First of all, let me apologize for not replying to each chapter as I read. I was reading it on my Droid and knew that I wouldn't be able to properly convey all my feelings with that little keyboard (grrrr) and frankly I didn't want to pause in the story long enough to write. So I hope you'll pardon me for waiting until the epilogue to respond.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way ... I ached with love for this story. The way you captured every nuance of Edward's feelings - for his situation, for Bella, for Alice, for Jacob, for his family, heck even for Angela Weber (soooo great that she got a shout out) ... that was precious and so necessary. No disrespect to SM at all - bc let's face it, if she hadn't created such amazing characters in such a great world, we wouldn't all be obsessed about lingering there for however long or in whatever way we can - but the way you take your time in getting inside Edward's head is really breathtaking. I really felt like I was reading Midnight Sun for New Moon.

I also loved this story because for the first time, I could feel that Edward desired Bella sexually. I realize that the Twilight Saga was written by a somewhat conservative woman for a teen audience, so I didn't expect (nor particularly want) anything racy or explicit. But the one element missing from the novels because we don't get Edward's POV is the force of his desire/attraction for Bella, especially because he’s so careful with her physically. I certainly believed that Edward desired Bella while I read the saga, but because I’m reading it through Bella’s insecurity, it’s not really as potent as it is in Edward’s own words. “Thy Beauty” has tenderness and soul to be sure, but honey, there is some serious passion and heat here too!!! It was so beautiful and satisfying to read how much and in how many ways Edward loves Bella �“ From the scenes in Volterra, where even in the midst of life-threatening horror he pauses to revel in how beautiful she is ... be still my heart! ... to the flight home and back in her bedroom. I was enthralled, enchanted, delighted by it.

Even down to the way Edward thought about wanting to be human … that was perfect and so beautifully written. I’ve actually thought about writing a fanfic about Edward becoming human to stay with Bella, but my head couldn’t wrap around the rest of the Cullens going on without them once they died, and after that confrontation scene at the house, which I’ll get to next, I know that that could never happen. Still, you took me on that magic carpet ride with Edward and I thought, “Wow … what an agonizing position he’s in!” I understood it before, but your story really made it come to life in an extraordinary way.

I love the extra scenes you added �“ at the Cullen house and in school with Angela. SM couldn’t have added that first scene because Bella wouldn’t have been there to see it, but I’m glad you weren’t as bound as she was because that scene was amazing. I loved when Rosalie said, “I heard that.” I literally LOL’d. And Edward calling Esme “Mom” … my heart fluttered with sweet joy. Again, that wouldn’t happen in the canon because I can’t see Edward calling her that in front of Bella for some reason, but in a private moment, he absolutely would.

And as if all of this weren't enough, Shakespeare quotes at the beginning of each chapter and peppered throughout some of them!! I was in literary heaven �“ the world of Twilight plus Shakespeare? The only people missing were Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy!

So in case it wasn't clear from my review, you are a gifted, tender, beautiful writer, my dear, and I thank you so much for taking the time to pen this amazing story. I give it a 10 because there's nothing higher on this scale.

Author's Response:

Wow.  Firstly, thank you for all the reviews you've left on my stories - it was a joy to read through them, and lovely feedback like yours is always such an inspiration!

As a canon fanfiction writer, I always try to envision the characters in the exact way they were depicted in Stephenie Meyer's imagination, because those are the characters I fell in love with and I wouldn't want to change one single thing about them.  But at the same time, I love exploring the world through new eyes, which inevitably shakes the story up a little!

I can't express enough how much I loved reading this review.  My cheeks hurt from smiling.  So, once again, thank you. xx

Those quotes are great.  They make it so much more powerful, a well read writer, just as the orriginal.  I really love this.  This chapter is great--most of them were.  I am in awe that well I'm just in awe.  Love'd it.  Clicking faves. gotta get some sleep now.  full of Epov.

Author's Response:

Thank you for all of your reviews.  I loved reading them all, especially your comments on this story.  I wish I could reply to all of them - it's always very heartening to see that someone has taken the time to leave feedback for every chapter/story they read. And it brightened up my day to see my inbox so full! xx

I have work to do and you torture  me!!!! This is beyond good, beyond wonderful, and I can't stop reading.  I'm going into convulsions, I can't type.   AAAAAAahhhhhhhhhhhhh.  Thank you.

Now that was perfect.   I mean really.  That is all the insight missing in the other piece. I am besoted.

you did a great job transfering one point of view to the next not many people can do that. Congrats and you had better write another story like this one. please.

Author's Response:

Thank you.  I'm glad you enjoyed it.  I've written a few other alternate pov stories, so feel free to check them out - the most similar to this one is "Uxorious".

fantastic!

Author's Response:

:)

That was a very very good first chapter!

Author's Response:

Thank you.  I hope you enjoy the rest. x

I LOVE THIS STORY. The way you write about Edward's love for Bella seems like the story that Stephenie would write. Also, this may sound unfair to Bella but I just could never understand how she could even consider the idea of loving someone beside Edward in Eclipse. Sure he left her, but that was honestly what he thought was best for her. His love is so selfless and pure unlike Jacob who seeems to be pushing himself on her. I just don't get why she would have to think so hard in choosing Edward. He is so obviously who she should be with. Again LOVE the story.

Author's Response:

Thank you.  I'm so glad you enjoyed my interpretation of Edward's thoughts.  I too, agree that Edward's emotional connection to Bella surpasses any attachment Jacob or anyone else could possibly feel for her.  But of course, we know that Edward and Bella were simply destined to be together.  At least we have Renesmee to explain away Bella's strange attachment to the dog. ;)

wow! just wow....so beautifully written, i always wondered as to what was going thru Edward's mind in the seconds before he realises Bella is alive & i dont have to wonder any more!! thank you for writing this!!!!

Author's Response:

Thank you.  I'm glad you liked this chapter.  It was one of my favourite parts to write. xx

:)

:)

Author's Response:

Thanks for the reviews - glad you're enjoying it still!

can't wait for more

it's so neat to see it from that view.

Author's Response:

Glad you're enjoying the story. x