The Novels

Five stories spanning medical thrillers, magical realism, romance, and suspense—all exploring identity, belonging, and the human heart.

An Outsider Inside

An Outsider Inside

Published July 2017

🏆 Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award Winner 2018
🏆 Tee Corinne Cover Design Award Winner 2018
🏆 Named #1 in Top 15 Lesbian Books of 2017 by The Lesbian Review

For Irish-Indian lesbian activist Jaya Dillon, an outsider who craves belonging over all else, survival depends on hiding the truth of who she is and who she loves—from herself. In the heated run-up to Ireland's referendum on same-sex marriage, she discovers a manuscript left behind by a missing Indian woman, and is drawn into a fictional world that may be truer than reality.

"The very best book I read all year. It's a drama with an intricate mystery at its centre and it left me breathless."— The Lesbian Review
"Her plot twists are reminiscent of the works of Sarah Waters, her settings and understanding of the human condition rival Emma Donoghue."— Goodreads Reviewer
"The essence of her writing is intensely powerful and enrapturing."— Amazon Reviewer
A Place Somewhere

A Place Somewhere

Published March 2014

🏆 Finalist: Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award (GCLS 2015)
🏆 Finalist: Tee Corinne Cover Design Award (GCLS 2015)

Alex Hart risked everything to be with her online girlfriend of two years and moved from Ireland to America. But the unthinkable happened. Devastated, she turns her anger into a mission to root out those who deceive the innocent online. When a mother pleads for Alex to protect her daughter from an online predator in Ireland, Alex must become what she hates.

"A Place Somewhere will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. It is hard to explain just how awesome this book is without including spoilers—give it a chance and you will be blown away."— Amazon Reviewer
"This is genre-bending fiction—much more than pure lesfic romance and much darker than others in its class."— Amazon Reviewer
"Extremely well-written, well edited and crafted—always a joyous find."— Amazon UK Reviewer
Casting Shadows

Casting Shadows

The Further Misadventures of a Vision Painter • Published 2013

🏆 Honorable Mention: 2013 Rainbow Awards (Vision Painter Series)

Kiran is still the only vision painter in Ireland but she cannot express her gift as she struggles with the consequences of its misuse. When everything she loves is threatened, she must protect her family by uncovering the history and secrets of the vision painters in Kerala. A story of love, sacrifice, betrayal and guilt that spans time and place.

"I was impressed with Samuel's writing skills when I read Casting Shadows, a literary gem."— Amazon Reviewer
"These novels pull you in and keep you riveted. Ms Samuel is a gifted storyteller."— Amazon Reviewer
Falling Colours

Falling Colours

The Misadventures of a Vision Painter • Published June 2012

🏆 Honorable Mention: 2013 Rainbow Awards (Vision Painter Series)

Kiran is the only vision painter working in Ireland, the only female in the ancient Indian profession. As a vision painter, she paints the hopes and dreams of her clients into existence. When Kiran is asked to paint the forbidden, forces are unleashed that she cannot contain.

"This book was absolutely outstanding from cover to cover with rich characters and environment details. R J Samuel is by the beautiful spirits a very talented storyteller."— Goodreads Reviewer
"Beautiful sentence structures. Fresh and new concept. Interesting characters who were well developed."— Amazon Reviewer
"The premise is unique. Samuel's writing suits the unique perspective and makes the book really fun to read."— Galway Advertiser
Heart Stopper

Heart Stopper

Published January 2012

Dr. Priya Joseph is an Irish-Indian coder working at a new pacemaker clinic in Galway. After a night she doesn't remember, she wakes in an unfamiliar apartment to find the dead body of her boss. Dragged into an investigation of his death, she uncovers secrets about groundbreaking pacemaker technology that threatens a multi-million dollar enterprise.

"This novel breaks barriers between genres. It is a medical drama, a murder mystery, and a love story, but it is so much more. It is, more than anything else, a book of beautiful sentences."— Galway Advertiser
"If you love mystery, twists and turns, the Irish landscape, romance, and strong characters with dialogue that leaps off the page—read this book!"— Amazon Reviewer
"I loved the uniquely regional feel to this book! Great introduction to this author."— Amazon Reviewer

Free Short Story

Sara and the Ukulele

Sara and the Ukulele

The last place Sara thought she would end up when she died was… well, to say more would give away the story. A sweet, magical, and unusual love story available free on Smashwords and Amazon.

Read Free on Smashwords