Blog Archives
An Act of Goodness
Until The Stars Align is the story of three young Jewish girls, their daring escape from the horrors of Nazi Germany, and their lives with foster families in England. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had been aware of the Kindertransport for years. I’ve always thought it was phenomenal that the British rescued 10,000 mostly Jewish children and started the program right after Kristallnacht, realizing what was coming. They let these kids into their country to live there safely, with foster families, away from the impending war. It knocks my socks off every time I think about it. What an act of goodness! Bravo, Britain!
So I came up with the idea of writing about a family impacted by the parents’ decision to send three children, cousins, to safety in England. Once there, the three are split up, and sent to live with different foster families, but they stay in touch and begin to adjust to their new lives. I also wanted to show what the biological parents were going through in Germany as they tried to arrange to emigrate. From all accounts, getting out of the Third Reich before the war started wasn’t easy.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I did quite a bit of research for it, as you can imagine! I’ve always been fascinated by the time period, so over the years I’d already read a massive amount of books about it, just out of curiosity. For this story, I read, and in one case re-read, true accounts of children who had been on the Kindertransport. I also consistently fact-checked every little detail that I could get my hands on regarding the time period in both England and Germany. I found out what train stations the transports left from, where they ultimately arrived, the way the children also had to ride ferry boats from Holland to England, how long the ferry took to get there in 1939 – everything like that. I also researched as many details as I could uncover about London during the Blitz, such as what it was like to take shelter from the bombs in the underground stations, how accidents increased during the blackout, or that sandbags lined a lot of the streets. I even found a website listing exactly when and where every bomb attack fell on London and referred to that before writing the part of the story where one of the foster families gets bombed out. I wanted to make this book as accurate a historical novel as possible.
But keep in mind, I’ve adored doing research since all the way back when I was a grammar school girl. For me, it becomes like a treasure hunt of sorts, looking for those elusive bits of information, and then, voila, finding them!
What were some challenges you felt were important to defining your characters in this story?
I created a whole lot of characters for this book in order to show as many different sides of their various experiences as possible.
The three girls have suffered discrimination in Berlin and it’s taken a toll on them, suddenly they’re being sent away from there, but to live with whole new families. It starts off from there, and there’s also the situations happening with the parents left behind in Berlin, the kind foster parents, the English homefront, the Battle of Britain, and more. Above and beyond all else, there’s no mail service between England and Germany once the two countries go to war with one another, so the big pervasive question for these three resettled children in England is what’s going on with their relatives back home?
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve worked on a cozy mystery that will be available soon. It’s called There’s No Cure for Impossible. How’s that for a title? It’s about a young gal who learns the toxic friend she wrote off just kidnapped a baby. It was another fun one to write!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Blog | YouTube | Amazon
It’s June 1939. Three young Jewish girls, Rosi, her sister Anni, and their cousin Emilie, wait to board the Kindertransport train that will take them away from Nazi Germany, and a life of discrimination, to kind foster families in England. The parents hate to let them go, but realize it’s for their own good, and that it may just be their only chance of survival. When guarded Rosi arrives in London, she’s placed in the East End with a welcoming family of “Pearlies,” and begins to blossom into the happy young girl she was originally born to be, before the Nazis disrupted her world. Anni goes to live with upper-crust foster parents and their shy daughter, and Emilie with a newsagent and his wife. They like their new country and adore their “new parents,” but what has happened back home in Berlin to their “old” parents? By 1945, when there are still no answers, Rosi is determined to find out. Will the stars align to bring about a reunion or is it already too late?
Until the Stars Align
Carolyn Summer Quinn’s Until The Stars Align is a captivating and heartwrenching novel that transports readers to the turbulent era of June 1939. The story follows three young Jewish girls—Rosi, her sister Anni, and their cousin Emilie—on their courageous journey aboard the Kindertransport to England, escaping the looming horrors of Nazi Germany.
Quinn’s storytelling prowess shines through as she delves into the emotional depth and resilience of her youthful protagonists. Rosi’s transformation from a guarded child into a joyous young girl, thanks to the warmth and kindness of her foster family in London’s East End, is particularly moving. Anni and Emilie’s contrasting experiences with their respective foster families further enrich the narrative, illustrating the diverse and complex lives of refugees during this dark period in history. The author excels in bringing her characters to life through vivid and realistic imagery. Each character’s portrayal is intricately detailed, making their journeys both relatable and profoundly moving.
Quinn’s depiction of Nazi Germany’s oppressive atmosphere, with its haunting images of deserted streets and ominous shadows, contrasts sharply with the sense of refuge and renewal in England, enveloping readers in the historical context and making the characters’ experiences deeply tangible. The narrative’s emotional resonance is heightened by Quinn’s sensitive and nuanced approach to the characters’ struggles and triumphs. The pacing, though occasionally deliberate, adds to the depth and authenticity of the storytelling, maintaining a gripping and emotionally charged momentum throughout.
Until The Stars Align is a testament to Quinn’s remarkable ability to craft a story that is both compelling and uplifting. The book offers a powerful and touching tribute to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity, capturing the essence of hope and survival amidst despair. Quinn’s masterful storytelling and rich, immersive world-building make this novel an unforgettable reading experience, leaving readers both moved and inspired.
Pages: 205 | ASIN : B0D62DRJZS
It’s Not Work, It’s Fun
Child of Secrets From Afar follows a couple looking to grow their family. They adopt two Vietnamese girls, one of whom has an enigmatic past and goes missing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I remember hearing that some of the Vietnamese orphans rescued during Operation Babylift in 1975 weren’t really orphans at all. Some of the older children had intact families back in Vietnam and wanted to return home. That always intrigued me. I wondered if their parents had deliberately sent them away from the war zone for safety reasons, or if they’d been accidentally swept up, which is what happened to some children I’d seen profiled on a documentary, or what. There’s an element of the unknown in an adoption, where the new parents just don’t know everything about the former life of their adopted child. I figured that might make a good basis for a mystery, especially one involving a child from the days when South Vietnam was falling and the place was in utter chaos.
When writing a new novel, what comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
The plot. Definitely the plot! I get an idea for a story, choose the time and place, and I start building on that. The characters just start to pop into my head once I’ve settled on the story premise. I can easily visualize them as I start to write about them.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
I always loved books as a child, especially mysteries. Nancy Drew, The Bobbsey Twins, The Happy Hollisters – I loved them all. Mysteries are still my favorite genre. I must have literally hundreds of books on my Kindle. Besides, I wholeheartedly enjoy putting a story together. It’s not like work for me. It’s fun!
Can you share any upcoming projects or plans for future books?
I work on several at a time, believe it or not. I came up with an idea for one recently, a mystery set right here in New York City, where I live, and have been working on it. I also think a few of my previous books, like BACKSTABBED ON BROADWAY and A CHARM WITHOUT A CHAIN, could be turned into series. Both of those have characters that it would be fun to put into new situations with new mysteries to solve.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Blog
When a strange Vietnamese man Belinda doesn’t know takes such an interest in Liana that he tracks her to the O’Malley’s Indiana hometown, Belinda has to wonder what is going on. The stakes are raised higher when their new daughter, who isn’t forthcoming about her past, goes missing not long after this odd guy shows up.
Who is this man? What does he want with her child? And what, for that matter, went on with eight-year-old Liana, back in Vietnam, to have sparked this whole dilemma in the first place?
A riveting mystery about a well-intentioned American family and their adopted child of secrets.
Child of Secrets From Afar
In Child of Secrets From Afar, the author weaves a gripping narrative that explores the complex dynamics of an American family completing its circle through adoption. Belinda and Jonathan, after years of yearning for a sibling for their daughter, adopt two Vietnamese girls; one who has spent her whole life in an orphanage and the other with an enigmatic past. The story unfolds as the family encounters unforeseen challenges and secrets, particularly concerning the girls’ adjustment to their new life.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in the author’s nuanced portrayal of family and adoption. Quinn’s detailed narrative vividly depicts the character’s emotions and experiences, drawing readers into the heart of the family’s journey. The mystery element is skillfully interwoven, keeping readers engaged and eager to unravel the truths hidden in the girls’ pasts. The character development, especially of Belinda, is a highlight. Her determination to protect and understand her daughters adds a layer of depth to the story, offering a resonant depiction of familial love and commitment.
The narrative style is immersive, allowing readers to envision the unfolding events and feel an integral part of the story. The novel presents a unique plot with well-crafted characters and an engaging mystery at its core. Quinn’s descriptive storytelling not only maintains the reader’s interest but also thoroughly examines what it means to be a family.
As the story reaches its conclusion, the intricacies of the family’s journey are revealed with a deft touch, providing a satisfying resolution to the mysteries that have been so central to the narrative. Quinn’s skillful storytelling ensures that the themes of family, belonging, and the enduring power of love resonate long after the final page is turned.
Child of Secrets From Afar offers a compelling tale and invites readers to reflect on the broader implications of adoption and the unbreakable bonds that can form within a family, regardless of its origins. It’s a poignant reminder of the lengths we go to for those we love, making it a memorable and impactful read.
Pages: 162 | ASIN : B0CVNBXZ98
False but Glittering World
The Hollywood Backlash Moon follows a young woman living in Southern California with her aunt and uncle who tries to solve the mystery of why her cousin was murdered. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I like stories of culture shock. The main character, Katie from Brooklyn, is as down-to-earth as they come, and she finds herself living with her show business relatives. The aunt in particular is so fame-obsessed that she’s practically an honest-to-goodness lunatic. Many years ago I worked for a motion picture company, and then a theatrical talent agency, and thought I’d set this book against that kind of false but glittering world, where so many people just aren’t who they appear to be. That makes it a lot harder for a character like Katie to figure out what’s going on when her cousin gets murdered, but she doesn’t stop trying.
What character did you enjoy writing for?
Was there one that was more challenging to write for? I most enjoyed writing about Katie because she’s like the voice of reason in the middle of the madness of this murder case. Katie isn’t easily fooled and she couldn’t care less about chasing fame. She just wants to figure out who killed her cousin. I also had a blast creating the character of Floriana, the crazy fame-seeking aunt. Floriana is so far gone that she thinks she still looks like a teenager when she doesn’t, and more, and worse. Meanwhile, on television, she’s playing a mother. It’s always a lot more fun to write a character that is way out of control because those kind of people shake things up.
The era known as the Golden Age of Hollywood is replete with accounts of excess, glamour, clandestine transactions, and strife. What prompted the inclusion of Eva’s encounter with a former Nazi in California?
I set the mystery in 1964, only 19 years since the end of World War II. I believe a lot of Americans don’t even think twice about it, but in Europe, so many former Nazis totally escaped justice. The head honchos were tried at Nuremberg, sure, but what about the lower-level thugs? After the war ended they just went back to living their lives. Can you imagine living among such people, where your teacher or doctor or the shop owner on the corner once carried out the worst horrors of a barbaric regime? I saw a documentary about it, which I found chilling, and decided to include one of them in this story. Katie’s boss is Eva, a wonderful Jewish costume designer originally from Berlin, who escaped the Nazis after Kristallnacht with three friends, one of whom is now running the movie studio where they work. They thought the Nazi who tormented them and their families, Dietzel, was dead, but no, he’s alive and well and furious they mentioned him by name in a magazine article. So there he is, spotted on the streets of California, free to be a tourist, maybe – or is he there for some other purpose, like to finish what he started back in 1938?
What is the next book you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
The next book is CHILD OF SECRETS FROM AFAR. It’s set during 1975 and early 1976, right after the fall of Saigon and Operation Babylift, when Vietnamese orphans were sent to the United States and other countries to be adopted. A very nice Midwestern couple adopts two of them, but one, age eight, won’t reveal anything about her past. A man is seen lurking around, watching that child. The parents are alarmed by this, the little girl won’t say who the man is, and then, the child ultimately gets abducted. It will be available on Valentine’s Day and is up for pre-order already.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | CarolynQuinn | Amazon
It’s 1964, and Katie Hathaway, almost but not quite twenty-one, has been living in sunny Southern California with her television star aunt and uncle, and their various children and staff, since her parents died ten years earlier. Her uncle is decent, but his wife, the aunt, is a vainglorious pain in the rump. Jealous Aunt Floriana picks a fight with her daughter Clover and causes the girl to flee the house in a hysterical huff. When Clover doesn’t return, Katie fears the worst. A day later Clover is found murdered in a crime that doesn’t make any initial sense.
On top of all else, Katie works as an assistant to costume designer Eva Zeitoune at Grand Manor Studios. Eva, late of Berlin, left Germany with three colleagues right before the start of the Second World War. As Katie tries to figure out Clover’s murder, Eva recognizes the notorious Nazi who tormented her family taking a stroll on Van Nuys Boulevard and it turns out he’s arrived with a scheme for revenge. What exactly are we all living under, Katie wonders – some kind of a Hollywood backlash moon?
The Hollywood Backlash Moon
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Hollywood, an era synonymous with surface glamour, The Hollywood Backlash Moon by Carolyn Summer Quinn presents an engaging juxtaposition of the dazzling façade of this iconic period and its underlying tumult. The novel invites readers into the world of Katie Hathaway, an orphan who, after her parents’ tragic demise, finds herself amidst the glitz of California, living with her famous relatives. Quinn skillfully peels back the layers of Hollywood’s glittering exterior through Katie’s eyes, revealing a realm rife with pretension, strife, and an unquenchable thirst for fame—a place where ambitions can even lead to murder.
The plot thickens with the mysterious murder of Katie’s cousin, Clover Carmody, following a fiery argument with her mother, Floriana Fairmount—a renowned yet self-absorbed actress. Clover’s untimely death, under perplexing circumstances, sets the stage for a gripping mystery. Quinn elevates the narrative with an intriguing subplot involving sightings of a supposed Nazi in Hollywood, further intensifying the suspense. Quinn’s narrative prowess is evident in her creation of a multi-layered story that is both brisk and engaging. She skillfully weaves intricate details into the plot, enriching the suspense and offering a well-rounded backdrop to the unfolding drama. The novel excels in its character portrayal, particularly with the array of suspects. Each character is introduced with enough conviction to momentarily persuade readers of their guilt, only to be replaced by another suspect as the story progresses, maintaining a high level of intrigue. Central to the narrative is Katie Hathaway, whose character emerges as a beacon of insight and authenticity. As an outsider from Brooklyn, her observations of the Hollywood lifestyle lend a unique and critical perspective to the story. Katie’s ability to discern the true nature of those around her—beyond their glamorous veneer—adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist.
The Hollywood Backlash Moon is a novel that artfully balances the allure of Hollywood’s golden age with the darker undercurrents of ambition and rivalry, making it a must-read for those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery set against a rich historical backdrop.
Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0CRCC2K79
“A Microcosm of Eccentricity”
A Charm Without a Chain follows a teacher and his daughter as they stumble upon a gruesome murder, driving him to solve the mystery and protect his community amidst a web of suspicion and secrets. Could you share the initial idea that motivated you to write this novel?
I always wanted to write a mystery set in a high school. I attended the grammar school where my mother taught and the high school where my father taught, which was unusual for a kid, to say the least. In both cases, I was privy to all kinds of behind-the-scenes information about what was going on in the schools and also at the two respective Boards of Education. Both were excellent, wonderful schools. However, at the one where my dad taught, I used to say the faculty was like “a microcosm of eccentricity” because of all the various personalities on the staff. All of it provided inspiration for A CHARM WITHOUT A CHAIN.
The book is filled with unexpected twists and intriguing characters. Can you share your process for crafting a complex plot and maintaining suspense throughout the story?
I start writing with an initial idea and just keep on going with it. Monty is called to the school in the summertime by the principal that no one can stand, his daughter goes along because she’s about to start attending it and wants to get the lay of the land regarding where each of her classes will be held, and kaboom! They find the principal’s dead body. It takes off from there. And here’s a little secret: whenever I start to write a mystery, I have some idea of who is going to be the one “whodunit,” but don’t strictly hold to that if a better possibility comes to mind.
Monty is a unique character with an interesting background. How did you develop his character, and what made you decide to give him aspirations of becoming a detective?
Easy question! I should have become one myself! I had a grandfather who was a Federal Postal Inspector and my mind seems to work a whole lot like his did. So I created Monty as this terrific teacher, but one who had regrets about not becoming a cop, which would have been his first choice of a profession until his mother put a stop to it. He’s a good teacher and a good man, but finding this body is finally giving him his chance to do what he’s always wanted. He wants to not only solve this case but prove he can do it. I may write a sequel and give him another one to solve.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
It’s called THE HOLLYWOOD BACKLASH MOON and it’s available as of right now, January 2024. A CHARM WITHOUT A CHAIN was set in a calm lakeside community in Colorado, but THE HOLLYWOOD BACKLASH MOON takes place in Los Angeles in 1964. A nice girl from Brooklyn lives with her wacky aunt and uncle, who just happen to be television actors. It’s a murder mystery set within the culture clash of Brooklyn sensibilities – I live there, and the people are so wonderfully down to earth and blunt – and the whole Hollywood competitive “notice me” nonsense. I once worked for a motion picture company so I have a good handle on both Brooklyn and Hollywood. It was so much fun to write!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
It’s bad enough that Monty and his daughter Jessica are the ones to find the principal’s dead body, but the next thing they hear is that a beloved teacher, Naomi Sutherland, was done in a day earlier as well. Why were two school staff members killed within two days? Who could possibly be behind this? And what is the significance of the silver rose charm that Jessica found near the murder scene?
Figuring out the solution to the two murders may initially seem impossible, but look out, Lake Covington, because Monty’s on the case!
A Charm Without a Chain
Set against the serene backdrop of a small lake town in Colorado during the year 1974, A Charm Without a Chain, by Carolyn Summer Quinn, is a compelling narrative that introduces us to Monty Farraday, an English and Theater teacher. The tranquility of the setting is disrupted when Monty and his daughter, Jessica, who is on the cusp of starting her freshman year at the local high school, stumble upon a shocking scene. They find the school principal, Reginald Brandenburg, lifelessly sprawled in his office, a victim of a gruesome shooting. This harrowing discovery sets the stage for a riveting mystery that unravels in the corridors of the school and the streets of Lake Covington.
Quinn skillfully weaves a tale that engages readers with its intricate plot and a host of characters ranging from Monty’s colleagues, who exhibit a blend of suspicious and amiable traits, to the local police, his family, and students. The small town, ordinarily unaccustomed to such scandal, becomes a hotbed of speculation and intrigue, where everyone is potentially culpable.
The narrative stands out for its clear delineation of characters and scenarios, which Quinn achieves without overwhelming the reader. The storyline is replete with unexpected twists that keep the pages turning. Quinn’s mastery in setting the scene – the picturesque town in the 70s, coupled with the relatable dynamics of Monty’s family life – enriches the reading experience. Quinn’s storytelling echoes the essence of classic mystery novels, filled with meticulously plotted possibilities, questions, and suspects.
Monty Farraday emerges as a memorable protagonist, whose past aspiration of becoming a detective adds a layer of depth to his character. His investigation into the crime hints at the potential for more stories in what could easily evolve into a series.
A Charm Without a Chain is a book that will particularly resonate with enthusiasts of thriller and mystery genres, especially those who appreciate a modern take on traditional ‘whodunit’ narratives. Quinn’s novel is not just a mystery; it’s a journey into the depths of a small community shaken by an unprecedented event, as seen through the eyes of a compelling protagonist.
Pages: 251 | ASIN: B0CM5YR8TV
LITERARY TITAN 