Rhonda's Doings !

Review of Grace Given  by Beth Shriver Never doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light. Amish Proverb   Elsie Yoder can’t forgive her sister, Katie, for leaving the community. Unable to let go of her sadness, she withdraws from her friends and family, nursing her feelings of betrayal.   Gideon Lapp has held a special place in his heart for Elsie and longs to help her get through her troubles. Together they find comfort in their study of the  Martyr’s Mirror , a centuries-old book that describes their ancestors’ sacrifices for their faith through years of persecution.  As Elsie opens up and begins to put her trust in Gideon, she tells him about the harassment she and her sister received at the hands of some local men. When the men return and threaten the community, Elsie and Gideon must stand together to do what is right. But can Elsie learn to give grace and to humble herself to accept grace as well? MY REVIEW: What a wonderful look at grac...

Review of Whoopie Pie Pam's Kitchen Collections Volume One  Christmas Cookie Exchange and Whoopie Pie Pam's Kitchen Collection: Home for The Holidays by Whoopie Pie Pam Jarrell Shared by Pam Jarrell, known to most as Whoopie Pie Pam, creator of the Whoopie Pie Book Club and Whoopie Pie Place, this book is bound to become a treasure to those who cherish holiday memories, cookies, and heartfelt stories. Inside this volume, you will find tips on how to have a successful Christmas Cookie Exchange Party as well as favorite cookie recipes and Christmas memories from some of her cherished Whoopie Pie friends, family and Christian Authors. (Christmas Cookie Exchange) Whoopie Pie Pam has filled this keepsake with love and the spirit of the holiday season. Inside this treasure trove, you will find the makings of a festive family celebration – from tantalizing recipes to merry do-it-yourself decorations. She has also tucked in some nostalgic stories and true-life memories of ...

Review of Threads of Grace by Kelly Long Grace's autistic son needs a life that is safe and consistent. Seth wants to leave his flirting days behind him and settle down. Deep in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, the beautiful and weary Amish widow, Grace Beiler, is not looking for a husband—especially one so much younger than her. But handsome and smitten Seth Wyse stumbles upon a way to help her and they marry to keep Grace’s autistic son safe from his ill-intentioned uncle. Grace soon discovers that she is far from immune to her young husband’s experienced charm and realizes that her first marriage has not destroyed her capacity for love. Seth Wyse seeks counsel from his older brother, Jacob, when playing the  game of  pursuing his wife becomes more dangerous to both his heart and life than he ever imagined. Yet God can give Grace and Seth a passion for family and each other that teaches them the ways of the Master  Quilter  ...

Review of A Kingsbury Collection:  Three Novels in One Where Yesterday Lives, When Joy Came to Stay, On Every Side by Karen Kingsbury Three Page-Turning Novels in One Volume!  Where Yesterday Lives  Ellen Barrett is a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist with an uncertain marriage, a forgotten faith, and haunting memories of her picturesque hometown and the love she left behind. The eldest of five siblings, she longs for the time, long ago, when they were a happy family. Now Ellen’s beloved father is dead, and she returns to her childhood home to make peace–with the people who still live there, with the losses and changes that time has wrought, and with the future God has set before her.  When Joy Came to Stay  Maggie Stovall is one of the golden people. She has it all together...at least on the surface. Ben Stovall is a godly husband and successful attorney. He has no idea of the darkness about to overtake his life. Amanda Joy is a child of society–abused...

Review of  Rosemary Opens Her Heart Home At Cedar Creek Book Two by Naomi King Another spring reminds the Amish of Cedar Creek, Missouri, that for everything there is a season.  Zanna Lambright is finally marrying Jonny Ropp, and friends and family have come from far and wide to celebrate. Among them is young widow Rosemary Yutzy, mother of toddler Katie, whose husband was tragically killed last fall. With a willing heart Rosemary has taken over care of her in-law’s family and continued to run a baked goods business from home, but privately she still mourns her lost Joe...and is unprepared for the changes that are coming... Rosemary’s father-in-law wants to merge his lamb-raising business with Matt Lambright’s—a move that will require the Yutzys to relocate from their nearby town to Cedar Creek. Moreover, it will bring Rosemary into constant contact with Matt, who is making no secret of his romantic interest in her. The challenges of contemplating a future unlike any...

Review of An Amish Kitchen by Kelly Long, Beth Wiseman, and Amy Clipston The Amish Kitchen is the Heart of the Home - and the Ideal Setting for Stories of Love and Hope. Fall in Paradise, Pennsylvania, always brings a brisk change in the weather. This season also ushers in unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women. Fern has a green thumb for growing healing herbs, but longs for love to bloom in her life. Then the next-door neighbor's oldest son, Abram, comes running into Fern's kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance--until mistrust threatens to end the growing attraction. Nearby, Hannah runs her parents' bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn--but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past? Wh...

Review of Texas Haven by Kathleen Ball Everything in Annie Douglas' life has taught her that men can’t be trusted. Although Burke is big, strong, and not seemingly gentle, Annie feels drawn to the handsome Texas cowboy. Upon discovering Burke’s advertisement for a wife, Annie shyly asks if he might consider her. Burke Dawson wants children; unfortunately, that also includes a wife. His first wife was a citified hellcat who stole half of his ranch. Now Burke’s determined to find an honest country girl with no expectations of love. Misunderstandings, accidents, and treachery leads to Annie leaving shattered and alone. Can their shaking start lead to the possible loving relationship they both desire but neither is sure of? It has been a long time since I have read a classic romance novel as I normally stick to Christian novels. I enjoyed this book immensely and did find that Annie and Burke both breathed sincere  prayers a  few times. Annie was adamant about remaining a ...