SoulBreather FINALIST in the Global Book Awards

Even more excitement is in the air! Double the celebration! Can you feel it? Not only has Sentinals Justice reached the finals, but so has SoulBreather, the first book in the Fantasy Romance/Paranormal Romance SoulMist Series, which has made it through to the Finals for the 2023 Global Book Awards in the Paranormal Fantasy category.

Now we wait for the final placements to be announced by September 7th, 2023.

The 2023 Global Book Awards for Self-Published Authors.

The Global Awards aim to discover new talent as well as recognize fine examples of self-published books. As such, we hope they will give self-published 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.

In this modern age of self-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 the good ratings it has on important stores like Amazon, its book cover and description, or the number of reviews it has collected. They must also appeal to new readers so part of the evaluation included a survey asking avid readers to select the top 5 books they enjoyed the most.

The awards are grouped by category (or genre) and divided into Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Award Finalists.

Grab your copy today!

If you fall in love with the shadows, does that mean you are fallen too?

A dying angel. A fractured realm. The mortal who might be able to save them both.

Solanji has a secret. One that is becoming increasingly difficult to keep. She can touch souls and see into a person’s inner thoughts. Soulbreathing is exhilarating and addictive, until the day Solanji caresses the wrong person’s soulmist.

Dragged into a long forgotten angelic mystery, she is forced to venture into Eidolon, the godforsaken last resort for those without souls. In order to save her brother, she must rescue a broken and tortured man. Can she save him from the shadows? Does he even want to be saved? And can she find a way to return to the light before the darkness engulfs them both?

SoulBreather is the first book in the fantasy romance SoulMist series.

Originally published as part of the USA Today Bestselling Realm of Darkness anthology.
Receipient of a Reader’s Favorite Five Star Review

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. 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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Sentinals Justice FINALIST in the Global Book Awards

Excitement is in the air! Can you feel it? Sentinals Justice, the third book in the epic fantasy Sentinal Series has made it through to the Finals for the 2023 Global Book Awards in the Epic Fantasy category.

Now we wait for the final placements to be announced by September 7th, 2023.

The 2023 Global Book Awards for Self-Published Authors.

The Global Awards aim to discover new talent as well as recognize fine examples of self-published books. As such, we hope they will give self-published 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.

In this modern age of self-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 the good ratings it has on important stores like Amazon, its book cover and description, or the number of reviews it has collected. They must also appeal to new readers so part of the evaluation included a survey asking avid readers to select the top 5 books they enjoyed the most.

The awards are grouped by category (or genre) and divided into Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Award Finalists.

Grab your copy today!

Lost guardians. Tensions brewing in the frozen north. Can a goddess-appointed champion prevent a looming war?

Jerrol Haven’s last run-in with evil has left deep scars. Recovering from the torture that damaged him mentally and physically, the guilt-ridden commander searches for the whereabouts of one of his captured allies. But he feels the chance to rescue the awakened sentinal slipping away when his king requests his aid in peace negotiations at a remote and unstable border.

Accompanied by his beloved, Jerrol arrives at his destination only to discover the enemy’s corruption running rife. And after he’s cut down by a shocking betrayal, the skilled soldier’s destiny plunges into bloody chaos.

Can he overcome his failures to forge a desperate victory?

Sentinals Justice is the thrilling third book in the Sentinal epic fantasy series. If you like courageous characters, action-packed suspense, and gritty battles, then you’ll love Helen Garraway’s emotional rollercoaster ride.

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator). You can withdraw your consent at any time. The data will be processed until the consent is withdrawn.

Cover Reveal – Sentinals Destiny

Book Six of the Sentinal Series – Final book in the series completing the set!

Preorder the eBook now: Sentinals Destiny for the special preorder price $2.99/ÂŁ2.49.

Release Day: October 11th, 2023

Sentinals Destiny

Birlerion’s leave of absence is up and it’s time for him to return to work. Before he has time to sit behind his desk, or discover the source of the brooding threat that is hovering over him, he is sent off to Terolia to negotiate with the families for a bride. The succession must be protected and it’s time for Anders to marry.

As he travels through the deserts, he realises that it is the Veil that is hunting him, and it wants his blood. But no one will listen to his concerns about the Veil. The healers believe he is struggling to adjust after his recent traumas. Their arguments are persuasive and overrule saner minds.

Betrayed by those he loves, driven by an oath invoked by the king, and with only Jaredion and Leyarille to protect him, Birlerion goes on the run across Vespiri, Terolia and into the islands of Birtoli, the home of the Oath. If he doesn’t discover a way to stop the Veil from killing him, it will not only be his life that is lost, it will be all of Remargaren that is destroyed.

Book six of the Sentinals Series, Sentinals Destiny, is the final book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.

Get ready for the final book of the series – Purchase the first book Sentinals Awaken now:

Book One: Sentinals Awaken

Book Two: Sentinals Rising

Book Three: Sentinals Justice

Book 3.5: Sentinals Recovery

Boook Four: Sentinals Across Time

Book Five: Sentinals Banished

Book Six: Sentinals Destiny (eBook Preorder price $2.99/ÂŁ2.49 until launch October 11th, 2023.)

If you would like to read an ARC for my latest novel, then sign up to my ARC team via the link in my linktr.ee. All I ask is that you leave an honest review on the week of the launch to as many platforms as you can!! (Amazon/Goodreads/Bookbub)

Indie Author Blog-The Self Publishing Show Live, London, 2023

I have just spent two days in London at the Self Publishing Show Live, surrounded by like-minded, inspirational, enthusiastic, independent authors, all of whom are eager to succeed in the world of self publishing. Just being in that environment is motivational in itself, let alone the thought-provoking sessions various speakers presented over the two days.

I am still digesting all the information I heard and there was a lot. It could be overwhelming but I think you have to digest everything for a while and then decide where you want to focus. What is it that I want achieve and what do I need to do to achieve it. From there you can choose which path to take and which options to follow.

Some of the main messages I took away for this conference:

  1. There is no better time to be an independently published author.
    • Independently published authors are growing their revenues – according to research performed by the Alliance of Independent Authors, available to ALLi members on their website (affiliate link) – whereas traditionally published authors are not. (See Society of Author’s (SoA) recent ALCS Report. You can find a comparison report on the SPS Facebook group)
  2. To be successful you have to accept this is a long term project, and you need multiple books.
    • The more the better! So focus on writing books.
  3. It is hard work.
  4. You need to treat writing as a business and wear your business hat. Being agreeable all the time won’t cut it.
  5. Believe in yourself. Belief and positive thinking is a self fulfilling prophecy. It’s not down to luck.
    • Having a positive attitude and believing you can hit your goals means you are more likely to achieve them
  6. Marketing is a necessary evil. Focus on the platform you are most comfortable with. You don’t have to do everything. You choose what you want to do.

The opportunity to network, meet other authors and compare notes was invaluable. No matter how shy you are, the writing community is very welcoming and everyone wants everyone else to succeed.

Hearing what other authors did to be successful is inspiring, and every author’s path is different, so be inspired by other’s successes, see what they did and emulate it. Understanding the market, trends and opportunites is key for any business, and selling books is no different. Use the tools available and carve your own path to success. If you haven’t finished your book yet, then stop procrastinating and get writing. If you have finished, congratulations on an amazing achievement. You should be exceedingly proud of yourself. I hope you celebrated.

This is the time to be an independenty published author. It’s down to you to grab that opportunity with both hands. I know I will.



And don’t forget…

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. If you love Romance, then try my Fantasy Romance SoulMist 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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Men of Magic and Myth is live!

It’s Launch day! The Limited Edition MM Fantasy anthology, Men of Magic and Myth is live! I am so excited to be participating in this short story anthology. Well some are not so short but mine is as I thought we were writing ten thousand words, not that is was minimum of ten thousand words, but never mind!!

There are seven short stories/Novellas from USA Today Bestsellers and award winning Romance anthors.

You still get to meet two exciting new characters from me, set in a brand new world. My short story is Familar troubles. Can’t wait for you to meet Tristan, a Sharian Knight, and Aryhn, a child of the universe.

I hope you enjoyed the Limited Edition Creatures of Magic and Myth, now we have Men of Magic and Myth.

Men of Magic and Myth

Ready to be enchanted by these dashing men?

Magic and passion collide as princes, noble knights, charming wizards, elusive shape-shifters and brooding necromancers fight for what’s theirs in the Limited Edition Men of Magic and Myth Boxset.

In this mesmerizing collection of MM fantasy short stories by bestselling romance authors, dauntless men undertake daring adventures to find their true loves. But fate will throw every possible obstacle in their way. More than their own lives are at stake if they fail their quests.

This limited-time collection captures a breathtaking array of complex characters with their own battles to fight and loves to win—each one ready to set your hearts swooning in bite-sized stories.

The Men of Magic and Myth are setting out to conquer love.

Will you rise to the challenge with them?

I hope you enjoy this anthology and once you’ve read Men of Magic an Myth, it would be really great if you could leave a review and let other readers know what you liked about it. You can find this anthology on a book vendor of your choice and on Goodreads or Bookbub.

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series which is available on Kindle Unlimited or my Fantasy Romance SoulMist series which is free on Kobo Plus. 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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DragonBound is live!

It’s Launch day! DragonBound is live! I am so excited to share the next installment, book two of the Fantasy Romance/PNR Romance SoulMist series.

DragonBound

DragonBound is the second enthralling book in the Fantasy Romance SoulMist series full of vibrant characters, political intrigue and betrayal.

How could so much go awry in so short a time? Crossing the divide between gloomy Eidolon and sunny Puronia was the least of their problems.

Solanji
Her brother is still soulless and lost in Eidolon. Having exchanged tantalising promises of love with the mesmerising fallen angel, Demavrian, she led him straight into a trap, and he is running out of time to prove his innocence. She has no idea how to use her SoulBreathing skills or to control the dragon that comes with it, and to top it all, the Heavenly Host kicked in her door. They had better repair it!

Demavrian
Ageing isn’t fun. If he didn’t reconnect to the citadel fast, he may even die of it, if the queue of angels wanting him dead didn’t get to him first. Unexpected enemies and surprising allies surface as he navigates the dark web of corrupted politics in the angel’s assembly. Let’s hope his newly independent oathsworn can keep him alive long enough to unravel his memories of what really happened the day he was cast out – and his beautiful SoulBreather, Solanji, may be the key.

Solanji and Mav may be immortal, but they are running out of time to discover who is behind all the scheming and how to redeem the soulless. When the timepiece makes it last turn, they will not be the only ones to suffer if they fail.

I hope you enjoy my latest book and once you’ve read DragonBound it would be really great if you could leave a review and let other readers know what you liked about it. You can find DragonBound on a book vendor of your choice and on Goodreads or Bookbub.

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series which is available on Kindle Unlimited. 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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Goodreads Giveaway: DragonBound by Helen Garraway

Giveaway Closes: 14th June, 2023
US Only
Prize: 100 ebooks

Enter now!

Not in the US?? Then enter the International Giveaway. Shelve DragonBound on your Goodreads tbr shelf and Enter here.

DragonBound is the second enthralling book in the Fantasy Romance SoulMist series full of vibrant characters, political intrigue and betrayal.

How could so much go awry in so short a time? Crossing the divide between gloomy Eidolon and sunny Puronia was the least of their problems.

Solanji
Her brother is still soulless and lost in Eidolon. Having exchanged tantalising promises of love with the mesmerising fallen angel, Demavrian, she led him straight into a trap, and he is running out of time to prove his innocence. She has no idea how to use her SoulBreathing skills or to control the dragon that comes with it, and to top it all, the Heavenly Host kicked in her door. They had better repair it!

Demavrian
Ageing isn’t fun. If he didn’t reconnect to the citadel fast, he may even die of it, if the queue of angels wanting him dead didn’t get to him first. Unexpected enemies and surprising allies surface as he navigates the dark web of corrupted politics in the angel’s assembly. Let’s hope his newly independent oathsworn can keep him alive long enough to unravel his memories of what really happened the day he was cast out – and his beautiful SoulBreather, Solanji, may be the key.

Solanji and Mav may be immortal, but they are running out of time to discover who is behind all the scheming and how to redeem the soulless. When the timepiece makes it last turn, they will not be the only ones to suffer if they fail.

Want to preorder a copy at the special preorder price of $2.99?

SoulBreather now available on Audiobook!

The first book in the SoulMist series is now available in Audio book. You can find it via the vendor of your choice HERE.

I am so thirilled that Voice Artist Tim Paige agreed to narrate my book. Check out the audio sample and start the adventure now.

The SoulMist series

If you fall in love with the shadows, does that mean you are fallen too?
A dying angel. A fractured realm. The mortal who might be able to save them both.

Solanji has a secret. One that is becoming increasingly difficult to keep. She can touch souls and see into a person’s inner thoughts. Soulbreathing is exhilarating and addictive, until the day Solanji caresses the wrong person’s soulmist.

Dragged into a long forgotten angelic mystery, she is forced to venture into Eidolon, the godforsaken last resort for those without souls. In order to save her brother, she must rescue a broken and tortured man. Can she save him from the shadows? Does he even want to be saved? And can she find a way to return to the light before the darkness engulfs them both?

SoulBreather is the first book in the paranormal fantasy SoulMist series.

About Tim Paige (Voice Artist/Narrator)

I’m a father to two awesome little boys (and a 4 lb toy poodle). We’re a little too obsessed with Disney (#Disnerds) and Marvel Comics.

I spent a large part of my life as a touring musician, playing on some of the bigget stages in the world (including on MTV’s TRL, back when that was a thing). 

I also practiced and taught marketing (mostly at software startups) so I’ve got tech expertise, as well as experience with entrepreneurship, startups, and motivation.

Rom Coms are my JAM, so if something has a HEA, count me in. 

I’ve not only narrated best-selling books, but have also voiced national commercials, tv show promos, trailers, and more.

Listen on Spotify

If you’ve read this far, you deserve a gift! I have a few Spotify 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!) Let me know what you think by leaving a review.

Happy Listening!

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. (First three books also available on audio!) 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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Author Interview – J A Crawshaw

Author of The View Beyond.

Today, I am pleased to welcome Women’s Fiction author J.A Crawshaw to talk to us about his latest novel The View Beyond which releases on May 25th, 2023. You can find it in on preorder here and on Kindle Unlimited from release day.

Helen: Welcome John. I am so excited to meeet you and that we get to chat about your new book today!! Congratulations on the forthcoming release. Tell us about The View Beyond.

John: THE VIEW BEYOND is the 2nd book in my Life Changing Women’s Fiction series. It is the sequel to THE SWING. Charlotte’s return to a normal life, full of happiness and love is turned upside down when an unscrupulous man leaves her destitute.

Will she crumble under the harsh reality of heartbreak, loneliness and despair? or earn the acceptance of the new people around her, confront her adversaries and look beyond her old life to seek a second chance of fulfilment and true love?

Her quest for the truth reveals shock results and in challenging her own beliefs and capabilities, establishes a true resilience and discovers that happiness might just be where you least expect it.

The view beyond might seem out of reach, but could be utterly life changing

Helen: Congratulations on publishing your second book in the series. What inspired your cover?

John: The cover idea came to me when I thought about a sign which could be left after someone had gone and could reappear. Once the concept of the love heart within the condensation of the window was set, I then incorporated it into the story. It didn’t exist before!

Helen: That is such a great insight into your thinking. I love that you then went on to incorporate it in the story. How about the title? How did decide on that?

John: I wanted there to be a place in which my protagonist could visit in her mind, when she most needed to. A low point in her life. Somewhere which previously seemed out of reach, but as she finds more inner strength, is able to look beyond her current situation and discover qualities, capabilities and dreams she didn’t expect. A physical view, but also a subconscious and emotional view. A gateway to true happiness and inner wellbeing.

Helen: I know you didn’t start writing until later in life, much like me. What made you write this particular book?

John: THE SWING was only ever meant to be a stand-alone book. Then readers started asking me about a sequel. There were no plans, but again and again, feedback was that people wanted to find out what happens to Peter, and Charlotte. So, I wrote it and I’m so glad I did. I had fun developing the story and felt I had so much more freedom to take them on a new adventure.

Helen: Having readers so engaged with your story and your characters is the greatest feeling, isn’t it? When did you realise you had a passion for writing?

John: My writing journey is quite unique. I had never written anything or even read a novel, before one night, waking up and started to write one. I was 50 years old and had spent a lifetime scared of words and reading due to debilitating dyslexia. Now I love it so much, I just can’t stop.

Helen: I am so glad you persevered. Writing is such a joy and being able to share our creations and entertain others is a wonderful feeling. You are an inspiration to those who also struggle with dyslexia and show that it is possible to enjoy your passion. What made you choose to write Women’s Fiction?

John: I didn’t choose to write women’s fiction and romance. It chose me. I’m a romantic for sure, and I’m fascinated by life, the possibilities and the people within it. I’m not a scifi man or a crime/fantasy fan, so write what comes naturally to me. What is more exciting than love and romance, especially with plot twists, deep passion, and intrigue?

Helen: What is your writing style? Do you plan the whole plot in advance or make it up as you go?

John: I’m a Pantser. 100%. I never start at the beginning, and I usually start with a sentence or a conversation between two people and let the characters take me where they want to go. I write from my sub-conscious and just let it unfold and thrill me as I write.

Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today, John. Good luck with your forthcoming launch. Just to close us out, tell us the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing.

John: The two best things to happen to me are, meeting so many incredible fans and fellow authors. Their feedback and love is quite overwhelming and I value these connections greatly.

It has also enabled me to break away from my dyslexic shackles and become free. Free to express myself and free to be me. Not perfect by any means, but able to be confident in who I am. Something not easy for anyone with self-esteem issues associated with dyslexia.

About the Author:

J A Crawshaw

J A Crawshaw was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1969.

Writing romance is a passion for him. ‘Life is all about the connections we have with others and ourselves. Relationships are never straightforward, but always fascinating to me, and I love sharing my stories with my readers.’

A suspense romance. The Swing is a nostalgic and intriguing foray into the differences of the English class system. Charlotte and Peter battle with many external pressures but hope that an earthy, deep connection, shared experiences and passion in the bedroom will win through for them.

J A is currently working on the sequel to The Swing and also a romantic trilogy, based in an English coastal town and specifically the secrets of a boathouse hideaway.

You can find him on:

Website

Instagram

You can purchase the first book The Swing here:

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback | Hardcover

Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback | Hardcover

As an Amazon Associate I may earn commission from purchases made using these links.

If you enjoy fantasy romance books then you will love SoulBreather, and my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. 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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Sentinals Across Time is a Finalist for the 2022 CIBA OZMA Book Awards for Fantasy Fiction

The tension is rising! Can you feel it? Sentinals Across Time, the fourth book in the epic fantasy Sentinal Series has made it through to the Finals for the 2022 Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBA) OZMA Book Awards for Fantasy Fiction!

The Ozma Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in Fantasy Fiction. The Ozma Book Awards is a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).

Chanticleer International Book Awards discovers the best books in the Ozma Awards featuring magic, the supernatural, imaginary worlds, fantastical creatures, legendary beasts, mythical beings, or inventions of fancy that author imaginations dream up without a basis in science as we know it. Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Dragons, Unicorns, Steampunk, Dieselpunk, Gaslight Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, or other out-of-this-world fiction. These books have advanced to the Semi Finals in the 2022 CIBAs OZMA division.

Sentinals Across Time has moved forward in the judging rounds from all 2022 Ozma Fantasy Fiction entries to the 2022 Ozma Book Awards FINALS. Entries are now in competition for 2022 Ozma FINALIST.  Finalists will be selected from the Semi Finailsts. All FINALISTS will be announced and recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference (CAC23) on April 29th, 2023.

Sentinals Across Time is the fourth book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.

Jerrol’s fragile balance between duty and family life took two years to refine and one brief moment to tear apart as the Lady Leyandrii and the Oath conspire in a desperate bid to protect the Birtolian Empire. As a result, Jerrol finds himself stranded in the middle of an ocean, lost across land and time and seas.

Unsure what is expected of him, Jerrol learns to appreciate the idyllic life of the Birtolians, the vibrant people and the beautiful coastline. To his growing horror, he realises the devastation which lies in their future.

Can Jerrol prevent the destruction of the gentle people he has grown to love? Is he meant to? Desperate to find a way home, he begins to leave clues in anything he thinks will survive the test of time. Taelia and the Sentinals are his only chance of ever returning to his own life but can they find him before the Lady sunders the Bloodstone and changes the Birtolian Empire forever?

The fourth installment of the Sentinal Series takes us to the beautiful Island Empire of Birtoli. Only once, it wasn’t an archipelago of islands, it was a land of majestic mountain ridges, mystical forests and exquisite sandy bays joined as one to the southern Vespiri borders.


If you would like to stay in contact and follow my writing career, then 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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