Strength in the Storm

GIVEAWAY

BLOUNT, LAUREL

STRENGTH IN THE STORM

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 though -- 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 of 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.

My Review:

What an emotionally compelling premise to build a series around! And, sadly, timely. I do think it would be best to read the first book in the Johns Mill Amish series though before starting in on this one. Because while each story features one of the Hotchstedler siblings as they navigate the aftermath of their parents' brutal slaying, there's so much background to be gleaned from starting on the journey with them in Shelter in the Storm. 

Since this is the second book, I don't want to say too much about Emma's situation. She's on a unique path, struggling to find a place for herself in a community that used to be a haven. And as much as she doesn't want to rely on the strength and comfort of her once best friend, she finds that Sam is just the person to help her though the most difficult time in her life...until another tragedy strikes and the tables are turned and it's Sam who needs to rely on Emma's strength and fortitude. (And what a profound plot twist -- in so many ways! Brilliant!)

As in the first book, Blount explores  spiritual themes of forgiveness and trusting God in the hard places. And does she ever nail the myriad of emotions these characters are feeling! But she also brings hope to this beleaguered little community so a reader comes away feeling uplifted by the end. Heart battered and bruised, maybe, but tenderly optimistic just the same. :-)

I'm eagerly awaiting the third book in this series -- Courage in the Storm -- which releases in the spring of 2023.

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading, #6 Stay current with a series

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice. 

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Strength in the Storm, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT AND DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the Draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 4 2022. Offer open to International Readers.