pvtguy

Wow! This is one powerful chapter! Descriptive, full of emotion, just anger, and love!

"Lord, grant me patience....but I want it now!!!" That seems to be what I hear from Gianni at the moment. It takes a lot of time for a child who has been through what Sami has endured before trust can be fully gained once more (if ever, as Reza has pointed out). Love this story!

While I'm not sure I could even afford the cost of a meal aboard Lady Janice, my what a wonderful vicarious short vacation I had just reading this chapter! I will admit to tears of joy escaping my eyes when Janice was notified of the name of the ship! Hope each day brings more healing to you, Andre! I do so enjoy the talent you share with us in your story-telling. Tony

Ah..teenagers experiencing love and lust. These are good kids! It's wonderful to see their development.

I don't understand "Christians" who base more of their beliefs on selected verses of the "Old Testament" rather than the Gospel message of Jesus. Even more, excerpted verses from the Epistles which are essentially commentaries on how the writer interpreted the teachings of Jesus and the early believers. True Christianity must root itself in the direct teachings of Jesus. Many churches are more interested in preserving their particular identity.

No better word to describe this wonderful story than "wordsmithing"! Superb! I was vicariously observing every scene as though there! I wonder if Reza is somewhat reluctant only because he isn't truly practicing his religion any more. You do bring up the challenge of adopting a child from another ethnic background: how to honor and include that culture as much as possible while creating a family dynamic.

The positive is happening, but I wonder if Niki's father will somehow try to mess it up? I love how they are slowly establishing their own "home" and their relationship.

Growing up with my Italian immigrant grandfather and grandmother, I both heard the stories and witnessed the type of man my grandfather was and how he evolved as he got older. He followed the same pattern as his compatriot Italian friends, all of whom had been brought from Italy to work in the coal mines of West Virginia. Women were truly subservient to their husbands, but also provided great compassion and love to their children and grandchildren. I heard the stories of how the children, especially the sons, were raised. By today's standards, the fathers would be arrested for abuse in what was considered "normal" in those days. I have yet to read the entire Carnarvon collection, but it is on my "to do" list as my eyes hold out! Great writing, wonderful story telling, and inspirer of dreams of visiting Ravello!

Marco glanced up at him for a moment, his grey eyes uncharacteristically unguarded. “Did you…?” he began, but then he seemed to think the better of it and he tailed off. He turned away. “Ah… I’d better go. Arrivederci, signore.” “Gianni,” Gianni reminded him gently. I do believe Gianni meant to say "Marco"... Gianni is still young and inexperienced as far as parenting a child as old as Sami is - and especially understanding the depth of feeling Sami has but is unable to rationalize yet. I do hope that Reza is able to assist Sami, but Sami has to let go and love once again once he realizes he is not going to be abandoned by Gianni and Angelo. Great writing!!

I do foresee some help with Sami with Reza - at least I hope so. As is said, "it does take a village!" And they do live in quite the village!

I agree with the comments about Dion and James, but I am very impressed with James' mother! He doesn't yet fully realize the gift he has in her! I'm also so very glad that he has Mr. Wilbur with whom he feel so comfortable to talk. Everyone needs that type of friend/counselor.

In order not to repeat the comments already posted, I just want to say that what a delight it is to be back in Ravello and catch up with these two wonderful characters as they work through the challenge of parenting. And, they are doing so with an adopted child who has lots of baggage to work through. To see the doubts of Gianni is so relatable. Thank you for another installment in this wonderful series! Tony

Lots of ground covered in this chapter: we learn more about Don, the scenes with Alex are troubling as Robbie is pressured into drinking and smoking, and then the interactions both with Nathan and Rory. Robbie's life is never simple!

I'm eager to see the next steps...

Niki has a lot to learn about independence and responsibility and Inno is the proper teacher and assistant in this venture. I wonder if Niki will ever discover why his father hated his mother and him. And what about his brother? Will he do anything to help?

There are always levels in discipline...pushing is one thing...striking and drawing blood or injuring is much more serious. Having to sit in on discipline conferences over the course as a high school counselor for 28 years and 8 years as a Middle School counselor, I have dealt with Donovans before... what the principal did hopefully will teach true discipline: self-control through honest self-realization.

What a fascinating character Eliot is! Similar to people I grew up with! I never got involved in gambling of any kind - I won't even play the Lottery! - as my father lost a lot of money gambling and always hoping for that big day...

Niki's father is going to come into play at some moment...perhaps Herr Weber - or might it have been Raimund in the bushes - will have pictures to give to Niki's father. This chapter has given us all an emotional roller coaster ride but also was very educational! Great job.

While I loved this chapter, I think I enjoyed the comments equally! All well done!

Donovan is right: no one talks to him like that and that is what he needs - a reality check. Somehow, I think he is going to get it from Roy, Jackie and James!

A short, yet very informative, look into the CJ-verse. CJ and Owen attend their friend's wedding in a most beautiful setting. CJ gets to confront several ideologies and meet very important people who will play a part in his political journey. Very well written, as are all of Carlos Hazday's stories, it is a superb read!

And another wonderful story comes to an end! Very fitting ending - light yet pointed to more adventure.

CJ certainly is being groomed for greater possibilities in his life. Still, Owen will be his biggest grounding agent. I could see how Mr. Parker would want him to be an integral part of his company, but that would not be the political opportunity CJ seeks. Another wonderful chapter.

I have a feeling James' parents might well want to follow through if James does tell them what happened. In any case, Jackie is correct: rape often goes unreported because of shame, potential publicity and the judgment some will try to make that the victim asked for it. Unfortunately, people like Donovan often get away with this behavior until several victims finally come forth - and if your name is Tr++p, it still goes nowhere!

Inno is very good for Niki! Niki might actually get the courage to step out on his own!