Date: April 04, 2022 05:56 pm Title: She Passed Through
As an Outlander fan, I appreciate its influence in this story. I'm really enjoying it!
Author's Response: Yes! Thank you for picking up on that! You will likely notice a couple more nods to Outlander coming up. Thanks for reviewing!
1 [Report This]Date: November 17, 2021 07:09 pm Title: A Bard's Sad Tale
The detail in your writing is absolutely incredible - I can picture every character, every room so vividly. I had a hunch about Pam's pregnancy a few chapters back (when she talked about her tiredness) - I am so happy that my suspicions are confirmed!!
Author's Response: Thank you so very much! I'm thrilled you love it.
Date: November 14, 2021 07:01 pm Title: A Bard's Sad Tale
Oh, this Jim is such a MAN. In all the best ways. I love his excitement at Pam's news, and his action to protect her by writing his will. The scene with Katy was so good. I could feel the ice between the words. This story just keeps unfurling and I'm here for it.
Author's Response: Oh I adore James. Like big puffy heart adore him. Thanks for the review Sprinkles!
Date: November 13, 2021 05:12 am Title: A Bard's Sad Tale
Guess I should have started with this one, (the news that I was unsure I had know before in Elysian).
SO the opening to this chapter with the watch and inscription felt like it was written for me but perfectly ties to Jim's sense of duty to his family and his guilt.
As did the whole Thomas relationship with Vanessa serve as good set-up for Jim's drawing of the will and while she (you) expressed it well it is not something you wish to think about it is such a huge act of love (in those times especially) and weaves perfectly to the news Pam has (which he may have already been suspicious of because he is just so well, Jim, no matter that he goes by James here).
The way you aligned the sharing of the news, especially so and Jim's reaction to the show version...I saw what you did
***He rested his forehead on hers, their breaths mixing in soft communion as he struggled to understand the new emotion settling its place in his soul.*** the same vision as the on the show.
The whole chapter was so beautifully written, shiny like polished silverware and textured like fine linen napkins.
Echoing the others who have said it before - please don't keep us waiting so long for the next update.
Author's Response: Thank you Max! Your reviews are always so wonderful.
Date: November 11, 2021 07:42 pm Title: A Bard's Sad Tale
Ahhhh!! I really hope the next update won’t take so long. So invested haha
Author's Response: Thank you! I’m so sorry I’m such a slow writer but I promise there is an end in sight. Thanks!
1 [Report This]Date: November 11, 2021 05:37 pm Title: Wayfaring Stranger
I cannot believe I've never written a review on this story. I think it's because I'm always overwhelmed after reading a chapter. But I have two words: EXQUISITE! and PRECIOUS! Oh, and two other words . . . amazing research! I love this SO VERY MUCH. This Jim and Pam are tucked away in a very precious corner of my heart and I'm always excited when I get to revisit them when another chapter comes out. Please, please do not make us wait so long for the next chapter. Please. Love this!
Author's Response: I have to say, this review made me smile SO much. Thank you for sharing your excitement with me. Knowing there are people out there enjoying this so much makes all the time and energy worth it. :) Thanks!
Date: November 11, 2021 11:51 am Title: A Bard's Sad Tale
Alas, poor Thomas. Maybe it was the Moores or maybe not (it seems obvious that it was from the direction you're taking the plot but so much more tragic if the next act plays out and it turns out it's just a coincidence), but either way it seemed clear Thomas was headed for a dark ending. As you allude to here, he's really as much a casualty of the war as he would have been had he not survived one of those dozen battles.
"Back to wearing black, like a reoccurring disturbing dream." In addition to being a good line, this pairs quite well with the debut of Elysian.
I'm going with Katy isn't involved. The Moores don't seem like the type to include women in "men's matters." On the other hand, taunting her ex at his brother's funeral just because you're mad about being jilted makes her her own sort of awful. Nice folks, those Moores.
The introduction of David is intriguing. I feel like from a modern perspective "dark habits" and "not well" can mean a myriad of interesting things, some of which might make him a potential ally for the Halperts. Looking forward to seeing where you're going with that.
MARISSA. OR LARKUS. OR JUST LARK. That is all.
Hmm. Sort of a misstep from James here - for all his respect of his undocile and very questioning wife, he's being less than honest with her about a matter of grave concern to their shared life. Wonder if that's going to come back to bite him.
A lovely ending - and a nice way to balance the scales in a pretty dark chapter.
Sorry things have been chaotic for you. But will be waiting on tenterhooks for this to update.
Author's Response: I’m here for Larkus, I’m just saying. Thank you as always!
Date: November 10, 2021 09:09 pm Title: A Bard's Sad Tale
Even a funeral scene. A FUNERAL SCENE. You write it flawlessly and beautifully and make their love for each other the focal point and my god. How do you do it? You make it look so flawless—and it is flawless. I loved this, the hint of intrigue and the reassurance and the BABY oh my god. Dying.
Author's Response: Thank you for putting a smile on my face like you always do with your reviews. 😘
1 [Report This]Date: November 10, 2021 11:48 am Title: A Bard's Sad Tale
I was so excited to see this back again!
James has really kicked up a hornet’s nest.
If Katie’s family is willing to kill Thomas,
then they sure as hell won’t have a problem going after Pam, especially they think since she’s the reason James didn’t marry Katie.
I had a feeling we were going to see a JAM baby.
No doubt it will make James even more protective
than he was. Please update soon!
Author's Response: Thank you! James certainly has a way of getting himself in predicaments. Lol. Thanks for the review!
Date: November 09, 2021 06:07 pm Title: A Bard's Sad Tale
This makes me very, very happy as well. My heart soars with the eagle’s nest. Their talk in the stable, the little touches and hugs and comments just melted me. And then when she said she might be pregnant, I think I died a little in the best way possible. These two own my whole heart.
Author's Response: The own mine too if I’m being perfectly honest. :) Thank you as always!
Date: November 09, 2021 05:50 pm Title: A Bard's Sad Tale
First of all, really glad this one's back. I'd been missing it. I get other projects came up, which is fine. Still glad to be back here with this one.
More intrigue to be sure. Again I don't think it was some random happenstance that led to Thomas' death. There seems to be far to many undercurrents flowing through the streets. Even more so with that talk of the younger Moore brother and where he might tend to spend his time.
A bit more history of the Halpert family too. And some interesting conversation between Markus and Larissa. That could be fun to explore.
However as always it's in the private moments with James and Pam that this story shines. First in the stable where Pam just knows to come and find him. How they can not exactly cast off the worries of the world, but share them with each other. Same there in the study. Love that Pam is willing to talk to him in a way many other women of the era might not. And James in kind is more observant of her than many men of the era too. Love it. And maybe a nod to canon there? James and Pam are fairly new to their relationship yet here comes the little one. Not that James needs even more of a reason to protect her but still. Great update. Now to go read the companion piece!
Author's Response: I’m glad you appreciate their private moments because those are my favorite to write and I see them so vividly in my mind. Thank you Warrior!
Date: September 17, 2021 08:29 pm Title: Only Truth Between Us, Remember?
Please update this soon!! This is my favorite story!!
Date: June 12, 2021 03:00 pm Title: Only Truth Between Us, Remember?
I've always thought about what it could be that Jim and Pam could fight about as but never would I ever think it would be about infidelity, however you have created a world where it believable that Pam could think that (being the times and what she has grown up with) and yet it hurt that much more to have her think Jim could ever be unfaithful. I do find it interesting that the use of "fine" has been around for ages when woman do not wish to speak of what is troubling them (you've got me thinking my words as if I myself were back in the middle of the 19th century)
The resolution of their fight - I have familiar scenes to pull from and now a third that you have painted for me. OH and that reminds me - adored the honey pot reference from last chapter as much as I did when it happened in France- that Julienne is an influence.
Speaking of Julienne - Oh dear (again, you've got me thinking in language of the times) that is troublesome and I have to imagine this is tied someone to all the troubles with the Moores. ANd it wasn't enough to have one cliffhanger - you've gone and added another. What has happened to Thomas?
Lines that struck me - How could she be blind to the fact that the timeline of his life had a clear distinction of before and after her?
He could confidently say now that the woman in his lap had him completely under her spell, and that he would follow her anywhere and do anything for her. It was a spell he was happy to be under, so it was clear that particular lesson as a boy certainly had failed its purpose.
The only downside to having caught up on this story is now I'll have to wait like everyone else.
Date: June 06, 2021 09:59 pm Title: Only Truth Between Us, Remember?
Boring?! How dare you.
Never.
Never could words you put onto paper bore a soul…
(It’s just the AN & you’ve already got me feeling things)
Oh. Jim’s anger is so gorgeous. I love that he’s absolutely betrayed by even the thought that Pam could think him unfaithful. It’s such a brilliant way to highlight the depth of his devotion.
You’re really ending each of these chapters with a whole cliffhanger, huh? That’s fine. I’m fine. It’s fine.
Date: June 05, 2021 07:16 pm Title: Fearful Odds
You did well hitting the multiple senses here - the lavender, the bold, serif print, the whisper of the skirts, the sounds of wheels on cobblestone, the voices of familiar characters (excited to see/hear Oscar, Dwight and Mark).
She is my wife in body and name - When James says stuff like this you do envy Pam. (like Larissa later points out- yes I've read ahead before this review).
I appreciated the part about how he really ran the paper. I like this characteristic in James and it highlights his responsibility despite his playful nature, when it mattered or when it was about important things like his family.
The societal and political repercussions of his leaving Katy and marrying a southerner seem worrisome and foreboding for what is ahead (and did I get a slight whiff of Hamilton here).
I love that Eleanore and Pam are forming such a bond and I adore that James plants temple kisses on Pam in the same manner Jim does. To me those always seemed to define the absolute love he felt/feels for her. The fun banter between them in the next scene --he is no boy-- followed by her first I Love You, followed by a locked door - all so perfectly done.
I am so glad he left the sonnet - and has taken to the art form of love letters. Beautiful way to end the chapter.
Author's Response: Thank you! Yes, I think this James is my favorite iteration of Jim and it’s been fun to write him that way. I knew when I was beginning this fic that I wanted to incorporate the sonnet (and of course the fic name) and this felt like the most natural way — his stumbling but sincere attempt to be romantic. I also wanted to highlight that he never even considered doing so with Katy so just another way she is on a completely different level than her.
1 [Report This]Date: May 31, 2021 02:54 pm Title: She Passed Through
Another chapter that swept me away. In the interest of getting back to reading I’ll not go on as much as usual but do have to mention - the repurposed asleep on his shoulder. I think I like this image of it better than the original. She finally gets her terrace! How perfect. And the slightly longer and beautifully painted in its own right and description:
“You’re my home now”. This part touches me more than anything and not just because “you’re my home” is engraved inside my husband and my rings- because there is no sentiment that touches my heart more and I imagine yours too.
Author's Response: Aww, I love that. It is certainly a sentiment I share. And yes, the alignment of his world is defintely shifting. Thank you!
1 [Report This]Date: May 30, 2021 11:02 am Title: Bound for Another Home
Where do I even start? I guess at the beginning. This haunting opening reminded me of the incredible sacrifices of any servicemen and their families, how fitting that I'm reading over Memorial Day weekend. Also how the cycles and patterns of these horrors are essentially on an endless loop destined to repeat which I suppose why this Civil war tale reminded me of the nightmares a modern fictional character looking a lot like our James has had. That he now has something to wake to help banish those visions was beautifully described in the next paragraphs.
There was a poetic beauty in how the following was both so familiar and at the same time so unique to this tale.
The whole bit with only truth that reveals the most clever repackaging of the setting the date scene. That was sheer genius. Roy is a terrible person no matter what era he exists in and I knew he had something to do with that fire but maybe not for the reason I thought. Stupid drunk a-hole.
Now the contrast between Pam and Katy with a touch of even penny thrown in perfectly suggests the deepens of what exists between them something beyond attraction of even chemistry. That she stirs his soul because of her proud mouth and how much that lines reminds us of the times. Your use of language and sentiment of the era is remarkably accurate. The line later “it was as if his soul recognized hers, that in some far off distant place and time they had experienced this together.” Was another perfect manifestation through words of that connection.
Again the way you call to mind the familiar but keep it fresh works wonderfully here and at the last line.
How this line just absolutely tickled me.
“He swallowed hard and made a mental note to find the candle maker in the morning and thank them profusely for their poorly made product.”
And you've said it perfectly
"“Beyond willing, he wanted her to want him, not out of obligation but of desire. There were very few things that meant more to a man than the desire of a woman he cared about.”
How I LOVED this chapter.
Author's Response:
Thank you!
The whole - it was as if his soul recognized hers, that in some far off distant place and time they had experienced this together- was a little bit of a prep line for the possibility of another story in another time (Scotland maybe? I mean, Halpert is a Scottish name and his dad wore a kilt at the wedding. lol.) where they would find each other there, the idea that souls can find each other no matter what. I've got to get through this one first though.
Thanks Max!
Date: May 27, 2021 04:12 pm Title: Any Other Name
Well this is moving right along isn't it...guess we want to get to the wedding faster (wink wink).
I was a little surprised to see Mrs. Beesly act so abrupt (I struggle to find the right word here) at Jim's actions - after all she'd relying on his hospitality and his generosity here, not her daughter's fiancé's. I imagine she would have known what a poor character Roy was but as I think about it - it is in her show character to not notice how awful he truly is and I suppose it is also in keeping with the times and I guess the final point is Jim is in many ways a "Sassenach" of his time and geography?
But dashing James handled it well.
The sprinkled in lines and scenes from the show were subtle yet perfect.
OH and the post Roy/Jim showdown that's about to happen is a little frightful, with Roy's extra muscle and not a Dwight in sight to save the day with --- what's the 19th century equivalent to pepper spray?
Looking forward to seeing how this goes down.
Author's Response: Exactly! He was a outsider and a stranger AND a Union soldier. Even though their ideologies might have aligned closer with the North, there was a tremendous distrust of Union solders because of all the terrible things they had done to civilians (burning homes, thefts, assaults.) She had known Roy and his family his whole life, and while he was a rather less than pleasant betrothed, he was still the known. Mrs. Beesly's reaction was coming from a place of "Who are you?" Of course, once she realizes his level of wealth and influence, she sets that aside for the most part. Thanks as always for sharing your thoughts!
Date: May 26, 2021 06:50 pm Title: Like a Songbird That Has Fallen
Wow- we got here quick. But I guess when you feel something that strong you can't control what you say or do...but with a fiancée at home I'm a little worried at what's to come of this utterance.
But I started at the end - when so much else was conveyed through this chapter...
the section describing his convalescence after his grave injury was haunting, especially in the way he was surrounded by so much death.
Haunting too was the life Pam would be subject to with Roy, and her predicament caused by the era, the war, a careless father, and what I am suspicious was not a random accident (perhaps two). A predicament made worse because of the abusive nature of her betrothed.
But I was glad to see her at least standing up for herself as much as she could and lines like
“I have a confession. I do not particularly like Mr. Anderson,"
and “You forget yourself, sir!" were delightful the former just because it's so honest and his response is perfect and the latter well because it makes me think of a line from a Hamilton song, but seriously both just draw you into the time.
Speaking of which it was interesting to learn that Pam was the one to inherit everything but because of the time, when she would marry it would all become Roys, which brings us full circle to OMG - did Jim just propose when he has a fiancée already.
As usual you've got me enrapt. I can't wait to see what's to come.
Author's Response: Thank you! I love that you picked up on her moments self-assertiveness. One of the things I wanted to shape about her character is that she definitely grows and becomes a more confident version of herself with his support, very similar to the show in that respect. And of course I had to hurry up and get them married, for obvious reasons. ;) Thanks for the review!
Date: May 25, 2021 11:03 am Title: Only Truth Between Us, Remember?
Okay, this is perfect. I think it is so spot on that Pam would initially suspect Jim, as that was the norm for the time. And I think he reacted in a believable way, and I love the little confrontation there at the saloon. And then the MAKE UP oh my good. Sister, *that* is how you write a shaving scene. And I am so in love with her confidence, even if it’s shy. You wrote that so beautifully. Just, the whole thing, including them asking Julienne to stay and then the mystery of what happened to Thomas! Dying over this whole thing. Knocked it out of the park again.
Author's Response: Haha thank you BT SO much! I was hoping that the shaving scene would work out well so I'm glad hear that it did. You will see more of her development as a character *ahem* later as well, but it is something that I definitely wanted to show. She is certainly coming into her own with him supporting her. Thank you as always!
Date: May 25, 2021 06:47 am Title: Only Truth Between Us, Remember?
I should've known that I wouldn't be able just to sit and read your stories at once. Again, I finished this chapter after a lot of walking and excessive (tea) drinking, and I have to say many things.
Maybe, I make a list. So:
1) This chapter is anything but boring. I hope this won't sound rude, but I think that you're unable to write boring stories. I'm sure if you decided to create your own version of a multiplication table, it would be something poetic, inspirational, and generally wonderful. And I'm grateful to you for writing things the way you do;
2) The mood of this chapter to me was so sad... I'm happy that they understood each other and that (mostly) everything is back to normal again, but there were too many moments when I felt like crying;
3) Also, I have to apologize. I thought of Julienne much worse than she really is. Poor girl, I'm ashamed of everything I made up about her in my mind. I hope that she'll be well.
I suspect that Moores (or, most likely, some of their men) might be involved, but I've already embarrassed myself so that I won't make any assumptions;
4) And I like that every character here (even the most progressive James, Pamela, and Larissa) is a child of this time. With specific points of view, prejudices, education, and perceiving the world generally. It's rare and precious to me as a reader;
5) Cliffhanger. I beg you to show your mercy and update this masterpiece soon.
Thank you, and sorry if it turned out to be a little too wordy.
Author's Response:
I just love you and your tea drinking, Dernhelm. It always makes me smile. Your comment about multiplication tables legit made me laugh too, so thank you.
I actually take it as quite the compliment that you thought one thing about her when it turned out to be another because that was by design. Since this is only from James's perspective, this sort of turn of events would have blindsided him as much as it did the reader. It means I actually might have done it correctly. Lol.
Please never apologise for your wonderful reviews. I love them. Thank you!
1 [Report This]Date: May 25, 2021 04:19 am Title: Wayfaring Stranger
Right off the bat, from the summary I got a the feels, and the faint hint of whiskey and horses in my nose.
Visions of Young James as a soldier who'd been witness to all that war can do to a person came to me with the line about the 'scars of war'.
It was a bit of a shock but a good twist that it was J who had a fiancée and one he did have true feelings for.
Loved that despite the different time and place, these two still sounded like these two with the banter and playfulness that defines them (right off the bat) with Pam's sass during the discussion of visiting Philadelphia and trains.
The detail of the lack of young men - really gave you the sense of the post war devastation and the description in general of the wake gave a sense of the shock of the loss. The suddenness of the death and the way the chapter ends, not to mention the partnership of the Beesly and Anderson fathers make me wonder if it was not a natural occurrence.
You painted Roy as Roy immediately, even before the brothel, with his inattention to the conversation and I have to ask what the line 'having completed what he came to do' meant to be a small hint back when he showed up at the art show?
Once again, the ending left me curious and anxious to see what is coming next.
1 [Report This]Date: May 24, 2021 03:50 pm Title: Only Truth Between Us, Remember?
I swear there is no scene more intimate in fan fiction than a shaving scene. Oof, I love it!
Author's Response: Right?! I thought it might be a good thing to try with these two. Thanks for the review!
Date: May 24, 2021 10:44 am Title: Only Truth Between Us, Remember?
So glad you picked this story back up! First off, no. We are not bored with this story. I really like it and I’m glad it’s back .
Second, great chapter. I like that you added a little drama between Jim and Pam, but fixed it right away. I’m still curious to see where this goes. I hope you update soon
Author's Response: Thank you so much Merria! I'm so glad to hear people haven't lost interest in this story. I think sometimes as author, it can feel that way. Thanks for review and I hope to have an update before long. :)
1 [Report This]Date: May 24, 2021 09:55 am Title: Wayfaring Stranger
God, I could read and re-read this story forever and never get tired of it. Thank you for sharing your gift of storytelling.
Author's Response: Aww, thank you so much! I’m thrilled you love it. :)