Emerald Storm

Wow! This story is a historical romance set in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1889. Of the 524 pages, the flood doesn't actually occur until you finish the first 400 pages. Just where most romance stories would be ending, this one adds the tragic twist of the massive flood, taking the reader on a new journey of the tragic event that actually took place. The writer describes the destruction with such detail and tragic fear, that I shudder to think what the actual people went through when this event actually occurred. Especially when I think that my ancestors were living in Uniontown during this time, not far from Johnstown - but luckily out of harm's way of this floods' path.Nevertheless, this is an excellent story with a great deal of sadness. As you meet a variety of characters, as they experience a tremendous amount of normal day to day trials and successes, you soon realize that not all of them will make it through when the flood occurs. Which of these fascinating characters will survive? Who will perish in the massive currents of the enormous flood?This is not a relaxed read... you know that these are fictional characters, but you also know the tragedy is real... so you cannot help but be moved by the mass destruction that is described, and the tremendous loss of life.The romance is this story is a little too flowery, otherwise I would have given this a five star rating. The main characters fall in love to easily, and too perfectly. Otherwise this is an excellent story and historical romance.