Review by Clinical1 -- Breaking Sandcastles by Kirk Burris

[Clinical1]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Breaking Sandcastles" by Kirk Burris.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Breaking Sandcastles by Kirk Burris is a romance book for all generations. Told from the perspective of the present day and flashback, the characters are well described and very likeable.

The book begins in modern-day, along the eastern shore of the United States. Marion Duquesne wakes up and heads downstairs to have a cup of coffee. Like any typical day, her husband, Johnathan, is already awake and outside painting as the sun rises over the ocean. Standing in her kitchen she looks out the window and spots Johnathan laying crumpled in the sand 50 yards from the house. She drops her coffee cup and runs out the door, kneeling beside him in the sand.

Through a series of flashbacks, the reader follows the relationship between Marion and Johnathan from the day the met through today. The story weaves in and out, showing the events that shaped their relationship as it developed. While in real-time, Johnathan is being rushed to the hospital, the story takes us to the day they met.

Marion and Johnathan’s journey starts when they meet in the parking lot of Johnathan’s school. Their relationship as student and teacher means the sparks that fly upon meeting must be ignored. Marion notices that Johnathan is the most talented artist she has ever met. Johnathan’s talent develops and grows as the story moves forward. As his talent and recognition grows, so does their love.

The writer vacillates between current day and the flashbacks in a tight matrix. As new characters are introduced in the current day, the reader is taken back to important moments in that character’s history with Marion and Johnathan. The writer uses strong character development in the historical portions to give a foundation for the actions in the present.

Although this book has a strong theme of budding love, the descriptions and scenes are suitable for any reader. Falling deeper in love in Paris, a city known for lovers, the reader is treated to fantastic scenery and warm feelings of romance. The scenes and descriptions of their love are depicted in a tactful and tasteful manner.

As scenes of present day go by, there is one character who is conspicuous by his absence. The writer drags out the reveal of the character, leaving the reader hanging a little longer than necessary. The suspense is appreciated, but development and reveal earlier could have enhanced the present-day scenes.

In the end, the story of love and togetherness is the prevailing theme, and it is told with compassion and tenderness. The book has a sweetness that was a pleasure to read at the end of bitter days. Although I see one sentence with clumsy formatting, the overall editing is professional and complete. Breaking Sandcastles by Kirk Burris is a delight and I give it 4 out of 4 stars. I welcome the opportunity to read more from this writer.

******
Breaking Sandcastles
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like Clinical1's review? Post a comment saying so!

[trajoe1206]

Thanks for the great review. This looks like a great romance novel with a bit of mystery thrown in. I may have to put this one on my bookshelf

[gen_g]

Thank you for your lovely review, it does seem like a book that I would have to pick up!

[Jackie Holycross]

I’m not a romance fan, but this sounds well written.