Reviewed: May 27th, 2022
Released: May 27th, 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
Cape May, New Jersey, 1916: Siblings Danny and Shannon Culligan are trapped under the thumb of their alcoholic father. Danny’s been in love with his childhood sweetheart, Jennie Martin- a wealthy cottager from Philadelphia- for as long as he can remember while her cousin, Hugh, is smitten with his sister.
As the foursome struggles to surmount the class differences between them, the nation is plunged into World War One, changing all of their lives forever. Danny is drafted into the Army and Hugh enlists in the Navy- defending the home front as a lieutenant at Cape May Section Base Number 9. While Jennie works tirelessly on the Liberty Loans campaign in Philadelphia, Shannon finds herself ensnared in a rum ring operation as the temperance movement ebbs closer to its goal of Prohibition.
A sweeping saga of betrayal, lies, and loss on all sides, Thicker Than Water, challenges readers in its exploration of the age-old question about where one’s loyalties lie.
Just how far would you go to protect your family?
Helen’s thoughts: 5/5
I thoroughly enjoyed Quinn’s wonderful debut novel. A richly detailed family saga, with engaging characters and feisty heroines trying to survive the povety and prejudices of the early 1900’s. Such attention to historical detail makes for a really rich read as you are immersed in a world on the cusp of war.
The manipulation of the rich families versus the agony of those less fortunate suffering abuse and deprivation, all combine to offer a tale of love and hate. A backdrop to a story of survivial, both of war and the world left behind.
Join the Culligans, a family who love deeply and hate just as easily. The ties between this brother and sister are tested over time, from their abusive father to just surviving and yet their inner strength shines through as they face down all that is thrown at them.
Congratulations to Laura Quinn on a great debut novel. If you want to find out more about the author, you can find her author interview posted here.
About the author:
Laura Quinn currently resides in southern New Jersey with her husband, two children, and spoiled tabby cat. When not writing or consuming copious amounts of coffee, she enjoys hiking, the beach, and spending time with her family. Thicker Than Water is her debut novel, with two additional books planned to round out the Culligans’ saga.
You can order Thicker Than Water from Amazon:
Papaerback preorder -release 16th September 2022.
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If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my books which are available in eBook or paperback: Book One: Sentinals Awaken. Book Two: Sentinals Rising. Book Three: Sentinals Justice. Book 3.5: Sentinals Recovery. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Helen Garraway 