Rhonda's Doings !

A guide to grandparenting with purpose and fun--in the age of smart phones and social media. Grandparenting may be different today, but it still can be meaningful and fun for both the kids and the adults. Today's grandparent needs to understand technology--how it mesmerizes grandchildren but also enhances the opportunities to connect and share life experiences. And while many of the roles grandparents play in the lives of grandchildren have changed, their most important role of influencing with wisdom, faith, and fun remains the same. The author addresses topics relevant to all grandparents and also looks at the challenges of grandchildren living in single parent or blended families. Also included are stories from the author's journey with her own grandchildren--including  Duck Dynasty's  Sadie Robertson. MY BOOK REVIEW:   3 Stars *** 3/5  This book is well-written and inspirational, but it was not what I was expecting.  I thought there would be fun...

They both love music. Will God deny what brings them such joy?       Musical prodigy Levi Shetler hasn’t touched a piano since he secretly played one years ago. His strict Amish community forbids instruments or the singing of any music not in their approved songbook. Levi asks God often why music tempts him when playing an instrument isn’t allowed in his world.  One person knows Levi’s talents: Mary Hershberger, the girl who promised years ago to keep his secret. Mary comes from a more liberal district than Levi, but she’s facing family troubles of her own. The mutual care for an aging  Englischer,  Adeline, reunites Mary and Levi as young adults. They realize that, despite their differences, they have a shared love of music—and a shared confusion about whether their talents are God-given gifts or temptations luring them into the  Englisch  world.  The couple realizes they must compromise or part ways, but a tragic accident shakes the...

An Amish Match on Ice Mountain by Kelly Long Book Description: An Amish homecoming . . .     Disgrace drove Stephen Lambert from Ice Mountain, but honor drives him back to his Amish home. After rescuing a pregnant young woman from a burning house, the rugged firefighter knows the remote Amish mountain community is the only place Ella Nichols will be safe. Abandoned by the father of her child, the brave  Englischer  beauty needs him like no one before. Determined to protect her, Stephen claims the unborn babe as his own—and prepares to return to the town, and the family, that once falsely accused him . . .   From the moment she is caught from peril by Stephen’s strong arms, Ella feels sheltered, nurtured. How else could she agree to sequester herself on Ice Mountain, among the Plain folk there, but for the promise of Stephen’s loving protection? But as she steps deeper into his world and discovers his haunting secrets, Ella longs to heal the heart of the m...

Written by best-selling and award-winning author Glenys Nellist,  Good News! It’s Easter!  is a playful and joyful introduction to the gift of new life through Jesus. With its vivid imagery and stories of both nature and Jesus coming to life, this book will surely delight young readers and intrigue them to learn more about the salvation message. There’s new life to be found!    The Easter season is an exciting time of growth and reflection as both nature and our human hearts anticipate the hope of new beginnings. Through playful illustrations in nature, best-selling and award-winning author Glenys Nellist introduces children to the gift of salvation.   The whimsical rhyming stories ultimately lead to the rebirth of Christ who “steps free from the cave” to  “live and love and save!”  MY BOOK REVIEW:   4 Stars **** 4/5 stars Cute book with lovely illustrations.  The book is more about spring and new life than about the traditiona...

Closer to God by Bob Hostetler Closer to God  invites you to reinforce your connection with the Lord as you explore the benefits of intimate encounters with Him. This insightful non-fiction book will show how to pray, read and understand Scripture, and listen for God’s direction. Not only will you grow in your own relationship with Jesus, you’ll be inspired to help others to do the same. My Review:   5/5 stars ***** This book has quickly become a favorite of mine. I use it during my daily quiet time of studying scripture and praying.  It has enriched my own prayer life.  It has given me good insights on ways to deepen my relationship with God.   Thank you to the author for a beautifully written book.  I highly recommend it to those who are eager for a deeper relationship with the Savior.             The book is theologically sound and includes scripture verses to support information given.  ...

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...

Someone Else's Soul by Meradeth Houston BOOK DESCRIPTION: There are 14 strangers who share her face, and one company is determined to erase them all. Everyone has secrets, and it's Diana Kane's job to know them. It's a talent--being able to see into someone's life from the scuffs on their shoes to the way they hold their hands--a talent that sets her apart from everyone. When a mysterious stranger drops into her life dangling the possibility of something she’s longed for, a real connection with someone who might actually understand her, she’s too intrigued to refuse. But when David Addington shows up to their date knowing too much about her, and the top secret agency she works for, Diana realizes their meeting was anything but coincidence. David has more than his share of surprises, including an impossible claim about Diana’s past and photos of an inexplicable woman who shares her face. When her life begins to unravel around her, Diana has no choice but t...