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Betrayal

Viewing comments for Chapter 23 "Betrayal Chapter 23"
In the title.

42 total reviews 
Comment from DSchlosser
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What happened to Grant in the book from his wife was something that happened to a lot of military members when I was in the Marines. One of my friends had to break the news to a guy in our office when he was overseas, and I had to help babysit my Lance Corporal's kids when he found his wife with a Sergeant. Definitely some rough times those guys had. It always bothers me because the wives and husbands that fight for their country get screwed like that when they deserve way more.

This was a great chapter and read extremely smooth.

 Comment Written 07-Sep-2021


reply by the author on 08-Sep-2021
    You're right. It's heartbreaking to know that some husbands and wives cheat on their spouses while they are away fighting for their country, but it does happen a lot.
    Thank you so much for this really lovely review, my friend, and the fabulous sixth star! I do appreciate them both. Warm hugs. Sandra xxx
Comment from giraffmang
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Sandra,

Good continuation of the story here. Good deepening look at Grant here and what makes him tick in terms of his relationship with women.

-Lumping all women into the category of liars and betrayers had been wrong, he realised that now. - I know I mentioned it in a previous chapter but the woman he works with (Lorna?), I've forgotten here name at the moment, doesn't seem to fit this mould. Perhaps it should be most or the majority of woman?

All the best
G

 Comment Written 08-May-2021


reply by the author on 09-May-2021
    Thank you, Gareth, I've for catching up, that is so nice of you. I've taken your suggestion and put the majority of women. You were right, Lorna is almost family in Grant's mind. Thanks so much for this. Warm hugs. :)) Sandra xxx
    We are moving house at the moment, and I'm struggling to get on here. Sorry my reply has taken so long. xx
Comment from DeboraDyess
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Told ya' I'd be back. :)
Loving it, even with a long break in reading. (Far too long -- sorry!)
A couple of things:
~When he'd seen Colin about to strike >> Nothing wrong with this sentence, but you use Collin's name again in the next. I'd change one to 'his half-brother' or something similar.
~ bouquet of mixed freesias, the scent flooded >> This may or may not be right in the UK. It's occurred to me that it's tough editing for someone not taught as I was! But ... I'd think either a semicolon here or a new sentence.
~ Is that true about no flowers in hospitals there? That's crazy!
~ Tania's tummy flutter, and hoped he couldn't see the heat >> I'd add the word 'she' hoped he couoldn't see...Just a point of over-clarifying, probably!
~ 'I want to ask if you still want them?' >> This is an indirect question. The 'I want to know' part at the beginning makes it a statement and negates the need for a question mark at the end..
~ Grant could only stare in disbelief. Taking his silence to mean >> This should be two separate paragraphs. Two actors, two paragraphs.
~ Grant showed a great deal of self-restraint! When my brother-in-law walked in on his first wife and his best friend, he took a tire tool -- to the friend's car. The police were never notified. I think the buddy thought he'd gotten off easy, even with a totalled car. Knowing my brother-in-law, he was probably right. Good for Grant!

Another great chapter!
Blessings and hugs,
Debs

 Comment Written 23-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 24-Apr-2021
    Thank you so much, Debs. I've made the changes in my manuscript. You are being such a great help to me, by the time this book is finished, with your amazing editing, I'll have a best-seller!!!! Lol. You aren't allowed to have flowers in the wards now, in the US and UK it's something to do with bugs. They never killed me when I was in hospital donkey's years ago.

    Thanks again, dear friend. :)) Sandra xx
Comment from Rosemary Everson1
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I hope her life gets better....what an amazing women to be able to man-handle Coli like she did. It has been a long ordeal for her but I do think that she will get her life back together.

 Comment Written 14-Apr-2021


reply by the author on 15-Apr-2021
    Thank you, Rosemary. I've often wondered what I'd do in a situation like that. I don't think I'd give my attacker an easy time of it. If I knew I had nothing to lose, I'd make sure I made him hurt somewhere before he killed me off. :)) It's easy to say, but fear can make you do things you're not usually capable off. Thank you again, my friend. Warm hugs. Sandra xxx
Comment from Begin Again
Excellent
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the power of love is a splendid thing if treated properly by all those involved and it can be a very wicked thing if used to manipulate or change people. Loved the emotions and hidden thoughts within this chapter.

 Comment Written 13-Mar-2021

Comment from robyn corum
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Sandra,

Wow. I'm a week behind, at least. And I don't know if it's me or you, my sister, but I had all kinds of problems with this chapter. My, my. I don't even know where to begin! I'm just going to jump into the notes. I will just tell you right now that I know for sure the notes will probably get you confused - because your post got me confused a couple different times and I know that showed up in my notes. I apologize - but I don't know how to fix it AND let you see what was going on in this reader's head, you know? Maybe through all this, you can make some sense. OR you will understand that sometimes I just really, really need BIG PRAYERS. hahaha

Notes:
1.) (')It's the bruising that hurts the most, which I've been told will soon disappear.

2.) 'Thanks(.)' She did try another smile, but groaned instead.
--> She attempted a smile, but was unsuccessful. A small moan escaped instead.

3.) 'The police are watching him, Tania. When Mr Blake and his friends found you,
-->confusing? Wasn't Grant there too when they found her?
--> Okay, Blake (Grant?) HAS been talking in the opening so you should let us know right off that THIS is Monica, please (or Grant or whomever it is...?)
--> oh, wait, now I'm confused - WHO IS that talking at the beginning?

4.) Monica couldn't stop the delighted smile that spread across her face.
--> I think her face is pretty banged up and bruised and has stitches. I'd probably consider having her suddenly break out into a wide smile and then cry out in a startled/ surprised way and then throw her hands up to her face. Gotta get used to the idea of not being able to smile and move around as easily, right? [Yeah, I know - later I realized this was not Tania. Ugh But hang on.]

5.) the smile Tania gave Grant was somewhat twisted. 'I wish I could have seen it. I don't
--> I'm sorry, and it may be more of a hassle than help, but I wonder if it might add some extra realism if you also gave her a little lisp or something (or another speech impediment) for just right now because of the swelling? Merely a thought... [Heeeyyy... BUT - it could also be used to show how close her and Grant are getting. Like when no one else can understand what she's saying, you know??? Obviously even THEY couldn't miss that. haha]

6.) Monica looked at him, sitting on the opposite side of Tania's bed.
--> IMO, this is jumping out of pov. I would expect this chapter to be focusing ON Tania and to be written FROM Tania's perspective. Kinda starts out that way, right? But this line -- and the one above (oh, wow. I just realized the big smile above was by MONICA and not by Tania, with the bruised face. Ugh. I'm starting to think I should drop this review right now and call it a day. Man.
--> Anyway --sigh-- I would think (if this chapter IS in Tania's pov) we would be better served by something like:
--> Tania watched Monica, folded protectively at her side on the bed, as she glared daggers at Grant. Finally, she sighed and shook her head. Laying one palm flat on the bed, Monica leaned forward and mumbled, 'Look. I'm sorry I gave you a hard time.' Before he could answer, she leaned back, crossed her arms, and added, in her typical no-nonsense way, 'But ... you deserved it.'
--> [Sorry, I know I got carried away - man, I haven't written prose in so long. I miss it -wow - bad! Gotta get back to it!!! Obviously ignore the 'extras' while I was 'playing'

7.) Grant looked at what Colin had inflicted on Tania.
--> do me a favor and go through and do a search in your original doc for the word 'look' - by my hasty count, there's at least six instances of 'look' or 'looked' or 'looking' or etc.

8.) He would never forget the shock that hit him when he first saw her after they'd broken into the room that held her captive.
--> moments of passion and/or anger and/or tension (etc)should be expressed in a fast, quick pace. Can you edit this sentence and pare it down so that we get that kind of quick, sharp effect?

9.) Blood matting her hair, her face almost (unrecognizable), and the way her arm was twisted into an abnormal position
--> not really a complete sentence, more like a list

10.) Carl had carried Tania out of the room, and had Reg not stopped him when he did
--> right now I think you're 'stopping' CARL...
--> also - no comma needed

11.) 'The thought was lovely, Grant. Thank you(,)' Tania said once the nurse

12.) But now? He'd somehow allowed Tania to break down all his defences and turn his long-held impressions of women upside down--and as much as he knew it was right, he wasn't sure how to handle it.
--> But now? Tania had somehow managed to breach his defences and turn his long-held opinions of women upside down--and though he knew it was about time, he wasn't sure how to handle these changes.

There you go. I did consider lowering the rating, but I really can't get a good handle on this one - is it me that's just seeing stuff that's not there and making up new stuff or have you actually made a few extra nits? Which would shock me no end...

Hope something in this pile of messy nonsense may help you a bit. I should have told you at the beginning to grab a couple of aspirin, huh?

Hugs--


 Comment Written 07-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2021
    Hi Robyn, I nearly had a heart attack when I saw your review. No one else had a problem with it. But, I did agree with quite a lot of what you put. I copied and pasted your review and answered each one underneath. This is it! :))
    1.) (')It's the bruising that hurts the most, which I've been told will soon disappear.
    2.) 'Thanks(.)' She did try another smile, but groaned instead.
    --> She attempted a smile, but was unsuccessful. A small moan escaped instead.
    #sorted for previous chapter. :))#
    --------------------------------------------------------
    3.) 'The police are watching him, Tania. When Mr Blake and his friends found you,
    -->confusing? Wasn't Grant there too when they found her?

    #Grant?s name is Grant Blake. Monica always calls him Mr Blake.#

    --> Okay, Blake (Grant?) HAS been talking in the opening so you should let us know right off that THIS is Monica, please (or Grant or whomever it is...?)
    #No, Monica was speaking in the opening part. I?ve added the word, ?said? after her name.#

    --> oh, wait, now I'm confused - WHO IS that talking at the beginning?

    4.) Monica couldn't stop the delighted smile that spread across her face.
    --> I think her face is pretty banged up and bruised and has stitches. I'd probably consider having her suddenly break out into a wide smile and then cry out in a startled/ surprised way and then throw her hands up to her face. Gotta get used to the idea of not being able to smile and move around as easily, right? [Yeah, I know - later I realized this was not Tania. Ugh But hang on.]

    #Monica isn?t the one who got hurt, Tania was.#

    5.) the smile Tania gave Grant was somewhat twisted. 'I wish I could have seen it. I don't
    --> I'm sorry, and it may be more of a hassle than help, but I wonder if it might add some extra realism if you also gave her a little lisp or something (or another speech impediment) for just right now because of the swelling? Merely a thought... [Heeeyyy... BUT - it could also be used to show how close her and Grant are getting. Like when no one else can understand what she's saying, you know??? Obviously even THEY couldn't miss that. haha]
    #Tania has only met him twice, once at the interview and the other time in the restaurant for coffee. He has seen more of her while she was unconscious, and he learnt more about her from Monica. Tania starts to get to know him now and over the next couple of weeks that she's in hospital.#

    6.) Monica looked at him, sitting on the opposite side of Tania's bed.
    --> IMO, this is jumping out of pov. I would expect this chapter to be focusing ON Tania and to be written FROM Tania's perspective. Kinda starts out that way, right? But this line -- and the one above (oh, wow. I just realized the big smile above was by MONICA and not by Tania, with the bruised face. Ugh. I'm starting to think I should drop this review right now and call it a day. Man.

    --> Anyway --sigh-- I would think (if this chapter IS in Tania's pov) we would be better served by something like:
    --> Tania watched Monica, folded protectively at her side on the bed, as she glared daggers at Grant. Finally, she sighed and shook her head. Laying one palm flat on the bed, Monica leaned forward and mumbled, 'Look. I'm sorry I gave you a hard time.' Before he could answer, she leaned back, crossed her arms, and added, in her typical no-nonsense way, 'But ... you deserved it.'

    #Monica and Grant are on friendly terms and have been since she bust into his office. She was teasing him in this bit.#

    --> [Sorry, I know I got carried away - man, I haven't written prose in so long. I miss it -wow - bad! Gotta get back to it!!! Obviously ignore the 'extras' while I was 'playing'
    7.) Grant looked at what Colin had inflicted on Tania.
    --> do me a favor and go through and do a search in your original doc for the word 'look' - by my hasty count, there's at least six instances of 'look' or 'looked' or 'looking' or etc.

    #I?ll do that!#

    8.) He would never forget the shock that hit him when he first saw her after they'd broken into the room that held her captive.
    --> moments of passion and/or anger and/or tension (etc)should be expressed in a fast, quick pace. Can you edit this sentence and pare it down so that we get that kind of quick, sharp effect?

    #All Grants anger, and the feelings he felt when he and his mates rescued Tania were expressed properly in the previous chapter.#

    9.) Blood matting her hair, her face almost (unrecognizable), and the way her arm was twisted into an abnormal position
    --> not really a complete sentence, more like a list

    #I?ll sort the ?list? out.#

    10.) Carl had carried Tania out of the room, and had Reg not stopped him when he did
    --> right now I think you're 'stopping' CARL...--> also - no comma needed
    #The sentence now reads: When he?d seen Colin about to strike her again, he?d never known such rage. Had Reg not stopped him when he did...#

    11.) 'The thought was lovely, Grant. Thank you(,)' Tania said once the nurse
    #Changed full stop for a comma.#

    12.) But now? He'd somehow allowed Tania to break down all his defences and turn his long-held impressions of women upside down--and as much as he knew it was right, he wasn't sure how to handle it.
    --> But now? Tania had somehow managed to breach his defences and turn his long-held opinions of women upside down--and though he knew it was about time, he wasn't sure how to handle these changes.

    ##I think it started off wrong with you because you got Tania and Monica mixed up in places and you thought Mr Blake was some one else and not Grant.
    I?m glad you spotted the two nits in the previous part. I?ve made those corrections on my MS copy.

    I'm now going to sit down and have a strong cup of coffee!!! LOL. Thank you, Robyn. I do appreciate the time you spent and the help. Warm hugs. Sandra xxx
reply by robyn corum on 09-Mar-2021
    Lord. I'm so sorry
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2021
    You have had me so worried, Robyn. I was going to send you a PM. I thought I'd upset you and I would so hate that. You have nothing to be sorry about. I'm really pleased with your review, I've made loads of changes because of it. I can't thank you enough. So, we're good?? Love you lots, my friend. xxxx
reply by robyn corum on 09-Mar-2021
    Oh, no. Evidently, it was one of my mini manias. I can do that. I WILL do that. Always know that's what's happening when you get one of those. I'm sorry. There's good in it, but they go on and on. Sometimes I gatch it and I'll delete them. Ugh.
reply by robyn corum on 09-Mar-2021
    What on earth could YOU have done? You big goof.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2021
    Thank goodness. I do worry about things. You have to feel sorry for this old crock! Lol. xxxxx
reply by robyn corum on 09-Mar-2021
    Never worry about me. It is near impossible to upset me. And if you ever do I'll come straight to you about it.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2021
    That is good to know. :)) xxx
Comment from Cindy Warren
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

It's too bad there are such awful people in the world. Sadly, it seems neither men or women have the monopoly on betrayal. Spouses betray each other all the time, but I'd like to strangle that mother.

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 06-Mar-2021
    Aw, thank you for reading this part with no payment, Cindy. That is so nice of you. I wanted to show that it's not only women that suffered. Grant is beginning to see that all women aren't like his mother and ex wife. Thanks so much for your brilliant comments, my friend. Have a lovely week! :)) Sandra xx
Comment from Sally Law
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I decided to go ahead and review the since at the end of the month these all-time best rankings go into no man's land. The same thing happened to me. This is six worthy though but I think I'll save my March sixer for your next chapter. I'm sure it will be deserving as all your work is. I've got one set aside for you. This is a wonderful chapter and I'm so pleased to see the softening of Grant toward Tania. At least it's a start. Sending my best today as always and blessing for your writing endeavors, dear Sandra. Congratulations also on your second-place win. Sally XOs.....

 Comment Written 05-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 05-Mar-2021
    Aw, Sally thank you. And never again worry about the six. Thank you so much for the lovely comments. As for the BoM, we all know who the winner will be before the voting is finished. I just feel sorry for him, how can he feel the satisfaction of winning by cheating? Don't answer that!! Lol. Thanks for all this, my friend. xxx Sandra xx
reply by Sally Law on 06-Mar-2021
    You are most welcome. You're rocking it with this book! Blessings! Sal :))
Comment from l.raven
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Sandra, how are you my amazing friend???...so sorry I didn't review earlier...been a long week...I am now in Florida...I'm at my brothers by mom...I'll email you...

you knew Grant was on the up and up....when he almost killed Colin...it will be great to see what happens to him...

and I can understand why Grant was a little precautious when it came to believing Tania...but now it's time for Grant to make it up to her...sigh...

I love his tender side...his caring about her...

another true winner sweet girl...a chapter so very well written...I look forward to every chapter written...and the next one as well...sending you bunches of love from over here...Linda xxoo

 Comment Written 04-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 05-Mar-2021
    Hi Linda, it's so good to know you got to your brother's safely. I guessed that was why you weren't on here. I'll go and look for my emails.
    Thank you so much for this amazing review, my sweet friend, and the lovely six stars. Just knowing you have read this part makes my day brighter. Yes, Grant has some grovelling to do, but we're talking about Tania now, not a person who holds grudges. I think you'll like the way it goes. I'm so glad you liked this part, and like the new wiser Grant.

    Sending you so much love, my dear friend. I'll go look now for your email. Love you! :)) Sandra xxx
Comment from alexisleech
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I'm so enjoying this book! The way you jump from internal thoughts to candid conversation, makes the whole story so convincing. I'm sure there are many men like Grant who have not only been deceived by their wife's infidelity, but have suffered ridicule as well, and I can well imagine it would give them a tainted attitude regarding another romantic relationship. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but I'm sure the same must apply to men!
I'm so looking forward to the next chapter.

Alexis xxx

 Comment Written 03-Mar-2021


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2021
    Thank you so much, Alexis, for another of your wonderful, encouraging reviews. And a big thank you for that golden star! You are such a wonderful lady. Thank you! Warm hugs. Sandra xxx