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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.

22 total reviews 
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
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

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
Comment from lyenochka
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Congratulations on completing this book, Rachelle! You and Gretchen did a fabulous job with this big project and showed us the varying cultures of writers and the challenge of meeting a completely different world such as the pork-eating Amish. Lol. It takes a lot of love to want something for the ones we love and yet allow them to make their own choices that isn't what we hoped for them such as the case with Rachelle's dream for Rebekah.

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 03-Nov-2024
    Thank you very much, Helen, and thank you for the depth with which you did this review. You internalize other people's characters and never fluff over their motives or outcomes. That's what makes your reviews especially enjoyable and meaningful. So very appreciated. xoxox
Comment from Mrs. KT
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh!
Thank goodness, Rachelle!
I've been redeemed!
No longer am I a lush, but a very capable driver - so capable that even my refined dear friend, Dolly, would agree to ride along with me all the way back to Lancaster, Pennsylvania = one of my favorite places to visit in the good ole USA!
(You forgot to mention that I treated everyone to "Shoo-Fly Pie" once we settled in and were composed and relaxed from all the shenanigans at the convention!
What a memorable time!
I know that I shall remember this event for years!

Thank you for sharing!
fondly,
diane

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 03-Nov-2024
    I remembered that you loved it! What was the name of the town again, though?

    And of course our quartet had to include our favorite Brit!

    Thanks for the lovely review; so very appreciated! xoxox
reply by Mrs. KT on 03-Nov-2024
    Well, there are a few towns that I have visited, but "Intercourse" had the best "Shoo Fly Pie!"
    True story!
    :)
reply by the author on 03-Nov-2024
    There's something so ghastly about mixing those two names together, isn't there...It's like something I would expect Jane Babies's porn king father to have in a feature film...
    xoxo
reply by Mrs. KT on 03-Nov-2024
    Hah!

    So true!

    :)
Comment from Marilyn Hamilton
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a perfect ending to the trip and the story. I am glad that Rebekah got to have her experiences but also glad that she felt sure enough of herself to go back to the simple life and appreciate what she had. thanks for the fun story. When should we expect the next??

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 03-Nov-2024
    Stay tuned.

    Thanks for this really lovely review, Marilyn. xoxo
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is an absolutely perfect ending to this story. It doesn't get any better than this. Thank you and Gretchen for sharing this with us.

at ten the next day, we will get to hear Rebekah perform. (the following day)

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 03-Nov-2024
    Thank you, Barbara. This touches me deep down to my core. xoxox
Comment from GWHARGIS
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

No lie, Rachelle, I rarely cry when reading. I was wiping tears for two reasons with this. First, it was so touching, the relationship with You and Rebekah. Next is the fact that our "trip" is over. I love how you pulled Begin Again's story into the details of our convention. This was a wonderful way to end this. I honestly don't even need to write an end chapter ( But I will.) LOL. This was perfect and I'm glad I got the pleasure of reading it today. Gretchen

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 03-Nov-2024
    Gretchen, you sweet and wonderful woman, there is NO ONE who could have made this a more perfect experience for me. Anyone would love to work with you, but I'm the luck writer who was given the opportunity, and I have appreciated it the entire time.

    Thank you for this perfect final review. I will definitely miss our collaborations. You have stolen my heart with your Southern charm and TALENT. xoxoxo
Comment from pome lover
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh, Rachelle! That was perfect! The only thing that would have been "more perfect" is if you had sung. I think I speak for everyone involved in your wonderful adventure, we'd love to hear you. Would there be a possibility of your putting a video of you singing here on Fan Story? I can tell you everybody would be thrilled!
If not, this story and especially the ending, is, in itself, a special treat--truly a delightful surprise, a mixture of sad disappointment and a proud, fulfilling tug at the heartstrings.
I have had the feeling all through this story, because your character IS you, that it was real. It would make a great movie!!!
Anyway, thanks for the enlightening and exciting experience, and for the thrill of my version being one of the ones picked and for the wonderful and generous $50 which I will love earning with new ideas.
As"they" say, It was a great ride!
Katharine

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 03-Nov-2024
    I'll tell you what, Katharine: If you want to be Facebook friends, I'll share a Messenger video of me singing. But I would not feel comfortable putting a video on FS. On here, I'm a writer.

    I can't tell how how I appreciate your love and support and encouragement from the first chapter to the last, and I was so HAPPY for you that your chapter was among the winners!

    Thank you for all you contributed to making this such a fun experience for me. It means the world. xoxox
reply by pome lover on 03-Nov-2024
    I understand. I'm not on Facebook, and hate to admit it to you, but I am not very technical. i'll have to see about getting on Facebook, and get back to you if I may because I would love to hear it! I know, pitiful.
    Thank you so much for your lovely comments and I'll get back to you.
    Katharine