REVIEWS
REVIEW OF 'PAPER DREAMS'
Review from Jeanette Gallant:
"In Phyllis Burton’s book ‘A PASSING STORM’ she has created a
fascinating story of a woman’s journey after she decides to leave her
husband of many years.
Elegant and fine, this novel brings to life the poetic landscape of the
Scottish Highlands, and like a well- crafted symphony, builds a story
layered with rich characters, surprise twists and a tangled web of
relationships until an unlikely hero brings this piece to a gentle and
satisfying close. A truly wonderful read. In Phyllis Burton’s book ‘A
PASSING STORM’ she has created a fascinating story of a woman’s
journey after she decides to leave her husband of many years. "
"Drama, excitement and romance - what more could you ask from a
book?
Phyllis Burton's A Passing Storm has all this and so much more. Right
from the gripping start, as a woman goes through a near death
experience and wakes up in a hospital bed not knowing who she is, we
are plunged into a page turning story which refuses to let us go.
Phyllis Burton writes beautifully. Her descriptions are full of poetry
and are a delight to read. But even more important, her characters are
portrayed with depth and understanding. We feel we know them all,
not just Jennifer, the central character, but her husband Peter, the two
sons, Angus Cameron whom she meets in Scotland and a host of others.
The storm of the title is not only the physical storm which puts Jennifer in danger of her life, but also the emotional storm which she has to ride out for over a year, which destroys so many of the things which matter to her and which brings her to the point where she feels life is no longer worth living. The plot moves swiftly from one dramatic happening to the next, and Jennifer is left reeling. Phyllis Burton explores her various characters' feelings and reactions and brings them vividly to life, and helps us to see that many of the events come from the way those characters act out of their natural individuality, whether good or bad.
The ending is particularly satisfying. After the year of torment, Jennifer reaches a place of safety. We can put down the book in content, knowing that she is happy and has weathered the storm.
Warmly recommended."
"In Phyllis Burton’s book ‘A PASSING STORM’ she has created a fascinating story of a woman’s journey after she decides to leave her husband of many years. Elegant and fine, this novel brings to life the poetic landscape of the Scottish Highlands, and like a well- crafted symphony, builds a story layered with rich characters, surprise twists and a tangled web of relationships until an unlikely hero brings this piece to a gentle and satisfying close. A truly wonderful read."
Mrs. F. H. Mortimer 'Faith Mortimer' reviewed PAPER DREAMS: *****ADVENTURE, ADVERSITY, THRILLS - a complete recipe for an excellent read - 27th March 2012:
"Paper Dreams conjures up many thoughts and ideas. Ms.Burton has taken all the ingredients for a super adventure set back in the 50s. She knows how to set a scene that will easily enthrall the reader and her prose is excellent. I found very few grammar mistakes making this an easy and EXCEPTIONAL read. The author certainly knows how to hook her reader, by playing on their
emotions and covers almost everything one would expect to find in a good family drama - romance, greed, murder,obsessive love, to name but a few things.
BRAVO! I wait to see what else this fine writer has to offer."
**** A thrilling yet comforting tale, 6 Feb 2012
By Book lover "Elsee" (Malvern, UK
'Paper Dreams is an interesting story about a girl who has to sort out a collection of books in a creepy, neglected old house. The erstwhile occupant of the house had a mysterious history and Katie becomes intrigued, especially when she finds a long forgotten letter in one of the books which leads her into some terrifying experiences. An exciting story and one that ends happily. We always need a 'feel good' story especially nowadays!'
'A letter from the past reveals a secret that sets in motion a story of love, deception and intrigue.
A family feud adds to the suspense as the mystery deepens.
A beautifully written book that is hard to put down.'
- By Lyn Collins
***** An enjoyable read, 28 Dec 2011
By Mrs. Ann C. Storton
"Having really enjoyed the author's previous book, I wondered whether this would be as good - and it was! I love happy endings!"
"A letter from the past reveals a secret that sets in motion a story of love, deception and intrigue. A family feud adds to the suspense as the mystery deepens. A beautifully written book that is hard to put down".
- Lyn Collins
'Paper Dreams is a romantic thriller which holds the reader’s interest from the very beginning. The characters are well-rounded, believable and ‘human’. I found myself hating Harold the villain of the story who has been portrayed as quite mad and obviously battling with internal demons. Apart from completely empathising and sympathising with the main character Katie, for me there are several other characters in the book that I was really drawn to. There is intrigue, evil, romance and suspense and together these add up to a novel that is hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone interested in this type of fiction.'
- by Julia Bodie
Margaret Anthony wrote:
"Your pitch tells of a complex plot but from what I've read, your confident story telling supports it well. I'm a fan of prologues and this one worked for me. There is a skill in your writing which creates the right atmosphere and it was easy to imagine being on the dock as the liner sailed.
There was nothing to stumble over, your pace is good and your writing flows. Seamless throughout is the sense of intrigue and that begs the reader to keep following the story. "
Here indeed, is a good thriller in the making and one I'm happy to star and pop on my shelf."
Johanna Kern wrote:
"What a great premise:
What a great writer:
What a great work.
From the very top this book keeps the readers on their toes and the story flows beautifully. It is a true page turner and it deserves the best!
I will look for it in the stores, as I am sure it will be published soon and published well."