I am happy to publish some of the reviews I have found on my books on Amazon. I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has taken the time to leave a review so far and talk bit about why it is so important to the independent author. I have copied the Amazon ones in below in, but you can also find them on GoodReads. Perhaps I will inspire you to pick up your next read?
Reviews mean the world to the indie author, because it helps us to get seen and allow our books to reach a wider audience. After all, we created them to be read – our gift to readers. You may find something you truly love, but how will you know about it unless it’s recommended? It helps us sell our books – we may make literally pennies at first, but if you think about it, most of us had to pay for a cover designer, or editor – some more than that. We spilt our royalties with our publishers, and Amazon. Artists should be able to make money with their work – the work takes a lot of hours (months/years) to create. We will likely never get back our hourly rate! Finally, we like to know if you liked it and why you liked too. It takes less than a minute to sign up for ‘Goodreads’ and there is no fee. You could send a review to an author directly – they will put it on their website. Or if you got the book on Amazon, a could have lines is really appreciated. A lot of people have read and liked my books, but I don’t have many reviews. I promise it doesn’t take long to click in a quick review and it really matters to us authors. Massive virtual hugs if you’ve taken the time to do this. Here’s al ink to Goodreads! https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20175097.Virginia_Betts
Here are some of the things people have said about my books:
Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets
Dawn Vincent
Good read
May 3, 2025
Not my usual type of read but I’d heard good things, and i couldn’t put it down. Virginia doesn’t shy away from the dark and dingy, and yet the story is somehow an exploration of love too.
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets
Kindle Customer
Great read
January 29, 2025
Great story , very well written . Really takes you back to the 70’s. Love the play list as chapter titles
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets
Georgina Lewis
Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets
January 17, 2025
From the first chapter I was gripped, a fast paced story which left me wanting to know more about the characters adventures To have a playlist for each chapter is genius and immediately transports you back in time. Highly recommend this read!
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets
Kaye Cunningham
Burnt lungs and bitter sweets.
January 5, 2025
Loved this book. Having a soundtrack to every chapter is truly inspired and really sets the scene for some grimy, hilarious and devastating twist and turns. As an old punk from the 70’s it struck many chords with me. The characters could’ve been many people that I knew back in the day and the author really captures the ‘feel’ of the time.
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets
Urban Pigs
Punk, noir, brit grit
December 19, 2024
Betts has perfectly orchestrated a highly engaging novel of addiction, friendship and love around a carefully set out soundtrack. Spanning from the 70’s through to present day, this book will grip you from the off and leave you feeling waves of nostalgia and pure pleasure
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The Camera Obscure
Laura (TheBookishHermit)
Great stuff
October 28, 2024
In “The Camera Obscure,” Virginia Betts weaves a haunting tapestry of gothic storytelling that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche. With an intriguing blend of supernatural elements and psychological depth, the collection presents a series of chilling tales where the mundane becomes eerie and the familiar twists into the strange. Each story, from the unsettling revelation of a new tenant to a man’s harrowing isolation and a young man’s vanity spiraling into ruin, keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the fates of its troubled characters. Betts masterfully captures the essence of gothic classics, encouraging reflection on our own experiences while hinting at the many ways we can be haunted—both by our pasts and by the specters that dwell within us. This collection is a mesmerizing journey through disturbing dystopias and psychological landscapes, perfect for fans of chilling literature. – great stuff!
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
Tourist to the Sun: A poetry collection
julie byam
A relatable journey through life
October 15, 2024
There were so many fantastic poems in this book that took me on a journey, evoking memories from my own life. I can’t wait to read more of Virginias work!
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
Tourist to the Sun: A poetry collection
Laura (TheBookishHermit)
A true gift to the human soul
September 15, 2024
Virginia Betts’ *Tourist to the Sun* is an exquisite journey through the intricate fabric of time, woven with threads of reflection, nostalgia, and acceptance. In this remarkable collection, Betts confronts the relentless ticking of the clock, reminding us that the moments we cherish are ephemeral yet deeply significant. Her insights into the nature of time resonate profoundly, inviting readers to explore their own relationships with the passing days. Each poem serves as a brilliant lens through which to examine life’s myriad experiences—from the vastness of space travel to the intimate nuances of parenthood and childhood. Betts’ ability to draw inspiration from such diverse subjects showcases her incredible versatility and imaginative spirit. With lines that dance gracefully across the page, she encapsulates the essence of what it means to be human in a world governed by “time’s indecent pace,” as poignantly expressed in *Missing Persons* – which is probably my most favourite from this collection! As you delve into this profound collection, you will find yourself reflecting not only on the beauty of the fleeting moments but also on the wisdom that emerges from their transient nature. Betts’ mastery in crafting well-considered poetry will leave you both enriched and inspired, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the fragile tapestry of time that binds us all. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this luminous work; it is a true gift to the soul.
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
The Camera Obscure
Bam Barrow
Gets under the skin
December 4, 2023
A fantastic read start to finish. Betts brings the Gothic in a variety of thrilling tales from across the genre.
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
The Camera Obscure
BRISTOL NOIR
Delishously dark with a wry smile
November 21, 2023
I love this collection which reminded me of the best of Dahl’s short domestic noirish humour. The vivid imagery mixed with an accessible style makes these very easy to get swept away in. Beautifully crafted, and can’t wait for more!
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
Tourist to the Sun: A poetry collection
BRISTOL NOIR
Beautiful metaphors and rich imagery
November 21, 2023
I’m a big fan of Virginia Betts’ work having been lucky enough to read some pieces for Bristol Noir. This collection is a superb sample of her style; rich in beautiful metaphors and sublime imagery. Can’t recommend enough!
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
The Camera Obscure
Happy Reader
Gripping
May 14, 2023
What a great and clever book! A collection of well written, thought-provoking and gripping stories. I particularly enjoyed ‘Bog Man’ and ‘A Gallery of Tigers’. More, please!
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
The Camera Obscure
James Jenkins
A heart pounding collection of dark stories
May 7, 2023
Betts has delivered an excellent collection of chilling and page turning tales taking the reader on a journey through the darkest recesses of their imagination. Each story holds it’s own and jumps to life on the page much like the tiger in A Gallery of Tigers. Betts executes each story with masterful prose and leaves something with the reader like The Locked Door. You can really feel the theatre in the way each one is delivered as any chapter would traverse beautifully for the stage. Highly recommended
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
Tourist to the Sun: A poetry collection
Sue Seston
Great collection of poems which address the theme of growing older and the passing of time
March 23, 2023
Having read and re-read this great collection of poems I found myself experiencing the realisation that we have no control over the passing of time. Particular poems reminded me of ‘losing’ a beloved family member or friend to illness or sadly passing – An Afternoon Walk, When Birds Sing Sweetly, Memory Box, The Uninvited Guest, Two Benches, Missing Persons, all relevant to growing older. I could go on and mention all the poems by title but then I would spoil the surprise for readers to find their own favourites among these beautifully written poems!
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
Tourist to the Sun: A poetry collection
Simon
Loved it!
February 2, 2023
Loved it! These poems really blew me away – uniting the honest, directness of modern poetry with the musicality of more traditional verse. All the poems are beautifully crafted and, despite their cleverness and originality, are very accessible. It’s a collection you can read quickly in a couple of sittings and then revisit in order to fully appreciate the language and discover multiple layers of meaning. Highly recommended. 5 stars. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
The Camera Obscure
typing girl
Spine-chilling
January 8, 2023
The Camera Obscure is an excellent collection of spine-chilling short stories. Each story draws the reader in. One feels to be living alongside the main character, experiencing their anguish and horrors with them. This is a very well-written book. Virginia Betts has obviously felt some of her beautifully described ‘feelings’.
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
The Camera Obscure
Simon
Dark stories from a vivid imagination.
September 4, 2022
This book is a collection of short stories. – always intriguing, sometimes spine chilling, leaving the reader with a definite feeling of having visited different realities. With each story Virginia Betts weaves dark uncertainties into the lives of seemingly normal characters living normal lives. These stories take you on a journey to the many different fears that often lurk in our minds and imaginations, fears that make for great stories.
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
Tourist to the Sun: A poetry collection
lynn stuart
Beautiful poetry
July 14, 2022
A wonderful collection of poetry. I particularly enjoyed “Birthday” Lovely, lovely, lovely!
The Camera Obscure
Mrs. Shoe
TOTALLY AMAZING!
July 30, 2022
| Verified Purchase
I loved that each story I read had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I loved how the description of the story made me feel as if I was there also in the story. The stories seemed so real and that they could be someone’s life. I will definitely be reading this over and over. Thank you to Virginia Betts for writing this intriguing book.
View this book’s reviews on Amazon
Displaying 1 – 3 of 3 reviews
1 review January 5, 2025
Starting in 1976 & finishing in present day this story carries you along with the main characters, who want to just enjoy life….who needs to grow up ? I didn’t want this book to end, because I wanted to hear more about them…..the book also includes a suggested soundtrack and each chapter lives in this music….I would recommend this book to anyone, if you was a teen in ’76 & even now still feel like that kid and not a proper ‘growed-up’ you’ll love it & feel part of it like I did……A crackin’ read.
9 reviewsFollowApril 6, 2025
This is a book that’s going to stay with me. Gritty, unrelenting and heartbreaking. It tells the story of four friends, growing up in the punk era. What starts as a laugh – teenagers messing about, taking drugs, having fun – turns to tragedy as the years evolve. Some grow up and mature; some don’t.
The characters aren’t always likeable, but they are true to life. I loved the song references with each chapter and the references to changing fashions and times. A memorable read.
14 reviews1 followerFollowMay 28, 2025
This is an excellent read. The characters pull you into their maelstrom and don’t let go! Friendship, hedonism, love, punk rock, and ageing. Fine ingredients for a fine story told very well indeed. Betts has written an absolute corker!
663 reviews39 followersFollowSeptember 26, 2024
Virginia Betts’ “That Little Voice” is a captivating exploration of time and fragility, skillfully blending introspection and keen observation.
Danny, Daniel or whoever is one poem that stood out to me in this one, it is weirdly relatable in a very strange way!
This collection serves as a profound gateway into the poet’s inner thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences, which is what makes it so uniquely special and beautifully captivating.
Author 3 books13 followersFollowAugust 23, 2022
Fantastic Collection
This collection really blew me away, uniting the honest, directness of modern poetry with the musicality of more traditional verse.
Highly recommended.
6 reviewsFollowJuly 29, 2022
This is a really thought provoking book from award winning poet Virginia Betts, which focuses on time and the lack of it, which is something I can relate to. Virginia is gifted and writes really engaging poetry.
663 reviews39 followersFollowSeptember 15, 2024
Virginia Betts’ *Tourist to the Sun* is an exquisite journey through the intricate fabric of time, woven with threads of reflection, nostalgia, and acceptance. In this remarkable collection, Betts confronts the relentless ticking of the clock, reminding us that the moments we cherish are ephemeral yet deeply significant. Her insights into the nature of time resonate profoundly, inviting readers to explore their own relationships with the passing days.
Each poem serves as a brilliant lens through which to examine life’s myriad experiences—from the vastness of space travel to the intimate nuances of parenthood and childhood. Betts’ ability to draw inspiration from such diverse subjects showcases her incredible versatility and imaginative spirit. With lines that dance gracefully across the page, she encapsulates the essence of what it means to be human in a world governed by “time’s indecent pace,” as poignantly expressed in *Missing Persons* – which is probably my most favourite from this collection!
As you delve into this profound collection, you will find yourself reflecting not only on the beauty of the fleeting moments but also on the wisdom that emerges from their transient nature. Betts’ mastery in crafting well-considered poetry will leave you both enriched and inspired, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the fragile tapestry of time that binds us all.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this luminous work; it is a true gift to the soul.
8 reviewsFollowSeptember 4, 2022
Excellent collection of contemporary poetry!
Virginia Betts 