Reviews from

Interview with....LEA TONIN

Get to know a fascinating member!

44 total reviews 
Comment from Terry Broxson
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Rachelle, you have done a wonderful job with the interview. Your questions gave Lea the platform to tell her story in a way that makes readers want to read the first book. For those of us on FS who have a hard time reading chapters as they are posted, can you provide insight into when the book will be published? I would like to get a copy.

I know I can go to her portfolio to see it, but I would like to have a copy.

Thank you for the great service that both of you have offered your readers. Terry.

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    You'll definitely be on the 'Notify' list, Terry, when it's in print.

    Thank you for this encouraging review. Very much appreciated. xo
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Very well organized and constructed interview. You provide background to your questions, helping Lea tell her story. Great work.
I wish Lea great success with her book(s).

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    Thank you, Wayne. I appreciate the encouragement very much. xo
Comment from Lea Tonin1
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is a wonderful and great submission. Thank you so much for this! I am truly humbled by your thoughtful and I wonderful things. You have said thanks again my friend!

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    It was my pleasure. xo
Comment from Mrs. KT
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Good morning, Rachelle and Lea!
What a profoundly moving, engaging, and exceptionally well-crafted interview.
Rachelle,
Your questions are comprehensive and are the perfect launching pads for Lea to share her innermost thoughts and responses.
Lea,
Your transparency is mind-boggling; how you have overcome so much cruelty and evil in your life is incomprehensible to be. You, my friend, are not only a gifted writer, but a gifted human being as well...
One thing that I must comment about is that from the very beginning of reading your work, I was drawn in by the manner in which you wrote with the beginning, as Rachelle states: "...each chapter begins with your chatting with us, your readers, cleverly using small, "cozy" font, and sharing how you're feeling, what you're seeing as you type, what the weather's like where you are, and what we're about to experience.
Then, in bigger font, you re-start your terrifying story, exactly where you left off with us in the previous chapter."
I, too, find that approach as absolutely brilliant, as Rachelle states.
It doesn't surprise me that those who have caused you harm and denigrated your self-worth physically and emotionally would now do everything in their power to undermine and silence you. Their kind is everywhere, Lea...but your spirit and self-worth are stronger than anything they can dish out to you...

Thank you, ladies, for sharing this difficult, but important interview with readers.
I look forward to Book 2.
So very grateful that our paths have crossed...

Many blessings to you both,
diane


 Comment Written 19-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    Now, really, Diane, MUST you start my Sunday morning out in tears? This was the exact response I was hoping for. Of course you would be the first person to provide it. Thank you. This feels wonderfully validating, and I couldn't appreciate it more. xoxox
reply by Mrs. KT on 19-Nov-2023
    Good morning, Rachelle!
    What I love about your interview is that you have succeeded in putting a very personal and validating stamp upon Lea's journey. Her work isn't just writing, it is a journey of catharsis and triumph... One that I can not only appreciate, but one that profoundly resonates with me on many levels...

    Thank you again!
    diane
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    Thank you for these kind words. You have the nicest way of saying things to people, Diane. I bet you were a phenomenal teacher. xoxo
reply by Mrs. KT on 19-Nov-2023
    Thank you, Rachelle,
    But let's hope I proofread my students' writing a bit closer that I proofread the response I just sent to you! Geesh!
    We attended a Light Parade in downtown Traverse City last night. It's been a long time since I walked two miles, stood in one spot for two hours, and darn near froze to death. I need to find a hot tub this morning as I am so sore I can barely move!
    However, amid the masses, three former students "found" me; I think it was either my laugh or my fuzzy head that clued them in. Regardless, I hadn't seen any of them since 2016.
    Phenomenal?
    I'm in no position to respond.
    But memorable?
    Absolutely!
    :)
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    By virtue of the fact that they sought you out, that just SCREAMS, "Phenomenal."

    Come to East Rochester, Diane! I have a hot tub, and I will make you matzoh ball soup. Before you know it, you'll be all better!! xoxo
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh wow, Elle! I'm getting as emotional here as when reading Lea's powerfully expressed and heart-rending book. Your interview brilliantly asks all the questions about this highly complex and systemically abusive case in such a professional and highly sensitive way, whilst, simultaneously, being an encouraging and supportive mentor to Lea in the process. The safety net given to her here is invaluable because we vividly feel the vulnerability she still experiences. Thank you for illuminating us further in this very worthy post. Bless you and Lea. Debbie xos

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    I absolutely love and thoroughly appreciate this warm and wonderful review. So full of love and validation and support. Thank you, Deb. for "getting it" so thoroughly. xoxoxo
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I have a strong aversion to child abuse and wife bashing, I don't understand Lea's mother, and the extreme neglect and duty of care by the social services and the uncaring behaviour of the relatives, how brave is this dear girl who has decided to do something about it, well done Rachelle.great interview, well, done, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    I couldn't agree with you more, Roy. There is no excuse for a mother like this, and every bit as awful was the grandmother, high in the ranks at Social Services, who saw to it that the documentation was intercepted! I guess it's a you-plant-corn, you-get-corn scenario with them! Lea has definitely broken the legacy of abuse, but what she endured (and continues to endure still) just defies humanity.

    Thank you for this wonderful review. Very much appreciated. xo
reply by royowen on 19-Nov-2023
    She?s truly amazing
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    Oh, I completely agree!!
reply by royowen on 19-Nov-2023
    Bless you
Comment from Jacob1395
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This was really interesting to find out about another writer on Fanstory and to find out more about how they write. I'll definitely have to check out Lea, her work sounds really intriguing. An excellent piece, I enjoyed reading it.

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    Yes, thank you, Jacob. I would so love it if you would do that. Thank you, too, for this kind review. xo
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Nicely done. She has bared herself for all to see. What courage! I have reviewed several chapters but had to stop because it was too close to what my life was like with my first husband. I do not have the fortitude to be able to write about it. You bringing her to everyone's attention is a very good thing. Kudos to both of you.Karen

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    I understand. Thank you for this really nice review. I appreciate it very much. xo
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 19-Nov-2023
    Have a good week.:-)
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    You, as well.
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 19-Nov-2023
    :-)
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I loved this interview Rachelle as you allowed Lea to have a voice and tell us how grateful she is that she is believed when she told her story about her childhood. I think this is the most important thing about any abuse is being believed. Abusers are also liars because they don't want to be found out and be shamed. I adore Lea very much for telling her story and I hope once her book is out that she can move on and try and forget the horror she has suffered. It is a pity that her Mother has not asked for forgiveness and owned up to her part in this abuse.

I appreciate your post Rachelle as you have highlighted a fine writer in the process, someone we admire for their courage and tenacity to live a good life despite the setbacks. And also you, for your brave post here in interviewing Lea and asking those difficult questions we all want answers too. A big thank you to both of you in this collaboration, much enjoyed, love Dolly x x x

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    This is such a nice review, Dolly. Thank you for the validation and understanding and kind words.

    You are SO right about the "being believed" part; that is CRUCIAL. And you're spot-on, too, about abusers being liars who only want to save their own skins and not be found out.

    Thanks, too, for the additional star. You're as generous with your actions as you are with your words. xo
reply by Dolly'sPoems on 19-Nov-2023
    You are most welcome Rachelle, thank you for taking the time to interview Lea, she deserves the best x
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    Those are very sweet words to read, Dolly. Thank you. xo
Comment from Navada
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wow. This is intriguing and so beautifully laid out for the audience. even if (like me) they are not previously aware of Lea's book. I will now keep an eye out for it on here. Thanks so much for giving us this insight.

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 Comment Written 19-Nov-2023


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2023
    Hi, Nevada~
    Thank you for these nice words. I appreciate the encouragement very much. Since her book is done now, you can check it out in her Portfolio. It's a hard read, but it's well done. xo