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To Catch a Butterfly
Stevie Buchanan's family has a secret.
Catherine Stone has a secret.
Stevie knows nothing. Catherine knows everything.
Set between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, this is the story of an innocent life thrown into the deep.
When their worlds collide and the real truth is laid bare, no one could have imagined how very dark the secret really is.
As Stevie grows from a curious little girl into a strong young woman, the secret is revealed. And so her journey begins. A journey that takes her to Catherine's door.
Catherine Stone has a secret.
Stevie knows nothing. Catherine knows everything.
Set between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, this is the story of an innocent life thrown into the deep.
When their worlds collide and the real truth is laid bare, no one could have imagined how very dark the secret really is.
As Stevie grows from a curious little girl into a strong young woman, the secret is revealed. And so her journey begins. A journey that takes her to Catherine's door.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2013
47 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Payne
5 books147 followersT.M. Payne’s Detective Sheridan Holler series will be published by Amazon Publishing in 2024 and 2025.
Agent: Broo Doherty, DHH Literary Agency
Editor: Victoria Haslam, Thomas & Mercer
Twitter: @Tinap66Payne
T. M. Payne was born in Lee-On-Solent, Hampshire and now lives on the Wirral with her wonderful partner.
Having worked in the criminal justice system for 18 years, the last 14 of which she was a Police Case Investigator within the Domestic Violence Unit, she has now taken a break to concentrate on her passion for writing crime novels.
She is crazy about animals and if you walk past her with your dog, she will probably ask if she can pat it on the head. Or take it home with her. Or both.
She loves laughing, Christmas, playing golf (badly) walking along New Brighton beach (not walking her dog because she hasn’t got one) snow, sunsets, family and friends.
She dislikes beetroot. Very much dislikes beetroot.
Agent: Broo Doherty, DHH Literary Agency
Editor: Victoria Haslam, Thomas & Mercer
Twitter: @Tinap66Payne
T. M. Payne was born in Lee-On-Solent, Hampshire and now lives on the Wirral with her wonderful partner.
Having worked in the criminal justice system for 18 years, the last 14 of which she was a Police Case Investigator within the Domestic Violence Unit, she has now taken a break to concentrate on her passion for writing crime novels.
She is crazy about animals and if you walk past her with your dog, she will probably ask if she can pat it on the head. Or take it home with her. Or both.
She loves laughing, Christmas, playing golf (badly) walking along New Brighton beach (not walking her dog because she hasn’t got one) snow, sunsets, family and friends.
She dislikes beetroot. Very much dislikes beetroot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 4, 2013
Dear oh dear. There were heaps of great reviews I looked at about this book but not a one I read mentioned the way it's written. I only got 4% in and I was beaten ! The author has some sort of aversion to starting new sentences and instead plonks a comma into the line and carries right on. It made for some tricky reading and I was in no way going to persevere for over 200 pages like that.
Like this-"Adam stood up first and as always, offered his hand which Laura accepted, embarrassment aside, she liked to hold Adam's hand, even if it was only for a moment."
Also "Stevie handed Adam the minnow jar, of the three of them, he was the only one who could return home..." and finally, and frustratingly "Stevie wished that she had a brother or sister, Laura had an older sister, Elaine, who was thirteen".
Just a really bizarre way to write.Ruse is not spelt rouse, either.
A shame as it started well with a great first chapter.
Like this-"Adam stood up first and as always, offered his hand which Laura accepted, embarrassment aside, she liked to hold Adam's hand, even if it was only for a moment."
Also "Stevie handed Adam the minnow jar, of the three of them, he was the only one who could return home..." and finally, and frustratingly "Stevie wished that she had a brother or sister, Laura had an older sister, Elaine, who was thirteen".
Just a really bizarre way to write.Ruse is not spelt rouse, either.
A shame as it started well with a great first chapter.
November 2, 2015
4.5 Stars
To Catch a Butterfly is a story full of mystery and suspense.
It is a steady read that the further I got into it the more hooked I became. I have to admit at the start of the story I thought it was okay but by the time I was half way through I literally could not put this book down and by the end I absolutely loved it.
Stevie (short for Stephanie) is a character that I really took to my heart. Due to Marie her mother, Stevie has a very difficult childhood. I think the only thing that really keeps her going is the lovely friendship that she has with her best friend Adam.
There are quite a few twists in this story which I really was not expecting and as Stevie gets older, certain things that have been kept hidden from her all start to come tumbling out.
You really can not help but feel for Stevie, she is a child that any parent should be proud of, she hasn't had the best of childhoods and then she is faced with the fact that her whole life she has been lied to and has to work out where to go from that point on.
To Catch a Butterfly is the authors debut novel and I for one can not wait to read more by her.
To Catch a Butterfly is a story full of mystery and suspense.
It is a steady read that the further I got into it the more hooked I became. I have to admit at the start of the story I thought it was okay but by the time I was half way through I literally could not put this book down and by the end I absolutely loved it.
Stevie (short for Stephanie) is a character that I really took to my heart. Due to Marie her mother, Stevie has a very difficult childhood. I think the only thing that really keeps her going is the lovely friendship that she has with her best friend Adam.
There are quite a few twists in this story which I really was not expecting and as Stevie gets older, certain things that have been kept hidden from her all start to come tumbling out.
You really can not help but feel for Stevie, she is a child that any parent should be proud of, she hasn't had the best of childhoods and then she is faced with the fact that her whole life she has been lied to and has to work out where to go from that point on.
To Catch a Butterfly is the authors debut novel and I for one can not wait to read more by her.
June 28, 2014
I enjoyed the overall storyline which was pretty emotional in parts and I thought unique. After the first chapter the story jumps forward to the lives of 3 children and their families and we learn more about each family chapter by chapter. Quite early on there are also short chapters about Catherine who remains a mysterious character for most of the book. Whilst I normally like this kind of narration, I felt that some chapters did not flow smoothly and then two thirds through the storyline seemed to change gears. New characters were introduced resulting in a different ending to what I expected and revealed the meaning of the book's title. I would recommend.
July 28, 2014
Surprisingly good
Surprisingly good
Even though I got this book as a free download I wasn't sure if it would interest me. The beginning draws you in as you meet the characters as children. Then little things start appearing in the story that makes you wonder what's really going on and by then you're hooked.
I read this in one day as I came to care about the main character Stevie and what was going to happen to her. I am so tired of the vampire, zombie, ghost etc stories and this book was just a good refreshing story that made you care about the characters.
Surprisingly good
Even though I got this book as a free download I wasn't sure if it would interest me. The beginning draws you in as you meet the characters as children. Then little things start appearing in the story that makes you wonder what's really going on and by then you're hooked.
I read this in one day as I came to care about the main character Stevie and what was going to happen to her. I am so tired of the vampire, zombie, ghost etc stories and this book was just a good refreshing story that made you care about the characters.
March 29, 2015
This is a great book. Everything felt very true to life with real characters and real scenarios. I enjoyed that we kept getting snippets of Catherine's life without knowing her connection to the main story until much later. The thing that struck me most about the book was the emotion. It's been a while since I've read a book that's made me want to cry and at so many moments throughout the book. That may have something to do with pregnancy hormones but nevertheless, the book really got to me and I was gripped and I can't ask for much more than that.
May 25, 2014
This was an excellent read, highly recommended. A plot that kept me guessing all the way through. Sensitively written and with great depth to the characters. It felt alive and real. It's a story about every day life and normally this type of book would bore my socks off but it kept me engaged from the beginning to the very end. The conclusion being very satisfying and I would definitely read more by this author.
May 21, 2014
What starts off as a pleasant tale of three friends aged between 9 and 10, two girls and a boy, develops into something quite nasty for all of them. Heart rending story, really well written, loved the style of writing, good, strong characters, I felt part of the whole story, you are really drawn in. Couldn't put it down, please read.
September 10, 2014
What a ride!!!!! More secrets than a Peyton Place and I did not guess one before it was revealed and I am a great Sherlock. The depth the author brings to each character is exquisite. The story has connection from page one thru each incident all the way to the conclusion. This is the best book I have read this year.
November 28, 2013
Amazing, heart felt story. Takes you emotionally by surprise. A story of female strength, love and devotion even in the worst of circumstances. I downloaded this book to my kindle as it was free. I was quiet taken aback by the story and I loved every minute of it.
April 23, 2015
This book kept me riveted. The beginning was a bit dis-jointed as the various characters were introduced, but it had me hooked and I really wanted to know how they were connected.Thoroughly good read.
November 30, 2017
The past and present brought together through the story of three young children. The writer covers secrets, sadness, compassion and love through the characters in these families. Written simply, easy to read and very enjoyable.
November 26, 2013
I really enjoyed this book! Very intriguing and cleverly written. Twists and turns throughout and full of every emotion.
I will certainly look for more from this author.
I will certainly look for more from this author.
Read
January 16, 2015Very good . I felt sorry for all of the families involved . I felt good that in the end that Stevie made a good decision .
Read
April 15, 2015A great story, really enjoyable and I didn't find it predictable. I do hope the author has or will write more, I know I would enjoy their books
February 3, 2025
Stevie Buchanan has a difficult upbringing, at least where her mother is concerned. She has a lovely relationship with her dad, but her mum is very cold and sometimes cruel to Stevie. This made it a difficult read at times as I just wanted to jump in there and give Stevie a hug. There seemed to be absolutely no reason for the mother’s behaviour towards Stevie other than perhaps her being jealous of the relationship she has with her dad.
Things go from bad to worse when there’s a work accident which leaves Stevie devastated and her mother bereft. Refusing help or comfort from anyone other than alcohol she shuts herself and Stevie away from everyone and poor Stevie must bear the brunt.
As Stevie becomes a young adult, she discovers a family secret, and her mother can no longer control her in the same way, so off she goes in search of the person who turned her life and the lives of her family upside down….
I absolutely did not expect the twists this story took, or the truths Stevie discovers. It certainly explains, although does not condone, her mother’s behaviour.
My heart went out to Stevie and all she has had to endure. I understood her decision at the end, as well as her doubts. She’s a brilliant character. This is a brilliant, character driven, story.
It’s a shame it’s no longer available to purchase because I very much recommend it.
I have no idea how long it must have been on Kindle for, but I am glad I finally read it.
I have found the author though and added book one of a more recent series of theirs to my Wishlist.
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2025/02/0...
Things go from bad to worse when there’s a work accident which leaves Stevie devastated and her mother bereft. Refusing help or comfort from anyone other than alcohol she shuts herself and Stevie away from everyone and poor Stevie must bear the brunt.
As Stevie becomes a young adult, she discovers a family secret, and her mother can no longer control her in the same way, so off she goes in search of the person who turned her life and the lives of her family upside down….
I absolutely did not expect the twists this story took, or the truths Stevie discovers. It certainly explains, although does not condone, her mother’s behaviour.
My heart went out to Stevie and all she has had to endure. I understood her decision at the end, as well as her doubts. She’s a brilliant character. This is a brilliant, character driven, story.
It’s a shame it’s no longer available to purchase because I very much recommend it.
I have no idea how long it must have been on Kindle for, but I am glad I finally read it.
I have found the author though and added book one of a more recent series of theirs to my Wishlist.
https://chataboutbooks.blog/2025/02/0...
June 10, 2024
Okay read but not a favourite
April 5, 2015
It is rare to find a book that you can honestly say that you have loved, yet here is one. Considering that I have been reading this on my laptop, which I hate to do, in fact never do, it is amazing that I read past the first page. Yet, I dare anyone to read the first page & not keep reading!! On the first sitting I read 50% & only stopped because the laptop battery died & it was 2am. T M Payne is not just talented but gifted. I will be gutted to never see another book by her.
The way in which the characters lives are played out around the plot is clever. The twists are ingenious & the outcome is mind-blowing! I have literally come straight here from reading the infamous 'THE END' and after sitting silently reading for hours & made everyone jump as I exclaimed 'Wow! That was cleverly done."
I take my hat off to T M Payne. I bow to you, my lady, for writing a story that everyone needs to read. There is not a person I haven't told they need to read it & I will continue to do so.
Please keep writing because the world needs to hear your stories. And I believe you need to tell them. Happy Writing.
The way in which the characters lives are played out around the plot is clever. The twists are ingenious & the outcome is mind-blowing! I have literally come straight here from reading the infamous 'THE END' and after sitting silently reading for hours & made everyone jump as I exclaimed 'Wow! That was cleverly done."
I take my hat off to T M Payne. I bow to you, my lady, for writing a story that everyone needs to read. There is not a person I haven't told they need to read it & I will continue to do so.
Please keep writing because the world needs to hear your stories. And I believe you need to tell them. Happy Writing.
July 10, 2018
Wow!
As you follow Stevie through her abused childhood, you'll fall in love with her, as well as Adam, her best friend. Your heart will break and you'll want to take her in as your own. When the reason for Maria's horrid treatment of her comes to light, your heart will break all over again. Will she make something good come of it all? Or will she continue her journey for revenge? This book will stay with you long after you've finished the last page.
As you follow Stevie through her abused childhood, you'll fall in love with her, as well as Adam, her best friend. Your heart will break and you'll want to take her in as your own. When the reason for Maria's horrid treatment of her comes to light, your heart will break all over again. Will she make something good come of it all? Or will she continue her journey for revenge? This book will stay with you long after you've finished the last page.
July 15, 2014
This is a really good story which went a totally different way to what I expected. It twisted and turned throughout and the ending surprised me. Only criticism is that it is not overly well written in places but I think that it was self published? If it was it would explain the odd bits that didn't quite flow.
February 9, 2016
I didn't expect this book to be so good. It's absolutely wonderful. The characters are soooooooooooo
real. I shared all their feelings. I laughed and cried with them. I don't write long reviews.I just want to say I loved it . Thank you Ms. Payne. Please write more books like TO CATCH a BUTTERFLY.
real. I shared all their feelings. I laughed and cried with them. I don't write long reviews.I just want to say I loved it . Thank you Ms. Payne. Please write more books like TO CATCH a BUTTERFLY.
August 16, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, the characters had depth and I came to care about them, particularly Stevie. The book was full of twists,turns and surprises, a great and original story. I will look out for other books by this author as this really was an unexpected treat and I just wanted to get back to my book and see where the story was going.
April 19, 2015
Twists and turns
This story took many twists and turns. From a terrible accident to an awful life, the main character leads the reader to wonder why all the others are introduced. In the end the author ties it all together neatly with the final twist of all. . Read this story.
This story took many twists and turns. From a terrible accident to an awful life, the main character leads the reader to wonder why all the others are introduced. In the end the author ties it all together neatly with the final twist of all. . Read this story.
August 14, 2016
Loved it!!
To Catch a Butterfly is a beautifully written tale of how simple choices cause ripple effects throughout the lives of those around us. Our actions, big or small, have consequences. It's a tale of those choices, secrets, and life's beautiful sorrows and happiness.
To Catch a Butterfly is a beautifully written tale of how simple choices cause ripple effects throughout the lives of those around us. Our actions, big or small, have consequences. It's a tale of those choices, secrets, and life's beautiful sorrows and happiness.
July 28, 2018
Loved rhe twists
I really enjoyed the story. So many are easy to see the ending. This one took me by surprise and really had a satisfying end. The characters had depth and the author did well developing them. The surprise twist was one of the best I've read in a while.
I really enjoyed the story. So many are easy to see the ending. This one took me by surprise and really had a satisfying end. The characters had depth and the author did well developing them. The surprise twist was one of the best I've read in a while.
June 21, 2016
An emotive read full of twists and turns. You need to stick with this one to start with but then it all starts to come together and it's hard to put down. A great read :)
August 8, 2016
Awesome
I really enjoyerd this story. Great read . I can't find any fault with anything about it. Great work friend!!!
I really enjoyerd this story. Great read . I can't find any fault with anything about it. Great work friend!!!
September 2, 2016
the book started off quite slow but once you got going wow what a story
January 21, 2017
Even if it wasn't free, I would've bought it.
A book with an ending I didn't see coming. I tremendously enjoyed reading this book. This one will keep you on the edge of your seat.
A book with an ending I didn't see coming. I tremendously enjoyed reading this book. This one will keep you on the edge of your seat.
July 31, 2017
great story, will remember this story for a long time.
March 30, 2023
Stevie is a neglected child dealing with an abusive parent on her own after her dad dies. But with Adam's parents she finds support and manages to survive, only to find she was never their child.
Catherine is a painter who has come back to a small town but no one knows quite why. But these secrets will.merge to form the full story.
Catherine is a painter who has come back to a small town but no one knows quite why. But these secrets will.merge to form the full story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews