Reviews from

A Second Chance With Randall

A beloved woman's life changes after widowhood.

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

Yes, I know this heartwarming story is fiction, yet it is entirely plausible in the circumstances you set up. The characters are realistic, as is the dialog; and the descriptions are just enough for the reader to imagine the rest. The photo you chose as illustration is precious.

It makes sense that Etta would consider the kitten a gift from her beloved, recently deceased husband Randall, so named the kitten after him. It is also plausible that her entire routine would change to accommodate his, as he had become the new primary focus in her life, giving her an unexpected joy to hasten her recovery from grief. Veterinarian Herb certainly proved he was a true friend to Etta's husband by arranging for the kitten to be dropped off exactly when and where Etta would find him.

Etta's adding a catnip patch to her garden is a nice touch to end this superb story about the power of love to brighten lives.

Sorry my Sixes are already gone for this week. Please accept a virtual Six.

 Comment Written 12-Jun-2019


reply by the author on 12-Jun-2019
    With a review this wonderful, a six would have been gilding the lily. Thank you for starting my day off with a wonderful feeling, WalkerMan. I do appreciate it very much. xo
reply by WalkerMan on 12-Jun-2019
    You are most welcome, Rachelle. This is a delightful story. -- Mike
reply by the author on 12-Jun-2019
    xo
reply by WalkerMan on 12-Jun-2019
    :))
Comment from Tpa
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This item is beautifully written. I enjoy every single aspect of the item. The Author has paid particular attention to the language used and words chosen. Every single grammar issue has been resolved and there are no spelling mistakes. I would highly recommend this item to a friend.


 Comment Written 04-May-2019


reply by the author on 04-May-2019
    My go-to editor, Michele Harber, did an awesome job setting my punctuation straight, and Judy E was invaluable with her edits, as well. Thanks for all your positive feedback. xo
Comment from Scarbrems
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

It is a very cute story, especially for me as I love cats. The first half, though, drags a bit. I'm not one of these readers that seeks action and slavery to the plot in every word, but you could do with telling less and showing more.

"How many times had she heard him say, "Etta, let that go. You can do that weeding tomorrow(?)" - add Question Mark.

Dyeing for Attention Beauty Salon - Oh, I love that name. If I ever had a salon, I'd give you royalties if you let me call it that, lol.


 Comment Written 04-May-2019


reply by the author on 04-May-2019
    Thanks, Sarkems. I appreciate your feedback.
Comment from Y. M. Roger
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Oh, hell, Rachelle -- that was just PERFECT!! :) ;) Herb knew what she needed and Randall, of course, is doing just what's expected of him!! :) And, you know, it also shows what just a VISIT would have done rather than phone calls.... I know ALL about that these days! :) ;) Great job!! :) ;) **Sorry so far behind....gave up trying to catch my tail 'cuz I got too dizzy....now I'm just trying to get through the days (got to add 'family emergency to the list of life...ugh). Take care! :) ;) Yvette

 Comment Written 04-May-2019


reply by the author on 04-May-2019
    You know you never have to apologize to me. I'm always just happy whenever you write. No pressure, sweet lady. I'm so sorry to read, though, that you're a bit down for the count here. I hope Life rights itself very, very soon. I'm sending you love. xo
reply by Y. M. Roger on 04-May-2019
    Thank you, Rachelle, and I do appreciate that.... did not want to broadcast (but I know I can trust you), but prayers for my brother would be appreciated... thank you, again, Beautiful Lady R!! :) :) Yvette
reply by the author on 04-May-2019
    Oh dear. Consider it done, Yvette. xo
Comment from Rhonda Skinner
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Aww. What a cute story. The butterscotch hair color for both was wonderful. I love the idea of the covered playpen so she could safely take him outside. Did that come from real life experience?
The only thing I'd change is taillights to tail lights.
Another enjoyable read.

 Comment Written 03-May-2019


reply by the author on 04-May-2019
    Nope; my cat is black and white (though I am a ginger)

    And thanks for the nit about tail lights being two words. I'll change that when I'm done responding to all the reviews. I appreciate your having my back. xo
Comment from Gypsymooncat
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The fact that I am an ardent cat lover was one thing that drew me to start reading this, but I was riveted the whole way through! Currently, I have a little ginger - or butterscotch - male kitten, a calico female and a grey male, all around six months old now. I have developed a real fondness for ginger cats since getting Tig; he's so human and so cute with his mannerisms! Your story made me think of him, and the hosts of cats I've owned throughout my life. Not only was it well written, it told a real story of how, in grief, a person can find out who they actually are, as Etta did with Randall. And thanks to Randall lol! Excellent story, thanks for putting a smile on my face today!

 Comment Written 03-May-2019


reply by the author on 04-May-2019
    This is just the nicest review, Gypsymooncat. Thank you for the time and thought that went into it. I appreciated every word. xo
Comment from A. Willow Bends
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

One cannot improve on perfection. There is nothing I can say to you to better this piece. Superior. Keep up the good work! You are an artiste! :)
Wendy

 Comment Written 03-May-2019


reply by the author on 03-May-2019
    Wow. You always bring light to my days, Wendy. Thank you for this really special review. xo
reply by A. Willow Bends on 03-May-2019
    Oh SO welcome
reply by the author on 03-May-2019
    xo
Comment from susand3022
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Awww... Rachelle... So sweet! I love the way she got the kitten out of the bag and she called it Randall straight away! I love the picture of the kitten you used. Though orange kitties have never been my favorite color, don't tell the little beast beside me or lord only knows what she'll do to the place while I'm sleeping!!! LOL

 Comment Written 02-May-2019


reply by the author on 02-May-2019
    You are living on the wild side, Susan. I will miss you... xo

    Thanks for the great review. xo
reply by susand3022 on 03-May-2019
    Miss me??? What do you mean miss me???
reply by the author on 03-May-2019
    Because you insulted your cat! So she'll wait until you're sleeping, and then...
reply by susand3022 on 03-May-2019
    Rachelle... she never waits for sleep... LOL
reply by the author on 03-May-2019
    Oh my!!
Comment from shaffer40
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Rachelle,

This is a delightful story for many reasons.

Your use of "butterscotch" to describe what happens to red hair is
excellent. (I'm a redhead, and I hadn't thought of it.) And
I like the parallel of the kitten's butterscotch stripes.

I like the taillights as dull cherries -- among so many colorful
metaphors and phrases.

It was a pleasant surprise that Herb dropped off that kitten.

I wanted to make a couple suggestions:

that the process would be very speedy.
Suggest: Omit "very" -- weakens

I still have four left!"
Suggest: Omit "still" -- stronger & better rhythm.


 Comment Written 02-May-2019


reply by the author on 02-May-2019
    Great suggestions, Shaffer40; I'll take care of them after I'm done reading the other reviews tonight. Thank you for having my back.

    And thanks for the really nice comments in this review, too. I love your feedback. xo
reply by shaffer40 on 02-May-2019
    It was a pleasure.
Comment from Debra White
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Rachelle :)
I put this story to one side as I saw that it was a little lengthy and I've not had time to read it. Until now....
What can I say?! It's heartwarming and lovely and I enjoyed every moment I spent reading it. Engaging and entertaining - it's one to send to a magazine for publishing...I just know that so many people would enjoy reading this lovely story over a mid morning cuppa.
Sending love, Debra :) x

 Comment Written 02-May-2019


reply by the author on 02-May-2019
    Well, thank you very much for that, Debra. It actually WAS published in a magazine called The Storyteller back in 2012.

    This review made me feel so happy. Thank you for your always thoughtful and warm encouragement. xo