What a wonderful story, Eleanor. I never knew about Charleston, SC having an earthquake and was surprised to see the note and picture at the end of the story. You wrote the story with such description I wondered if you've been there before (I haven't). Loved the teetering part of the story - well written. Thanks for posting!
Penski: May 2021
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THE WEDDING TRIP
Enjoyed this story about the fragility of life. Living in California I know an EQ can strike at any moment although our buildings are built to withstand them now. Loved the scene with Heyes pulling Curry back to the living! Well written.
Kattayl: May 2021
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Exciting, wonderful story that I very much enjoyed. Your description of the occurrence and after effects of the earthquake were vivid and made me feel right in the middle of the devastation. Clem is one of my favorite side characters and I'm glad to see she embarking on, what I hope, is a very happy life!
Kathleen E Knudsen: May 2021
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A really interesting story. I remember reading about the earthquake and resulting devastation whilst visiting Charleston some years ago and can understand how this would have impacted on Heyes. But lovely that the boys were able to see Clem happily married.
Gill Adams: May 2021
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Very enjoyable story. When I read the tag line I was expecting the disaster to be something to do with the wedding invitation itself so I was taken completely by surprise by the earthquake. But it was so vividly written I felt like I was there, with them. Glad they both survived and that Clem found the man of her dreams. Well done!
Leah: May 2021
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After reading your notes about the earthquake I went and read up on it. Your story was a very realistic interpretation of events on what must have been a terrifying night for the residents of Charleston, not being as familiar with earthquakes as we are in modern times. I could visualize everything through your vivid descriptions, and I'm sure anyone who had been in Heyes' shoes would have felt as helpless and despondent, by what they witnessed that night, as he did, notwithstanding his fears for Kid's safety. Great that Clem found her perfect man though. Loved the switch from happiness to tragedy and back again. Great story and very educational! Thanks.
Guest: May 2021
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What a wonderful richly illustrated story (even literally a variety of photos at the end!)! A very clever idea to begin with, and about a popular side character, and then the guys drawn into a tragedy. The way you have them care about each other to survive the tragedy is great. The passages describing what Curry was imagining as he recovered were absolutely wonderful! I also appreciated the guys continuing to worry about Clem. And it was a very cute touch to have Heyes decide to read the entire book instead of skipping to the ending. Altogether believable, intense, and wonderful story!
goldieasj: May 2021
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Your story placed us right into the middle of a horrific natural disaster most realistically. The range of emotions experienced by the survivors and aide workers was right on target. I've only experienced a small earthquake when visiting my son when he lived in Berkeley, CA and that was enough for me. I wouldn't ever want to be in the middle of a significant one. My brother went to school at the Citadel in Charlestown, SC and I remember a display/exhibit that I saw there detailing much of what you included in your story regarding that earthquake.
Nell McKeon: September 2021
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I suspected that the story was based on an actual event, thanks for the end notes. It is a riveting story. Very intense scene when Kid's fever is peaking and Heyes is telling him to stay, he needs him to stay and watch his back, feels very real. Glad that Clem was okay.
ingin6: May 2021
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I love to see the boys integrated in historic events. This time, you put them in a different distress for a change. The funny thing is, I expected something completely divergent. While reading the first chapter, I was just waiting for them to be recognized, ambushed or whatever... but they experience a dangerous situation in a far away part of the country which was supposed to be safe for them, and where they experience a life of luxury and safety. Immediately I had to think about long-term and short-term goals. It's like they try to grab for their long-term goal, hoping for everything turning out well, just to notice you are nowhere safe for 100 %. An important part for me is their conversation in the hotel room about the time when their amnesty will come through. Clem's wedding is the incentive to contemplate that. It's comprehensible that it is Kid who tries to reach for the stars, being the one whose life is prone to end earlier. Heyes is always the more pragmatic one. The second important idea for me is your characterization of Heyes. The passage in which he suggests to lead a life in modesty (getting proper jobs, contributing to society) made me question your characterization... Only to find out you made him tease Kid! That was good and changed my opinion immediately. I like too your emphasis on the fragility of life no matter in which time. The future isn't irrelevant altogether but it is the here and now that matters. Kid's near-death experience is a nice supplement, and I very much liked Lom's reaction. His suspicious behavior is in character!
Dan Ker: January 2022 [abridged]
Somehow I missed reading this. Very much enjoyed it. Nice to see Clem happily married. The Kid's near death experience was nicely done. Interesting info on the earthquake.
RachelC: August 2022
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