Old Reviews

Too Late for Lies

Reviewer: mohegan Signed

Date: 19 Jul 2013 11:19 pm Title: Too Late for Lies

I just picked this because it was short and it’s past my bedtime, and now it was so good I’m going to have to read all four of the rest, tonight.

Author’s Response:

I’m so sorry I spoiled your night’s sleep! But I know what you went through…I’ve been there myself a time or two! 😉 I’m so glad you found this riveting enough to do that spoiling! 🙂

Reviewer: frasrgrl Signed starstarstarstarstar

Date: 26 Jun 2013 12:18 am Title: Too Late for Lies

Nicely done, Freya. You put Joe and Adam as equals, but yet different. I also enjoyed Adam showing a soft, more emotional side. He’s still the realist and Joe the optimist. I think Adam may have learned something from his little brother. Where there’s life, there’s hope. Amazing line.

Author’s Response:

Thank you so much, fras! I always love hearing from you…even if it takes me a while to say so! 🙂 And yes, there’s always hope. We all need to be reminded of that now and then!

Reviewer: bahj Signed starstarstarstarstar

Date: 19 Jun 2013 04:32 pm Title: Too Late for Lies

What a wonderful story, Freya! I really wasn’t sure what direction this was going to go until right up to the end. It was interesting hearing Little Joe’s thoughts about life and death, and dreams, and relationships, all jumbled up, and I love that you showed these two brothers as close and caring rather than at odds. Thank you so much for this :0)

Author’s Response:

Thank you, bahj! I’m glad you’re enjoying these little stories! Adam and Joe do butt heads at times, but when it’s “too late for lies” the real caring has to come through! 😉

Reviewer: Bonanza Girl Anonymous starstarstarstarstar

Date: 08 Jun 2013 10:31 pm Title: Too Late for Lies

Enjoyed this quiet story – interesting to think what lead up to this predicament and how they were saved. Would be very happy to read your take on it….. 🙂

Author’s Response:

I’ve got a follow-up piece coming, showing Adam’s POV and providing more hints about the missing pieces. Look for the title “An Ace Up an Angel’s Sleeve,” for that one. Hopefully, I’ll get to Hoss and Ben, too, which, pulling the all together, should fill in the blanks. (fingers crossed)

Reviewer: southplains Signed

Date: 07 Jun 2013 12:39 pm Title: Too Late for Lies

Absolutely loved this one when you first whipped it out for us—love it even more now. As always, wonderful writing, Freya!

Author’s Response:

Thank you so much, SP! For this review and for being a “guinea pig” in reading a first draft! 😉

Reviewer: Laurie Anonymous starstarstarstarstar

Date: 06 Jun 2013 08:15 pm Title: Too Late for Lies

very deep story, loved it, thanks

Author’s Response:

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Stay tuned for more…. “An Ace Up an Angel’s Sleeve” is coming soon, to show Adam’s POV. 😉

Reviewer: Coochkiss Signed

Date: 06 Jun 2013 09:51 am Title: Too Late for Lies

A dear friend once told me that the best brand of writing is when you could be reading nothing more than a simple conversation….and you are more affected and held captive by it than any action scene.

Exactly how I felt after reading this. Beautiful. 🙂

Author’s Response:

Wow! Thank you for a captivating read in your review! 🙂 I’m thrilled you found this piece so satisfying. BTW: More is on the way. Look for something from Adam’s perspective. I’ll have to put them into a series, but first I’ll have to think of a series name…..

Reviewer: BluewindFarm Signed

Date: 05 Jun 2013 06:07 pm Title: Too Late for Lies

An extremely satisfying bonding experience between the youngest and the oldest sons. Would love to know how they got into that mess, and how Pa and Hoss ended up bringing the cavalry… (hint, hint, hint)

Author’s Response:

LOL! Yes, I seem to be getting stuck on this story in my head. I was thinking, however, of moving straight to the comfort part involving Hoss and Pa and getting home. 😉 Maybe there will be something longer. Maybe…;) I’m glad you liked it so much to want the longer story! 🙂 Thank you!

Reviewer: jfclover Signed

Date: 05 Jun 2013 05:45 pm Title: Too Late for Lies

Interesting, Freya. Well written and spot on conversation between brothers. Job well done!

Author’s Response:

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it! 🙂

Reviewer: pjb Anonymous

Date: 05 Jun 2013 04:21 pm Title: Too Late for Lies

Beautiful, intense, real. The best kind of brother story.

Author’s Response:

Thank you! I did enjoy “feeling” the JAM in this one! 🙂 I’m glad you liked it, too!

Reviewer: Cheaux Signed starstarstarstarstar

Date: 05 Jun 2013 01:32 pm Title: Too Late for Lies

Damn!   I had to read this stuck viewing a tax presentation for the third time and there I am, trying to look “professional” with tears in my eyes, a runny nose, and stifling laughter and sniffles at the same time. “Just for us?”   Yes, Joe and Adam, just for you . . . and for Freya for capturing your voices so perfectly and telling a perfect story!

Author’s Response:

Bad timing, but I’m glad you enjoyed the emotional ride, just the same! 🙂 Thank you so much for letting me know! Thank the boys for whispering in my ear on a flight from Dallas to Monterrey, Mexico! 😉

Reviewer: Angela Lawson Anonymous

Date: 05 Jun 2013 12:17 pm Title: Too Late for Lies

A very poignant story which makes you wonder if Adam and Little Joe really will be found in time. A very equal story in that Adam isn’t really trying to protect Joe as he does normally but they are talking and coping equally with what faces them. Very nicely written and an interesting look at the two brother’s coping mechanisms.

Author’s Response:

Thank you, Angela! And you’re right, there is a bit of mystery at the end! I do, however, happen to lean toward it being real! 🙂 My Cartwrights are immortal! 🙂

 

An Ace up an Angel’s Sleeve

Reviewer: mohegan Signed

Date: 19 Jul 2013 11:31 pm Title: Chapter 1

It just gets better!

Reviewer: frasrgrl Signed starstarstarstarstar

Date: 25 Jun 2013 11:29 pm Title: Chapter 1

Wow, you’ve been productive lately. I’m loving this series. You have captured Adam so well, his realistic views on life, yet you also captured a more subtle softer side. The swirl of dust taking the shape of Elizabeth was a lovely and loving touch. Very well done.

Reviewer: bahj Signed starstarstarstarstar

Date: 19 Jun 2013 05:00 pm Title: Chapter 1

I love action-packed, happy ending, dime novel stories, and I love how you have Adam coming to an appreciation of them here. You show his heart both in regards to how he feels about himself and his own life, and also how he feels about his family and their needs. “Where there’s life, there’s hope.” That’s such a good saying. It’s important to remember never to give up hope, even when it hurts so much holding onto it. You never know what’s coming just over the next mountain top. Can’t wait for part three :0)

Author’s Response:

Thanks a million, bahj! I’m with you about stories that are action-packed and have happy endings! It can be so easy to give up hope. And really, faith goes right along with it. I think of the hymn, “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.”… How does that line go? Ah yes… “Ye, fearful hearts great courage take, the clouds you so much dread, are big with mercy and shall break, in blessings on your head…”

Part 3 is soon to come. Not today, but soon! 😉

Reviewer: Coochkiss Signed

Date: 19 Jun 2013 02:31 pm Title: Chapter 1

Oh gosh, I love this series! 🙂 Picked up the same amazing feeling immediately…but with a clear switch to a very convincing Adam way of thinking. Hoping, hoping, hoping for more!

Author’s Response:

Thank you so much, Coochkiss! Yes, there is more on the way! Hoss’s part is a bit tougher. Partly because I’m writing in his voice, but partly because he has so much to say to fill in some of the missing puzzle pieces, and I need to keep it in his head, because he’s not telling a story to someone else. I think it’s close, though…. Stay tuned! 😉

Reviewer: BluewindFarm Signed

Date: 18 Jun 2013 08:58 am Title: Chapter 1

Your fear of this story being a disappointment is truly squashed.

A wonderful second act to the Dime Store Novel series… Spoken in the eloquence that only Adam could, and Hoss’ part, quite fitting.

However, in addition to that Ace of Hearts, I also believe there was a Queen of Hearts present and watching over both of them

Author’s Response:

Thank you so much! I am glad it didn’t disappoint! 🙂 I have to agree with you about that Queen, too! Well put! 😉

Reviewer: faust Signed

Date: 17 Jun 2013 09:32 am Title: Chapter 1

(Somehow my first review seems to have vanished, so I try again.)

Not much left to tell you, for I said everything I had to already.

I will be forever thankful for the way our conversation over this story went, and how youfound a way to incorporate certain things without ever losing your idea. And yes, I like the alterations.

As always, I enjoy very much how you don’t just tell a story–but also something about life itself.

Author’s Response:

Thanks for trying again, faust! 😉 And thank you very much for helping to hone this “Adam.” Sometimes I write words and I love the words…but they don’t always fit the person, setting or situation they’re supposed to belong to. I still remember writing an entire novel chapter full of exquisite (or so I saw it!) poetic prose describing scenery. I loved that chapter! But…it did nothing to move the story. And, frankly, if I want that much description of scenery, I might as well do it in a painting, instead. Some words are like sand sculptures: their beauty lasts only until the tide washes it away…but the sculpture also evolves. This story evolved through our conversations, and I thank you very much for that! 🙂

As to life…yes, writing is my way of looking for, hoping for and finding meaning in life! It is my safety net, my security blanket…sometimes my sheild and armor…and sometimes my sword…or cannon! I haven’t quite used writing as a Gatling gun yet, though… 😉

Reviewer: Beej Signed starstarstarstarstar

Date: 17 Jun 2013 09:27 am Title: Chapter 1

It breaks my heart that Adam finds it so hard to cling to hope the way Joe always can. That he feels he always has to be practical and strong for everyone else so that they can continue to dream. Thank you for giving him his dream, the swirling dust that *was* Elizabeth, and that chest full of happy endings.

Author’s Response:

Thank you, Beej! I do see Adam as more of a realist, and Joe as more of a dreamer. And yes, I did enjoy giving him the dream! I’m glad you liked it, too!

Reviewer: Cheaux Signed

Date: 15 Jun 2013 09:33 pm Title: Chapter 1

Where there’s life, there’s hope for the next installment!!

P.S. I liked this line and image: “I can almost believe a swirl of dust takes the shape of a woman standing at my father’s shoulder….”

Author’s Response:

Thanks, Cheaux! I’m glad you liked that line. It was sort of a last-minute inspiration! 😉

Reviewer: Kima09 Anonymous starstarstarstarhalf-star

Date: 14 Jun 2013 09:46 am Title: Chapter 1

Both stories are excellent! I couldn’t put either of them down. As with all your stories, the brothers’ interactions with each other were so true to the series that I could see and hear them all. How about a third story? This time from Hoss’ point of view.

Author’s Response:

Thank you, Kima! You’ve brightened my day with your comments! Yes, Hoss has a lot going through his head, too. His story will come next.

Reviewer: Laurie Anonymous starstarstarstarstar

Date: 13 Jun 2013 07:17 pm Title: Chapter 1

very good companion story, that’s our Adam! thanks

Author’s Response:

Thanks, Laurie! I’m glad you liked this Adam! 😉

Reviewer: BettyHT Signed starstarstarstarstar

Date: 13 Jun 2013 10:15 am Title: Chapter 1

Whey that is an amazing story so well written in vivid detail that I could picture every moment. So much love connecting these men!

Author’s Response:

Thank you, Betty! I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

 

Trusting in Angels

Reviewer: mohegan Signed

Date: 19 Jul 2013 11:46 pm Title: Trusting in Angels

This is a fascinating series: can’t wait to read on!

Author’s Response:

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing! I always appreciate the feedback–even if it takes me a while to reply! 😉

Reviewer: faust Signed

Date: 27 Jun 2013 11:07 am Title: Trusting in Angels

only now that I read it, I know how much we needed Hoss’s voice, Hoss’s tale. His thinking is very straight forward and he’s able to see and voice things in a way the others can’t. His view always clears things, roots wooly concepts in the real world.

A wonderful addition to the series!

Author’s Response:

I love your writing–even your reviews are eloquent! “His view…roots wooly concepts in the real world.” Lovely! I’m so glad you enjoyed this! Thank you! 🙂

Reviewer: Cheaux Signed starstarstarstarstar

Date: 27 Jun 2013 09:06 am Title: Trusting in Angels

Loved hearing Hoss’s thoughts on this, especially his recollection of how Joe got Adam to read Moby Dick (shhh…I think he deliberately provoked Adam to get him to read it out loud–but don’t tell anybody). Can’t wait for Ben’s POV.

Author’s Response:

Thank you, Cheaux! I remember reading this review of yours on my phone, but I fell terribly behind in actually responding to reviews. I have a feeling Joe was a bit deliberate on that, myself! 😉

Reviewer: Coochkiss Signed

Date: 24 Jun 2013 11:36 am Title: Trusting in Angels

Oh so perfect! All three of the voices have been so true to character. -Sigh

Author’s Response:

Thank you, Coochkiss! I’m sorry for the 2 months delayed reply, but I truly DO appreciate the feedback, so I figured a late reply beats no reply at all! 😉

Reviewer: JoeC Signed starstarstarstarstar

Date: 24 Jun 2013 04:24 am Title: Trusting in Angels

I could hear Hoss’ voice in every sentence. His way to see what happened through Adam’s reactions was fantastic.

 

I like the most that you “only” described the aftermath of the raid. It gave so much space for the own fantasy. Very good story. Thanx. JoeC

Author’s Response:

Thank you, JoeC! I love Hoss’s voice. I’m glad you preferred seeing the aftermath rather than the ‘raid’ itself. I wanted to zero in on what really mattered, and those first moments of reconnection were the meat of the story, anyway! 🙂

Reviewer: Kima09 Anonymous starstarstarstarstar

Date: 23 Jun 2013 08:59 pm Title: Trusting in Angels

Another great addition to the series! Hoss’ voice was riveting and poignant. How about another one? This time from Ben’s point of view.

Author’s Response:

Thank you! I always love getting into Hoss’s head–and his voice! 😉 I’m thrilled you found it both riveting and poignant! I hope you enjoyed Ben’s installment as well (i’ll catch up on all the reviews eventually!) Thank you for both reading and reviewing–even if you did have to wait a few months to hear my reply!

Reviewer: BluewindFarm Signed

Date: 23 Jun 2013 06:59 pm Title: Trusting in Angels

I knew somewhere deep inside, that Hoss could be just as eloquent as his oldest brother, and maybe even deeper, because he believed… When all hope seemed possibly lost, Hoss believed in what kept his brothers alive until they arrived.

A wonderful third voice to the Dime Story Novel series.

No disappointment here! None at all!

Author’s Response:

Thank you! Hoss has a heart as big as he is! Full of no nonsense love and faith! I’m glad you enjoyed seeing into that big ol’ heart here! 🙂

Reviewer: Laurie Anonymous starstarstarstarstar

Date: 23 Jun 2013 06:52 pm Title: Trusting in Angels

I’m really enjoying these, hope there’s more! Thanks

Author’s Response:

I’m playing catch-up again with reviews! 😉 Thank you for reading this (and the others in the series)! I’m so glad you enjoyed them! 🙂

 

The Spark Within:

Reviewer: mohegan Signed

Date: 19 Jul 2013 11:58 pm Title: The Spark Within

Love the way you show us the same story through each person’s eyes, taking it just a bit farther with each telling. An excellent vehicle for a “dime novel” adventure.

Author’s Response:

Thank you so much! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed these!

 

Reviewer: mamse5 Signed

Date: 27 Jun 2013 02:46 pm Title: The Spark Within

Excellent series!! I enjoyed each installment, but especially the way you ended it with Ben’s thoughts. Wonderfully written – excellent read. Thanks! Jane

Author’s Response:

Thank you so much, Jane! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! I certainly enjoyed the journey of writing each of these installments! I’ve neglected responding to reviews for a few days because I’ve been focused on writing a fifth and final installment…a “grand finale” if you will. I hope you enjoy that one, too. Coming soon. I’m thinking perhaps tomorrow (i.e. July 2)

 

Reviewer: faust Signed

Date: 27 Jun 2013 11:18 am Title: The Spark Within

 

Wow. ben’s always good for a surprise, at least if coming from your quill. It’s amazing where this situation sends his thoughts, and wonderful to be able to hear them.

I love his reason why he traveled West with baby Adam, and his belated reassurance he indeed did right because otherwise he wouldn’t have met Inger and marie, and wouldn’t have two more sons. But even more I am intrigued by the twist about giving Adam a home…. it seems to be fanfiction canon to believe Ben neglected Adam a proper home by hauling him through the country for years, yet you make it perfectly believable that he went away to avoid just that, and to be able to gibe adam a proper home. And he did, didn’t he? It may have taken him longer than anticipated, but in the end he gave Adam a home. well, actually, he always gave Adam a home, for “home” means “present father” in ben#s reasopning, not a place where you put your head at night.

I know, there’s much more to this story, but this is what touched me the most. Incorribible Adamgal that I am.

Author’s Response:

Thank you so much, Faust! 🙂 I got to thinkiing… If Ben did spend a life on the sea, he would have to leave baby–and then young–Adam alone for months, maybe even years at a time. Far better to travel cross country together, than live so long apart! I’m glad you enjoyed this. 🙂

Reviewer: Cheaux Signed starstarstarstarstar

Date: 27 Jun 2013 09:16 am Title: The Spark Within

A fitting end to the series. I loved this line: “I’d rather have a living son with human flaws than a prideful heart and a freshly dug grave.” Well done, Freya!

Author’s Response:

Thank you, Cheaux! But wait! There’s more! lol! Seriously, though, one more story to come, and hopefully it will make you giggle a little bit. I’m really glad that line popped out at you! It intrigued me to write it! Thanks, again! 🙂

Reviewer: Laurie Anonymous starstarstarstarstar

Date: 27 Jun 2013 08:45 am Title: The Spark Within

So glad to hear there will be more!

Author’s Response:

Yes, yes. One more. Coming soon…;) Thank you! 🙂

 

Reviewer: Laurie Anonymous starstarstarstarstar

Date: 26 Jun 2013 06:52 pm Title: The Spark Within

Together again, they get there strength from one another. Loved all the different takes from each of them, very good story! Thanks

Author’s Response:

Thank you, Laurie! I’m glad you enjoyed it so much! 🙂

 

Reviewer: Coochkiss Signed

Date: 26 Jun 2013 01:18 pm Title: The Spark Within

Coochkiss can hardly speak as a result of the highly intoxicating power of words perfectly fitted and mixed together. This power is sometimes recognized as the strongest of all powers.

And I would say when it’s administered by freya, it’s knockout power. Thanks for an awesome series! 🙂

Author’s Response:

Oooo…Does that mean I officially have a “super power” now? I like the sound of that! Do I get a cape, too? 😀 Seriously, though, I truly appreciate the power of your feedback! Thank you! And I’m very glad you’ve enjoyed this so much! Stay tuned…. There will be more…. 😉

 

Reviewer: BluewindFarm Signed

Date: 26 Jun 2013 09:32 am Title: The Spark Within

Oh my heavens, the reason why Ben really left the east to head west. The guilt Ben feels because HE wanted to get home…

I love how all things of the sea became all of the Ponderosa.

Yes, please continue the story of Adam and Little Joe… A Discovery of Brothers and Faith. Quite a fitting title for a story of your caliber, but not so fitting of a Dime Store Novel. Hmmm… Adam and Little Joe…An Adventure to Death’s Door. Yup, that would be a fitting Dime Store title. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself, this is a GREAT story that BEGS to be continued and prequeled.

I love all four voices, so fitting of the characters.

 

Author’s Response:

Thank you so much! It’s been quite an interesting challenge getting into each character’s head and trying not to explain exactly the same things but still getting the full story across…plus adding a little more to the story each time. Quite a challenge! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it! 🙂

 

Heroes Often Do

Reviewer: mohegan Signed

Date: 20 Jul 2013 12:22 am Title: Heros Often Do

Enjoyed this tremendously. Very well-written and entertaining. I was surprised to learn you are on the other side of the ocean and English is probably not your first language. You did a great job of writing a western adventure and I was impressed, too, with your research. I live on the ‘desolate’ desert you describe (but I always tell myself Nevada’s desert is a lot more desolate than Utah’s!) and could well relate to being stuck up in some rocks with no water, wounded or not. Loved this whole series from beginning to end.

Author’s Response:

Thank you so much! But…I’m not on the other side of the ocean. 😀 Most of my extended family is in Norway, but Im 2nd generation American (although my mom–coincidentally named Inger-Marie–spent half of her early years in Norway, she was born in Milwaukee.) I’m in Michigan. But I do have lots of cousins with tough to pronounce names. And one named Gunnar. I don’t know deserts to well, though, so I’m glad you say I got it right! I’ve been to the desert outside Las Vegas, and drove around some in and around Virginia City when visiting Reno. I’ve been to the desert outside El Paso frequently, and quite a bit through Mexico–NOT in the resort areas! So I know a little about deserts, but I’m always just passing through. 😉 Every one is a little different. As I understand it, the area where Austin Nevada is would be harsher than the places I’ve visited.

Reviewer: Coochkiss Signed

Date: 07 Jul 2013 09:12 am Title: Heros Often Do

Perfect finish. 🙂

Author’s Response:

Thank you!:)

Reviewer: Kima09 Anonymous starstarstarstarhalf-star

Date: 05 Jul 2013 09:31 am Title: Heros Often Do

Thanks Freya, I really enjoyed this series from start to finish. Full of drama, excitement and tender moments – especially between Adam and Joe. Well worth reading again in the future.

Author’s Response:

Thank you so much! I do so love Joe and Adam together! 🙂

Reviewer: Laurie Anonymous starstarstarstarstar

Date: 02 Jul 2013 08:00 pm Title: Heros Often Do

A very fitting ending, thanks!

Author’s Response:

Thank you, Laurie! I certainly enjoyed writing this ending! 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it, too.

Reviewer: BluewindFarm Signed

Date: 02 Jul 2013 07:05 pm Title: Heros Often Do

A great conclusion to a wonderful series. I love the final closing scene with Adam and Joe talking… Yes, the only different between a coward and a hero is the courage to still act in the face of danger.

BRAVO!!!

Author’s Response:

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed riding this one out with me! I admit this last part was fun to write from beginning to end! And yes, real heros never think of themselves as heroes! Courage is about taking action despite your fear, not about not being afraid.

Reviewer: Beej Signed starstarstarstarstar

Date: 02 Jul 2013 04:48 pm Title: Heros Often Do

That was… perfect. Thank you.

Author’s Response:

Thanks, Beej! 🙂