Burden of Conscience: fourth novel in the Collingwood Series

by George Fillis

In Burden of Conscience , the fourth novel in the Collingwood Series , Winson's life is in a tranquil period. However, his family in China is faced with strife, hardship, and a bleak future. Yearning to be reunited with them, Winson is faced with choices that will complicate and endanger the lives of everyone he loves. His mother made him promise not to look back at his life in Hangzhou because his future would be in Canada. But, if he keeps that promise, will his family survive?

Conscience is the voice and mirror of our soul. Will a time come when Winson must choose an uncertain direction because his conscience tells him he must?

Burden of Conscience is a rich, stirring novel that brings to life the harsh realities of life and death choices that divide nations and humanity. A testament to hope, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit to survive adversity.

Fans of Celeste Ng’s Our Missing Hearts and Lisa See’s Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, will enjoy this riveting saga of suspense and love.

Reviews of books in this Series:

"The Collingwood Series is Canadian historical fiction at its best."
–Midwest Book Review

"Wide-ranging novels that will provide much food for thought and discussion."
–Donovan's Literary Services

"Poignant, evocative, and engaging reads…engrossing and elegant."
–The Prairies Book Review

Author’s Note: The Collingwood Series should be read in chronological order and not as individual titles because of the background of events, characters, and storylines.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2023

About the author

George Fillis is the internationally published author of the Collingwood Series. A graduate of Trinity University, he lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife, Karen. He discovered his passion for writing after careers in securities, real estate, and biotech. Inspired by travels to China and Canada, he heard a remarkable love story about a ‘paper son,’ which was the seed for the Collingwood Series.

“The Collingwood Series is Canadian historical fiction at its best.” - Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review

Fans of Lisa See and Celeste Ng will enjoy this riveting saga of history, suspense, and love. It is recommended that these books be read in chronological order.

Reviews

[Jerret Krouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Burden of Conscience" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of morality and the human psyche. The author masterfully weaves together a tale of redemption and the consequences of one's actions.

The protagonist's internal struggle with guilt and the weight of his conscience is palpable, drawing the reader into a world of moral dilemmas and ethical choices. The narrative is skillfully crafted, with richly developed characters and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. "Burden of Conscience" is a compelling exploration of the human condition and the eternal struggle between right and wrong.

I wonder what’s next in this tale. I could see this as a Netflix mini-series.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Collingwood Series and George Fillis doesn't disappoint! Winson's enemies continue to appear with offers he can't refuse... but with strings attached! He is forced to make difficult choices on prioritizing his most treasured relationships and keeping them safe at the same time. Although Winson and other characters encounter societal evil and prejudice (a similar story around the world), readers can admire when they are able to overcome and persevere. Fillis is a wonderful story teller who connects the reader with the characters and I highly recommend this series!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fourth novel is my favorite of the series. True to its historical fiction genre, it provides a fascinating look at the history of Chinese immigrants illegally trafficked to Canada. An enthralling adventure takes place outside the protagonist's home. I was more captivated, however, by the quieter drama that takes place inside the home. This book portrays both the beauty and difficulty of blending cultures and families and dives into the complex aftermath of trauma. The author made great use of favorite side characters from previous novels and injected some very funny dialogue that had me laughing out loud on a few occasions.

[Jean Stoneberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was so looking forward to reading more of the Collingwood series,. The character development is what attracts me to a book...if I don't like the characters I loose interest in the story line. The struggles Winston faces when trying to assimilate to life in a new country while remaining true to his heritage are no different from what the immigrants are now facing when coming to the United States. Times and circumstances have changed but humans and their prejudices are still with us.
The author does a great job of incorporating these human conditions into his stories.

[Elisa E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great finale to the Collingwood series. If the author is going to write another book on this series I would love it. There are so many characters in this book that deserve expansion on their storylines. The historical characters that are intertwined within the fictional characters were fascinating. The addendums at the end brought this to light. If you are new to this series definitely start with book one and read in order. Overall I truly enjoyed this book and the entire series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is both educational and intensely captivating.

The author’s ability to weave such an intense story, weaving facts and fiction into a spell binding story, is quite impressive. This series creates many tense scenarios and ends up offering lessons in ways to cope with adversity. I highly recommend reading the whole series of 4 books.

[Kit Voges · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing writing…

A satisfying ending to an inspiring story.

Best take away “to share a joy is to double the joy…to share a sorrow is to half it”. To all.. I share the joy of reading this story… well done!

Kit Voges

[Ellen Duchene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series loved them all author did a great job writing couldn’t put it down. Look forward to reading more of his books.