Old Reviews
Reviewer: slaine89 Signed starstarstarstarstar
Date: 12 Sep 2011 10:14 am Title: Chapter 1
Words can not describe how much I love this story. If I remember correctly, it was the first story I read on BW, so naturally it has a special place in my heart, but the whole thing is very beautifully crafted from the movement of the plot to the wonderful images and emotions. Definitely one that I return to read over and over again.
Author’s Response: Thank you so *so* very much! This is a review I’ll want to read over and over again! I’m deeply honored to have provided you with your first exposure to the fic in the BW library! And also deeply honored you find this story worth reading over and over again! Thank you for brightening my day! 😀
“Ballad of Brothers” was originally written to only show Adam’s and Joe’s perspectives. A second, follow-up story, “Beyond the Ballad,” filled in the blanks, showing Ben’s and Hoss’s perspectives. For “Opus,” the two stories were finally combined and edited to be one, comprehensive and cohesive story.
What follows are the original reviews from the original stories:
Former Ballad reviews:
Reviewer: ansinico Signed
Date: 08 Nov 2011 04:32 pm Title: A Ballad of Brothers
l have become addicted to your stories, so emotive, dramatic, enthrawling. l am working, reading my way through your entire collection.
The Lakes of Ponchatrain, and The Water is Wide are two very popular ballads still performed in Ireland [where l live], Pernell Roberts version of ‘The Water is Wide is beautiful.
‘The Lakes’ you may have heard the version by Paul Brady an excellent guitarist and singer, now solo but used to be with ‘Planxty’ if you have not, l truly recommend it.
Thank you for this splendid story
Author’s Response:
Thank you so so very much for this wonderful review! I deeply appreciate it! I am terribly sorry it took me so long to reply, but late or not, I did want to reply! I have heard of Paul Brady’s version, but have only actually “heard” another singer’s rendition of Paul Brady’s version. I shall have to look it up and hear that one myself. Thanks, again! 🙂
Reviewer: Lady Courage Signed starstarstar
Date: 24 Apr 2011 12:52 am Title: A Ballad of Brothers
Very sweet. 🙂 I love the playlist!! 😀 The way you portrayed Joe’s walk to the mine was very dream-like and rather disturbing. Which is, of course, how it should be with SJS. :p
Great job!
Author’s Response:
I am terribly sorry about being so late in replying. I have overlooked a lot of older reviews, and I apologize. I would rather be late in responding than never respond at all! Thank you for reading, enjoying and especially reviewing this story! I’m very very glad you enjoyed it. This was special for me to write!
Reviewer: moira4eku Signed
Date: 28 Dec 2010 11:42 am Title: A Ballad of Brothers
Thanks for your story of brotherly bonding, forgiveness and redemption. I really enjoyed it and how the songs fit with what was going on with the brothers, etc… Looking forward to reading the follow up story.
Author’s Response:
Wow. You posted this well over a year ago. How on earth did I not reply??? Thank you. Thank you very much! Please forgive my tardiness in responding. I love the feedback and I do thank you for reading, enjoying and reviewing this story! Thank you! 🙂
Former Beyond reviews:
Reviewer: BJ Anonymous
Date: 24 Feb 2011 04:33 pm Title: Beyond the Ballad
This was a lovely series of stories. I love that Adam saw the potential in Danny. So true to character that he’d fight hard for the underdog. Thank you. 🙂
Author’s Response:
My response is late, but please know your review is and was appreciated! Thank you! 🙂
Reviewer: jojay Anonymous
Date: 16 Jan 2011 12:53 pm Title: Beyond the Ballad
The many gifts of song along with the gift of redemption. Thank you.
Author’s Response:
Thank you very very much! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Reviewer: moira4eku Signed
Date: 28 Dec 2010 12:12 pm Title: Beyond the Ballad
The followup was great too. I loved reading the gaps left in the other story where Hoss and Ben are trying to get to Joe and Adam. I’m glad that they gave Danny a second chance at life. I’m sure he won’t waste their generosity. Thanks again for another great read.
Author’s Response:
Another very late response, but thank you from the bottom of my heart for your lovely review! I apologize for my delay, but I truly appreciate the feedback! Thank you! 🙂
Enjoyed this story.
Thank you so much! A wonderful story, I read it second time. I enjoyed it very much!
I loved the story!
But I would like to have the pleasure to do those exercises with Joe!!!!
😁I’m with you on participating in the tongue exercises! 😉 I’m really glad you enjoyed this story! Thanks for letting me know!
Another read, just as amazing as the first time. Great story!
Thank you so much for letting me know! 😊 I’m pretty proud of this one.
Read this story a while ago and just loved it.
Thank you! 😊
Read this for the second time. A good yarn and just beautiful all the way round. Nothing like redemption. Thanks!
Well ! What an emotional story this was ! And when joe said ” gator” ?
And i love that Hoss was more than just the brother in the background who only utters a few words , we got to feel his emotions for his family in this , very nice .
And Joe and the words ” tongue exercises ” ?? oh my…..
Oh sorry , lost my train of thought there ,?
Really enjoyed ! Now onto the next
?I’m glad you enjoyed this and all the emotions that went along with it. And as for the tongue exercises…. Ahem, yep, that could definitely give a Joe gal some … ideas! ?
Thank you’