Martha is a beautiful character, kiddo. Everything we should all strive to be. Compassionate, selfless, understanding, intelligent.... WOW

Author's Response:

Thanks!

Sorry, I already reviewed, but I have to say.  Excellent, frequent posts and answering your readers rank you WAY up there.  So many (even those with under 100 reviews) don't take the time to acknowledge the reviews, not even in an author's note or something.  So thank you for taking time out to let us know you appreciate it.  Thank you for sharing your awesome story with us.  I love Martha, the unconventional religious figure and how deftly you balance the emotions so you're not drowning us in any one thing.  I most certainly hope you write more stories...you rock!

Author's Response:

Thank you!  The ff-net reviews have started to kick back in, so I'll probably return soon to just replying to those with questions, but I do believe in replying as much as I can!

I know Charlie is not completely okay with everything but he's pretty calm for having everything thrown at him that way.  Martha, Irene, Carlisle, Jake and Rose handled him well.  He now has enough information to be able to help them find Bella though I'm sure there will need to be more explanations, especially from Edward and Bella.  Martha's prayer obviously touched Edward.  It was my favorite part of the chapter although Emmett  picking up Charlie was up there. 

Author's Response:

LOL!  Such an Emmett thing to do, you know? :-D

I'm so glad that Charlie gets to find out about the Cullens in your story.  I've alway thought that he could handle it, and that he should know.  It'll be nice when Edward and Bella (*crossing my fingers for HEA*) are able to live their lives without keeping secrets from Bella's family (well, except for Renee, but keeping her in the dark doesn't really bother me).

Thanks for writing! 

Author's Response:

I think because Renee was off-camera for so much of the books, and she seemed so childlike (and sometimes childish), with Bella having to parent HER, instead of the reverse, I feel less badly about Renee not knowing, too.  Charlie, however ... he's a good person, and the way he was willing to take up for Carlisle even against Billy because he thought Billy was being unfair ...  That told me Charlie was able to see PEOPLE, not categories.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  Now, I feel justified!  Dayum...now everyone knows the truth! Wooohooo! Your story feels almost complete, because I've never read another story that puts it all out there!  It's like everything I always wished would get spilled but never did. Now I can wait unitl late Thursday for an update. =)

Author's Response:

Thanks!  And I did think this was a good place to take a little break!

*phew* I was worried there for a while! I'm still nervous because it could still possibly blow up but right now..my nerves have been taken down a notch or two. Can't wait till ff is better. I like reading on there better! :)

Author's Response:

Thanks!  And ff-net has the chapters, but not (till now) the review options, so ... It seems to FINALLY be back up!

Charlie and Martha are great.

 

For some reason, this chapter gave me the weepies.

 

Looking forward to Edward finding Bella....someone finding Bella....

Author's Response:

Thanks!  And it seems like a lot of people got a few tears over this one!  I'm actually a little surprised!  (But not unhappy!)

Fantastic chapter, as usual.  You really run the whole gamut in this story: gender, race, religion, human, non-human.  Everything is a big subject, yet you superbly handle all of it. 

I have to say that as a recovering evangelical Christian who experienced my own fair share of being made to feel less than due to my gender, this story has been a healing balm in my life.  I walked away from that circle due to the judgment, hypocrisy, guilt tripping, etc. etc.  That's why I love Martha so much.  She holds to her faith and is anything but silly or weak.  She's sharp but not judgmental.  I stated it in my last review and I'll say it again: I love Martha.  Her prayer was simple and beautiful. 

Author's Response:

"You really run the whole gamut in this story: gender, race, religion, human, non-human.  Everything is a big subject, yet you superbly handle all of it."

Thanks!  I did tackle a lot, I admit (and I know some readers don't like it, prefer their fanfic without poltics or social issues), but it's just who I am.  I couldn't write anythign else. :-)

And my experience of religion has been really varied.  Some of the absolute BEST people I know are strong Christians ... and so are some of the worst, most hypocritical.  I think the difference really IS a lack of judgmentalism.  Real Christians accept and teach by example.  They listen and try to understand.  People who act Christian and spout all the language but are quick to throw around terms like "real American" and "evil" (often in opposition, implying that anybody who doesn't think like they do is 1) not a real and American and therefore 2) evil) ... that, I can't stand.

Ok, I thought that would be enough to tide me over until Thursday.  Yes, it's a good place to pause, but I can't help but want more!

You got me in tears in this chapter with Martha's prayer.  I am trying to type through them now.  Shouldn't have opened that bottle of Riesling!

Actually, I thought I might cry when Edward heard Charlie's thoughts about when he left Bella, but no, the tears cam with Martha's prayer, and Edward's reaction to it, especially how she looks right at him and considering that he may be a part of "divine intent."  Wow, I love Martha, wonderful original character, Katie!

I think that telling Charlie went as well as could be expected, and the "show me" action from Jake probably helped.  And yay for Rose - showing Charlie who she is and why she's involved with the shelter. Alice is succint in her explanations and I was reminded of how in canon, she helped Bella after she returned from Phoenix with a broken leg.  And you got a laugh with Emmett's behavior.

As I reach the end of the review, the tears are dry but I'm still emotional.  I'm sure I will find more to say as I re-read it, and now that I have discovered the Forum, I know I can say it there.  Good luck with your back-to-school stuff and I will hang on somehow until Thursday!

Liz

 

 

Author's Response:

Thank you!  I'm surprised how many people liked Martha's prayer -- but glad.  Martha is fun to write as a sort of different religious figure.  I don't see them a lot in fanfic, although JFly has the wonderful "Sanctuary," which is ... slyly religious.

Wow, was Charlie handled or WHAT?

Yes, I can see it's not all right and tight with him, but damn! That was good writing! :)

 

Author's Response:

Thank you!  And yes, "handled" is aobut right.  Charlie knows it, but he's decided they mean well, and they're all on the same page, wanting to save Bella.

Geez, I love this story !!!

Author's Response:

Thanks!

Argh.............I am not a patient person.

Author's Response:

:-)