Greta Burroughs
Biography
Greta Burroughs loves to read. No matter where she is, there is always a book close at hand. Her love of reading began at an early age and blossomed over time to include many different genres, her favorite now being fantasy.
As a preschool and elementary school teacher, Greta tried to instill the joy of reading in the children she worked with. Books were an important part of her classroom and story time was the highlight of the day.
It has been a while since Greta was in a classroom but she had lots of experience in reading to children of various ages and remembers what they enjoyed listening to. She tries to incorporate that knowledge into her work as an author and believes it makes her a better writer of children’s books.
The adventures in Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat were written several years before the book was published. The manuscript was put away while she concentrated on her career as a freelance journalist and before that in aviation education. When medical issues kept her from being able to work outside the home, the writing bug hit her and the old manuscript was dusted off, rewritten, illustrated and published.
Greta’s one nonfiction narrative, Heartaches and Miracles describes the roller coaster ride she has been on fighting an autoimmune disorder called ITP. She has also published a young adult fiction fantasy novel entitled Gerald and the Wee People and has plans to write a sequel to that called The House on Bo-Kay Lane. That is not the end of her literary itinerary; Greta has several other children’s book in mind for the future.
Where to find Greta Burroughs online
Where to buy in print
Books
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Smashwords book reviews by Greta Burroughs
- Riders of the Wind
on June 16, 2011
Riders of the Wind is a very fascinating look back to the early days of aviation. Everything was new and experimental and DeBurgh describes the era in a way that expresses the passion and excitement of the time.
The adventures and misadventures of the pilots flying airmail, rumrunning, competing in air races and exploring new routes through the Amazon makes for some very exciting reading.
The courtship, marriage and absolute love shared between the two main characters, Charlie and Doretta Cross and the bond they have with their friends makes this more than just an aviation story. The tough times during the depression and prohibition era shape the events that take place and the addition of several historic characters add reality to the book.
Riders of the Wind is tale of romance, adventure, tears and laughter with a little mysticism mixed in creating a balanced mixture of all the elements that make a great novel. The reader does not have to an aviation fan to enjoy this book, it is a great story that will leave the reader wanting for more.
- Winds of Fate
on July 21, 2011
Winds of Fate continues Charles and Doretta Cross' story that began in DeBurgh's first novel, Riders of the Wind. It takes the reader through the WWII years from the security of the civilian airline to the heroic Hump operation over the Himalayas. It also takes the reader through the world of the WASPs and the lives of the female ferry pilots who flew military airplanes within the United States under the most difficult conditions.
It is a fast paced action/adventure/romance/historical fiction that depicts Charlie as an air transport pilot in China trying to survive one day at a time and Doretta as a WASP flying various types of airplanes facing discrimination and hardships of her own.
Winds of Fate captured my attention with its descriptive details and the entertaining dialouge between the characters. It was almost like I was there. I throughly enjoyed the novel and highly recommend it to other readers.
- Kiwi in Cat City
on Sep. 13, 2011
Do you ever wonder where your cat goes when he/she disappears for a few days? Vickie Johnstone gives a clever explanation to this mystery.
Kiwi, a very clever cat takes a couple of kids with him as he takes a trip to Cat City where they all get involved in helping the police in solving a crime.
Vickie makes what some folks might think is just a children’s story into a tale that is enjoyable for all ages. The interplay between the characters keeps the story fresh and makes the reader want to keep going to the next page to see what happens.
The names and places such as Mr. Katz, Meow Café, Insurance in a Whisker and Inspector Furrball do not let you forget where you are at and adds to the imagery of Cat City. This is a most enjoyable story and I’m waiting for Kiwi volume two.
- There Is Hope
on Sep. 13, 2011
There is Hope has two short stories that are very entertaining and fun to read. The first short story, “Six-inch Claws” starts out with an attention grabbing first few pages then…I cannot tell you what happens because it will spoil the story, but it was something I was not expecting. I would love to see this short story expanded into a novel.
The second story, “Polka Dots” takes an interesting look at people and the shirts they wear. Is it true that you can tell what a person is like by the clothes he/she wears? Is there a prejudice towards others that dare to be different? Helmy explores these questions in a light very descriptive manner.
I truly enjoyed reading There is Hope and for a nice, light, quick and easy read, I would recommend this book.
- Kiwi and the Missing Magic
on Nov. 03, 2011
The second book in Vickie Johnstone’s “Kiwi” series is just as engaging as the first. I truly enjoyed the way the author makes an imaginary tale come to life.
Kiwi, the cat, the two children, James and Amy along with a pet hamster and a mouse prevent Cat City from being destroyed. Of course, there is a lot more to the story than that such as new characters being introduced but it takes reading the story to see how it all fits together into one very nice package.
The “Kiwi” series is intended for kids but grownups such as myself will love the book as well. I highly recommend the whole series.
- Upgrade
on Nov. 03, 2011
Stephen Hise’s idea of enhancements to a person’s outward appearance made me start thinking, would I like this or not? It did lead his central character, Brent, into a very sticky situation, actually several sticky situations.
I enjoyed reading this novel even though it is not in the genre I usually choose my books from. The characters are well developed and I truly felt sorry for a couple of the ladies in Brent’s life, while not being too fond of another one.
The ending was a surprise. Even though I tried to guess what was going to happen, I was not totally prepared for the final outcome. I recommend Upgrade to anyone who likes a different approach to getting the perfect lover.
- Kiwi and the Living Nightmare
on Nov. 03, 2011
Book three in the “Kiwi” series, “Kiwi and the Living Nightmare” continues the exploits of Kiwi the cat, Amy and James, a host of characters from Cat City along with some critters from our world.
It was very appropriate that Vickie published the book just before Halloween because that is the time frame the story takes place. Kiwi and the kids have a dream of another cat crying out for help and discover that the haunted house where the stranded cat is at can only be entered on All Hallow’s Eve.
I like the way the author introduces new characters into book three yet draws on the previous books for the characters that I already know and love.
“Living Nightmare” has just the right amount of scary bits along with humour to make it a very enjoyable read for kids of all ages.
- Kiwi in the Realm of Ra
on Dec. 01, 2012
Vickie Johnstone has a wonderful imagination when it comes to writing adventures for Kiwi and her friends. In this book, she takes us to Ancient Egypt.
I could tell that a lot of research was done for this book. The descriptions of the pyramids, people, villages, etc are very well written with just enough information to set the scene but not too much to bog down the story.
The characters in the story are so engaging that the reader can picture the action as he/she reads the story. If you haven't read the previous Kiwi books, you should. I recommend reading the series beginning with "Kiwi in Cat City" so you get to know all the characters as they are introduced and the adventures they have together.
I highly recommend this book for kids of all ages, 9 to 99.
- A Death In Calgary
on Feb. 26, 2013
A black Cadillac hearse pulls into a small quiet community. Within just a few hours, the lone occupant of the vehicle becomes the talk of the town. He has a mission to accomplish but doesn’t quite know who, what when or where. His occupation - Death.
Mary Daugherty masterfully crafts a story around the occupants of a small sleepy town named Calgary from the local gossip queen to the diners in the greasy spoon to the ultimate object of the loner’s attention. The author’s descriptive style of writing holds the reader’s attention and gives a little twist to the plot that is unexpected but welcomed.
A Death in Calgary is well worth the time to read and may possibly give you something to think about for a while after you finish the book.
- Day of the Living Pizza
on Feb. 26, 2013
I am a big fan of Vickie Johnstone's Kiwi series and had heard good things about this particular book so I downloaded it and am glad I did.
This book was written to raise money for a charity and the reader is rewarded for his/her purchase with a laugh out loud, entertaining story.
"Day of the Living Pizza" was written for the younger generation but anyone who wants a good, goofy, fun read will get a kick out of this story. It is silly but that is what makes the story so enjoyable to read.
The author has a wonderful sense of humor as shown by the character's names (Officer Dewdrop, Joe Mango, Bob Banana, Chief Egg),and the mystery involved (Why are people turning into walking pizza zombies?).
If you are in the mood for some silliness and need a good laugh, "Day of the Living Pizza" is the book for you.
- Second Chances
on Feb. 26, 2013
I am not too much into reading about the paranormal but I am glad I started reading Second Chances. The first few pages hooked me and kept my attention until the last page. Freddie Marsh is haunted by visits from a shadow person and asks the classic question, "why me?" Instead of running from the problem, she tries to find the answer. Darian, the one trying to communicate with Freddie, cannot understand why she is not more accepting of his presence.
On the surface, Second Chances is a classic tale of good verses evil but as the story progresses, Dannye Williamsen expands that concept so that it is not so cut and dry. There is good/evil in all of us but it is a personal choice as to which is predominant. The author makes the reader think by taking us through Freddie's struggle of how to handle the power she has always tried to ignore but now has to comes to terms with.
Dannye Williamsen's style of writing is very intriguing and well developed. I like the way she uses descriptive writing to set the scene and make the reader see what is happening and become one with the story. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to read the sequel, The Threads That Bind.
- The Threads That Bind
on Feb. 26, 2013
The Threads that Bind is more than just a title to this novel, it is the theme that ties all the characters and plot together in this book. Dannye Williamsen started the tale in her first book, Second Chances in which the protagonist, Freddie had to confront her misguided and “evil” brother, Darien. Darien and Freddie both had the psychic ability to manipulate others; Darien in a negative manner, Freddie used her talent rarely but in a positive way. Instead of the usual good verses evil, good destroys evil type of plot, the author showed how love can overcome the worst in of all people.
In The Threads That Bind, Freddie’s granddaughter, Jillian discovers that her closest and dearest friend, Mandy had been a associate of Jillian’s grandmother. Another one of Jillian’s friends/allies is actually Darien’s son who also knew and admired Freddie. As the story progresses, the threads bind together as the characters discover the ties associated with their past. They use their knowledge and abilities to pick up the task initiated years earlier by Freddie to overcome the blatant misuse of psychic power, but now it is in Jillian’s time. The true beauty of the story is the way in which the protagonists go about that task without destroying any lives.
The story is very well written, with good character development and a fast pace that keeps the reader glued to the story. The author created a very believable tale with a moral that can be carried over into our everyday lives. We can all learn a lesson from this story; we have a chance in life to change our path and make a difference no matter what is expected by others because love underlies everything.
I highly recommend Dannye Williamsen's novels to all readers.
- Don't Tell Anyone
on Feb. 26, 2013
Cancer touches everyone in one way or another. For me, my parents had that terrible disease both at the same time. They went together for chemotherapy and tried to make life as normal as possible for each other. It was so hard to see the downward spiral and not able to do a thing about it.
In "Don't Tell Anyone", Estelle Trager witnessed her mother suffering from breast cancer and did her best to ignore the lumps she found on her own breast. Estelle did not want to waste away as her mother had and cause her sons and daughter-in-law the heartache she had suffered through. Her plan was not successful though, ignoring it did not make the cancer go away. The cancer was discovered and the choice of treatment/no treatment and life/death touched everyone involved.
Throughout the story, the fear, anger and frustration felt by all the characters were so realistic. Laurie Boris' skill in captivating the reader with her descriptive writing makes the book hard to put down. I recommend this book to everyone.
- Wheezer And the Painted Frog
on March 03, 2013
Kitty Sutton asked me to read and review "Wheezer and the Painted Frog" and I gladly accepted her request. This book has been out for a while and I have been wanting to read it but just haven't taken the time to do it. I'm sorry I didn't read the book sooner. What a captivating tale!
My reaction to "Wheezer and the Painted Frog" was two-fold. First,the story had my interest from the very first page. Ms Sutton is a wonderful story teller who crafted an enchanting mystery with bits of history mixed in. Her characters are well developed with a mix of people you either love or hate. I am partial to dogs, so having Wheezer as one of the heroes made the story complete.
Secondly, I am familiar with the Trail of Tears and the terrible treatment of the native Americans by the white man. Reading about Wheezer, Sasa and Jackson's quest to fight the wrong doings and get to the truth of why Sasa's little brother was murdered helps me to remember that there are good people in this world who believe in what's right and do whatever they can to overcome the odds against them.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, young and old.
- Wheezer and the Shy Coyote
on March 11, 2013
I read "Wheezer and the Painted Frog" and had to start the second book "Wheezer and the Shy Coyote" the following day. The mistreatment of Native Americans is a black mark on our country that should never be forgotten. The greed, prejudice and torture of the People did not stop after they were driven from their homes to unfamiliar country. Whiskey became another weapon in the fight against the red man.
The author expresses the story in a way the reader can sympathize with the People's plight while including side stories of a budding romance, a two legged Coyote's quest for truth, and a four legged coyote's assistance in keeping Wheezer and Sasa safe from the bad guys.
It is evident that Kitty Sutton did a lot research before writing the Wheezer books. The story is a history lesson but is written in a way that is exciting and entertaining. I highly recommend the Wheezer books to everyone.
- Back From Chaos
on May 04, 2013
I like fantasy books, but I'm picky about the ones I read. I don't care for the ones that get too far out and hard to follow. I prefer fantasies that follow the traditional path and have elements of magic, conflict and a story that keeps my interest. "Back From Chaos" totally filled the bill.
The characters and the story were very well developed. I could picture the scenes as I read the book and I have to admit, I cried a little in a few spots. When I get totally absorbed in a book and don't want to put it down, it is a good read!
- Back From Chaos
on May 04, 2013
I like fantasy books, but I'm picky about the ones I read. I don't care for the ones that get too far out and hard to follow. I prefer fantasies that follow the traditional path and have elements of magic, conflict and a story that keeps my interest. "Back From Chaos" totally filled the bill.
The characters and the story were very well developed. I could picture the scenes as I read the book and I have to admit, I cried a little in a few spots. When I get totally absorbed in a book and don't want to put it down, it is a good read!
