Reviews from

Returning Home

When wealth and power aren't enough

10 total reviews 
Comment from estory
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I think it's a good story articulating the warmth of family, and the sense of loss we feel when it's not there in our lives. You have penned a moving scene of an old lady determined to reach back out of her current isolation for the warmer family moments in her life. The Thanksgiving setting is perfect for symbolizing that. I thought the dialogue was nice and crisp, realistic, and the overall movement from Henrietta taking leave of her hired man, somewhat dismissively, to a moment when she leaves her home to him and bequeaths something of her family warmth to his, is well orchestrated. estory

 Comment Written 08-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 11-Nov-2024
    My apologies for being so far behind with my thank yous but please know that I appreciate your time, comments and stars. It means a greate deal to me when people truly understand what's behind the story. Thank you.
    Smiles, Carol
Comment from Marilyn Hamilton
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Carol, I am getting used to reading some of your stories through moist eyes! This was heartbreaking but in a good way. Good luck in the contest. You've got my vote.

 Comment Written 07-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
    Forgive me for being so far behind in telling you how much I appreciate your time and support in my writing. Life has handed me another one of those "circumstances I didn't expect" and I am falling behind. Nothing new, right? Just know that your thoughts on my writing mean a lot to me. Thank you.
    Smiles and hugs, Carol

    Forgive my cut and paste... I promise to do better!
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
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Aw, that was a wonderful write and sort, Carol. You really caught the spirit of that special Thanksgiving that she was to relive once again. What a lovely entry for the contest. All the best of luck. Ulla xxx

 Comment Written 07-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
    Forgive me for being so far behind in telling you how much I appreciate your time and support in my writing. Life has handed me another one of those "circumstances I didn't expect" and I am falling behind. Nothing new, right? Just know that your thoughts on my writing mean a lot to me. Thank you.
    Smiles and hugs, Carol

    Forgive my cut and paste... I promise to do better!
Comment from LJbutterfly
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a heartwarming and delightful ghost story. The ghosts of the past are friendly and welcoming. The plot is well developed as the story flows to a very satisfying ending. Best wishes in the contest.

 Comment Written 07-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
    Forgive me for being so far behind in telling you how much I appreciate your time and support in my writing. Life has handed me another one of those "circumstances I didn't expect" and I am falling behind. Nothing new, right? Just know that your thoughts on my writing mean a lot to me. Thank you.
    Smiles and hugs, Carol

    Forgive my cut and paste... I promise to do better!
Comment from Wendy G
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

A fine story and a wel, written one. A positive message about kindness and a warning about priorities where greed and power come before family. Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy

 Comment Written 07-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 07-Nov-2024
    Thanks, Wendy...It was a different type of ghost story, I suppose, but I wanted to deliver a message which you understood. Thank you for reading and enjoying. Thanks for the kindness and the stars. Have a great day!
Comment from marilyn quillen
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

wonderful heart touching story but maybe a little too heart touching, you made me cry!!!or maybe I'm just a big crybaby, either way it was excellent and sooo well written, thanks for sharing

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 06-Nov-2024
    Thanks for enjoying this story so much. I truly appreciate the review and the stars. I was worried the reader might not understand the ending and that her family were ghosts and they were there for her.
    Have a great day!
Comment from Michael Ludwinder
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wow, this story is so enjoyable! I love how you brought Henrietta's character to life with such detail. I love how she went from stern employer to someone deeply touched by the warmth and memories of family. And that ending was so heartwarming. It left me with a sense of peace and hope. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt Thanksgiving tale!

 Comment Written 04-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2024
    Thank you, Michael. I am pleased that you enjoyed this story. It was definitely a different type of ghost story, but one with a warm, happy ending. Have a great day!
Comment from Jacob1395
Excellent
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This was a really heartwarming piece, it reminded me a little bit of A Christmas Carol, and I thought both Henrietta and Jacob's personalities came through really well. A well written piece. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 04-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2024
    Thank you so much. I didn't think of that as I wrote it, but you are right. Henrietta found what she'd been missing, just like Scrooge. Have a great day!
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What an absolutely divine offering dear friend, I think of all those gorgeous people that have inspired me, but have gone to their reward, the tally is mounting as I age, but I'm a better person for having known them, truly made in God's image, enjoying thanksgiving eternally, beautifully written, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 04-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2024
    I'm certainly glad that you enjoyed my story.. a different ghost story, but then I always enjoy happy endings better than getting scared. Thanks so much for your kindness. Have a great day!
reply by royowen on 05-Nov-2024
    My pleasure
Comment from RodG
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This story is very touching because (1) of how you set the scenes, both when Jacob fetches the car and in Henrietta's old house as "family" appear, (2) of the way you characterize Henrietta and Jacob through dialog, and (3) because you emphasize the theme of FAMILY. Rod

 Comment Written 04-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2024
    Family is very important to all of us. I liked the "gathering" to take Henrietta home...happy endings are far better than scary ones. Have a great day!