About the Book

Author: Laurel Blount

Genre: Amish Romance

Release date: February 22, 2022

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.

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My Thoughts:

The Hochstedler family have had more than their fair share of family tragedy. This is the second book in the series and picks up after the tragic events that ripped this family into pieces. This is the first one I have read, and it did well with getting me caught up with the details.

Emma's parents were murdered by a young man who thought a little bit more of Emma than she did of him. He was an Englisher, a very troubled one. Emma has not really forgiven herself for feeling sorry for him and bringing this evil upon her family. She is also very beautiful and has for years attracted men. But hardly any of this is her fault. Her family knows this, but she needs to see it. As she has come back home and is trying to help her younger sister cope, she seems to be much more of a hinderance, and trouble seems to keep following her. Especially now that a movie is being made about her parent's murder. As if things couldn't get worse.

In steps Sam Christner longtime friend and one time boy she was going to marry. He is big in size and feels it is his duty to protect Emma. I really felt for Emma because it seemed she could go nowhere or do anything without drawing attention. Both good and bad. Sam also felt the same way. Sam is also dealing with his only sad family situation, but he and Emma strike a bargain.

Everything seemed to be going well until another 'storm' hits. After a bit of struggle, Emma and Sam weather this new set of problems and come out on the other side much stronger. If you like drama filled stories, this one is chock full of it.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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! 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!