Helen Garraway's Blog, page 49
December 2, 2021
It’s Launch Day!! Sentinals Recovery
Sentinals Recovery: Book 3.5 of the Sentinal series, is now live!!!!
I am so thrilled to share my latest book with you, especially as I never planned to write Sentinals Recovery. But I couldn’t physically fit Birlerion returning to Greenswatch in Sentinals Justice, and I had to write about Birlerion and his Darian, it was the least I could do for the poor man!
5 Star Goodreads are already being posted!!
“Unputdownable.”
“I’m glad that Helen could not fit this in to Sentinals Justice as this story dedicated to Birlerion was exactly what I needed.”
“…ensnared, and lost in the world of Remargaren from the very first paragraph. A beautiful read.”
Sentinals Recovery is a novella set in the world of Remargaren. It occurs immediately after the battle at Oprimere. Although this is a complete story, the reader would benefit from reading the first three books in the series.
Birlerion is recovering from the near fatal injuries he received in his second, epic battle with the Ascendants. He returns home to Greenswatch to recuperate and finally meet his Darian stallion, Kin’arol, who has been waiting, somewhat impatiently, to bond with him.
Only Kin’arol is not there. Someone has stolen him. For such a distinctive horse, he has vanished into thin air.
Though not fully recovered, and still hampered by his injuries, Birlerion sets off, accompanied by his brother Versillion, to recover his horse. Not even Assassins, belligerent Terolians or the harsh Terolian desert will stop him from bonding with Kin’arol, though his failing body might.
Purchase Sentinals Recovery here:
Thank you!
The Sentinal SeriesNovella o.5: Sentinals Stirring (Free novella if you sign up to my newsletter.)
Book One: Sentinals Awaken
Book Two: Sentinals Rising
Book Three: Sentinals Justice
Book 3.5: Sentinals Recovery (Novella)
December 1, 2021
Book Review Alert: Full Circle by Daisy Wood
Reviewed: December 1st, 2021
Released: January 30th, 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
If you love rich and complex historical stories then Full Circle is the book for you. Set in the 1700’s Daisy introduces us to a family with a tangled history, lots of mystery and powerful characters.
The year is 1786 and in the quiet countryside of Mere in Wiltshire sits ‘The Willows’. It has been the family’s home for three generations and Elizabeth Hamilton, the present owner; and her son, Stewart, lived alone until a cousin, Alexander, came when Stewart was 12.
For the last 21 years, the house has held a secret from the past which has been kept safely hidden even from Stewart. Only after Stewart marries are their lives turned into chaos, as it initiates a succession of vengeance against him and his family that lasts for over three years.
life changing, but it is how they reveal themselves that transforms the lives of many people irrevocably… Read My thoughts…
November 28, 2021
Book Review Alert: These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
Reviewed: November 28th, 2021
Released: July 23rd, 2021
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Brie would do anything before making a deal with the Fae; death is better than their vicious schemes. But when her sister is taken by the sadistic king of the Unseelie court, there is nothing Brie wouldn’t do to get her back-including making a deal with the king himself to steal three magical relics from the rival Seelie court.
Gaining unfettered access to the Seelie court is easier said than done. Brie’s only choice is to pose as a potential bride for the Seelie Prince, Ronan-a prince who’s not quite as wicked as she once thought. Unwilling to let her heart distract her, she accepts help from a band of Unseelie misfits with their own secret agenda. But as Brie spends time with their mysterious leader, Finn, she finds herself struggling to resist his seductive charm.
Caught between two dangerous courts, Brie must decide who to trust with her loyalty . . . and with her heart. Read My thoughts…
November 27, 2021
Book Review Alert: Rekindled Prophecy by KC Freeman
Reviewed: November 26th, 2021
Released: March 23rd, 2021
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Heaven and Hell collide at a quaint inn nestled in the Shenandoah Mountains. Despite plans of a relaxing vacation after 450 years of saving humans, a guardian angel is put to the ultimate test. Pure unadulterated evil, in the form of a sexy dark guardian and Hell’s most lethal weapon, is on the scene and he means to misbehave.
An unlikely alliance binds eternal enemies together in a quest to unravel a prophecy so deadly that Heaven refused to write it down.
Rekindled Prophecy is an epic paranormal romance full of adventure, mystery, and a passion that burns stronger than the flames of Hell. Read My thoughts…
November 26, 2021
Author Interview – R&C Christiansen
Helen: I am so excited to chat with you about your Tainted Love series. You have been sharing such great snippets of your books on instagram recently that I can’t wait to dive in. I haven’t read them yet, I’ve been holding off, knowing these are going to be an emotional rollercoaster, which I’m not sure I am quite ready for but well worth the read. Tell us about your series.
R & C Christiansen: My latest release, Hush, is part of a five book collection called the Tainted Love Series. The first three books were originally a trilogy that is now rolled into one book with three parts titled Tainted Love: The Complete Trilogy. It’s dark romance, friends to lovers, and the storyline gets deeper and darker with each book eventually ending with a HEA.
Then there is Whisper: A Tainted Love Story which is a tragic non-HEA love story that’s set around two side characters from the original series. It depicts a couple who struggle to come to terms with their past as they push forward in a world they don’t seem to belong in.
Last, I wrote Hush: The Final Tainted Story, about the younger brother of the MC in Whisper. He is a mute man who can’t read or write, and his story ends tragically also as we learn that he is in love with his brother’s wife and has no way to express nor act on it. Again, it is non-HEA and is bound to cause a variety of emotions as Cliff’s struggles are heart-breaking. I do have a trigger warning across the entire series because the subject matter demands it, but in truth, I wrote each book delicately knowing there is a thin line between dark romance and outright darkness.
Helen: This series is about tough love in tough situations. What made you write it?
R & C Christiansen: In the beginning, I had wanted to create a realistic dark romance that centered around real everyday issues people face. I wanted to show that love isn’t always perfect. It can be messy, painful, unpredictable even, but it’s something worth fighting for if two people are meant to be together. The trilogy itself represents all that and more. It’s the story of a couple (Whiskey & Vixen) who battle each other’s demons together and for each other, yet they both come from opposite sides of the spectrum. In the end, it was my fans that asked me to write the other side of the story when it came to the side characters who had no way out of the ‘darkness’ and that is how both Whisper and Hush came about.
Helen: You have such powerful characters in your series, who was your favourite character to write?
R & C Christiansen: That’s a hard question to answer because each character is so unique and strong in their own right. I’d have to go with Ken from Whisper, only because he’s more villain than hero, yet his love for his wife and brother is unparalleled when it comes to the other characters.
Helen: Tell us about your writing process. Do you listen to music or do you prefer silence when you are writing?
R & C Christiansen: Hell yes! I find music is a huge part of writing, it can inspire the feelings I need to harness in order to create the emotion I’m aiming for. Each of my books have playlists in Spotify, and both Whisper and Hush have a playlist included in the book. My current inspirations have been In This Moment, Creed, Palaye Royale, and Linkin Park. My favorite of the bands has to be In This Moment because my God, Maria Brink’s voice is out of this world. If I could compare her to one of my characters, she’d be Vixen from The Tainted Love Trilogy. She’s absolutely incredible.
Helen: I must admit I have certain albums I listen to when writing. And then of course, afterwards I always think of the charcters when I hear the songs. Do you find it easier to plan what you write, or are you a pantser, and let the book go where it will?
R & C Christiansen: I’m a pantser all the way. My novels are mainly written in first person, present tense, so I have the ability to jump inside my character’s minds and act out their scenes on paper. I let them take the lead and tell me where the story is going. My husband and co-writer says the characters are my alternate personalities and sometimes I think he’s right.
Helen: I must adnmit I am the same. I don’t write first person, but I do get into my characters heads to see what they see. I love the immersive aspect. Most writers are great readers; who is your favourite author?
R & C Christiansen: If we are talking traditionally published, I’d have to go with Tara Sue Me. Her Submissive series was phenomenal and I own every one of her books in paperback. If we are talking about my favorite Indie author, I’d have to go with two. One being Janet Olson who is a YA romance author and her series, New Beginnings is incredible. The second I would mention is Monique Edenwood, her Black Oak dark romance series has it all and I’ve read all of her books to date and am in awe.
Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today, just to close us out can you share some of your favourite books?
R & C Christiansen: Oof! That’s a long list. But to keep it short, I’d have to go with Jayne Lockwood’s Closer Than Blood series and Nicci Harris’s Our Thing/Cosa Nostra/ Her Way series. Both series are dark romance, the first being slightly taboo and the other leaning into the mafia world.
About the Author:
R&C Christiansen is a proud Canadian husband and wife team, although Mrs. Christiansen does the majority of the authoring and Mr. C does the mentoring & proofreading. Together they write dark/erotic romance novels and enjoy reading the same genres when they have time. When the Mrs., is not busy authoring, mothering, or wife-ing, she likes to indulge in a glass of wine, kick back, and think dirty thoughts hoping to inspire the next story within.
You can find more via:
You can purchase Tainted Love from Amazon:
UK: eBook | Paperback | Hardcover
USA: eBook | Paperback | Hardcover
As an Amazon Associate I may earn commission from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy fantasy books 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. 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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November 24, 2021
Book Review Alert: The Imperial Alchemist by A.H Wang
Reviewed: November 24th, 2021
Released: September 5th, 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
210 BCE, CHINA. The most powerful emperor China has ever known is on the brink of death. In desperation, he sends his most gifted alchemist and sorcerer on a quest for the mythical elixir of life.
His fleet never returned….
NOW, world-renowned archaeologist Georgia Lee is compelled to hunt for a mysterious man who may hold the secret to the greatest discovery in human history.
Her search takes her on a thrilling journey from an ancient tomb in China, through traditional Japan, to the blistering Australian outback, and the dizzying heights of verdant mountains in tropical Taiwan. But what begins as an investigation into an archaeological riddle turns into something very sinister. Georgia starts to suspect that perhaps she is the one being hunted instead….
Meticulously researched, this is a tale interwoven with rich historical facts to recreate all the drama, intrigue and mystery of East Asian culture. Read My thoughts…
November 20, 2021
Author Interview – Ally Aldridge
Helen: Welcome Ally. Congratulations on the release of your first novel Ocean Heart. Why don’t you start by telling us a little about it.
Ally: Ocean Heart is my debut novel. It’s a YA Fantasy novel about a teen discovering she’s a mermaid with uncontrollable powers, set in my hometown.
Ocean Heart is book one in the Soul Heart series. I’ve drafted Sky Heart, book two, and working on a prequel to the The Soul Heart series.
The Soul Heart Series will feature a different shifter type in each book enabling readers to discover them all.
Helen: I love that you’ve based your books in Suffolk where you live. It adds a local element which readers love. How did you come up with the cover design?
Ally: As Ocean Heart is set in the modern world I wanted the cover to have a magic feel but not be mistaken for high fantasy. Mariah doesn’t fully shift until way into the story so I didn’t want her to be depicted as a mermaid.
I wanted it to be clear the MC’s a young girl. The red dress underwater is from a very important kissing scene in the book.
I gave all my ideas to my designers, and she asked me a ton of questions to make sure she knew what my book is about and things I like. I have a thing for silhouettes so she incorporated into the design.
The end design blew me away. I was in love with it, and it was everything I dreamed of and more.
Helen: Covers are so special, and the process of clarifing what you want the cover to depict is so important. Like you, every time I’m blown away with what my designer comes up with. There are so many elements to writing a book, what made you first start writing?
Ally: I started writing at a young age. I fell in love with the characters in the book and didn’t want their stories to end. So, I wrote them more adventures. And, more adventures. Then, I made my own characters, worlds, and never stopped.
Helen: That is so wonderful. Books are so inspiring and when you find characters you love, you never want the stories to end. What is your favourite book?
Ally: I really love the werecat shifter series by Rachel Vincent. It was the first low fantasy series I read and it sucked me in. I loved having fantasy in the real world. It inspired my Soul Heart series.
Helen: I have a feeling I know the answer to this question! But which do you prefer? Writing or editing?
Ally: I prefer writing, and wish I had more time to invest in it. I usually write in the evening once my kids are asleep. This isn’t ideal, as sometimes I need this time to do other things, or I’m too tired at all.
I loathe editing. I go over & over my writing, picking holes, second guessing myself. My editor is worth her weight in gold. She gets what I want to achieve, calls me out on mistakes in a way that makes me laugh, and helps me pull my words together.
Helen: It is difficult to write after a full and busy day. I try and slip in 30 minutes at lunch or before work, doesn’t always work though! When you write are you a pantser or a planner? Do you know what you intend to write?
Ally: I try hard to be planner because I hate the mess at the end, but I never manage much more than a brief outline. I then discover the characters and details as a write.
I sometimes have to stop writing to research. For example, when my character visited a city hospital I needed to use Google Maps to explore the location. I also needed to look up oil lamps, and other random things. Even researched things that have probably put me on a watch list.
Helen: Ah, yes. What we writers have to research can be quite an interesting list. Talking about lists, I have ideas bubbling for new stories all the time. What about you? How do you come up with ideas for your books?
Ally: I get inspired all the time. Sometimes I’ll be inspired by a phrase, or another story. Songs and art inspires me too. I’m always thinking “What if?” And noting down ideas for future stories in my plot bunny vault.
Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today, but before you leave, Ally. I’m sure your readers want to know. What’s next? Is there a new book on the horizon from Ally Adridge?
Ally: I’m currently working on New Moon, which is a prequel to The Soul Heart Series. This book follows one of the mums in the series, but throws back to her teens in the late 90s to early 00s. It will have some magic and romance, which is a common theme in my stories.
About the Author:
Ally was born in London, but grew up in Suffolk which is where most of her YA Fantasy novels are based.
She is happily married to her high school sweetheart, and together they are raising two cats, their son and daughter.
When Ally is not writing (or at her day job), she loves spending time with her family at the local beach, in the forest or watching way too much Netflix.
Ally loves a cup of tea and has been known to order one on a night out.
You can find more about Ally via:
You can purchase Ally’s books from Amazon:
Ocean Heart
As an Amazon Associate I may earn commission from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy fantasy books 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. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next book releases.
Subscribe to my Newsletter
By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
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November 16, 2021
Goodreads Giveaway – Sentinals Recovery
Book 3.5 of the Sentinal Series
Pre-order eBook / Paperback now!
Release Day: December 2nd, 2021
Love Fantasy? Enter this giveaway for the latest book from my award winning Sentinal Series: Sentinals Recovery
Join the adventure and shelve the book!
Giveaway open Nov 16-Dec 1st 2021. Giveaway only open to readers in the US. Sorry – that is a Goodreads restriction!
Goodreads Giveaway
Sentinals Recovery by Helen Garraway
Being released December 02 2021
Giveaway ends on December 01, 2021
Availability: 100 copies available
Giveaway dates: Nov 16 – Dec 01, 2021
Countries available: U.S.
Enter GiveawayBlurb
Sentinals Recovery is a novella set in the world of Remargaren. It occurs immediately after the battle at Oprimere. Although this is a complete story, the reader would benefit from reading the first three books in the series.
Birlerion is recovering from the near fatal injuries he received in his second, epic battle with the Ascendants. He returns home to Greenswatch to recuperate and finally meet his Darian stallion, Kin’arol, who has been waiting, somewhat impatiently, to bond with him.
Only Kin’arol is not there. Someone has stolen him. For such a distinctive horse, he has vanished into thin air.
Though not fully recovered, and still hampered by his injuries, Birlerion sets off, accompanied by his brother Versillion, to recover his horse. Not even Assassins, belligerent Terolians or the harsh Terolian desert will stop him from bonding with Kin’arol, though his failing body might
Get ready for Book 3.5 – Purchase the first book Sentinals Awaken now:
Book One: Sentinals Awaken
Book Two: Sentinals Rising
Book Three: Sentinals Justice
Book 3.5: Sentinals Recovery (Preorder)
November 14, 2021
Author Interview – Amey Ziegler
Helen: Welcome Amey. It is such a pleasure to chat with you. Tell us about what you ahve been working on. You have a few books coming out, don’t you?
Amey: I have a bunch of WIP and books coming out soon! My first book coming out comes out this December. Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons is a companion novel to my award-winning rom-com The Swiss Mishap. Then I have Wylder Bride coming Feb 28th. This is a Cyrano de Bergerac meets Mail-order bride meets the Wild West. It’s part of a Wylder West series with multiple author series across many genres.
Helen: You have been very busy! Tell us about the cover of your new book.
Amey: Swiss Mistletoe and Macarons has Jean-Marc on the cover in his chef uninformed. He’s a pastry chef who is used to having his own way. I’ve enclosed an easy recipe for macarons that anyone can make.
Wylder Bride has a barn burning and a train on the cover because it’s an action adventure western romance. Maisie comes west but her train is robbed. She must meet the man writing the letter to the man she loves but she doesn’t know she’s fallen in love with the wrong guy.
Helen: Writing different genres must be such fun, and I am sure there is plenty of romance in there. What made you start writing?
Amey: I started out as a reader. I spent many hours of my childhood curled up with a book. I loved reading Nancy Drew. I wanted to create other stories. When I was in my early 30s I decided to peruse writing seriously.
Helen: Reading is so important to inspire new writers, the more you read, the more your imagination goes wild. Where do you find the ideas for your books?
Amey: Ideas are all around us. I find mine my through personal experience. I’m working on a trio of billionaire romances. I just finished book 2. It was inspired by my undergrad degree in Communication. The two main characters are working on a relationship study at the University of Arizona.
Helen: They do say write what you know about. What is the most useful peice of writing advice you’ve received?
Amey: I read a book early in my study that said hard work is more important than talent. That was encouraging because when I first started out I wasn’t sure if I was talented. You know the saying in order to master a skill you must do it for 10k hours. That’s so true for writing. I wrote every day for two-four hours for eight years before I found a publisher for my first book.
Helen: Do you find you plan out your writing, or do you let it take you where it will? Are you a Planner or Pantser?
Amey: I consider myself a plantser which is a mix of the two. I do figure out a few key items about my character. I have major turning points plotted but in between I discovery write. It’s my process and it’s working for me 
every writer does it differently ans that’s okay.nd non-fiction ever since.
Helen: As a writer, do you have time to enjoy other hobbies/activities to get your creative juices going?
Amey: Being a mom is a full time job so it’s hard to find time for hobbies. However because I treat writing as a career I do try to find ways to do things with my kids. One thing I do is see charity quilts with my kids. They help me pick out colors and help me iron.
Helen: Most writers also read. What is your favourite book?
Amey: I love the Princess Bride. It’s got humor, action, intrigue and love.
Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today, Amey. Just one last question, what advice would you give to new writers just starting out.
Amey: Write. A lot of people want to talk about their cool ideas. Write them. Also study the craft. Get better.
About the Author:
Amey Zeigler loves writing clean and steamy-clean romance with adventure and comedy.
She enjoys working out, yoga, being a mom of three kids, sewing and making movies.
The Swiss Mishap won the 2019 Swoony for Best New Adult Romance and third place in 2020 OCCRWA Book Buyer’s Best Contest.
Amey lives near Austin, TX. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ameyzeigler and sign up for her newsletter at http://www.ameyzeigler.com
You can find more about Amey via:
You can purchase Amey’s books from Amazon:
The Swiss Mishap
As an Amazon Associate I may earn commission from purchases made using these links.
November 12, 2021
Book Review Alert: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Reviewed: November 12th, 2021
Released: November 8th, 2018
Genre: Comtemporary Literature
For years, rumors of the ‘Marsh Girl’ have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl.
But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved.
When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life – until the unthinkable happens. Read My thoughts…
