How Does Your Garden Grow? by Pearl Took
Anonymous · 30 March 2006 · Chapter 1: How Does Your Garden Grow?
Cute! And probably the way it happened! Wow! Are you distantly related to Tolkein?
Author's reply
Aw, thank you so much *blushing* I'm not related to Tolkien that I'm aware of, but I'm glad you feel my style to be like his. Thank you for reading and taking the time to respond! :)
Vana Tuivana · 3 September 2005 · Chapter 1: How Does Your Garden Grow?
Very, very sweet. I love the characterization of Hamfast, as he seems so amazingly lumpish, awkward and real... fantastic work! The only thing that struck me as ill-fitting was Bell's sudden change from a shy, weeping girl to a coy woman, particularly "She reached out her forefinger and gently traced Ham’s jawline." Seems a bit forward for a maid in her situation. Wonderful writing, overall. You've really captured the essence of the "rustic" Hobbit-talk, especially when compared to the more elegant dialogue you gave to Bilbo. Beautiful and lively, a real treasure of a story.
PIppinfan1988 · 23 June 2005 · Chapter 1: How Does Your Garden Grow?
Oh, my goodness!! How sweet! I love how you portray the beginnings of Sam's Gaffer and his ma. From the frightened lass standing in the middle of the road to Hamfast walking with a spring in his step and his cap tilted just so to welcome Mr. Bilbo's new housekeeper. Very lovely indeed! Thank you for sharing this! Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thank you dear friend :) You are so kind to me, both in regards to my stories and just in general, thank you. I'm glad you liked it :)
Baggins Babe · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 1: How Does Your Garden Grow?
I loved this story! Both hobbits are so sweet and so obviously Sam's future parents. I really enjoy your stories about the older characters in LOTR and have been re-reading your tales about Merry and Pip's parents. I loved Hamfast's practicality and down-to-earth nature in this, and how sweet to see him not being grumpy, as in so many stories.
Author's reply
I've always felt the Gaffer to be one of those who hide a soft heart behind a gruff exterior, and I have long thought he would be gentle toward Bell. Thank you so much :) I'm really pleased to hear that you have enjoyed my other stories as well. Thank you so much :)
cher · 20 June 2005 · Chapter 1: How Does Your Garden Grow?
What a wonderful story!! I can see Hamfast and Bell, both shy but taken with each other. Thank you so much.
Author's reply
I'm glad you can see them, that's a wonderful compliment :) Thank you for reading and responding :)
Lindelea · 20 June 2005 · Chapter 1: How Does Your Garden Grow?
What an absolute delight! (I really have no time for reading, but your stories are worth making an exception--when the alert came in my email, I jumped right in!) I can see glimpses of a future Samwise in both of his parents. Bilbo, of course, is the perfect gentlehobbit. The story set-up is perfectly believable, and you make Bell and Hamfast so likeable that I want to see more stories featuring them!
Author's reply
Thank you :) You're such a dear. More of the Gamgees? HHMMMM. We will have to see what the Muse sends me :) Thank you so much for taking time to read and respond. :)