Shelter in the Storm by Laurel Blount: Excerpt, Review, and Giveaway!

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Shelter in the Storm by Laurel Blount, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Shelter in the Storm 

Series: Johns Mill Amish Romance #1 

Author: Laurel Blount 

Publisher: Berkley Books 

Release Date: May 25, 2021 

Genre: Christian Contemporary/Amish Romance 

In this moving Amish romance, two broken hearts find hope in each other after a terrible loss.

Unspeakable tragedy strikes the Amish hamlet of Johns Mill when an unstable Englischer opens fire in the Hochstedler's General Store. In the aftermath, and under the media's spotlight, Joseph Hochstedler struggles to hold his shattered family together, drawing unexpected comfort from a faithful childhood friend. 

Born with a serious heart defect, optimist Naomi Schrock has always longed to live a life of service. She rolls up her sleeves, determined to help Joseph cope with this terrible crisis. But dare she hope that his friendship will finally deepen into love? 

As the media's obsession with the Hochstedler shooting escalates, Joseph and Naomi find themselves caught between tradition and compromise, lingering sorrows and uncertain hopes. And in the end, two people who've already lost far too much must find the courage to trust their hearts one last time.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub

ALSO AVAILABLE

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carol award-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart. She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals. Connect with her at www.laurelblountbooks.com

CONNECT WITH LAUREL: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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EXCERPT

“Do you like to take chances, then, Naomi?” His heart was pounding so hard now, he could barely think. All his common sense was slipping away, like reins sliding through slack fingers. Something strong deep inside him was taking control, like a horse took his head when the comfort of his barn came into view after a long ride home.

She laughed and the gentle sound tickled up the back of his neck like playful fingers. “Oh, ja, I do. I spent so long not taking any at all, you know. Mamm wouldn’t let me do anything the least bit risky while I was so frail. So I guess now I take them whenever I can to make up for lost time!”

He’d forgotten how to breathe, and he was feeling pretty light-headed, but it didn’t matter. He forged ahead. “I can think of another chance you could take, then, since you like them so much.”

She looked up at him, the metal pastry cutter motionless in her hand. “And what would that be, Joseph?”

“You could marry me.”

MY THOUGHTS

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.  

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) One winner will receive an Amish Meets Amazon prize package including a silver Shelter in the Storm bookmark, a hand-knitted dishcloth, a package of Amish church mints, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 24, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 31, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway >ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Good Luck!  Shelter in the Storm is available from Amazon*.  You can find Laurel Blount's other Love Inspired novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope I have helped you to find a new author and book.  Tomorrow I am featuring Legacy by Nora Roberts.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.