Strength in the Storm

Laurel Blount

Feb 2022 · A Johns Mill Amish Romance Book 2 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

In this touching Amish romance, a brokenhearted woman and a steadfast man discover that the safest place to weather tragedy is in each other’s arms.

After the murder of both her parents, Emma Hochstedler returns to the small community of Johns Mill, hoping to resume her quiet existence. Reclaiming her place proves harder than expected—especially now that a movie is being made about her family’s loss. But then, an old friend offers her a lifeline that gives her new purpose.

Amish builder Samuel Christner is the biggest—and the strongest—man in town. In fact, the gentle giant has only one weakness—Emma. Even though she broke his heart, he won’t let his childhood sweetheart face her troubles alone. He hires Emma as a nurse for his elderly aunt…and finds himself falling for her all over again.

But while romance blooms, storm clouds gather. And when darkness falls, it will take all Sam’s strength—and all their love—to see them through.

Ratings and reviews

Strength in the Storm by Laurel Blount is a heartwarming story that will capture your heart. Strength in the Storm is the second A John Mills Amish Romance. It can be read as a standalone for those who have not read Shelter in the Storm, however, you will be missing out on a special story. In Strength in the Storm, we get Samuel Christner and Emma Hochstedler’s story. Emma and Sam were best friends in school until an incident changed their relationship. That did not stop Sam from doing what he could to protect Emma. The majority of the reporters have left Johns Mill, but now the screenwriter for the movie is bothering Emma. Sam is not about to let that happen. Emma’s younger sister has had a challenging time since witnessing her parent’s murder. It is suggested that Emma may be coddling her sister which is preventing her from recovering. When Sam mentions that his sister, Leah is looking rundown from taking care of their crabby Aunt Ruth, Emma volunteers for the position. Sam stops by every few days to check on Emma (and Aunt Ruth, of course) and looks forward to seeing her smiling face. Sam finds himself falling for the pretty maedel despite his Aunt Ruth’s opposition. What happens, though, when danger reenters Emma’s life? I thought Strength in the Storm was well-written with developed, relatable characters. I just loved Birdie, Ruth’s Englisch neighbor. She is such a contrast to Ruth. Strength in the Storm picks up where Shelter in the storm ended. I found myself drawn into the story and I did not want to stop reading (makes it hard to get chores done around the house). The author does not shy away from tough subjects. Strength in the Storm deals with the good and bad. You never know what life is going to throw at you next and I like that the author captured that in this story. The faith element hit the right note. I liked that the character’s had strong faith and trusted God to guide them. There are storms in our lives, but we can trust God to see us through them. I enjoyed my latest visit to John’s Mill, and I hope that I get to visit again soon. Strength in the Storm is an engaging Amish tale with a bouncy buggy horse, a petulant aunt, a steadfast Sam, a traumatized sister, an at large lawbreaker, and a caring Amish community.

It Won't Be the Last This is the first book I've read by author Laurel Blount, but it definitely won't be the last. This story was absolutely wonderful! Emma Hochstedler and Samuel Christner have been friends since childhood, or rather, they were friends until Emma broke Samuel's heart. Regardless of that, Samuel, who is such a wonderful, sweet and kind "gentle giant" just can't keep from helping Emma in any way possible. As Emma and her family continue to grieve the loss of their parents, Emma seeks a new purpose in her life, and Samuel ends up being instrumental in helping her do that. Emma begins taking care of Samuel's elderly aunt, and that is where things begin to take a turn. Strength in the Storm was absolutely amazing! It drew me in from the onset and kept me riveted to the story and turning pages until I got to the end. Every so often I thought I knew which way the story was going and then it was, Oops!, Detour! Guess again! Woven throughout were the themes of hope, faith, love, overcoming adversities, new beginnings, perseverance, and God's will. The story also takes you on a journey that may have you reflecting on things in your own life. All in all, it is a very touching and moving story whose impact will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. ***I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley from the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group. All comments and opinions are completely my own.***

Emma and Samuel’s moving, uplifting, emotional story in Strength in the Storm, book two of Laurel Blount’s Johns Mill Amish Romance series, tugs at your heart, holding you hostage until the very last page. This was a story I could not put down, reading it in one day. Emma Hochstedler is still grieving the senseless murder of both of her parents when she returns to her home after caring for her Uncle in Ohio. She struggles with guilt over the situation which that caused her parent’s death. Emma tries to help her brother and his pregnant wife as well as her sister Miriam, who suffers emotionally, after witnessing her parent’s death. Naomi, her sister-in-law, believes that Miriam might do better if Emma left her brother’s home. After her former boyfriend, Samuel Christner helps her out of a scary situation. Emma gets the idea that to help Sam’s Aunt Ruth while she recovers from a hip injury. Ruth is not an easy person to get along with, but then neither was Emma’s Uncle in Ohio and Emma believes she has the inner strength to deal with her. Now that they are thrown together again, Emma and Samuel discover they still have feelings for one another. When a terrible tragedy strikes, Sam and his niece are injured in a buggy accident, blinding Sam and possibly threatening his chances of happiness and a future with Emma possibly threatening his chances of happiness and a future with Emma. Until he learns lessons similar to those of Emma, forgiving themselves for actions not totally under their control. Ms. Blount wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that had me feeling all the emotions; smiling, tearing up, crying of heartbreak, and frustrated with some of the characters. The message of love, faith, and forgiveness stood strong; making this sweet and inspiration read one I could not put down, draw me in, making me forget it was fiction. I highly recommend Strength in the Storm to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

About the author

Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart. She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals.