Rhonda's Doings !

The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common?   Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity. MY BOOK REVIEW: 4 Stars: 4/5 Star Rating Combining my love of historical fiction with mystery, this book filled many hours with intrigue and pleasure.  I thought it was very well-written.  I really liked Maggie and Oliver.  I didn't know that I was going to like Oliver s...

Veiled in Smoke (The Windy City Saga #1) by Jocelyn Green Book Description: Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago's business district, they lose much more than just their store. The sisters become separated from their father, and after Meg burns her hands in an attempt to save a family heirloom, they make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend not only died during the fire--he was murdered. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum. Though homeless, injured, and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father's innocence befo...

The Blizzard Bride (The Daughters of the Mayflower #11) by Susanne Dietze A Blizzard Changes Everything Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in January 1888 to teach school…and to execute a task for the government: to identify a student as the hidden son of a murderous counterfeiter—the man who killed her father. Agent Dashiell Lassiter doesn’t want his childhood sweetheart Abby on this dangerous job, especially when he learns the counterfeiter is now searching for his son, too, and he’ll destroy anyone in his way. Now Dash must follow Abby to Nebraska to protect her…if she’ll let him within two feet of her. She’s still angry he didn’t fight to marry her six years ago, and he never told her the real reason he left her. All Dash wants is to protect Abby, but when a horrifying blizzard sweeps over them, can Abby and Dash set aside the pain from their pasts and work together to catch a counterfeiter and protect his son—if they survive the storm? MY REVIEW: 5 Stars:  5/5 Star R...

All Hearts Come Home for Christmas  by Sarah M. Eden, Anita Stansfield, Esther Hatch, & Joanna Barker Book Description: Christmas at Falstone Castle · Sarah M. Eden The Dowager Duchess of Kielder eagerly anticipates spending Christmas with her son and his family. Though their relationship has been strained, the duchess is determined to heal the chasm. Even with the help of the widowed local vicar, her plan will take a Christmas miracle. But during this magical season, anything is possible . . . even two second chances for love. The Heart of Christmas · Anita Stansfield When a chance meeting brings together a gentle seamstress and a widowed banker, each lonely soul finds a first hint of hope. As their lives become entwined, it will take Christmas spirit to guide a broken family to love and healing. ’Tis the Season to Be Daring · Esther Hatch Elizabeth Davenport has had quite enough of the London Season. Determined to evade a parade of unsuitable suitors, she seeks help fro...

A VOW FOR CHRISTMAS  by Linda Carroll-Bradd In the two years since his beloved wife died, rancher Chad Rutherford has done the best for his family. But with his sister leaving the family ranch to get married, he needs to find someone to keep house and tend his kids so he places an ad for a mail-order bride. Left on her own by her brother’s murder, spinster Vika Carmichael must find a way to life. An ad for a mail-order bride from a widower with small children seems like the perfect fit. Until she arrives in Gunnison City, Colorado, and wonders if room for her exists in their hearts. Will two proud individuals find a way to work together, or will their marriage vow be broken by Christmas? A heartwarming, sweet western historical romance Previous Titles in the Series Book 1--A Marshal for Christmas by P. Creeden Book 2--A Bride for Christmas by Cheryl Wright Book 3--A Husband for Christmas by Margaret Tanner Book 4--A Farmer for Christmas by Marisa Masterson Book 5--A Family for ...

A brutal murder. A heinous secret. A deadly conspiracy. The brutal murder of the little old lady next door puts FitzHugh Donovan on the case. A retired New York City Police Chief, he knows a cover-up when he sees one and his Irish Cop conscience can't let that happen. Now, Fitz, his family and his quirky band of Bleecker Street Irregulars are ensnared in the bizarre secret the woman died to protect. Is this a cold case turned hot again, or an unspeakable conspiracy that could alter the course of history? Fitz doesn't yet know how high the stakes are, that failure isn't an option, and that the little old lady was so much more than she appeared. But he's trying to keep everyone alive long enough to find out. Characters you’ll care about, dark shocking secrets, and disturbing similarities to today’s political scene, will keep you turning pages to an ending you won’t see coming. Cathy Cash Spellman A Murder on Jane Street MY BOOK REVIEW:     5 Stars:  ...

A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer For readers who love a heartwarming romance and a rich historical setting comes a tale of a young woman with a heavy burden, the International Cotton Exposition, and the pursuit of true love. Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and "take care of Mama" by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. Operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition will give her the chance to capture the heart of a man wealthy enough to take care of Laurel and any children she might bear, as well as her mother. Langdon Rochester's parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Langdon meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents's command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his u...

A Secret Courage (The London Chronicles #1) by  Tricia Goyer Book Description: A Mystery Brought Them Together. Will Secrets Destroy Their Love? Dive into WWII history in this well-researched story of international intrigue, heartwarming romance, and profound courage. American Emma Hanson is one of a dozen women sent to work in London as a cryptographer—decoding German secrets at the height of World War II. Her job as a member of the Women's Army Corps gives her a way to fight back against those who killed her brother. The only distraction she needs is a good book for the long nights of bombing that threaten her fragile peace. Englishman William Brandt's mind is full of the secrets he knows and the spies he must keep tabs on to ensure the safety of the people and nation he loves. But there might just be room in his heart for a pretty WAC worker with a sweet spirit—and a curiosity that could threaten all his plans. Emma's and William's paths cross in the...

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...

LOVE'S STORY by Dianne Christner (Bonus story "Strong as the Redwood" by Kristin Billerbeck) Book Description: Rediscover this classic romance from bestselling author Dianne Christner. Take the journey with Meredith Mears from New York City to a primitive town in the redwood forests of northern California. As a female journalist for  McClures Magazine  in 1899, Meredith has something to prove with her big story on forest conservation. But when her research leads her to logger Thatcher Talbot—a man with something to hide—will she be forced to choose between her story and her heart? Also included is a bonus historical romance from author Kristin Billerbeck. MY REVIEW:  What a fun book for a delightful afternoon or evening of enjoyment.  Readers will find this especially sweet book and bonus short story.  Grab a cup of hot tea, embrace the fragrance and sit back for a time of peace and quiet.   Readers who delight in love stories will...

A Daring Escape (The London Chronicles #2) by Tricia Goyer When Danger Closes In, Who Will Save the Children? At the height of World War II, American Amity Mitchell is living a comfortable life abroad as a tutor in England. But that changes when an urgent telegram arrives from her brother, Andrew, summoning her to Prague. Andrew's efforts to help Jewish children escape Czechoslovakia have grown desperate as Nazi forces tighten their grip on the country. Amity knows she can't ignore God's call to join Andrew in coming to the children's aid. Amity's boss, Clark, follows her to Prague to urge her to return but soon finds himself helping the Mitchell siblings prepare Kindertransports bound for the safety of England while threats of German occupation escalate. As Amity and Clark race to save innocent lives, God is drawing them closer to each other. A Daring Escape  is a gripping tale of hope, self-sacrifice, and the power of unrelenting love to overcome ...

Grace and the Preacher by Kim Vogel Sawyer Book Description:  The Kansas community of Fairland anticipates the arrival of their new minister and in recent months, late in 1882, postmistress Grace Cristler has communicated with Reverend Dille via letters, answering his questions about the little town, and developing affection for the man who pens thoughtful missives.   Theophil Garrison grew up under the loving influence of his saintly grandmother, but was roped into his cousins’ train-robbing plan. When they fail and are apprehended, Theo fled the scene, evading jail time. Now an angry cousin is out to avenge Theo's duplicity, and he’s on the run. He encounters a fatally ill traveler--a minister. Seeing a way to keep hidden, Theo trades identities with the man, dons his fine black suit, carries a Bible, and prays that he'll be accepted as Rufus Dille.   Once in Fairland, if Theo's true identity is uncovered, what will be left of the world he has built for h...

Love Held Captive (Lone Star Hero #3) by Shelley Shepard Gray Book Description: After the War Between the States, a Confederate officer longs to heal the heart of a beautiful woman—but first he’ll have to right the wrongs that were done to her. Major Ethan Kelly has never been able to absolve himself of the guilt he feels for raiding a woman’s home shortly before he was taken prisoner during the Civil War. He is struggling to get through each day until he once again crosses paths with Lizbeth Barclay—the very woman he is trying to forget. Life after the war is not much different for former Captain Devin Monroe until he meets Julianne VanFleet. He knows she is the woman he’s been waiting for, but he struggles to come to terms with the sacrifices she made to survive the war. When Ethan and Devin discover that their former colonel, Adam Bushnell, is responsible for both Lizbeth’s and Julianne’s pain, they call on their former fellow soldiers to hunt him down. As the men b...