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Detour

Viewing comments for Chapter 39 "The End of the Road(trip)"
Two very real women in not so real situation.

28 total reviews 
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a terrific finale for this long and complicated story of friends traveling to one destination and encountering a world of unique culture. This ordeal provided an opportunity to suggest options and give someone insight into the greater world outside.

 Comment Written 07-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 07-Nov-2024
    This means so much to me, Bill. It was WONDERFUL to have you along this entire time. It meant a lot to me that you stayed with us the entire way. Thank you for that very much. Xo
Comment from Debbie Pope
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! I absolutely love the ending. I wanted Rebekah to go home. I know it seems like wasted talent, but I wanted her to go home. Very badly.
And I love your riotous convention complete with police sirens. The juxtaposition of the convention and the Amish homecoming made the homecoming even more meaningful.
Great write.

 Comment Written 07-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 07-Nov-2024
    Too much had happened in her family recently (the deaths of her parents and sister) for them to have to add "shunning Rebekah" into the mix. And even with all the luxuries and one-on-onectimecwith Maria, she realized quickly that her family was what "mattered."

    I've really appreciated all your support and the affirmations you never missed a chance to bestow each week, Debbie. This wouldn't have been anywhere near as fun without you along.

    Thank you for being so devoted to this story and for the extra stars this week. Very much appreciated. Xo
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Excellent
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Is this the last chapter?I love the happy ending. I was wondering if Rebekah was going to stay longer but her reunion with her family is wonderful. There is something beautiful about a simple life with such strong family and community ties.

Well done!

 Comment Written 06-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 06-Nov-2024
    Thanks, Gypsy.

    Yes, this is the final chapter.
Comment from LJbutterfly
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This book has been a magnificent endeavor. I've enjoyed every chapter as you and Gretchen described your different versions, demonstrating wit, humor, creativity, and exemplary writing. I've laughed, gotten angry, wiped tears from my eyes, disappeared into gripping imagery, sang along, and laughed again. Thank you for including me in your final scene, and for extending an invitation to FanStorians to add to the story. Thank you also, for the video that helped us clearly visualize you and Rebekah singing a final duet. That was a tear jerker.


 Comment Written 05-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2024
    This review just melts me. I loved that you were a fan from the beginning and continued in your enthusiadtic, encouraging way, right to the very end. Thank for that times a million zillion. I always looked forward to your reviews. Xoxo
Comment from Cindy Decker 3
Excellent
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Rachelle,
Your final chapter, mixed with the Fanstory Convention is a wonderful way to end your saga.
You treat the Amish with respect, though they may be "different" from others.
An Amish family drove from Ohio to PA seven years ago to deliver Ruby, my current puppy, to me. She was well-socialized and very well taken care of, though raised by the family with no electricity. They were well-dressed and very respectful to me in my plain apartment.
I, too, love the song "O Mio Babbino Caro, especially the version sung by Jackie Evanko.
Excellent story, Rachelle.
Best wishes,
Cindy

 Comment Written 05-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 05-Nov-2024
    Thank you very much for all of these kind words. I do appreciate it.

    Our last dog, we bought from Menonites in a farming community about 90 minutes from here.

    Xoxo
Comment from judiverse
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This has been an awesome journey. I love the additional details about the Convention, especially Lancellot's dancing. It would be wonderful if Tom would take the hint and allow us more stars. I was disappointed with Rebekah's decision to go back home after such a short time. I can see her regretting her decision for the rest of her life. I also wonder how she could been prepared to give a concert in such a short time, but this is fiction. I've never seen anything get FS members so excited as this trip to a FanStory convention and the chance to see so many of the members. A most excellent field trip! Lots of credit to you and Gretchen for this delightful endeavor. judi

 Comment Written 04-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 04-Nov-2024
    I think when you're in over your head, you know it. If you know @ sixteen it's not for you - a time when you're invincible and full of dreams - you can trust it. She was from such a different world.

    As far as the songs, they were all she was listening to/singing. She might not have been fabulous, but she was "fabulous enough."

    Thank you for all the support and affirmations and ❤️ each and every week. Gretchen and I truly appreciated it! Xo
Comment from Jim Wile
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh, Rachelle, I'm sorry to see this story end. It was so wonderfully written by you and Gretchen in so many respects. Not only was it supremely laugh-out-loud outrageous and funny, but it was exceedingly heartfelt and sweet. That's a rare combination and a tribute to your writing skill to be able to pull that off.

Your characters were so well developed, and I feel like I know them all personally now. The final showdown at the convention was so amusing, bizarre, and so much fun to be able to contribute to. I loved your solution for extricating yourself from the melee that developed. It was a perfect segue to the calmer, sweeter side of the story.

What a beautiful relationship you developed with your kindred spirit, Rebekah. And the song you sang with her, "For Good," was the perfect statement of your friendship together and what it meant to both of you. This became a real tear-jerker at the end.

Throughout, I loved how you and Gretchen played off each other. That was another beautiful friendship that developed throughout the story. Such an odd couple you were together, but that made it so funny, interesting, and endearing. I know they were caricatures of you both, but I sensed some real truth there too, and it was so much fun for us to see you two together.

This has been a terrific story, and what a great idea to write it together from both of your POVs. I will miss it.

 Comment Written 04-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 04-Nov-2024
    You've been our #1 fan and reviewer extraordinaire since Day One, and for that I will always be tremendously grateful. Thank you for always making Gretchen and me feel we were doing great work. As an author yourself, you truly understand what that means.

    So thank you for everything. Your encouragement and backing mean the world to me.

    Xoxo
reply by Jim Wile on 04-Nov-2024
    I do understand, Rachelle, and I always appreciate it when I get a thoughtful review, especially those that highlight the parts of a chapter I particularly enjoyed writing. I love it when readers get what I'm trying to communicate.

    Much of the enjoyment I get from FanStory is not only posting my own stuff, but analyzing the writing of others and communicating with them through reviews and replies. Sometimes I wish there were more hours in the day for this.

    Especially when I'm working on a novel, I've had to cut down on reviewing, and only really review the ones in which the review comes easily to me. Most of my reviews tend to be of prose too these days, and with a few exceptions, I really prefer that now.

    As well as in my own writing. I used to write a lot of poetry, but just haven't been inspired to very much lately. Almost all of my poetry was of a humorous nature--that was my schtick--and I think I've just about exhausted the humorous things in my life to write about. However, if something strikes me, I'll definitely give it another shot.
Comment from patcelaw
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is so beautifully written wrap up for the journey, the convention, and the after travels with your friends from fun story I enjoyed very much listening to it and it flows very well when it is read aloud may you have a wonderful day and may God bless your week. Patricia.

 Comment Written 04-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 04-Nov-2024
    Thanks very, very much for this, Patricia. Xo
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Excellent
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Hi Rachelle.
This is really a warm ending to the story. The relationship was accurately depicted through the joint vocals and emotional interactions, showing rather than telling. Your words didn't just tell the ending, they vividly depicted it. I'm sorry I didn't catch on to the story until the next to last chapter, but I did enjoy what I read. And I find it to be commensurate with your considerable skill in writing.
Robert

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 03-Nov-2024
    Thank you very much for this, Robert. It means the world to me. I appreciate how generous you always are with your words and thoughts. It's obvious that you take time and care with what you're saying, and that isn't lost on me even for the briefest of moments. xoxox
reply by Robert Zimmerman on 04-Nov-2024
    You are very welcome, Rachelle.
Comment from Y. M. Roger
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A wonderful conclusion to a crazy affair... can't really say I know many in the stories (save Dolly, Diane and You), but it's been a crazy ride nonetheless! ;) A fun idea that I hope you keep for posterity! ;) Thanx for sharing with everyone! ;) Yvette

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 03-Nov-2024
    Thank you! Yes, a whole new crew of FanStorians since you were last on board, my dear! But lots of very nice ones and several are even talented! Thanks for the review. xoxox