Rhonda's Doings !

The Case for Christ:   Review by Lee Strobel Using the dramatic scenario of an investigative journalist pursuing his story and leads, Lee Strobel uses his experience as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune to interview experts about the evidence for Christ from the fields of science, philosophy, and history. My Review:   The Case for Christ uses scripture and commentary to explore the existence of Christ and how to prove it to oneself or others.  The author uses theologically sound arguments based on a series of questions listed below:  Questions raised:   Can the biographies of Jesus be trusted? Do the biographies of Jesus stand up to scrutiny? Were Jesus' biographies reliably preserved for us? Is there credible evidence for Jesus outside his biographies? Does archaeology confirm or contradict Jesus' biographies? Is the Jesus of history the same as the Jesus of faith?  Was Jesus really convinced that he was the son of God? Did Jesus fulfill t...

Review of the idea of you by Amanda Prowse With her fortieth birthday approaching, Lucy Carpenter thinks she finally has it all: a wonderful new husband, Jonah, a successful career and the chance of a precious baby of her own. Life couldn’t be more perfect. But becoming parents proves much harder to achieve than Lucy and Jonah imagined, and when Jonah’s teenage daughter Camille comes to stay with them, she becomes a constant reminder of what Lucy doesn’t have. Jonah’s love and support are unquestioning, but Lucy’s struggles with work and her own failing dreams begin to take their toll. With Camille’s presence straining the bonds of Lucy’s marriage even further, Lucy suddenly feels herself close to losing everything… This heart-wrenchingly poignant family drama from bestselling author Amanda Prowse asks the question: in today’s hectic world, what does it mean to be a mother? MY REVIEW:  Wanting a child with your husband is a reasonable desire and Lucy wants a baby ver...

Review of A March Bride, A Year of Weddings #4 by Rachel Hauck Susanna has found her true prince, and their happily ever after is just around the corner. But when Nate asks her to give up something precious to her, Susanna can’t help but wonder if it’s a sign that their love is not meant to be. Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She’ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, her heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God’s plan for her. Nathaniel would do anything for his bride-to-be. But he knows his position requires that she give up a lot to be with him. Her life will never be her own — right down to her very identity. When she travels home to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, right before the wedding, Nathaniel fears she won’t return. Gathering his courage, he devises a plan to win h...

Review & Giveaway of Buried Secrets by Rachel J. Good Guest post by Rachel Good:  Readers who have read  Change of Heart , the first book in the  Sisters & Friends  series, will remember Emma as the wild teen who defied her family. Her older sister, Lydia, tried to prevent Emma from making mistakes during  Rumschpringe , the Amish running-around time. Throughout most of the story, Lydia and Emma were at odds with each other, but in the end, the family needed to forgive Emma and show her God’s love. In Book 2,  Buried Secrets , Emma has no memory of her rebellion, so she’s devastated when she finally does remember. Then she must confront her past, learn to forgive herself, and also ask for and accept God’s forgiveness. Sometimes when we’ve done things we’re ashamed of, we struggle to believe that God can forgive what we’ve done. But God’s mercy has no limits. Emma needs to open her heart to that truth. As she does, she discovers an important...

The House of Windridge  Review by Tracie Peterson When her mother dies in childbirth, Jessica's father sends his infant daughter from his ranch in Kansas back to New York to be raised by an older aunt. But Aunt Helen only cares for social standing and proprieties. She tells Jessica nothing of her fathers offers to take her back and instead pushes Jessica into an arranged marriage with a man who turns out to be abusive and unfaithful. When her aunt and husband die, Jessica is alone in the world except for her infant son. She learns of her fathers death and determines to rebuild her life at Woodridge, the ranch where her life began. But appearances are not always reliable, and Jessica doesn't know who she can trust. Will Windridge become the home she has always searched for, or will it be the scene of her final betrayal?   MY REVIEW:  I was fortunate to be raised by my mother and father.  Jessica's life begins with pain and sadness when her mother dies giv...

A Love for Leah Review (The Amish Matchmaker #4) by Emma Miller The Widow's Second Chance  Widow Leah Yoder married for love once. Now that she's come home to Seven Poplars, she wants a marriage of convenience that will provide a longed-for family without dishonoring the memory of her late husband. A steady, serious older man would be ideal—someone completely unlike handsome, fun-loving Thomas Stutzman. She and the aspiring organic farmer agree to court to prove that this time, the matchmaker has made a mistake! But as their friendship deepens, will Leah settle for what she thought she needed, or put fear aside for a second chance at happiness? MY REVIEW:  I was mesmerized by Emma Miller's 4th book in the Amish Matchmaker series.  Imagining the anguish a widow who is grieving the loss of her husband and young daughter was really difficult.   I have not lost a husband or daughter, but I certainly would never want to have to go through such pain. ...

Open Hands ......Laura Story  featuring Mac Powell Review & Giveaway of CD To View: Open Hands Official Lyric Video To View Open Hands Devotional, click here MY REVIEW:  wow!  Laura Story never disappoints with her praise to God through music.  Her voice is a melody.  Her songs are praise.  Her love of God is evident in every note she sings.  Having Mac Powell featured on this CD is an extra bonus.  He & Laura's voices blend so well together.  They sound like I imagine the angels will sound when we all get to heaven.   Chorus to "Open Hands" I'm not afraid, of what I'll lose My greatest joy is finding You "Open Hands" is such a beautiful song.  It is truly uplifting.  I was immediately touched when I heard the song, "Death Was Arrested" as well.  As Easter approaches, this song is especially thought-provoking.  Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins.  Without his dea...

Review of Raging Storm The Remant series book #2 by Vannetta  Chapman In the Darkness, Anarchy Awakens When a massive solar flare wiped out all modern technology across the globe, the small town of Abney, Texas, was thrown into chaos. Shelby Sparks and her teenage son, Carter, have found refuge, but Shelby knows she can't simply remain hidden forever. Carter is a type 1 diabetic in need of insulin—and Shelby will risk her life traveling to Austin to make sure he gets it. Shelby's best friend and high school sweetheart, Max Berkman, won't even consider letting her make the perilous journey alone. Together, they manage to get to the capital—only to discover that while things are desperate in Abney, Austin has turned into an urban nightmare on the brink of anarchy. Shelby and Max's search for medical supplies will lead them into terrifying territory, where the only thing more uncertain than finding what they need is the hope of making it out of the city alive....