A true story of hope and courage in the face of astonishing challengesDuring his fourth deployment, US Marine Corps Sergeant Carlos Evans stepped on an IED–and the loss of both legs and his left hand was just the beginning of the struggle for his life.For the next two years, he and his wife, Rosemarie, went through the rehabilitation process together. As a nurse and mother of two young children, … mother of two young children, Rosemarie was used to caring for people, but the task of taking care of her triple-amputee husband brought new challenges every day. In addition to his limb loss, Carlos faced PTSD and developed an addiction to painkillers. He was sure Rosemarie’s life would be better without him–and that it might have been better if he hadn’t survived at all.
But unlike the majority of marriages put under similar strain, Carlos and Rosemarie stayed together. With the help of family, friends, and–most importantly—a strong faith, they’ve built a solid marriage and discovered a ministry they never expected. By the hand of God, their story, which began in devastation, has turned into one that draws in and lifts up more people than either of them would ever have dreamed.
Not only will disabled veterans and their loved ones find help here, Carlos and Rosemarie’s captivating journey also speaks to those who long for stronger marriages, care for loved ones with disabilities, or are facing a new normal in their own lives, small or large. It is a powerful resource for leaning on God in the midst of life’s great difficulties–and for finding ways that, through faith, profound loss can bring incredible blessing.
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A heads up about this book: it is a gripping and emotional read. I’ve always been very pro-military, and am one who believes our country needs to do more and better for our vets. Stories like this emphasize that need.
The authors did a great job on writing their story, and they pull no punches. Mrs Evans gives a very honest look into how much her life changed and what she went through as the spouse of a severely injured vet addicted to painkillers and having PTSD. Mr. Evans gives a gritty and all too realistic view of what life is like when deployed, and the emotions and despair when a soldier goes through what he went through.
The book is an easy read in style, but not such an easy read in content. Yet the Evans’ story is amazing and shows the hand of God throughout all they faced and went through. It is encouraging, and gave me an even greater appreciation for our military and what they do and go through.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Standing Together: The Inspirational Story of a Wounded Warrior is a fabulous read. It tells the true story of Carlos R Evans and how he was injured while serving as a United States Marine Corps while on deployment. He becomes a triple amputee and he tells about his fight for survival, his struggles with faith and healing, and how he was able to overcome. His wife, Rosemarie, describes how she found out about his injuries. She tells her own struggles of keeping it together for him, their family and for herself.
Standing Together is a captivating story of hope and faith. It is so powerful to read. So many readers would find inspiration within its pages. Especially, those who have known someone who has or have taken care of someone who are disabled, serving in the military or suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I highly recommend Standing Together and a giving it five plus stars. It is a must read.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
“Standing Together” is a story unlike many others. While reading, I often asked myself what I would do in the authors’ shoes — with no answer as of yet. It seems to be one of those situations where you don’t know your response until it happens.
I found the Evanses’ story — the actual events — compelling and moving. The writing, unfortunately, felt less so to me; it emphasized the passive voice and told more than showed. Its style came across as telling me, the reader, how I should feel too (rather than letting me react organically). A few comments were also TMI (for me).
A worthwhile read for the events, and thought provoking in prompting me to think about my own potential response, but less so as a writing-style example.
I received a copy of the book from Audra Jennings PR / I Read With Audra. All opinions are my own.