In Print-Books
Rhonda’s debut novel, When the Flames Ravaged, was published by Barbour Books in March of 2024.
When the Flames Ravaged
Evelyn Benson’s husband perished in the Bataan Death March but not her faith. The World War II Gold Star widow is taken in by her brother and soothed by the love of his wife and children. Evelyn refuses to cower to grief. She may not understand God’s mysterious ways, but she has never questioned Him—until the circus fire.
The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus train chugs into Hartford, Connecticut, on a sweltering day one month after the Allies invaded Normandy. Among the roustabouts is a reluctant clown, Hank Webb. He may hide from his murky past behind grease paint as Fraidy Freddie, but God wants to offer Hank a chance to be found. Though first, what little Hank believes about God will endure a fiery trial.
In Print-Anthologies
Rhonda has also successfully submitted stories and articles which have appeared in several national publications. Her newest story will appear in Revell Book’s Christmas anthology by Callie Smith Grant. Five of her stories have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul® anthologies. Two of Rhonda’s flash fiction stories (1,000 words or less) have been published in Splickety’s Spark magazine. Read titles and descriptions below, and check again for updates on new publications.
Help from the blue
Rhonda and Dale traveled to Romania in 1990 to adopt a baby, but at the border they were turned away by armed guards. Find out how God placed mysterious strangers in just the right place to make the crossing possible. Published by Guideposts and released January 17, 2024.
Play It Again
This poignant story, in a book about lessons learned from our mothers, tells of an amazing discovery Rhonda made while tending to her mother during her terminal illness. Published July 1, 2023.
The Ben Test
Rhonda frantically tries to control her exuberant dog, Bendito, as he greets a string of young ladies dating her cousin, Andrew. Too much enthusiasm leads to a procession akin to Goldilocks, until he finds the girl who is “just right.” Published April 18, 2023.
FROSTBITTEN NATIVITY
What happens when the youth group plans an outdoor nativity scene, but the thermometer drops to 16 degrees? What might have been a miserable evening turned to a memorable one with the visit of little Mary Kate. NOTE: This was Rhonda’s favorite anthology entry to date. Released October 5, 2022.
An UNEXPECTED GUEST (REPRINT)
Kitty is the first animal ever permitted to live in the parsonage, and the chairwoman of the parsonage committee doesn’t like cats! What happens when Kitty pays a visit to the Women’s Missionary Fellowship Christmas dinner party with an unexpected guest? Hilarity erupts! Released October 11, 2022.
To Grandfather's House We Go
In Callie Smith Grant’s Christmas anthology, Rhonda writes about her dog and the family escapades on their trips from home for Christmas. Does your dog have “radar?” A sixth sense that defies explanation and oozes from a heart of doggie love? Ben did. This book is launched October 12, 2021.
Listen to Your Dreams
Rhonda and her husband endured twelve years of infertility. During that dark season, she awoke from a God-given dream. Only when Rhonda had completely given up on motherhood did this dream come to pass. He could have written this life script that transformed great sorrow to joy. Released August 11, 2020.
Christmas Upside Down
Christmas is always hectic when your husband is the pastor and your daughter is a toddler. Read the hilarious story of Rhonda’s hijinks as she tried hard to be the perfect pastor’s wife and mother. Fatigue, rushing, and inattention to details led to an embarrassing, but heartwarming moment. Release date October 16, 2018.
No Postage Required
A hunky Texas ranch owner saves a spunky Swedish immigrant from a stampeding bull. He was set to send for a mail order bride, but will he need to buy postage for the letter? Perhaps not. No Postage Required, a flash fiction romance, appears in Spark magazine’s May 2018 issue themed “Wagon Trail Romance.”
Just a Kiss
Could one simple kiss begin a journey to a whole new life? A geeky lab assistant seizes one last chance for love in Just a Kiss, a flash fiction romance story appearing in Spark magazine’s February 2018 issue themed “Sadie Hawkins.” All stories in this issue feature strong female leads who know how to get what they want!
i'd rather die
I’d Rather Die is the true story of Rhonda’s healing from Crohn’s Disease. Wracked by intense, unrelenting pain, she confessed those three terrible words one day in the emergency room. But a trip to a women’s retreat and the persistent, powerful prayers of a group of women wrought a genuine miracle! Released February 6, 2018.
The Cookie Gauntlet
This anthology chronicles acts of kindness, some sweet and some heart-melting. But Dale and Rhonda were blessed by an act of kindness that went awry. This humorous story stars a pig-tailed little girl and some irresistible cookies that found their way into the Dragomir’s shopping cart. Released August 29, 2017.
An Unexpected guest
Kitty is the first animal ever permitted to live in the parsonage, and the chairwoman of the parsonage committee doesn’t like cats! What happens when Kitty pays a visit to the Women’s Missionary Fellowship Christmas dinner party with an unexpected guest? Hilarity erupts! Released February 9, 2016.