Reviews from

Return To Concorde Valley

Viewing comments for Chapter 7 "Bessie"
Fantasy based on the intersection of two worlds.

19 total reviews 
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Excellent
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Sounds like my Ma. Everytime I went over to my grandma's she tried to fatten me up. She taught me how to cook. My mom could burn water. She taught me how to freeze, dry, and can. Her entire backyard except for one row given to the laundry line, was for growing food. My mouth is watering thinking about it.
Good story. NNR Karen

 Comment Written 14-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
    Hi Karen. I based her character on many I met when I lived in Atlanta for a few years. Wherever you went, you were expected to eat, no matter what else you did.

    Thanks again, and I will certainly ask you if I hit a point I need some ideas on something. Feel free to make suggestions,
    Rhonda
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
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What a fabulous character Bessie is. I really liked her. So down to earth and a no nonsence lady. My tummy was rumbling watching her cook Echo that small bite!! Lol. Another wonderful chapter, my friend. Off for more! :)) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2023


reply by the author on 10-Oct-2023
    I?ll admit, I got hungry writing it, hehe.
    Thanks, again, for taking time to read and review! Again, so helpful!
Comment from forestport12
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Really strong dialogue and natural which is not something everyone does. I felt like I was enjoy the conversation. The dialogue really helped get a better picture of there character.

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2023
    Hi! Thanks so much for reviewing my chapter. I?m so far behind on posting and reviewing. That silly job of mine is keeping me too busy. I do so appreciate the stars and words, my friend.
    Take care,
    Rhonda
reply by forestport12 on 04-Sep-2023
    I often work. I too get hung up paying bills etc...
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2023
    I try to stay up, then wake up and find 96 messages, lol.
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
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This is good writting and I enjoyed the way you developed Bessie's character. I've known a few women like her. Actually living in Chattanooga as I do, Georgia is next door. I would say she is pretty typical as is the food she cooks.

 Comment Written 23-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 23-Aug-2023
    Thank you Beth, and I'm sorry I'm behind on reviewing. I haven't forgotten you. I've been working on schoolwork until later every night and my reviews are hit and miss.

    I didn't realize you're in Chattanooga, yes, very close in culture. I'm glad you were able to relate. I sort of based her off my neighbor who was the neighborhood gossip. She would feed you, pump you for information, then share what she wanted. She was a dear soul though.

    Take care,
    Rhonda
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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Sorry to get to your post so late!
I love your Bessie character. I could just hear her voice and who can refuse when she's gonna feed you whether you want it or not? That's hefty meal ! I never had grits but it sounds filling with beans and cornbread.
I'm glad that Echo knows not to argue and just appreciate the hospitality. I guess after the formalities are over, she will get her story.

 Comment Written 23-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 23-Aug-2023
    Hi Helen!! I know you've been super busy, with all that moving and all. I'm glad you were able to review it at all.

    I found in Georgia that they ate grits all the time. I came to love them, but it took a while, lol.
    Hugs,
    Rhonda
reply by lyenochka on 23-Aug-2023
    When I read that the corn was bleached, it turned me off. But I'm sure it must be safe as so many people eat grits. I'm guessing it's like a malt-o-meal...
reply by lyenochka on 23-Aug-2023
    Thanks for understanding! 💞
reply by the author on 24-Aug-2023
    To be honest, it didn?t really know how it was made, nor why it?s a big part of their culture. It would be interesting to research it.
Comment from royowen
Excellent
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I love this fascinating tale, and the now grown up person called Echo, who escaped the fire the took her parents and threw her into a marvellous child adventure that helped her meet an eight year old boy benefactor who supported her in her hour of need. Beautifully written Rhonda, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023
    Hi Roy, thank you for your review!
    How have you been doing?
    Blessings to you, too, my friend!
reply by royowen on 22-Aug-2023
    I am dong fine, up four days a week in fellowship prayer, 5:39 am
reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023
    Oh my! That?s early, but I?m sure you are busy with God?s work and that He renews your spirit!

    Take care,
    Rhonda
reply by royowen on 23-Aug-2023
    It's really energising, with great saints too
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Excellent
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An excellently told chapter here! And apologies here because I think I might have missed one in between. Mind you, it's so easy to catch up. Your prose and notes are so clear and comprehensive. You have crafted a great character portrayal in Bessie and Echo of course is a delightfully pleasing young woman assigned to this investigation. I shall now look forward to reading the next chapter. Well done Rhonda! Debbie

 Comment Written 22-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023
    Hi Debbie! Thanks for your supportive review. I?m glad to have you reading! I was a bit behind posting, so you might not have missed one. Thanks, also for friending me.

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

Hello Rhonda,
Another excellent chapter. You've got the accent and local color down perfectly. Didn't see any need for a violence warning, except for that scary picture of Bessie. Hopefully, I'll reach 83 and don't look that bad. :)
Your description is wonderful and the dialogue between Echo and Bessie is spot on.
This chapter is a great prelude to Bessie's story, which should reveal much about the central theme.
Well done.
Best wishes.
Robert


 Comment Written 21-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 21-Aug-2023
    Hi Robert, thank you for the six sparkler review!! So very appreciated!,

    I put the warning simply because the book, itself, deals with a serial killer. Not really much blood, so, I guess, just a precaution.

    Yeah, this is a set up for Bessie?s story. When you?re an old lady, you have to bargain for attention. My mother used to kidnap my son from daycare so I would have to go visit to get him back. She was choosy which son she ran off with. I?d have left the middle one with her, lol.

    Thanks again,
    Rhonda
Comment from Iza Deleanu
Excellent
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The old lady may have some clues in regards with the murder or at least a hunch that would stir Betsy in the right direction. Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings.

 Comment Written 21-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 21-Aug-2023
    Thank you you so much for the review, Iza. Yes, Bessie has some extra info.

    Take care,
    Rhonda
Comment from Pam (respa)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

A very good chapter with descriptive detail and excellent dialogue that flowed smoothly, Rhonda. Bessie is quite a character with the old school Southern charm, but Echo seems to know how to proceed when visiting. A good meal will do it every time. The cat offers a good distraction, as well so now Bessie is ready to tell her story that Echo has been given as an assignment for the paper. Well done.

 Comment Written 21-Aug-2023


reply by the author on 21-Aug-2023
    Hi Pam, thank you for the beautiful six stars. They light up my screen!

    I actually made myself hungry writing that part, lol!

    The cat is also a set up for his re-entrance into the story later. He was also, as you said, a distraction from the argument about eating.

    I lived in Georgia for three years as a teen, and I promise you, I was fed more than I can possibly say, and everyone had a grits recipe, and you?d better eat them or else?

    Take care,
    Rhonda
reply by Pam (respa) on 22-Aug-2023
    You are very welcome and deserving of the stars and review, Rhonda. My dad's family is in Va., although my grandmother and aunt and uncle passed away years ago, but I know what you mean about the meals. Food was everywhere, and very rich, too!
reply by the author on 22-Aug-2023
    Yes, very rich!!!
reply by Pam (respa) on 23-Aug-2023
    😊😊