A Johns Mill Amish Romance Courage in the Storm, (Paperback)

If you want deep, emotional Amish fiction, then this series is for you. I have thoroughly loved every single book so far, and just when I think one book in the series is my favorite, Laurel comes along and writes a new one and IT becomes my favorite! Courage in the Storm was enchanting from the very first page. Miriam had more things in common with a horse than you would expect. Both she and Breeze struggled mightily with fear to the point that they could not function at 100% in everyday life. Miriam had not left her family's farms since the death of her parents, and Breeze's trust in humans was severely broken even since he had been injured in a buggy accident. Well, along came Reuben. Not only did he identify the problems that Breeze was having, but he saw Miriam as the quickest way to help the horse begin to trust again. My favorite line was this one – It was so hard to be afraid all the time. This one sentence about broke me. I cannot imagine living in a constant state of fear, and I have to give this author props for conveying those emotions in a very real way. Reuben very easily could have belittled her or kept her out of Breeze's training regimen, but he saw Miriam for all she could be. And in spite of all his resistance to the Amish and desperately trying to be considered an Englisher, Miriam's gentle and giving spirit broke through his walls, too. These two individuals with lots of baggage found they could overcome their past with each other's help and with God's. It was so fragile and precious and caring all at once, and I hated to reach the end of their story. Other favorite moments – Reuben telling Miriam there was a quilt museum. Miriam making Amish clothes for Reuben. Reuben voluntarily buying fabric for Miriam (trust me, the average guy DOES NOT do this!!) Miriam and Reuben's first walk. When Miriam and Reuben talk about all the different shades of brown. Y'all – there was so much to love here! Yes, it's Amish and I think most people instantly equate that as being boring fiction, but this story was so deep and heartfelt. I wanted it to go on and on. 🙂 Nothing to fear, though (no pun intended)! The 4th and final book will be released in just a few months where we will hopefully see Caleb returning to this wonderful and caring family. Courage in the Storm gets 5 stars from me and a “brava” to this wonderful author for such a genuinely beautiful tale.