While I don’t read a lot of Amish fiction (I’ve finally quit saying I don’t read it at all), I have read and enjoyed some of Laurel Blount’s contemporary romance books. Plus, the description of this book was just so intriguing, I couldn’t pass it up.

Joseph’s life takes a tragic turn when there is a shooting at his family’s store in the town of Johns Mills. But the family isn’t left alone to grieve in the way the Plain are accustomed too. No, the media has gotten hold of the story and even during the funeral, the small Amish community is inundated with the Englishchers.

Naomi is visiting her cousin when the tragedy strikes the Hochstedler’s family, and she determines to serve them in anyway she can. It’s Naomi’s presence that brings a calming influence to Joseph’s home despite the grief, upheaval, and trials that continue to bombard them.

Blount delivers a sweet and moving romance with real and relatable characters who doubt, get angry, question God, and mis-communicate. Shelter in the Storm is a strong start to the Johns Mills Amish Romance series, and will appeal to fans of Amish and fans of romance alike.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Never having read any books by Laurel Blount, I didn't quite know what to expect. Wow, I was kind of blown away right from the start. Shelter in the Storm is a book that starts out with an unbelievably tragic event and continues with a plot that keeps the pages turning. I read the book pretty much in one day as it was hard to put down. Emotions run high as Naomi and Joseph deal with difficult circumstances that are life-changing and seemingly never-ending. Back to back hard blows that were hard to bear, yet, they knew their faith in Gott would bring them through, no matter how deep the grief. I really liked the author's writing style, good dialogue and situations keep the reader's interest high. The characters are strong, relatable, and realistic. Naomi has been through struggles for much of her life and is such an encourager to others in her life. Joseph has ideas for his life and yet when impossible situations come and change is inevitable, he stands firm in his faith and doesn't give in to self-pity. I enjoyed watching the changing aspects of their relationship as the story progressed. The community characteristic of the Amish and strong family ties are something I admire and Blount portrays them well. A Shelter in the Storm is a heartfelt story with unforgettable characters and a message of hope despite desperate times. Readers who enjoy Amish romance will not want to miss this one. I was pleased to see that this book is the first in the Johns Mill Amish Romance series and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book through JustReads Tours and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own. ( )

Some Amish books portray this way of life as simple, uncomplicated, and free of the trials that many Englisch people experience, but that certainly isn't true. Shelter in the Storm offers a realistic look of a family who suffer an unthinkable tragedy, and the steps they must take to find forgiveness and a new normal. It also touches on serious illness, dealing with emotional trauma, brothers interested in the same woman, and there's also the very human emotion of wanting revenge. But, above all, this is a story of faith, trust, and the ability to forgive, when your life seems to be falling apart.

Author Laurel Blount has created some amazing characters, and I was especially drawn into the relationship that develops between Naomi Schrock and Joseph Hochstedler. Joseph has endured overwhelming emotional heartache, and Naomi has dealt with physical heart issues, so is it any wonder that they still find comfort in their friendship that began in childhood? Friendship, or could there be so much more?

The title of this book is extremely appropriate to this story, but also relevant to everyone. All of us, Englisch or Amish, are susceptible to storms in our lives, and the only true shelter is our faith and trust in our Heavenly Father. Shelter in the Storm is a touching and heartwarming story that offers a poignant portrayal of Amish life. I recommend it to all who enjoy Amish fiction and I look forward to reading the next book in the Johns Mill Amish Romance series.

I received a copy of this book. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

Shelter in the Storm by Laurel Blount is an emotional novel. A violent act changes a families’ life forever. We get to see how they grieve and move forward after this tragic event. We are taken to Johns Mill, Tennessee where the Hochstedler family lives on land that has been in their family for generations. Naomi Schrock offers to help the grieving family. She loves feeling helpful and doing normal activities. After a life of being ill, normalcy is welcome. I was quickly swept into this heartbreaking tale. I thought Shelter in the Storm was well-written with realistic characters. I enjoyed the setting of Johns Mill. The author’s descriptions brought the scenes alive. I found this story to be an accurate representation. The Hochstedler’s have suffered a terrible loss, but they are unable to grieve in private. The media has descended on the town causing more problems. When the family is starting to piece things back together, they are given startling news that causes them more difficulties. Each member of the family is affected differently. The romance between Joseph and Naomi is sweet. I like how the story played out. It was wonderful how the community came together to help the Hochstedler family. I am amazed at the Amish’s ability to forgive those who have wronged them. It is one thing to forgive, but you cannot forget. Living each day as it comes and enjoying the beauty around us are two themes in the book. Trusting in God’s plan is another. I like how the author tied the title into the story. Shelter in the Storm is a poignant Amish tale that will touch your heart. ( )

This book is not like most Amish stories, it is more like watching the evening news, and then gasping, that poor family.
We are there with the survivors of the Hochstedler family, and yes, there is anger, and some have survivor’s guilt, will this family be able to live their faith and offer forgiveness? Or will this be the catalyst to take revenge and leave their community?
The author has done a wonderful job of giving us a story that pulls you in and won’t let go. There are a lot of twist and turns here, and some need to see what is under their noses.
I loved the ending here, but could have stayed for a long time for updates on this family!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Berkley, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )