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Ties That Bind: An Uncommon Journey To True Love
A Journey of Faith and Self-Discovery
In this heartwarming story, we follow the life of a seventeen-year-old boy as he navigates the tumultuous path from adolescence to adulthood. Through his eyes, we witness the profound journey of love, resilience, and spiritual connection.
As he matures into a man, he grapples with difficult lessons, faces hardships, and relentlessly pursues his lifelong dream. A dream he once fervently prayed for, only to reject it when it materialized before him.
This poignant tale explores the delicate balance between desire and duty, faith and doubt, and the transformative power of choices made along life’s winding road.
In this heartwarming story, we follow the life of a seventeen-year-old boy as he navigates the tumultuous path from adolescence to adulthood. Through his eyes, we witness the profound journey of love, resilience, and spiritual connection.
As he matures into a man, he grapples with difficult lessons, faces hardships, and relentlessly pursues his lifelong dream. A dream he once fervently prayed for, only to reject it when it materialized before him.
This poignant tale explores the delicate balance between desire and duty, faith and doubt, and the transformative power of choices made along life’s winding road.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2024
About the author
Jerry Ruthardt
1 book7 followersJerry Jedon Ruthardt, known to friends as Jedon, hails from Muleshoe, TX, a charmingly small town in West Texas where tumbleweeds outnumber the residents. In this close-knit community, Jedon crafted his first book, Ties That Bind: An Uncommon Journey to True Love. With a narrative as heartfelt and genuine as his own life, the book reflects his deep appreciation for the extraordinary moments in the ordinary.
Jedon has been happily married to his wife, Tonya, for 36 wonderful years. Together, they have raised five children and built a life filled with love and laughter. When he’s not immersed in writing, you can find Jedon with a honey-do list in hand, often accompanied by Tonya, as they tackle their shared projects. The couple cherishes their tranquil country life, tending to their horses, farm animals, and flourishing garden. In every aspect of his life, Jedon embodies the spirit of dedication and simplicity that defines his storytelling.
Jedon has been happily married to his wife, Tonya, for 36 wonderful years. Together, they have raised five children and built a life filled with love and laughter. When he’s not immersed in writing, you can find Jedon with a honey-do list in hand, often accompanied by Tonya, as they tackle their shared projects. The couple cherishes their tranquil country life, tending to their horses, farm animals, and flourishing garden. In every aspect of his life, Jedon embodies the spirit of dedication and simplicity that defines his storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 22, 2024
“The passage of time is a symptom of life; without time you are at a standstill.”
This memoir professes to be a love story. It’s subtitle, “An Uncommon Journey to True Love” implies this, as well. And yet, as readers first meet Jerry, known by those close to him as Jedon, we are not sure what he is showing us is a very loving path to love.
He takes us on this journey about him and Tonya, from the beginning, when they first met. His love for her is quickly felt, but mostly displayed through anger and jealousy. When Tonya is dating someone else, his way of addressing it, is to take Tonya’s dog and have it attack her current interest’s dog. For those of us who are dog lovers, that was a horrible scene to witness. And, to wonder, is this a display of love when you treat dogs in this abhorrent way?
And yet, Jedon tells us he is a man of God. Yet, his behaviors and actions displayed are anything but. Thus, what about him, his behaviors and actions make him a good catch to Tonya? What will occur that will change him into the person he says he wants to be for God and for Tonya?
“I already knew that when I was with her, I was a better person. She made me a better person.”
Typically, I do not read books anchored in religious dogma. I am not attracted to these stories because they imply that it takes something outside of themselves in order to be a good person. But the author was kind and wanted me to read his story. And, I appreciated his thoughtfulness in our correspondence. So, when I began to read, I found myself a bit taken aback by the person I was reading about between these pages. I was hopeful that at some point, I would see something different than what the first several pages were showing me. Because to be honest, all I could think about was…Tonya, run, and please don’t look back!!!!
Yet, in all fairness to the author, growing up can be a very painful process. Especially as one struggles to find their way. And, certainly the author was very open in sharing his struggles.
“Everyone learns new lessons in life; it doesn’t matter your age. Some are easy, while others will test the very core of your being. Some lessons you learn from mistakes made; others hit you when least expected.”
Still, as I read, I couldn’t help but wonder, what would it take for the author to grow into the person he wanted to be? And, when he did, would he and Tonya be able to find their happily ever after? Because certainly the book’s subtitle was leading us to believe readers would find an uncommon journey to love.
And, gratefully, with patience, the reader does discover that this is what the book truly is…the life of these two. The ups and downs. The disappointments. The joys. The journey. Which one could appreciate and eventually understand. The realism of relationships. And, love. It may not have been an easy path, but it was Jedon and Tonya’s path. And, it comes through clearly in these pages.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
This memoir professes to be a love story. It’s subtitle, “An Uncommon Journey to True Love” implies this, as well. And yet, as readers first meet Jerry, known by those close to him as Jedon, we are not sure what he is showing us is a very loving path to love.
He takes us on this journey about him and Tonya, from the beginning, when they first met. His love for her is quickly felt, but mostly displayed through anger and jealousy. When Tonya is dating someone else, his way of addressing it, is to take Tonya’s dog and have it attack her current interest’s dog. For those of us who are dog lovers, that was a horrible scene to witness. And, to wonder, is this a display of love when you treat dogs in this abhorrent way?
And yet, Jedon tells us he is a man of God. Yet, his behaviors and actions displayed are anything but. Thus, what about him, his behaviors and actions make him a good catch to Tonya? What will occur that will change him into the person he says he wants to be for God and for Tonya?
“I already knew that when I was with her, I was a better person. She made me a better person.”
Typically, I do not read books anchored in religious dogma. I am not attracted to these stories because they imply that it takes something outside of themselves in order to be a good person. But the author was kind and wanted me to read his story. And, I appreciated his thoughtfulness in our correspondence. So, when I began to read, I found myself a bit taken aback by the person I was reading about between these pages. I was hopeful that at some point, I would see something different than what the first several pages were showing me. Because to be honest, all I could think about was…Tonya, run, and please don’t look back!!!!
Yet, in all fairness to the author, growing up can be a very painful process. Especially as one struggles to find their way. And, certainly the author was very open in sharing his struggles.
“Everyone learns new lessons in life; it doesn’t matter your age. Some are easy, while others will test the very core of your being. Some lessons you learn from mistakes made; others hit you when least expected.”
Still, as I read, I couldn’t help but wonder, what would it take for the author to grow into the person he wanted to be? And, when he did, would he and Tonya be able to find their happily ever after? Because certainly the book’s subtitle was leading us to believe readers would find an uncommon journey to love.
And, gratefully, with patience, the reader does discover that this is what the book truly is…the life of these two. The ups and downs. The disappointments. The joys. The journey. Which one could appreciate and eventually understand. The realism of relationships. And, love. It may not have been an easy path, but it was Jedon and Tonya’s path. And, it comes through clearly in these pages.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
August 18, 2024
Such a good read! I read this book in 2 days. The way it sucks you in and has you cheering for them, crying for them, and just an overwhelming happiness for them as they fight for each other. It was an emotional roller coaster for sure. I can’t wait to watch their lives continue to grow together. Hope to read more one day.
August 20, 2024
This book was so good, from the beginning to the end. Their faith in god is inspiring. Their willingness to constantly fight for each other was amazing. Rooting for them & their happiness, & crying with them in their downfalls.
Don’t miss out on a good read!!!!
Don’t miss out on a good read!!!!
September 30, 2024
Where to even begin with this book…
I’ve typed and retyped my review of this book MULTIPLE times now. And yet nothing seems to accurately describe what I’m trying to get across.
I have no words, in the absolute best way!
Gosh, the amount of tears I had throughout this book.. All I can say is GOD IS FAITHFUL, time and time again.
I’ve typed and retyped my review of this book MULTIPLE times now. And yet nothing seems to accurately describe what I’m trying to get across.
I have no words, in the absolute best way!
Gosh, the amount of tears I had throughout this book.. All I can say is GOD IS FAITHFUL, time and time again.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews