Strength in the Storm

About the Book

In this touching Amish romance, a brokenhearted woman and a steadfast man discover that the safest place to weather tragedy is in each other’s arms.

After the murder of both her parents, Emma Hochstedler returns to the small community of Johns Mill, hoping to resume her quiet existence. Reclaiming her place proves harder than expected—especially now that a movie is being made about her family’s loss. But then, an old friend offers her a lifeline that gives her new purpose.

Amish builder Samuel Christner is the biggest—and the strongest—man in town. In fact, the gentle giant has only one weakness—Emma. Even though she broke his heart, he won’t let his childhood sweetheart face her troubles alone. He hires Emma as a nurse for his elderly aunt…and finds himself falling for her all over again.

But while romance blooms, storm clouds gather. And when darkness falls, it will take all Sam’s strength—and all their love—to see them through.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes inspirational 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.

A enthusiastic multi-tasker, Laurel writes for both Berkley/Penguin Random House and Love Inspired/Harlequin. She’s the recipient of ACFW’s Carol Award, The New England Reader’s Choice Award and GRW’s Maggie Award. She’s represented by Jessica Alvarez of Bookends Literary Agency.

Strength in the Storm is Laurel’s seventh book—and four more stories are in the works! Courage in the Storm will be out in November. Stay tuned!

More from Laurel

A word from Laurel:

Oh, I can’t wait for you to meet Emma and Sam—they’re one of my all-time favorite story couples! And what an intriguing combination they are: a gentle man known far and wide for his physical strength…and a heartbroken woman—his boyhood sweetheart—who’s his one and only weakness.

Don’t you just love a good second chance romance? I know I do! There’s something so satisfying about seeing a broken love story beautifully mended. Of course, it won’t be easy. Emma and Sam’s story is mixture of joy and sorrow, laughter and tears—lots and lots of bumps on the road for these two. But they’re about to discover that love and faith shine their brightest in life’s darkest moments—and that trouble only makes a hard-won “happily ever after” even sweeter!

My Thoughts

Strength in the Storm by Laurel Blount is a heartwarming story that will capture your heart. Strength in the Storm is the second A Johns Mill 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 parents’ 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 Johns 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.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Laurel is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here below to enter.

Strength in the Storm is available from Amazon*. The first A Johns Mill Amish Romance is Shelter in the Storm. Courage in the Storm (third book in A Johns Mill Amish Romance) will be out in November. The cover is beautiful (love the colors).

You can find Laurel Blount's other novels here plus you can follow her to receive an email when she publishes a new book. Thank you for joining me today. Do not forget to enter the giveaway and leave a comment for extra entries. I will return on Monday with When the Crows Away by Auralee Wallace. It is the second book in An Evenfall Witches B&B Mysteries. I am off to work outside. I am trying to get the side garden completed before the hot Florida weather descends for the summer (we are actually having a spring this year). I hope you have an uplifting day and a relaxing weekend. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader