Rhonda's Doings !

AChristmas Prayer by Wanda E. Brunstetter Beloved, bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter takes readers on a journey in 1850 along the California Trail. Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail. Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid hear

Rachel's Dream (Hope Chest of Dreams #3) by Lisa Jones Baker Book Description:  Patience, faith--and the hopes and dreams within their hand-carved hope chests--help to bring three young Amish women, one by one, the blessed futures their hearts desire...   Rachel Kauffman and Jarred Zimmerman seem to have nothing in common. She's the outgoing youngest of a large, close-knit Amish clan, and longs to raise a brood of her own near those she loves. Estranged from his family by tragedy, Jarred is a young veterinarian who trusts the animals he heals far more than he trusts people. However, when Rachel's beloved horse falls ill, Jarred's struggles to save him show Rachel he's a man who cares deeply. And the respect he feels for her gentle warmhearted ways soon becomes an irresistible bond... When Rachel tries to help Jarred reunite with his parents, it is an unexpected blessing--with one complication. If he takes this chance to put his past to rest, it could

Mind Games (Kaely Quinn Profiler #1) by Nancy Mehl This book is a MUST-READ!!!!! Book Description: Kaely Quinn's talents as an FBI behavior analyst are impossible to ignore, no matter how unorthodox her methods. But when a reporter outs her as the daughter of an infamous serial killer, she's demoted to field agent and transferred to St. Louis. When the same reporter who ruined her career claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely's, the reporter's ulterior motives bring his claim into question. But when a body is found that fits the poem's predictions, the threat is undeniable, and the FBI sends Special Agent Noah Hunter to St. Louis. Initially resentful of the assignment, Noah is surprised at how quickly his respect for Kaely grows, despite her oddities. But with a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer befo

180 Devotions for When Life is Hard:  Encouragement for a Woman's Heart  by Renae Brumbaugh Green Book Description:   Life Is Good. . . Praise God! Life Not Going So Well? . . . Praise God! . . .   Do you find that it's easy to praise God when life is going well—the bills are paid, family members are healthy and thriving, and every day is smooth sailing—but difficult to muster up genuine praise when life  isn't  going so well? With  180 Devotions for When Life Is Hard , you will discover just the comfort and encouragement your heart needs for the areas of life that truly matter to you, including family, finances, work, health, faith, and so much more. Whatever life brings your way—through every mountain and valley—you will encounter words that uplift and inspire your soul in this lovely devotional.  MY REVIEW:   This could definitely serve as a useful tool for women who are or have been facing difficulties in their lives.  Each devotion includes the scripture, a v

365 Gifts: A Daily Devotional for Women                         Book Review by Janice Thompson Book Description: Inspiration for your grateful heart. Rooted in the biblical truth of James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. . ." This inspiring daily devotional encourages you to live every day with a grateful heart for the many blessings God provides. Each titled devotional reading will touch your heart as you encounter daily gifts from your heavenly Father, including THE GIFT OF GRACE, THE GIFT OF LOVE, THE GIFT OF LIFE, THE GIFT OF FAMILY, THE GIFT OF WORK, THE GIFT OF SALVATION, and THE GIFT OF PRAYER. Every day's reading begins with scripture and ends in prayer. MY BOOK REVIEW:  I love this devotional.  It incorporates the many times that the word "gift/gifts" is used in the Bible along with blessings and gifts that we receive from God on a daily basis to create meaningful devotions fo

The Devoted Life: a creative journal by Marjorie Jackson Book Description: Come Experience It for Yourself. . . Life Is Good with a God Who Is Great! This topically guided creative journal for teen girls offers inspiration and encouragement for those who desire to live their lives fully devoted to Christ. Amidst the loud, confusing voices of the world, trying to tell them which way is the right way to go, girls need to stop, rest, refuel, and reflect in the presence of their truest Friend and most loyal heavenly Father. Whether it’s through creativity, meditating on scripture, prayer, or writing, readers will join young author and artist, Marjorie Jackson, for a time of life-giving fun, faith-strengthening encouragement, and God-glorifying growth. As girls connect with their first love, Jesus, they will begin to understand that life is truly good with a God who is absolutely great!  MY BOOK REVIEW:   What an awesome journal for young ladies.   I love the practical devoti

The Amish Widower Book Review by Virginia Smith Book Description: Is It Time for This Widower to Give Love One More Chance? After the devastating loss of his second wife, Seth Hostetler believes a lasting love is beyond all hope. A year has passed, and his  mamm  and sister are determined to see him happily married once again. But how can he open his heart to another woman when their relationship could end in tragedy? On an outing with his family, Seth comes across an Amish potter hard at work and jumps at the chance to take a seat at the wheel. He takes quickly to this creative outlet, pouring his long-buried emotions into each piece he shapes. Unfortunately, the fancy nature of his art draws the disapproval of his district's leadership. His work puts him in the path of Leah, an  Englisch  woman employed by the Amish to sell their wares to tourists. Despite her aloofness, something about her speaks to Seth's wounded soul. But what is he to do when the things he wants mo

Amish Refuge ( Amish Protectors #1) by Debby Giusti Book Description : HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT Miriam Miller barely escapes the ruthless attacker that killed her mother and kidnapped her sister. Running deeper into the woods, she's running out of hope...until she falls into the arms of an unlikely bodyguard--a peaceful Amish farmer. Something about Abram Zook inspires her trust, but even in bucolic Willkommen, Georgia, Miriam faces danger. Both from the men pursuing her and from her growing feelings for the caring--though guarded--widower who protects her. Because if she falls for Abram she'll have to embrace his Amish faith as her own--or lose him. With each minute, her abductor creeps closer, pushing Miriam to an inevitable choice: stay and risk her heart...or leave and risk her life. My Book Review: Wow, this is a suspense novel that you won't want to miss!!!  It is the perfect book to curl up in a chair with and sip on hot coffee or tea while wrapped in your f

An Amish Summer  by Shelley Shepard Gray, Amy Clipston,  Kathleen Fuller, & Kelly Irvin Book Description: A Reunion in Pinecraft   by Shelley Shepard Gray When sisters Sharon and Sherilyn Kramer attend a wedding in Shipshewana, one of them returns with a new penpal while the other returns to her job at the bakery. After sending weekly letters back and forth, Sherry and Graham Holland arrange a reunion in Pinecraft. Upon Graham s arrival, however, he realizes he s been writing to the wrong sister. He decides to use the reunion as a way to get to know both sisters, but can he sort through the confusion in time to turn the worst vacation ever into something truly wonderful? Summer Storm   by Amy Clipston Arianna is counting down the days until her wedding to Jesse. They have been friends longer than Arianna can remember, and that friendship turned into love over the past couple of years. But when Arianna s brother Isaac, who happens to be Jesse's best friend, ge

Return to Huckleberry Hill (The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill #7) by Jennifer Beckstrand Book Description: When it comes to matchmaking, Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s unstoppable octogenarians Anna and Felty Helmuth never seem to run out of opportunities—or grandchildren... Reuben Helmuth is plenty bitter. John King, his best friend—or so he thought—is engaged to the girl Reuben loved. Humiliated, Reuben flees from Ohio to his grandparents’ home on Huckleberry Hill, where he knows he’ll find comfort. He’s enjoying wallowing in his misery—until John’s sister, Fern, shows up. She won’t stop pestering Reuben about forgiveness—or trying to help him find love again. Yet Fern's efforts only reawaken Reuben’s long-buried feelings—for   her… With her brother too ashamed to face Reuben, it’s fallen to Fern to help mend fences. But as she and the Helmuths do all they can—even organizing a knitting club event filled with eligible girls—it may take one more challenge to inspire Reuben

Death and Daisies ( A Magic Garden Mystery #2) by Amanda Flower Book Description: National bestselling author Amanda Flower returns with her second floral Magic Garden mystery, perfect for readers of Paige Shelton and Sheila Connolly. Florist Fiona Knox left behind her gloomy life for a magical garden in  Scotland, but a murder on her shop’s opening day spells doom. Fiona Knox thought she was pulling her life back together when she inherited her godfather’s cottage in Duncreigan, Scotland—complete with a magical walled garden. But the erstwhile Tennessee flower shop owner promptly found herself puddle boot-deep in danger when she found a dead body among the glimmering blossoms. One police investigation later (made a trifle less unpleasant by the presence of handsome Chief Inspector Neil Craig), and Fiona’s life is getting back on a steady, though bewitched, track. Her sister Isla has just moved in with her, and the grand opening of her new spellbound venture, the Climbing Rose

Words from the Heart (An Amish Letters novel #3) by Kathleen Fuller Book Description: Her fingertips brushed against something else in the box of doilies. She lifted a bundle of letters, neatly tied with a thin red ribbon . . . Ivy Yoder hasn’t heard from John King in over a year. She knows it’s time to let go of the idea that they will one day marry, but she’s humiliated to be one of the oldest single women in her Amish community of Birch Creek. When quirky Cevilla Schlabach asks her to help clean out an attic, Ivy is grateful for the distraction. Noah Schlabach isn’t from Birch Creek, or even Ohio. His job as an auctioneer takes him around the country and away from a typical Amish life, but he still remains devoted to his family. So when his aging aunt asks him to help clean out her attic, he agrees. Plus, who knows what curious items he might find up there?  As Noah and Ivy work side by side, they come across a different kind of treasure: a packet of letters written d

A Simple Singing  (The Sisters of Lancaster County #2) by Leslie Gould Book Description:  For years Marie Bachmann thought of herself as the "good" daughter. She was the most loving to their mother, the most dedicated to their Amish way of life. But when a Mennonite farmhand, Gordon Martin, shows interest in her she can't help but be flattered--until her mother sends her off to Florida. While there, Marie begins spending time with bad-boy Eli Jacob, the bishop's son from back home. When Gordon shows up in Florida to volunteer in a homeless shelter, her life becomes even more complicated. At the same time her aunt begins telling her of a Civil War-era ancestor and the woman's uncommon bravery . . . a story that begins to work at Marie's heart. Marie hopes returning home may simplify life, but Eli soon follows. As Marie grapples with whether she should court Eli or leave the church for Gordon, the story of Annie Bachmann shines a light

3-Minute Devotions from the Proverbs (Wisdom for Women) by Rebecca Currington & MariLee Parrish Got 3 minutes to spare? You’ll find the spiritual pick-me-up you desire in  3-Minute Devotions from the Proverbs: Wisdom for Women .  Written especially for the twenty-first-century woman, this delightful devotional packs a powerful dose of comfort, encouragement, and inspiration into just-right-sized readings for women on the go. Minute 1: scripture to meditate on; Minute 2: a short devotional reading; Minute 3: a prayer to jump-start a conversation with God. This portable package makes a fabulous any-occasion gift for every woman. MY BOOK REVIEW:   I am loving this devotional!  If you can spare 3-minutes per day, you will reap the benefits of a scripture verse from the book of Proverbs, a short devotional based on that verse, and a prayer to apply the truths learned in the two.   The devotionals are easily applied to daily life for women of all ages.   I wa