Reviews from

Saltwater Ghosts

Viewing comments for Chapter 24 "The Man At the Door"
Young girl with special abilities.

16 total reviews 
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
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I did miss this one earlier. I am glad I found it while it was still active. It is good he is so excited to be back home. I'm sure it seems strange. When I met the man who I married, he had just returned home from the Korean War and still have some troble adjusting to being home.

 Comment Written 01-May-2024


reply by the author on 01-May-2024
    It's quite an adjustment to return to civilian life. I'm sure there will be hiccups. Gretchen
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Excellent
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Oh, how I wish I had a six left. We don't get enough. You did an exceptional job with this chapter.

Willis is home with a mix of joy and bad war memories. How hard it must be for veterans coming home to continue their interrupted lives. You captured that feeling well. I hope he will be alright. Is he home for good or he has to go back? I hope he stays home.

 Comment Written 30-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 01-May-2024
    Thank you. No six necessary. Your feedback and enthusiasm is enough. Gretchen
Comment from Mark Jackson
Excellent
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This passage is poignant and touching, capturing the complexity of emotions surrounding Willis's homecoming and the deep bond between siblings. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 30-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 09-May-2024
    Thank you, Mark. I'm very happy you enjoyed. Gretchen
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
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This is a sad homecoming because they were all afraid Willis would not be the same boy who went away, and he isn't. War changes a boy into a man with nightmares and daymares as well, and Willis has his share. Well-written and the emotions are very clear.

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 09-May-2024
    Thank you so much, Carol. I really appreciate this encouraging review. Gretchen
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Excellent
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Great chapter. Very well written.
I like how you have Heddy admit that she was afraid of him. That's pretty unique.
Keep it going.
Best wishes.

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2024
    Thank you very much. Gretchen
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Excellent
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Wish I had a 10 star to give you. All my sixes are already gone. Everyone fills up my box on Sunday,
This could have been maudlin so easy, but you are so clever. I enjoy these stories. Thank you. Karen

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2024
    Well, thank you. I'm glad you liked this. I was afraid it might come off boring. Glad it didn't. Gretchen
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 30-Apr-2024
    NOT BORING :-)
Comment from John Ciarmello
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is a warm and heartfelt chapter, and I'm so happy for the family about Willis coming home. He seems preoccupied with something perhaps to do with his future or past. I loved this chapter and can't wait to see if she tells Willis that Noni is still with them.

Best, JohnC

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2024
    Thank you, John. I'm super excited you liked this. Thank you for the six, as well. Gretchen
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
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My heart goes out to Willis and to Heddy. I have been there for many returning soldiers, my husband, son and brother-in-law, plus many friends. It is very hard for all those involved. You handled it with grace and emotion. Thank you.

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2024
    Thank you. Getting used to civilian life can be tricky on its own. Have seen active duty adds to that. Gretchen
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Excellent
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They're two lonely hearts together. I was so pleased that Heddy came out to see him because they both need that connection that doesn'trequire too many words. Everything about this chapter is vividly and poignantly expressed. The culmination of a long wait and, though a great one, we can guess that the transition will be a difficult one. Another of your excellent write which evolves with stylish dialogue and skilful descriptive detail. Well done, Gretchen. Debbie

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2024
    Thank you, Debbie. I was afraid it might be too boring . Thank you for letting me know it worked. Gretchen
reply by Debbie D'Arcy on 29-Apr-2024
    Never boring! I actually thought the simplicity of the reunion made it the more powerful and moving.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I an just imagine how Willis felt coming home, it must have been scarey for many after all those years away and not coming back the same person who left. That's what Heddy was feeling, and her parents. I'm sure more changes will become apparent after he has been home a while. This was brilliantly written, Gretchen, I could feel Heddy and her mother's nervous tension as they stood waiting for the door to open, But he has come home whole in body, but we don't know what the war has done to his mind. Well done, my clever friend! :) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 29-Apr-2024


reply by the author on 29-Apr-2024
    Thank you, Sandra. Thank you for the kind review and the stars. I appreciate this very much. Gretchen