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Love Long Distance

Viewing comments for Chapter 27 "Courage Doesn't Always Roar"
A Wartime Romance

23 total reviews 
Comment from Franklin Dillard
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Tootie & Bill: Excellent! I'll be glad to read the book in its entirety. I grew up during those years. I had several classmates who served in Vietnam and lost a few of those. I also was in the Vietnam War (Navy) but did not actually get in on the fight. This kept my attention and I could visualize what was going on. Great work!

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2020


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2020
    Hi Franklin, We're thrilled you will be reading the book and following along. Thank you SO MUCH for the AWESOME six star rating and review! A double "SALUTE" for you! Thank you also for sharing. We really appreciate the kind words and support. So glad you enjoyed this chapter. Chapter 28 is already in the works and coming soon. Wishing you all the best. Take care and God bless.
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is an AWESOME chapter, Bill and Cathy. From the first word of the presentation with "Greetings" to the last with the cliff hanger, the intensity and emotion of the situations both characters felt was evident in the words, thoughts, and information provided. I loved the way the "Previously" allowed readers (me) to be prepared to pick up where the last chapter left off in the novel. I expected to find Bill in the hospital in an unknown condition--possibly near death. What a relief to know he survived and was soon speaking in the way only he can. I loved the line about "the clouds in my eyes returned to the sky." That was Bill's true personality showing.

I didn't know doctors weren't allowed to give patients their names. I love the banter between Bill and his doctor. That showed how both tried to ease the tension of the Viet Nam Conflict. Both, of course, were well aware of the seriousness of Bill's injuries. Even in times of pain, hospitalizations, active fighting, and private time, Bill thinks of Cathy and his baby. That is true love. Bill's thoughts about the effects of the conflict and loss of life was heart-wrenching. It showed that even a commando with nerves of steel still respected the way the fighting played out. His thoughts about what the Bible instructs man to do was spot on.

The inclusion of Bill's thoughts as related to the Star-Spangled Banner were appropriate, personal, and so well written. The inclusion of the lyrics to that song were perfect. So many know only the first verse. What a way to showcase the entire song. It is filled with patriotic words, meanings, and truth. I acn easily see how special it was to Bill. The title of this chapter was perfect. It alluded to the fact the heroes are ordinary men (and women) who act in an extraordinary way.

The reminiscing of Grandpa's thoughts gave readers more insight into the relationship of Bill and Grandpa. That is a strong bond that will never die. It allows Bill to go forth in the face of the fighting. He knew that family back home was praying everyday for his safety.

Bill's return to the battle zone showed how truly committed he was to the cause, his duty, and his everlasting patriotism. The cliff hanger was great. I know how children were used, and still are today, as a way to kill soldiers with explosives wired to their bodies. What a dilemma the Commando team faced!

Your book cover and research, Cathy, added pertinent information about this conflict and allowed readers, who may not be familiar with the circumstances of it, to understand more of its devastation to US soldiers, families, and our way of thinking.

Thanks for sharing, Bill and Cathy.
Respectfully with Love and Admiration,
Jan

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2020


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2020
    Hi Jan, Thank you SO MUCH for the six star rating and AWESOME review. Wow, your comments here are AMAZING, as are YOU! We wish we had a reviewing vote left for your outstanding synopsis and comments. A double "SALUTE" from both of us! Love how you reference the line that really does show Bill's true personality. Wishing you all the best. We truly appreciate all you do! Thank you for all your help and support. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. Take care and God bless.
    Respectfully with Love and Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This war was probably the hardest. I think it was the first that children were used in battle and had to be killed. Once again you did a great job describing the emotion.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2020


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2020
    Hi Barbara, Yes, so very sad, but true. Your continued support means so much to both of us. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing this chapter. We are glad the emotion, although heartbreaking, came through the words. Stay tuned. We are already working on Chapter 28. Coming soon! Stay well and have a wonderful week. God Bless!
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from Mistydawn
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a horrible situation to be put in not wanting to kill the children but knowing they might kill you if you don't. A friend of mine's daddy faced the same situation over in Germany. Said he was forced to killed boys his son's age. I couldn't imagine what that must've been like. Your chapter is well-written, interesting, I do hope the kids don't get any closer. I look forward to reading more.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2020


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2020
    Hi Mistydawn, We're so glad you find this well written and interesting. We hope things work out, too. Heart-wrenching! Thank you so much for reading this chapter and for your review. Thank you, also, for sharing. Chapter 28 is already in the works, so it's right around the corner. Wishing you all the best. Take care and God bless. Your continued support means so much to both of us!
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from Shirley McLain
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

A wonderful chapter as always. It was full of angst and action leading me to that terrible cliff hanger. I will be eagerly waiting to see if those children are to be shot. Be well. Shirley

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2020


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2020
    Hi Shirley, We really appreciate your continued support. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing this chapter. We're glad you enjoyed it, and you are eagerly waiting for the next to find out what happens. We are already working on the next chapter so it won't be long before it's posted. Wishing you a great week ahead. Stay well, also, and God bless.
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from samandlancelot
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Tootie,

It seems like death would be better than to be in a situation where you must consider killing the children or losing the war. I cannot imagine it.

With those who love him at home, Bill finds his way through, doesn't he?

Patricia

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2020


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2020
    Hi Patricia, Chapter 28 is already in the works and it won't be long to find out what happens next. We hope you continue to follow along. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing this chapter. Wishing you all the best. Take care and God bless.
    Respectfully,
    Cathy
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I really enjoyed this part. Not being an American, this is the first time I've read or heard The Star Spangled Banner. I've listened to the song and music but not really heard the words. It was a pleasure to learn more about it in the videos you added.

It's terrible that they used children to help fight the battles, they know decent people wont fire on a child, yet don't mind taking the risk, or blowing their children up. This is still happening in some countries.

There was a lot in this part, Cathy, and I really enjoyed reading it. Well done, both of you. :)) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2020


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2020
    Hi Sandra, As we've said several times before, you are an AWESOME writer and we are honored for all your support and encouragement. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing this chapter. We're so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you also for mentioning the song and videos. We're already working on Chapter 28. Hurrah! Wishing you all the best. Take care and God bless.
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Nicely written story bringing out the horrors of war. Looks like Bill lived to fight another day. I hope this cliff hanger with the children and the back packs get resolved with no casualties.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2020


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2020
    Hi Beth, Thanks so much for reading and reviewing this chapter. Again, your continued support means so much to us. We're happy that you found this well written. We're already working on Chapter 28 and it will be posted soon. Wishing you all the best. Take care and God bless.
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
Comment from thaities, Rebecca V.
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Now isn't that the truth? Courage doesn't always roar!

This is a wonderful chapter. It shows the anguish of a wounded soldier and his thoughts. The videos are spectacular. Oh, this book is great and fully deserving seven stars, if there is such a thing!

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2020


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2020
    Hi Rebecca! HURRAH! Another six star rating and review! THANK YOU! Worthy of seven? You are so kind. A double "SALUTE" from us to you! So glad you found this chapter wonderful and the book great so far. Stay tuned - Chapter 28 is already in the works and it won't be long before finding out what happens next. Wishing you all the best. Take care and God bless.
    Respectfully with Admiration,
    Bill & Cathy
reply by thaities, Rebecca V. on 26-Apr-2020
    No on can write a reply like you can! Thank you.
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2020
    So sweet. Thank YOU!
Comment from Marjon van Bruggen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Good God, Cathy, this is a chilling chapter. Especially for the closing part. To be a Vietnam Soldier, a commando, and to have to decide weather or not to shoot two smiling children running toward you with bombs on their backs! And to realise that this is not just words in a book, but that these things were reality for those men up there. It is so dramatic. What choice do they have? Praying for guidance, yes, it is the only way. But even then, the guilt remains.
Fabulous writing.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2020


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2020
    Hi Marjon, Thanks so much for stopping by to read this chapter. Yes, it is a chilling chapter. Amidst the wonderful Smoky Mountain humor, there's a lot of serious and truthful things being shared. We hope you will continue to follow along. Chapter 28 is already in the works and coming soon. So glad you found this writing fabulous! Have a wonderful week, take care and God bless.
    Respectfully,
    Cathy
reply by Marjon van Bruggen on 27-Apr-2020
    You are very welcome. I'll read the next chapter. Can I be a fan of you?