Reviewer: sklamb Signed
Date: 30 Jan 2014 02:40 am Title: Chapter 1
Glad I came across this gem again! I’m always in awe of how well you can capture character. Thank you so much for something that can still move me to tears!
Author’s Response: Dear Sue, thank you so very much. This little story seems to have captured a lot of readers attention over the years since I first wrote it down for Bonanza.com 1 when we used to do weekly writing exercises called FFE’s. This story was a series of those weekly exercises, I used the themes each week to continue the story. I can still remember that the very first weeks theme was Adam knew he was dying… many thanks for all your support and kind interest in my writing. I truly appreciate it, probably more than you realise. Krystyna
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Reviewer: BluewindFarm Signed
Date: 04 Feb 2013 05:07 am Title: Chapter 1
I believe I have found the beginning of your Captain Cartwright series. Though not in command, Adam was an officer who knew what was required and lived his duty. Though I do believe the storm in this story pales in comparison to the storms from A Duty to Live.
I can barely stand the heartache suffered upon the Ponderosa to have learned the news as they did. The emotions that followed, months later, show the depth of love and compassion among the family.
A wonderfully written story.
Author’s Response: Hi BluewindFarm,yes, you are right in what you suspect although I didn;t realise it at the time I wrote this story. It was written as a series of chapters, based on the topic for the week for a BZ site that has long gone out of existence. But it stuck in my mind and those of some of the readers who kept hinting that they would like more especially as it was in ‘canon’. I am very very pleased to know that a reader knew to this story can still be moved by the feelings of the family at the news of Adams death. Thankyou so very very much. Best wishes Krystyna
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Reviewer: jfclover Signed
Date: 09 Aug 2011 01:27 pm Title: Chapter 1
Hi Krystyna,
Another wonderfully written story. I have to admit, I normally enjoy the longer sagas, but it was nice of you to through in a shorter one – a quick, easy read. You know how much I enjoy your stories. Keep up the great work!
Author’s Response: So many thanks, jfclover. I truly am grateful for your review and yes, this was pretty short, wasn’t it? Nothing like the saga’s that were to come. Thanks again, and for being such a good author yourself. Krystyna
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Reviewer: pjhomerak Anonymous
Date: 05 Aug 2011 01:49 pm Title: Chapter 1
This story is so full of love and heartfelt emotion;foreboding,hurt, loss, hope, relief. The depth of character in each of the Cartwrights, even Doc Martin, is amazing. It is a prequel to your masterful Captain Cartwright series, but stands on its own like a lamp in a storm. Thanks for leading us through it.
Author’s Response: Dear pjhomerak, I feel very proud to receive a review such as this one, thank you so very much. This story was written long before Captain Cartwright even came into my mind, but has been like the lodestar ever since. Thank you again. Krystyna
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Reviewer: sunrider Signed
Date: 03 Aug 2011 04:23 am Title: Chapter 1
O.k. I try to add the stars, I hope it works.
Author’s Response: Well done, sunrider, thank you very much. Krystyna
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Reviewer: Inca Anonymous
Date: 01 Aug 2011 04:45 pm Title: Chapter 1
Oh boy! That was emotional! You do a wonderful job of emotions without sinking into sentimentality though. Loved the way you described Adam’s ‘drowning’ moments. And maybe I’m just getting old or something, but I could really sympathise with Ben’s sadness and nostagia for the past. Lovely writing. Sad and uplifting at the same time.
Author’s Response: Thank you so much, Inca. It’s always a high wire act balancing the emotions without becoming a bit drippy and making the characters wimps. But really pleased you enjoyed this story so much and that you found the emotions realistic but not overly sentimental which is just how I wanted it. Thanks again, very much appreciate your input …Krystyna
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Reviewer: JoeC Anonymous
Date: 27 Jul 2011 10:32 am Title: Chapter 1
I forgott to vote here comes the stars
Author’s Response: Ah, thank you, JoeC Anonymous … much appreciated. Krystyna
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Reviewer: JoeC Anonymous
Date: 27 Jul 2011 10:31 am Title: Chapter 1
Dear Krystyna,
I so love this story. Once I downloaded it from Bonanzaworld as mp3 and I can’t say how many times I listened to this story. To hear it was always exciting because it’s one of my favourites. Thanx that you posted the story here. JoeC
Author’s Response: Hello JoeC, oh I am so very pleased that you enjoy this story so much. I was so glad to get it audio read so readers could ‘hear’ it as well. Thank you for my stars …LOL …always nice to see them and thank you so much for the lovely review ..Krystyna
Happy to have found this story! Your descriptive writing was immersive without being overdone. I was pulled into the story, and read it front to back in one sitting. You are a very talented writer, and I will be looking at the next story in the series. Well done!
Thank you, Just love the fact that this little story still captures the imagination of readers even now. I do hope you enjoy the subsequent sequels, Home Alone …and thanks again.
Great story. Always wondered how the family dealt emotionally with Adam leaving. Great descriptions of the sea and the family.
Thank you so much, LisaD…really pleased you read the story, and thank you for leaving a review. This was my first attempt of writing an Adam at sea story…so always pleased when I get a positive review.
Wonderful, wonderful story and I look forward to reading more about Captain Cartwright. I wasn’t sure to start with as it’s hard to think of him in a ship and not sat astride Sport or doing his ranch work. So glad I continued. He’s an adventurer to be sure. Thanks.
Very pleased you ventured to read this one as many prefer not to think of Adam at sea, but that was what the canon of Bonanza says he did so I sent him off to explore beyond the Ponderosa. Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed it adamsgal
This was wonderful. I am undertaking reading Captain Cartwright. I need a long wonderful Adam story and I do love your writing. Your descriptions are wonderful. I’ve lived by the ocean for many years and crossed by ship. There is nothing on earth that can be as angry as the sea. Such a good job with Adams experience.
What a lovely review for this story, Neano, thank you so much. Here on the islands no one is further than 3 miles from the sea, and like yourself I have to often go board ship so know an angry sea as well as the beauty of a tranquil one. O I do hope you enjoy Captain Cartwright, not all of the adventures are at sea, but do enjoy them!
I’ve read this twice, nearly a year apart. The feelings before sailing, the storm, the aftermath. All very intense and well drawn. I felt so much a part of the story with your writing. I am looking forward to exploring the rest of the world of Captain Cartwright.
More than pleased to know you enjoyed this story again…AC. I so hope that you will enjoy all the Captain stories despite their length. Thank you for your encouraging review
I am now rereading the Captain Cartwright series, from beginning to end, and decided to officially start here–at this beautiful story that tells of the simplicity of a family’s love, a brother’s love….a father’s love… This story was very satisfying in the fact that it closely resembled Season 7’s episode ”Home From The Sea” but with a alternate twist as in your version…when Ben looked up and saw the figure of his son–it was indeed his beloved firstborn and not a con artist! Though I mildly dislike that episode(due to the casual nature with which they talk of Adam, not to mention dressing that guy in HIS clothes!), that emotional moment when Ben was disappointed to see a stranger turn around instead of the one he hoped for IS the only time(in my observance so far) that Adam was remembered with longing and loss. Very satisfying indeed!! Thank you, Krystyna, and I am looking forward to continuing reading my favorite all time series!
I agree with you, Miss Kitty, that moment when Ben thought Adam had returned is the only time any reference is made to him with any sense of affection. I wrote this particular story week by week, basing each chapter on the weeks theme the first time I picked up in the canon reason for Adams departure as his being at sea. Thank you for your encouragement, Miss Kitty. I hope you find new little bits in the CC stories you missed first time round… Best wishes Krystyna
Thank you Guitar lover…it’s a story I really enjoyed writing too. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment for me, krystyna
I LOVED this story! Thank you.
The truly first installment into the world of Captain Cartwright. What a way to begin the series!
Thank you BWF….this story was written a long time before the series was even thought of but has always been popular with readers…