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. Read my thoughts…
Today I am chatting with historical fiction author, Laura Quinn, about her debut novel Thicker than Water, which is an investigation into family ties and a sweeping saga of betrayal, lies, and loss on all sides et against the abckdrop of the First World War.
Helen: Welcome Laura! First congratulations on writing a novel and now publishing it. Such an amazing feeling to publish your first book. Tell us a little about it.
Laura: Titanic meets Boardwalk Empire in this historical fiction set against the picturesque shore town of Cape May, NJ, at the onset of World War One. 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 the Great War, 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, marries the historically accurate world building of Ellen Marie Wiseman’s The Orphan Collector with the emotional resonance of Renee Rosen’s works.
Helen: I love writing Fantasy novels because I can make it all up, but you have written a historical novel about real places and real events. This must be so much more challenging. I have been really fortunate to read an early copy, and I loved it – (you can read my book review here) – Your attention to detail is phenomenal. How much research did you have to do for your book?
Laura: I spent two years in research and development before putting pen to paper. With regard to historical events in narrative, I tried to stay as close to source material as possible throughout. A NJ resident myself, making sure the details were accurate was a matter of utmost importance to me from the beginning. Writing about a pandemic while living through one was particularly difficult. My research and outline for TTW was completed prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns. There were times in the last two years where I strongly considered changing these chapters (or eliminating them completely from a reader-sensitivity standpoint). My only hope is that I did justice to those lives impacted in both outbreaks.
Helen: You have chosen quite a dramatic cover, with the monotone colours and the stormy seas. Is there a story behind how you came up with your cover?
Laura: The cover and paperback interior design were done by Elite Authors. As a debut author, I had many questions and the staff were wonderful to work with. I had some very clear ideas when it came to the cover, and shared samples of photography I’d found on iStock and Unsplash that I felt conveyed the tone of my novel. Without getting into spoilers, I can tell you that a crucial scene occurs in the midst of a nor’easter storm coming ashore. The event goes on to impact all four main characters in different ways, some of which are explored in Thicker Than Water, the others in the two sequels planned.
Helen: It’s great news that there is more to come! Let’s talk a little about how you write. Do you have a specific writing space where you like to work?
Laura: Oddly enough, at my dining room table. I like to spread out, so my “workspace” has plenty of room for me to lay out reference materials on one side of me and notes on the other. The room also has large windows and gets a lot of natural sunlight, so it’s a cozy environment. The back window faces my kids’ play area in our yard, so I can keep eyes and ears on them, too, from where I am. You can usually find our tabby, Tigger, snuggled somewhere close by.
Helen: Writing companions are the best! My cat Alfie is usually the same, curled up nearby. When not writing what do you like to do?
Laura: I enjoy many hobbies outside the bookish variety. Spending time with my family is my favorite, even if it’s just shuffling the kids to-and-from one of their activities. I love watching them perform, be it on the ballet stage or the soccer field. I also love gardening, and just planted my annuals for this season. We can learn so much from nature. It always inspires me.
Helen: Most writers are great readers, do you have a favourite book?
Laura:Little Women. I read a junior edition when I was in third grade for my first book report and fell in love with the story. My late grandmother gifted me a beautiful hardcover to commemorate the event. I’ve read it several times over and it holds an honored place on the coffee table in my living room.
Helen: How lovely! I love it when a book has a story to go woth it, evoking special memories. Thank you so much for spending time with me today. Good luck with your launch and congratulations again on the launch of your debut novel. Just to finish, do you have any advice for other aspiring authors?
Laura: Get it down. Whether handwritten in a notebook, typed up on a laptop, or texted from your phone when you can’t sleep. Tell your story. Be authentic and don’t hold back.
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.
As an Amazon Associate I may earn commission from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my books which are available in eBook, paperback or hardcover: 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 book releases.
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I have been writing fantasy books since 2016, published my first book in 2020 and have now published five books in the Sentinal series. I have come to the realisation that I cannot sustain the finances to self-publish and create the audiobook versions without selling a lot more books, or subsidising the costs though an activity like patreon.
So I have created a patreon. Are you Team Arifel, Team Darian, or Team Sentinal? I hope you choose a team and join my writing journey. I have so many books already written, they just need polishing and publishing. I could easily continue publishing two books a year, if not more, it is the cost that is prohibitive.
So this is where you wonderful people come in. Supporting me and my writing, means you get them quicker! And access to early sneak peeks, deleted chapters, extra stories, character interviews and more.
Thank you once again for your interest in my books, and for joining me on this journey. Welcome to the wonderful world of Remargaren and many others I can’t wait to introduce you to. I hope you stay for all the exciting adventures that are surely coming your way.
And don’t forget…
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Reviewed: April 16th, 2022 Released: January 20th, 2022 Genre: Science Fantasy
Blood called to the stars. Darkness will answer.
After facing the Wildwood’s wrath, Lekore must set his sights on protecting his people from a threat descending from the depths of space. The key to safeguarding the cities of Erokel lies in an ancient shield system—if it can be repaired in time.
And the faraway threat isn’t Lekore’s only trouble. Closer dangers draw near to claim him and his abilities for their own. Somehow, he must wrestle with his newfound right to the throne, while he fends off a Tawloomez invasion, a slave revolt, and the worshippers of the Night—with only four days until first contact.
Meanwhile, the evil beyond his world has other plans… Read My thoughts…
I’m excited to announce that both Sentinals Awaken and Sentinals Rising , the first two books in the epic fantasy Sentinal series have been awarded the silver medal in the Global Book Awards.
Sentinals Awaken in the Self-Published Fantasy Action and Adventure category!
Sentinals Awaken is the first book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.
As a three thousand-year-old threat reemerges, only one man has the power to awaken the world’s greatest protectors and restore order to the realm. He just doesn’t know it yet. When Jerrol Haven, a captain in the King’s Rangers, discovers treason at the highest level, he knows immediately that the knowledge puts his life at risk. And indeed, though he expected the ailing King to shield him, the ambitious Crown Prince sentences Jerrol to death.
What hold does the Prince have over his weakened father, and who or what is he protecting?
With signs that the veil is weakening and the Ascendants are creeping back into power, Lady Leyandrii has returned and is in dire need of Jerrol’s help. For though he doesn’t know it, Jerrol possesses a rare gift: By chance, he touches a revered Sentinal tree and awakens Birlerion, one of the Lady’s personal guard who have been sleeping in the strange, tall trees since they were last called to battle. Aided by Birlerion, Jerrol flees and begins his journey to help Lady Leyandrii save Remargaren once more.
But time is running out: Jerrol must unravel the mystery of the Ascendants’ return, stop the sinister force that is dividing good families through bloodshed and betrayal, and rescue the King—and his troubles are only just beginning.
And Sentinals Rising in the Self-Published Sword and Sorcery catgeory
Sentinals Rising is the second book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.
Jerrol Haven, having rescued the king from the clutches of the malevolent Ascendants, knows they haven’t stopped their scheming. While trying to learn more about the mysterious Sentinals he woke from a three-thousand-year sleep, he has to defend his king and country from further magical attacks.
Should he trust the Sentinals in such vital positions? Can he trust them to protect the king and Vespiri? As Jerrol learns more of their capabilities, he realises there are more secrets yet to be revealed. Maybe those questioning their sudden rise in power have a point.
Before he can delve further, a call for help comes from the neighbouring country of Terolia. The nomadic Families are disintegrating into chaotic infighting. The king sends Jerrol to investigate, instructing him to do whatever is needed to protect the Families from the Ascendants.
The Global Book Awards
In this modern age of publishing, books need to be appraised not only by their content and writing style, but also by the way they present and market themselves to the prospective buyer. Whether that is in its creative book cover design, its captivating book description, its strong ratings on important bookstores like Amazon, or even the number of reviews it has collected from its readers – they all count on how a book should be judged.
So, unlike most book award sites that depend on the views of a small panel of judges, we use much of the above criteria to decide on which books deserve to be award winners.
We run mainly two competitions each year:
the first focusing just on self-publishers,
and the other more broadly on both traditional and self-published authors who have written books with global appeal. Whether you are a veteran author or a first time novelist, we welcome you to join.
The awards we give out are grouped by category or genre, and divided into Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Award Finalists. In providing such awards, our aim to help readers discover new and often undiscovered talent. As such, we hope these awards will give authors the recognition they deserve, whether that is in their writing creativity, or in the way they have marketed their books to attract new readers.
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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So excited to share that the audiobook of Sentinals Awaken is now live! You can find it on Audible, Amazon or Apple Books.
All 11 hours and 17 minutes of it, narrated by the amazing Matt Coles. Check out the audio sample and start the adventure now.
The Sentinal series
It has been quite an adventure working with Matt to complete this audiobook. Learning a whole new side of the business and listening to my book over and over ensuring that it is the best it can be. Listening to a book, proofing an audio book is a very different process to the print version but just as fun!
Now you can meet Jerrol and the Sentinals whilst you drive, exercise or work. Pick up your copy from Audible, Amazon or Apple Books.
As a 3,000-year-old threat reemerges, only one man has the power to awaken the world’s greatest protectors and restore order to the realm. He just doesn’t know it yet.
When Jerrol Haven, a captain in the King’s Rangers, discovers treason at the highest level, he knows immediately that the knowledge puts his life at risk. And indeed, though he expected the ailing King to shield him, the ambitious Crown Prince sentences Jerrol to death. What hold does the Prince have over his weakened father, and who or what is he protecting?
As Jerrol flees for his life, he is rescued by a vision of the enigmatic Lady Leylandii, a goddess who, according to legend, once saved the land of Remargaren from malevolent wild magic users known as the Ascendants by raising a veil to nullify their power and exiling them. Now, with signs that her veil is weakening and the Ascendants are creeping back into power, she has returned and is in dire need of Jerrol’s help. For though he doesn’t know it, Jerrol possesses a rare gift: By chance, he touches a revered Sentinal tree and awakens Birlerion, one of the Lady’s personal guard who have been sleeping in the strange, tall trees since they were last called to battle.
Aided by Birlerion and an old friend, Jennery, Jerrol begins his journey to help Lady Leyandrii save Remargaren once more. But time is running out: As it was with the King, the old guard Lords are everywhere being usurped, attacked, and assassinated, while their heirs behave strangely and refuse to honour the Lady as Remargarens have done for millennia. Jerrol must unravel the mystery of the Ascendants’ return, stop the sinister force that is dividing good families through bloodshed and betrayal, and rescue the King—and his troubles are only just beginning.
Sentinals Awaken is the first book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.
If you’ve read this far you deserve a gift! I have a few Audible promo codes allowing you to download my audiobook for free. You can apply for a free code here. (Limited number of codes available so don’t delay. When they are gone, they are gone!
Happy Listening!
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Back to the dares!!
Last day is the Wildcard- so let’s see what the result of the prank was!! Ari is having so much fun!!
It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!
#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!
Day Seven
Time for the Arifels to joins in!! Make a prank call, or in this case, send an Arifel with a prank message!!
The Sentinal series
At dawn the next morning, Tagerill arrived at the Lady’s temple decked out in his dress uniform. Not quite what it should be, but he was sure Leyandrii wouldn’t mind the discrepancies on such short notice. He frowned as he waited outside the locked temple door as he wondered why Leyandrii was being so secretive.
His weapons gleamed; the leather straps were polished to a brilliant gleam and the lacy ruffles agitated his neck.
He huffed as he paced, feeling ridiculous in his fancy clothes. Why anyone wanted to wear ruffles was beyond him. Even the tailor had been insistent they were out fashion, but dress clothes demanded these silly frilly layers.
Maybe he would suggest to Leyandrii that she should update their wardrobe, after all they lived in a different time now. He suddenly wondered how she was even able to appear in Vespers. They hadn’t seen her once since they had awoken. He knew Birlerion would have told him if she had.
A low snicker behind him had him spinning, and he peered into the bushes. “Who’s there?” he demanded. The bushes rustled but no one appeared. He was distracted as the father walked up the path, eyed him in surprise and then unlocked the temple door.
Tagerill entered the temple behind the father and walked up to the altar. He hovered unsure what to do next. Running a finger around his collar he blew the ruffles away from his face. Where was Leyandrii?
Time passed and he knelt before the altar. “Leyandrii?” he whispered. There was no answer, and he was beginning to feel a bit foolish.
When Birlerion and Serillion entered the temple, broad grins on their faces, which morphed into peals of laughter, he flushed.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
“I’d ask the same question of you. Tage, by the lady, you’re wearing ruffles!” Birlerion said, a chuckle not far away.
When Ari landed on Birlerion’s shoulder and chittered, Tagerill’s eyes grew wide. “You didn’t,” he said.
Serillion folded over, unable to stay upright, he grabbed Birlerion’s arm as tears streamed down his face. “Y-your expression,” he stuttered.
“You sent the message? You made me wear this?”
“You look so pretty, Tage!” Birlerion choked.
“I’ll kill you.”
“Not in the Lady’s temple, Tage.” Birlerion wagged his finger.
“She won’t mind.”
“Of course she will.”
“And that fleabag is in on it?” Tagerill growled, glaring at the Arifel.
“Don’t offend him again,” Serillion said in a strangled voice. “He might do worse next time.”
Tagerill glared at them, until a sheepish expression stole over his face. “It wasn’t real? Leyandrii isn’t coming?”
“I wish she was, but even if she could, do you really think she would expect you to be in dress uniform?” Birlerion asked.
Tagerill exhaled, and then laughed as he looked down at himself. “I suppose not, though she did like the dress balls.” He ripped off the ruffles at his throat. “Thank goodness I can get out of this stupid outfit. But you just wait, I’ll get you back. Both of you.”
Serillion held up his hands. “Nothing to do with me, I found out accidentally. It was Birlerion and Ari.”
Ari flapped his wings, chittered at Tagerill and settled on Birlerion’s shoulder with a definite smirk on his face.
Tagerill glared at him.
“Be careful,” Birlerion warned with a grin. “You represent the pride of the Sentinals. Don’t let us down.”
“Pride, be damned. When I get my hands on you …”
Birlerion ran, his laugh echoed around the temple mixing with Ari’s chitters as he flew out behind him.
Start the award winning epic fantasy Sentinals series now with Book One, Sentinals Awaken.
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Join the Sentinals as they navigate their way through a new writing challenge! Back to the dares!!
Admit kissing someone not your partner OR make a prank phone call
It’s another Turvy-inspired #WritingChallenge! This time the stakes are raised: #TurvyTruthOrDare! AND this time it’s an easy-peasy 7-day mini challenge. So they say!!
#Writers, whether your characters are in a published book or percolating in your WIP, this challenge is for YOU!
Day Six
Time for the Arifels to joins in!! Make a prank call, or in this case, send an Arifel with a prank message!!
The Sentinal series
Birlerion peered around the door, and finding the room empty, he slipped inside and silently shut it behind him. Calling the little Arifel, he moved over to the window and stared out over the formal palace gardens.
They were nothing like Leyandrii’s. Her rose arbors had been beautiful; a riot of colour no matter the season.
He smiled as Ari, the little Arifel, arrived and perched on his open hand, wrapping his scaly tail around Birlerion’s wrist to balance.
“I need your help,” Birlerion murmured to the kitten like creature.
Ari cocked his head and cheeped. His green eyes grew larger as he stared at Birlerion.
“I know, but Tagerill has it coming after the scaring me like that. How he got the king to agree …” Birlerion closed his eyes. He had jabbed the king in the ribs. Lady kill him now! He stiffened. “It’s his turn to be on the receiving end.”
Ari sent a suggestion, and Birlerion chuckled as it materialised in his mind. An image of Tagerill working in the kitchens.
“No, he’d enjoy that too much! We need something that will make him uncomfortable, that he’ll take seriously.”
Ari sighed.
“I thought you could tell him Leyandrii will be arriving in Old Vespers at the temple, and she is expecting him to be her escort. He needs to be on duty at dawn, in full ceremonial uniform.” Birlerion swore that Ari smiled. He rose, flapping his wings and then settled again. “Yes, very formal. Leyandrii is expecting him, but it is very hush, hush. He’s not to tell anyone.” Birlerion grinned. None of them had worn full ceremonial uniform since they had awoken. He could just see Tagerill trying to polish and prepare everything without anyone seeing him. With a wicked grin he sent Ari on his errand.
***
Tagerill was surprised when Ari dropped onto the table in front of him. Surprised because he was seated in the dining hall, surrounded by off duty palace guards. The little Arifel bombarded him with images and he stiffened. “Leyandrii? When?” he gasped out loud and the guards eyed him a little suspiciously.
Ari scolded him and he clapped his hand over his mouth. The guards edged away from him and continued with their conversation.
“Why me?” he whispered. Ari chittered and Tagerill preened. He was one of her first Sentinals. Ari shared a few more images and Tagerill spluttered. “Full ceremonial dress?” He didn’t have a full ceremonial dress. He ignored the side glances he was receiving, another rumour about Sentinals talking to themselves no doubt beginning. From their reactions he had no doubt Ari was only visible to him.
Abandoning his lunch, he hurried out of the hall, racking his brain for where he would find a white shirt with ruffles, velvet jacket and pantaloons, and buckled shoes on such short notice.
***
At every opportunity Birlerion sent a Sentinal or a ranger, or a palace servant to interrupt Tagerill. They returned with wide grins and reports of Tagerill trying to conceal whatever he was working on and getting more and more frustrated by the interruptions. Ari reported Tagerill had a tailor hidden in his rooms, with pins and patterns and swathes of material and Birlerion couldn’t stop laughing. Tagerill hated all forms of dress clothes.
Serillion, discovering Birlerion in paroxysms of laughter, demanded to know what was going, and Birlerion gave up the attempt, leaving Ari to tell him.
“How did you get Ari agree?’ Serillion asked, his eyebrows nearly in his hairline. “I’ll never believe a word he says to me again.”
Birlerion choked down his laughter. “Tagerill had it coming. He called Ari a flaky, fluff ball. Ari took offence.”
Serillion grinned. “Do not offend the Arifels. Noted.” He stroked Ari’s white chest, and then scratched his ears as he nudged Serillion’s hand. “You really think Tagerill is going present himself at the temple at dawn?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t he?”
“Well, the fact that Leyandrii is unable to cross the Veil for one.”
“Tage won’t think of that,” Birlerion replied, unable to keep the smile off his face.
Serillion shook his head. “I hope you know what you’re doing. He is going to be so mad at you. And disappointed.”
Birlerion’s smile faded and then he shrugged. “Teach him to keep secrets from us, won’t it? If he’d told you, you would have set him straight.”
“Well, I would have tried to, but I can’t now, can I? You’ve made me an accomplice.”
To be continued…
Start the award winning epic fantasy Sentinals series now with Book One, Sentinals Awaken.
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Reviewed: April 7th, 2022 Released: March 29th, 2022 Genre: Contemporary MM Romance
Jesse Ainsley’s life running his busy veterinary practice in the sleepy Cornwall bay he grew up in leaves no time for a serious relationship… at least, that’s what he tells himself, but the simple truth is much more cliché. He’s been in love with his best friend forever, but when he starts pulling away and goes radio silent on him for six months, Jesse begins to wonder if their friendship is finally over.
Deacon James lives his life at two speeds, a hundred miles an hour and stop. He’s spent the last decade travelling the world, winning races, partying with the most beautiful men and women, and living life on his terms, a life which was pretty close to perfect… with just one caveat… he’s never quite been able to get over the boy he left behind. His best friend Jesse has always made him yearn for something he’s too afraid to face and cutting him out of his life seemed like the only answer.
But things are never that simple. When Deacon wakes from an accident in Italy with Jesse asleep in the hospital chair beside him, he discovers Jesse’s been keeping secrets of his own. At a crossroads in their life, they’re faced with a choice, build something deeper and stronger from the ashes, or let words unsaid and secrets tear them apart forever. Read My thoughts…
Helen Garraway 