Reviews from

Love Long Distance

Viewing comments for Chapter 18 "Grandpa's Footprints!-Chapter 18"
A Wartime Romance

26 total reviews 
Comment from estory
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The story has plenty of personality to it, and what I liked was your handling of the format, jumping back and forth between world war I and grandpa in the hospital, Cathy hitchhiking on the road. I liked that scene with the beatnik driver in Florida, and the response that kicks him off down the road. Very colorful. Then the truck rolling in and hitting the narrator, it's got a lot of suspense built in and we have to wonder what will happen to everybody. Will grandpa survive? Will the girl and the baby? I think the overall view of where people are coming from, where they are and where they might be going is somewhat interesting. It is a bit rough around the edges, but interesting. estory

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2020
    Hi estory! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing Chapter 18 of Love Long Distance. Glad you enjoyed it! We really appreciate the detailed comments. We hope you continue following the story. I'm sure those "rough edges" will smooth out for you. Chapter 19 is in the works and coming soon. God Bless.
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from damommy
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I was engaged from start to finish while reading this exciting chapter.
I enjoy how both of you can merge your POV. I'm worried about
Grandpa, then the cliffhanger leaves me worried. The part about hitchhiking was well-written.

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2020
    Hi Yvonne! We really appreciate you reading and reviewing this chapter. THANK YOU! Thank you, also, for your continued support. So glad you found this engaging from start to finish, and you enjoy how we merge our POVs. We are all worried about Grandpa. Hopefully, Bill will make it home in time. Chapter 19 is in the works and coming soon. God Bless.
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill and Cathy
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Each chapter gets more intense, Cathy and Bill; and, this one was riveting. The writing is excellent! The attention to detail carries readers along with you as your story unfolds--whether present time or flashbacks. I love the way you have formatted these--makes it easy to follow.

The flashbacks always add more to the character and personality of Bill and the family including Cathy. I love how those center on the relationship of the family dynamics and show deep love and understanding of family. They paint a picture of a hard life in the mountains but, also, a life centered around each other, love, and faith. They show how the bond of Bill and Grandpa was forged and has made each the man he is today. I loved reading about Grandpa's service in WW1. The descriptive wording highlights the intensity of the battles and the aftermath--especially with the phosgene gas. You did a great job tying the last chapter to this one with the inclusion of 'strong chain' as that was the title of chapter 17. Grandpa is such a central character in this novel. Each character, so far, has a special connection to him. It is great to read about him and his life. The discussion of him meeting Grandma was super. I could see them dancing and listening to that special song. I loved the way Grandpa held tight to the memory of Grandma waiting for him back home when he was in Germany during WW1. I agree with him.

Cathy is characterized as most would be--she is worried about Grandpa and missing Bill terribly while dealing with their separation and her pregnancy. I like the exchange between Bill and Cathy about the announcement of the baby. I love Bill's reaction as to wanting to feel the baby's kick. Cathy is, above all, a strong woman in the face of obstacles. She feels deeply but never gives up. The hitchhiking scenes were written well. I could 'see' this happening. The references to the '64 VW bus and the beatnik were so true of this time. And the 18-wheeler . . . wow! What a cliff hangar.

I can hardly wait for the next chapter as there are so many 'tangents' to tie up. Thanks for the notes, too.

The videos are an added bonus to remind readers about the state of society/ the world in 1964. Each one represents important info about the war or character's feelings. Respectfully with Love and Admiration, Jan.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 16-Jan-2020
    Hi Jan! WOW! Thank you SO MUCH for the SPECTACULAR six-star review! Your detailed comments means so much to us, as does your continued support. We "SALUTE" you! You always go above and beyond, Jan, and we truly appreciate all that you do! It is an HONOR to be told our writing is excellent from such an AWESOME and talented writer - YOU!! We're so glad you are following along and you are anxious for the next chapter. It is already in the works and coming soon. Again, THANK YOU! God Bless.
    Respectfully with Love and Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from Teri7
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is another very well written chapter you two have penned. I anxious to see if Grandpa makes it and how the baby is doing. I am enjoying reading this very much. Thanks for sharing. love and blessings, Teri

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Hi Teri! We are so happy you are enjoying this story! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing this chapter. Also, for your continued support. Chapter 19 is in the works and coming soon. Love and blessings to you, too, from both of us!
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Oh, dear, this doesn't sound so good. First grandpa is having a severe heart attack and now Bill is about to be run over by a truck. Whatever next? Can't wait to reading on... All best. Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Hi Ulla! Glad you are looking forward to the next chapter. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing this one, and for your continued support. It means so much to both of us! Yes, lots going on right now. Let's hope Bill makes it home. Stay tuned - Chapter 19 is coming soon. God Bless.
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill and Cathy
Comment from Rosemary Everson1
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The story gets more suspenseful with every chapter. The baby, grandpa's heart attack and then Bill's mishap....Onto the next chapter hoping some of the plots are soon answered.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Hi Rosemary! We really appreciate your continued support! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing this chapter. So glad you find it suspenseful. Yes, lots going on! Chapter 19 is in the works and coming soon. God Bless.
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from Mistydawn
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What a very well-written chapter. I didn't cry this time (one of few) but I teared up. I love how you gave us a little backstory. It made your characters more realistic. My only complaint is that you left it where you did. That was cruel, lol. I look forward to reading more.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Hi Mistydawn! Thank you SO MUCH for the Exceptional six star rating and review! A double "SALUTE!" Also, thank you again for your continued support. It means so much to us! Awww...so sorry we were cruel :). We promise Chapter 19 will be posted soon. We're working on it now. Let's hope Bill doesn't get himself into another mess! God Bless.
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What bad luck Bill and his family are having. Poor Cathy is desperate for her Billy to come home in case Grampa dies, but now we have to wait to find out what's happened to Billy! How bad was he hurt? Will he get home in time to see Grampa? So many worrying things going on, not to mention he's going to be a daddy, he really needs to be there for his child and Cathy. Wow, you packed such a lot into this one, Cathy. Well done and let's be having the next part soon. :)) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Hi Sandra! Thank you for reading and reviewing this chapter. Also, for your continued support! We both really appreciate it! Yes, lots going on! We promise to have the next chapter posted soon--it's in the works! Wishing you all the best. God Bless.
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from Ricky1024
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

"Grandpa's Footprints"
Is another wonderful chapter in your book entitled, 'Long Love Distance"
...
It read well and Flowed well with no Grammar Issues.
It also was rich in Theme and Imagery.
...
Adjective and Objective Contents were both Excellent and Exceptional while Descriptive Measures aligned Perfectly.
Thanks for this.
Doctor Ricky 1024

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Hi Doctor Ricky! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing this chapter. Also, thank you for your continued support. So glad you found this wonderful! Chapter 19 is in the works and coming soon. God Bless.
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from Carl DeVere
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I hate to point this out because I really loved the whole deal about wars and winding up in them the same way your father and grandfather did. However, I'm certain there was no 82nd Airborne in 1918...maybe 1944? In 1918 they only had bi-wing planes that no one was about to jump out of. Please be careful when writing history. But otherwise I loved this walk down nostalgia lane.

 Comment Written 13-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2020
    Hi Carl, Thanks for stopping by to read and review Chapter 18 of Love Long Distance. We encourage you to read some of our past chapters posted here when you have the time. So glad you enjoyed this. Have to tell you, however, that we did do our research...thoroughly, as we do with all historic references in this book. "The 82nd Airborne Division was first constituted as an infantry division on August 5, 1917, during WWI in the National Army. It was organized and formally activated on August 25, 1917, at Camp Gordon, Georgia. The division consisted entirely of newly conscripted soldiers." We also hope you continue to follow along. Chapter 19 is in the works and coming soon. Wishing you all the best in 2020.
    Respectfully,
    Bill and Cathy
reply by Carl DeVere on 16-Jan-2020
    I'm just trying to help out here. If you call the 82nd an Airborne division in 1917 you might lose credibility with some of us veterans who are mighty particular about history since there are a lot of poseurs out there.
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2020
    Greetings, Carl,
    Are you a veteran...and if so--"I Salute you!" I read your profile, "ABOUT," and saw that you were born in Laredo, Texas; yet, now reside in New Zealand. You wrote, "I'm just trying to help out here. If you call the 82nd an Airborne division in 1917 you might lose credibility with some of us veterans who are mighty particular about history since there are a lot of 'poseurs' out there." Although I'm no rocket scientists, I do understand the word 'poseurs' to mean, "A person who pretends to be what he or she is not." I hope you understand the word 'Derogatory' to be a remark tending to lessen the merit or reputation of Cathy and I. Please, be cautious with your words. My being a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, active duty, (see my profile 'Commando') having served in Operation Desert Storm (Iraq) in 1990-1991, and presently serving as Chief Advisor for Joint Services Commando operations in Iraq, Turkey, and Afghanistan, I do understand the thoughts and feelings of veterans. I highly recommend that you go to "The 82nd Division in WW1" and get a history lesson. "The 82nd's role in the operation called for the division to fight astride the Aire River, moving north. The division captured St. Juvin on October 14, 1918, and defended it against a heavy counter-attack the following day. During its service in the Meuse-Argonne, the 82nd suffered more than 7,000 casualties. Ref: blog.refactortactical.com/blog/the-82nd-division. If you want to continue to discuss this, I suggest you PM me rather than extend your comments here. Having said that, and having written our response, may we both say, "It's an honor having an awesome writer such as yourself to express admiration and your thoughts while supporting our work." Cathy and I are starting work on Chapter 19. Hope to see you there. Wishing you a great weekend ahead. Best wishes for 2020, and God Bless.
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy