How the Woman at the Well Became the Well Woman: A Memoir of an Extraordinary Ordinary Life

by Donna Rhodes

This memoir is the story of an extraordinary ordinary life. It is is the poignant life story of a woman's desperate journey to find love. Inspired by the biblical account of the woman at the well, this book is a remarkable testament to God's faithfulness and the power of His redemption. For those who think their lives will never change and those who are afraid to hope again, this testimony is transformative.

284 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2016

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could have read this in one night but I forced myself to put it down and go to sleep. I'm not exactly sure why it captivated me the way it did. It definitely flowed well and the author didn't bog us down with a bunch of unnecessary details. Her life is not one that I can really relate to since I haven't experienced the rejection and failed relationships that she has so I was surprised that I got so caught up in this.

You read the story of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well and you think how did this Samaritan woman go through five husbands and is living with yet another man when she meets Jesus. But, life happens and relationships fail and people make mistakes. This book was simple. The author tells us her story to teach us to have greater empathy for that Samaritan woman and to better understand that Biblical narrative and the love and grace that Jesus showed her. In turn, we can learn how to show that same love and grace to those that we meet that may have dealt with similar circumstances.

[Phyllis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because it was listed on the United Methodist Women’s booklist. It is a fast read about a young woman who as a child is taken away from her family and struggles through her childhood going through foster care and a Catholic children’s home. Desperate to find love she goes through several marriages. Pregnancies and abusive situations. When she does seek a religious life she learns that her church is part of a cult.

It is a very sad portrayal of children wanting to live differently but going down the same path as their parents. Thankfully this young lady chose to give her life to God.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because it was on the UMW Reading list under the category of Nurturing for Community. It is an excellent example of a woman at the well who has been given God's grace.

I only gave it 3 stars because I didn't think enough emphasis was given for understanding that the author was under the influence of a cult while she thought she was going to a Christian church. She got some very bad advice which I do not believe God would ever give.

[Karen Hunsucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

This author has a real insight on what it means to be a true believer in the power and grace of Jesus Christ. I could not stop reading. I was spellbound from beginning to end. It's a true story of redemption and grace. Great for inspieation, whether you are a Christian or not. This woman showed true grit and determination to make her way in life. A great read for anyone!

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needs work

This book read more like a personal journal or diary to me. Although I admire the author's strength and am sure writing this provided the author with a catharsis, I was not a fan of the presentation. I feel there were many aspects that needed to be fleshed out. I read this for a book club choice, would not recommend.

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book for my UMW book club. Not knowing anything about the book, I found it to be a very depressing quick read, with an ending that was quickly wrapped up in a Jesus moment. A fast paced moment that enabled her to walk away from the beliefs, her cult like church gave her in the beginning. I would not recommend this book to others.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those spell binding books that you can read in one sitting. I’m not even sure why it captures your attention the way it does, but be forewarned, it’s hard to put down!
I read it as part of the United Methodist Women’s Reading Program. Great choice ladies! 👍👍

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book as it is on our UWF reading list from a few years ago. I was blown away! The author’s perseverance, although sometimes through mistakes, showed me that with God, anything is possible. So inspiring. A must read.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

a personal experience

[Peggy Ostrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Rhodes memoir is a fast, but not necessarily easy read. I found myself angry at the religion that deceived her, angry at the people who subjected her to physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and spiritual abuse. I was rooting for her survival, and found strength and comfort from her deep faith.