mental illness and the misconceptions the world has about those who suffer with it. But this book not only sheds light on the internal struggle and turmoil of someone living with a psychological condition, it also brings to light the worries and concerns of the loved ones and family members of those afflicted with inner demons. Their loved ones fear how the illness will affect those who have a disorder, but they also fear the hereditary nature of such disorders. The treatments for mental illness have come a long way in the last century, as the book explains, but unfortunately there is still a stigma against it and those who suffer with it. The only way to erase the stigma is to expose the world to psychology, psychological disorders, and the victims of their sometimes dark minds.
First, thank you to Tracy and Book Publicity Services for this review copy! This novel was a bit different for me which, is always a good thing. I like to read subjects that aren’t always familiar with me and this one was so good! I really enjoyed this story!
This story follows Paloma and her journey with miscarriages and her finally coming into her gifts and powers. Through out of body experiences, psychic interactions with others and her long lost Aunt, Paloma goes through a lot of heartache. It’s a really inviting and mystical story and I loved it. It was deeply moving and had bits of psychological truths, which are right up my alley.
I definitely recommend this read if you want to step out of your comfort zone and into some magical realism. It’s not overpowering in the respect that you can’t follow along, it’s eye opening and just gives you a great reading experience. I loved it!
When I started this book it was like when roadrunner would get ready to run and his legs would spin and spin and spin, but he wouldn’t go anywhere. It took so long for this book to actually go anywhere. It felt like a lot of the information in the beginning was just put there without a purpose, forced even, so the story could push awareness that the town was dealing with many instances of mental illness. It just didn’t flow well. Although many readers could definitely relate to the main characters feelings of loneliness. Keeping her hurt and pain inside. Not letting people get past the surface, so as not to drag others into the darkness with her.
This book is a rich interweaving between the psychological and spiritual challenges of motherhood and miscarriages, birth and death. It dives into the desire to heal the wounds of childhood through becoming a metaphorical mother. This beautifully detailed journey uses the symbol of a mermaid to draw us deeper into the unconscious and magic that guides us to accept the complex relationships of family. It is a powerful read for anyone who has experienced the wounds of motherhood either as a child or as a parent. It teaches us how to grieve and to welcome and celebrate the birth of love in our hearts.
So happy to have read another amazing book by Tracy Shawn. Floating Underwater has many clever twists and turns that peak your interest all the way to the end. The story shows the raw, deep inner feelings of a woman, Paloma, torn between the events in her life she cannot always control. A mystical and relatable world you cannot help but dive into!
Thank you so much Book Publicity Services for the opportunity to read this ARC book.
Floating Underwater is mainly about a woman accepting who she is. Paloma has experienced great loss through her life and after experiencing a third miscarriage she becomes unsettled. She has had visions her whole life, but after the miscarriage she starts to experience new events. Paloma embarks on an adventure of finding out more about her family and herself.
The writing style was well done and easily readable. Right away readers are thrown into the story with a tragedy. This shapes the rest of the book and is at the center of the events that will come later. The book brings up topics that are sometimes hard to think about and need to be talked about more. For example, mental illness is at the center of this book. Palomas mother had schizophrenia and it greatly impacted Paloma and the town.
At times some of Paloma’s thoughts become repetitive and some topics were brought up multiple times. It took away from the story as it stalled the story line. This occurred mostly in the middle of the book. After the half way point the book started to pick up and was not repetitive.
There was an unexpected element of mystery to the book, it was definitely a bonus and added to the story. The ending was surprising and unexpected.
Before plunging into this review, I should note this novel deals with many a distressing topic, so trigger warnings for miscarriage, loss, and mental illness.
Floating Underwater follows Paloma, a woman who experiences visions which can be interpreted as premonitions. Almost immediately as we begin to read, she visualises a symbolic message which can only predict the loss of the child she’s carrying. This sends us on a journey with Paloma to understand her visions, her own life, and her ability to create comfort and change for herself and others.
It’s quite the mystical read, and feels almost ethereal, with lots of commentary on water and its strength. Shawn permeates the plot with mystery, and throws in some engaging twists, albeit ones which are quite simple to predict at an early stage.
I had a few problems with the pace; things seemed to drag along for a considerable while before picking themselves up to a comfortable speed. Repetitions, reinforcements, and retreats made things feel dull for some time before we hit the finale.
Despite this, the heartbreak and pain Shawn portrays throughout the novel is very raw and real. She’s allowing us a view into a kind of grief which we may not have experienced before, and I believe this to be incredibly important.
We can thank Shawn for encouraging us to listen to our intuition, love our families, and battle our fears.
Paloma and Reed have been trying to get pregnant for years, and with miscarriage after miscarriage Paloma is feeling discouraged and depressed, and not sure she can handle another. As she deals with her emotions and the push from her husband to get pregnant again, she finds a welcomed distraction in looking at and dissecting her family’s wild past. . . . I went into this book completely blind, and when you do that it’s sometimes a weird experience. In this case, it was extra strange because this book was not what I was expecting at all. Floating Underwater is part emotional fiction about the struggle of conception, part crime mystery, and part magical realism. It’s already a pretty strange book, so going in blind was like hopping onto a rollercoaster assuming I was jumping into a car.
Paloma was a good character, and I really rooted for her, and felt her pain deeply. I really liked the beginning and last half of the book, but found the middle to drag on a bit until we got to the really point of the story, but once we did there were a lot of interesting surprises. There is a lot of discussion and grappling with miscarriage, so if this is a trigger for you I wouldn’t recommend. However, if you like contemporary fiction with a dash of magic, this could be your next read 🙌🏼
Book Summary: Floating Underwater tells the amazing, life changing journeying of Paloma Leary. Part psychological thriller and part mystical fiction, the audience goes on a journey themselves with Paloma as she goes through heartache, out of body experiences, premonitions, life with her mysterious neighbor and even visits from her long dead mother. However as soon as Paloma starts accepting and embracing her gifts, she realizes that she might have a completely different future than she intended. Book Review: Right away, I was drawn into Paloma's story, with questions about her mysterious neighbor, premonitions, visits from the dead and out of body experiences. I had originally thought all of these concepts would be difficult to incorporate into just one book, but I was wrong and truly never knew what to expect while reading. I enjoyed how the author was able to weave magical realism into the story in such a thoughtful way, while also conveying the heartache Paloma went through, which had me really feeling for the character. While a little out of comfort zone, I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone looking for magical realism.
Floating Underwater is a deeply introspective and emotionally charged novel that blends psychological fiction, mystical elements, and magical realism into a powerful exploration of grief, intuition, and self-actualization. Tracy Shawn crafts a story that is both unsettling and luminous, inviting readers into the fragile inner world of a woman grappling with loss and the fear of her own extraordinary gifts.
Paloma Leary’s struggle with repeated miscarriage is portrayed with raw honesty, grounding the novel’s mystical elements in very real emotional pain. As her visions intensify and reality begins to blur with psychic connections, out-of-body experiences, and encounters with her deceased mother the narrative becomes a meditation on how trauma reshapes identity and perception.
What makes Floating Underwater particularly compelling is its refusal to offer easy answers. Instead, the novel guides readers through Paloma’s gradual acceptance of her intuition and power, culminating in a future that is unexpected yet earned. Haunting, thoughtful, and quietly transformative, this is a story that lingers long after the final page.
“… some places draw more artists, some towns, more musicians; for some reason, Sunflower Beach attracts a number of people with extrasensory perception. It’s a vibrational thing.”
FLOATING UNDERWATER really gave me the feel of floating in water as its magical realism pulled me into its spell. Paloma mourns three miscarriages while also unknowingly mourning a childhood she never really understood. She has visions that are trying to help her, but her gift is too confusing for her to use. With the help of others, who also have the gift, and an openness to the mysteries of life, she gets answers that are as shocking as they are healing. The novel touches on mental illness as well as mystical powers and offers a lovable cast of characters (ninety-something-year-old Tillie being my favorite!) who help Paloma heal into her truth. “If you don’t acknowledge your powers, then you might indeed go insane.” It’s a magical story!
Fishing for Birds is a richly layered literary novel that explores grief, identity, and the unexpected connections that quietly reshape our lives. Through shifting perspectives and timelines, Linda Quennec weaves together the inner worlds of Kate, Ivy, and Nora, creating a story that feels intimate, reflective, and emotionally resonant. The juxtaposition of contemporary island life with the vibrant echoes of 1920s Cuba adds both texture and depth to the narrative.
What makes this novel especially compelling is its willingness to challenge conventional structures of time, relationships, and belonging while remaining deeply grounded in character. The landscapes themselves feel alive, mirroring the inner transformations of the women who inhabit them. Fishing for Birds is thoughtful, immersive, and quietly powerful, rewarding readers who appreciate literary fiction that lingers and invites reflection.
This is a psychological fiction book about a middle aged woman who has psychic abilities named Panoma. Everyone close to her dismisses her powers to mere coincidences, but when Panoma has a vision about losing her baby in a miscarriage and it inevitably comes true, Panoma must start looking for answers as to why these visions are occurring and learn to believe in herself and her abilities.
I enjoyed how this book goes into detail about the struggles of experiencing and overcoming the sorrow of a miscarriage. I however, did not like how 3/4 of the book was just the character asking questions about her abilities. Each chapter was full of build up, but it never led anywhere.
However, this book was well written, and the characters were likable. The scenes were described really well, and I would recommend this book if you do enjoy mystical fiction.
Floating Underwater is about a woman who finds the strength to uncover the past and finds a way to move forward while dealing with the grief and trauma of repeated miscarriages and dealing with visions that sometimes predict the future. This is a well written easy to follow story filled with secrets and mystery. The characters are well developed and easy to sympathize with. I especially enjoyed seeing Paloma finding herself and seeing her become stronger. Even though I was able to guess the mystery I still enjoyed following along as everything came together. It does touch on some difficult topics but if you enjoy a thought provoking read with some magical realism you might enjoy this one.
Thank you Pump Up Your Book and Tracy Shawn for sharing this story with me!
I think I ordered this book in my sleep. I don't recall ordering it. But I started reading it because I really enjoy this alone and just let it run its course! What? No matter how many times a woman has miscarried, she gets emergency treatment! There are actually medications that might stop the process, and more importantly, the woman needs medical care. I'm all for suspending disbelief to a point, but let me believe the characters have common sense and navigate in the real world. It strikes me as gauche and cheesy to envision her being a tragic hero, soaring her poor husband emotional pain for another day by going it alone!