An engaging Amish tale!
Strength in the Storm by Laurel Blount is a heartwarming story that will capture your heart. Strength in the Storm is the second A John Mills 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 parent�s 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 John�s 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.
