Wonderful. You deal with some very difficult feelings beautifully. This brought a lump to my throat. You are such a talented writer, I love your work

aw! this story made me cry!

It's always lovely to see what happened to heroes before they had to go off and be famous, and this is no exception. The imagery in the story is perfect, and the treatment of grief is exactly right. I like the characters, but this story resonates because of the realistic approach to grief.

sorry that this is such a late review, but I just discovered this story.
This is such a sweet and heartwarming story, and made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I've never been too comfortable with the idea that Frodo was neglected after his parent's death. I do think he must have had a strong upbringing throughout his entire life to become the only being able to resist the Ring's influence. I like the that Frodo was indeed very much loved by his extended family (especially Esmeralda), and she had some role in helping Frodo become the gentlehobbit and Ringbearer he comes to be. Beautiful story.
Ami

Wow. Incredible. I'd really like if you wrote more of these - I love the Frodo-after-his-parents-died fanfics, they're very interesting =D This is so realistic!

Oh my! That was so good, like everything I have read by you. You capture Frodo’s and Esmeralda’s grief so perfectly, and their anger. I loved the bit about the throwing tree, and Frodo giving her that marble was so sweet I got all choked up. I loved the way you showed Frodo’s estrangement from those around him, the way he was so polite and only wanted to be alone… and his old playmates reaction to him. The loveliest story I have read since… well, since “I Will Always Know You

That's a lovely story!
Poor Frodo!

Oh wow! How can anyone write anything so achingly good? I loved this. It really struck a cord with people not allowing you to just be sad when you need to.
I long for more of Frodo and little Merry.

This is so sweet! I love how Frodo and Esmie found each other and were able to empathize with one another when they were both going through so much pain.
Saddest, sweetest line: "He remembered his mother in a brilliant red velvet dress, little red velvet ribbons in her black curls. He remembered watching her dance with his father and knowing that she was the prettiest mother in all the Hall."
*sob* It nearly had me in tears! This is the second time I've read this, but it affected me more this time. I love Frodo, and you capture a child after his parents have dies very well, as well as aforementioned child's recovery. I love this story!
-Cantora Eledhwen

wow. what a wonderful little story. I really loved this. you have a talent, this turned out just right. i honestly can't express how much i liked this and how surprised i am that it is as good as it is, i've read many stories similar but this is completely different in that it is so well done. thank you.
~AC~

AAw...! That is so precious... I LOVED it!! That was so sweet... *Squee!!* You are so good at these types of stories..!!

Oh, how lovely! That was so perfect, it is beyond words. I've never read a story about Esmerelda before and her relationship with Frodo is beautifully crafted here. Thank you so much for writing such an original and wonderful story. It's comforting to know that in the future there will be many things that will make Frodo happy again. :-) Hooray for Sam and Bilbo!
A.J x

This is truly beautiful. You portray grief in such a real way - not crying all over the place and refusing to get out of bed grief, but the silent, insistent missing somebody so much type of grief. We've recently had a death in the family, and I can say that Frodo's reaction is totally believable, because that's how it really is - you have to get up and go on and be normal even though you don't want to. This was really sad and lovely. Congratulations again, I would do anything to be as talented as you!
x.x.x

excellent picture of Frodo's growing up years...I really enjoy the way you portray Frodo as lost amidst the hustle and bustle of Brandy Hall. Is he going to continue to have a special relationship with his Aunt Esmie? They seem to be kindred spirits of sorts...

Very, very nice. I love your descriptions, such as 'a confusing number of relatives swaping turns watching over him' and 'odd child who lost everything and asked for nothing'. And you are spot-on, if Frodo would feel comfortable and safe enough to act out, it would be with Esmeralda and not his Auntie. I can easily see that without Esmeralda to help channel his feelings, he would resort to hitting (actually, I would think a lot more than once). Nice upbeat ending, we see the possibility of happiness for Frodo, and definitely for Esmeralda.