Book ~ "Happily Ever After: The Life-Changing Power of a Grateful Heart" (2013) Trista Sutter

From Goodreads ~ Trista Rehn was a pediatric physical therapist moonlighting as a Miami Heat dancer when she heard about casting for a new reality show - one guy getting to know twenty-five girls in the hope of finding a fiancée. As improbable and crazy as it sounded, Trista took the chance - and had her heart broken on the very first season of The Bachelor. But the next season, as the first Bachelorette, her fairy tale fell into place during a whirlwind courtship with poetry-writing firefighter Ryan Sutter and, eventually, a dream-come-true wedding on national TV.

In the midst of building a life with Ryan and raising two kids, Trista started to make a conscious effort to remember her favorite part of each day. And she’s made sure to post these thoughts, her own personal expressions of gratitude, almost every night on Twitter and Facebook - even on days she was dealing with fertility issues, a difficult pregnancy, family deaths, and other challenges that many of us face. 

Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures and the most unassuming things that can have the greatest effects. Trista is often asked her secret to being one of the rare reality-TV relationships to make it to the altar and beyond. In this heartfelt book, she shares the simple yet profound keys to finding everyday happiness: gratitude and grace. From the blink-and-you’ll-miss-them moments we have with our kids, our spouses, our pets, or even strangers, to the more obvious lessons we pick up from reading the news or hearing an inspirational story, knowing how to recognize, accept, and be grateful for all of our daily blessings is truly what "happily ever after” means.

Though I watch some reality shows, this franchise is one that I never got into.  But I know who Trista and Ryan are and I was curious to read their story.

In the introduction, Trista tells us her story.  What then follows are the author's experiences in finding everyday happiness and suggestions on how you too can find it with your family, friends, work and even strangers.   An example is making note (on Facebook, Twitter, in a journal, etc.) of your favourite part of your day.

I liked the writing style.  I thought it conversational, like I was sitting and having a chat with the author.  I found her likeable and honest ... she talks about being a mother, her family, getting surgically enhanced, etc.  Scattered throughout the book are inspirational quotes.  I liked that when she likes something (a product, organization, etc.) she provides information about it.  At the end of the book is a chapter of resources.

This was a nice book to read.