Rhonda's Doings !

Review of A Christmas of Mercy by J. E. B. Spredemann As Christmas draws near, Katrina Thompson looks forward to the birth of her first grandchild. But when the blessed event digs up the discovery of her buried criminal past, Officer Love feels obligated to report the wrongdoing. The Amish community of Paradise has long since forgiven Katrina for her past mistakes, but will she receive mercy at the hands of the law? Christian fiction romance My Review:  This Christmas story is truly one about mercy.  Katrina Thompson is in desperate need of mercy in her life.  The Amish have long since forgiven her for her crime, but now she is dating Christopher, an officer of the law, and he has come to question her about the crime.   Will he show her mercy or will Christmas be ruined?   I love reading about the Amish and how they celebrate Christmas.  They love to connect with family and friends.   The emphasis is on Christ and they celebrate with s...

Review of A Secret of the Heart by J. E. B. Spredemann Lillianna Zook and Thomas Girod had been secret friends throughout most of their Amish childhood, but they part ways when Lillianna’s family moves to a district in another state. She fears their friendship has been lost forever until a chance encounter brings them in contact once again. Lillianna learns that Thomas needs money – a lot of it – and it’s a matter of life and death. Lillianna is willing to do anything she can to help Thomas, so when an opportunity arises where she can make a lot of money in a short time, she doesn’t hesitate. But will her sacrifice be worth the trials this new opportunity presents. MY REVIEW:  This is a heart-wrenching story of forgiveness, loyalty, and love.  Lillianna goes above and beyond to provide the money Thomas needs for his cancer treatments.   She lives with an Englisch family to act as their nanny and what she receives is a broken heart in return.   This is a ...

Review of An Unforgivable Secret by J.E.B. Spredemann Hannah has a good life. A beautiful home, a loving husband, and a wonderful Amish community are only a few of her daily blessings. But she has carried a heavy burden for years: a secret that no one must know. When tragedy strikes, her secret threatens to be revealed, jeopardizing everything she's ever loved. Will Hannah be able to face her greatest fear and find God's purpose for her life? Inspirational Christian Fiction MY REVIEW:   This was a very engaging work of Amish fiction but I was surprised that several main characters had great difficulty in forgiving since the Amish faith is very outspoken about their forgiveness.  It does show the Amish in this book, though, to be very human and struggling with many of the same issues as Englisch.  I appreciated the way that the Bishop and elders handled the difficult issues in the book, as well.   I won't spoil the book by revealing what those issues were...

Review of Learning to Love:   Saul's Story by J.E.B. Spredemann SEQUEL to Chloe's Revelation - Book 3 in the Amish Girls Series  Description contains *SPOILERS* if you haven't read Chloe's Revelation yet!  To the readers of Chloe's Revelation in the Amish Girls Series who’ve ever wondered what happened to Saul Brenneman...  Saul Brenneman, head-over-heels in love with Chloe Esh, is devastated when his past comes back to haunt him. With no other option, he is forced to marry a woman he does not love and leave behind his precious Chloe forever. Will he ever allow himself to love another woman? And will he be able to forgive himself and accept God’s will for his life? Adult Amish Christian Fiction MY REVIEW:   "She glanced down at each photo and marveled at how happy the young couple seemed.  Sarah frowned.  NOTHING LIKE US.  Saul was even brazenly planting a kiss of the girl's cheek in one of the photographs. She flipped the strip over...

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.   ...

Author Interview with J. E. B. Spredemann & Giveaway!!!  and the winners are:  JYN Hoffman wins "An Unforgivable Secret" and  Lisa Korell   wins "Amish by Accident"  emails are being sent to winners and author will send your autographed copies!  thanks to all who entered! Luke Beiler has loved Elisabeth Schrock for as long as he can remember and is looking forward to the day they both join the church so they can marry. Elisabeth, however, chafes under the church rules and flees to the Englisch world leaving Luke heart broken. When an accident leaves Brianna Mitchell with amnesia, she feels helplessly lost. What will happen when she is mistaken for Elisabeth Schrock and taken home to Paradise, Pennsylvania? Hannah has a good life. A beautiful home, a loving husband, and a wonderful Amish community are only a few of her daily blessings. But she has carried a heavy burden for years: a secret that no one must know. When tragedy strikes, h...

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 Danika's Journey by J. E. B. Spredemann Danika Morales is devastated when tragedy strikes close to  home. She is forced to move from her friends and beautiful home in sunny California to Amish country in rural Pennsylvania to live with her uncle. This surfer girl believes she'll never be able to adjust to a land-locked Plain lifestyle until she meets her new best friend. Still, being an outsider and of a different ethnicity, Danika faces many challenges on her journey to adulthood. Inspirational teen fiction - Approx. 100 pgs. MY REVIEW   Danika Morales has faced a great deal of loss in her young life.  Her mother passed away at birth along with the baby brother she delivered.  Her father then develops cancer and comes home to tell her that she must go to live with her mother's only brother in Pennsylvania when he  passes away.  She begs him not to die and leave her and before he even has a chance to explain more to her, he takes his la...

Review of Joanna's Struggle by J. E. B. Spredemann Joanna Fisher is a typical Amish girl. She attends a one-room schoolhouse with her siblings in Paradise, Pennsylvania. She loves riding her horse, chorin' with her family, and spending time with her best friend, Chloe. But when something unexpected happens at a nearby mud sale, Joanna finds her perfect world turned upside down. Could one event change Joanna's life forever? Approx. 110 pages Teen Fiction Joanna's Struggle, in the Amish Girls Series, is the first of several books penned by the author. The Amish Girls Series was primarily written for teen girls, but has been enjoyed by fans of all ages. Lovers of the ever-popular Amish fiction genre are sure to enjoy these books as well, even though they are geared toward a younger audience. The characters in the stories will soon become endeared to your heart, especially the mischievous Jonathan Fisher.  Join Joanna and her friends as they grow up in Paradise and...