Read more. " Rio - A Love Story is a beautifully written love story indeed, a love story of a mother and her children and the special love story many of us have experienced with a beloved pet. Poignant and compelling, Joni takes the reader on a powerful journey from tragedy to triumph. The book is a testament to both the strength and resilience of the human spirit and how the unselfish love between a dog and a trainer can heal both. Highly recommended ." -- Bradley Rand Smith, Internationally Award-Winning Playwright, Screenwriter, Theater Producer and Director Most of us will experience various forms of heartbreak, loss, and tragedy at some point in our lives. Joan did, experiencing the loss of some of her closest family members and beloved