Shelter in the Storm by Laurel Blount is an emotional novel. A violent act changes a families’ life forever. We get to see how they grieve and move forward after this tragic event. We are taken to Johns Mill, Tennessee where the Hochstedler family lives on land that has been in their family for generations. Naomi Schrock offers to help the grieving family. She loves feeling helpful and doing normal activities. After a life of being ill, normalcy is welcome. I was quickly swept into this heartbreaking tale. I thought Shelter in the Storm was well-written with realistic characters. I enjoyed the setting of Johns Mill. The author’s descriptions brought the scenes alive. I found this story to be an accurate representation. The Hochstedler’s have suffered a terrible loss, but they are unable to grieve in private. The media has descended on the town causing more problems. When the family is starting to piece things back together, they are given startling news that causes them more difficulties. Each member of the family is affected differently. The romance between Joseph and Naomi is sweet. I like how the story played out. It was wonderful how the community came together to help the Hochstedler family. I am amazed at the Amish’s ability to forgive those who have wronged them. It is one thing to forgive, but you cannot forget. Living each day as it comes and enjoying the beauty around us are two themes in the book. Trusting in God’s plan is another. I like how the author tied the title into the story. Shelter in the Storm is a poignant Amish tale that will touch your heart.

Another awesome book by Laurel Blount. When I pick up one of hers I know that it will be good but this one exceeded my expectations. She will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride from the beginning to the end of the book. I didn't know if I was going to cry through the whole book. It was just so emotional but the roller coaster of emotions were well worth it.

Joseph thinks he is in love with Rhoda, the bishop's daughter but then she chooses to marry Joseph's brother. Joseph plans on moving to his Uncle's so he didn't have to see them together and then things work out that he has to stay where he is and take over the family. Check out the book I think you will enjoy it as much as I did

This book has a lot of emotion tied to it. It is a story about picking up the pieces after everything has gone wrong. A violent senseless act that changes your family and the lives of those around you.

It’s also a story about community, giving to others, support, and finding that one person who was meant to be by your side regardless of challenges along the way. Shelter in the Storm is addicting. It is calming. The title is perfect. Even in the course of tragedy the written words have a peaceful affect on you.

The story is also based on Christianity and high beliefs in your faith. Learning, understanding, and doing the right thing regardless of what you want to do.

Blount tells a story with heart and depth. Through the trials and challenges, love can find you and will carry you through. This book celebrates that message and leaves a big smile on your face! Beautiful!

This book is full of wonderfulness! I loved it! It's a heavier Amish story than what I'm used to reading and it had a lot going on, but it absolutely worked.

Joseph's parents are shot by an Englischer and it starts a media frenzy. As a result, one of Joseph's sisters moves away and another suffers extreme anxiety while his brother is out for revenge. Joseph's childhood friend Naomi is back in town to help out with her sister's baby and they reconnect.

Naomi is such an inspiring character. I loved how she just wanted to help others without wanting anything in return. She had a peaceful way about her which is what drew Joseph to her. I felt like I could feel her calming presence coming through the pages.

I enjoyed watching Joseph realize that he should woo Naomi. I enjoyed Naomi helping Joseph's sister. I thought the addition of Naomi's Englisch friend was great. Naomi developed an issue as the story progressed that added another layer to the story that I liked. There were many things that kept me turning the pages!

If you like Amish fiction, this is a must read book!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Shelter In The Storm is a beautiful read! I’m confident you will fall in love with the story and the characters, just as I did! If you love inspirational romance, you need to read this book!

It’s obvious that Laurel Blount cares deeply about her characters, and her love for them is transferred to the reader.

The story touches upon many themes which are current to the world we all share. Joseph and Naomi must navigate through ever-increasing “storms” in their lives, a situation we can relate to, given the times we live in. However, warmth and love are never far away. So even though life gets stormy, the readers always feels like they’re being held in safe, caring hands.

For me, the main characters’ ability to maintain their integrity, to hold true to their beliefs, in the face of what could only be described as crippling setbacks - this is one of the most beautiful aspects of the story.

Another theme woven through the book is the ephemeral nature of life, and the importance of living one day at a time, of living in the moment, or appreciating what’s in front of you. Also, the Amish ability to be patient, to trust God’s plan, is inspiring.

There are so many beautiful themes touched upon in Shelter In The Storm, but the underlying strength of this book is the characters’ deep belief in, and trust of, Gott. I can’t wait to read the next one!

A warm and intricately woven story – definitely a soul feast!
You'll need a box of tissues to grieve with the characters. “When our world goes dark, then we must hold hard to the rope of our faith, and trust Gott to lead us out. He is merciful and will bring the good out of our troubles, in His own time.”
You’ll experience the love like no other. “Love, real love, Naomi had always been taught, was not so much a feeling as a decision of the will. Love was a determination to strive after the good of others, even when it conflicted with your personal desires.”
You’ll learn to trust and follow. “We don’t have to know. All we have to do is trust Gott’s will and go faithfully through whatever doors He opens.” Joseph looked around the vacant building again. “And stop waiting outside the doors He chooses to close.”
I couldn’t wait to finish the story and yet I didn’t want it to end.
I am eager to see what will come next!

Once again Laurel Blount has written a book that tugs at your heart and takes your emotions on a roller coaster ride.
You know a book is good when you start yelling at the characters. Added bonus-I learned more about the Amish than I knew previously.
The book begins with conflict and tragedy and never slows down. The two main characters were friends as children and Joseph had always made sure a sick Naomi was okay and didn’t feel left out when she visited. She is healthy now but Joseph still sees her as sickly. Can Naomi change that with everything else that is going on?
I loved Naomi and found her so relatable. Joseph took a little time but eventually I loved him too. The ending is everything! I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.

This is the first book in the John Mills series by Laurel Blount. I started reading this on a Saturday afternoon and was done by Monday. It’s a wonderful read. Joseph is besieged with trial after trial - the “storm” seems like it will never end. Along comes Naomi, a childhood friend who has weathered many a storm in her own life. She is like the sun, slowly but surely pushing the storm away, shining light back into the lives of Joseph and his family... but mainly Joseph.
Shelter in the Storm brought to mind 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” This book radiates enduring faith, cautious, yet joyful hope, and deep, abiding love.

A great story of much loss from one family. Very well written. I loved the book. Look forward to more stories about these characters. Perfect story for lovers of Amish fiction!

Generations of tradition meet with inevitable change in this first book in Laurel Blount’s Johns Mill Amish series published by Berkley Books.

The Hochstedler family, living in the Amish community of Johns Mill, Tennessee, has seen hard times and had to turn from dairy farmers to store keepers. Joseph is struggling with the change and suffering from a wounded and borderline bitter heart. His father, Elijah, reminds him “When our world goes dark we must hold hard to the rope of our faith...” Those words prove to be what Joseph will need to pull his family through the tragedy that no one sees coming.

Naomi Schrock walks back into Joseph’s life just in time to help his family cope with the day to day challenges of pulling their lives out of the ashes. Joseph soon discovers that little sickly Naomi has grown into a capable and caring young woman with a heart that he is drawn to. Together, they find comfort in each other and a renewed hope of a life and happiness that both had feared could never be for them.

This book was absolutely amazing! I fell instantly in love with the characters and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Lost love. Found love. Pride. Anger. And, most of all, forgiveness. Even unforgiveness, as was the case with Joseph’s brother Caleb, shined an even brighter light on the importance of holding on to your faith in the middle of tragedy. I just can’t say enough about Laurel’s ability to make characters jump off the page and walk around in my head for days. Loveable, true to life characters and a page turning plot that had me guessing until the last pages! And, knowing there is more to come has me counting the days until the second release in the series! This is a keeper that you will want on your “to read again” shelf for sure!

This was really well written. You can feel the emotions of the characters.
There was a lot of character growth in the story and even amongst their tears there were a few laughs... and love and trust.

I love Amish fiction and by far this book was my favorite! “Shelter in the Storm” captivated me from beginning to the end. This book has so many twists and turns, which made it completely unpredictable and very hard to put down! Laurel Blount writes so vividly that I felt as if I was right there with the characters. “Shelter in the Storm” is a must read!

This book is not like most Amish stories, it is more like watching the evening news, and then gasping, that poor family.
We are there with the survivors of the Hochstedler family, and yes, there is anger, and some have survivor’s guilt, will this family be able to live their faith and offer forgiveness? Or will this be the catalyst to take revenge and leave their community?
The author has done a wonderful job of giving us a story that pulls you in and won’t let go. There are a lot of twist and turns here, and some need to see what is under their noses.
I loved the ending here, but could have stayed for a long time for updates on this family!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Berkley, and was not required to give a positive review.

Author Laurel Blount writes authentic Amish fiction with the hallmarks of forgiveness, courage, faith, and hope interwoven throughout the story. In this pure story set in the Amish hamlet of Johns Mill, when tragedy strikes, the characters draw strength from their faith and each other reminiscent of true-life stories. A definite page turner and you will want to keep the tissue box nearby. I anticipate and look forward to reading Book Two in the series.

I received a copy from the publisher and author through NetGalley. The opinions are my own.

I was quickly swept into this wonderful heart felt book. I loved this story about the Hochstedler family of Johns Mill Tennessee. It was an emotional story that started out on a tragic note. It was unpredictable, original and romantic. It grew quickly into a page turner and had a good ending. I will add that I thought the book had a pretty cover that made me want to read the story.
The Hochstedler family suffered a terrible loss early on in the book. It was a time of grieving and coming to terms with what had happened to them. Each family member was effected differently and one was traumatized and required special help. As members of the Amish faith they were expected to forgive and put the future in God's hands. As time passed the pain lessened some but could they ever truly put the past behind them in order to move on with their lives?

I would recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction and fans of Laurel Blount. This is the first book of the Johns Mill Amish Romance series.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher and author through Netgalley . Thank you. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#Shelter in the Storm#Netgalley

Shelter in the Storm is a refreshing new addition to Amish fiction. Laurel Blount offers an inside view of the challenges to faith, family, and community when tragedy strikes. This beauty from ashes story of love and hope immediately drew me into the lives of both Joseph and Naomi. You will root for them through each soul-stirring, romantic, well-written page.

Shelter In The Storm is an excellent read! Heartache & tragedy just keep hitting Joseph & his family. One setback after another,
following the senseless murder of Joseph's parents & his brother's shunning & disappearance.

Through it all, Joseph opens his heart to the love of his dear friend, Naomi. Together, they learn to forgive & develope faith that Gott will help them survive the craziness & danger surrounding them. But can their newfound love surive a serious medical condition, that threatens Naomi's very life?

The storyline captured me from chapter one & held me riveted to the edge of my seat! I would definitely recommend Shelter In The Storm as a must read!

I was given an advanced copy of the book, by the publisher, but all thoughts & opinions are strictly my own.

"Shelter in the Storm" by Laurel Blount
Johns Mill Amish Romance #1
Release Date: 5.25.2021

Tragedy strikes a small Amish community when Englisher shoots in the Hochstedler's General Store. Joseph Hochstedler tries to stay strong for his family and community. A connection with an old friend, Naomi, brings some comfort to John.

Naomi Schrock does not let her heart defect keep her down; she is optimistic and loves to help others. She knows her friend, Joseph, needs help to cope.

Joseph and Naomi navigate the media, obligation to their community, and the hardest feeling of all: forgiveness,

This was not what I expected when I downloaded this read, but it definitely seemed timely, since the West Nickel Mines School shooting happened in 2006. The book moved at a good pace; I never felt rushed. I felt Joseph's guilt, and Naomi's desire to help.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Books for the opportunity to read in exchange for my personal opinion.

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