Reviews from

Where There's Hope . . .

a romantic short story set at Lake Tahoe

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

Religious rhetoric righteously relegated to reticent receivers. Oh how the vapid vespers vacation in the vacuity of a vacuum. If you can tolerate vespers and romance you can certainly revel in its ennui. Religious romance lands with a thud, lacking the virtuosity of the victorious. If you can understand a word of this detritus driven drivel you will have achieved ultimate success. And so it says so it does, so it knows, so it grows. (Krowboom, chapter 9, verse 3).

 Comment Written 05-Jan-2015


reply by the author on 05-Jan-2015
    Thanks for sharing.
Comment from chasennov
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

a romantic short story set at Lake Tahoe "Where There's Hope . . ." Yes, opposites do attract, and that is why this is a good story. You may even win this contest. Well done.

 Comment Written 29-Dec-2014


reply by the author on 29-Dec-2014
    Thank you for sharing.
reply by chasennov on 29-Dec-2014
    My pleasure.
Comment from MusingsOfMWH
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I've read a number of entries tonight, and they've all been very good. But this one-- "Where There's Hope"-- is different, because it's exceptional.

Plenty of people find themselves in a position of being employed where work is disgusting, gross, downright unpleasant; as I read the author's writing, his craft of word choice was skillful enough for me to remember all-too-vividly some industrial temporary assignments I had which obligated me to use substantial quality shower time afterwards.

But, even more impressive than the description of the narrator's septic digging was the depth of his character, and Rev's, and Hope's. Not just spoken dialogue but non-verbal communication cues as well makes them come alive to the degree I can easily visualize their interactions with each other in front of me.

I'll be honest here: I'm not the type of person who simply rates a writing entry with the maximum amount of stars because it's an option on a chart. As far as I'm concerned, this entry "Where There's Hope" earns those six stars. Yes, it really is that good. Excuse me. What I should say is, it really is that exceptional.

 Comment Written 27-Dec-2014


reply by the author on 28-Dec-2014
    I am elated by your effusive praise for "Where There's Hope." I am especially gratified that you enjoyed my characters so much. Thank you! Rod
Comment from Tellis
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I really enjoyed this story and it even brought a tear to my eye towards the end. I'm glad he found something to pray for. Excellent story and I noticed no spags.

Tellis

 Comment Written 27-Dec-2014


reply by the author on 28-Dec-2014
    Thank you, Tellis, for sharing my story and your very kind praise. Rod
Comment from c_lucas
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The way Hope was talking about the guys father, I thought she knew him personally. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read.

 Comment Written 27-Dec-2014


reply by the author on 27-Dec-2014
    I am very pleased you enjoyed the story. Thanks so much for sharing. Rod
reply by c_lucas on 27-Dec-2014
    You're welcome, Rod. Charlie
Comment from S.M.E.Schultz
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Easy natural dialogue, true to the age group portrayed: it flows and fits the circumstances. Honest examination of differences without being judgmental.

 Comment Written 26-Dec-2014


reply by the author on 26-Dec-2014
    Thank you so much for your wonderful praise. I am so pleased you enjoyed this story, especially the dialog.
reply by S.M.E.Schultz on 26-Dec-2014
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thanks for the pleasure of reading your touching little story that shares with us a reason to be thankful. Your example makes it easy for anyone to understand how important it is to pray, and how easy it is to find one of the many reasons. Great job. :-)

 Comment Written 26-Dec-2014


reply by the author on 26-Dec-2014
    I am delighted you found pleasure in reading my story, Ric. Thank you so much for your very kind comments.
Comment from Dean Kuch
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

An absolutely wonderful and very well written story you've got here, Author 'X'. The characters, the setting...all worked in perfect harmony to bring it to it's climactic conclusion. The Rev was a smart man, and being a "Rev", he fully realized that his "job" above all others, as it were, was to bring souls to Christ. He used whatever tools he had at his disposal, and whatever means necessary to get the job done. In Peter's case, that instrument was Hope, and in more ways than one.

Well done, and best of luck to you in the contest. :)

~Dean

 Comment Written 26-Dec-2014


reply by the author on 26-Dec-2014
    I am so pleased you recognized Rev as the pivotal character in this story. He's my favorite, too. Thank you for sharing and your very kind praise, Dean.
    Rod
reply by Dean Kuch on 27-Dec-2014
    Sure thing, Rod. Great story! :)
Comment from jpduck
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

In some ways this is well outside the range of my experience, as I am an agnostic. But it was a delight to read and perfectly captures the instructions of the Prompt. Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 26-Dec-2014


reply by the author on 26-Dec-2014
    I am delighted you chose to read my story and enjoyed it. Thank you so much for sharing and your best wishes.
Comment from mfowler
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Loved the closing line:"Thank you, Lord, for all this . . . but especially for giving us Hope." It really brings the story to a perfect ending. It took a while to get to the spark but it was worth it. Your opposites work through their attraction in believable fashion. I think the dialogue is great, especially as he reveals his non-committal attitude to faith. The contrast of non-believer to believer is a perfect response to the prompt. The story's setting the camp and at Lake Tahoe is readily imagined and the action is allowed to play out in an interesting place in the reader's mind. This will be one of the highest contenders. Best of luck.

 Comment Written 26-Dec-2014


reply by the author on 26-Dec-2014
    I am so pleased you enjoyed this story, especially its ending and the dialog. I truly appreciate your comments and best wishes.