288 pages St. Martin’s Press publisher July 4,2023 publication date
ABOUT THE BOOK
An inspiring memoir of promises kept, overcoming obstacles, and what it means to sacrifice for others, written by a Special Warfare Operator with the US Air Force.
When Israel “DT” Del Toro, Jr.’s Humvee rolled over a roadside improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, he had one thought as he lost consciousness: I have to keep the promise I made to my dad. DT was orphaned at the age of fourteen, and on the night before his father died, he repeated the promise his dad had required of him: “Take care of your brothers and sisters.”
Throughout his childhood and into adulthood, DT indeed looked after his younger brother and sisters, even to his own detriment and sacrifice. When he enlisted in the Air Force, progressing in ranks as a skilled marksman calling airstrikes, his promise extended to his brothers and sisters in the Air Force―his fellow soldiers and brothers-in-arms.
When DT was injured in action, he lay in a coma for three months with third-degree burns on 80 percent of his body. He nearly died three times, and doctors predicted―if he survived―he would forever breathe with a respirator and never walk again. DT pushed through every limit to his full recovery, and he became the first 100 percent disabled veteran to reenlist in the Air Force.
DT’s promise to his dad extends now to his fellow wounded warriors throughout the world as he advocates for awareness and affecting change in public policy for wounded, injured, and ill soldiers. He is a patriot who has kept his promise and changed the world with the spirit of his heart, soul, body, and mind.
MY THOUGHTS
I don’t read as much nonfiction as I used to. After reading this I know I need to make a point to do so. Though I’ve never heard of the wounded vet this book is about I’m very impressed with his life story.
Coming from very humble beginnings, his father died when he was very young, but he made a promise to his father that he would always take care of his siblings and he did, putting his life on hold until they were old enough to not need his constant care. His mother also left him and his sibling’s way too early. Sent to live with his grandparents the siblings didn’t have an easy life, but he made sure they had all they needed.
Joining the Air Force, he had third degree burns over 80% of his body, with a 15 % chance of survival it goes to show the type of resilience he has. He became the first 100 percent disabled veteran to reenlist in the Air Force.
Though many of the changes have come too late for him he advocates for policy changes and awareness for wounded and ill soldiers. Many have said to him his public speaking has given them the encouragement they needed to face what they are going through.
He did this all for his wife and son they are his inspiration. This is not the type of book I normally read but it’s so uplifting and inspirational that I’ll be reading more books of a similar type. Highly recommended! Thank you, sir. You are such an inspiration!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I’m excited to invite you onto my blog today for the blog tour of A Fresh Start at Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home. The author writes such lovely books, and this series focuses on dog adoption. Helping animals in any way is near and dear to my heart so you can imagine how much I’ve enjoyed this series.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Fresh Start at Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home
There’s no place like home…
Although dog trainer Sally is relatively new to Wagging Tails, the team she works with have quickly become her family and the dogs her friends.
But when Andy, the one that got away, turns up for a brief respite from the city, she is at a crossroads. As tempting as a life with him is, she loves her home of West Par, and anyway, she has responsibilities here.
Number one on that list is ensuring the dogs’ home stays in business. A developer has been sniffing around wanting to buy the land, and the team is worried.
Sally will do anything to save her home and her friends’ livelihoods but the lure of reuniting with her lost love is strong. Is there a way for her to have both?
MY THOUGHTS
A Fresh Start at Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home is the third book in the series. Though it is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone without missing anything important.
I love the fact that the book is focused on dog rescue and hope it inspires some to help dogs in some way: adoption, volunteering or even monetarily. The book is a real ray of sunshine, guaranteed to make even the darkest skies bright. After you’re done reading your heart will be filled with gladness.
The characters are well thought out and well developed, friendly sorts who want the best for the dogs and have a lot of empathy. The plot moves along at a medium pace, not getting offtrack.
There is a light romance going, a second chance at love possibly. The focus is not on the romance though which was nice to see. The story is lighthearted but with some serious parts as well. Puddles stole my heart; I’m rooting for you little one. A sure win, once you start this book you’ll be hooked.
Pub Date 20 Mar 2024 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sarah has been dreaming up stories ever since she was a child. She remembers many a family stroll when she’d daydream up her next story adventure.
As an adult, she prefers to write romance novels and novellas with a Happy Ever After ending. She has two main romance series, the Escape To… series that focuses on single mums taking a chance and fulfilling their career dreams as well as finding love, and The Cornish Bakery series, that follows a busy bakery in a beautiful fictional bay in Cornwall.
Sarah Hope lives in Central England with her two children and an array of pets and enjoys escaping to the seaside at any opportunity.
Productivity coach, speaker, blogger and author of Chaos to Control, a Practical Guide to Getting Things Done
1. Keep a gratitude journal and add to it every day
Keeping a gratitude journal is an effective method for cultivating gratitude. Spend a few minutes each day writing down what you are grateful for.
A good meal, a warm bed, or a kind word from a friend can all be examples of this. You can begin to shift your perspective and appreciate what you have by focusing on the positive aspects of your life.
2. Tell someone you love them and appreciate them.
Expressing gratitude to others can help to strengthen your bonds and make them feel valued. Take the time to express how much you value the people in your life and how grateful you are for their presence.
3. Notice the beauty in nature each day
Nature is full of wonders that can awe and inspire gratitude. Take a few moments each day to appreciate the natural beauty around you, whether it’s a sunrise, a flower, or the song of a bird.
4. Value your friendships; good friends don’t come along every day.
In our lives, good friendships bring us joy and support. Make time to connect with your friends, listen to them, and demonstrate your concern. Taking care of your friendships can help you recognize the positive impact they have on your life.
5. Smile more often
Smiling is an easy way to cultivate gratitude and optimism. It can boost your mood and make those around you feel better.
Even when you don’t feel like it, try to smile more frequently and watch how your mood and interactions with others improve.
6. Watch inspiring videos that will remind you of the good in the world.
In today’s world, it’s all too easy to focus on the bad news and events. However, there are many inspiring stories and videos that show the good in people.
Make time to watch these inspiring stories; they will make you feel more grateful and optimistic about the world.
7. Make it a habit to do one act of kindness every day.
Kindness, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on both others and yourself. Make it a daily goal to do something nice for someone else, whether it’s holding the door, complimenting someone, or offering to help
8. Avoid negative media and movies with destructive content
Negative media and movies can sap your energy and draw your attention to the negative aspects of life.
Choose to consume positive and uplifting media that will help you cultivate gratitude and joy.
9. Call your mom or dad more often
Your parents are most likely a source of love and support in your life, but we can all be guilty of taking them for granted at times.
Make an effort to call them more frequently and express your appreciation for everything they have done for you.
10. Cook with love, and think about those you will feed
Cooking is an excellent way to express gratitude and love. When you cook, think about who will be eating the meal and put your energy and intention into it. This can help you in appreciating the act of cooking as well as the joy it brings to others.
11. Volunteer for charitable organizations
It’s a wonderful way to give back and be thankful for what you have. It allows you to put things into perspective and appreciate your blessings.
Helping others benefits you as well as the people you help by increasing your sense of purpose and fulfillment.
12. Do not gossip or disparage anyone.
Talking negatively about others and engaging in gossip can damage relationships. Instead, look for the good in people and focus on what you can say about them.
13. Spend quality time with your loved ones
Spending quality time with loved ones is essential for expressing gratitude and strengthening bonds.
14. Compliment your friends and family when they look good
Remembering to compliment your friends and family when they look good is an easy way to show your appreciation and boost their confidence. It shows that you are paying attention to them and value their efforts.
15. Write a card to someone you haven’t seen in a while
Writing a card to someone you haven’t seen in a long time and saying something nice to them can make their day and strengthen your relationship with them.
16. Add at least one new item to your gratitude list each day.
Adding to your gratitude list at least once a day helps to cultivate a gratitude habit and trains your mind to focus on the positive aspects of your life.
17. Look for the bright side
It’s easy to focus on the negatives when confronted with a difficult situation. However, by attempting to find the positives, no matter how minor they may appear, you can shift your perspective and discover reasons to be grateful. This can result in a more optimistic outlook on life.
18. Make a weekly commitment to not complaining about anything
Complaining is easy to do, but it creates a negative energy that affects not only you but those around you. By committing to not complaining for a week, you will be forced to find solutions rather than dwell on problems, and you will begin to appreciate the good things in your life.
19. Try to notice when people do a good job and recognise them when they deserve it at work
It is essential to express gratitude to those who work hard and do a good job. This not only boosts morale but also fosters a positive work environment. You can foster a culture of gratitude and appreciation by recognizing their efforts.
20. Reward effort; if someone does something nice for you, return the favor.
It is important to express your gratitude when someone does something nice for you. One way to accomplish this is to repay their kindness with an act of your own. This can start a chain reaction of kindness and gratitude that benefits everyone.
21. Meditate with your gratitude list, giving thanks for all your good fortune.
Meditation can be an effective way to cultivate gratitude. You can develop a deeper appreciation for the good things in your life by focusing on your gratitude list during your meditation practice. This can result in a more upbeat attitude and a greater sense of well-being.
22. Live mindfully, not worrying about the past or the future.
If you’re always thinking about the past or the future, gratitude may be difficult to come by. Living mindfully in the present moment allows you to fully appreciate the good things in your life. This can result in a greater sense of contentment and peace.
23. Thank the people in your community who help you, such as the shopkeepers and bus drivers.
It’s easy to take the people who help us every day for granted. By taking the time to express our gratitude for their service, we foster a more positive interaction. This can brighten their day and contribute to a more positive community overall.
24. Thank your loved ones for the little things they do for you
We often fail to recognise the small things that our loved ones do for us on a daily basis. Thanking your partner, family members, or friends for their support, care, and love can go a long way towards strengthening your bonds.
25. Place quotes and images around your home that remind you to be grateful
Surround yourself with gratitude reminders. Print some inspirational quotes or make a vision board with images that inspire gratitude. Place them in rooms where you will see them frequently.
26. Visit an elderly neighbor and express gratitude for their presence in your life.
The elderly in our communities are a wealth of wisdom and life experience. Call or visit one of your elderly neighbors and express your gratitude for their presence in your life. You might be surprised at how much they value the gesture.
27. Call your grandparents and express your love for them.
Grandparents are often overlooked, but they can be a wealth of wisdom and guidance. Call them and express your love and appreciation for everything they’ve done for you.
28. Embrace challenges and turn them into growth opportunities
When faced with a challenge, try to see it as an opportunity for growth. Maintain a positive attitude and concentrate on what you can gain from the experience. This mindset shift can help you in finding new solutions and increasing your resilience.
29. Send love to your enemies or people you dislike
Gratitude is more than just appreciating the good things in life; it is also about finding compassion for those who challenge us. Send love to people you find difficult, and try to understand their perspective. You may find that your relationships improve as a result.
30. Be thankful when you learn something new
Learning is a lifelong process, and every new thing you learn is an opportunity to be grateful. Recognize the worth of your education and the teachers and mentors who guided you along the way.
31. See your mistakes as an opportunity for growth
We all make mistakes, but instead of dwelling on them, try to see them as learning opportunities. Consider what you can learn from your mistakes and how you can apply that knowledge to better yourself and your life.
32. Help your friends see the bright side of life
If you have friends who are prone to dwelling on the negative, be there with them and try to help them see the bright side of life. Encourage them to practice gratitude with you.
33. Remember your friends who are by your side during difficult times
Instead of focusing on what is wrong, focus on the people who are there to support you. Spend some time thanking them for their love and support.
34. Help others when life treats you well
When things are going well in your life, make time to help others. Perform random acts of kindness or volunteer to help those in need. Your generosity can make a significant difference in the life of someone else.
35. Create a gratitude collage by cutting out pictures of everything you are grateful for
Make a collage of pictures of things you’re grateful for and arrange them in a way that makes you happy. Display it in your home as a reminder of all the good things in your life.
36. Make gratitude a part of family life by sharing it with one another at mealtime
Starting a gratitude ritual during meal times is one way to incorporate gratitude into your family life. This can be as simple as asking each family member to share one thing they are grateful for on that particular day.
This will not only help everyone in the family develop a habit of gratitude, but it will also create a positive and uplifting environment during meals.
37. Practice gratitude at the same time every day to make it a habit
To make gratitude a habit, practice it consistently and at the same time every day. This could be done in the morning or before going to bed.
Making gratitude a part of your daily routine makes it easier to remember and eventually becomes a natural habit.
38. Focus on your strengths
You can cultivate a sense of gratitude by focusing on your strengths and the positive aspects of your life. This will help you appreciate and be grateful for what you have, as well as boost your self-esteem.
39. Share the benefits of gratitude with family and friends
Sharing the benefits of gratitude with family and friends can inspire and encourage others to do the same. Talk about the beneficial impact gratitude has had on your life and some ways they can cultivate gratitude in their own lives.
40. Express gratitude every day on social media
Social media is an excellent platform for expressing gratitude and inspiring others to do the same.
You can spread positivity and encourage others to focus on the good things in their lives by posting a message of gratitude on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. This can also foster a sense of belonging and connection with others who hold similar values.
Final Thoughts
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can bring us happiness, joy, and contentment.
We can cultivate an attitude of gratitude and abundance even in difficult times by incorporating these habits into our daily lives. Every act of gratitude, whether it’s thanking those who serve us or noticing the beauty in nature, can have a significant impact on our happiness and relationships.
So, let us embrace these simple yet powerful practices of gratitude in order to live a happier, more fulfilling life.
One candid photograph will change the lives of four people forever.
While taking photographs at an exposition in Seattle in 1909, Camera Girl Eleanor Bennett snaps an image of a woman in widow’s clothes with deep sorrow etched in her expression and a young infant in her arms.
Eleanor longs to study botany at the University of Washington and soon becomes fast friends with botanist Bill Reed, but she can’t stop thinking about the widow in the photograph. She is stunned to learn Bill recognizes the woman as the sister-in-law he believed lost in a shipwreck.
As Eleanor and Bill hunt for Amelia Reed to reunite her with her grief-stricken husband, they must stand together to face the danger that follows and learn to trust that God will direct their paths.
My Thoughts
Finding Us, is the second book in the Pictures of the Heart series by Tracie Peterson. Now Tracie has some calling her the “Queen of Historical fiction.” I can rightly see how she would have earned this nickname. I’ve been reading her books right from the start when she was published with Barbour books and knew she would go far in the publishing world.
Her books take ahold of you, and you get lost in the fictional world she is portraying. The first book in this series focused more on cameras and taking pictures and selling them at an exposition in Seattle in the early 1900’s. Now this one does the same thing as it continues the series but not as much as the first.
“Women and children first” they said effectively removing Amelia Reed, heavily pregnant from her husband as she’s helped into a lifeboat when the ship, she’s on with her husband starts to sink. When the lifeboat is found capsized, she must have drowned. A chance meeting at the exposition has want to be botanist Camera Girl Eleanor Bennett meeting botanist Bill Reed when she snaps his photo.
As they get to know each other their mutual fascination with botany brings them together. As Eleanor snaps pictures of others at the expo she sees a sight that she won’t soon forget. A woman in widow’s weeds, with a haunted look on her face with a newborn baby. The woman agrees to have her picture taken so she can have a picture of her young baby.
Remarking to Bill about this memorable woman she shows the picture to Bill who is astounded saying this is his sister-in-law. This starts the process of trying to relocate the woman despite many obstacles and through dangerous situations. The book is a tale of love, loss and restored faith.
I found the book to be very enjoyable and realistic and greatly look forward to more books by this author.
Pub Date: 25 Jul 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Author
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.
379 pages October 11,2022 publication date Random House publisher
About The Book
When a young woman finds herself lost and at a crossroads, one last gift from her brother just might give her another chance at life and at love in this epic holiday romance from the author of Always, in December
“Heartbreaking, romantic and full of warmth . . . waterproof mascara recommended!”—Sarah Morgan, author of The Christmas Sisters
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: PopSugar
Sometimes the best gifts in life are the ones you don’t expect.
Cassie and Tom lost their parents at a young age and relied on each other—as well as a community of friends—to cope. They were especially close with Tom’s best friend, Sam, who always made sure that Tom and Cassie were surrounded with love. But, twenty years later, Cassie has lost Tom as well. And in a way, she’s also lost Sam; over the years they’d drifted apart, and now the man she always had a crush on is someone she doesn’t even recognize anymore.
She’s never felt more alone.
Then Cassie finds an envelope with her name on it, written in Tom’s terrible handwriting, and she knows immediately what it is. It’s the first clue in the Christmas scavenger hunt that Tom made for her every year; he’d promised her for months that this year’s would be the grandest one yet. At first, she’s too scared to open the envelope—what if she can’t figure out the clues without his help? Or what if she does figure them all out and her last connection to Tom is gone?
Tom’s present sets Cassie on a heart-wrenching and beautiful journey that will change her life—if she lets it. And as she travels from London to the Welsh mountains to the French countryside, she reconnects with old friends, rekindles a lost love, and, most important, rediscovers herself. But once she’s solved the final clue, will she be brave enough to accept the gift her brother has given her—and the love it’s led her to?
My Thoughts
One Last Gift is Cassie’s story, but it is also Tom’s story. Cassie and Tom are siblings with Tom being the oldest. Sadly, they lose their parents at a very young age and are sent to live with an aunt. Being that Cassie is younger she doesn’t want her aunt but her mother, which is of course understandable.
Tom is Cassie’s buffer, her so to speak protector in life, comforting her during sad times when he himself is going through turmoil but he doesn’t show it. As you could imagine the siblings are close in their relationship. For quite some time Tom and Sam have been best friends, nothing they wouldn’t do for each other. You know what they say about wanting to date your brother’s best friend, but Cassie doesn’t heed this and makes her feelings known to Sam during a skiing trip. Sam seems to reciprocate these feelings, but he brushes off her feelings and she is really hurt.
With how nice of a guy Tom is you really become attached to him and then to find out he passes away in an accident is devastating. Understandably Sam is beside himself with grief with his best friend gone and Cassie blames him for not being able to help him and that just piles on the guilt. I enjoyed seeing the witty banner between Sam and Cassie when they aren’t at each other’s throats.
The one really neat thing is each year at Christmas time Tom sets up a treasure hunt for Cassie to solve and the clues get harder each year. It was such an emotional time reading as she goes through the clues and solves them. The clues take her to places outgoing Tom knew she would have never gone on her own and they have her doing things she wouldn’t have had the courage to do.
The book is very encouraging but yet very emotional. In a way it’s as though Tom is still here in a small way giving Cassie the encouragement and pick me up, she needs. Such a fabulous book. I recommend this to everyone needing a quiet moment of reflection and a dose of encouragement.
Pub Date 11 Oct 2022 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
About The Author
Hello, I’m Emily! If you’ve found this page then welcome, and thanks so much for showing an interest in my writing.
I have written three books now, which feels surreal! My latest novel is Love, Holly in the US and The Christmas Letter in the UK. My books always revolve around the Christmas period, but span the course of a whole year and more. They also deal with love – and grief, in one way or another. I think I put a part of me in every book – as I’m sure every author does – and my newest book is no exception. The main character – Holly – often does the wrong thing for the right reasons, and that is a situation I’ve found myself in! And with three sisters myself, writing about the sister love – and difficulties – in this book felt personal at times!
My other two novels are One Last Gift – a story of finding yourself when you feel that’s impossible, and of the love between siblings – and Always, in December. As my debut novel, it will always be one close to my heart. Whilst very different from me, the protagonist, Josie is suffering with a grief that I know all too well – losing a parent/parents at a young age, and having to carry that grief into adulthood, long after it’s supposedly ‘gone away’. I lost my mum when I was seven, and I still think about her even now, in my thirties – and that’s something that Josie and I share. Max, too, is suffering his own kind of grief, and that’s something that he has to learn to deal with. But whilst the novel is about grief, and learning to live with that, it’s also about falling in love, and about learning to be brave, even when your life doesn’t feel quite right yet – even if it feels like it will never quite be right!
I wrote my first two novels in a glorious house in Chepstow, living with my sister and my two nieces. My third book I wrote on the English coastline in Cornwall – so I consider myself very lucky!
If you read any of my novels then thank you, and I really hope you enjoy! If you want to get in touch then I’d love to hear from you – I’m on Twitter and Instagram under @EmStoneWrites!
Have a wonderful day. Thanks for your visit today.
Vegan Book Blogger 