Reviews from

The Aspen Grove Murders

Viewing comments for Chapter 13 "The Aspen Grove Murders #13"
A Tommy Thompson Mystery

28 total reviews 
Comment from Debi Pick Marquette
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh Sally, jmust when I think that this can't get any better, it just get's more interesting and enjoyable to read! I love that right in the middle of the suspense, is an exciting and beautiful love story with a storyline that keeps you on the edge of your chair. Poor Tommy, still dealing w short term bits and pieces of memory loss from the accident.
Then I drifted off into a dream world thinking of a nurse/detective romance, but woke up and knew that I was in the wrong story, and certainly had the wrong rating. .. JK! Haha!
Oh no, I'm reading and writing this review in parts and how awful that Tommy had a brain tumor that has come back. I'm so thankful that we prayed about it and that I'm sure that God will consider all that Tommy has been through and turn things around. And I am positive that. Nurse M will continue. After all I'm sure she sounds like a compassionate nurse who truly cares about these two.

Now you not only have the suspense in the murder, but added in the romance part aa well...... Another Wonderful chapter my Sweet friend! Thank you and can't wait to see what happens next!

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2023


reply by the author on 14-Feb-2023
    Sweet, sweet friend, thank you so much for this lovely review and generous six star rating! I am so very honored and blessed. I'm delighted you enjoyed this and the real life struggle we have in love. As you know, love conquers all, especially if co,bones with the mighty power of God. It was easy to put my praying friend in this one e. You're perfect for this role. Thank you, again. Love and blessings on this Valentine's Day too-! Sal XOs
Comment from WalkerMan
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

In this chapter we find that newly affirmed love does not resolve all troubles -- in this case, a fragmented memory worsened by recurrence of a brain tumor that at least may threaten Tommy's vision, if not his life.

You cleverly remind us of recent events by having him piece his memory puzzle back together in an entirely realistic manner.

When Willa returns the next morning, their conversation is plausibly warm with a bit of humor. Along the way, we are reminded that angel Patience has been taking care of Tommy's cat Sebastian during Tommy's absence.

In the afternoon, Neurotrauma Specialist, Doctor Sizemore, arrives to see how well Tommy is healing and ask questions to assess Tommy's memory loss. Before leaving, he tells Tommy and Willa that he has ordered a romantic dinner for them, which they clearly appreciate.

When the nurse asks the doctor whether there is more going on with Tommy, he tells her about the brain tumor, after which he suggests they pray for Tommy. This world could benefit from more doctors who understand the power of prayer, rather than try another drug with potential side effects.

The couple enjoyed their bedside romantic dinner, but Tommy ate little because his headache returned. Willa covered the chocolate cake to keep it moist for later sharing.

When Willa tries to help by checking Tommy's voicemail, she hears his regular physician's urgent warning that Tommy's brain tumor had returned (which is not unusual in such cases). That news undermines Willa's hopes, and she runs from the room and out into the soaking rain. Tommy finds her in the hospital's garden. When she explains what upset her, Tommy makes clear his resolve to be with her as long as God allows. They cling to each other, which is the best any couple can do in such circumstances, proving to each other with God as witness that their love is real and meant to last.

Superb, aptly illustrated, and deeply moving throughout.

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2023


reply by the author on 14-Feb-2023
    Dear Mike, thank you for the wonderful review and detailed comments. The six star rating has blessed me good. I'm delighted you're enjoying my book and added love story. Do stay tuned!
    Sending you my best today as always.
    Sal :)))))
reply by WalkerMan on 14-Feb-2023
    You are most welcome, Sal.

    If this book is the first of another detective series, your Blind Girl fans will like it too. :))))) -- Mike
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted


Terrible news, but we'll see what happens after the prayer intervention. Such miracles of healing are possible. In reality, would the GP leave such a message on the phone? Usually it's confidential, and only given to the patient himself and in person (in Australia, anyway). Otherwise, an excellent continuation.

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2023


reply by the author on 14-Feb-2023
    Thank you for the wonderful review of my book chapter. Sometimes if the physician has left repeated messages, they do. My oldest brother had this happen. For my brother, the tumor had advanced so quickly, it killed him. Of course we are more hopeful for our Tommy! Sending you my best today as always.
    Sal XOs
Comment from Sankey
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I saved (I think) the very last SIX for you. this was a lovely but so sad read even with all the love and joy of the newly engaged couple. You have done well. Just ONE SPAG (Then I)[A]sat in the utilitarian chair

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2023


reply by the author on 14-Feb-2023
    Thank you so much for the lovely review and super star blast, dear Geoff. The spag catch is most appreciated and needed. Sending you my best today as always and Happy Valentine's Day to you both!
    Sal XOs
Comment from Jay Squires
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Well, you can certainly write a good love scene, Sally. Somehow, though, I could have sworn you had them married in the last chapter, not just formally engaged. Be that as it may, the recurrence of the brain tumor sure threw a wet blanket on the lightness of their mood. But of course, Tommy is up for the battle. A good chapter, Sally!

Jay

 Comment Written 14-Feb-2023


reply by the author on 15-Feb-2023
    Like my own love story, love is forged in fire. He is my main character, so hang in there. So glad you enjoyed my love chapter in inserted here on love week.

    Thanks again and have a blessed Valentine?s Day!
    Sending along my best too.
    Sal XOs
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This starts as a lovely story with Willa and Tommy getting engaged when he is still in the hospital from his car wreck. Life seems beautiful until reality intrudes. Nothing is ever as simple as we hope and those two will have to survive his second brain tumor. Good story and well written.

 Comment Written 13-Feb-2023


reply by the author on 15-Feb-2023
    Thank you so much for the wonderful review of my book chapter. My oldest brother had this recurring tumor condition, and it eventually took his life. But I have better hopes for Tommy because he is the main character. Thank you again for stopping by and have a wonderful week. Blessings, Sal XOs
Comment from jacquelyn popp
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Great story. Very well written but a little sad. Nicely done wit the descriptions up to create the imagery. Very good dialogue between your characters and a great plot building the suspense. I'm loot forward to what hat next to Tommy. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 13-Feb-2023


reply by the author on 15-Feb-2023
    Thank you so much for the wonderful review of my book chapter, dear Jacqueline. It is most appreciated and needed. I?m so glad you?re enjoying my story and are staying on. Sending along my very best to you as always, Sally :))
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This image and emotion could easily draw some readers to relate: "It wasn't but a few days ago I was running mad through the woods, despairing of life." Your tongue-in-cheek humor comes through: "Yep, I should have been a doctor!" Now you have the reader's curiosity: "She stood and shook her head. "No... no! This... this can't be happening!! Excuse me, Tommy, I have to go outside." The reader will be back.


 Comment Written 13-Feb-2023


reply by the author on 15-Feb-2023
    Thank you so much for the kind review of my book chapter. I?m so glad you enjoyed it all. Even my silly sense of humor. Sending along my very best to you all, Sally XOs
reply by Liz O'Neill on 15-Feb-2023
    ***Grin***
Comment from forestport12
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wow. I hadn't realized how many main characters with expert details. I'm not sure I could get to the kind of depth with everyone listed like you do. I noticed in the bridge from the other chapter how much you work all senses into your story. Kept me engaged with the strong dialogue. Realistic.

 Comment Written 13-Feb-2023


reply by the author on 15-Feb-2023
    Well hello there! Thank you so much for stopping by for a read and review. It is most appreciated and needed. I?m so glad you enjoyed it and I hope to see you again soon.

    Blessings to you and your family, and for the week!
    Sally :))
Comment from lyenochka
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

A heart-wrenching post ! And I love that Dr. Sizemore and Nurse Marquette prayed which is the best solution. Great bits of humor added in like the comment about the doctor's handwriting. We know that the love is real even if Tommy doesn't make it.

 Comment Written 13-Feb-2023


reply by the author on 15-Feb-2023
    Thank you so much for the wonderful review of my book chapter and for the generous, six star rating, dear Helen. It means so much to me. I?m glad you enjoyed my bits of humor because it leaks out of me naturally. This is much like my own life and love story because ours was a love forged in fire. These real life trials strengthen and purify love. The Bible says silver is refined seven times.

    How much more is love? I think.

    Sending you my best, and love and blessings always.
    Sal XOs