Rhonda's Doings !

Review of A Fistful of God by Therese M. Travis She's never taken a drink, but she's recovering from alcoholism all the same. After the death of her father, teenager Aidyn Pierce spends all her time cleaning up her mother's messes. So when Mom announces she's getting sober, Aidyn doesn't believe her. Mom has tried before, and Aidyn knows there will come a time?a day, a week, maybe even a month from now—when the cravings will be too much, and her mother will start drinking again. So, when Aidyn is encouraged to attend support meetings, she refuses. No point in wasting her time when her mother's going to drink again, anyway. But what Aidyn doesn't count on is the healing power of love and friendship, and the incredible strength of God to walk both mother and daughter through the dark valley of addiction and recovery. MY REVIEW:   Is she really going to remain sober? How can I ever by sure?  I know she's going to drink again.  She's pro...

Review of Surviving Haley by Brenda Baker Lauren Werthman struggles with guilt and depression. Even moving to another state and into a new home doesn't help her overcome the life-altering aftermath of losing her sister. Memories of the tragic accident reverberate through her life as her family tries to cope, but Lauren's life spirals out of control. Her mother criticizes her choices every day, her father continues to work later and later, and people at her new school seem to know the family secret. Lauren binge-eats, has nightmares, and doubts the existence of a God Who didn't intervene to prevent the senseless tragedy. As Lauren's family and friends work through the pain and guilt, will they find that even though the void will always remain, the power of forgiveness brings peace and hope and a bright future, or will Lauren forever be lost to the pain and guilt? MY REVIEW:         Truth:  Dads, if they love you, will lie about your appearan...

Review of Blue Ribbon Trail Ride (Horses and Friends book #4) by Miralee Ferrell Thirteen-year old Kate and her friends came up with the perfect way to raise money for her autistic younger brother and others to attend summer camp—a horse scavenger hunt! As local businesses donate money and prizes, Kate keeps the entry fees in her mom’s antique jewelry box. But when the box and the money disappear, Kate and her friends must unravel the clues, hold on to hope, and solve the mystery along the Blue Ribbon Trail Ride. MY REVIEW:  What could be more fun than a scavenger hunt on horseback with amazing prizes?   Kate and her friends come up with the idea to raise money to send Kate's autistic brother and others to summer camp but things go awry when the antique box with all the entry fees is stolen.   Kate, Tori, Melissa, and Colt then become amateur detectives and set up a sting operation to catch the thief and get the box and money back.   This series is j...

Review of Mystery Rider (Horses and Friends #3) by Miralee Ferrell In the third installment in the Horses and Friends series, thirteen-year-old Kate Ferris already has one problem. Snooty, well-to-do Melissa is boarding her horse at Kate’s family stable. When Melissa suddenly turns nice, Kate is shocked ... and suspicious. The last thing she needs is more trouble. So when a hooded rider appears—and then disappears—on a stunning black horse outside her home, Kate isn’t sure if Melissa is playing a trick or something more dangerous is going on. Either way, Kate and her friends will need an extra measure of faith and courage to solve this mystery. MY REVIEW:   This third installment in the Horses and Friends series is sure to please both young readers and adults.   I think that horse lovers and mystery lovers, in particular, will find much in this one to hold their attention and keep their interest!   Kate and her friends see a "mystery rider" on a beautiful, ...

Review of Silver Spurs (Horses & Friends #2) by Miralee Ferrell Kate’s dream of owning a horse has finally happened. But now her best friend Tori has no money to buy a horse. So Kate comes up with a plan—she’ll raise money by boarding horses and hosting a show in her family’s barn. It seems the perfect solution until Melissa, the girl who disses Kate and Tori at school, shows up to board her horse, determined to compete in their show and win the silver spurs. Will their plan be ruined—or does God have something better in store for them all? Silver Spurs  is a tale of overcoming fears and trusting God with your dreams. MY REVIEW:   What a great book for young readers this one is!   Kate is thrilled to have her own horse and now she plans to teach her best friend, Tori, to ride as well.   She has a plan to fund this dream as well.  She just needs to convince her parents to board horses at their barn.   But is it worth having to put up wit...

Review of A Horse for Kate by Miralee Ferrell A horse of her own would be awesome. But Kate figures that might be a long way away, especially since she had to give up riding lessons and move to her late grandfather’s farm. Besides, it would be a lot more fun to have a best friend to ride with. When Kate discovers a barn on their new farm that’s perfect for a horse, and a dusty bridle too, she starts to think that her dream might come true. Then she meets Tori at school, who is totally the best. So when they discover a thoroughbred that appears to be all alone, could it be the answer to her prayers? Maybe. If she can convince her dad ... and figure out what’s going on with that horse. MY REVIEW:  I taught 6th grade Language Arts for 7 years and I love reading YA (Young Adult) fiction.  This is a lovely, fun read for adults and young adults.   Kate has a true passion for horses and after moving far from her friends, she wants a horse so badly.   She finds ...

Review of  Trading Secrets by Melody Carlson Back in fifth grade, Micah Knight got an Amish pen pal, and over the years, they've exchanged many letters--and many secrets. At age seventeen, Micah finally has the chance to meet her pen pal face-to-face. The only problem is that because of confusion about her name when the pen pals were assigned, her pen pal was a boy, Zack Miller. And all this time, Micah's never told Zack that she's actually a girl! While she wants nothing more than to experience life on Zack's Amish farm, she's afraid he'll hate her for deceiving him all these years. But she makes up her mind to face the music--and that's where the fun really begins.  Bestselling author Melody Carlson brings young adults another fascinating tale of worlds colliding, secrets being revealed, and friendships forming. Teens will love this story of miscommunication and mishaps along the way to the truth. MY REVIEW:  This is a work of Young Adult Amis...

Review of The Tyrant's Daughter  by J. C. Carleson From a former CIA officer comes the riveting account of a royal Middle Eastern family exiled to the American suburbs .  When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S. Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans generations?  J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international politics.  *Bonus Backmatter includes a note about the author's CIA past, and a commentary by RAND researcher and presid...

Review of The Here and Now by Ann Brashares An unforgettable epic romantic thriller about a girl from the future who might be able to save the world . . . if she lets go of the one thing she’s found to hold on to. Follow the rules. Remember what happened. Never fall in love. This is the story of seventeen-year-old Prenna James, who immigrated to New York when she was twelve. Except Prenna didn’t come from a different country. She came from a different time—a future where a mosquito-borne illness has mutated into a pandemic, killing millions and leaving the world in ruins.  Prenna and the others who escaped to the present day must follow a strict set of rules: never reveal where they’re from, never interfere with history, and never, ever be intimate with anyone outside their community. Prenna does as she’s told, believing she can help prevent the plague that will one day ravage the earth.  But everything changes when Prenna falls for Ethan Jarves.  From Ann Brashare...

Review of Andi Unexpected by Amanda Flower Twelve-year-old Andora 'Andi' Boggs and her fourteen-year-old sister Bethany move to rural Ohio to live with their eccentric twenty-something aunt after the sudden death of their parents. While dealing with her grief, Andi discovers proof of another Andora Boggs in the family tree whose existence was hidden in a Depression-era trunk in the attic. With help from her new friend and neighbor, Colin Carter, Andi is determined to find out who this first Andora was and what happened to her.   MY REVIEW:    This is a delightful suspensefilled young adult fiction which is also highly appropriate to adults also.    Andi Boggs does not know why no one in town wants to speak to her about her long lost namesake, Andora Boggs, but she and her new friend, Colin, intend to find out.  What a fun adventure they go on!   Her sister, Bethany, is not too keen on helping her or sharing a room.   So Andi is allowed ...

Review of Leah's Legacy (Amish Girls Series--Book 8) by J.E.B. Spredemann Leah Weaver is torn. She enjoys her Amish life and helping out with her folks' bed 'n breakfast, but she can't help but feel she's missing out on all the Englisch life has to offer. When Benjamin Schrock comes to town, Leah can't deny her attraction to him. But will a life with Benjamin bring discontentment or will Leah find something...or someone...greater to live for? Inspirational Teen/YA fiction, approx. 100 pages MY REVIEW:   This is a wonderful book showing teens and adults that the "grass is not always greener on the other side" and that it can pay off to not give in to the urge to respond with anger.  Leah explores her dreams with a hidden journal and I did that myself as a teenager.  I love how the author brings the characters from the other books in the series into this one as well.  It is like having a day with family and friends as I read this book.   ...

Review of Brooke's Quest (Amish Girls Series book 7) by J.E.B. Spredemann When Brooke Spencer visits Paradise, Pennsylvania on summer vacation, she's hoping some handsome young Amish man will sweep her off her feet. But when she meets Seth Weaver, she doesn't expect it to happen literally! Will Brooke and Seth be able to make a long-distance relationship work? And could Seth Weaver hold the key to something she's really searching for - true love? Christian Teen Fiction - Approx. 100 pages   MY REVIEW:   The plan of salvation is presented in this book by one of the Amish young men.  Seth shares God's love and plan of salvation with Brooke, the Englisch teenager whose family is staying in his family's Bed & Breakfast.   Brooke is excited about sharing it with others and they don't all act with acceptance.    Many Amish do not teach that you can be certain of your salvation but I love that this Amish community does.   Each chapter ...

Abigail's Triumph book review Amish Girls Series--Book 6 by J. E. B. Spredemann Tragedy in the small Amish community of Paradise leaves one family reeling. In order to survive, Abigail Lapp and her siblings must rely on the compassion of their friends and neighbors. Abigail finds forgiveness difficult and painful, but she learns to trust God. Could He turn her unfathomable tragedy into triumph? Inspirational Teen Fiction, Approx. 100 pages MY REVIEW:  Abuse of wives and children is never pretty and it is a tragic event in the Amish community as Abigail and her siblings fight to survive.    I love how the Amish community rallies together to support the family and provide for their needs.   Abigail truly does triumph over great adversity in this book.  I believe this one was my favorite of the six books in the series to this point.   5 ***** I received a free pdf version of this book in exchange for my honest review.   Look for an auth...

Review of Annie's Decision (Amish Girls Series Book 5) by J. E. B. Spredemann Annie Yoder has always dreamed of meeting an Englisch girl her own age, so when she sees an advertisement for Amish pen pals in the local paper, she begs her folks to allow her to participate. Annie quickly learns there are exciting new things in the Englisch world and she finds herself drawn to the forbidden. Will Annie's verboten desires lead her away from her people? Annie isn't the only one in a Valley of Decision. Jonathan Fisher's Rumspringa may cost him more than he bargained for. Will his foolishness change the course of his life forever? Inspirational Teen Fiction Approx. 100 pages My Review:  5 Stars again!  Looking for just the right stationary and licking the stamp.....Pen pals are such fun. I had several pen pals when I was a teenager.  We did not have email so snail mail with old fashioned letters was our only form of communication.  We sent pictures and gifts to ...

Review of Susanna's Surprise (Amish Girls Series-Book 4) by J. E. B. Spredemann After years of feeling something is missing from her life, Susanna Hostettler discovers that she once had an identical twin sister. As answers to her questions unfold, Susie's brother Levi uncovers a secret that will not only surprise Susanna, but her family as well. Jonathan Fisher has his eyes set on Susie, but can he convince her to give him a chance? MY REVIEW:  I love these young Amish girls!  They remind me so much of myself with my friends when we were that same age.   We also enjoyed girl talk, walks, and fun times.    Susanna discovers the most incredible surprise:  an identical twin sister.  I will let readers find out what exciting things occur after the revelation of this surprise.  It is quite an amazing thing!  The Amish, of course, have their own customs and beliefs but young people share many of the same hopes, dreams and secrets. ...

Review of Chloe's Revelation (Amish Girls Series--Book 3) by J.E.B. Spredemann Chloe Esh has just completed school and is now looking forward to singings, courting, and training in midwifery. While Levi Hostettler has been interested in Chloe for years, she is swept off her feet when she meets handsome Saul Brenneman from another district. Chloe must find God's perfect will for her life and face some tough choices in the process. MY REVIEW:   Chloe's Revelation is an excellent book for young teenagers as it shows what the consequences of moments of passion can lead to for them.   This series is written for young girls, but I am quite sure that other adults will enjoy it just as much as I did.  The book gives a unique view of courting among the Amish.   It made me recall the thrill of young love.  This book also shows how wondrous life can be when young people consider their actions and choose well.   5 Stars!!!   I received a compl...

Review of Crushing by Elena Dillon As a pampered and adored daughter of a wealthy Southern family Rory's life was seemingly perfect until her troubled childhood crush moves back in across the street forcing her to choose between him and the life that has been chosen for her.  As if that isn't enough, her quiet island town has turned dangerous. A good friend has gone missing, lending truth to the rumors of a serial kidnapper. In her quest to help she becomes a target and will have to make choices about love, friendship and the inevitable sacrifice that they both require. MY REVIEW: Elena Dillon has written another very exciting and fast-paced suspenseful YA romance!   I was so into this book that I lost sleep trying to finish it in one night!  This is a young author book, but I believe adults will enjoy this greatly too, as I certainly did.    There is romance, suspense, plenty of "whodoneit" to fulfill desire for excellent book!!    ...

Review of Breathe by Elena Dillon Jasmine’s life wasn’t normal for a 16 year old girl. It hadn’t been normal since the murder of her older sister, Daisy, two years ago. Her life had been changed forever. The monster that murdered Daisy was never caught. That was the reason her family decided to move away from their hometown in Southern California, to start over. Hopefully in a place where the last name Rourke wouldn’t bring on staring or judgment or morbid curiosity. In Lafayette, Louisiana things are quite a bit different but in a good way. Good manners, Cajun accents and a whole lot of Southern Hospitality all make her think things are going in the right direction. On top of that the most gorgeous boy she has ever met is interested in her. Her new friends are better than she could have hoped for even if she is worried about what they might think when they find out who she is. Life would be perfect if odd things didn’t keep happening. Creepy phone calls, texts, and flowers in h...