Friday, June 21, 2013

Today Only by D. Love Blog Tour


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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