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Viewing comments for Chapter 10 "Common Bonds (Rachelle)"
Two very real women in not so real situation.

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

This is a beautifully written chapter and it flows very well when it is read aloud. I wish you the very best of with all of your writing. Also, wish you a wonderful week and a good day. Patricia.

 Comment Written 22-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
    Thank you very much, Patricia. xo
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Excellent
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Your chapter reminded me of my younger days. During one summer I whittled penises, you read it right. LoL it wasn't my finest craft but was interesting.

Also, you reminded me of the beautiful Spanish cathedrals.... the scents of frankincense and myrrh, the light through Tiffany glass windows.... etc ...

What does "G-d" I can't find it in the dictionary and you wrote it a few times so it's not a misspelled word. "G-d put us here together in this situation?"

Also "Our (daed) had a nice voice, too," Solomon adds. "Very deep."

G-d put us here together in this situation?

Well done, Rachelle, I love this chapter and book. Now I will go look for Gretchen's chapter.

 Comment Written 22-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
    I am an Orthodox Jew, and we don't write the Lord's name out. We always write it: G-d.

    And "daed" is the Pennsylvania Dutch word for father. (The Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch.) When pronounced, it sounds like "Dot."

    My first thought when you said you whittled penises in your younger days was, "Hmmm; great training to become a mohel!" (They're the ones who perform the Bris - the ritual circumcision of Jewish boys.) Now you understand why Pam Lonsdale's favorite endearment for me is "Sicko."

    Thank you for this review, Gypsy. xoxo
reply by Gypsy Blue Rose on 23-Jul-2024
    I didn't know Orthodox Jew, write God, G-d.... that's interesting. Thank you for broadening my horizons. (*÷*)
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2024
    Of course!! And thank you for ASKING!! xoxox
Comment from Heather Knight
Excellent
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I liked the whole story, how you represented the Amish (I love reading about them), but my favourite bit is the last paragraph when you mention the goats eating your clothes.
I love your sense of humour.
Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 22-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
    Thanks! I had this written by last Monday, but I let it steep, read it every day, and finally decided we needed something a little humorous with which to end. So thank you for mentioning that. I felt very validating. xoxo
reply by Heather Knight on 22-Jul-2024
    It's usually good to read and reread what we write. I don't always do it, but I try to. x
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
    I agree!
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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Wow, your story took a new turn from the humorous to the touching and moving and spiritual understanding of how God uses all "coincidences" to bring people together and bless one another. I'm sure the music will be even more beautiful after Rachelle teaches the young vocalists how to improve their gift of singing!
I remember Jon Stewart complaining about how he never wanted to hear "Amazing Grace" ever again. But I realize you chose this because it's one that every reader knows.

 Comment Written 22-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
    What was Jon Stewart's issue with Amazing Grace?

    I also chose it because I knew it was one that would be acceptable within the strict confines of the Amish music litany.

    Thank you for the encouragement about my being able to give these singers a little extra musicality. You're always very generous with your words, Helen.

    I absolutely never believe in "coincidences." I've heard some people (and book authors!) refer to them as "G-d winks," a term I thought was lovely. He's always there with us, but sometimes we need "friendly reminders" of that and so are given "coincidences."

    Here are just a FEW of the situations that Bobby and I discovered that, before we met, we had in common:
    1.) My first husband, years after we were no longer together, hired Bobby as the accountant for his business!
    2.) Bobby's father-in-law at the time was in business with my ex-husband as investors;
    3.) Bobby's daughter was on the soccer team my ex-brother-in-law coached;
    4.) My ex-father-in-law was the referee for some of Bobby's daughter's soccer games, and Bobby had shaken hands with him!
    5.) Our kids all ended up at the same high school (not in a town either of us had lived with our previous spouses)

    Were we meant to be together or WHAT!!! These are not small towns we're talking about, any of these places where our six degrees of separation occurred! They're substantial-sized suburbs of Rochester!
reply by lyenochka on 22-Jul-2024
    So cool! I remember about the soccer team connection, but I didn't know the others. God really meant for you and Bobby to be together! 💖💖
reply by lyenochka on 22-Jul-2024
    Lol. Oh, I forget you asked about Jon Stewart. I think it's because Amazing Grace is always played at funerals so he just got tired of it. Maybe he went to too many funerals? I like the melody - you can play it on all the black keys, too! 😊
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
    Yes!!
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
    If it's played with bagpipes, I hate it. I despise bagpipes. All I ever hear is the drone. Ugh!!!
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
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Beautiful, warm, and very moving chapter. Yes, those coincidences are convincing, and you will be sharing your gifts of music with them while they share their hospitality with you. Very well written.
Wendy

 Comment Written 22-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 22-Jul-2024
    Thanks for this supportive and gracious review, Wendy. Gretchen and I are having the best time writing this together! It's nice when we hear words of encouragement like yours. xoxox
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Excellent
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Good people endowed with grace
We lived in Franklin County Va on property adjacent to a Dunker Community with similar values and tradition
We even sold our home and en acres to the family next door - dairy farmers

 Comment Written 21-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024
    Nice!
Comment from Mrs. KT
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What a beautifully penned chapter, Rachelle.
I could envision the entire scenario as I, too, have a deep affection for the Amish, as I am certain I have shared with you.
I love how you weave your gift with theirs = very creative!
But the vision of you dressed in Amish clothes, well, I laughed aloud!

Much enjoyed!
Thank you for sharing!
Fondly,
diane

 Comment Written 21-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024
    And that's the rub - the "trade-off" if you will. Great experience with this beautiful, talented sibling team...but I have to learn to be humble and enjoy simple, honest beauty instead of the more shallow variety!

    Thank you for this delightful review and, of course, for the additional star. I appreciate your generosity. xoxox
Comment from nomi338
Excellent
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It is a terrible shame to waste a talent that the creator gifted us with. That includes a sharp mind swift to recognize and understand truth when it is disclosed; the gift of writing; the willingness to assist those in need, and so many other blessings.

 Comment Written 21-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024
    Thank you for this absolutely beautiful and understanding review. Yours always come with such heart in them, Nomi. xoxox
reply by nomi338 on 21-Jul-2024
    Thank you for the vote of confidence.
Comment from judiverse
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

We see great character development in this. Our stylish narrator has been reduced to wearing Amish clothes as hers had become fodder for goats. She is moved by the children's sing, and it's a beautiful description of their singing and how their voices blend together. The narrator learns that their deceased mother had been the choir leader and offers them encouragement and help in teaching others the techniques of singing and conducting. The humor is in this but showing how the narrator is beginning to appreciate the Amish ways makes an appealing element. judi
.

 Comment Written 21-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024
    This is such a nice and comprehensive understanding of all that went on in this chapter. Thank you, Judi, for your always wonderful review. xxox
reply by judiverse on 22-Jul-2024
    You're welcome. Charles Dickens said to make 'em laugh, make 'em cry, make em wait." I think you're following that. judi
Comment from Bill Schott
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Another terrific chapter in your story that reaches into your real qualifications to make this a true story if it were. The heartfelt voices of all the characters sell this to me.

 Comment Written 21-Jul-2024


reply by the author on 21-Jul-2024
    Wow, do I absolutely LOVE this review. It makes me feel just great that this chapter turned out the way I wanted it to. Thank you, Bill. xoxox