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Billy Tapper Zillionaire
This colorful novel of adventure, family, and courage shows young Billy McTaggart coming of age as a tapper in a British railyard during the bitter years following World War II. Bullied for his small stature but endowed with a sharp mind, the fierce ambition of his sweetheart Meg, and the love of his Mam, Billy navigates a rapidly changing world where steam engines give way to rock and roll, Elvis, and the Beatles. Everything changes for Billy in one breathtaking moment when he uncovers an amazing secret hidden inside a rail car. Romance, loss, pain, and elation follow his path up and out of England's rigid class system. Through it all, Billy maintains his generous spirit and sense of what is right. Billy Tapper Zillionaire captures the humanity of simple relationships for an accidental bystander to history growing up in the 1950s and 60s.
310 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2019
5 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Gary Finnan
2 books19 followersGary is an award-winning inspirational author, designer, entrepreneur, and creative expression mentor. He is a sought-after presenter with a powerful yet down to earth, story-driven, and humorous style. He has an ability to not only inform and inspire, but leave participants with tangible, actionable ideas, strategies and practices proven to make a difference in both work and life. Gary’s first book, Hector at Ground Level and his various online and interactive programs provide a rich platform for teachable moments with different age groups and levels of creative expression. He shares in his own work with the same passion he hopes to reveal when exploring the essence of his clients and associates. He utilizes a depth of experience gained in Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States to bring a fresh cross-industry and global perspective. Gary has taught at Sonoma State University Wine Institute and has co-hosted retreats in the US and Europe. Born in Scotland, and raised in Zimbabwe and South Africa, Gary splits his time between Sonoma County California and Aiken South Carolina with his wife Eva and two daughters. Gary has just released his first novel - Billy Tapper - Zillionaire.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 26, 2022
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
Billy Tapper Zillionaire is a book I've waited far too long to read! After reading HECTOR by Gary Finnan and loving it I couldn't wait to start this book - but alas life, book tours and ARCs got in the way. However, I have finally devoured it and again Bern blown away with the journey of discovery the author embarks us upon in this book.
Billy McTaggart doesn't always have it easy. Bullied and teased for his appearance he longs to show everyone what he can be. Billy is a grafter who wants the best for his love, Meg knows no bounds and I enjoyed every second of this young man's journey. We follow Billy through ups and downs and embark on unravelling a mystery after he unravels a secret inside a rail car.
I had to stop at many points and remember this was a fictional book about a fictional character as it was THAT well written it was so utterly believable!
If you've not heard of this author I highly recommend giving this book and Hector a read! You'll have a very pleasant surprise!
Billy Tapper Zillionaire is a book I've waited far too long to read! After reading HECTOR by Gary Finnan and loving it I couldn't wait to start this book - but alas life, book tours and ARCs got in the way. However, I have finally devoured it and again Bern blown away with the journey of discovery the author embarks us upon in this book.
Billy McTaggart doesn't always have it easy. Bullied and teased for his appearance he longs to show everyone what he can be. Billy is a grafter who wants the best for his love, Meg knows no bounds and I enjoyed every second of this young man's journey. We follow Billy through ups and downs and embark on unravelling a mystery after he unravels a secret inside a rail car.
I had to stop at many points and remember this was a fictional book about a fictional character as it was THAT well written it was so utterly believable!
If you've not heard of this author I highly recommend giving this book and Hector a read! You'll have a very pleasant surprise!
May 18, 2020
“Billy Tapper Zillionaire” offers a compelling slice of life, epic—at times larger than life—but a satisfying tale of the underdog rising to the top.
Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 12, 2024
I picked up this signed edition at an Art Gallery in Aiken, SC. We were camping at the Aiken State park and I had forgotten to download a new book onto my Kindle so I needed something to read.
I was hooked at British Rail yard in the description and thought: “why not”.
So glad I found this book. Very well written and I love how such a small cast of characters can be so diverse yet so entwined. The blending of their lives was seamless and believable.
I would have given it 5 Stars but the ending felt rushed to me and I question how Billy fit so much into a short time span. But this is definitely a book I would recommend to others and I will share it with other readers in my family.
I was hooked at British Rail yard in the description and thought: “why not”.
So glad I found this book. Very well written and I love how such a small cast of characters can be so diverse yet so entwined. The blending of their lives was seamless and believable.
I would have given it 5 Stars but the ending felt rushed to me and I question how Billy fit so much into a short time span. But this is definitely a book I would recommend to others and I will share it with other readers in my family.
April 23, 2021
Adolescence, a journey of self discovery through action and its responses framing the life one will lead.
This book takes us on the journey that Billy' takes to become the man he wants to be, A thrilling saga about love, family and hard work in Billy's life.
In the aftermath of the devestating world war II he tries to make a name for himself as a wheel tapper, a career that his father proudly took charge off.
Billy, even though bullied for his appearance has the smarts to out shine everyone in his town. Wanting to prove himself and to provide a better life for his beloved he works relentlessly to earn money.This story captures the humanity of simple relationships and life stories of people who are at the end of line.
The twist and turns of a simple love story keeps the plot engaging while the thrill and back stories of the characters maintains an air of mystery.
The simple life of the young tapper changes all together when he stumbles upon a treasure that promises to give him the luxuries that he wouldn't enjoy on his daily wage.His honesty and bravery gets questioned time and again by people around him and by himself. The decision he makes will save him only if he is cautious, as the days pass he get himself into deeper waters, surviving which is tougher than it seems.
This book takes us on the journey that Billy' takes to become the man he wants to be, A thrilling saga about love, family and hard work in Billy's life.
In the aftermath of the devestating world war II he tries to make a name for himself as a wheel tapper, a career that his father proudly took charge off.
Billy, even though bullied for his appearance has the smarts to out shine everyone in his town. Wanting to prove himself and to provide a better life for his beloved he works relentlessly to earn money.This story captures the humanity of simple relationships and life stories of people who are at the end of line.
The twist and turns of a simple love story keeps the plot engaging while the thrill and back stories of the characters maintains an air of mystery.
The simple life of the young tapper changes all together when he stumbles upon a treasure that promises to give him the luxuries that he wouldn't enjoy on his daily wage.His honesty and bravery gets questioned time and again by people around him and by himself. The decision he makes will save him only if he is cautious, as the days pass he get himself into deeper waters, surviving which is tougher than it seems.
July 11, 2021
5 stars for this incredible surprise of a novel! I pretty much went into this book blind. I’ve never read this author but there was so much buzz around that I had to grab it. I am so glad I did! If you like an adventure and well-developed characters, this is the book for you.
Gary's creation and development of Billy McTaggart is sublime in a narrative stuffed full of misadventures, tragedy and joy, testing times that bring out his resilience and endurance in the face of such challenging experiences.
This is a wonderfully atmospheric, captivating, touching, vibrant, humorous and engaging read which I adored. The author did such a great job with all the characters in this book, giving even side characters personality and depth.
I can highly recommend this novel to anyone who appreciates wonderful, descriptive writing, an incredible plot with some twists you will not see coming and characters you will miss when you turn the last pages.
Gary's creation and development of Billy McTaggart is sublime in a narrative stuffed full of misadventures, tragedy and joy, testing times that bring out his resilience and endurance in the face of such challenging experiences.
This is a wonderfully atmospheric, captivating, touching, vibrant, humorous and engaging read which I adored. The author did such a great job with all the characters in this book, giving even side characters personality and depth.
I can highly recommend this novel to anyone who appreciates wonderful, descriptive writing, an incredible plot with some twists you will not see coming and characters you will miss when you turn the last pages.
January 10, 2020
I loved this book. It kept me entertained throughout and I finished it wanting to read more about Billy’s life.
August 15, 2020
Thank you to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for the copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with the colourful characters Billy meets along the way. Not only is this a story of generations and remembering your roots, it's also a story of forgiveness.
I liked the way Billy's discovery in the rail car not only changes his immediate circumstances but continues to haunt him through the years, as both a blessing and, in some ways, a curse.
There were times when I wondered if Billy's "sense of what is right" had left the building but I forgave him as he's such a loveable character.
I felt for his Mam through the story but disliked Meg from start to finish - I love it when an author writes characters who stir up feelings like this in me!
I hope Gary Finnan allows Billy to return to us again some day, as I'd love to see what else he gets up to!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with the colourful characters Billy meets along the way. Not only is this a story of generations and remembering your roots, it's also a story of forgiveness.
I liked the way Billy's discovery in the rail car not only changes his immediate circumstances but continues to haunt him through the years, as both a blessing and, in some ways, a curse.
There were times when I wondered if Billy's "sense of what is right" had left the building but I forgave him as he's such a loveable character.
I felt for his Mam through the story but disliked Meg from start to finish - I love it when an author writes characters who stir up feelings like this in me!
I hope Gary Finnan allows Billy to return to us again some day, as I'd love to see what else he gets up to!
April 9, 2020
This colorful novel of adventure, family, and courage shows young Billy McTaggart coming of age as a tapper in a British railyard during the bitter years following World War II. Bullied for his small stature but endowed with a sharp mind, the fierce ambition of his sweetheart Meg, and the love of his Mam, Billy navigates a rapidly changing world where steam engines give way to rock and roll, Elvis, and the Beatles. Everything changes for Billy in one breathtaking moment when he uncovers an amazing secret hidden inside a rail car. Romance, loss, pain, and elation follow his path up and out of England's rigid class system. Through it all, Billy maintains his generous spirit and sense of what is right. Billy Tapper Zillionaire captures the humanity of simple relationships for an accidental bystander to history growing up in the 1950s and 60s.
January 22, 2021
Following Billy as his life unfolds was a ‘can’t put this book down’ experience. The fascinating peek into the ribald life of a tapper in 20th century England easily flowed into Billy’s personal experiences outside the railroad yard. Billy Tapper Zillionaire is one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read this year. It’s full of excitement, poignancy, and fun.
August 11, 2020
Review to follow on blog tour
August 12, 2020
💫Book Tour Review💫
Billy Tapper Zillionaire
Synopsis:
This colourful novel of adventure, family, and courage shows young Billy McTaggart coming of age as a tapper in a British railyard during the bitter years following World War II. Bullied for his small stature but endowed with a sharp mind, the fierce ambition of his sweetheart Meg, and the love of his Mam, Billy navigates a rapidly changing world where steam engines give way to rock and roll, Elvis, and the Beatles. Everything changes for Billy in one breathtaking moment when he uncovers an amazing secret hidden inside a rail car. Romance, loss, pain, and elation follow his path up and out of England's rigid class system. Through it all, Billy maintains his generous spirit and sense of what is right. Billy Tapper Zillionaire captures the humanity of simple relationships for an accidental bystander to history growing up in the 1950s and 60s.
My thoughts:
I loved this book it was a light hearted read and shows that with determination you can achieve anything in life but sometimes the simplest of things are all we need. The story follows billy from a young schoolboy through his life, tracking his highs and lows of throughout - I loved it. Thank you @lovebookstours for including me and @gary.finnan looking forward to reading more of your books #billytapperzillionaire #booktour #garyfinnan #lovebooktours
Billy Tapper Zillionaire
Synopsis:
This colourful novel of adventure, family, and courage shows young Billy McTaggart coming of age as a tapper in a British railyard during the bitter years following World War II. Bullied for his small stature but endowed with a sharp mind, the fierce ambition of his sweetheart Meg, and the love of his Mam, Billy navigates a rapidly changing world where steam engines give way to rock and roll, Elvis, and the Beatles. Everything changes for Billy in one breathtaking moment when he uncovers an amazing secret hidden inside a rail car. Romance, loss, pain, and elation follow his path up and out of England's rigid class system. Through it all, Billy maintains his generous spirit and sense of what is right. Billy Tapper Zillionaire captures the humanity of simple relationships for an accidental bystander to history growing up in the 1950s and 60s.
My thoughts:
I loved this book it was a light hearted read and shows that with determination you can achieve anything in life but sometimes the simplest of things are all we need. The story follows billy from a young schoolboy through his life, tracking his highs and lows of throughout - I loved it. Thank you @lovebookstours for including me and @gary.finnan looking forward to reading more of your books #billytapperzillionaire #booktour #garyfinnan #lovebooktours
August 17, 2020
Although this isn't the type of book I usually go for, I enjoyed reading about Billy's life and achievements growing up. I feel that Billy made such efforts and always made the best out of what he had. This was a very well written book and the writers portrayal of each character is done very well..
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews