Date: April 18, 2023 06:28 pm Title: Truths She Remembers
Those first tense moments of James waiting outside the room were rough. Then when the doctor came out and said Cecelia was born and that Pam was still alive were a literal weight off my shoulders. How are you so good at writing these kinds of things?
Sad to see Markus leaving, though very nice to see his intentions for Larissa being more manifest. James in bed with Pamela and Cecelia was a sweet and tender moment for sure.
However James was right. They intentionally targeted Pamela. Let him burn indeed. Feels like James will be up for this challenge.
Date: April 18, 2023 06:17 pm Title: Ephemeral
So the time for intrigue and roundabout ways seems to have come to an end. A false message to lure James away then an attack on Pamela. Thank all the kind fates for Markus' presence. The council of war over bourbon very much felt like two soldiers readying themselves for the fight once more. They had a taste of peace, but there are still threats out there and those threats are getting closer with each day. The time for talk is over, it's time to draw swords.
But then Pamela coming downstairs like that? After being attacked! All I can say is I'm so glad you've got the next chapter ready to read because I don't know how I would have handled this if it had been a cliffhanger.
Date: April 18, 2023 06:07 pm Title: The Tragedy of Us
Starting out, did James win Sargent off on none other than Ulysses Sam Grant? Cause it kind of sounds like he did. Thanks for putting that in. Lots of fun for those of us who are also history nerds as well. Now back to reading.
Pamela's devotion to James is still as touching as ever. That she wants and offers to help him in his endeavors is proof of this. The thing I realize now is that while James would never discount her, many others would. Foolish be they of course.
Another historical reference with Clara Barton! Lovely. Same with Dwight's cameo. Absolutely he'd be concerned to have Pamela walking around. The flashback to Gettysburg brings in a lot of depth to James here. He's been through a lot and feels he has a debt to pay. His fear that this love that he's found in Pamela will be the price to pay that debt feels very real.
Hello little Margaret. That's a thread that still feels important.
Then to end things on a tender moment in bed like that was lovely. Pamela revealing the results of her own efforts was great. James' fatherly advice for his son strikes of the man of honor we know James to be while the advice to his daughter shows the charm and wit he also has. The 'stay away from men,' made me crack up and repeat it to my wife. Onto more!
Date: March 25, 2023 09:23 pm Title: Like a Songbird That Has Fallen
I know this doesn’t make sense for the story but Jim is rescuing the receptionist! It reminds me of that line.
Oh James Halpert what a bold proposal.
1 [Report This]Date: March 25, 2023 07:45 pm Title: Wayfaring Stranger
I LOVE stories set in a different time period and I am thankful that you wrote this story. No matter the time period Pam and Jim can’t get away from engagements huh?
The Beesly house in flames… that’s not good.
Author's Response: Thank you for the review! I, too, love a good historical AU which is one of the reasons I decided to write this one. Thanks again and enjoy the rest of their story!
1 [Report This]Date: March 07, 2023 07:20 pm Title: Any Other Name
Okay, the opening paragraph??? Perfection!! And then he reaches for her hands???!!! Oh yeah… Pam can’t deny the electricity now… and clearly it makes Jim bold enough, strong enough, to tell her the truth.. that there’s just something there between them that they can’t deny. The sexual tension that you write is just beyond.. but then there’s also this incredible connection of their hearts and souls too. I love that Pam isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions about Katy— and Jim isn’t afraid to answer them either. Yes. Yes? Yes. And Okay? Okay. Okay. was just INSPIRED… and while I knows there’s gonna be a whole story’s worth of backlash for this marriage it’s gonna be sooo good! I love Jam just living for their hearts despite all the stuff in their brains saying ‘but what about this?’
Also perfection? If he were lucky.. about Katy, his dad, and his mom’s responses— but he tended not to be. I’m so glad they have a few people on their side— because this is going to be no easy ride— though together, they can weather anything— even a drunken, scorned Roy in the middle of the night, right?? Right. RIGHT????!!!! Thank God I’m off tomorrow…. Can’t wait to read more!!!
Author's Response: Thank you so much for commenting! I always enjoy hearing other’s thoughts as read through the story. I’m thrilled you are enjoying it. Thanks again!
1 [Report This]Date: March 07, 2023 06:14 pm Title: Like a Songbird That Has Fallen
Wow. What a striking difference in actions between Roy and Jim in helping Pam’s family through the fire… “I came as soon as I heard”… well Roy, Jim’s been there all night and actually saved them from the fire, so…. And still, the electricity between Jam is undeniable. What an ass Roy becomes in that situation… but clearly, he too is seeing the threat of Jim, the undeniable magnetism that is Jam.
And the ending? The cliffhanger? Oh. My. God. I am in love with this AU… and so excited that Jim and Pam seem to just instinctually follow their hearts… no matter how crazy, inappropriate, or against society as it seems… you set up a clearly miserable situation for Pam having nothing as a wife… I love that Jim feels for her and is desperate to change her standing… amazing!!!!!
1 [Report This]Date: March 07, 2023 05:05 pm Title: Wayfaring Stranger
How did I just stumble upon this??? I’m hooked! What an incredible first chapter, building to that electric moment where Jim and Pam meet— and now he can’t stop thinking of her. Your loathsome portrayal of Roy is also commendable… The Office Roy in the post Civil War south. She is betrothed turning into I have a fianc? was so good.. clearly Jim has it bad! Can’t wait to see where this goes— how do you write this chemistry between them? It’s fantastic!!!
1 [Report This]Date: February 10, 2023 12:23 pm Title: Wayfaring Stranger
Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, oh my goodness … I am so excited for your update!!! Thanks so much for your response to my message.
1 [Report This]Date: January 29, 2023 05:15 pm Title: Wayfaring Stranger
Hi, I'm back again :) Just checking in and hoping you haven't decided to abandon this story. Your writing is such a gift, please, please continue to share your gift with us. I truly can't wait for your next update, I'm so committed to your Pam and James, and their story!
Author's Response: You are so incredibly kind…and patient.
1 [Report This]Date: December 31, 2022 06:03 pm Title: Unfinished Souls
I think pam's baby has already been born. You should tell us how the delivery went.
(My pathetic way of telling you that I can't wait to read more of this wonderful story).
1 [Report This]Date: September 25, 2022 05:17 pm Title: Wayfaring Stranger
I beg you, please do not abandon this story! Your writing is exquisite!! I'm so committed to this story I check the site daily hoping for an update. I can't wait to see where you take Pam and James. Please continue to share your gift with us!
Author's Response: You are incredibly kind, thank you! Honestly, I had thought this story was all but forgotten but I see there are a couple of people still interested. ;) I promise I am still working on it. And despite everything in my real life, James and Pam still wander through my thoughts and compel me to sit down and finish their story.
1 [Report This]Date: May 11, 2022 08:29 am Title: Wayfaring Stranger
Each time I come across a new chapter of this, I'm in awe of what you've achieved, and the world you've painted. Insightful and fabulous - thanks!
Date: May 04, 2022 06:04 am Title: Unfinished Souls
This continues to be such a good story, told in your beautiful writing.
The Oscar fact made me smile.
Author's Response: Thank you so much Sprinkles! It’s always so wonderful to hear that readers are enjoying it.
Date: April 21, 2022 12:15 pm Title: Unfinished Souls
Okay, I know this is not the intended takeaway here, but: Timothy Olyphant is a Vanderbilt? Why the heck am I just learning about this now?
"congratulating him on his few minutes of productive work." Ha. Too true.
Unfortunately quickly followed by the "oh, this time period is awful" reminder of the maternity corset. Which I'm guessing it will make me mad to Google? There's a lot of really good nods to the terrible gender and sexuality expectations of the culture they're living in throughout this chapter, along with the rather brutal realities of childbirth in this era.
"Love and fear, he concluded, cannot exist without the other." Wow.
Reading this in concert with the early chapters of Elysian makes me very concerned about the lack of contact with Helene and Penny, although I suppose again this could also be a simple nod to the realities of the communications of the time.
"I can walk on my own, you know. And I will not suddenly disappear if you leave me alone." Pamela or Canon Pam? The world may never know.
A RECONSTRUCTION ERA "YOU BOUGHT ME A HOUSE" AND A RECONSTRUCTION ERA "PAM/CECE/NEW BABY | EVERYTHING ELSE." Amazing! So sweet.
THE MARKUS/LARISSA. Wonderful. "eyed his friend suspiciously as it seemed he had put entirely too much thought into the scenario for a single man" also feels like something I can easily picture from either James or Canon Jim.
The dialogue in this chapter is just so rich and real, both in the party banter and in the mourning of Cindy. Really well done.
Hmmm. I am mildly suspicious of David. Feels like this is a little bit too easy of a break in the case for James. On the other hand, Charles does seem like the sort of man prone to making enemies out of those close to him.
Lovely to see an update on this one. I'm somewhat torn between telling you to take your time if this is what you produce and demanding the rest right this very minute.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much DJC! Your reviews are always so insightful and humorous. Yes, I had no idea about Timothy either but I was researching railroad barons and his name was attached to Cornelius. Too good to pass up.
Communication was frustrating back then and Penny and Helene are a long way away. That’s all I willing to say right now. lol.
Also, I love writing Larkus, I really do. Wait till we get into it from Pam’s pov because while I adore James he can be a bit obtuse about his sister. ;)
Thank you for the lovely review!
Date: April 19, 2022 06:26 pm Title: Unfinished Souls
Oh, my goodness.
You already know that I thought this was beautiful. As it always is. You have such an incredible talent when it comes to weaving a story in period appropriate language but still making the characters relatable and modern and able to reach across time and find commonalities with me, the reader, right now in 2022. Gorgeous.
And I love that you don’t shy away from hard and heavy things and show how those events impact our main two, in a very realistic way that showcases their love for one another and how they’re the most important thing in each other’s lives.
And the Pam Cece New Baby/everything else fallback was just stunning. I literally gasped.
Friend, take whatever time you need. These chapters you write and the story you tell is hard to put together but it is worth the wait.
Author's Response: Thank you BT, so very much. I adore your reviews every single time. Also, you win my adoration (whatever that's worth lol) for picking up on the everything else line. :)
1 [Report This]Date: April 18, 2022 05:32 pm Title: Unfinished Souls
Omg you are back. I love this story and so happy to see an update on this one. This was great and just so them. You write so well and the passion between the two is so palpable.
Author's Response: Thank you for being so patient and thank you for taking the time to let me know you are enjoying it so much!
1 [Report This]Date: April 18, 2022 05:32 pm Title: Unfinished Souls
Omg you are back. I love this story and so happy to see an update on this one. This was great and just so them. You write so well and the passion between the two is so palpable.
1 [Report This]Date: April 18, 2022 12:37 pm Title: Unfinished Souls
How I have not read this fic so far I do not know. But boy am I glad you did an update and brought it to my attention, as it is SO GOSH DARN GOOD!! Getting to binge all 14 chapters has been the absolute highlight of the last two days.
It’s so wonderfully written and I am completely swept up in this world! Can’t wait for the next chapter!!
Author's Response: Thank you SO much! I think a binge read is absolutely the best way to do it. Thank you for taking the time to let me know you love it!
Date: April 17, 2022 10:13 am Title: Unfinished Souls
I'm having a hard time finding the words to describe my feelings about this chapter. I feel like I can't quite call it beautiful as so much of it is about death but even as haunting as it was, there was beauty, particularly in the opening and closing scenes.
The way you have such a pulse on the times, makes me think you are a time traveler (wink)...I just love the line how the doctor congratulates him and your commentary of his few minutes of productive work. It is interesting and quite backwards that the vulgarity is in continuing to make love to your pregnant wife and not in seeking physical pleasures elsewhere...but it is clear through how you portray them, that for Jim there would be no pleasure with anyone else but her, particularly in her new shape, which 'stirred something primal' in him. I
n the next, beautiful scene I love the way you point back to Elysian, her writing to her mother and sister of the news...just lovely. But it was the art studio gift that brought me joy for the way you took the canon moment and re-framed it for this story. I loved the mention of the green chaise lounge and whether you meant it or not it reminded me of the Papasan chair and scene from the Fools and Clowns chapter of AFD, and made me smile.
But this really line really resonated with me...
"Of course, why would I not? Your talent is admirable and why should we not have that reflected in our home?" and you will understand why when I post my next chapter of 360.
The exchange between Larissa, Pam, and James, but more so the look passed between the sister and sister-in-law just tickled me as did the hint of a Larissa, Markus future pairing.
How my heart just breaks not only for Pete but for James as one can't help but think of his worry for Pam. And it does lead well into what's to follow- the grief turning to a need to seek revenge.
I noticed the use of colors once again, comparing the pale yellow and blue to the black and greys - maybe a metaphor of the brightness she brings him despite all the sadness and ugliness that has been surrounding them lately?
"You are my life. And this baby. Everything else falls uselessly off the page." - this line encapsulates everything he must be feeling.
The plot thickens with the scene with David - Jim cleverly trying to find common ground with him - and I'll be waiting to see where this goes...though I imagine it will turn somewhat dark (I know you don't watch Succession but got a twinge of a Succession vibe here) - and that darkness is just one of the things haunting poor James.
Thank you for ending with them acting on their lightness and love.
So yes, I think this chapter was beautiful.
Author's Response:
I'm glad you caught the Elysian tie-in. I know they are separate, albeit portraying the same events, but I also want to convey how they are so intimately intertwined.
I think it is no secret I am loving the Larkus vibes. Great catch with the colors too and that was intentional this time as she is, both literally and metaphorically, light to him. The line "You are my life. And this baby. Everything else fall uselessly off the page." was my little 1865 inclusion of his note in "The List" episode.
Thank you as usual for the lovely review! It is always so much fun to get you thoughts.
1 [Report This]Date: April 15, 2022 12:03 pm Title: Unfinished Souls
The poor Halpert family!
They keep getting hit. It’s no wonder
James is so anxious about Pam’s safety.
After what has been revealed about the marriages
of James’s brothers, it’s no wonder his family didn’t
approve of Pam, at first. They clearly see marriage
more as a business arrangement than for love.
I think that’s why James never would have been
truly happy with Katie. It was like he was trying too hard to love her because he knew that he had to be with Katie. I think James wanted to love Katie more for her sake than his. Which in the long run he wouldn’t have been happy with her.
Much like Karen in canon. Please update soon!
Author's Response: Yes, they have certainly been given their share of trouble. Marriage was absolutely a business arrangement at their social standing and that is what makes James and Pam so delightlfully unique. Very interesting the comparison you draw to Karen. I've never looked at it from that angle before. Thank you so much for the review!
Date: April 14, 2022 10:41 am Title: Wayfaring Stranger
Oh, and I love, love, love this line:
"Just when he thought he might be finally going mad, the doctor descended and with a triumphant handshake, congratulating him on his few minutes of productive work."
It really puts the human perspective into history - they way society publicly treated pregnancy was probably vastly different to how it was treated behind closed doors.
Author's Response:
Yes! This time period in the US was full of societal contradictions and this was definitely an example of that. It was also my little way of poking fun at how men do very little ultimately in the making of children. ;)
Thank you!
Date: April 14, 2022 10:40 am Title: Unfinished Souls
Lots going on with this chapter that's for sure. As always I love how devoted to Pam Jim is. Especially after going back and re-reading some of their earliest encounters with each other. To see the way their love for each other from those early days grow and mature in this story is a master work of writing. James giving Pam her own art studio here, what a wonderful way to incorporate one of the best scenes from the show into this story. Beautiful way for James to show his devotion to her like that.
Another hard hit for the Halpert family as well. This time not as surprising for us as the reader considering we knew from earlier chapters of Cindy's condition. Still, it's another hard blow. And now Peter seems to be out of commission as well in regards to dealing with anything. So it falls to James. James may not feel himself up to the task, but I've got a feeling he will be. All the pressures he's already faced seem to have tempered him into the kind of man who will see honor his satisfied and justice is done. I also get the feeling that if Pam wasn't in the picture he would be quite a bit more hard on those he is after. Then again if Pam wasn't in the picture this whole mess probably wouldn't have happened but that's besides the point. What is the point is that it seems like he's got a lead on exactly who is the man responsible for causing much of the heartache that has visited the Halperts and a lead on the man who is pulling the strings behind it all. Should proved very interesting to see how it all unfolds.
As always the private moments between James and Pam are my favorite parts of this story. It's there that they both let their guards down. How they both reassure and comfort each other. How they are both the light for each other in an otherwise very long stretch of darkness. From their bedroom banter in the beginning to James showing Pam around her new studio, and here at the end where he is wonderfully honest in letting her know he heard her conversation. The two of them build each other up so much. By binding themselves together all the more tightly they'll be able to face things just that much more strongly. Soft words soothe a restless spirit and I see that written so well here.
And what's that there in your opening notes for this chapter? A sequel in the works already! More reason to look forward to anything you have to offer. Can't wait!
Author's Response:
Thank you for yet another insightful review! Yes, James has some difficult things in front of him and some of those things he didn't want to ever have to do again (killing someone). We will see how it all plays out indeed!
Yes, I have outlined the sequel (rather excitedly, I have big plans) but I can see now that interest in this story has dissipated so I may put it on the backburner for now. We'll see.
Thank you for your continued support! It thrills me that you enjoy it so much.
Date: April 14, 2022 10:34 am Title: Wayfaring Stranger
I am so happy to have another chapter to read! This is my favorite story! You are such a talented writer. I've had a really rough year; reading your stories is like s balm to my soul. My heart aches for James and worries for Pamela. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
Author's Response:
I have to say this review absolutely made my week! I can completely relate to the rough year and the fact that this story has helped, even in the smallest of ways, is one of the most tremdous compliments I could receive.
Serioulsy, thank you for your kind words and your continued support!
1 [Report This]Date: April 14, 2022 06:52 am Title: Unfinished Souls
You say about being a slow writer, and while I constantly ache for an update, all is forgiven when you bless us with another chapter.
Your writing is incredible, I feel like I can’t speak English properly for about an hour after reading because every sentence is so beautifully crafted!
James and Pamela are so Jim and Pam! But you’ve fit them in so well with the time.
Can’t wait for more, but until then I’ll ache! Great job!
Author's Response: Oh thank you SO much! I really do appreciate your patience with me. ;) I'm absolutely thrilled you love this story. Thank you for the review!