Shelter in the Storm by Laurel Blount was a very captivating story. Usually the Amish are a peace-loving people, not prone to violence. However in this story, an Englisher opens fire in an Amish owned general store killing the parents of a family.

The eldest son, Joseph is trying to hold his family together. One of his brothers is out for revenge which is totally against the Amish faith. He needs help and one of his life-long friends, Naomi steps in. Although all her life Naomi has suffered from a childhood heart ailment, she hopes for the kind of life all the other Amish girls have. She is in love with Joseph, but he is reluctant to deepen their friendship because of her illness. They must find the strength and courage to face life even though they may have health problems. This was a very heart-warming book.

SHELTER IN THE STORM by Laurel Blount is the first book I’ve ever read by Ms. Blount but it certainly won’t be the last! The Two main characters, Joseph Hochstedler and Naomi Schrock stole my heart and gained my respect. I really enjoyed the authors writing style and her ability to draw me into the story. Most of the chapters ended in a way that peaked my interest and left me eager to start reading the next one. You won’t be sorry you picked up SHELTER IN THE STORM….your only decision will be which of the author’s other books you want to read next.

Tragedy, forgiveness, love, and other spiritual elements are scattered throughout SHELTER IN THE STORM. Laurel Blount is an amazing writer, conveying every emotion into her characters. Laurel gives her readers a wonderful story of letting go of the past and leaning into the people who are standing by, waiting to help even if when you don’t realize they’ve been there all the time. SHELTER IN THE STORM is a quick read and unputdownable! There were quite a few times when reading it that I wanted to reach into the pages and hug a few of these people with what they were feeling and what they were going through. I found myself laughing one second and then tearing up the next. If you are looking for a beautiful emotional story to pull you out of your book slump, you can’t go wrong with SHELTER IN THE STORM. Laurel Blount is now an author I want to read more of.

In SHELTER IN THE STORM I loved Joseph and Naomi, the primary characters, but I also fell in love with all of the secondary characters as well. Every one of them has an important part to play in this heart tugging story and even though I wanted to reach in and shake one or two of them every now and then, they all weaseled their way into my heart. My emotions were all over the place and I was even reaching for the tissues quite a few times. SHELTER IN THE STORM is not like most Amish stories. It is more like watching the evening news, and then having your heart break for everything this family is going through. I am eager to see what will come next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

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!

Yes, I like and recommend this book of Amish romance and not giving up and continuing to trust God even in sorrow and hards time.. I chuckled at the advice from Joseph's dad, about the size of dinner bell to buy for a new bride. Hope there will be new books about the brother and sisters of Joseph because I would like more boos by this author.

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!

Laurel Blount's brilliance shines bright in this heartwarming Amish story about loss and love. This is the first book from the John's Mill series, and it's a page turner!
The Hochstedler family is dealt a devastating hand and constant hardships. Naomi, a childhood friend, is determined to help this family overcome it all. But her own troubles may be too much to shoulder.
This story is full of love, laughter, plot twists, and heartache. This is perfect for anyone who likes Amish fiction or romance novels.

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.

All I can say is wow! The best Amish book that I've read in a very long time! I was all in the from the beginning and lived every minute of it.
I can relate to Naomi is so many ways! Her thoughts, feelings, and health. I felt like she was the sister I never had. In Christ of course!
Poor Joseph I felt so bad for him trying to do the right thing but how do you know what the right thing is? Especially when other people shove their thoughts and opinions at you? Follow your heart of course and don't hold back any secrets from your relationship.
If God intends for it to work out then it will like Bishop Issac says;
" We drive ourselves into confusing places when we try to take the reins into our lives. It is Gott's job to guide us in whatever direction He deems best."
"Ours is to follow willingly, even when the path lie along a road we ourselves wouldn't choose."
The best advice in the whole wide world but as humans we sometimes tend to forget that.
The wisdom of the bishop is my most favorite thing about this book as it can be for us readers to think about and use as a guideline in our own lives long after this story is over.
The author has done a fine job by adding all the ingredients of a wonderful Amish fiction book that I very much enjoyed. I didn't want the book to end.
I will make a point that I haven't read her other books before but I'm going to look them up.
I like her style of writing by bringing out the best in her Amish characters. This book so wonderful y'all!
I highly recommend.
My thanks to Berkeley publications for a copy of this book. I was NOT disappointed in this story at all!
All opinions stated are my own.
Five stars!

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Shelter in the Storm is Laurel Blount's debut book in the world of Amish Fiction. WOW!

I have been a fan of her Christian Fiction stories, but this book knocks it right out of the ballpark.

We are introduced to the Johns Mill Amish community and several of its residents. The story focuses on Joseph Hochstedler and Naomi Schrock. The Hochstedler family is devastated by a horrendously tragic event and how they deal with the aftermath surrounding the events. Naomi was born with a heart defect that was thought to have been surgically corrected, but she is dealing with her returning health concerns.

How do these two life long friends deal with the pressures on themselves and yet find a way to happiness?

Laurel has created a town full of rich, deep, wonderful characters. The story is so filled with emotion. I laughed, I cried, I yelled and I want more. This story can be read as a stand alone book, but there was one question left unanswered and I cannot wait to see the next in this series, hoping to find my answer.

I highly recommend this book and if you haven't read any of her previous stories, they are definitely worth finding.

I received a copy of this book, from the author without expectation of a favorable review. The opinions expressed are my own.