Ethiopia like you've never seen it before

A large portion of A TIME TO... takes place in Ethiopia. I returned in 2012 with about 100 other Peace Corps alumni to celebrate Peace Corps Ethiopia's 50th anniversary. See for yourself why you probably have a misconception of this beautiful country and its beautiful people:  #PCWeek2014

A TIME TO... 2012 video trailer

Congratulations at the Library of Congress

Congressman John Garamendi congratulated me for having my book listed in the Library of Congress.

Truth Can be Stranger Than Fiction

Read about the amazing true story that inspired me to write A TIME TO… at 9/11 Remembered.

"A Must Read for Peace Corps Volunteers, Past and Present"

Barbara Henkin, Peace Corps Volunteer (Jamaica, 1969 - 71) says, "Being able to reflect on past experiences and then being able to put them into perspective is a rewarding thing to do. Al Masterson's opportunity to do this (albeit frightening) is an inspiration for readers of this book to do the same. The author, through Al, is very skillful in helping us to answer the "why" questions we all face in our own lives.

"Al's Peace Corps experiences in Ethiopia evoke particular memories and life lessons learned for this former Peace Corps volunteer. The opportunities we encounter and the choices we make have such a profound influence on the rest of our lives. Tadese, Al's Ethiopian friend and colleague while serving, reminds one of the richness and rarity of the chance to be immersed in a different culture for an extended period of time. Lessons learned during the Peace Corps experience do indeed enhance and enrich the lives of those who serve........the old but true adage that material things don't equal happiness; that we need to give back; that life isn't always fair; that we should always try to look at the "big picture"; that taking risks can cause the discovery of unknown talents; that smiles can equal an "international currency"; that it is so important to "listen to your soul"; and many more.

Thanks to Ron Peterson for the reminder that capturing and appreciating the moments of one's Peace Corps experience is indeed a worthwhile endeavor!"

Note: A TIME TO... is part of the Peace Corps Collection in the Library of Congress

"I highly recommend this book..."

A TIME TO... is not a book merely to entertain. It is a book that could provide a healing venue for those who lost loved ones on September 11 and the days afterward. Al Masterson represents all the victims of this tragedy… I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a well-written novel intertwined with historical facts.
— Tannia E. Ortiz-Lopés (catholicfiction.net) and publisher of http://timewithtannia.tripod.com
Read the complete review here.

"An Engaging Exploration of Faith, Trust and Hope"

Shaeri Richards, author of Dancing with your Dragon, says, "If you enjoy exploring issues of trust, faith and hope, 'A Time To... A Baby Boomer's Spiritual Adventures' by Ronald Louis Peterson will provide you with many hours of reading pleasure. Set during the World Trade Center attack on 9-11, this well written novel focuses on the life of one man caught in the towers during the attack. As he faces his death, protagonist Al Masterson is led on an amazing spiritual adventure back through his life and we journey along with him, from his childhood struggles with a school bully, to his days in Ethiopia as a Peace Corps Volunteer, to his career as a television journalist. As Al is taken back to key moments in his past, we see how his life experiences have caused him to lose faith. "How can God allow this to happen?" is a question that comes up often for him. Yet even though his life has many challenges, Al's higher nature continually inspires his actions. In the end, the purpose of even the most difficult events of Al's life becomes clear, as he chooses to respond with faith rather than bitterness, and compassion rather than revenge. I enjoyed reading this book, and my soft heart was melted to tears more than once."

By the way, I highly recommend reading Dancing with your Dragon because it will help you harmonize your physical and spiritual lives in very stimulating ways.

"The Best, Most Original Book I've Read in Years"

Faith Filled Family Magazine says, "A TIME TO... is a captivating book right from the beginning. The author's use of words draws readers directly into the story and captivates their interest by making them feel as if they were there...

..."Overall, A TIME TO... is well written, and relatable. It is the best, most original book that I have read in years. It is clearly written, and well thought out. I would highly recommend it."

You can read Michelle Danko's entire review and inspirational stories in the spring edition of Faith Filled Family Magazine.