Holly Martin Wins Carina's Valentine's Competition

BEDFORD, U.K. - Nov. 15, 2013 - PRLog -- Around 100 people attended the third annual Festival of Romance event in Bedford, Corn Exchange, including bestselling authors Hazel Osmond, Miranda Dickinson, Tracy Bloom, and Rowan Coleman. Among the attendees was fantasy and chick lit author Holly Martin, escorted by her friend Gareth George. Martin was to officially receive an award from Carina UK, an imprint of Harlequin.

Martin entered a writing contest in September that changed her life. She submitted an unpublished chick-lit novel, 'The Guestbook'. Not only did she win, her new Carina UK editor, Lucy Gilmour, presented her with the award and gushed about her work during the gala dinner, calling it "clever", "warm", and "innovative". Gilmour said 'The Guestbook' "blew her mind". Martin's prize included a book deal for 'The Guestbook', which will be published on Valentine's Day 2014. Carina UK believed so strongly in Martin's writing style that they asked for two more books as well.

But readers don't have to wait until 2014 to discover Holly Martin's writing. Her debut novel, 'The Sentinel', is out now! The young adult fantasy novel has a strong female protagonist and touching love story that fans will love.

The Sentinel

When Eve is rescued from a horrific coach crash by her teachers, she is shocked to discover they possess super strength and speed. But what happens next is even more harrowing.

In the aftermath of the crash she discovers that everyone in her life from neighbours, doctors, dentists, teachers, shop keepers and even her family and friends are actually super strength Guardians sent to protect her. They all have one thing in common, a single minded ferocity that she must be kept alive at all costs.

However, she is surrounded by secrets and lies. Those in the know deny all knowledge of what happened that fateful night. Everyone else carries on as normal, seemingly unaware of the new strange world that she has stumbled against.

With the help of Seth, her best friend, Eve discovers the prophecies surrounding her true identity and the super strength she too holds. With her Guardians pledged to protect her, her closest friends ready to die for her, her own hopes and dreams are put on hold whilst she battles to control the amazing powers she has been bestowed with.

But those that seek to destroy her move ever closer. Will the Guardians be enough to protect her when so many are prepared to stop at nothing to see her dead? And will she be strong enough to fulfil her destiny when the time comes?

It's really hard to find the words to describe how amazing this book is. This is definitely the best debut I've read this year! I just love this book, I want you all to read this book, in fact you all need to read this book! - Love of a Good Book Blog

Holly Martin throws Eve in at the deep end, subjecting her protagonist (and readers) to a torrent of drama right from the off. - Jack Croxall (Author of Tethers and X)

Purchase The Sentinel on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/The-Sentinel-Series-ebook/dp/B00FPYSYDG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1382404850&sr=1-1&keywords=the+sentinel+holly+martin

and Amazon UK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Sentinel-Series-ebook/dp/B00FPYSYDG/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1382392726&sr=1-2&keywords=the+sentinel