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...

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 ...

Tangled Threat by Heather Graham Some things you can’t forget. A body hanging from the infamous History Tree unraveled their teenage love. Now Maura Antrim is again tangled up with Brock McGovern. Twelve years later, they’re back where that murder occurred—where Brock had been arrested and then released, where Maura had run, too scared to stand by his side. But with two women missing, and Brock now an FBI agent, Maura is determined to help. Together, they’ll have to confront a threat that never died and see if their passion has withstood the test of time.   MY REVIEW:       3 Stars:     3/5 stars This story is very intriguing but the suspense is just not quite there for me.  I wanted a bit more excitement in the story.  This is a quick read and a fun one though.      I received an ARC of this book from netgalley and Harlequin Intrigue in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive ...

SMOKE SCREEN by Terri Blackstock A gripping new novel from New York Times bestselling suspense author Terri Blackstock. One father was murdered. Another was convicted of his death. All because their children fell in love. Nate Beckett has spent his life fighting wildfires instead of the lies and rumors that drove him from his Colorado hometown. His mother begs him to come back now that his father has been released from prison, but it isn’t until he’s sidelined by an injury that he’s forced to return and face his past. But that means facing Brenna too. Fourteen years ago, Nate was in love with the preacher’s daughter. When Pastor Strickland discovered Brenna defied him to sneak out with Nate, the fight between Strickland and Nate’s drunken dad was loud—and very public. Strickland was found murdered later that night, and everyone accused Roy Beckett. When the church burned down not long after, people assumed Nate set the fire to get even for his father’s conviction. He let th...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

Liza's Second Chance (Amish Charm Bakery #1) by Molly Jebber Book Description: The sweet welcome of straight-from-the-oven sugar cookies and hot cocoa. The warm invitation of apple pie and fresh cold milk. In 1912 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery is the heart of a close-knit, faith-nourished community, where people can find a refuge, a place to start again—and love that can make their lives new . . . For Liza Schrock, the bakery her late husband bought was an unexpected haven from their unhappy arranged marriage. Now she's perfectly content to cook up mouth-watering delights for her hometown, give to those alone or in trouble—and remain happily unwed. And though she's willing to give handsome, newly-arrived widower Jacob Graber all the help he desperately needs, she is sure they can stay just friends . . . But as Liza also tries to aid Jacob's troubled teenage daughter, she starts caring far too much for his gentle ways and steadfast hopes. And when a wrenching secre...

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...

The Celebration (Amish Cooking Class #3) by Wanda Brunstetter Book description: Return to Holmes County, Ohio, for Amish style cooking class.   Lyle and Heidi Troyer have taken in a brother and sister, who were orphaned when their parents were killed in a car accident. Hoping to help the children adapt and make friends, Heidi decides to hold a series of cooking classes for kids. But kids are always accompanied by an adult—and that is where the trouble arises. Miranda Cooper is living the life of a single mom to her two kids while separated from her husband, but Trent is trying to worm his way back into her heart. Denise McGuire’s life as a wife, mom, and real estate broker is full and spilling over. Darren Keller, single dad and firefighter, and Ellen Blackburn, single mom and nurse, find a few things in common. Will hearts be healed over plates of Amish food? This is the third book in The Amish Cooking Class series. Book #1:  The Amish Cooking Class - The...

Rebecca's Bouquet   by Lisa Jones Baker (Hope Chest of Dreams #1} Book Description:  “Written with tenderness and simplicity.” —Joan Wester Anderson,  New York Times  bestselling author First in a new series Three young Amish women, gifted with hand-carved hope chests to hold their treasures and their dreams for the future, find the inspiration they need to help them reconcile love and faith in the most unexpected ways… The last thing Rebecca Sommer dreamed her plan to wed would bring is a heart-wrenching choice. She thought she and her betrothed, William, would spend the rest of their lives in Illinois’ heartland, raising a family in their close-knit Amish hometown. But when he must travel far out of state to save his ailing father's business, Rebecca braves her relatives' disapproval—and her own fears—to go work by his side. And though she finds herself ever more in love with the dedicated, resourceful man he proves to be, William’s growing interest in ...