Book excerpt: Quicksand A Family Foundation begins a family saga in the early 1800s that stretches across France, England, Wales, and eventually America. Deceit, lies, secrets, and character flaws weave their way into the lives of each family member and corrupt the quest for a solid foundation. Joseph and Emma experience love at first sight. He awakens in her dormant lust and unquenchable desire, but their love story is besieged by powerful circumstances beyond her control and his dedication to England and the British Royal Navy. What starts as a romantic journey ends in tragedy. Fate deals the couple a disastrous blow and the irony that follows is so twisted that the next generations suffer the consequences.