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Thicker Than Water
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?
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?
Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2022
23 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Laura Quinn
2 books87 followersLaura 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. For exclusive updates on the sequels, stay connected with Laura by subscribing to her blog at www.lauraquinnwrites.com.
You can also follow her on social media:
Instagram: @lauraquinnwriter
Facebook: @lauraquinnwrites
Pinterest: @lauraquinnwrites
Thicker Than Water is her debut novel, with two additional books planned to round out the Culligans’ saga. For exclusive updates on the sequels, stay connected with Laura by subscribing to her blog at www.lauraquinnwrites.com.
You can also follow her on social media:
Instagram: @lauraquinnwriter
Facebook: @lauraquinnwrites
Pinterest: @lauraquinnwrites
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 9, 2022
"Take someone else. Not him. Anyone but him!"
It's 1916 and Danny and Shannon are poor, motherless, and in a constant state of fear thanks to their alcoholic father. Danny steals moments with his sweetheart Jennie, a wealthy German descendant, and Shannon enjoys enduring doe eyes from Jennie's cousin, Hugh. To make things more complex, war is on the horizon, and will change these young adults lives futures forever.
Quinn has done an absolutely magnificent job of capturing WW1 era America in her debut "Thicker than Water". Amidst the complex social structure, love struggles to bloom, but is the guiding light in all the characters actions. This is a well-researched historical fiction romance that truly captures the cultural nightmare of class systems and the horrors of World War; not only the impacts on overseas soil, but the impacts on those at home. Throw in the Spanish Flu and we have a real heartwrencher on our hands. I was invested in these characters. Danny and Shannon in particular are a beautifully complex and genuine sibling combo who stole the show. I am certainly not a romance reader by nature, but the world-building and historical aspects kept me wanting to know more and I was really rooting for the characters to get their happily ever after's. Do they get them? You will have to read it to find out!
Blood truly does prove to be thicker than water.
“You see, boys, everyone had their own path. Some are paved with gravel. Others, gold. Neither matters if you don’t take the first step.”
Thanks to @KatieandBreyPA and Laura Quinn for providing this e-book to me for an honest review.
It's 1916 and Danny and Shannon are poor, motherless, and in a constant state of fear thanks to their alcoholic father. Danny steals moments with his sweetheart Jennie, a wealthy German descendant, and Shannon enjoys enduring doe eyes from Jennie's cousin, Hugh. To make things more complex, war is on the horizon, and will change these young adults lives futures forever.
Quinn has done an absolutely magnificent job of capturing WW1 era America in her debut "Thicker than Water". Amidst the complex social structure, love struggles to bloom, but is the guiding light in all the characters actions. This is a well-researched historical fiction romance that truly captures the cultural nightmare of class systems and the horrors of World War; not only the impacts on overseas soil, but the impacts on those at home. Throw in the Spanish Flu and we have a real heartwrencher on our hands. I was invested in these characters. Danny and Shannon in particular are a beautifully complex and genuine sibling combo who stole the show. I am certainly not a romance reader by nature, but the world-building and historical aspects kept me wanting to know more and I was really rooting for the characters to get their happily ever after's. Do they get them? You will have to read it to find out!
Blood truly does prove to be thicker than water.
“You see, boys, everyone had their own path. Some are paved with gravel. Others, gold. Neither matters if you don’t take the first step.”
Thanks to @KatieandBreyPA and Laura Quinn for providing this e-book to me for an honest review.
July 22, 2022
It was well written. Easy to follow. Great history.
July 12, 2022
Sincerely this does get a 4.5 for me. Historical fiction isn’t always in my realm of what I absolutely want to devour, but this story was so well researched and written that I couldn’t put it down. At times I was a little overwhelmed with some of the details, but they were never insignificant. It just took me a bit longer to process.
Shannon and Danny really lived strangely opposite lives as siblings. While they both had to endure the madness that was their father, and lack of a mother, they were so different in how they handled their lots in life. Danny has been in love with Jennie since what seems like forever…but in the early 1900s, could their class pull them apart? Or even her Aunt? Danny is a bit wild, but that’s also in part to the company he keeps in Hugh. Hugh happens to be in love with Shannon and has a hard time making her see that.
Secrets and lies can keep people apart, but so can war. In a time of war, how do you keep fighting for the people that mean everything to you when you’re also trying to protect those on your side? How do you get past your own past to give yourself and someone else the future you both deserve? How can you be from two different worlds and still fall in love? And is blood truly thicker than water?
I know I’ll absolutely be reading Laura Quinn’s next novel after how well written this was. I also want to acknowledge that I loved Laura putting in the time and effort to also make acknowledgments of the real places and people that contributed to pieces of this book. While it might have been fiction, there was so much truth to this book that it was almost uncanny.
Shannon and Danny really lived strangely opposite lives as siblings. While they both had to endure the madness that was their father, and lack of a mother, they were so different in how they handled their lots in life. Danny has been in love with Jennie since what seems like forever…but in the early 1900s, could their class pull them apart? Or even her Aunt? Danny is a bit wild, but that’s also in part to the company he keeps in Hugh. Hugh happens to be in love with Shannon and has a hard time making her see that.
Secrets and lies can keep people apart, but so can war. In a time of war, how do you keep fighting for the people that mean everything to you when you’re also trying to protect those on your side? How do you get past your own past to give yourself and someone else the future you both deserve? How can you be from two different worlds and still fall in love? And is blood truly thicker than water?
I know I’ll absolutely be reading Laura Quinn’s next novel after how well written this was. I also want to acknowledge that I loved Laura putting in the time and effort to also make acknowledgments of the real places and people that contributed to pieces of this book. While it might have been fiction, there was so much truth to this book that it was almost uncanny.
April 25, 2022
Thicker Than Water is a well-written and well-researched historical fiction novel. I loved how the historical events were flawlessly woven into the story. The fine details such as clothing, food, drinks, and phrases added to the charm and made me feel like I was living during WWI.
Now onto the characters! These characters were vivid and unique while the romances all felt very realistic. Shannon Culligan is my favorite character of them all. She is so strong and independent. I was rooting for her even when her decisions were morally gray.
Not only does this novel feature historical wartime events, but it captures family drama and trauma so well. These characters will move you to tears. If you love historical fiction and anything to do with WWI, give this book and these characters a chance!
I am looking forward to the next book in the series and can't wait to find out what happens to some of my favorite characters!
A huge thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. I plan on buying the paperback. These opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
Now onto the characters! These characters were vivid and unique while the romances all felt very realistic. Shannon Culligan is my favorite character of them all. She is so strong and independent. I was rooting for her even when her decisions were morally gray.
Not only does this novel feature historical wartime events, but it captures family drama and trauma so well. These characters will move you to tears. If you love historical fiction and anything to do with WWI, give this book and these characters a chance!
I am looking forward to the next book in the series and can't wait to find out what happens to some of my favorite characters!
A huge thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC. I plan on buying the paperback. These opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
May 14, 2022
With her debut historical fiction novel, Laura Quinn weaves an incredibly detailed and colorful tapestry in 1910s New Jersey and New York. Against this backdrop of classism, poverty, abuse, betrayal, and love, we see the story of the Culligan and Callaway families unfold. Against incredible odds and the trauma of abuse, siblings Danny and Shannon Culligan struggle to survive when their only immediate support is each other, only for both to find love with cousins Jennie and Hugh, both firmly from another world of wealth and privilege the Culligans had never experienced.
Laura doesn't shy away from detailing both the horrific trauma of World War 1 and the Spanish Flu epidemic, taking our couples through the tragedy of grief, the consuming fear of war, and the anger of prejudice and racism against Jennie's German heritage, betrayed by one of their elite acquaintances who makes a desperate grab for power.
It's a story of how the love Shannon and Hugh and Jennie and Danny have for each other and their families can endure such tragedy, loss, fear, and separation in time and space. And the devotion both couples have in spite of all the class differences, the war, betrayal, and the family secret of abuse both Shannon and Danny suffered is heartwarming and stands the test of time.
Laura doesn't shy away from detailing both the horrific trauma of World War 1 and the Spanish Flu epidemic, taking our couples through the tragedy of grief, the consuming fear of war, and the anger of prejudice and racism against Jennie's German heritage, betrayed by one of their elite acquaintances who makes a desperate grab for power.
It's a story of how the love Shannon and Hugh and Jennie and Danny have for each other and their families can endure such tragedy, loss, fear, and separation in time and space. And the devotion both couples have in spite of all the class differences, the war, betrayal, and the family secret of abuse both Shannon and Danny suffered is heartwarming and stands the test of time.
July 22, 2022
4.5/5⭐️
This book was unlike anything I’ve read in a long time. It’s pre/during WWI and it was interesting to be reminded of what that would have looked like. It was a beautiful work of historical fiction.
There was a large character cast, and we got to read from the POV of many of those characters. It was enjoyable to get to see slices of each of their lives.
I enjoy books that span over a longer period of time and this one covered well over 10 years of their lives. It adds a lot to the character development, and each characters arcs.
While at times the book slowed down and there wasn’t intense action going on, all of the details made the story and while the pacing switched back and forth I actually enjoyed the mix up of pacing.
I loved this read and I would absolutely read something by her again.
This book was unlike anything I’ve read in a long time. It’s pre/during WWI and it was interesting to be reminded of what that would have looked like. It was a beautiful work of historical fiction.
There was a large character cast, and we got to read from the POV of many of those characters. It was enjoyable to get to see slices of each of their lives.
I enjoy books that span over a longer period of time and this one covered well over 10 years of their lives. It adds a lot to the character development, and each characters arcs.
While at times the book slowed down and there wasn’t intense action going on, all of the details made the story and while the pacing switched back and forth I actually enjoyed the mix up of pacing.
I loved this read and I would absolutely read something by her again.
April 12, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! If you are a fan of history and/or romance I highly recommend it! I felt like I became part of the characters little families with the detail that was given by the author regarding every moment of their lives. I could feel their happiness and sorrow as they experienced it. I greatly appreciated the effort to have the facts correct when it came to the historical events throughout the novel. With exception only to the Cape May boardwalk being referred as the “promenade” prior to it actually becoming the promenade after the nor’easter of ‘62, I didn’t see any other historical errors to my knowledge. Even more so, I appreciated the authors note at the end regarding certain historical events which she considered leaving out but left in. Thank you Laura for writing such a beautiful story! I look forward to the next installment!
April 29, 2022
This was an absolute delight to read. The historical events have been woven in this story naturally, the fine details of the world & unique, realistic characters painting an amazing picture as you read it.
For me it felt like I was breathing & living in that time & place that is Cape May. Living along with the characters; Danny & Shannon trying to scrape by, Jenny & Hugh living the life of the rich, seemingly without worries. You feel their sorrows but also moments of happiness. A set of characters that come from complete opposite walks of life, yet all have their own struggles to overcome.
If you like history & romance then this is the book for you to read.
Thank you to the author for including me in the ARC reading team. These opinions are my own & are not influenced by anything or anyone. I'm also leaving this review voluntarily.
For me it felt like I was breathing & living in that time & place that is Cape May. Living along with the characters; Danny & Shannon trying to scrape by, Jenny & Hugh living the life of the rich, seemingly without worries. You feel their sorrows but also moments of happiness. A set of characters that come from complete opposite walks of life, yet all have their own struggles to overcome.
If you like history & romance then this is the book for you to read.
Thank you to the author for including me in the ARC reading team. These opinions are my own & are not influenced by anything or anyone. I'm also leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2022
On the cusp of the First World War, Danny is attempting to find a way for him and his sister Shannon to escape their abusive alcoholic father. Living side by side with his wealthy childhood sweetheart Jennie, and her cousin and his friend Hugh, navigating their class differences and social standing leads to turmoil. With the outbreak of war and infection, this sweeping saga explores loyalty, grief, and the deep bonds of familial love and devotion.
The experience of reading Thicker Than Water reminded me in some ways of my first time watching Titanic. It captures a moment in history, with all the delicate details of time and place, examining how two families can be put under the magnifying glass to explore the wider ramifications of major world events. With confidence and passion, Laura Quinn unfolds a gorgeously realised setting of 1916-18 New Jersey.
From the perspective of a British reader who has never visited America, I felt absolutely swept up in the atmosphere and time period, much like reading the works of John Steinbeck or Jack London. Every detail is carefully chosen to create an immersive experience of the history of these tumultuous years. The interplays between the characters, too, and the class conflict between the two central families, were so well realised. These characters - especially Danny and Shannon - felt so real, and I thought they were such respectful ways of honouring the many unknown men and women who must have lived in their shoes.
Having read the author's note at the end of the novel, I am so glad that the scenes involving the flu pandemic remained, as I felt they offered sensitive and timely insight into the parallels between this century and the last. Not only the bleak and shocking scale of suffering and loss, but in connection with Jennie's treatment as an American with German heritage, how fear, suspicion, and prejudice can create an 'enemy within' cultural mindset. This powerful family saga would be perfect for any fans of historical fiction, family dramas, or those looking for an immersive experience of early 20th century America. A timely and very impressive novel.
I am grateful to the author for providing an ARC of Thicker Than Water. These opinions are my own.
The experience of reading Thicker Than Water reminded me in some ways of my first time watching Titanic. It captures a moment in history, with all the delicate details of time and place, examining how two families can be put under the magnifying glass to explore the wider ramifications of major world events. With confidence and passion, Laura Quinn unfolds a gorgeously realised setting of 1916-18 New Jersey.
From the perspective of a British reader who has never visited America, I felt absolutely swept up in the atmosphere and time period, much like reading the works of John Steinbeck or Jack London. Every detail is carefully chosen to create an immersive experience of the history of these tumultuous years. The interplays between the characters, too, and the class conflict between the two central families, were so well realised. These characters - especially Danny and Shannon - felt so real, and I thought they were such respectful ways of honouring the many unknown men and women who must have lived in their shoes.
Having read the author's note at the end of the novel, I am so glad that the scenes involving the flu pandemic remained, as I felt they offered sensitive and timely insight into the parallels between this century and the last. Not only the bleak and shocking scale of suffering and loss, but in connection with Jennie's treatment as an American with German heritage, how fear, suspicion, and prejudice can create an 'enemy within' cultural mindset. This powerful family saga would be perfect for any fans of historical fiction, family dramas, or those looking for an immersive experience of early 20th century America. A timely and very impressive novel.
I am grateful to the author for providing an ARC of Thicker Than Water. These opinions are my own.
May 4, 2022
A heart-warming story of love, friendship, hope, loss, betrayal, war and a pandemic from a 100 years ago. Loved this book and highly recommend to fans of historical fiction and WWI stories.
For a debut novel, it’s incredibly well-researched (down to the minutest details) and superbly written with an enjoyable balance of description and dialogue.
The prologue with the little, hungry brother and sister broke my heart and I was thinking ‘this is going to a difficult book’. But I was so wrong! From Chapter 1, the story launches into a classical narrative and keeps the reader enticed enough to never put down the book until the end.
The character arcs are also unique. With each chapter, one can see not only the MCs but also the other characters evolving through the story. Every part is relatable yet unique in it’s own way.
The war and the pandemic are smoothly weaved into the story and my heart broke once again to see the lovers forced apart from each other. The family drama, society politics, economic turmoils, etc add new flavours to the story.
I believe it’s incredibly difficult to write about 4 MCs and their romance but Quinn truly nailed it. Each MC has the reader’s attention and holds their own in the entire book. At first, I thought the main couple are Danny and Jennie since the book begins with their struggle in love but very quickly I realised that Shannon and Hugh are also the main couple. Their romance also goes through it’s fair amount of ups and downs and, by the end, I’m in tears of joy with all the happy reunions. It’s truly a wonderful story.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For a debut novel, it’s incredibly well-researched (down to the minutest details) and superbly written with an enjoyable balance of description and dialogue.
The prologue with the little, hungry brother and sister broke my heart and I was thinking ‘this is going to a difficult book’. But I was so wrong! From Chapter 1, the story launches into a classical narrative and keeps the reader enticed enough to never put down the book until the end.
The character arcs are also unique. With each chapter, one can see not only the MCs but also the other characters evolving through the story. Every part is relatable yet unique in it’s own way.
The war and the pandemic are smoothly weaved into the story and my heart broke once again to see the lovers forced apart from each other. The family drama, society politics, economic turmoils, etc add new flavours to the story.
I believe it’s incredibly difficult to write about 4 MCs and their romance but Quinn truly nailed it. Each MC has the reader’s attention and holds their own in the entire book. At first, I thought the main couple are Danny and Jennie since the book begins with their struggle in love but very quickly I realised that Shannon and Hugh are also the main couple. Their romance also goes through it’s fair amount of ups and downs and, by the end, I’m in tears of joy with all the happy reunions. It’s truly a wonderful story.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2022
Thicker than Water is a page-turning beach read that brings readers to 1916 in Cape May, New Jersey; a time when World War I was on the horizon, glitzy galas were the norm and the supply of alcohol was the undercurrent of the black market.
The debut novel from Laura Quinn is a story of love rising above the hands that the characters were dealt. The love of siblings, Irish twins Danny and Shannon Culligan, who survive unbelievable physical abuse from their father leading to an unshakeable bond. The love of Danny with wealthy debutant Jenny Callaway is challenged by the expectations of class and rank. The relationship of Shannon and Hugh Callaway, based originally in friendship with hints of what could be if Hugh would share how he truly feels and Shannon would finally understand what she deserves.
I truly enjoyed the detail of life in Cape May and Philadelphia from over a century ago, a product of obvious extensive research by Quinn. Some favorites were the slang shared between characters that made them feel like real people and the details of the Cape May boardwalk in all its grandeur. I also relished the scenes described with such detail that you could all but feel the wind on your own cheeks or smell the sea salt of the ocean. Mostly notably I enjoyed the complexity of the main characters Quinn developed, with Shannon as a favorite. Anyone surviving such intense domestic abuse is bound to develop deep emotional scars. Through Thicker than Water, Shannon starts to come into her own learning both what she needs and her worth. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here. Until then I’ll continue to think of these characters that have stuck with me, especially when I’m at the beach.
The debut novel from Laura Quinn is a story of love rising above the hands that the characters were dealt. The love of siblings, Irish twins Danny and Shannon Culligan, who survive unbelievable physical abuse from their father leading to an unshakeable bond. The love of Danny with wealthy debutant Jenny Callaway is challenged by the expectations of class and rank. The relationship of Shannon and Hugh Callaway, based originally in friendship with hints of what could be if Hugh would share how he truly feels and Shannon would finally understand what she deserves.
I truly enjoyed the detail of life in Cape May and Philadelphia from over a century ago, a product of obvious extensive research by Quinn. Some favorites were the slang shared between characters that made them feel like real people and the details of the Cape May boardwalk in all its grandeur. I also relished the scenes described with such detail that you could all but feel the wind on your own cheeks or smell the sea salt of the ocean. Mostly notably I enjoyed the complexity of the main characters Quinn developed, with Shannon as a favorite. Anyone surviving such intense domestic abuse is bound to develop deep emotional scars. Through Thicker than Water, Shannon starts to come into her own learning both what she needs and her worth. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here. Until then I’ll continue to think of these characters that have stuck with me, especially when I’m at the beach.
May 28, 2022
To say the author did a stupendous job with this reimagining of World War 1's real life era is an understatement. An astounding amount of research was done by the author to pinpoint the finest details and vibes of the era and it shows! Whether it be describing the aesthetic of the cars and atmosphere or describing the intricate clothing of the time the attention to detail is all here and i applaud the author for such an amazing job with this. The story itself about the Culligans and Callaways doesn’t faulter in its delivery either and delves deep into the soul with its details about abuse, morality, romantism, friendship, and the Spanish Flu pandemic, which i applaud the author for leaving after reading her perspective on this. Take into account the fact that the author wrote the stories of 4 of her characters and you have a true masterpiece that I'm sure anyone can delve into even if you are not particularly fond of the historical fiction genre. The end is captivating and left me salivating the next book in the series which i look forward to reading in the future.
I was provided with an ARC copy of this book from the author. These opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
I was provided with an ARC copy of this book from the author. These opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
July 15, 2022
“You see, boys, everyone has their own path. Some are paved with gravel. Others, gold. Neither matters if you don’t take the first step.”
"A nickelodeon of summer scenes whirled by as they sped toward Beach Avenue; seaside artists capturing the lighthouse, ladies in finery out on the promenade, a peppermint beach of red and white umbrellas." That description though 😍😍
In Cape May, New Jersey in 1916, Danny and his sister Shannon are just trying to get by the best they can living under an aggressively abusive and alcoholic father. A fact that they hide from the outside world, even those they love the most. Danny dreams of the day he can call Jennie Martin, the love of his life, his wife, but her aunt has other ideas of prospects for Jennie, with no consideration of her feelings. Jennie's cousin Hugh who also lives under constant pressure from his mother, has always had strong feelings for Shannon, but something always seems to get in the way of them ever confessing such feelings for each other. As trials befall all of them in many different ways they are then surrounded by the outbreak of war, which pulls them in so many different directions, can they ever be whole again?
⚓️OH MY GOODNESS YOU GUYS! THIS BOOK! What a brilliant historical fiction that you can tell the author did so much research on! This was so good, there were moments I forgot what book i was reading and thought it was a Kristin Hannah novel! The characters, the storyline, the plots, the flow, the research and the ability to bring such emotion to the reader all reminded me of Kristin Hannah! If you like her work please please read this! Even if you don't... READ IT!
"A nickelodeon of summer scenes whirled by as they sped toward Beach Avenue; seaside artists capturing the lighthouse, ladies in finery out on the promenade, a peppermint beach of red and white umbrellas." That description though 😍😍
In Cape May, New Jersey in 1916, Danny and his sister Shannon are just trying to get by the best they can living under an aggressively abusive and alcoholic father. A fact that they hide from the outside world, even those they love the most. Danny dreams of the day he can call Jennie Martin, the love of his life, his wife, but her aunt has other ideas of prospects for Jennie, with no consideration of her feelings. Jennie's cousin Hugh who also lives under constant pressure from his mother, has always had strong feelings for Shannon, but something always seems to get in the way of them ever confessing such feelings for each other. As trials befall all of them in many different ways they are then surrounded by the outbreak of war, which pulls them in so many different directions, can they ever be whole again?
⚓️OH MY GOODNESS YOU GUYS! THIS BOOK! What a brilliant historical fiction that you can tell the author did so much research on! This was so good, there were moments I forgot what book i was reading and thought it was a Kristin Hannah novel! The characters, the storyline, the plots, the flow, the research and the ability to bring such emotion to the reader all reminded me of Kristin Hannah! If you like her work please please read this! Even if you don't... READ IT!
May 26, 2022
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.
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.
July 12, 2022
An unforgettable historical fiction! Definitely a must read! If I had to compare this to anything I’m thinking Boardwalk Empire meets the Notebook. Wonderful world building and captivating characters. Complicated relationships formed then pulled apart by misunderstandings and preconceived notions of stations in life. I was obsessed with knowing what was going to happen next and fascinated by the well researched history of the story. The writing is wonderful and very quickly I no longer saw the words on the paper but the rich and vibrant movie in my head. I just know you will attach to the characters as fast as I did. Can we make this a movie or show? My heartfelt thanks to @lauraquinnwriter and @katieandbreypa for allowing me to read and review this. Can’t wait for Laura Quinn’s next book. A new favorite author💕
August 10, 2022
I can't say enough about this debut historical epic. This book gripped me from the first page and I blew through it in record time. It's one of the best novels I've read in years. The imagery is fantastic; you can see everything as though watching it on screen. The characters are very well developed. Though there is a large cast, each character has an interesting story to tell, and the author writes them in a way you remember everyone easily. My favorite is Shannon.
This is a sweeping epic, compared to legendary novels of the past. Books like this are so rare these days.
The romance and class differences of Titanic meets Boardwalk Empire. From the historical accuracy, atmosphere, heart-wrenching moments, and drama, this is one you won't forget.
Highly recommended and not to be missed!
This is a sweeping epic, compared to legendary novels of the past. Books like this are so rare these days.
The romance and class differences of Titanic meets Boardwalk Empire. From the historical accuracy, atmosphere, heart-wrenching moments, and drama, this is one you won't forget.
Highly recommended and not to be missed!
May 30, 2022
Betrayal. Lies. Loss.
Author Laura Quinn’s debut novel, Thicker Than Water, transports readers to 1916 at a time of drastic change throughout the world, when what one once knew to be true may no longer be the case. This historical fiction set in Cape May, NJ, follows four friends and their struggles with class differences, the start of the Great War, the Spanish flu, and a country on the edge of Prohibition. Can their friends and love survive the changes in the world?
Quinn’s attention to detail and perfectly imperfect characters drive the story. Readers won’t be able to put the book down. If you haven’t grabbed your copy of Thicker Than Water yet, do it now.
Author Laura Quinn’s debut novel, Thicker Than Water, transports readers to 1916 at a time of drastic change throughout the world, when what one once knew to be true may no longer be the case. This historical fiction set in Cape May, NJ, follows four friends and their struggles with class differences, the start of the Great War, the Spanish flu, and a country on the edge of Prohibition. Can their friends and love survive the changes in the world?
Quinn’s attention to detail and perfectly imperfect characters drive the story. Readers won’t be able to put the book down. If you haven’t grabbed your copy of Thicker Than Water yet, do it now.
May 28, 2022
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this phenomenal book. It’s beautifully written, with vivid descriptions and believable characters. It follows the lives of four friends living before, during and after World War One and shows how they grow and overcome many challenges during this tumultuous time in history. It drew me right in and I loved all the twists and turns! From war to class struggles and prohibition, to love and heartbreak—it has a little bit of everything! The way historical events are woven into the plot seem authentic and not forced, and made me feel like I lived the events as they unfolded for the characters. I love when historical fiction can pull that off, and Laura Quinn does it masterfully! She’s one to watch and I can’t wait for the next book!!!!!
I was provided with an ARC from the author. These opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
I was provided with an ARC from the author. These opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 10, 2022
Set in the New Jersey shore and Philadelphia during WWI, Thicker Than Water is a story of justice, forgiveness, and love. With keen attention to historical detail, Thicker Than Water will transport readers to a time and place where trust is hard to come by, wealth and status are coveted, yet fragile, and fear dictates the actions of the well and ill intentioned.
The characters are flawed but lovable, the romance, heartbreaking and beautiful. I would absolutely recommend this for anyone interested in WWI historical fiction or historical romance with a unique, stateside setting!
The characters are flawed but lovable, the romance, heartbreaking and beautiful. I would absolutely recommend this for anyone interested in WWI historical fiction or historical romance with a unique, stateside setting!
May 11, 2022
Prohibition fiction at its best with a nod to Steinbeck.
I was given an ARC copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Brother and sister Danny and Shannon Culligan struggle with an abusive father, a world war and prohibition.
Quinn's characters are well drawn and believable and the jazz era of gangsters and molls is portrayed very well.
I was really rooting for Danny and Shannon and I had no idea how the book would end. A real page turner that I wasn't disappointed with.
If you like the jazz era and John Steinbeck, this book is for you.
I was given an ARC copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Brother and sister Danny and Shannon Culligan struggle with an abusive father, a world war and prohibition.
Quinn's characters are well drawn and believable and the jazz era of gangsters and molls is portrayed very well.
I was really rooting for Danny and Shannon and I had no idea how the book would end. A real page turner that I wasn't disappointed with.
If you like the jazz era and John Steinbeck, this book is for you.
January 21, 2024
I normally skip Historical Fiction unless they have an element of fantasy. But this book grabbed me by the heart from the very first page.
The writing is elegant but simple, easy to understand and without visible grammatical or spelling errors. The pace could be fast in some passages but I took my sweet time savoring the landscape, and the moment captured in time, which I totally consider romantic.
The story portrays the long gone era before during and after world war I in Cape May, New Jersey.
The author does an incredible job of painting such a realistic landscape of what was life during the first part of the 1900s, when aristocracy was still prevalent, even in America and honor was done through a handshake. I am talking about an era where naïve and innocent was the order of the day and yet the story speaks of how brittle this innocence can be.
This is the story of a brother and sister that have to endure and survive
unimaginable circumstances, great loses, challenges, conspiracies, events, tragedies, extreme poverty, etc.
However all of these are just the story background noise of the beautiful love stories that evolve within Shannon and Danny.
I fell in love with the gallantry of Danny, so much in the style of Dicaprio in Titanic…LOL Or the inner strength of Shannon as a young girl who has to fend herself against life's injustices. I was cheering for her all the way. Both brother and sister have fallen in love for two of the heirs of one of the richest families in America.
I highly recommend this historical jewel
The writing is elegant but simple, easy to understand and without visible grammatical or spelling errors. The pace could be fast in some passages but I took my sweet time savoring the landscape, and the moment captured in time, which I totally consider romantic.
The story portrays the long gone era before during and after world war I in Cape May, New Jersey.
The author does an incredible job of painting such a realistic landscape of what was life during the first part of the 1900s, when aristocracy was still prevalent, even in America and honor was done through a handshake. I am talking about an era where naïve and innocent was the order of the day and yet the story speaks of how brittle this innocence can be.
This is the story of a brother and sister that have to endure and survive
unimaginable circumstances, great loses, challenges, conspiracies, events, tragedies, extreme poverty, etc.
However all of these are just the story background noise of the beautiful love stories that evolve within Shannon and Danny.
I fell in love with the gallantry of Danny, so much in the style of Dicaprio in Titanic…LOL Or the inner strength of Shannon as a young girl who has to fend herself against life's injustices. I was cheering for her all the way. Both brother and sister have fallen in love for two of the heirs of one of the richest families in America.
I highly recommend this historical jewel
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2022
When I said I was trying to read outside my comfort genre this year, I suppose I really meant it. This ARC straight from the author was definitely different than what I usually read, but it was fantastic nonetheless. So much was going on, and it read more like the story of a group of people, a family, than a novel with a straight forward plot, but I found it refreshing and I was enthralled by the characters.
At the head of the First War, two siblings are just trying to make it to the next sunrise, while staying out of their father's way. Danny has a sweetheart, Jennie, but while Danny is a townie, Jennie only comes to Cape May in the summers, while her father heads a large company in Philadelphia. Shannon doesn't know what to do, and she fears for both her and her brother's lives when father is in his cups. Just how far will either of them go to protect what they have? Historically very interesting and the parallels to today are terrifying, a solid 7/10.
--- SPOILERS AHEAD ---
Coming from a Canadian perspective, I didn't really know how the US was involved in WWI, so that made the read very interesting. The Spanish flu parallels with covid today, masking and everything shutting down, brought me straight back to March 2020. I was pleased the author left it in, because that is part of history, and though it may bring about some bad memories, it was a crucial part of the plot.
Hugh and Shannon were so angsty and it was almost painful to know both of their sides of the story while they wouldn't tell each other. Danny and Jennie were too easy, but the ending for all of them was perfect. I honestly don't know what more the story could hold for the family.
I did not understand the point of Frank, and his and Shannon's relationship. A lot of the story went fast as it covered a long span of time, but I didn't really understand why it was there.
At the head of the First War, two siblings are just trying to make it to the next sunrise, while staying out of their father's way. Danny has a sweetheart, Jennie, but while Danny is a townie, Jennie only comes to Cape May in the summers, while her father heads a large company in Philadelphia. Shannon doesn't know what to do, and she fears for both her and her brother's lives when father is in his cups. Just how far will either of them go to protect what they have? Historically very interesting and the parallels to today are terrifying, a solid 7/10.
--- SPOILERS AHEAD ---
Coming from a Canadian perspective, I didn't really know how the US was involved in WWI, so that made the read very interesting. The Spanish flu parallels with covid today, masking and everything shutting down, brought me straight back to March 2020. I was pleased the author left it in, because that is part of history, and though it may bring about some bad memories, it was a crucial part of the plot.
Hugh and Shannon were so angsty and it was almost painful to know both of their sides of the story while they wouldn't tell each other. Danny and Jennie were too easy, but the ending for all of them was perfect. I honestly don't know what more the story could hold for the family.
I did not understand the point of Frank, and his and Shannon's relationship. A lot of the story went fast as it covered a long span of time, but I didn't really understand why it was there.
July 5, 2022
Wow, let's just say wow! I absolutely devoured this book in a matter of hours and if it wasn't for the fact that I needed sleep, I would have finished it in a day. I thought it was going to be a common historical read, but there was not ONE chapter that didn't leave me on the edge of my seat. I thought that there were so many wonderful characters from Hugh, Danny, Shannon, and Jennie, to Frank and Will, as well as others like Gertrude and even all the way down to Snowball. This novel is everything you want in a romantic historical novel! There are challenges between the two social standards between Danny and Shannon and Jennie and Hugh, there is so much drama and angst that comes with it. I can't wait for the next novel in this series as there were definitely some things that were left unfinished and it left me even more excited. Frank Hilton was a delightful antagonist that you loved to hate. There were a few plot twists (that I'll leave out because of spoilers) that had me gasping because I wasn't expecting them. I also cried at the end of the book for good reason. These characters go through so much for being so young and it was shown perfectly through human emotions. In the end, Hugh as the oldest is only 22, and through the events of the book things have gone from bad to worse before becoming good again and it left me wanting more! I fell in love with both Jennie and Danny's love story as well as Hugh and Shannon's, I can't wait to know more! If you love history as well as a fast-paced engaging plot, then Thicker Than Water is for you! I certainly loved and adored it!
(There is a bit of profanity and romantic scenes, rated probably about PG-13, but nothing too bad.)
(There is a bit of profanity and romantic scenes, rated probably about PG-13, but nothing too bad.)
July 7, 2022
Thicker Than Water is a historical fiction novel set in 1916-1918 focusing on two families from different class levels. Danny and Shannon, who are considered working class and are permanent residents of Cape May, live in a run down bungalow with an abusive father. Hugh and Jennie are cousins from wealthy families who reside in Philadelphia but summer in Cape May. Danny and Hugh are best friends and through this friendship, Danny falls in love with Jennie, and Hugh with Shannon. Their love stories have a vibe similar to The Notebook - love stories that shouldn’t work but do with a bit of family drama mixed in. You root for these couples to win from the very beginning.
This story is told with every chapter from a different character’s viewpoint. This is something that I absolutely love! I love getting into the minds of every character and seeing a story develop from so many different points of view. I feel as though I get to know the character’s better and I am so much more immersed in the storyline. One minute you’re in the present with Jennie who is in Philadelphia pining away for Danny and the next chapter you get to see exactly what Danny is doing back in Cape May. It just made for such an enjoyable read and experience. There was so much going on in each of the character’s lives separate from each other that there was never a boring part to this book.
Thicker Than Water is a fast read, it is an engrossing read, and made me feel as though I was watching a movie rather than reading a book. If you like historical fiction, multiple character POVs, and a variety of storyline/backstory dramas going on at once, you will really enjoy this book.
This story is told with every chapter from a different character’s viewpoint. This is something that I absolutely love! I love getting into the minds of every character and seeing a story develop from so many different points of view. I feel as though I get to know the character’s better and I am so much more immersed in the storyline. One minute you’re in the present with Jennie who is in Philadelphia pining away for Danny and the next chapter you get to see exactly what Danny is doing back in Cape May. It just made for such an enjoyable read and experience. There was so much going on in each of the character’s lives separate from each other that there was never a boring part to this book.
Thicker Than Water is a fast read, it is an engrossing read, and made me feel as though I was watching a movie rather than reading a book. If you like historical fiction, multiple character POVs, and a variety of storyline/backstory dramas going on at once, you will really enjoy this book.
July 16, 2022
Quinn has done the historical fiction genre justice! This novel was a well written and delightful read, full of detailed research of historical events and intricate characters.
Shannon, Danny, Hugh and Jennie’s struggles with the class system and romance whilst coping with trauma made for an emotional journey whilst reading. It was simultaneously heartwarming yet heartbreaking at times! I particularly enjoyed how real these characters felt and I think that is in part owed to the complexity of their characterisation from Quinn.
Oftentimes, when reading historical fiction, there’ll be bits of dialogue that feels too modern and detracts from the period aspect of the novel. However, I didn’t once experience that jarring effect in this story. Everything flowed beautifully, from the narration to the dialogue and fit with the time period.
Shannon really was the standout character for me. Morally grey, sometimes a bit frustrating, she brought an extra something to the novel. When focused on her you can really feel an undercurrent of tension and anxiety, almost like it’s being projected onto you. It fit wonderfully amongst the backdrop of WWI and the Spanish Flu.
I would definitely recommend this novel for historical fiction lovers, particularly if you’re interested in American history, and I’ll definitely be reading the next instalment!
Disclaimer: I received a copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own.
Shannon, Danny, Hugh and Jennie’s struggles with the class system and romance whilst coping with trauma made for an emotional journey whilst reading. It was simultaneously heartwarming yet heartbreaking at times! I particularly enjoyed how real these characters felt and I think that is in part owed to the complexity of their characterisation from Quinn.
Oftentimes, when reading historical fiction, there’ll be bits of dialogue that feels too modern and detracts from the period aspect of the novel. However, I didn’t once experience that jarring effect in this story. Everything flowed beautifully, from the narration to the dialogue and fit with the time period.
Shannon really was the standout character for me. Morally grey, sometimes a bit frustrating, she brought an extra something to the novel. When focused on her you can really feel an undercurrent of tension and anxiety, almost like it’s being projected onto you. It fit wonderfully amongst the backdrop of WWI and the Spanish Flu.
I would definitely recommend this novel for historical fiction lovers, particularly if you’re interested in American history, and I’ll definitely be reading the next instalment!
Disclaimer: I received a copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 1, 2022
Thicker Than Water follows 4 main characters: Danny, Shannon, Jennie, and Hugh as they navigate the class differences between them in Cape May, New Jersey over the backdrop of WWI.
I feel like you do not see a lot of historical fiction stories about this time period, and certainly not ones set in the US about this time period. To me it felt like the story was more about the location of Cape May and the characters class differences than it was about any larger town or world events going on at the same time, almost as if the book could have taken place in any time period.
I personally felt that the book was too long for my taste and had a hard time being drawn into it. However, the writing style was not dense or difficult, so it made it easy to speed through the 82 chapters.
I think the book was well written and the characters were enjoyable and very real. I also think that this book is one that would appeal to a more niche audience (people who are interested in the 1916-1918 time period, people from New Jersey/specifically from cape/fishing towns, etc.) rather than a more general fan of Historical Fiction.
Not my cup of tea, but I appreciate the opportunity I had to check it out!
I feel like you do not see a lot of historical fiction stories about this time period, and certainly not ones set in the US about this time period. To me it felt like the story was more about the location of Cape May and the characters class differences than it was about any larger town or world events going on at the same time, almost as if the book could have taken place in any time period.
I personally felt that the book was too long for my taste and had a hard time being drawn into it. However, the writing style was not dense or difficult, so it made it easy to speed through the 82 chapters.
I think the book was well written and the characters were enjoyable and very real. I also think that this book is one that would appeal to a more niche audience (people who are interested in the 1916-1918 time period, people from New Jersey/specifically from cape/fishing towns, etc.) rather than a more general fan of Historical Fiction.
Not my cup of tea, but I appreciate the opportunity I had to check it out!
June 22, 2022
Laura Quinn brings history, love, war, crime, and revenge all in the first book of her Cape May Trilogy: Thicker Than Water.
Taking place in Cape May, New Jersey between 1916 and 1918, with occasional visits to Philadelphia, Thicker Than Water follows the lives of brother and sister Danny and Shannon as well as cousins Hugh and Jennie. The four become very close. Hugh and Danny are best friends, which then leads to Danny and Jennie meeting and falling in love. However, they're not the only ones.
These four young people come from very different lifestyles. While Danny and Shannon struggle through life being poor, with an abusive father to boot, Hugh and Jennie are living the life of high society. Despite being from different walks of life, there is nothing but love, compassion, and support amongst these four characters.
Quinn did a fantastic job with making sure she had correct information. It's obvious she researched in order to describe the Cape May locales of the twentieth century, as well as historical events such as WWI and the 1916 Jersey Shore shark attacks.
This story was so beautifully written. I could not wait to see what was going to happen next. Thicker Than Water by Laura Quinn is available now on Amazon.
Taking place in Cape May, New Jersey between 1916 and 1918, with occasional visits to Philadelphia, Thicker Than Water follows the lives of brother and sister Danny and Shannon as well as cousins Hugh and Jennie. The four become very close. Hugh and Danny are best friends, which then leads to Danny and Jennie meeting and falling in love. However, they're not the only ones.
These four young people come from very different lifestyles. While Danny and Shannon struggle through life being poor, with an abusive father to boot, Hugh and Jennie are living the life of high society. Despite being from different walks of life, there is nothing but love, compassion, and support amongst these four characters.
Quinn did a fantastic job with making sure she had correct information. It's obvious she researched in order to describe the Cape May locales of the twentieth century, as well as historical events such as WWI and the 1916 Jersey Shore shark attacks.
This story was so beautifully written. I could not wait to see what was going to happen next. Thicker Than Water by Laura Quinn is available now on Amazon.
July 10, 2022
I’m a sucker for historical fiction and this was definitely one of my favorites! It is set during wartime (WW1) but I loved the fact that it was stateside instead of in the heart of the war zone. It was a completely different perspective than what I’m used to.
The characters are complicated and lead very different lives, though they are indefinitely intertwined. I loved the honesty of the insecurities from rich and poor alike, as well as the (sometimes horrific) familial struggles.
I also very much appreciated the inclusion of the Spanish flu. While I understand the author’s hesitation about leaving it in the book, I truly feel it was the right move. It is part of history and a history that has somewhat repeated itself in recent years.
All in all, I loved this book. I immediately added the paperback version to my wishlist and I cannot wait for the other two in the series to be released!
4.5⭐️
The characters are complicated and lead very different lives, though they are indefinitely intertwined. I loved the honesty of the insecurities from rich and poor alike, as well as the (sometimes horrific) familial struggles.
I also very much appreciated the inclusion of the Spanish flu. While I understand the author’s hesitation about leaving it in the book, I truly feel it was the right move. It is part of history and a history that has somewhat repeated itself in recent years.
All in all, I loved this book. I immediately added the paperback version to my wishlist and I cannot wait for the other two in the series to be released!
4.5⭐️
July 15, 2022
4.5⭐
What I liked
I love how the storyline follows the two brothers life, how their internal struggels are shown, how their connection and love stays always strong.
Not only the main characters are perfectly built, also the secondary characters' personalities are well developed. Their involvement in the events are slowly reveiled, always on perfect timing.
Historical facts blends with the lives of our characters in a very sad but perfect way.
What I didn't liked
For the first 30-50 pages it was hard for me to connect with the book. But, I am very happy I gave it a chance because I love it.
The story was extremely infuriating because I hate the father of Danny and Shannon and it was extremely sad because of the war and the pandemic and all related tragedies.
Although no one dances, the first part of the book gave me a vibe of Dirty dancing mixed with Titanic.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in a very well written historical fiction.
I received this ebook in exchange of a honest review.
What I liked
I love how the storyline follows the two brothers life, how their internal struggels are shown, how their connection and love stays always strong.
Not only the main characters are perfectly built, also the secondary characters' personalities are well developed. Their involvement in the events are slowly reveiled, always on perfect timing.
Historical facts blends with the lives of our characters in a very sad but perfect way.
What I didn't liked
For the first 30-50 pages it was hard for me to connect with the book. But, I am very happy I gave it a chance because I love it.
The story was extremely infuriating because I hate the father of Danny and Shannon and it was extremely sad because of the war and the pandemic and all related tragedies.
Although no one dances, the first part of the book gave me a vibe of Dirty dancing mixed with Titanic.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in a very well written historical fiction.
I received this ebook in exchange of a honest review.
July 15, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I loved this book. Historical fiction isn’t my domain but this story was so well written. A few times I was little overwhelmed with few things, but they were never irrelevant. It took me a bit longer to process. I kind of became part of the characters life details that were given by the author regarding every moment of their lives. It felt like I was living in that time . Danny & Shannon trying to manage their lives while Jenny & Hugh living the life of rich without worring about anything. The author has written their sorrows and happiness so well that I kind of felt it all. This book represents story of love, friendship, hope, loss, betrayal, war and a pandemic from a 100 years ago.
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this amazing book. It’s so beautifully written, with all details and beautiful characters. I recommend this book to all historical and world war I readers.
I loved this book. Historical fiction isn’t my domain but this story was so well written. A few times I was little overwhelmed with few things, but they were never irrelevant. It took me a bit longer to process. I kind of became part of the characters life details that were given by the author regarding every moment of their lives. It felt like I was living in that time . Danny & Shannon trying to manage their lives while Jenny & Hugh living the life of rich without worring about anything. The author has written their sorrows and happiness so well that I kind of felt it all. This book represents story of love, friendship, hope, loss, betrayal, war and a pandemic from a 100 years ago.
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this amazing book. It’s so beautifully written, with all details and beautiful characters. I recommend this book to all historical and world war I readers.
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