Name: PinsandKneazles (Signed) · Date: 18 Mar 2022 12:19 PM · For: Chapter 2

Hi, here for another galazy review!

 

Aw, I love the fact that John refused to let Anna walk home in the dark on her own and insisted on waiting for her. What a long day they've both had if Anna didn't finish until ten pm. I wonder if she'll be able to sleep better after such a long, tiring day?

 

Anna must have been able to finally fall asleep in the bedroom because she's been awoken by John's shouts - it makes me wonder whether there's anything mysterious about this room if it's caused Anna to lose sleep and John to have a nightmare, but perhaps I'm getting too far ahead here! The way John doesn't want to talk about it suggests this might not be the first time he's had a nightmare, or this particular nightmare. I wonder what's haunting his dreams?

 

Really enjoying this story so far!

 

Meera <3

Name: PinsandKneazles (Signed) · Date: 18 Mar 2022 12:02 PM · For: Chapter 1

Hi, here for a galazy review! I'm not familiar with Downton Abbey (I'm guessing that's the fandom here), so forgive me if I miss the obvious!

 

I wonder what it is about the cottage that is causing Anna to have sleepless nights - or more specifically, the bed, because she seems to be able to fall asleep on the sofa downstairs. Or is it the bedroom itself? John seems able to sleep, so whatever it is is only affecting Anna. What was John imprisoned for, by the way, and how long did he spend in jail?

 

Maybe it's because it's a new place, as Anna points out she couldn't sleep at Downton whe she first moved there. John seems very caring and thoughtful if he's willing to move back out to help Anna sleep better. And at least she's optimistic about it being a short-term thing.

 

Great start to this story! Looking forward to reading on :)

 

Meera <3

 

 

Name: Crimson Quill (Signed) · Date: 17 Mar 2022 09:23 PM · For: Chapter 2

 

hi,

 

here for galazy reviewing event :)

 

they're so cute in this chapter like the first half is adorable. the little relationship moments as simple as a walk home.  i like how it's so calm in the first half. they're just closing out the day. I thought the nightmare was very effective. I don't know the story too much but it's set near the war perhaps something to do with that. it was very visual effectively and moving but all the emotions that he was feeling there beautifully handled. it was so vivid. they have such a lovely relationship though. I thought Anna handled the situation so well. they have such a lovely bond and connection <3

 

abbi xx

 

Name: Crimson Quill (Signed) · Date: 17 Mar 2022 09:04 PM · For: Chapter 1

 

Hi,

 

I'm here for galazy reviewing event :)

 

I'm not familiar with downton abbey so this is a bit fandom blind for me but I always really enjoy the emotions in your work so I thought I would check this out. I love how you've portrayed the relationships between those characters. It is very sweet how understanding he is of her. they have such a wonderful balance, Anna seems to come across really strongly. she wants to work things out for both of them even if it's tough. she wants to make that place a home for them. that's very endearing, I think you've highlighted some wonderful strengths.

 

I think struggling to sleep really does take its toll on people and relationships, simple issue but so hard to know how to deal with it properly. she seems a bit troubled but she has someone good beside her which is really good to see. so many nice emotions in this chapter. I look forward to seeing how you're going to follow up on this. I would love Anna to find her peace. <3

 

Abbi xx

 

Name: RogueSlytherin (Signed) · Date: 17 Mar 2022 05:46 PM · For: Chapter 2

Back again :D :D :D 


Ompf. This has me feeling all types of ways. I love how caring and considerate both Anna and Bates are throughout this story, but I hate that they need to be because both are enduring so much. Ana is working crazy hours cause maid life is what it is and Bates has so much trauma from the war. 


You did a great job capturing the sort of calm and then launch into panic of a nightmare like he experienced. It really bolted out at me as I was reading like I imagine it would have jolted Ana awake. Your dialogue especially is great in this. It really captures that era and these characters specific sort of tones. Very very well done :D 


- Jacquelin

Name: RogueSlytherin (Signed) · Date: 17 Mar 2022 05:39 PM · For: Chapter 1

Here for the review event :D :D :D 


I don't read a lot of fics that aren't HP or OF, but that's what's great about this event - it breaks me out of those comfort zones! And I'm so glad it did because I love Downton and this era and you've done such a good job capturing these characters. 

I was always rooting for these two watching this show. Anna is just so kind and generous and yet bold and fierce - freaking lover her - and you really capture that in the way that she's so determined to make it work in this new cottage. She's not going to let these nightmares hold her back she's going to find a way through it. 

And Bates <3 They are just so cute together in this story :D :D :D I loved this and I can't wait to read the next chapter! 


- Jacquelin

Name: Oregonian (Signed) · Date: 17 Mar 2022 07:15 AM · For: Chapter 2

This is a simple piece, but it gives us a glimpse into the lives of the serving staff who work at Downton Abbey, a side that we may not see fully in the televised series and movies. 

One thing that strikes me is how many hours per day these people have to work, from early morning to late into the evening, all week long.  No wonder it is so crucial to get enough rest and sleep.  But it makes sense, what Anna says, that the insomnia is triggered by her change in routine, living in a new place with a new husband, the daily one-hour commute on foot from her cottage to her place of employment, cutting further into her already scant rest time.

Then we discover that Mr. Bates also has his sleep problems, nightmares (probably related to his military service). But Anna and Mr. Bates have each other to comfort and reassure each other.  It is good to see that neither of them gets cross with the other, or downplays the seriousness of lack of sleep, or even offers unasked-for advice.  Just love and support.  We are left thinking that Anna's sleep problem will resolve itself, though I'm not so sure that the nightmares will go away.

A sweet little story of two people in a hard life, but getting strength from each other.  Thank you for writing.

Vicki

 

Name: Ameripuff (Signed) · Date: 17 Mar 2022 03:55 AM · For: Chapter 2

For the Galazy review

Shaza, 

The review event gave me an opportunity to review things that I wouldn’t have otherwise.  This Downton Abbey piece was one of them.  This review is under chapter 2, but I reviewed both chapters of this story and just summarized them here.

I thoroughly enjoyed this as John Bates was my favorite character.  I’m familiar with PTSD and I think you’ve done a wonderful job describing the lingering effects of his battlefield trauma.  We see that a little more in the show when it gets into World War 1 and the Abbey becomes a recovery hospital, but having John and Anna deal with it directly brings it a little closer.

I enjoyed the themes of rest and comfort that you had through this entire thing.  Anna was uncomfortable at Downton initially but grew more comfortable over time.  You carry that over to Anna’s staying at the cottage makes her initially uncomfortable and John does what he can to make that better.  Likewise, John staying to make Anna feel better about walking home in the dark is another connection to that comfort.  

I like how you have them both deal with their challenges at the end (Anna sleeping in their bed and John’s nightmares).  Of course, the PTSD will not resolve itself anytime soon, but they seem to be working through it together.

Thanks for sharing this.

 

-Drew

Name: lostrobin (Signed) · Date: 01 Nov 2021 04:31 AM · For: Chapter 1

You know, I've never actually read a Downton Abbey fic before. I've seen the whole series and the movie, yet I had never actually read a fic until this one, and this is really, really good. Here for the review tag!!

 

It's a really sweet moment between Bates and Anna at the end of the chapter, and I love that we're getting to see something that isn't really covered in canon itself. We don't really get to see kind of cute scenes like that, and it's nice to have a nice little peek into Bates and Anna's life. Of course, it's not so nice for Anna, seeing as she can't sleep, but I know the feeling about not being able to sleep in a different bed. I hope that she gets used to it so she isn't so tired, and I hope that Mary gives her a day off so she can have a nice lie-in. This is definitely a side of Anna we don't see too much, especially with her admitting that she's tired. I'm curious what the next chapter will hold, especially with the title of the fic having not been mentioned yet in this chapter. I wonder if we'll find out just why exactly Anna can't sleep...

 

Thank you for writing this, and I'll be sure to check out the rest of your lovely Downton Abbey fics!!

 

-A

Author's Response:

Hey A! 

Thanks so much for the review! I'm so glad you liked it, especially for your first DA fanfic! 

Yeah, I had a bit of a missing moment idea when I was rewatching the series and this came from it!

Thanks again for the review! 

- Shaza :)