by Kezza67
Certainly among the best prose on this site and perhaps the very best. This story held my interest all the way through. I'm sorry it had to end. I hope you write more. This story deserves a wider readership. Pity it wasn't published as a print novel, but it may live on-line in perpetuity once word gets out.
Can't add to previous comments. Shame it. Had to end thank you for your story
I don't think I've ever waited so eagerly for each day's installment as I did for the next chapter of this story. I had to wait up until well past midnight every day to read each day's addition to the story as soon as it was posted - I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
Love your stories. I also became totally engrossed in the story about Len.
Hope you continue writing. Thanks for contributing to the site.
I don't know what I will do since there is a derth of quality postings during the summer months. Let's hope you have more stories you can present us.
Kezza should really publish this as an e-book. Really fine writing and wonderful description. The epilogue is close to a second book..
The characters worked there way into our hearts... Well, all good things must come to an end! Thanks.
for sharing your work. It's a captivating a beautifully told story. I really feel as if I know the characters (quirks and all) and teared up at last chapter. I looked for each chapter every day. It was thoughtful of you to post in such a way to ensure there was no interruption.
I am disappointed in Abby's actions in the last two chapters. Not only did Abby set up an elaborate hoax to trick/coerce James into proposing, her almost casual acceptance of his proposal in the middle of a major public event seems a bit cold. Shouldn't a proposal be a very special romantic event for two lovers? Or, is there still so much of the city left in Abby's personality?
Other than the slightly weak ending, the rest of the series is probably the best single work ever posted here on Literotica. And I really appreciate very much the author's outline of how things work out past the end of the story. Thank you very much!
The day has finally arrived. I will miss this wonderful story. Thank you so much for taking us on such a memorable train ride through this valley. I am sure I will revisit it from time to time.
Thank you for a great story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This one of the best stories I have read.
Abby is such a lovely story... I wish It could go on with a sequel, but the epilogue was enough. I enjoyed this story very much and I wish you good health.
wonderful story, so sorry to hear your health is not good. lost my wife last year and cryed a lot with your story as I was thankful for the memories. may your future years be good as you have made the years of others better. JC
waited patiently every day for the next chapter you had me hooked ! I agree this is the best story on this site for many a year will sadly miss all the characters
James UK
Couldn't agree more with other posts. .... one of the finest works I've read on this site over the past seven years. I, too will miss my daily installment but will watch for other stories from you. Hope your health improves and rewards you as your stories have rewarded us.
the whole series held me captivated. thank you
Tremendous, captivating, detailed, accurate. I think these are enough superlatives to describe Abby's story. Congratulations on a tremendous story. (Wonder what I will do with my early mornings now) A pleasure to read, totally believable, and real life to a Tee. Yes one person, in the right place at the right time can make a tremendous difference. Sorry to hear about your health, but know exactly where you are coming from, though I find that writing and polishing a story, even for an hour or so daily, acts as a great pressure valve for a mind that can't get rid of stresses and strains by physical exercise.
Read it with great pleasure but am sorry to hear this is it, would have liked to read
another 100 Chapters.
for this wonderful tale. I have grown to love these people and will sorely miss them. the pictures you paint with your words are so alive and vivid. i want to travel and visit, stay at the inn and enjoy the warmth.
i am sorry to see this end, but i am very happy with your epilogue. it is a very fitting followup.
i hope your health improves and you go on to write more tales. you are extremely gifted and we benefit.
thank you, m
Excellant & Entertaining. I enjoyed it very much.
I work on a electrified railroard and learning about steam was fascinating .
The only item I question is the ages Of James & Abby.
Are they in their late 40' s. Or does the story take place in the 1990's ??
In any case, a minor point. It did not detract from the story.
Enjoyed The trip.
From the U. S.
A Merry Man
The tale is ended and what a fine one it was. Absolutely had me looking every morning. Thank you.
I wish you health and happiness, the kind you gave Abby in the story.
Great story. Very well done. I shall miss the morning installments. I wish you luck in continuing your writing.
I read this story before and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm glad you decided to post it on Literotica.
I will miss the visits with Abby. Really have grown to love all the characters.
so much. Riveting. I also will miss my morning dose of Abby. Best wishes to you.
Crap! Now I'm gonna have to find something else to read---and I'm sure it won't be half as good.
Dear author,
I want you to know that your time and dedication vested in this story are greatly appreciated. I thank and salute you.
Best wishes in your future endeavors. That being writing or life.....
Best regards,
A fan out of Amsterdam.
One of the best stories i have read on here,although it took me 3 days,i could not stop until i finished it.except to sleep and eat...FANTASTIC does not do it justice,,,now will have to go back to reading the simple same plotted stories,as before,,,best wishes for your health and thank you for blessing us with this story!!!
Wonderful characters, accurate locations and genuine railway history and farming knowledge. I live about 100 miles away and am tempted to visit and partake afternoon tea at the inn and a wonder around the old station.
Well they exist in my mind if not for real, though I have been to Minehead and Blue Harbour a number of times. Now where's my satnav?
What a wonderful ending. I pray for your health and the continuation of the fans of this story. It is beautifully and artfully written.
I absolutely loved your story, superbly written with such detail and emotion.
Well Done
Brings to life a bygone time, l know this part of the south west in particular Barnstaple you have done it proud!.You old romantic.Best wishes
,
Although, I was somewhat surprised to find such a story in this venue I'm glad I tuned in (sic).
It is such an enchanting tale of two people finding one another. I also was delighted to discover a quiet style of living that we yanks under appreciate.
Many thanks and I hope you begin feeling better very soon.
Thank you for such a wonderful read. I was captivated.
I am disappointed in James and Sam holding the secret from Abby. I understand their reasoning, but it showed how the old mindset of protecting the fairer sex is flawed. It was brilliant writing and I'm sure there was a temptation, to the author, for them to fully disclose everything, but that would have been in contrast to them as country gentlemen and not genuine to the characters.
Superb.
This was a beautiful story. I like the inclusion of the Railroad history and country life.
The best story on this site by far, no sex and so what it doesn't matter!!!!
This story has portrayed loss, love, romance, grred, guilt and a plethora of other emotins it matters not a whit about the erotic content, who needs it when the story is such an excellent read.
WELL DONE FIVE STARS
There is a scene in Proudly We Serve where the Captain, played by Noel Coward, and his wife are seated in the railway dining car. The lines are to the effect 'We'll try the Great Western Roast Beef." It seemed a little strange, but it fits with the Wonderful Abby series.
I have spent the last few evenings working through this story; it has to be one of the best stories ever on this site. Not only does it have atmosphere, it has historical, geographical and railway accuracy to a level I've not seen before. In addition, there are so few literacy errors such as spelling and punctuation that I am half convinced that you are more than just a retired sales director/rep.
You should consider publishing this; an editor would have very little to do to get it ready.
I sincerely hope that your health allows you to continue writing, albeit at a slower pace; the quality of your work will make it worth the wait.
Nick (Australia)
I may be on the U.S. Pacific Coast, but it seemed like rural England when reading this story (or is it novel). As someone wrote above, a pity there is no sequel, but the epilogue is much appreciated to tie up loose ends.
It is a great read, one of several you have penned in my opinion.
Thank you very much for sharing this story that took you so long to write.
.....the finale to this wonderful story and the complex tapestry of characters the author conjured into existence, against a rich panorama of rural England.
With an in-depth understanding of the GWR and the very human beings who made that railroad a paragon for industrial efficiency.
I vaguely remember an old saying about the Royal Navy, that I believe applies to the GWR. "When the Royal Navy had wooden ships and iron men..."
I look forward to reading all Kezza's stories published to this site.
A very entertaining tale that takes you to rural England. Loved the setting, the characters and the sparring between them. Thanks for your time and effort. You have given this site a gem hopefully discovered by many.
EAS
I live in the USA, but am enamored with British English. I had to Google a few terms (e.g. level crossing) but I find that to be a part of the enjoyment of a story like this. I believe that details make a good story into a great story...and Abby was alive with details. Thank you, so much, for writing and for sharing your work with the rest of us.
This story, all 36 chapters, is the best story on Literotica. Thank you for Abby, and James, and Sam, and Mary, and Toni, and Liz, and...
I would love to buy a copy. Such a wonderful self indulgence.
Thank you!
Well done. T'is as enjoyable as an early Spring amble down a quiet country lane. High marks to you.
As an old man who worked for BR in my early 20's before embarking on an alternative career & a life long enthusiastic railwayman I was astounded by the attention to detail in every chapter, most of which brought tears to my eyes. This story should be published in book form so that I can be enjoyed by a larger readership (sorry Literotica).
Congratulations
Steamytrains
transported by this incredible tale - cannot thank you enough for having done this!!
One of the absolute best on Literotica. The character development and attention to detail are superior. I have been a lifelong enthusiast of railway operations so was interested in your presentation. You have carried it a step further by showing the impact on the persons employed and served. The brief epilogue provides sufficient detail to allow the imagination to complete the story of James and Abby. Thank you for such a fine offering.
I have greatly enjoyed Abby's story as well as that of her family and the Great Western. Interestingly, your thoughts of a continued storyline very much followed my flights of fancy as I soared on the gusts of imagination offered by your writing. I also looked forward to further discoveries about the locale and families as Abby continued her research. I hoped to see the co-op expand and improve the lot of both the tenants and their Squire and Lady. I loved your view of the restoration expanding to include rolling stock and rail; and hoped a short run to the next town might be in the offing as a operating museum. I am greatly saddened by the dashed prospects of additional superlative offerings due to deteriorating health and age; and can only suggest that your writings stand as a wonderful, and living, monument to your presence on this earth. Thank you for your efforts, and I hope that you find the time and energy for some additional contributions--for which I will keep an eye out.
I waited two days after finishing, then re-read chapters 35 and 36, before writing. The warmth and understanding that you have written into this beautiful novel, prompt me to believe that you were writing about your own life experiences and feelings, insofar as community, family, duty, honor, and love are concerned.
All the good things that other readers have written are right on the mark, but I wish to add one more thought: you are without a doubt a very good person, and to the extent that I have come to know you through your work, I regard you as an admirable role model for the rest of us.
Thank you.
Hans
I'm so glad to have come to this story when it was all complete. It brings back so many memories of my childhood in the days of steam.
The amount of research undertaken is phenomenal.
Thank you so much. This story should be published.
It remains,immortal, in the minds of all those who have been lucky enough to be a part of it.
Through this story you have immortalized GWR.You have immortalized Thomas Tregonney. You have immortalized Combe Lyney.You have immortalized all the people of the town & You have immortalized Abby. They are now a part of Literotica folklore.
The best I have ever read.
A cluster of One Hundred And Eighty Solid Stars,for this wonderful ABBY GALAXY.
I couldn't put it down. Thank you! Please continue writing. Thank you so much.
You have a gift for descriptive writing. In all of your stories you bring the environment alive. I love all of your work here.
I notice that Abby predates Daniel in your "Mists of Time " series; however she is a much more complete character. Your single flaw as a writer is that your principals are a "bit thin" - they don't have quite enough complexity to engage us. Abby is by far your best creation - she is a believable human being.
I've no idea whether or not you are a published author. If not - you should look into it because you have a mastery of atmosphere. In this story I could just feel the West Country (& I've never been there) - your descriptions were brilliant.
I remember a very similar plot in an AJC book, the title escapes me.
Very well written though the differences between "its & it's" should be corrected (A common mistake, made between possessive and abbreviation). Otherwise, very good!
I just read this for the second time. This time I used Google Earth with their Street View, to try to trace the roads she traveled. I can't believe those narrow lanes! Of course, I never did find Combe Lyney, but loved the little villages, homes, and farms I vicariously traveled through with the Google Earth van. I don't know how it managed some of those narrow, overhung lanes. Twenty or thirty years ago, I would have loved to explore those lanes on a motorcycle to fully enjoy being part of it.
A beautiful story, beautifully told. Thank you.
Really enjoyed this tale and would love to have read more. Especially the conflict with mum.
Having Woody move into the stationmasters house would have been the icing on the cake.
Disagree with the secret. Abby should know.
I have just re read all your stories and am very grateful for them.
I read your health has not been good.
This saddens me.
I hope you come good again.
The incorrect use of so many capital letters drove me to distraction.
CAPITAL letters are used for proper nouns, such as place names, people's names and titles.
Common nouns do not have a capital letter generally.
I have just finished rereading this series.
Very well written, wonderful to read about mostly very good people striving for a better life.
I found the historic information interesting and enjoyable.
Sorry to hear about your health.
Superb writing. Very enthralling.
Just re-read this story and continue to feel it's the best on Literotica, at least that I've read over the last 10+ years. I'm always hopeful that I'll find another story that you've posted, and sincerely hope that your health returns enough for you to continue writing. Regardless, thanks for sharing your imagination and your wiring with us. Take care...
I have run out of superlatives. This could easily be a full-length novel - or a film or a TV series for those who prefer more visual media.
Simply outstanding.
I found this story quite by accident, and thank God I did! This story would, as mentioned by another commentor, make a wonderful book and film or TV production. I know the author has health issues, but even at an hour a day there simply could not be a better use of his time than expanding this into a full length novel. If nothing else perhaps permission could be given for another author to do the work for him?
There are so many steam rail fans who would be trilled by this story. Romance fans would also find this to be one of the very best in the genre as well. I must agree with a previous comment that this is one of the very best stories on this site. My very highest compliments go out to the author on this work, it will be reread often by me and enjoyed every time just as much as it was on this first reading I'm sure.
I read the whole story in about 3 days - more continuous than ever for me! Thanks for a very well written tale!
Others have noted that this tale should be in book form, or a film. I absolutely agree. I have read this novella from start to finish with great enjoyment. Given the opportunity to taste the history of rail in the UK was the icing on the cake. Congratulations to the author for a work so very well done.
By chapter 23 I knew that I would be sad to your story end. Thank your for your time, perseverance and instruction. I enjoyed going to the map to see the region and towns. I have only been as far as Oxford on visits from the states but will perhaps venture a little farther if another trip presents. Thank you again.
What a wonderful story, a real capstone to the list of other tales here on Lit. I only wish you had more stories to post. You are without question one of the finest writers, with a real gift for description, mood and emotion. Thanks for sharing and I agree with other commenters, this would make a terrific movie.
Such a wonderfully researched and written story.
The best to date bar none
Thank you
Stephen Pope
I appreciate the epilogue as well as the story. Even though it is slow paced and not really erotic, I couldn't put it down. Dialogue and character development were simply superb. I could almost see Mary and Mavis doing their match making and Sam keeping them in check. So sad - Thomas and Marion. If I were to suggest a sequel, it would be rebuilding the GWR line and using it for tourism and commerce. As others have commented, wishing author good health. As to this story, a hearty "Well done!"
An absolutely masterful story. The valley was so well described, and the people were alive. I could just follow the rides through the valley and along the river. The mist and then the blue sky, the grass, the forbs and the trees were vivid in the telling.
Even the blue smoke from the Land Rover and the shine of the Rolls. An extremely enjoyable novel.
Undoubtedly the best thing I have read on Literotica. The knowledge of the West Country and G.W.R. are extraordinary and the writing poetic.
I have enjoyed getting to know Abby and James. You have brought such detail and humanity to this story that the feel real. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. I truly hope your health is improving.
That is the best I have read on this site ever information clear and precise
A wonderful story beautifully written with sufficient facts to please any historian. Thank you
Thank you so much for this enthralling story, as much a work of social history as fiction
I really enjoyed this story. Well written, very historical of the days of the old railways
A fantastic story! Well written and with a great mix of different scenarios. With this excellent great historic description of English railway. Thanks!
I've greatly enjoyed Abby's story over the last week. The importance of knowing your roots and the connection to family is such a powerful thing.
I worked on a small LMS station in the early 60s until Beeching closed it.
It brought back many memories, especially lamping, when in winter and rainy I had to walk several miles. My overcoat absorbed so much rain, I weighed a ton by the time I returned.
Your story was brilliant, and it took me two days to read, it was your fault I got nothing done.
Excellent,
MAS
Five stars for every chapter...the details , the characters ,WOW!, Thanks for a wonderful trip to the most rural of England . The Old Desert Rat
I keep coming back to this story - it's a joy to read again and again. Thank you especially for the epilogue, in my mind, 10 years on, Tregonney is already an excellent rider and Sam is trying to keep up (it's always best for a boy to have a elder sister). The cooperative is doing well, under Abby's supervision and James has managed to make all the overdue improvements to the estate. Mary and Jack has retired and are living at the station. Gwen is slowly getting used to the 21st century and even is making the occasional visit to the Valley; after all now James is Lord Lieutenant, she has a reason to see and be seen!
Why on earth isn't this story in print? The worst thing about it is that three nights running I stayed up till 6am reading it!! 5*s all the way through.
Like AnnaValley11, I roo return to this and your other stories once or twice a year. Easily among my top 2 or 3 stories over the last 15 years of reading Literotica. I wish you well and hope you still read these reviews and take some measure of the enjoyment we all get from your work. Thanks for sharing!
Oh my! This is the story that should be a measure for all future stories published. You give history lessons as well as current social situations. I know not all authors are trying to convey what you are, but they should!
Wonderful story. Your writing is an example for others. Certainly in the top few on Literotica. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
Excellent story, it’s strengths are its characters, their speech patterns and settings, but primarily for me it was the language and vocab, there were rare and wonderful words scattered throughout this work like diamonds in a mine, that can be done using a thesaurus, but it won’t look as natural as this. Simply put, probably the most glorious example of the English language on Lit for my money.
My grumps however are few, whilst stories are personal works, personal political opinions have no place being shouted out so crassly as you’ve done occasionally, it lessens the effect of what you set out to create, which is sad. My other criticism is that the story came to a juddering halt too quickly, leaving us without a wedding build up, Abby learning that living in the station house was not as she’d initially thought and an update for the ongoing success of the Farmers Co-op.
Your biography shows that you haven’t updated your presence here since 2013, I hope you still read the comments though, and I shall take this opportunity to thank you for writing and posting “Abby” to this site, best wishes, Purplefizz.
One again, I needed a Kezza fix. This story is probably my all time favorite posting on Literotica. I'm probably up to 50 stars and that still isn't enough. Wish you were still posting but grateful you've done what you have. Time to cycle through your other great stories!
This is a remarkable story. I feel as if I have come to know well each of the characters and will miss their loving interaction. Thanks to Kezzaz67 for this most worthy offering and my regret that he will not, in all probability, create another equally beguiling opus.
I have been reading stories on this site for a while , the structure and composition of this story is excellent ,i read it with out going to the end first , at first I thought i could see the plot and where it was going ,I was surprised at the twists and turns and the outcome and conclusion .
congratulations and excellent tail .
Kim
PS : my first comment