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Penname: RichelleCullen [ Contact]
Real name: Richelle
Status: Member
Member Since: February 17, 2009
Website:
Beta-reader:
Not a writer, just an appreciative reader.
[ Report This]
Summary: 
After the Cullens leave Forks and make the move to New York, Carlisle fights to keep his family together as Edward's pain threatens to tear them apart. Ithaca is the story of a son's quest, a father's love, and the unique family struggling to stand behind them both...
This is the Cullens' New Moon.
Ithaca starts one month into the Cullens' time away from Bella, and will follow New Moon to its end. Carlisle and Edward narrate in alternating chapters. Follows all known canon.
Categories: New Moon Characters: Carlisle, Edward
Challenges: Series: None
Chapters: 19 Completed: Yes
Word count: 118422
[Report This] Published: February 19, 2009 Updated: December 07, 2009
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed 
Date: June 15, 2009
Title: Chapter 5: Primum non nocere
I almost didn't read your story because I'm currently reading and loving Blondie's in-canon version of Edward's POV of New Moon titled "Dark Side of the Moon". However your story is just as good in a different way. I really appreciate that you're giving the CULLEN's side of the NM story, too, not just Bella's or Edward's version.
Carlisle's sadness is nearly as great as Edward's or Bella's, but instead its the worry over a son, instead of the loss of a mate. When I read NM, I never thought of the possible grief the other Cullens might have been experiencing.
I can't get Peter Facinelli out of my head reading this (nor do I want to!). Every scene plays like a movie. You're doing an excellent job writing the pain.
On a lighter note, loved, Loved, LOVED the dancing scene. I could totally picture the whole scene. A little levity was definitely necessary at that point.
Author's Response: Ah, DSotM. When you reach Chapter 9, you'll see that I'm reading it also--I actually discovered it while Ithaca was waiting to be validated the very first time, by which time Chapters 1 and 2 were written and Chapter 3 was well underway, so I didn't abandon my project. Also, as you point out, this takes a pretty different tack in focusing on the Cullen family and not just Edward.
It's interesting you mention Peter, because I actually do use his portrayal quite a bit in thinking about how I want Carlisle to read. He really brought to the screen that level of quiet charisma that is so appropriate for Carlisle, and I like to draw on that.
And I'm espeically glad you liked the dancing scene. My beta and I pinged several drafts of it back and forth, so I'm always happy to hear when someone enjoyed the final product!
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: June 16, 2009
Title: Chapter 6: C. C.
I know Edward wants to follow Victoria's trail but I was really shocked when he went back to Forks. (did I miss him saying that in NM?) I was also surprised when he didn't figure out that she had come back. (the reason for her stronger scent?) I can't imagine how he stayed away from Bella when he was there, so very close to her. I kept thinking he's going to at least search out her scent, or be overwhelmed by her scent that probably still lingered in the house. ?? Very surprising.
I loved that Carlisle left his journal for Edward. It was endearing and painful to get a peek inside his head during Esme's change.
happy guard--very cute Author's Response: Edward is a little singular when it comes to things, which is helpful because it means I can count on him to occasionally miss things. His going back to Forks is my invention, although there is nothing in canon to counter it. Mainly because if he was smart, that's where he'd begin. It just doesn't make sense otherwise. And we know from canon that tracking is not his strong suit. He manages to stay away from her because above all else, he's a stubborn man. But, on the other hand, this is when he's at his absolute best as far as his state ot mind. Later on--he'd never be able to be in Forks, and even here he gets out of there pretty darn quick--he's there for under two hours.
I'm glad you like the journal. It's been one of the most fun parts of the fic to write so far (even if I am presently agonizing over the entries for Chapter 12!)
Thanks for all your reviews; they're fun.
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: June 16, 2009
Title: Chapter 7: What We Have Left Undone
In my opinion Rose's character is the least developed by SM and I haven't read much about it in ff. I like how you're filling in the blanks here. I never thought of Rose not looking to Carlisle as a father figure. I liked how she blew up at him, without it turning to violence.
Edward's wrong decision has brought down the house of cards. Too bad Rose thinks it can be rebuilt without Miss Bella. Author's Response: I'm glad you like Rose here. I *love* Rose and all her fire--I think she's one of the most fun characters in the series. We're certainly not done with her yet. And you're right--the missing piece here is Bella, and if Rose realized that, perhaps she wouldn't make some other fateful decisions down the line.
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: June 19, 2009
Title: Chapter 9: In Giving
Giselle, I am not a particularly religious person but I really appreciated the prayer of St. Francis of Assissi. That was SO powerful.
Another great chapter. I love being able to take a peek into Carlisle and Esme's (im)perfect relationship.
I love this story. Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad you liked the prayer. It came very early in the planning stages of this fic, and then I had to sit on it for a few months until I got to this chapter. :) AND, I'm very happy about this: "Carlisle and Esme's (im)perfect relationship." Yes, exactly. Their relationship is "perfect" precisely because it's not. They're one of my main reasons for writing, so I'm happy to hear you enjoy it!
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: June 22, 2009
Title: Chapter 10: Spitfire
I'm not sure why, but I really enjoyed Peter taunting Edward. Maybe its because it really showed how the "real" vampires (as I'm sure they consider themselves) don't take the "gentle" Cullens that seriously. Good example with the housecat and the wild bird.
The description of the Lower Ninth ward was haunting. I visited N'Awlins for the first time for Jazz Fest 4 months before Katrina. The city was so much better than I'd ever imagined it. We had a blast. We returned to Jazz Fest the very next year and touring the destruction was sobering. At that time, no one was allowed into the Lower Ninth. My heart aches for the people of this city. I feel it is the most culturally unique city in the US. Hubby and I plan to return to Jazz Fest next April. If you've never been, I encourage you to go. Visitors are welcomed with open arms. Author's Response: You were meant to enjoy Peter taunting Edward, so I'm glad you did! The Cullens are so beatified in canon, and yet, when you really think about it, nomadic vamps probably think they are *really* weird. I wanted to play with that a little.
I'm glad the description of N.O. resonated as well. It's been a loing time since I've been there, and I haven't been post-Katrina (although when I was there, we were doing service work in the Lower Ninth). I would love to get back there sometime.
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: June 27, 2009
Title: Chapter 11: To Dust
Wow, Jasper intentionally stirring the pot was shocking to me. And then at the end, Esme showing up to be there for Carlisle. awwww...
Tony's death was so very, very sad. Author's Response: Well, as for Jasper, one of the things going on is that everyone is sort of falling apart. Making bad choices, not thinking things through all the way. Although, Carlisle would definitely have kept that bottled, probably forever. So, although Jasper did him no favors, he sort of did him a favor? If that makes sense.
Thanks for all your lovely reviews! I'm sorry the next chapter has gotten held up a little, but I hope to have it ready very soon.
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: August 19, 2009
Title: Chapter 12: Fracture
Wow. That visual of Edward opening his hands to let Carlisle's words rain down as confetti on the streets below was stunning. GREAT chapter. You write Edward's pain so very, very well. Author's Response: Thank you very much. I enjoy (is enjoy the right word here?) getting into Edward's head, as painful as it might be. I'm glad to hear this read well.
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: August 19, 2009
Title: Chapter 13: Missed
The suspense there at the end! woo! Great job! Author's Response: heh. Yes, every now and again, the well-placed cliffhanger does good work. Glad you enjoyed it.
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: August 19, 2009
Title: Chapter 14: Fathers and Brothers
Brilliant. I love Marcus' perfidy against in his own brothers in telling Edward to "stay your course'. Well done. Author's Response: Thanks! I'm very glad you enjoyed Marcus. I think he recognizes that in Edward, he's got the perfect opportunity to go against Aro, and takes it.
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: September 12, 2009
Title: Chapter 15: Vigil
Giselle, I am always stunned when I read a new chapter from you. Your writing is beautiful and heartbreaking. Here are my 2 favorite parts:
1. Carlisle remembering (with Jasper's help?, how awesome is that??!!) Edward laughingly calling "Catch me, Carlisle!" The heartbreak here is Carlisle knowing he cannot catch Edward, he cannot chase him down in Italy before the Volturi destroy him. That brought tears to my eyes.
2. That last line, of flakes swirling like ashes in the wind, like the ashes Carlisle believes Edward will become. Carlisle loves his mate, loves his other children, but obviously loves Edward like no one else.
I'm so happy to know this story will have a happy ending for our dear, dear Carlisle. Thank you so much for focusing on him. He gets the short end of the stick in so many other fics, as well as in the books.
love, Richelle Author's Response: Thanks, Richelle! I'm glad you liked that moment--and even more flattered that you saw that moment for what it was--Carlisle processing the fact that he can't catch Edward in this situation any more than he could back then. I think that moment is one of my personal favorite scenes out of everything that's gone down on paper so far. And you are spot-on with this: "obviously loves Edward like no one else." That, above all, is what I want to get across here, so I'm flattered you found it in the writing. :) Thank you.
Re: your other review: thank you very much for the kind words. I'm pretty darn happy with Ithaca's readership. It has far surpassed anything I ever would have thought. Plus, I get to have wonderful interactions with readers, which is incredibly fun and energizing. And most importantly, I'm really pleased with how the fic itself is turning out. So thank you, for both your reviews, and for your readership.
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: September 12, 2009
Title: Chapter 15: Vigil
p.s. I can't understand how your gorgeous/gorges story only has 663 reviews!!! Your reviewers pimp you out. The movie "New Moon" is coming out soon, so this story is so relevant right now. Yes, overall I prefer "M" rating stories with lots of lemons but when it comes to canon, no one writes like you and Blondie. I'm not doing a good enough job of pimping you out! Even with low ratings you have to know you write so much better than 90-95% of other ff authors!! Keep up the great work!
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: October 01, 2009
Title: Chapter 16: La Mia Cantante
Giselle, Congratulations on another stellar chapter. What I loved most was how you described Edward's ordeal with Jane's "gift". I loved the irony of what used to torment him above all other things, Bella's scent, now keeps him grounded and calm enough to be able to lock his jaw against screaming out at the worst pain he's ever known. You are a great writer. Author's Response: Thank you, Richelle. I'm glad you liked this chapter, and I'm espcially tickled that you liked the reversal of Bella's scent becoming his comfort instead. I really had a good time writing that section of the chapter, and I'm glad to hear it played well.
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: October 14, 2009
Title: Chapter 17: The Fatted Calf
Giselle, I am always mesmerized when I read one of your fabulous chapters. I so love being on the outside of ExB and looking in when you show us what Carlisle is thinking/feeling. When struck me as the most difficult and painful part, was Edward not acknowledging Carlisle at the airport with that single word, "Don't." ouch I love how they reconciled in Bella's presence while she slept. That scene really showed Bella's humanity, yet her love coming through her dreams, Carlisle doing something illegal (breaking, or not 'breaking' haha and entering), distraught Edward hovering over Bella and Carlisle pouring his love, compassion and forgiveness over Edward. This scene was so amazing, intense and so very well written. I could see everything in my mind's eye. This was SO much better than canon. Thank you.
love, Richelle Author's Response: Thank you, Richelle. I love the way you phrased this--"on the outside looking in" which is absolutely a title I've considered if I ever do another E/B fic from Carlisle's perspective. And I'm just tickled and deeply flattered by your compliments about the final scene. I loved writing it (well, it sort of gave me fits, I won't lie, but I loved it enough to keep going at it!) and I'm delighted you enjoyed it. Thank you, as always, for sharing your thoughts. Sorry it's taken me so long to respond! Midterms need to curl up and DIE.
Summary:  
Bella begins working for the elusive and distant Edward Cullen who she discovers is hiding behind an elaborate charade to maintain his secret lifestyle. Bella is determined to find out the mysteries of Edward Cullen but with what results? AU. Mystery/Humor/Angst
Categories: AU Characters: Bella, Edward
Challenges: Series: None
Chapters: 31 Completed: No
Word count: 173201
[Report This] Published: February 22, 2009 Updated: December 27, 2009
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: May 13, 2009
Title: Chapter 8: Chapter 8
woohoo! I LOVED it! This just keeps getting better and better! I'm glad he's acknowledging his lust for her. And I so love Rescueward!
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: April 20, 2009
Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
I really love how you started this story.
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: April 20, 2009
Title: Chapter 2: Chapter 2
ooooo I can't wait for him to meet her!
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: April 20, 2009
Title: Chapter 3: Chapter 3
LOVED IT! I really enjoyed the mental picture of Edward crashing into the door after she left. yowza!
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: April 20, 2009
Title: Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Posessiveward is SO sexy! Loving your story...
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: April 20, 2009
Title: Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Oh dang! I had hoped he'd get there in time to save that poor woman! Oh well. LOVE the story and I'm really looking forward to more!
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: April 23, 2009
Title: Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Ah lust, what a beautiful word. Yay! AxJ showed up. Great chapter.
I'm hoping for some more ExB face to face time. ?
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: April 24, 2009
Title: Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Interesting. Edward Cullen, Superhero. I'm waiting for him to swoop in and save our hapless Bella!
Good chapter.
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: June 03, 2009
Title: Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Oh yes, we ALL want him to have her, too! Great story.
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: June 06, 2009
Title: Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Vamp Edward is GAY! Someone had to say it! I've heard too many jealous straight guys say it! haha
This chapter was really funny. I really, really love your story.
Summary: He is drawn to her scent, seduced by her taste. He would make her belong to him, through whatever means necessary. E/B AU Adult Content.
thanks to Cullenitis for the banner!
Categories: AU Characters: Bella, Edward
Challenges: Series: None
Chapters: 6 Completed: No
Word count: 10974
[Report This] Published: February 24, 2009 Updated: June 11, 2009
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: May 04, 2009
Title: Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Yikes! What an ending to this chapter. (hurl!)
I found your story from a rec on the PPSS. I love it so far, just got grossed out there at the end. Looking forward to more chapters...
Reviewer: RichelleCullen Signed
Date: June 11, 2009
Title: Chapter 6: Chapter 6
oh no! Please don't let Alice die! (if that's what happened?)
oohhhh....I love that one month challenge. Let's see how fast Edward breaks her will. hehe
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