Cover Image: Strength in the Storm

Strength in the Storm

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Member Reviews

This is book 2 of A Johns Mill Amish series, an Amish Romance book. This is the story of Emma and how she is dealing with both her parents being murdered. She makes the decision to return to her hometown to take sometime to recover from her tragedy. She reconnects with an old friend, Samuel, who adores her and wants to help her during this time. In the meantime, Emma finds out that a movie is being made about her parents tragic situation. Will she be able to survive this emotional rollercoaster? Will Samuel be able to comfort her in this time? What does the future hold for the both of them?

I would recommend this if you like Amish mystery / light romance reads, as this is a page turner. This is book 2 of the series, but can be read as a stand alone. It is a book that tugs at your heart and wants the characters to all end up happy.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

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This was a fun book that I enjoyed reading quickly one weekend. It was unexpected, but I enjoyed the story overall.

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Strength in the Storm is a different kind of amish book, and that's what I liked about it. Instead of just the run of the mill romance, you add in the layer of the reporters and movie makers. And here's what it reminded me - the amish are just people too. I know that sounds a bit elementary but it's true. I think we, as a society, look at them with a microscope. They are different and it makes us want to know everything about them, peer at them, study them and kind of insert ourselves into their lives. But we need to put ourselves into their shoes. Samuel wasn't afraid to tell the English to back off. That they wanted to be left alone. And while most amish aren't confrontational like that, I wonder how many might be thinking it.

Okay, onto the story. Blount maintained my interest during the whole read. I felt so bad for Emma, and essentially you could see how not only her sister, but she herself was suffering from a little PTSD. In her own way I think. She needed something, or some one (enter Sam's aunt!) to give her a reason to move forward in life. I like the journey Blount took Emma on. I don't want to say too many things due to spoilers, but it's a story that will touch your heart.

Overall Blount has given us a good story that shows hope, consequences of actions, love, understanding and new beginnings. I think fans of Amish fiction will really enjoy it. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I enjoyed the uniqueness of this story, with their being a bit of a suspense surrounding the murder of Emma's parents and her family learning to move past the trauma of that event in an Amish community. I can only imagine how hard it would be to have Hollywood after you for a story, when you are in a faith that doesn't even want photographs taken.

I loved how sweet and sensitive Samuel is to Emma and her needs, as she tries to pick up the pieces of her broken family. It detracted a bit from the story that it goes on and on about how gorgeous Emma is, but that is just something that gets on my nerves. I prefer for the focus to not be on looks. That might not bother a lot of readers though.

Overall, a unique story that is different from most of the Amish fiction I have read. It's an enjoyable read!

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I don't typically read Amish but this was well done and had a little bit of suspense mixed in with the romance.

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Julie suspects something isn’t right about her sister, Nora, who goes by Jade. She has felt them become distant no matter how hard she tries, but the silence is even more than usual. As Julie goes to investigate, the pieces make even less sense. When she meets her sister’s neighbor Matt, she has someone to help her in her quest. She tries not to have feelings for him since she assumes he is into her sister. However, that is easier said than done.

The author draws the reader in quickly as the pieces of suspension begin to mount up. As the story develops, one can’t help but want to find out how things will work out for Julie and Jade. The storyline moved quickly and with plenty of interest. I loved how things weren’t completed easily but were developed for the benefit of Jade. This book is part of a series but the book can be read as a stand alone.

I would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

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This was one story that will tug at your heart strings, When the unexpected happens and changes the lives of a family they learn to lean on someone they least expect. God has a way bring people into our lives when we least expect it. Well written

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I had not read any books by this author before, and the compelling story really drew me in. It has an Amish setting, but overflows with suspense and the desire for life to be different—something readers can easily identify with—but also dealing with the trying circumstances thrown in the characters’ paths. Not having read the first in the series was no hindrance and may have added to the tension and suspense as I enjoyed this tale. Sam Christner has loved Emma Hochstedler since they were children. Now the trials of life bring them together but also drive them apart in some ways. Tragedies should be accepted as God’s will by those in their faith community, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have struggles. The characters come across as authentic and make you truly care what happens to them. The novel’s plot has plenty of twists and pops with some surprises, with the actions and reactions appearing totally realistic. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own. #StrengthintheStorm #NetGalley

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Strength in the Storm is the best Amish fiction I've read this year. It is filled with sweet romance, drama, and suspense. A perfectly woven tale that will have you laughing one minute and in tears the next. Naomi is full of compassion, strong in her Amish roots, and is sincere and wise beyond her years. She presses on to help others in the midst of a family tradgedy.

Sam, a man of principle, with strong Amish faith, and respect for the needs of others, only has eyes for Naomi and protects her no matter what. They both deal with one heartbreak after another and still try to ride out the storms with faith in God, believing that God works everything out exactly the way it should be.

The characters are strong, engaging, and well-developed; strengths as well as weaknesses. In other words, they appeared real. The Amish way of life depicted in the story was interesting and held my interest from the start. A new series and one I will definitely continue with.

I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily choose to review it.

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Strength in the Storm by author Laurel Blount is a Christian Amish novel. It is a Johns Mill Amish Romance. Filled with mystery, romance, and intrigue this was a captivating page-turner. I enjoyed it very much.

This is the story of Emma Hochstedler and Samuel Christner. This Amish couple has a history of sorts. Emma was his childhood sweetheart. His heart was broken when she left their community, but now she is back.

The characters in this story are exquisite, main and secondary. I loved Sam’s aunt, Ruth. She was a cantankerous old lady, but after learning her story, I grew to love her. Most all of the characters felt like friends by the end of the book. The descriptions drew me in to the Amish community and made me feel like I was there.

Ms. Blount has a lovely style of writing. Her story kept me spellbound. Twists and turns, mysteries, life lessons, inspirational ,messages, romance, and more are all tucked inside for readers to enjoy. I wanted to read and do nothing else. It flowed smoothly with no lags. The story was multi-layered, yet easy to follow. There was a thought provoking spiritual message woven throughout the book. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

I highly recommend this wonderful book by a talented storyteller. It receives 5 out of 5 stars from me. a copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my own words.

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I absolutely love Amish Fiction and this one did not disappoint. In fact, it totally drew me in and captivated my attention, leading me to read into the wee hours of the night. I did not realize that this was book 2 in a series as the author did such a fantastic job in filling in any missing pieces.

I enjoyed the themes of hope, faith, love, forgiveness and the perseverance needed to overcome adversity. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley from the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group. All comments and opinions are completely my own.

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STRENGTH IN THE STORM by Laurel Blount is not the first book I’ve ever read by Ms. Blount and it certainly won’t be the last! The Two main characters, Samuel Christner and Emma Hochstedler 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. Laurel Blount picks up from where she left off in Shelter in the Storm. Samuel has always had feelings for Emma. Emma feels like anyone who gets close to her ends up getting hurt. This story is such a page turner and very interesting. You won’t be sorry you picked up STRENGTH 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 STRENGTH 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. STRENGTH 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 STRENGTH IN THE STORM. Laurel Blount is now an author I want to read more of.

In STRENGTH IN THE STORM I loved Samuel and Emma, 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. STRENGTH 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 CelebrateLit. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

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This is one of those stories that you don’t forget for a very long time. It opens the door to a world where Amish beliefs are well represented by the characters who become family to you. I enjoyed following Emma and getting to witness her go through pain but still find grace to help others. There is much talk in the book about how beautiful she is. What I found was a young woman who had a heart that spread compassion everywhere she went. Emma has been the talk of the town because of a tragic accident that some blame her for.

Sam I think has been in love with Emma for years but for some reason he never thought he was good enough for her. Oh he is quite handsome himself doesn’t have enough confidence to pursue her. I loved how he always watches out for Emma especially since someone may still want to harm her after the attack on her parents. I think Sam is humble but still a little angry at Emma for breaking his heart when they were younger.

The story does give a great example of helping others in need and being kind even though it may be hard to do. Ruth is a lonely woman who mostly is unkind but the truth is she is wants to be needed and deep down wants to be loved. Emma shows the woman grace when others might not. We have all been around someone who always seems to be miserable and never has a kind word to say. Following Emma’s example of grace, we may be able to help someone who doesn’t know how to show love. For some reason I liked Ruth because she represents many of us who long for a friend but don’t want to get hurt so we stay to ourselves. I loved the saying, “hurt people hurt people.” Ruth has been hurting emotionally for so long, that she hides behind her rough exterior to protect herself from rejection.

I loved how the author illustrated how we can overcome obstacles by trusting God. Sam has a long journey ahead of him and at tines wanted to give up. Emma was determined to help him even when he pushes her away. There are times that Sam felt hopeless but in the midst of darkness God is there to protect him and rescue him from hopelessness.

I loved this book so much that I wanted it to continue because it brought such peace to me as I discovered how blessed we are to know that from the broken ashes comes beauty, hope, forgiveness and a new beginning.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

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Strength in the Storm, by Laurel Blount, is book two in A Johns Mills Amish Romance series. This is a sweet story that is about loss, faith, hope and love. Samuel’s family has suffered loss of loved ones and struggle with his sister grieving her husband while caring for their aunt. He hires his friend Emma to care for his aunt.

This is a well written, easy to read story that pulled me in right from the beginning. I just loved the main characters and the strength and devotion they have towards others. This is such a good story that focuses on caring for Samuel’s aunt who impossible to please. I loved the strength Emma had and how she dealt with Ruth. Emma is dealing with her own loss and the intrusion of the English and their interest in her parent’s murder.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

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This is a beautiful story about beautiful people inside and out. This is a wonderful Amish romance. This shows what people can do when they have to live through adverse conditions. Sam and Emma go through a lot before they truly can be together. This has a few twists and turns that keep both Sam and Emma on their toes. I even liked Ruth at times. This was a very emotional story. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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Strength In The Storm is a wonderful, well written story of loss, hope, love and faith. Laurel Blount brings together all of the necessary elements to give a story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Our heroine and her, Emma and Sam, are great characters. They are written with great strength and great faith, even as they struggle to find God’s will for their lives. This book will take the reader through many different emotions. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to the publisher and author for the ARC of this book. There was no requirement for a good review. The opinion expressed is mine only.

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"Returning from her uncle's house, where she had retreated after the murder of her parents, Emma felt lost and unnecessary. So when the opportunity to serve a cantankerous spinster opened up, she jumped at the chance.

I love how the author took Emma, who was so lovely of face that others judge her for it and then showed she was even more beautiful inside. She rendered service to Ruth was given with patience, kindness, and diligence despite Ruth's many unkind things words and nagging.

Sam is now one of my all-time favorite characters! This gentle giant was such a beautiful example of patient, enduring love. He cared so deeply for his family. His sensitivity to others was such that he could hear things they weren't saying, revealing his compassion. He had such a hard lesson to learn when he learned that what he thought were the only things he could do well were no longer possible.

The Johns Mills Amish Romance series is best read together. Each story has a satisfactory ending but leaves some loose ends to be resolved in future books. Readers who enjoy Amish fiction will want to be sure to read this series.


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."

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I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book; it is a new to me author and it started slow for me. Once I picked the book up again, I found the story very compelling. I really felt for Samuel, who lost his heart to Emma long before most boys begin looking at Emma. Not only was he strong, he was a force to be reckoned with. As the story unfolded, he seemed to be everywhere he needed to be.

Emma was such a timid young woman and understandably so after the tragic deaths of her parents. She came into her own, however, once she became the full time caregiver for Samuel's difficult, spinster aunt. Emma's beauty, coupled with her unspoiled nature allows her to move into her new role, overcoming a past that has held her back since her parents' deaths. She believed she too would become the spinster aunt over time but God had plans for her that she least expected.

I enjoyed this wonderful book by Laurel Blount. I didn't realize it was book 2 in a series but it was definitely easy to read as a standalone story.

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4.5 Stars

A simple life does not equal a life without trials. And this is shown with aching clarity in Lauren Blount’s Strength in the Storm. This is the second book in the Johns Mill Amish Romance series, and while this book stands well on its own, to truly get the full picture, you definitely want to read book one.

Emma is blessed with beauty, but she carries a lot of pain, scars, and even some open wounds inside her. Blount excels at making the reader sympathize with Emma and her internal struggles while also showing her servants heart as she cares for a woman with strong opinions, not a kind one in sight for Emma.

And then there’s Samuel, a big, strong man who is a teddy bear when it comes to Emma. When his world is turned upside down, he struggles with what his new identity will be.

I was invested in Emma and Samuel’s story. I was rooting for them and I’m rooting for Mariam and Caleb too (because they better get their own stories).


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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After the Hochstedler family's tragic loss, one cannot help but empathize with them. Emma Hochstedler believes the loss was her fault, and despite the fact that it wasn't, she acts and feels as if it were.

Emma constantly tries to protect her baby sister while often neglecting her own needs. And just when she thinks the worst is behind her... well, no spoilers.

A very atypical Amish story, Strength in the Storm by Laurel Blount, is an incredibly well-written story. The story teems with friendship, faith, hope and love, intertwined with mystery, misfortune, heartbreak and resilience.

The story is spellbinding and gripping, compelling and emotionally charged--not one to be read quickly or in a hurry.

This is the first book I’ve read by Laurel Blount, and it’s a sequel to Shelter in the Storm. Both books are about the Johns Mill Community. I did not feel lost or bewildered by Strength in the Storm. In fact, I felt quite the opposite—fully captivated and riveted from the first paragraph! I will definitely be reading more of her books.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley and from Berkley Publishing Group. All opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

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