Reviews from

Body of a Horse, Heart of a Man

Viewing comments for Chapter 17 "Festival Eve"
A modern twist on Greek Mythology.

19 total reviews 
Comment from Faith Williams
Excellent
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That was an excellent chapter, Rhonda. It made me forget for a little there is a battle coming. And who knew that a conversation between human and horse could be so entertaining?
This section made me laugh:
"He's definitely a lot better than what I had to choose from back in our old world."
Champion snorted at this remark.

Suggestions to consider:
"Not okay. What really keeps you here Diantha?" I believe a comma is needed following 'here'.

I'm her responsibility not yours, and she wants me to stay." I believe a comma is needed following 'responsibility'.

Turbulent green eyes (looked) into turbulent hazel. I think a stronger verb could add to this sentence. Maybe gazed, stared. or probed?

I enjoyed reading this one. Can't wait for the next one!

 Comment Written 10-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 10-Mar-2025
    Hi Faith,
    Thank you so very much for the review!! I had a bit of fun in this chapter before turning serious, lol.

    I agree on the commas, thanks so much.

    I struggle with using look too much, for sure. Sometimes one sneaks past me.

    Take care,
    Hugs,
    Rhonda
Comment from Jacob1395
Excellent
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That was a nice moment when Diantha was unburdening herself to Champion and it did make me laugh when she realised that Artrius was standing behind her listening. Another excellent chapter, Rhonda, I really enjoyed reading it.

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2025
    Hi Jacob,
    Thank you so much for the review, my friend! I'm glad you liked the sneaky part by Atrius. Boys will be boys, lol.

    Take care,
    Rhonda
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Dear Rhonda, I'm so sorry for the delay in reviewing but I had to wait until today. And I'm pleased to say, it was certainly worth the wait:) The dialogue is a dream to read and this clever horse talk enables the reader to be brought nicely up to date with Diantha's emotions and thoughts. And even though she feels she's being pushed increasingly towards Brandon, her sights remain firmly fixed on the elusive but undeniably beautiful Atrius. Then she suddenly discovers that Atrius is listening and we have a vivid description of how flustered and fazed she becomes in his company (he's definitely the one for her!) The conversation that follows is very measured and, once again, the option is brought up by Atrius of her returning to Tennessee which is such a stab in the heart for her, not least because she views it as a rejection. But then, as they both relax, we discover that his caution is for her safety and his feelings for her are reciprocated in that wonderful, long-awaited kiss:))
Rhonda, this is a faultless and immersive piece of fantasy which is a joy to read. I know it's working because every time I hear Tennessee mentioned, it breaks the magic for a moment:) But there is danger ahead and Diantha isn't being equipped with these bows and training for nothing. I imagine she's going to be in the heart of it soon. Well done, Rhonda, a dream to read. Love Debbie

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2025
    Hi Debbie,
    Thank you so much for the six stars, my friend!! They are most welcome, and that's okay on waiting to review. I seldom keep up and I certainly was late posting.

    Thank you so much for your comments and insights into the characters. You nailed it on the whole conversation between our two main heroes. Atrius has a reputation for pushing women away. It's what got him where he is, but Diantha isn't one to give up, which is new for her, too. She's making and getting to the chinks in his armor, lol.

    I think he realizes she's not going anywhere, so gave up and gave her a good bow.

    Plot will take another turn before the great battle. But, you're right. She's being girded up for a battle ahead. Spoiler alert, the men will not be able to stop the attack alone.

    Love and hugs,
    Rhonda
reply by Debbie D'Arcy on 10-Mar-2025
    That's great. I'm well and truly up to date now. It sounds exciting:)
Comment from Sally Law
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Dear Rhonda,
Yes, there's a fire at the festival alright! I'm so glad to see the feelings exposed between Atrius and Diantha. The heart-to-heart between Diantha and her horse Champion, is precious. Of course we talk horse. It's Concorde Valley!
Magnificent, magical and deliciously sweet. Another chapter, please! Brava!
Sending you my best today as always.
Love,
Sal XOs

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2025
    Sally, my dear friend,
    Thank you for the sparkling six stars. They light up my morning, as do your sweet words!!

    I felt after the Brandon chapters, I needed to let Atrius have a chance at expressing his true feelings, and allowing Diantha the same. Things are about to get dicey in Concorde Valley and they will need to lean on something for the tough times ahead.

    Brandon hasn't given up completely, lol. Neither have the Concorde Valley matchmakers.

    Love you bunches,
    Rhonda
reply by Sally Law on 10-Mar-2025
    How goofy! I love the intrigue and fought for love.
    Delightful chapter!
    Love,
    Sal XOs
Comment from Pam (respa)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Beautiful image of the horse and a good one at the end. You do a great job allowing Diantha to express her feelings through Champion. They are a good match, and one of my favorite parts is when she says everyone wants her with Brandon, and then..."Champion snorted and pawed the ground." One of my favorite images is "when he looks into my eyes, it's like wave after wave of fragrant ocean water bathing my soul." Diantha describing Atrius is done very well, too.

Then, like magic, Atrius appears. I think he enjoyed Diantha's discussion with Champion, but he probably wouldn't admit it. He made a good comment about being rude to interrupt. The bow from Atrius was a very nice gift, but I don't think she likes his suggestion about going back to Tennessee. It is interesting that they talk about how they feel about each other, but seem to feel that nothing can be done about it.

Another really good image is ""turbulent green eyes looked into turbulent hazel." They both seem to indicate they care about one another, and Atrius even kissed her. A very good conclusion follows up on these feelings, and I look forward to seeing what comes next in this relationship, but I imagine a battle is going to be waged first. Very well done, my friend.

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2025
    Hi Pam,
    Thank you so much for the six stars!!
    I love the details in your message. I've made a few changes since you reviewed, but they are minor and helped with the way it sounds.

    They do talk about feelings, and they don't resolve them yet because they are unsure of how to handle them. You are completely right about a battle ahead before they really have to make decisions. There's another event coming up before it as well.

    Thank you so much for all your support,
    Take care,
    Rhonda

reply by Pam (respa) on 09-Mar-2025
    You are very welcome and deserving of the stars and review, Rhonda. It is a little different relationship, but you make it believable. I will look forward to your next chapter.
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2025
    It'll get better for them.
reply by Pam (respa) on 09-Mar-2025
    I'm glad!
Comment from forestport12
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

"I'm immortal. There is much that can kill me." LOL. A bit of an understatement. It reminds me recently when witnessing of the gospel how trying to explain that if you have eternal life given in the present tense, then it's not something you can lose. Not sure if that analogy fits, but I wanted tell it. Love many of the play on words with the dialogue. The interaction and dialogue is making your story fun to read, and makes it come alive in my mind's eye for me. I hope this books are getting sold eventually.

 Comment Written 09-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2025
    Hi Stan,
    Thank you for the six stars. They mean a lot. Also meaning a lot was you sharing your testimony to whoever you were witnessing to, and how it tied in to my story. I'm glad the book can do that. Underlying all my messages is passing on the hope and joy Jesus brought to this earth.

    I'm glad the dialogue is effective. I tend towards only having dialogue in my books and work at adding in more descriptions.

    I will probably publish both books after getting this one finished. Thanks for the suggestion!!

    Take care,
    Rhonda
Comment from royowen
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

It's not difficult to interpret the author's feeling on matters of the heart, you have a huge heart and you are an incurable romantic Rhonda. One can relate to some more than others, I think I'm part woman, yet fully man, I enjoy the possibilities of what might have been. The fact that you think horses have thought and relate to special peopl, I believe is spot on, beautifully written, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2025
    Roy, thank you so much for the brilliant 6 stars, my friend!! I am an incurable romantic, for sure, but my greatest love is for the Lord!! Thank you for being such a positive influence on this site!

    The talking to animals part is just a fun part. I'd love to be able to do it, lol. I do believe you have a tender heart and that is all man!!

    Take care,
    Rhonda
reply by royowen on 08-Mar-2025
    Thank you Rhonda
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I do not have a six left, but this post deserves it. It was fantastic. Very romantic and sensual, yet extremely innocent. I loved it.

so Diantha continued. "What do you think of Brandon? (continued,)

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2025
    Thank you so much for the virtual six. It means a lot!! I was sure hoping for the innocence part to come across. It's hard to balance the romance and innocence. You do a great job with that as well.

    Hugs,
    Rhonda
reply by barbara.wilkey on 08-Mar-2025
    GREAT JOB!!!
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2025
    Thank you, thank you!!
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I am so sorry I haven't a six for this amazing chapter, Rhonda, please post earlier or on Sundays. I loved this chapter, and how Diantha was talking to Champion. Now she knows what the nods, snorts and pawing of the ground mean, she will be better prepared. Lol, poor Champion, she was trying hard to warn her that Atrius was listening. And then, the last part, when Atrius kissed Diantha, WOW!! I would have buckled had I been her. Now, if you possibly can, post another soon. I love this story. Well done, my friend. Love and hugs, Sandra xx

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2025
    Hi Sandra,
    Sorry about so late, but I had a really busy week. Between taking Wayne to 2 different Neurologists and all the school work, I was just plain late. I was late reviewing your work, too. Can't be helped, and I don't mind getting a five from you. As late as it was, I didn't expect any 6's.

    Love and hugs,
    Rhonda
reply by Sandra Stoner-Mitchell on 08-Mar-2025
    Oh, Rhonda, what is happening with Wayne? I wanted to ask, but didn't like to. I'm there for you in the only way I can be, if you need to talk. My email address is:
    sandramaureenmitchell@gmail.com.
    If I could take all this away from you and Wayne, I would in a heartbeat. Kep strong, my dear friend. Love you lots. xxxx
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2025
    Awwww, you are so sweet!! Wayne has good days and bad ones. Sometimes he sleeps all day with horrible headaches. Other days, he manages to
    do some farm work. He's changed a bit on his personality, which is something we were warned about. Sometimes he's weepy, other times more aggressive than before. He can be wildly inappropriate in what he says, but he's still a sweetheart. Thanks for your email address.

    I'd take away your pain, too!!

    Love and hugs
Comment from Begin Again
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Great chapter, Rhonda. Your fantasy lets our hearts sing as we think of love, yet we also see the trials, tribulations, and levels of love in your story and in life. The heart knows what it wants, but it's not always the best in the end. And talking to horses and dancing in trees...what better life could one ask for. I wouldn't want to go back to life in Tennessee either. LOL
Smiles and hugs, Carol

 Comment Written 08-Mar-2025


reply by the author on 08-Mar-2025
    Thank you so very much for the coveted six stars, my friend. I'm impressed you still have one left so late in the week. I was behind with this chapter, for sure. I admire your ability to write so many stories, poems and chapters in a day. It would exhaust me mentally.

    The heart does know what it wants, but will the head prevail? Brandon is the more logical choice, and the decision part still lays ahead.

    Again, thanks so much!!
    Hugs,
    Rhonda
reply by Begin Again on 08-Mar-2025
    I surprise myself as well! I think it's just my defense mechanism against thinking about anything else...write, write, write. Logic doesn't always win over the heart though! Right?
    Smiles, Carol
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2025
    No, logic does not, which might explain how I ended up with my ex-husband. Handsome, dashing, rule breaker. And then we got married and all of that just wasn't enough.
reply by Begin Again on 08-Mar-2025
    And how I left a man after 23 years who brought home a paycheck but didn't care much for the family life....then I was was befriended by the "bad boy" who was willing to change his entire life to be with me.... Now where's the logic? They were the greatest years of my life.
    Smiles, Carol