A Passing Storm [Paperback]

This is a measured sweet tale of a woman caught in that bookend generation: accountable to everyone, their needs, their demands, their expectations and losing herself in the process. We meet Jennifer at a watershed moment, on the run from a potentially failed marriage and victimized by cruel fate and misfortune. From the promise of new beginnings--and an undeniable attraction to Angus Cameron, she is thrust back into her old life, determined to put the past behind her. Unfortunately, her resolve is not shared by an egotistical husband with only his own future, and needs,in mind.

Jennifer tries, she truly does, but in the end she is victimized by her husband, Peter, and in one episode after another, any dreams and hopes for restoring her life are struck down. Memories of feelings for Angus should have given her hope, but as a true victim, she sets even this slim thread aside.

The story is told in two parts, with Jennifer's tale and Angus' own sad history forming a backstory that tugs at the heartstrings. Here are two people whom the fates keep apart like the most classic of star-crossed lovers. After a set of horrific circumstances for Jennifer, and an odd set of fortuitous encounters for Angus, these two do manage to find each other in spite of all odds.

The story is told in a very measured fashion and I found it difficult to identify with Jennifer, despite her circumstances (we of a certain age having been there and done that). My image is of her being victimized and continually forcing herself to continue down a path that put her in the penultimate caregiver role that came perilously close to being a martyr. I would have enjoyed a more balanced approach, with equal time given to Jennifer and Angus and less emphasis placed on all the secondary characters.

And in the end, Jennifer ends up once more placing her happiness in the hands of someone else, albeit this time a kind, generous man who loves her. There was little to no growth, no true test of character and the story fell short because of that. And though both Jennifer and Angus cannot forget that initial brief time together, the kind of passion that would make this compelling and believable is lacking.

This is a story for readers who enjoy a slower pace, filled with the minutiae of living, and a sweet ending. I give this 3.5 stars (rounded up).

This book was provided by the author for the purposes of a review.

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.