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.

What a great read, just as good as the first in this series! Now the author has done a great job of getting you up to date so you know basically what happened in the first book, but you will want to pick it up too, you won’t regret it!
In this second book, Trevor is still missing, Caleb has left, and the rest of the Hochstedler family is still picking up the pieces! We are with Emma as she lives her faith as an Amish woman, and we see her put to the test with Sam’s Aunt Ruth!
We are given a story rich with family, forgiveness, and throw in a bit of sweet romance and you have a real page turner. I loved that we are gifted with an epilogue!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Berkley, and was not required to give a positive review.

I loved reading this book! It seems like lots of people write Amish books, but only the good authors present a good story, and that's just what Laurel Blount did.

The story of Sam and Emma captured me from the very first page. Sam, the big, gentle-giant of a man and Emma, the sweet, ever-so-helpful friend to all. This was a sweet, charming read with a bit of suspense mixed in.

I didn't read the first of the Johns Mill Amish Romance series before reading this second one, and I didn't have any problems at all following the story; however, I am going to go back and read the first one because I loved this one so much. If you like Amish fiction, I suggest you pick this one up! I can't wait for the third one!

I was given an ARC of this book by the author and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Description:
Emma’s parents were murdered. Hoping to get away from the press, she returns to Johns Mill. But now a movie is being made & she is relentlessly followed by one of the movie crew.

Samuel Christner is big. Very tall. Strong. And he was Emma’s childhood sweetheart. Samuel stops the movie “guy” the first time he grabs Emma’s arm. To provide even more protection, Samuel hires Emma to be his elderly (and *very* grouchy) aunt’s nurse.

Review:
It has been years since Emma and Samuel’s childhood, but both are still unmarried. Samuel has always been gentle, kind, and helpful. But for Emma, he would do more–if he could. Everyone in Johns Mill would look out for Emma but Samuel could stop things by his size alone despite his Amish clothes.

Lydia needs a job and Samuel supplies one. His aunt Ruth DOES need a caregiver but boy! what a grouch. Samuel’s sister, Leah, has been looking after Ruth but is worn out after dealing with her constant complaining and nasty comments. Emma says she can handle Ruth having dealt with grumbling patients before.

The story builds and builds as pieces are added. Things about the murders. Accidents. More snooping (to me it was more like stalking) by the movie “guy”. A wonderful "Englishe" next-door neighbor of Ruth is introduced. She and Ruth are like oil and water. You’ll love her. I dare not give more away. To do so would be to give too much away.

This book is an Amish romance, but it is also a mystery. The author, Laurel Blount, does an excellent job with the pacing of the story. It builds. It twists. And turns until the end. Not a quick read but a compelling one. Yes, I recommend Strength in the Storm.

I received a complimentary e-ARC copy of "Strength in the Storm" via NetGalley from the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#StrengthInTheStorm #NetGalley #LaurelBlount

Title: Strength in the Storm
Series: Johns Mill Romance
Author: Laurel Blount
Genre: Amish, Christian, Mystery
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Release Date: February 22, 2022
Format: Kindle (read), Audiobook, Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 335
Source: NetGalley
Cover: Really love this cover. Beautiful and fits the story.

Storms of life rage around each of us at one time or another. Tragic storms are encountered by the two lead characters in this book. Trying to resume her life, Emma Hochstedler returns to her home town after the murder of her parents.

Best friends from childhood, Emma and Samuel Christner renew their friendship as Sam always seems to show up just when Emma seems to need him. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes for Sam.

You will not want to put this book down until you see what continuing tragedies they have to face, if they are able to overcome them, and if they are able maintain their long friendship.

I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy reading Amish books. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

This book was so good! It's full of emotions, drama and romance. This is a book that you hate to see end, but you just have to know what happens next. Once you start reading it you can't put it down. I read it in one setting. Loved it and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Just like book 1 in Laurel Blount’s Johns Mill series, Shelter in the Storm, this second book, Strength in the Storm, immediately draws you in and keeps you reading until the end. It’s a touching and beautiful story of hope, trust, faith, purpose, and of course, love.
After her parents were killed by the Englisher obsessed with her, Emma Hochstedler left town for awhile, but she’s back staying with her sister, brother, and his new wife. She feels out of place, though. Everywhere she turns, people seem to know their purpose in life, and she wants that, too.
Samuel Christner is the Paul Bunyan of their Amish community. He’s huge and strong like Babe the Blue Ox, yet his kind, gentle spirit shines. He’s loved Emma for years, and meant his proposal to her back when they were “kinner”.
Samuel’s crabby aunt is recovering from a health issue, and while Samuel’s newly widowed sister has been helping, it’s taking a toll. Emma volunteers to take her place, hoping to find some purpose helping the older Amish woman.
Throughout the book, Emma and Samuel’s relationship progresses like “two steps forward, one step back”. Different obstacles are thrown in their path, but with a lot of help from the Lord (and a little from a sweet and sassy Englisher neighbor), can they overcome these hurdles and finally find their footing in life…together?
Strength in the Storm brings to mind the beautiful worship song, “You Are My Hiding Place”:
You are my hiding place,
You always fill my heart
with songs of deliverance;
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You,
I will trust in You;
Let the weak say I am strong,
in the strength of the Lord;
I will trust in You.

“There was always something to be grateful for, even in the midst of sorrows.”

This line from Strength in the Storm, Laurel’s latest addition in her Johns Mill Amish series, summarizes the very heart of this sweet——and sometimes suspenseful——romance.

Strength in the Storm brings us back to the Amish community of Johns Mill, and this time tells the story of Emma Hochstedler. Memories of her parent’s tragic deaths haunt her and the Englischers’ fascination with their lives threaten not only her peace but her safety as well. When her childhood friend Sam Christner steps in as her self-appointed protector, he finds that even in the middle of hardship Emma still has the same spunk and stubbornness he remembers. Just when they are about to make their way back to each other, tragedy strikes again, and Emma fears she may lose Sam forever.

I’ve been counting down the days for this book and it did not disappoint! Laurel has a way with characters that makes you want to add them to your prayer list! Such real emotions come with each turn of the page and you are swept away into the lives and loves of Johns Mill. This series will have a permanent spot on my bookshelf of favorites!

The second book in Laurel Blount's Johns Mill Amish Romance series is a clean hit right out of the park. I loved everything about this book--the twisty, oh-no-that-can't-happen plot, the realistic characters (believe I've met a Ruth or two), and the achingly tender love story between Sam and Emma. The author also makes a lovely point about where true beauty lies. If you're new to Amish romance or even if this genre is your hands-down favorite, plain and simple, this story is a must-read--for certain sure.

Strength in the Storm is an emotive Amish romance that evokes all kinds of feelings. Author Laurel Blount writes Amish fiction with authenticity. Her characters are believable and relatable. This is Emma Hochstedler and Sam Christner’s story, but also includes characters like Birdie, an English neighbor who is downright sassy and Ruth, Sam’s Amish aunt, who is most unpleasant. Author Laurel Blount’s stories are more than bonnets and buggies, although a buggy is an integral part of the story. I recommend this series filled with inspiration, faith, and hope. You will find each book is stand-alone and it is not necessary to read them in order. While I look forward to Book Three, I look forward to any book written by this author.
I received an advance copy of this book from Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wow! What a buggy ride! This book made my heart happy, had my heart breaking, and several times had me perched on the edge of my seat! It was a beautiful romance, yes! But also, at times, full of suspense! There was drama, tragedy, excitement and outright frustration (I see you, Ruth Christner!)

Not only did I get to revisit many old friends from Shelter In The Storm like Joseph and Naomi, and continue the journey with them, but I really got to know Emma Hochstedler and Sam Christner. I fell in love with them and would very much like to buy a house next door to them someday, just so I can be near them!

There were so many fantastic characters in this book, like Birdie and yes, even Ruth. Ms. Blount has a deep understanding of what makes people tick, what makes them do what they do, what makes them say what they say. There was one line in the book in which she explained that only people who are hurting in their own right turn to hurting others. I thought this was incredibly intuitive.

There were two lines that really struck me in this book, and I noted them down. The first is so important right now. “There was always something to be grateful for, even in the midst of sorrows.”

The other line that struck me was, “Everything and everyone around her might change, but Gott would not.” At a time when Emma had lost everything that was familiar to her, and felt the most alone in the world that she’d ever felt, she remembered something. She remembered that God was there, still the same, still as she knew him. And He would never change. She could turn to him.

I can’t wait for the next book!

I received an advance copy of this book—all opinions expressed are 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.

Strength in the Storm is the 2nd book in Laurel Blount’s Johns Mill series! It was so nice to explore different characters in this story plus surround yourself with familiar characters from the previous John Mills book Shelter in the Storm. This book centers on Emma Hochstedler and her old school beau Sam Christner. Emma is back home helping her sister Miriam and her sister-in-law Naomi. She runs into Sam in town while picking up supplies. He helps her out of a scary situation. Emma gets the idea that she wants to move in and help Sam’s Aunt Ruth while she recovers from a hip injury. The idea works great. Then one day tragedy strikes and Sam & his niece are injured in a buggy accident. Can Sam overcome his injuries and be the man that Emma deserves? Can Emma stop faulting herself over what happened to her parents? I guess you’ll have to read and find out!
I love Johns Mill and all the town characters. This book adds a few new ones that we weren’t introduced to in the first book. We meet Leah who is Sam’s sister and Janie his niece. Then we meet Aunt Ruth and finally her neighbor Birdie who is a hoot. I loved these characters with their quirks and faults. I loved how the book centered truly on trusting God. It was another beautiful love story. It’s finally good to see Emma truly happy. I also loved visiting with Naomi and Joseph again. It’s nice when you get to see old familiar faces that say welcome home to Johns Mill.

I just loved this story with Sam and Emma. Once I started I just could not put it down. This story will keep your emotions on edge as well.

Emma's family lost their parents when Trevor shot them at the store. Emma had moved to Ohio to help other family members. Now she has moved back to town to take care of her sister Marion, who is scared to leave the house and walk in the yard.

Emma is always trying to take care of the people she loves. See how this story shows that sometimes when you love someone you have to set them free. If it is meant to be, they will come back to you.

Another awesome book by Laurel Blount.

Great story!
We don't see much of the community in this story. It focuses on the two main characters and a few people immediately around them.

Oh the drama! There is so much happening around the two main characters that both pushes them together and pulls them apart.
Through it all they try to remember that God is in control and to trust in His plans.

Wow this book was sweet and unlike anything I have read before. I have not read the first book but I truly appreciate this book and highly recommend this book.
Emma Hochstedler is a young Amish woman who has has experienced a horrible devastating loss, both her parents were murdered by an English boy they took in as help at their store. They never captured him! Now back at home Emma is helping her sister Miriam and her sister-in-law Naomi at the family home. While in town for the first time since the murder and being home, she runs into Sam a childhood friend whose been in love with her since they were children in town, he soon helps her out of a scary situation involving an English man whose making a movie about her parents Murder. Emma soon come ups with an idea that she wants to move in and help Sam’s Aunt Ruth while whose recovering from a hip injury. one day another tragedy strikes and Sam and his niece are injured in a buggy accident, and Emma feels like anyone who gets close to her ends up getting hurt. Can Emma stop blaming herself over what happened to her parents? Emma and her family are worried that the English boy who murdered her parents will come out of hiding and hurt them. When will Sam and Emma realize that love is right there in front of him. This book was amazing and I hope you will grab it the story will stick with you long after the last page five stars!

I thought that this book was wonderful to read. It's a sweet and charming Amish story that sticks with you long after you've read it. I think the characters in this story were immensely realistic and I enjoyed each of their personalities too. Since I didn't want this story to end, I am hoping that there will be another book in this series! #NetGalley

*I received an advance copy of this book—all opinions expressed are my own.

Firstly, I should like to thank Laurel Blount for gifting me this ARC in return for an honest review. This was a 10 star read in a 5 star rating. It was captivating from the very first word to the very last and I now feel I need to go back and read the first book, Shelter in the Storm. So this was my first introduction to Johns Mill and to the main characters Emma and Sam. Despite all the sadness and difficulties this was a very beautiful story and brilliantly written. So many time I chuckled and so many times I had to wipe my wet eyes. There were times it felt so real to me that I would get up to help Sam and realize I was reading the book and wasn't actually there. I loved all the characters and I could picture each and every one of them. I particularly liked that this didn't take us from meal to meal with a description of everything the characters ate. I was so sorry when it ended. I could have read on and on. This book will not be released until February 22, 2022 and those who are waiting are going to be in for a real treat. If you love Amish fiction, romance, a little drama, sadness, happiness all in the wonderful south then please make this a must read for you and must have on your shelf book. I again should like to thank Laurel Blount and NetGalley for my advanced reader copy and all the opinions expressed are honest and mine.

Strength in the Storm is book two of Laurel Blount’s Johns Mill Amish Romance series. This is Emma Hochstedler and Samuel Christner’s story. I found it to be a very heart warming story that really appealed to me. The book had twists and turns and was unpredictable. The writer picked up from where she left off in Shelter in the Storm. It was definitely a page turner and very entertaining. I was immediately drawn into the story and kept there till the books ending. The characters leapt off the page as I imagined each scene that played out in the book. This story had all the characteristics that make a book an enjoyable great!
Emma Hochstedler is still grieving the loss of both her parents when she returns to her home , after caring for her Uncle in Ohio. She struggles with guilt over the circumstances that caused her parents death. Emma also feels that her sister Mariam who suffers emotionally because she witnessed her parents death, might do better if Emma left her brother’s home. She decides to move in with Ruth Christner and stay with her until she heals from her hip surgery. Ruth isn’t easy to get along with but then again neither was Emma’s Uncle in Ohio.
Ruth Christner is the elderly Aunt to Emma’s former boyfriend, Samuel Christner. The two had split up years ago after an argument. Samuel has always been respectful of Emma and watched out for her when needed. Now that they are thrown together again they discover they still have feelings for one another. But then a terrible accident happens that prevents their chances of happiness and a future together. In a split second lives are changed forever.
I recommend this book to readers of Amish Romance Fiction. I feel that for a more enjoyable reading experience book one should be read before this one because book two picks up from where book one ended.
Strength in the Storm will be released on February the 22nd of 2022.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
#strengthinthestorm#netgalley

A life without work was a life without purpose.

Emma Hochstedler is looking for her purpose. After the senseless murder of her parents, she is now living with her brother and his pregnant wife. There are some healing that needs to be done for her family. Emma feels that her living with her brother is not helping her younger sister heal. When an opportunity arises to help a bitter spinster Amish woman, she feels that she may have a purpose. She draws strength and she is helping her childhood friend Samuel Christner in the process. It is his aunt that needs the help. Samuel has always had feelings for Emma. He not only appreciated her outer beauty but the inner beauty that many failed to see including his aunt. Samuel always depended on his strength and size to help his community but when an accident occurs, he finds himself learning the same lessons as Emma. They are drawn together and find strength in what cannot be seen.

I loved this story of faith and the characters that lived it. It is easy to miss what faith is and how it gives us a strength that can be hard to explain. Love is also strengthened by faith as well and the hope we have in not giving up.

A special thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.