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Breaking Sandcastles
Falling for a much younger man can prove difficult in any era, but in early 1960s America, it was considered forbidden. Intertwined with the desire to be a successful career-woman, art teacher Marion Kelly must battle heart and mind while struggling with the insecurity of an uncertain future. Chasing love from Kansas City, Missouri to Paris, France, she comes up empty-handed, until an unplanned encounter with a former student begs to be given a chance. A wild vacation leads to love, murder and a battle for the man two women want, Jonathan Duquesne.
Breaking Sandcastles highlights a half-century romance unfolded through a series of memories revisited during a crisis. Humor and heart-ache play out for our characters as they struggle through life’s challenges. But can true love conquer their final test, the very fight for survival?
Breaking Sandcastles highlights a half-century romance unfolded through a series of memories revisited during a crisis. Humor and heart-ache play out for our characters as they struggle through life’s challenges. But can true love conquer their final test, the very fight for survival?
366 pages, Paperback
Published November 6, 2016
16 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
About the author
Kirk Burris
10 books21 followers Multi-genre author Kirk Burris is an Amazon Best-selling author. His Book, 12 PILLS, cracked the top 100 Mystery books, landing him a space right between James Patterson and Michael Connelly. This was a huge honor as both of those authors are among his favorites.
Having grown up in Missouri, where he earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Missouri, Kirk now makes his home in South Florida and swears he doesn't miss shoveling snow and ice to free his car. A fan of Kansas City, it has become the primary backdrop to his books thus far, though they also explore Miami, Washington D.C. and his romantic favorite, Paris, France.
A travel bug, Kirk is often abroad. He can be found snorkeling the waters of the Caribbean, walking the streets of Paris, or taking in a Broadway show in New York. At home, Kirk is a food and cooking enthusiast. He also enjoys zipping along the exhilarating tracks of major roller coasters while he plots his next adventure.
Kirk is the author of Breaking Sandcastles, 12 PILLS, MURDER AT PARKMOOR, and Soul Survivor. His next book, EDDIE MORRISON, will be released in 2023.
THANK YOU to all my fans! You have been so supportive in my venture to become a successful author. When I read a review by a complete stranger who was touched emotionally by my work, it validates my efforts and affirms we are all connected on this great earth.
If you would like updates on new books, signing appearances, or to receive notes and thoughts from me as I continue to build my career as a published author, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or just check back to my site from time to time for blog updates. God Bless!
Having grown up in Missouri, where he earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Missouri, Kirk now makes his home in South Florida and swears he doesn't miss shoveling snow and ice to free his car. A fan of Kansas City, it has become the primary backdrop to his books thus far, though they also explore Miami, Washington D.C. and his romantic favorite, Paris, France.
A travel bug, Kirk is often abroad. He can be found snorkeling the waters of the Caribbean, walking the streets of Paris, or taking in a Broadway show in New York. At home, Kirk is a food and cooking enthusiast. He also enjoys zipping along the exhilarating tracks of major roller coasters while he plots his next adventure.
Kirk is the author of Breaking Sandcastles, 12 PILLS, MURDER AT PARKMOOR, and Soul Survivor. His next book, EDDIE MORRISON, will be released in 2023.
THANK YOU to all my fans! You have been so supportive in my venture to become a successful author. When I read a review by a complete stranger who was touched emotionally by my work, it validates my efforts and affirms we are all connected on this great earth.
If you would like updates on new books, signing appearances, or to receive notes and thoughts from me as I continue to build my career as a published author, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or just check back to my site from time to time for blog updates. God Bless!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 6, 2018
What a great love story!! Five stars for sure. It is not often a story about an older woman that marries a younger man last for 49 years, but this one did. Kirk , you wrote a very good novel, it being your first. Thank you.
April 6, 2018
This is an excellent love story by a new author. The story and character development is excellent. The way he told this story is excellent. I do not have any criticism or feedback on what could make this story better it is that good and everyone should read. Well except maybe don't listen to the story when driving. He had me crying on my way to work. Keep writing and I look forward to your next novel.
April 3, 2018
This was an amazing love story. So real and comforting.
October 16, 2017
Breaking Sandcastles by Kirk Burris is a romance story that will grab at the heartstrings as you are literally taken on a journey of a lifetime, following the lives and adventures of Jonathon and Marion Duquesne.
The story starts off in the present time where a life changing event occurs to the couple which leads you on a journey down memory lane to the past. You learn how they met, how they became to being a couple and their journey through life until you met up with them in the present reminiscing on what once was. Not only do you join Jonathon and Marion down memory lane, but you follow their closest friends and their family including their children on the journey as well. Which gives you a view from all directions.
I really did enjoy this book. I am not one to really read a romance novel, but this one had me intrigued from the moment I read the synopsis. I give this book a 4 out 5 rating.
Breaking Sandcastles I found to be quite lighthearted and comical in many places. The journey that the author Kirk Burris took you on with these two main characters was absolutely lovely. I liked the fact that each detail was explained so that you could get a nice little picture in your head and where the story line flicked from present to past was absolutely flawless. I have found that sometimes a story line can get a bit lost and confusing for most readers when authors try to flick from one scene to another, but this one did not do that at all. Truly a thumbs up to you Kirk Burris :D
As I mentioned earlier I give this book a 4 out of 5 rating. I would of given a 5 out of 5 like it deserves. However I did find these five errors that unfortunately brought the rating down:
1) On page 100 "their lightning flashing in the distance" spelling error: their should be there
2) On page 169 "Chloe let her fingers lightly stroke though his as she continued past" spelling error: though should be through
3) On page 185 "she put her arm though" spelling error: though should be through
4) On page 223 "sewage from somewhere crept us his nostrils" spelling error: us should be up
5) On page 270 ""Fine," he concluded, "we'll just have to have to stop at three."" grammar error: one too many have to's
The story starts off in the present time where a life changing event occurs to the couple which leads you on a journey down memory lane to the past. You learn how they met, how they became to being a couple and their journey through life until you met up with them in the present reminiscing on what once was. Not only do you join Jonathon and Marion down memory lane, but you follow their closest friends and their family including their children on the journey as well. Which gives you a view from all directions.
I really did enjoy this book. I am not one to really read a romance novel, but this one had me intrigued from the moment I read the synopsis. I give this book a 4 out 5 rating.
Breaking Sandcastles I found to be quite lighthearted and comical in many places. The journey that the author Kirk Burris took you on with these two main characters was absolutely lovely. I liked the fact that each detail was explained so that you could get a nice little picture in your head and where the story line flicked from present to past was absolutely flawless. I have found that sometimes a story line can get a bit lost and confusing for most readers when authors try to flick from one scene to another, but this one did not do that at all. Truly a thumbs up to you Kirk Burris :D
As I mentioned earlier I give this book a 4 out of 5 rating. I would of given a 5 out of 5 like it deserves. However I did find these five errors that unfortunately brought the rating down:
1) On page 100 "their lightning flashing in the distance" spelling error: their should be there
2) On page 169 "Chloe let her fingers lightly stroke though his as she continued past" spelling error: though should be through
3) On page 185 "she put her arm though" spelling error: though should be through
4) On page 223 "sewage from somewhere crept us his nostrils" spelling error: us should be up
5) On page 270 ""Fine," he concluded, "we'll just have to have to stop at three."" grammar error: one too many have to's
September 11, 2017
What an amazing journey to take with these characters! I loved how the author did not push the boundaries by making the leads fall in love whilst still at school, but made the reader wait a bit before giving us what we all wanted :) I was hooked from page one, the characters were wonderfully developed and I couldn't wait until the end to find out if Jonathan made it or not. Belladonna was extremely annoying and I didn't care much for her as a character, she added what I thought was unnecessary tension in the middle of the book, although it worked out well to keep me hooked as a reader.
Best scene in the book is Mari waiting for Jonathan in the rain, and second best is Grace Kelly's appearance in the book!
Best scene in the book is Mari waiting for Jonathan in the rain, and second best is Grace Kelly's appearance in the book!
September 17, 2017
The story was lovely, really. However, I would recommend a good proofread to correct errors, primarily with regards to homophones. Ex: "I need to sensor myself." (censor), referring to a bathroom as a lieu (loo), going in too (into), shiek (chic), wrapping on a door (rapping), "Their amazing" (they're), scary-faced manor (manner), sewing wild oats (sowing), shutter (shudder), and "fitted around her bustier" (bust).
September 4, 2017
A really great love story for the hopeless romantic, told in third person. Characters are well-developed and well-written. You will fall in love with each of them individually. A true delight to read!
You can read my full review HERE: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
You can read my full review HERE: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
July 23, 2017
Such a sweet and lovely romance. I fell in love with both Marion and Jonathan as individuals and as a couple.
This book was voluntarily reviewed on OnlineBookClub:
https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
This book was voluntarily reviewed on OnlineBookClub:
https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
July 17, 2019
if you miss reading a story that just wants to make you feel what it is like to truly fall in love then I eagerly recommend this book from a first time author.
Mr. Burris' writing makes you feel like you are eavesdropping on this couples relationship. Ms. Kelly is Jonathon 's high school art teacher. He is just shy of 18 and in his senior year. She recognizes that he has real artistic talent and could be a renowned painter. Not to spoil anything but they do not begin a relationship til years after he is out of school so this is not a scandalous teacher student love affair. However, their age difference is something that Marion Kelly struggled with throughout the novel.
I felt a real connection to this story because my son is much younger than his wife and she too had a very hard time reconciling her feelings for him. Obviously, it all worked out and they are happily together and married for over ten years. But I was very impressed that the author really understood how an older woman might feel conflicted about her feelings for a younger man. Also, their relationship begins in the sixties a much more conservative time.
It is not a smooth road for our couple but it is an honest one. It is also funny, adventurous and romantic. The author is especially talented at bringing Europe to life in the sixties. I smelled the baguettes steaming from the Bakery in France and felt the sun beating down on the streets of Paris as talented unknown painters tried to sell their works of art.
I laughed at many scenes including a surprise encounter our couple has with each other in the Notre Dame Church. This author has a great imagination. But I also shed tears at some scenes especially near the end of the story but like all our stories there comes a time there is just the end.
I can honestly say the last few pages were some of the best I have ever read. The words were heartfelt, lyrical and literally made me catch my breath.
The only thing I wish is that the author had provided more story about certain events that were just noted but not given more details. For instance, we meet Jonathan's brother Dean early on and he actually is a big supporter of his brother's relationship. Near the end of the book we find out they had a falling out and do not speak for years. We find out why but it is just a few sentences told by another character. I would really have liked to have heard from Jonathan himself about what he was going through during this difficult time. I think as readers we needed to go with Jonathon on this hard journey and it was just dropped into our laps as an afterthought and that bothered me. But it does not take away from the love story that is so eloquently told by the author.
The title Breaking Sandcastles is perfect. The reason for the title is given near the end and it is also a life lesson for us all. I truly recommend this book if you enjoy love stories that are about the emotion of love and how it can hurt but also how it can heal. I would recommend having some tissues near by because I'm tearing up just thinking about the beauty of the words as their love story comes to an earthly close.
Mr. Burris' writing makes you feel like you are eavesdropping on this couples relationship. Ms. Kelly is Jonathon 's high school art teacher. He is just shy of 18 and in his senior year. She recognizes that he has real artistic talent and could be a renowned painter. Not to spoil anything but they do not begin a relationship til years after he is out of school so this is not a scandalous teacher student love affair. However, their age difference is something that Marion Kelly struggled with throughout the novel.
I felt a real connection to this story because my son is much younger than his wife and she too had a very hard time reconciling her feelings for him. Obviously, it all worked out and they are happily together and married for over ten years. But I was very impressed that the author really understood how an older woman might feel conflicted about her feelings for a younger man. Also, their relationship begins in the sixties a much more conservative time.
It is not a smooth road for our couple but it is an honest one. It is also funny, adventurous and romantic. The author is especially talented at bringing Europe to life in the sixties. I smelled the baguettes steaming from the Bakery in France and felt the sun beating down on the streets of Paris as talented unknown painters tried to sell their works of art.
I laughed at many scenes including a surprise encounter our couple has with each other in the Notre Dame Church. This author has a great imagination. But I also shed tears at some scenes especially near the end of the story but like all our stories there comes a time there is just the end.
I can honestly say the last few pages were some of the best I have ever read. The words were heartfelt, lyrical and literally made me catch my breath.
The only thing I wish is that the author had provided more story about certain events that were just noted but not given more details. For instance, we meet Jonathan's brother Dean early on and he actually is a big supporter of his brother's relationship. Near the end of the book we find out they had a falling out and do not speak for years. We find out why but it is just a few sentences told by another character. I would really have liked to have heard from Jonathan himself about what he was going through during this difficult time. I think as readers we needed to go with Jonathon on this hard journey and it was just dropped into our laps as an afterthought and that bothered me. But it does not take away from the love story that is so eloquently told by the author.
The title Breaking Sandcastles is perfect. The reason for the title is given near the end and it is also a life lesson for us all. I truly recommend this book if you enjoy love stories that are about the emotion of love and how it can hurt but also how it can heal. I would recommend having some tissues near by because I'm tearing up just thinking about the beauty of the words as their love story comes to an earthly close.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2019
🔴REVIEW
"BREAKING SANDCASTLES"
WRITTEN BY: Kirk Burris
The book started off predictable because of the fact it flashed from pass to present. I found myself continuing to read just to see where the book would take me and give me that "OMG" feeling.
While reading I felt the conversations between Jonathan and Marion would never stop and some of the things they talked about seemed pointless and had no purpose for the storyline. It was just too much with no purpose what so ever.
Honestly I couldn't finish it. I stopped at page 117. It just wasn't doing enough for me.
⭐⭐ 2 out of 5 stars.
"BREAKING SANDCASTLES"
WRITTEN BY: Kirk Burris
The book started off predictable because of the fact it flashed from pass to present. I found myself continuing to read just to see where the book would take me and give me that "OMG" feeling.
While reading I felt the conversations between Jonathan and Marion would never stop and some of the things they talked about seemed pointless and had no purpose for the storyline. It was just too much with no purpose what so ever.
Honestly I couldn't finish it. I stopped at page 117. It just wasn't doing enough for me.
⭐⭐ 2 out of 5 stars.
July 1, 2019
I finished "Breaking Sandcastles" not even five minutes ago and let me tell you... It is SO good.
Breaking Sandcastles is Kirk Burris' debut novel. He wrote a winner right here. I laughed, I gasped with surprise, and my heart was sad right along with the characters.
I will look out for more novels by this author.
Breaking Sandcastles is Kirk Burris' debut novel. He wrote a winner right here. I laughed, I gasped with surprise, and my heart was sad right along with the characters.
I will look out for more novels by this author.
July 16, 2019
What an awesome debut book by Kirk Burris. I was expecting a sweet romance novel which covered the lifetime story of an older couple, 49 years married, but what I got was a page turner filled with additional stories within the story. It included mystery and suspense. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see what other goodies Burris has to offer.
January 12, 2020
Uplifting, beautiful love story
What a story! Burris hits one out of the park with his first novel. As we wander through life with Jonathan and Marion, we can't help but be a part of their family through tragedy and conquests, until at the end all sandcastles are broken for them to begin building again.
What a story! Burris hits one out of the park with his first novel. As we wander through life with Jonathan and Marion, we can't help but be a part of their family through tragedy and conquests, until at the end all sandcastles are broken for them to begin building again.
March 31, 2018
I enjoyed the story
The story was good. I gave it 3 stars because I think the writing could have been better. I would not call it a must read book, but it is a book I wanted to finish and for me that means it's a good book.
The story was good. I gave it 3 stars because I think the writing could have been better. I would not call it a must read book, but it is a book I wanted to finish and for me that means it's a good book.
July 1, 2019
Beautiful
A beautifully written story. Filled with time transitions of a story of true love and love of family. Filled with laughter, sadness and the beautiful life God creates for all of us. What a beautiful story of beginnings to endings. Love it
A beautifully written story. Filled with time transitions of a story of true love and love of family. Filled with laughter, sadness and the beautiful life God creates for all of us. What a beautiful story of beginnings to endings. Love it
September 23, 2019
A Genuine feel good romance
This was an enjoyable book to read when you want to unwind. It’s like a relaxing porch in book form. I was a little put off at how the characters meet but as the story unraveled I came to love them .
This was an enjoyable book to read when you want to unwind. It’s like a relaxing porch in book form. I was a little put off at how the characters meet but as the story unraveled I came to love them .
July 1, 2018
I LOVED this book!! I could not put it down. From the first couple of pages I was sucked in. Loved the storyline and the characters. Can't wait to read what this new author puts out next!!!
March 4, 2021
What a great debut novel. This was a beautifully written story about two soulmates connecting in ways most others can only dream of.
Burris did an extraordinary job in creating a sweet and enduring love story, which really had me invested in both characters. They are well developed and likeable, and the side characters add some additional heart The author does a masterful job changing from past to present within each chapter, which added so much to the plot. I absolutely loved this book, and strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a well written, feel good story.
Burris did an extraordinary job in creating a sweet and enduring love story, which really had me invested in both characters. They are well developed and likeable, and the side characters add some additional heart The author does a masterful job changing from past to present within each chapter, which added so much to the plot. I absolutely loved this book, and strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a well written, feel good story.
Want to read
March 20, 2018I received this book for free from the author/publisher in response for an honest review of the book. I have not had the opportunity to read this book at this time. I will add my
review of this book once I have read the book. Thank k you for allowing me the optometrist review your work. I look forward to reading this book.
review of this book once I have read the book. Thank k you for allowing me the optometrist review your work. I look forward to reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews