Our Mantra
The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Sarah Potter
It may look like it’s just a dusty pair of shoes, full of cobwebs. But does it say anything else to you? What story do these shoes tell?
Because the time to work on the content to go with the artwork, I’m using Friday Fictioneers as a proving ground. My plan is take excerpts from the book continue to distill them into standalone flashes. This doesn’t mean all my stories will be book related, it just means that you might be seeing more of them.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
SACRED PROMISE
Although he had closed his shop for the day, Gavrel could not go back on his word to finish Reuven’s new shoes. He buffed them until they glowed in the lamplight.
Gavrel pulled off his young brother-in-law’s tattered shoes. “Just in time, my little apple. You’re growing so fast I’d better start your next pair tomorrow.”
A frown darkened Reuven’s ruddy face. “Papa, Lev says someday you’ll have a son of your own and won’t want me anymore.”
Heart racing, Gavrel crushed the boy against his chest. “If I have ten more sons, not one will ever take your place.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Lovely segment from your book, Rochelle. Good writing as always. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne. 😀 Glad you enjoyed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s simple and moving. A perfect flash
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Dear Neil,
Thank you for such a simply lovely comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There is nothing more heart warming than to be accepted fully by a step parent. Love the ties to the story of a shoemaker… I like the idea of polish things from your books into flashes. We will see if I might do the same (but it’s likely to be in the form of poetry in that case).
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Dear Björn,
Ironically, this past Spring I was invited to take part in a Jewish poetry reading. I was told that my flash fiction read like poetry. And, indeed, a lot of the poetry I heard read like flash fiction. 😉 I’m not sure how this next book is going to turn out but it’s kind of fun to take favorite scenes and boil them down into flashes. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have an ongoing project where I write poetry on a persona I have created that I call the aged librarian… I imagine him being something growing from the writing of Borges… I hope to bring him into flash as well.
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The boy’s doubts and insecurity are palpable. And hope he is comforted by Gavrel’s words . A very heart-touching story from your pen, Rochelle.
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Dear Kalpana,
Gavrel and Reuven have a very special relationship in the book. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This story, plus the picture you’ve drawn of him, show Gavrel as a man with a big, warm heart. I’m sure he’d be pleased to see your story.
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Dear Christine,
Gavrel is one of my favorite characters…among the many. If he truly existed he’d be pleased, I think. 😉 Of course in my mind he’s a real person and as big hearted as they come. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, what a wonderful excerpt. A favorite scene for sure. Such love within it’s grasp. Beautiful! ~Shalom, Jelli
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Dear Jelli,
Gavrel was a special man, one Reuven would carry in his heart for a lifetime. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is beauuuutifull! So very beauuuuuitiful.
Love and regards,
Moon
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Dear Moon,
What can I say to such a comment? Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A touching scene Rochelle, I could feel their father-son bond, which of course begs the question of where the real father is?
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Dear Iain,
The bio-dad has passed on. He wasn’t a nice person. And Reuven’s mother has also passed on, a victim of too many beatings. This has left Reuven and his other siblings in the care of his eldest sister and brother in law. More than that…well, that info can be found in my novels. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a heartwarming tale.He’s clearly greatly loved.
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Dear Keith,
This child is greatly loved. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very touching moment in in your story. A wonderful parent isn’t always the biological one.
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Dear Jan,
Gavrel was one of those special people we all want in our lives, wasn’t he? Thank you ❤
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Dearest Rochelle,
Perfect choice of excerpt for this image, my friend!
Loved that scene. Ok, ok. Loved that book. and the two others! 😉
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Thank you as always for your love and support of my books and characters. (They are real, you know. 😉 )
Shalom and hugs,
Rochelle
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Or course they are
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Your story hints at hidden relationships. What does Lev know that we don’t, I wonder?
Well written, Rochelle,
Shalom
Penny
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Dear Penny,
Hidden relationships? I hadn’t really looked at it that way, although, reading it as a standalone , it’s a valid question. In reality, in the books Lev, Reuven’s older brother who is resentful and angry doesn’t really know anything we don’t. 😉 he’s just stirring the pot.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very touching segment. Perfect fit (no pun intended) for this weeks photo.
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Dear Trent,
Puns are always a perfect fit for me. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I wrote it without thinking, and when I was about to post, I noticed the pun. I guess my subconscious is smarter than I am 😉
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That is really sweet, and heart warming. But a little cynical corner of my mind says, “Yeah? Maybe. We’ll see.”
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Dear Alice,
No need to be cynical where Gavrel’s concerned. What you see is what you get. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely passage here. I enjoy the language.
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A Shaynem Danke, Josh. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story, Rochelle. I felt Gavrel was genuine in his love for Reuven – that passionate hug that parents have for their children, when you want to protect them from the world, from every hurt. That felt real. A very lovely relationship, beautifully told.
Hope you and your family have a Happy New Year too 🙂
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Dear Lynn,
Gavrel loves children. Has always wanted some of his own. Has one daughter and his siblings in law. He loves them all. His passionate hug is genuine as is his very special love for Reuven. (Yes, these people are very real to me. 😉 ) Thank you for the comment and the New Year greeting.
Shalom and L’Shana Tova,
Rochelle
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You can tell how real they are to you. I set a novel here in Bristol in a particular building that I pass on my way to work – I imagine my characters inside there often, going about their day. If they don’t live to us, they won’t to the reader, eh? Hope you’re having a lovely time 🙂
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A superbly simple and simply moving flash story, Rochelle. Heartfelt love needs no words, every, actions are all that matter sometimes. Nuff said. Good luck with your latest book adventure.
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Dear Kelvin,
Not being sure where you are in my books, I’d say if you haven’t already, you will meet Gavrel and Reuven. 😉 Glad you enjoyed the scene as a flash. Thank you for the wishes on the next book. I think it’s being more challenging than just writing a novel. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Aw, this is lovely, Rochelle. It’s nice to pay a visit back and see how everyone is getting on!
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Dear Jenn,
It’s nice to see you back in the FFFold. 😉 Thank you for the lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Family is family. Nothing can ever replace them. Lovely story Rochelle!
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Dear Eric,
I have a friend who says your child is the one who sits at your table. That’s certainly how Gavrel feels about Reuven and his siblings. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely vignette, very moving. Good luck with your new project.
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Dear Sandra,
Thank you for the compliment and the best wishes. I not sure that coffee table book isn’t more work than the novels. 😉
Again thank you and shalom,
Rochelle
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What a great last line! You showed such love throughout this small piece. Excellent!
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Many thanks, Lish. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Heartwarming story. Loved it.
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Thank you, Indira. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Always fun to see your artworks, Rochelle. A real story.
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Dear Ted,
It’s always fun to have you stop by. Thank you for the real comment. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A beautiful, heart-warming story that speaks not only of love, but of the hardship that made them appreciate each other
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Dear Siobhán,
Indeed they have been through great hardship. Thank you for your lovely comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I miss these characters!
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That makes me smile, Dawn. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Heart warming. I have been gone too long. A new book in the making? You amaze me.
Tracey
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Dear Tracey,
This snippet’s from the second book in the trilogy. The new book in the making is going to be made up of snippets from all three books and illustrations. This one’s actually more difficult than just sitting down and writing a novel. However, painting the illustrations has been an amazing experience leaving me asking myself where I’m going from here as a visual artist.
Many thanks for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A touching story that built up beautifully to the heart warming end.
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Thank you, Cindy. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I so love your little story. What a sweet ending. It made me smile.
Peace,
Kat
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Dear Kat,
You make me smile with your sweet comment. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A nice little story. The ending brought a smile, dear Rochelle.
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Dear Neel,
Always happy to bring a smile. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thats such a warm and fuzzy one Rochelle!
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Thank you, Akshata. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sweet and moving 🙂
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Thank you, Ali. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Simple and powerful. Very moving.
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Thank you, Louise. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such kindness is rare to see, but does bring a smile. 🙂 Lovely characters and story!
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Dear Vinay,
Your comments make me smile. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very nice. Family is everything
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You’re so right, Hombre. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Gorgeous! I really love this emotional snippet. Gets you right in the chest
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Thank you, Laurie. One of my favorite scenes in that book. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Just gorgeous!!
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Oh! It is a sacred promise. It brings much happiness. But you have built it up so much, almost hinting at things to come…. I really hope he keeps it. Will he?
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Dear FP,
As parents we make promises we can’t always keep. More than that I won’t say. It would be a spoiler. 😉 I will say that Gavrel will do everything humanly possible to keep his promise to Reuven. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi again, FP,
There’s been a disturbance in the force. I’m pretty sure I’ve commented on your story and you can probably find it in your spam folder. Sorry about that.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is a wonderful story. Such tender emotion. That’s one lucky little boy.
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Dear Linda,
Reuven has definitely found a father in Gavrel. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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he’s one lucky dude. many kids in his situation aren’t that lucky.
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Dear Plaridel,
He is a lucky boy…for the moment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My contribrution Rochelle.
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Dear Ellen,
I’ve taken the liberty of adding your link to the inLinkz list where other people will see it and read it. Since this is my comment section, not many look at other links on this page.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So sorry I knew that *slaps head* Thank you dear Rochelle. 😯😕
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Hope you enjoyed my story. 😉
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This is so touching simply exquisite. 😇 It is funny the way we are provided with more love than we could ever imagine. Enough for each child to have their own brand and not have to share.
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Dear Ellen,
Gavrel is a father through and through. He loves children…all children. If they are sitting at his table, they are his. Thank you for the lovely compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS I left a comment on your story but this is the third time my comments aren’t showing up on someone else’s post. I think I might give up and start over tomorrow. Meanwhile, check your spam folder. 😉
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Will do. X but regardless thank you.
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This went straight to my heart – beautifully done Rochelle 🙂
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Dear Dahlia,
Thank you for such a sweet comment. And on the subject of comments, mine seem to be going to all the WP spam folders. I did just comment on your unique story. But it’s not there. This is aggravating and I apologize for the inconvenience.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I retrieved my trophy from the jaws of the spam folder! Thank you for letting me know 🙂
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Lovely excerpt, full of emotion and feelings.
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Many thanks for a lovely comment, Subroto.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Betty “Wanna” Cracker W(T)F,
Even a callous heart like mine was touched by this snippet. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon tells us not to make a vow we cannot keep. Which is why Sean Connery wound up having to play James Bond again in “Never Say Never.”
Where am I going with this? I haven’t a freakin’ clue.
Now get out there and find yourself some wild and crazy socks.
Buster Brown
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Dear Buster Brown,
Don’t forget, Leonard Nimoy also said that when Spock died, that was the end. Famous not-so-last words.
Thank you for your words. And now that you mention it I am due for some new wild and crazy socks.
Shalom,
Betty “Wanna” Cracker W(T)F
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A heart touching story Rochelle. 🙂
This excerpt fits right for this photo. He sounds like a good fellow.
This reminded me of character sketches you used to share from your book in the past. I used to love reading those as well. 🙂
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Dear Norma,
Those character sketches are soon to be part of another book. A coffee table companion book. So now I’m taking excerpts and boiling them down. I’m glad this one touched you and you took the time to say so. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow! That’s really nice Rochelle. I guess I was long gone and so must have missed the news. Anyways, congratulations for that Rochelle. 🙂
I like this idea as well of sharing the excerpts and turning them into flash fictions. I enjoyed it. 🙂
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thats a very heart warming story 🙂
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Thank you, Zainab. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful! The insecurity inherent in adoption!
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Dear Sabina,
Reuven and his siblings have been through horrible times. Gavrel does have the heart of a father. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
PS I just left a comment on your story but I think you’ll find it in your spam folder. I’ve been having this problem for the last 24 hours. The people at WP and Akhismet tell me they’ve gotten it solved. But it’s not so. Sorry for this inconvenience.
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Np. Always worth the extra effort!👍💐
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Dear Rochelle,
Your stories always draw me in, no matter their length. I’m super excited to be writing for FF and reading your stories again.
Fondly, Renee
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Dear Renee,
I’m glad to have you back in the fold. And it was really good to chat with you this morning. 😉 Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Neat little exerpt, Rochelle.
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Many thanks, Liz. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There’s a tenderness in the words, Rochelle. Beautifully written. Lovely little snippet from your book. Waiting to read more.
Cheers, Varad
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Dear Varad,
Of course it’s my hope that you might enjoy the snippets enough to look into the books. At any rate, there will be more as I compile stories for the next book. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, Wonderful flash. Such an effective last line. Love has no limits and we are all unique and deserve to be loved in a unique way.
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Dear Luccia,
This is one of my favorite scenes in the books. Glad you liked it,too. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Completely unexpected take, Rochelle. Nicely done.
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Thank you, Lavanya. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story!
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Thank you, Sascha! 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a sweet response to the prompt.
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Thank you, Judy. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a heartwarming scene.
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Thank you, Magarisa. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s a wonderful scene, you captured it very well
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Thank you, TRG. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You’re welcome RWF 😀
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Hi nice reeading your blog
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