☁️ 🌩️ “Strength in the Storm” (Johns Mill Amish Romance #2) (2022) 🌩️ ☁️– Book Review
MY REVIEW
Publisher: Berkley (February 22, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0593200225
ISBN-13: 978-0593200223
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“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.”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Berkley Publishing, for providing a complimentary review copy through the author’s launch team. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
I purchased the first book, Shelter in the Storm, back in August 2021 to support the author in her first ever mainstream publishing endeavor. Though, I set it off to the side for the “forever” TBR stack.
When I was accepted to the launch team for this book, I HEAVILY debated reading it. But, as soon as I saw how close this was in the plot and timeline to the previous book, I definitely had to read it.
I mention that because …
This picks up six months after the shooting in the first book.
Fair warning right off – the first book HAS to be read first to understand the events of this one (Strength in the Storm). While some series books can be standalone, this isn’t one of them.
The Johns Mill Amish Romance series follows the Hochstedler siblings after their parents’ murder by an Englischer at their store. There are four siblings, and I have pretty solid information this is a four-book series.
The siblings:
🌩️ Joseph (Shelter in the Storm)
🌩️ Emma (Strength in the Storm)
🌩️ Miriam (Courage in the Storm, April 2023)
🌩️ Caleb (Home from the Storm, December 2023)
Those who’ve already read Shelter in the Storm know about the movie that is in the works about the Hochstedler tragedy. Again, as there are references to the shooting, caution is advised in reading this as the topic might be sensitive.
Recapping from book #1: Caleb is shunned, Rhoda is off in Pennsylvania (unable to remarry, unable to accept his support), Miriam is doing slightly better, the store is still closed, and yes – Joseph and Naomi are married.
Emma is now back home six months after the funeral, the media interest has died down – yet, someone is lurking. Trevor is STILL on the loose.
This time around, there is less of Joseph and Naomi, very little of Miriam. Caleb does pop in, Eric is absent, and the Abbotts (Trevor’s parents) are only mentioned.
There is a wonderful, new Englisch character – Birdie, and a new Amish character – Ruth, Sam’s awful aunt. If y’all though Melvin was bad – this lady is worse. She can’t even stand Melvin and he’s from a stricter sect.
Another Englischer making their appearance – Ian McMillan. Slight spoiler from book #1 – he was the one who wanted to rent Joseph’s place. Ian is also the writer of the movie. And, he wants to talk to Emma to balance out the story since the Abbotts are all too keen to sway it in their son’s favor. I won’t spoil this part – but … WOW!! What an AWFUL set of parents!
Moving on …
The cover really sets the tone for this book – ominous, cautious, slightly inspiring, yet realistic.
This isn’t exactly fast-paced, but it doesn’t linger either. It picks right up and takes off. I ended up reading 103 pages in one hour. And, I honestly didn’t want to put this down for ANY length of time. Like the first one, it was a “pick right up from where you left off” kind of read.
This time around, Emma is offering to help her childhood sweetheart and one-time fiancé with his aunt Ruth. In part because her “meddling” is affecting Naomi’s progress with Miriam. Miriam is still having issues stepping outside the house, but with Emma doing so much for her, even Naomi thinks helping Miriam isn’t really helping her at all.
Emma, in addition to adjusting to her Caleb’s absence, is also finding it hard to watch her mother’s kitchen transform into Naomi’s. Yet she knows it was bound to happen.
Sam isn’t too keen on the idea of Emma helping, but it will help his sister Leah and her daughter Janie out. Leah has lost her husband, Milton, and is trying to find her way in dealing with her grief.
Like I said, if you thought Melvin was harsh, Ruth is bitter. I had to laugh at little Janie referring to Ruth as a mean old lady for making her mom cry. My heart wanted to wrap that child in a hug despite knowing that went against her teachings. Even Sam wanted to laugh. Of course, I think it was well deserved, especially 40 pages later when Ruth refers to Janie as a noisy girl.
Emma makes her first trip to town since the shooting, and she’s approached by Ian. And, honestly, I wasn’t expecting an elderly man. But, it is Sam who comes to Emma’s rescue. As much as it pains him to think it, Sam is worried that Emma’s beautiful looks and her kindness tend to get her into trouble. It is definitely apparent that Sam is still sweet on her.
And, being sweet on her – he doesn’t want her to have to worry about Ruth.
Still, Emma is who she is.
Of course, Ruth thinks the way Leah is carrying on about her husband’s death is selfish as grief is no excuse for not doing the work Gott put in front of one to do. That is a powerful statement given how us Englisch tend to deal with our grief. This is also a holdover from Melvin’s tone about Miriam.
And, of course, Ruth brings up Trevor and the shooting.
That isn’t the only trouble to worry about. Sam definitely learns what his grandfather meant by “cheap horse = expensive lesson” which plays on down the road.
Sam starts re-thinking his future with Emma, as she does with him.
And, like most books – tragedy tends to derail the best laid plans. This is no different. The tragedy isn’t the only obstacle, Ruth is as well. But, Sam has an idea of what her motive is.
Due to an accident with Sam, things change dramatically, and it is definitely heart-breaking to watch everyone involved go through it. As a result, Emma ends up staying with Birdie – the Englisch neighbor who lets the Amish use her phone. She’s as outspoken as Ruth, but doesn’t have the Amish’s ordnung to reign her in. I had to admit, I really enjoyed this lady and her contrast to the Amish community. I had to laugh when she referred to Ruth as an “old beanbag”. I seriously hope to see Birdie in the next books. This lady is a treasure!
Ian also pops up again, and Birdie sends up him with her usual attitude. But, she also has some advice for Emma – perhaps she should talk with the man.
While Sam and Emma are the focus, there is a beautiful and heart-wrenching side story with Leah and her in-laws, the Troyer family. They’re definitely different – loud and emotional. But, her reference about staying with them being comforting brought out the tissues.
There is a dramatic shift towards the end as Emma starts putting some strange happenings together. It makes for some great tension and suspense.
Most second books tend to drift from the strong beginning. This one didn’t. Despite the media’s loss of interest in the shooting – this is still a pretty “strong” book.
Woven into this dramatic, suspenseful, heart-breaking story is also a sweet romance and some humorous moments. Readers might want to keep SOME tissues on hand.
Readers learn more about the Emma and Trevor (Abbott) dynamic and what led up to the shooting. Though, readers shouldn’t expect any more news about the movie deal or what Ian’s motives truly are. Are they as genuine as he says – making sure he isn’t being manipulated and pushing the Abbott family’s agenda – or what? Though he does provide Sam a very useful warning when it comes to Emma’s safety.
Like the previous book, authentic Amish language is used, and since my grandmother’s family originated in Pennsylvania Dutch country – I have been able to figure it out. No, it’s never been spoken around me either.
Like the first book, there is definitely going to be mentions of God (Gott), as well as references to their ordnung (rules). So, it will have certain strict Christian beliefs. It is also a clean read – there are no intimate scenes (rarely are there any when it comes to Amish stories) and definitely no foul language.
Some readers might have a slight issue with something Sam says about his old horse Dobs and Sam’s late father. While Dobs can’t work as hard as he used to, Sam cannot send the horse to slaughter either while his father would, which is usually what is done.
Readers will not get a resolution to the shooting in this book either. That’s definitely the author’s way of keeping us “tuned in” for future reads which can be annoying or exciting depending personal preference.
Obviously, those who’ve read book #1 will definitely want to read this. Fans of the author, Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense that feature Amish stories won’t want to miss this either.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
Previous book in the series:
Publisher: Berkley (May 25, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0593200209
ISBN-13: 978-0593200209
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“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.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author LAUREL BLOUNT writes captivating romances full of grit and grace – with characters who will 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.
She can be found on the following social media networks:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurelblountbooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurelblountauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurelblount
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