Reviews from

More Grist to the Mill

Viewing comments for Chapter 20 "A More Open Verdict?"
Book 2 of the Cleeborough Mill Trilogy

35 total reviews 
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Now that Peter Allen has all the info I am more confused than ever with what he intends to do with it. Hettie doesn't seem like the character that was going to jump, she would have fought tooth and nail for her father and the mill. Really enjoying these characters
cheers

 Comment Written 07-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 07-Mar-2021
    You are getting close to being right up to date with this siox-star review, for which very many thanks. Sometimes too much material can be as bewildering as too literal, but Allen is keeping his eye on his real interest, not who or how but why.
Comment from Pam (respa)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

-Thanks for the picture.
-This is a really good chapter
that pieces together some details,
mainly through Heather's comments
and precise detail.
-Since she had left the room previously,
I didn't know what she might have
been feeling, as the case was with Allen.
-She certainly did her best to explain
the situation about her brother, especially
the part after she explains about the letters.
-I had forgotten about that, and it really
hits home more here since all these people
are no longer living.
-I enjoyed hearing Allen's views about
the "open verdict."
-From the ending I am guessing that
Allen feels Hettie deserved a proper burial,
and also that he feels the reverend can
get ideas across to the Baches.
-Finally, I have to tell you that you
definitely have done a good job with
portraying the women in your book,
especially Felicity and Heather, but
also Hettie and Jonette.
-I think Felicity would have been
very proud of her daughter.
-I wish I had a sixth star for this
chapter; I think it is one of your best.


 Comment Written 03-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2021
    Thank you for this review, especially the comments made on my portrayal of the women. There is at least one more major female character from the new generation that has yet to make her mark on events.
reply by Pam (respa) on 03-Mar-2021
    You are very welcome. She sounds very intriguing!
Comment from muffinmama
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

No sixes left, unfortunately.
I'm still completely immersed in the story; I'm also starting to really understand the language - LOL
Thanks for the well-developed characters and plot; it makes it a pleasure to read.

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2021
    Thank you so much for this supportive review. I am glad you are coming to terms with the language
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You've produced yet another spellbinding chapter in this saga of the early 20th century. The open verdict is a very interesting idea, and one that's rarely heard about, even today -- people by nature want closure, certainty and definite answers. People want drama!
But I have a feeling that Hettie, and especially her father, would have appreciated that consecrated burial ground, for her.
Another, unrelated thing was kind of funny, because at the end of the chapter, when you wrote that Tom Bache promised to join his wife, I thought he meant that he promised her that they were going to put the twins to bed together! So I was surprised to find Tom still downstairs, at the beginning of this chapter. Then, going back to read that section again, I realized that they agreed to have their interview with Allen done as a team -- it had nothing to do with childcare.
I don't have children myself, but I'm obviously a 21st-century wife!

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2021
    Ha, ha, Tommy did put them to bed in an earlier chapter I think. Thank you for the lovely comments and dix stars. Much appreciated.
reply by Mary Kay Bonfante on 03-Mar-2021
    You're very welcome, Jim. Oh, that's interesting, maybe Tom did put the kids to bed! The Baches were an original "power couple," ha.
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Very interesting, especially as his theory is perfectly possible. He does now know for sure that Warburton had no reason for his sudden departure, so I assume that is an open question. I am really enjoying this.

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 02-Mar-2021
    Many thanks for this encouraging review for which I am most grateful.
Comment from estory
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This conversation with Allen seems to turn back the idea of suicide or murder, and suggest an accidental drowning. So we are going in circles here, and nothing is conclusive, which means that the suspects may well go free. The circumstances are complicated and the evidence is suspect here, the time elapsed is also fogging up the view of the death. Its hard to tell where this is going at this point. Its a long conversation with these two and it seems to be going nowhere. estory

 Comment Written 02-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 02-Mar-2021
    Thank you for this review. This is not a police investigation though. Allen is concerned with any reason Hettie may have had for being suicidal.
Comment from RetroStarfish
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Again the dialogue is enchanting and the story moves forward, by I am also struck by the final sentence. It is almost lyrical and whets my appetite for the next chapter.
Each of these characters is so realistic. As a woman, and understanding what it was like for my gender at the turn of the century, Heather's reasons for staying on with a cad of a brother make perfect sense. I'm relieved to see she found in her marriage a true partnership and shared power.

 Comment Written 01-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 01-Mar-2021
    Thank you for this so supportive review. It was so encouraging.
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I must admit this story has captured my interest, it's a fine story and a filip to the site's standard. The characters and the storyline are both intrinsically connected, as it should be, and the flashbacks are a great reminder of the story's progress, most enjoyable, well done, great writing. Blessings Roy

 Comment Written 01-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 01-Mar-2021
    Thank you for this most encouraging review.
reply by royowen on 01-Mar-2021
    Good job
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

That cleared up a couple of points. I would personally like to believe Hettie's death was more an accident, and that she was going to change her mind. I agree that most 'would be' suicides don't really go ahead and do it. It's not a cowards way out, it takes a lot of courage to do the deed. What I would hope now is that she is moved into the church yard, and placed in hallowed ground. After all, the child is a total innocent who hadn't commited any sin. I wait to see what Allen does next. Well done, Jim, I really enjoyed this part. :)) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 01-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 01-Mar-2021
    I think the next chapter will blow your mind. Many thanks for this lovely six-star review.
Comment from padumachitta
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

hi
I gave this a six because your story continues to intrigue me.
Those of us who grew up around water, we know how dangerous undercut banks can be, One also knows that it is easy enough to 'help' out the water ...it takes a shovel and a little nugde...
so...where will this end...eh ...

 Comment Written 01-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 01-Mar-2021
    Not where you think. Lol.

    Many thanks for the super six review. Much appreciated.