Comment from juliaSjames

Excellent

Starting to read from the beginning. Cheeky young Nicholas is already an appealing character. Intriguing that a garden gnome is about to make his appearance.

Blessings Julia

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2019

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reply by the author on 10-Oct-2019

Hooray!! ;) So glad you decided to catch up on this on my story for young people! :) My hope is to keep it interesting enough for kids and adults alike so that it's something they could read 'together' for discussions at the dinner table and such... :) :) Thanx for the review and for your support!! ;) ;) Yvett

Comment from Janetsue

Exceptional

Oh yes...I can easily see why this won the 'Create a Chapter' contest! It offers everything delectable...charm, great characterization, and heightened interest. Very, very, very nice!

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2019

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reply by the author on 10-Oct-2019

You are too awesome, Janet!! ;) :) Thanx so much for your wonderful review and those lovely stars -- so glad this little fantasy fun is making you smile!! ;) :) Take care good care!! ;) :) Yvette

reply by Janetsue on 10-Oct-2019

:-)

Comment from Bill Schott

Excellent

Coming back after reading chapter 2, I wanted to get up to speed on where Nicholas came from and where we're headed. 'severance package' will forever have a new meaning for me.

 Comment Written 16-Aug-2019

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reply by the author on 18-Aug-2019

Thank you so very much for catching up on the story, Sir Bill -- I am thrilled to have you on-board!! ;) :) Take care! ;) Yvette

Comment from Sylvia Page

Excellent

Hello Yvette, First of all, let me congratulate you on winning this contest. I am here to read from the beginning. This is an incredible start to the story and I am amused by your description of Sir Phillipe as the beady-eyed-gargoyle!
Look forward to reading more.
Sylvia

 Comment Written 16-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 17-Jul-2019

Hooray!! So very glad to have you on board! ;) Thanx for the congrats, ma'am, and I'm thrilled that you got a grin out of ol' Sir Phillipe!! ;) ;) Thanx for the review and take care out there! :) :) Yvette

reply by Sylvia Page on 18-Jul-2019

Smiles

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

I love going around big country estate gardens, so this is going to be one story I'll be looking out for. I loved the way you've started it, and just know I'll love it all. Congratulations on your win, it's well deserved! :)) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 16-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2019

Hooray! So glad you enjoyed, Sandra -- and thanx for the congrats, too! ;) ;) I entered this contest last month as a challenge to myself -- it really does take me a bit longer to do one of this limited word-count than it does to just 'write away', but it's good for me!! ;) ;) Thanx for the review and so good to have you on-board! ;) :) Yvette

Comment from Sankey

Exceptional

This was a good start. Sorry for the lousy reward unless it has been around and I missed it. At least you get a decent points award back. Where is your other story that had been gone so long?

 Comment Written 16-Jul-2019

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2019

Wow!! Thanx so much for those stars, sir.... this one was in a contest last month and I promised folks (as part of that contest) that I would continue with a chapter a month.. :) :) Maggie's next adventure is in the works ... worry not! ;) :) Take care and thank you again!! ;) ;) Yvette :)

Comment from pome lover

Exceptional

Did you write this from your imagination? Is this part of a book?
Will have to check your portfolio and see what you're up to.
congrats on winning and for recognition!!! way to go.
What is the quote at the top from?
I look forward to your next post.
Katharine - pome lover

 Comment Written 26-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 27-Jun-2019

Hey there, Beautiful Texas Lady!! :) ;) Oh, yeah, straight from the blonde's nutty head!! :) ;) And it was a contest that required a first chapter of a book in 475-500 words -- it was such a good challenge for myself that I've decided to stick with it (like I said in my author notes) and write an additional chapter within the same constraints each month on/around the 14th. The quote? Well, from that same nutty brain, of course! ;) ;) Thank you for these wonderful stars, Katharine -- they are such a wonderful surprise this morning! ;) ;) Take care and have a great weekend ahead! ;) :) Yvette :)

reply by pome lover on 27-Jun-2019

well, Blonde lady, you are one smart cookie!

Comment from Rachelle Allen

Exceptional

This one absolutely captivates my imagination and satisfies my need for a wonderful chapter book to savor until further notice!

I loved the description "beady-eyed gargoyle look." It made such a distinct image pop into my mind! That and the hedges with an "ethereal look."

I can't wait to dive into this already-interesting story! Exceptional work! (As if you know how to write anything but!) xo

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 19-Jun-2019

Oh, Rachelle, I am so very glad you enjoyed this one!! :) You know, I have taken this on as my own personal challenge: to write an entire chapter in ONLY 500 words ... at least it's only ONCE a month!! :) ;) Unlike some folks, I LOVE to read and I LOVE to write so, word count goes out the window before I start either one!! :) ;) Keeping it to 500 words will be 'stressful' yet good training! ;) ;) LOL! And I certainly will not back down from a challenge! ;) ;) Take care up there, Beautiful Lady R, and thank you for those wonderful stars -- coming from your talented pen, they are VERY meaningful!! ;) :) Yvette :)

reply by Rachelle Allen on 19-Jun-2019

Yes, a self-set challenge is a wonderful commodity, indeed. I'm duly impressed and commend your spirit and pluck! xo

Comment from C. Gale Burnett

Exceptional

Yvette, I love your enthusiasm and your storytelling. I can't wait for each new chapter as it unfolds :)
I am already intrigued.
I love how you have the main character narrating the story.
Such a short write, but I'm feeling as I'm getting to know Nicholas rather quickly thanks to your descriptive writing. I love his enthusiasm, wit and spunkiness, too.
The dialog is awesome!
I look forward to the next chapter :))

 Comment Written 16-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019

Oh, Gale - I am so very glad you enjoyed this one!! :) :) I am excited (and maybe a bit terrified - lol!) at the thought of challenging myself to write a complete chapter in ONLY 500, words but I have thrown the gauntlet down for myself in the presence of everyone else!! :) ;) So, no backing down now - LOL! ;) Thanx for the review and those lovely stars, ma'am -- have a great week! ;) Yvette

reply by C. Gale Burnett on 17-Jun-2019

Yvette, if anyone can do it, you can. It is a bit intimidating, though, isn't it? We are all rooting for you!
Fondly,
Gale

Comment from jack silver

Exceptional

I have to say... With reading all the others... Next time I might and the stipulation that you actually have to say what chapter you are up to. A lot of them didn't... Made me think they entered short stories instead of actually writing a chapter. Look forward to seeing what you have for me next time.

 Comment Written 16-Jun-2019

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reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019

Wow, Jack -- I am certainly honored with your words and those stars, sir -- Thank you!! :) ;) I really do think this is a GREAT idea and I've set it up for a personal challenge for myself -- and since I 'put it out there' I have to stick to it cuz that's just me -- to actually complete a chapter at a time with ONLY 500 words .... my imagination/keyboard team forgets the whole concept of 'word count' just as soon as they get in gear!! :) ;) So, good on ya, mate, for this idea -- I've got it on my OCD calendar!! ;) :) Take care and have a great week! ;) ;) Yvette

reply by jack silver on 17-Jun-2019

no probs