R&M is proud to be a part of the Today Only blog tour, written by D. Love. This author is someone who is very near and dear to our hearts. We were blown away by this book, as you will see in our reviews. Our hope is that you check out this book, read it, and feel changed in some way. Please enjoy!
Today Only by D. Love
Published: May 11, 2013
Editor: Lizzy Ford
Cover Designer: Airicka Phoenix
Blurb: In life, there are times you are granted a miracle. It may not be
the one you wanted exactly, but it will be the one you need. It will prepare
you for the next step in your journey and help you learn to accept the life you
are given, even if that life can be heartbreaking.
R’s Review:
***Fair Warning:
Copious amounts of tissues are required***
I'm not a crier. It takes a LOT to make me cry when I'm reading a book. There has to be something, someone, that I connect with on such a deep level that I can't contain myself. This is rare. The last book to make me cry was Slammed, by Colleen Hoover. Well...here is the second book.
There were some
amazingly funny moments, cringe-worthy moments (from embarrassment! LOL), and
all-out weep-worthy moments. From the beginning of this book, I felt a
connection with the characters. Rye and Dee, a mother-daughter duo, are so
close and connected, that their love shines from each page. There are no words
for the connection that we feel to our family, but this is so much deeper. Dee
has taken on a caretaker role for her daughter. This is a hard role to take on.
It's all encompassing. You give and give, and most of the time get nothing in
return.
I would like to say
thank you to D. Love for writing this story. My own memories and past were
brought to the front of my mind while reading this. When Em's closet is discovered,
my heart shattered. The sentiments written on those notes are the same ones I
felt before my own mother passed. It's those simple things that mean the most.
D. Love captured those little moments and gives us something to hold onto:
hope. The hope for Today. Today Only.
M’s Review:
I had the
opportunity to beta-read this book, and it was a huge honor. I know that most
of my reviews are of paranormal or young adult books, with a few romances
sprinkled in. This book is like nothing else I have ever read or reviewed. This
is a book filled with moments that take your breath away. While it is a sad
story to a point, it is more about hope, love, and family.
I spent a lot of
time smiling and laughing throughout this novel. There were times that my
heart-strings were tugged on, others where they were jerked to the point of
being raw and painful. But ultimately, it is a tale of love. Not the pretty
jazzed up version that is hyped by Hollywood on a daily basis, but real, true,
deep abiding love. Love of a man for a woman, and a woman for a man. Love of a
mother for her daughter, love of a daughter for her mom, love of a sister, a
brother, a friend.
This is a story
that I think more people in this world will be able to relate to then most
stories out there. The pain is sweetly embraced with love and a depth of
emotion that is sadly lacking in most of our world today. For me, Today Only is
a book to live by and has made an indelible mark on my life. I am not going to
give the story away, because this is truly a personal, emotional journey that
one must make on their own. From now on, I choose to live Today Only!
Excerpt from Today Only!
My dad and I must have talked for an hour. I tell him about work, about
Em’s graduation party and about my intention to ask Rye to marry me. He doesn’t
say much about the last part, at least, not until I’m getting ready to leave.
That’s when the conversation takes the turn I expected earlier.
"One minute, son," he says slowly, thoughtfully.
"Yes, sir."
"Jett, I want to give you a little more advice."
"Alright, sir," was all I could say, worried about what he had to
say.
"Jett, you understand you are walking into a life of heartbreak,
right?" he asks gravely.
"Yes, sir," I repeated.
"I want you to remember that heartbreak that you are walking into
already has people in place. Remember not to remove anyone from their
positions, son."
"What do you mean, sir?" I ask, puzzled.
"What I mean is, remember that everyone has a method to help
themselves cope through this tragic circumstance. Whether it’s Dee, reading
every night to Rye, or Em, posting notes. Everyone has a coping mechanism to
help them survive, until the end. You need to respect that."
"Sir, with the utmost respect, I haven’t given up
hope."
"Son, there is always an end."
I get up to leave. My soul hurts, and the pain is physical. My legs shake,
and I feel that panicky anger I did the other night. I walk down the porch then
stop, turning to see my dad.
"Sir, how did you make it through this with Mom?" I ask him in a
hushed voice.
"I did what you have chosen to do, live in the here and now," he
replies. "I love you, son. I don’t want to see you hurt the way I
did."
Author Bio
I live in Maine. My biggest passion is for my family and friends. I adore
loving others as if it is the biggest gift life can offer. I'm a read-a-holic,
loves chocolate, cowboys and everyone on
Young Adult & Teen Readers Facebook page. My dream is to travel to
Australia one day and see a kangaroo. I am nothing but simple. I do a lot of
volunteer work. I have 2 beautiful daughters. 4 grandchildren, that constantly
ask me if I lived in the black & white days.
My inspiration would be my daughters. Rita for her strength to keep fighting
and constantly trying to take care of me, even though sometimes she can’t get
out of bed & Kayla, for helping to pick up all the pieces that seem to fall
when times get rough, and the love they have for me.
Buy Links
Amazon: http://amzn.to/161ETTr
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