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.
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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.

Strength in the Storm in the first book I have read by Laurel Blount. I was not disappointed.

After the murder of their parents, the Hochstedler siblings are trying to find normal. Not all in the most positive ways. The Joseph takes care of his wife and siblings. The youngest Miriam refuses to leave the house. Caleb has fled the Amish community and his wife. And Caleb's twin takes care of the family and neighbors to try to hide her guilt.

When she starts taking care of Ruth - the aunt of Emma's former flame Sam - Emma and Sam rekindle a romance long thought to be given up on.

Though this is the second in the series Blount does a great job in catching readers up. You don't have to read the first but it's such a good series readers may want to.

Since this is the second book in the John Mills Amish romance series, readers will want to read Shelter in the Storm first. Although the author does a good job catching readers up to the present story, I would encourage readers to read the series in order. The emphasis on Emma's beauty bothered me so I was glad to see that Sam spoke of her inward beauty. Emma's patience with Ruth spoke volumes about her character. Inspirational story!