Reviews from

The Spirit of the Wind

Viewing comments for Chapter 21 "What Jaded Eyes Can See"
Newylwed homesteader Jane becomes a widow

12 total reviews 
Comment from robyn corum
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Stan,

Good for her. It would have taken a lot of bravery in that day and time for a woman to speak up so boldly and go against so many men - who always know best, right?

This was a really good chapter.

Notes:
1.) "I'm thankful for you and the boy," (h)e said.

2.) We found our way to (a/the) hillside church outside of town.

Thanks!


 Comment Written 11-Dec-2020


reply by the author on 12-Dec-2020
    Thanks, Robyn. Coming from you, it means much.
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
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Hello Stan.

This chapter moves along really well and the thing that caught my attention was the tension that rose up when Jake talked about moving to Oregon. The commitment Jane has to her former husband is certainly very sincere. Those were different times in its hard with today's mind to think about the commitments they made to a piece of land into a place to live.

Pointing out the fact Jane's husband is buried there adds depth to the story and the background.

Robert

 Comment Written 08-Dec-2020


reply by the author on 08-Dec-2020
    Thanks Robert. I sincerely appreciate what you said and your shared thoughts here.
reply by Robert Zimmerman on 08-Dec-2020
    You're welcome Stan.
Comment from BethShelby
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I enjoyed reading this and I like a little History thrown into the mix. The Indians could be very cruel but there had a reason to fight for the land our government was determined to drive them from. Our country made treaties with them and them broke them.

 Comment Written 08-Dec-2020


reply by the author on 08-Dec-2020
    Thanks so much, Beth. Always look forward to hearing from you.
Comment from Ben Colder
Exceptional
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Not sure without looking but I think I touched on his performance against the Sioux for their raid in Minnesota, I hooked J B with him during those moments. Yes I thought he was an interesting man
Well done here Bro.

 Comment Written 08-Dec-2020


reply by the author on 09-Dec-2020
    I'm having trouble finding out more about his life and exploits on line. But I'm hoping that book will help when I get it. I'm trying to find out what the Indians thought of Sully in general. Didn't he participate in a massacre at Killdeer? I heard he also married an Indian woman in his second marriage.
reply by Ben Colder on 09-Dec-2020
    Now you have me digging. Lets see what the book says. The researcher should be on target. I think the massacre is right not sure about the marriage. If I get the time I will see what I can find.
Comment from Mastery
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Hi Stan. You are managing this part very well...inserting factual history always is a good idea as long as you are sure of your facts.


I liked the dialogue and especially the fine images conveyed in this chapter, my friend. Like these:

" I spun around to see his eyes wet with tears. "I can't never leave here. I made a promise over my former husband's grave and to his son."

And: "We took our place in the pew, when the preacher stood and announced we had a special visitor. He stood and acknowledged the crowd while holding his hat in front of him. The preacher gushed over him. "This here is General Alfred Sully."

I like your story, Stan. Bob

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2020


reply by the author on 08-Dec-2020
    Thanks, as always for showing me what resonates with the average reader. Merry Christmas.
reply by Mastery on 08-Dec-2020
    Happy Holidays, Stan. :) Bob
Comment from royowen
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I think I would have been inclined to say "Hear, Hear!" If I was in church, all men are not worthy to be saved, but there are no favourites with God, I like this passionate work, with a very passionate narrator in the story, America was founded in a mixture of passion and prejudice, as my country was. Beautifully written, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2020


reply by the author on 07-Dec-2020
    Thanks, Roy. The heroine is the vehicle to explore the confluence of western influence both good, bad, and ugly. Jane will face an even greater test of her faith when she's taken captive. How will it effect her attitude and her belief in God's purpose?

reply by royowen on 07-Dec-2020
    That?s the test. But you like this character
Comment from Mistydawn
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Jane is brave, speaking out like that, especially in that day and age. Hopefully, her words will have some impact. I can understand why Jake wants to move, but I can see her side too. She worked hard to rebuild what she has. Your chapter is well-written, interesting, very realistic start to finish. I look forward to reading more.

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2020


reply by the author on 07-Dec-2020
    Thanks so much, Misty. It's encouraging to hear that it sounds and feels realistic. I strive hard for that, as if one could imagine it went down in history like this. Jane is soon to face a greater test than ever in the next chapters that will turn her world upside down.
reply by Mistydawn on 07-Dec-2020
    That doesn't sound good at all.
Comment from Sally Law
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Another fine chapter, dear Forest. It has a little bit of everything which makes for a great story; historical perspective, realism, and romance. I especially liked your descriptions of the purple posies painting the prairie.

On small nit in the last paragraph. "...mouth--if it could have been corralled." Long dash needed here.

Sending you my best today as always and blessings always,
Sal xo....

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2020


reply by the author on 07-Dec-2020
    Thanks, Sally. Yes, I need some fixes, esp. end. As always I welcome editing help and appreciate encouragement.
Comment from Wendy G
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This is an interesting story, and you have succeeded in your aim to make the reader want to discover more. It is well- written. Thanks for sharing it with us.

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2020


reply by the author on 07-Dec-2020
    Thanks, Wendy! I appreciate your kind and encouraging review.
Comment from RetroStarfish
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Jane is a strong character and I enjoyed reading this chapter. I also liked the description of the wagon ride into town: "... rocked back and forth on the uneven trail until we got to the hard-packed flat ride."
You've made me want to read more after this confrontation with General Sully.

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2020


reply by the author on 07-Dec-2020
    Thanks so much for pulling out what resonated! Stan