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Johns Mill Amish Romance #4
Home from the Storm
In this stirring Amish romance about love and second chances, a shunned man returns to protect the wife he left behind—and falls in love with the family he never knew he had.
After a senseless loss, hotheaded Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and his young wife to seek justice. Two years later, he tracks his parents’ killer back home to Johns Mill, where he’s astonished to learn he’s the father of twins. Now he's determined to protect his children and the woman he still loves—if she’ll let him.
Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place.
Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find.
After a senseless loss, hotheaded Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and his young wife to seek justice. Two years later, he tracks his parents’ killer back home to Johns Mill, where he’s astonished to learn he’s the father of twins. Now he's determined to protect his children and the woman he still loves—if she’ll let him.
Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place.
Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 26, 2023
10 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Blount
48 books324 followersAward-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll 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. Connect with her at www.laurelblountbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 26, 2023
Author Laurel Blount brings her Johns Mills Amish Romance series to a close with her soon to be released book, Home from the Storm. I thought it was the best book in the series and the best book that Laurel has written. All missing pieces of this mystery were put together to make a wonderful ending to a story that was carried over book to book through out the series. I enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book.
Prodigal Amish Son Caleb Hochstedler returns home to his wife and family to find a few surprises on the home front. Trevor Abbott has been on the move and rumors have it that he has returned to John Mills and has his eyes on Rhoda Hochstedler , Caleb’s wife. Caleb wants to protect her and his family from this killer and bring justice for the wrongful death of his parents. Problem is that he has been put under the ban by the Amish bishop for leaving the church to search for Trevor and make him pay for killing his parents. Trevor is always one step ahead of him. Can Caleb stop him before he kills again?
I recommend Home From the Storm to readers of Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction and to fans of the Author. This book is part of a series and would be best read in the order that it was written. This book is scheduled to be released on 12/26/ 23.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
#HomeFromtheStorm #NetGalley
Prodigal Amish Son Caleb Hochstedler returns home to his wife and family to find a few surprises on the home front. Trevor Abbott has been on the move and rumors have it that he has returned to John Mills and has his eyes on Rhoda Hochstedler , Caleb’s wife. Caleb wants to protect her and his family from this killer and bring justice for the wrongful death of his parents. Problem is that he has been put under the ban by the Amish bishop for leaving the church to search for Trevor and make him pay for killing his parents. Trevor is always one step ahead of him. Can Caleb stop him before he kills again?
I recommend Home From the Storm to readers of Amish Fiction, Christian Fiction and to fans of the Author. This book is part of a series and would be best read in the order that it was written. This book is scheduled to be released on 12/26/ 23.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
#HomeFromtheStorm #NetGalley
December 13, 2023
It is bittersweet to see this series end. I have enjoyed all of the books and Home from the Storm is a wonderful and emotional conclusion to what began two years ago when the Hochstedler children were reeling from the murder of their parents. The Amish faith believes in forgiveness. Caleb found it hard to move on and left his wife behind in his bitterness to find the young man who killed his parents. Now he is back in Johns Mill because he has word that the young man is there too. Fearing for his wife, he returns and is shocked to find that he is a father to twin toddlers. But he is shunned and cannot be accepted back in the church without confessing, something he doesn't want to do. This is such an emotional story as they all have been. I wasn't sure how Laurel Blount would be able to write this story with a positive resolution. She always writes heart touching stories with characters who come to life and are realistic, not perfect but ones you really want to find happiness. This is a story that pulls on heartstrings and is another winner by this author. Highly recommended.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.
December 27, 2023
Caleb Hochstedler’s parents were violently murdered and he left his Amish life and wife behind to pursue their killer, Trevor Abott. Two years later Caleb narrowly misses Trevor, and what he’s left behind chills him to the bone: pictures of Caleb’s wife, Rhonda.
Caleb high tails it back home to Johns Mill and has the shock of his life when he discovers he’s a father of two-year old twins. There’s so much he missed. There’s hurt, betrayal and old wounds that need to be addressed. Not the least is Caleb’s issues with the church. Will he be able to reconcile his differences of opinion with the Amish faith, his love for his family, and his pursuit of justice to lead to a HEA? That’s what I wanted to know.
Caleb and Rhonda’s story has been brewing in the background throughout the series. I felt bad for Rhonda, but also for Caleb since his grief caused him to act hastily. Details of Rhonda and Caleb’s history were revealed and even though it seemed like Caleb was the one mainly in the wrong, there were other factors at play. Both needed to step back and examine their actions, past and present. There was still so much love between Caleb and Rhonda, and I was rooting for them to heal and make their way back to each other, especially since they now had the two little ones to think about.
I loved the Hochstedler’s close knit family. The bumped heads a bit here and there, but there was an abundance of love between them. Caleb and Rhonda’s twins were so adorable, too!
Like the other stories in the series, there was a bit of danger and suspense with Trevor lurking about and unhinged. I was afraid for all the Hochstedler’s, not knowing when or where he’d surface and what kind of damage he’d inflict.
Home From the Storm was a well-done second chance/marriage-in-crisis romance. Not only that, it was also an uplifting story of healing, forgiveness, looking for the best in each other, and love. I’ve loved this series from the start! A definite recommend!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Caleb high tails it back home to Johns Mill and has the shock of his life when he discovers he’s a father of two-year old twins. There’s so much he missed. There’s hurt, betrayal and old wounds that need to be addressed. Not the least is Caleb’s issues with the church. Will he be able to reconcile his differences of opinion with the Amish faith, his love for his family, and his pursuit of justice to lead to a HEA? That’s what I wanted to know.
Caleb and Rhonda’s story has been brewing in the background throughout the series. I felt bad for Rhonda, but also for Caleb since his grief caused him to act hastily. Details of Rhonda and Caleb’s history were revealed and even though it seemed like Caleb was the one mainly in the wrong, there were other factors at play. Both needed to step back and examine their actions, past and present. There was still so much love between Caleb and Rhonda, and I was rooting for them to heal and make their way back to each other, especially since they now had the two little ones to think about.
I loved the Hochstedler’s close knit family. The bumped heads a bit here and there, but there was an abundance of love between them. Caleb and Rhonda’s twins were so adorable, too!
Like the other stories in the series, there was a bit of danger and suspense with Trevor lurking about and unhinged. I was afraid for all the Hochstedler’s, not knowing when or where he’d surface and what kind of damage he’d inflict.
Home From the Storm was a well-done second chance/marriage-in-crisis romance. Not only that, it was also an uplifting story of healing, forgiveness, looking for the best in each other, and love. I’ve loved this series from the start! A definite recommend!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2023
Home from the Storm is a stunning conclusion to an Amish series that has tackled sensitive and painful issues related to the original murders of the Hochstedler parents back in book one. The four children all had different issues to deal with related to their deaths. Caleb’s siblings worked through their traumas in the previous three books. This story follows the return of Caleb Hochstedler, who left the community and his young wife in the hopes of tracking down his parents’ killer. When he returns, not only does he discover that all of his siblings have married and are starting families of their own, but that he and his wife are parents to twins that he knew nothing about.
I really liked the Bishop, Abram, in this story. He handled the tense situation of trying to bring Caleb back into the fold with grace and even some humor. It was interesting to see the way Caleb responded to his leadership as opposed to the way he always pushed back against the previous bishop, who also happened to be his father in law.
Not only did Caleb have the worry of trying to keep his family safe from the man who he believed was headed back to their community to do more harm, but Caleb now had to decide if he was willing to let go of his anger and submit to not only God, but also his Amish community, in order to be fully welcomed back. I enjoyed seeing the softening of his heart, which was a very gradual thing indeed. It was nice to get to really see who this man was and see the love between Caleb and Rhoda begin to receive some healing. This was a captivating story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I really liked the Bishop, Abram, in this story. He handled the tense situation of trying to bring Caleb back into the fold with grace and even some humor. It was interesting to see the way Caleb responded to his leadership as opposed to the way he always pushed back against the previous bishop, who also happened to be his father in law.
Not only did Caleb have the worry of trying to keep his family safe from the man who he believed was headed back to their community to do more harm, but Caleb now had to decide if he was willing to let go of his anger and submit to not only God, but also his Amish community, in order to be fully welcomed back. I enjoyed seeing the softening of his heart, which was a very gradual thing indeed. It was nice to get to really see who this man was and see the love between Caleb and Rhoda begin to receive some healing. This was a captivating story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
December 16, 2023
This was my first Laurel Blount book, and it was excellent.
Home From the Storm is a beautiful and heart aching story of surrender, forgiveness, and trust in the God who knows far greater than any of us mere mortals.
This story features grieving after a murder, separation (of forms) of a marriage, unexpected blessings, and grappling with shifting perspectives.
The writing is lovely, the characters have depth, and the story is layered.
It reminded me much of William Booth’s quote: “The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender.”
I highly recommend this lovely Amish story and look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
Home From the Storm is a beautiful and heart aching story of surrender, forgiveness, and trust in the God who knows far greater than any of us mere mortals.
This story features grieving after a murder, separation (of forms) of a marriage, unexpected blessings, and grappling with shifting perspectives.
The writing is lovely, the characters have depth, and the story is layered.
It reminded me much of William Booth’s quote: “The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender.”
I highly recommend this lovely Amish story and look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
August 30, 2023
When Caleb's parents are murdered he not only leaves his Amish faith but also his wife to pursue their killer. When he hears that the suspect is heading back to Caleb's hometown he follows. A lot has changed since he was gone and he is in for a big surprise. Good story.
September 28, 2024
Wonderful conclusion to the series. Character growth for not only the two main characters, Caleb and Rhoda, but others as well. In particular, I loved the bishop Abram.
The entire series is engaging and recommended.
The entire series is engaging and recommended.
December 3, 2023
Laurel Blount has done it again with the 4th book in the John Mills Amish Romance series. Such a sweet story filled with trust and forgiveness and I really loved how the story ended. It helps if you read all the books in the series in order so you get to know them as they appear in the later books. I highly recommend this book for an enjoyable read and was given a complimentary copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.
December 3, 2023
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the publisher.
This book beautifully rounds out the series. Caleb is still stubborn and protective, but he shows that he has matured... Surprising even himself.
There are a few other surprises for Caleb, too.
This book beautifully rounds out the series. Caleb is still stubborn and protective, but he shows that he has matured... Surprising even himself.
There are a few other surprises for Caleb, too.
December 7, 2023
Thank you very much to Just Read Tours for providing me with a copy of Home from the Storm. All thoughts expressed in this review reflect only my own opinion.
I really enjoyed reading this book! I don't think I have ever read a book centered on the Amish practice of shunning before, and it was fascinating to learn more about that. I thought the author, Laurel Blount, did a great job of showing the nuances of it, from the rules that must be followed, to the mixture of love and pain experienced by community members affected by shunning.
Home from the Storm is the fourth book in a series of four books. While Blount included enough details from previous books for this story to be understood without having read the other books, I do very strongly recommend reading the other books in the series first. There was a lot of backstory that I missed, and the side characters are not very well developed in this book because they've already been thoroughly fleshed out in other books. They appear very one dimensional in this book without having read the others, but I think they would feel more dynamic if I had understood the context of their experiences in the previous books.
The suspense element of this story was so well done. There were several moments when I was on the edge of my seat, and just couldn't wait to see what happened next! There are some pretty intense moments in this story; if you are sensitive to the topic of gun violence, read this book/series with caution. The romantic plot line was also beautifully written, although I do wish that the pacing for it had been just a hair quicker. Rhoda and Caleb make a great couple, and I admire Blount's dedication to having them thoroughly work through the complications in their relationship before moving on to the happily ever after moments.
I really enjoyed reading Home from the Storm, and I recommend it if you like romantic suspense novels, and especially if you want to read an Amish romance that's not quite as saccharine as many of the other Amish romances on the market. Home from the Storm is a book of substance and a great way to end the series to which it belongs. I look forward to going back and reading the rest of the books!
I really enjoyed reading this book! I don't think I have ever read a book centered on the Amish practice of shunning before, and it was fascinating to learn more about that. I thought the author, Laurel Blount, did a great job of showing the nuances of it, from the rules that must be followed, to the mixture of love and pain experienced by community members affected by shunning.
Home from the Storm is the fourth book in a series of four books. While Blount included enough details from previous books for this story to be understood without having read the other books, I do very strongly recommend reading the other books in the series first. There was a lot of backstory that I missed, and the side characters are not very well developed in this book because they've already been thoroughly fleshed out in other books. They appear very one dimensional in this book without having read the others, but I think they would feel more dynamic if I had understood the context of their experiences in the previous books.
The suspense element of this story was so well done. There were several moments when I was on the edge of my seat, and just couldn't wait to see what happened next! There are some pretty intense moments in this story; if you are sensitive to the topic of gun violence, read this book/series with caution. The romantic plot line was also beautifully written, although I do wish that the pacing for it had been just a hair quicker. Rhoda and Caleb make a great couple, and I admire Blount's dedication to having them thoroughly work through the complications in their relationship before moving on to the happily ever after moments.
I really enjoyed reading Home from the Storm, and I recommend it if you like romantic suspense novels, and especially if you want to read an Amish romance that's not quite as saccharine as many of the other Amish romances on the market. Home from the Storm is a book of substance and a great way to end the series to which it belongs. I look forward to going back and reading the rest of the books!
December 12, 2023
4.5 Stars
Throughout the Johns Mills Amish Romance series, readers have gotten bits and pieces of Caleb Hochstedler’s character. Now, in the series conclusion, Laurel Blount gives us Caleb and Rhoda’s story, and it does not disappoint.
Caleb is not the kind of person you think of when paired with the word Amish. He’s stubborn and quick-tempered with a strong sense of justice. He fights with the rules the Amish live by and butts heads with his leaders. Rhoda has a quiet strength—one which has sustained her over the two years Caleb has abandoned her—but the last thing she wants is to experience the pain of Caleb’s leaving all over again.
Home from the Storm is a wonderful story of how God holds onto us even in our pain and suffering. How He patiently waits for us to turn to him. The pages of this book overflow with redemption of family and faith. Of forgiveness and discovery of who God created us to be.
Blount’s conclusion to this series not only gives readers a peek into the lives of each of the Hochstedler siblings we’ve met already, this story also gives us the hope that no matter our choices, no matter how far we’ve strayed, God does not abandon us.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
Throughout the Johns Mills Amish Romance series, readers have gotten bits and pieces of Caleb Hochstedler’s character. Now, in the series conclusion, Laurel Blount gives us Caleb and Rhoda’s story, and it does not disappoint.
Caleb is not the kind of person you think of when paired with the word Amish. He’s stubborn and quick-tempered with a strong sense of justice. He fights with the rules the Amish live by and butts heads with his leaders. Rhoda has a quiet strength—one which has sustained her over the two years Caleb has abandoned her—but the last thing she wants is to experience the pain of Caleb’s leaving all over again.
Home from the Storm is a wonderful story of how God holds onto us even in our pain and suffering. How He patiently waits for us to turn to him. The pages of this book overflow with redemption of family and faith. Of forgiveness and discovery of who God created us to be.
Blount’s conclusion to this series not only gives readers a peek into the lives of each of the Hochstedler siblings we’ve met already, this story also gives us the hope that no matter our choices, no matter how far we’ve strayed, God does not abandon us.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
December 6, 2023
I enjoy reading Amish fiction for many reasons, and Home from the Storm brought them all together. There are lots of family issues, struggles with faith, and of course the big one: Forgiveness.
The characters are so interesting. It was nice to read about them struggling with the normal things that we all do, making us somewhat alike. Of course, their lifestyle is quite different.
I'm hoping to read more by Laurel Blount. She weaves amazing stories of the Amish everyday life, plus tension from family circumstances and suspense. I love the faith, hope, and joy that runs through her chapters making the story come alive.
I received an ARC from the publisher and willingly chose to review it. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.
The characters are so interesting. It was nice to read about them struggling with the normal things that we all do, making us somewhat alike. Of course, their lifestyle is quite different.
I'm hoping to read more by Laurel Blount. She weaves amazing stories of the Amish everyday life, plus tension from family circumstances and suspense. I love the faith, hope, and joy that runs through her chapters making the story come alive.
I received an ARC from the publisher and willingly chose to review it. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.
December 20, 2023
After reading Home From the Storm by author Laurel Blount, I have tears. Mostly of joy, but admittedly a few of sadness, only because this story wraps up her series.
Caleb Hochstedler had left home (and his wife) a couple years back to pursue the man who killed his parents. Hearing the killer is back in town, he’s come home. But not all is as it was, including the fact he’s been shunned by his community. Caleb has built up so much anger and bitterness since the death of his parents, can he ever make it through the storm of his heart? With the Lord, and the gentle love, guidance, and wisdom of his Amish family and community, there just might be a chance for this prodigal son to return…and to stay.
Have a box of tissues by your side when you read this stirringly beautiful book. You’ll need them!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
Caleb Hochstedler had left home (and his wife) a couple years back to pursue the man who killed his parents. Hearing the killer is back in town, he’s come home. But not all is as it was, including the fact he’s been shunned by his community. Caleb has built up so much anger and bitterness since the death of his parents, can he ever make it through the storm of his heart? With the Lord, and the gentle love, guidance, and wisdom of his Amish family and community, there just might be a chance for this prodigal son to return…and to stay.
Have a box of tissues by your side when you read this stirringly beautiful book. You’ll need them!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
January 15, 2024
Home From the Storm is the 4th and final book in A Johns Mill Amish Romance series. Each book is about one of the four Hochstedler siblings and their life after the murder of their parents by a young Englischer who was infatuated with one of the daughters. This is Caleb's story. After the murder, he leaves Johns Mills, to track the killer. When he left, he abandoned his new wife and was shunned by the community. When he realizes that his wife is in danger and the killer heading back to Johns Mill, he goes home to keep her safe and maybe finally help to capture a killer. When he returns home, he finds out that Rhoda has twins, his twins. Can he reconcile his life, make a confession to the church and become Rhoda's husband and a father to his twins in the eyes of the community and church?
This was a great ending to the series. We see all the Hochstedler siblings in their new lives with spouses and some with children. They love their brother and want him home and part of their lives. They, as well as Rhoda, are caught between their love for Caleb and the teachings of the church. Caleb is a great character who just happens to feel things deeply, but that also includes revenge, which goes against the teachings of the church. I enjoyed seeing him with his children and how much he loved them. There was some suspense dealing with the safety of his family and that kept me on the edge of my seat. I learned a bit more about the Amish faith and why they shun people, it's not a punishment, but a hope that they will see what they miss and return home as well as returning to the faith. This was an emotional story, as well as one that is a story of faith, love, family, and forgiveness. If you enjoy Amish fiction, one with some suspense and turmoil, then I recommend you pick up all the books in this series, I don't think you will be disappointed.
This was a great ending to the series. We see all the Hochstedler siblings in their new lives with spouses and some with children. They love their brother and want him home and part of their lives. They, as well as Rhoda, are caught between their love for Caleb and the teachings of the church. Caleb is a great character who just happens to feel things deeply, but that also includes revenge, which goes against the teachings of the church. I enjoyed seeing him with his children and how much he loved them. There was some suspense dealing with the safety of his family and that kept me on the edge of my seat. I learned a bit more about the Amish faith and why they shun people, it's not a punishment, but a hope that they will see what they miss and return home as well as returning to the faith. This was an emotional story, as well as one that is a story of faith, love, family, and forgiveness. If you enjoy Amish fiction, one with some suspense and turmoil, then I recommend you pick up all the books in this series, I don't think you will be disappointed.
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December 15, 2023What a fantastic read! If you're not captivated with the opening scenes of Laurel Blount's Home from the Storm...well, I'd be very surprised!
Shunned (formerly) Amish man Caleb Hochstedler now works for bounty hunter Milt Masterson. They're tracking a killer; specifically, the man who murdered Caleb's parents a number of years ago. That action resulted in Caleb's eventually having to leave his Amish community, Johns Mills; and his wife, Rhoda. (His determination that Trevor Abbott be brought to justice conflicted with their Amish community's practice of extending forgiveness. Caleb is just not ready to forgive a killer.) They've come close to finding the young man again and again, but have just missed him.
Then, Caleb discovers that while they've been tracking Trevor, Trevor has been tracking Caleb's wife, Rhoda.
Don't miss this exceptional book of healing, love, restoration, and family. (With a little crime fiction mixed in.) I truly loved Caleb, Rhoda, the other members of Johns Mill...oh, and did I mention the twins that Caleb has just discovered Rhoda had? (Yes. He's very surprised as well!)
Wonderful book, with a beautiful faith component mixed in.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Shunned (formerly) Amish man Caleb Hochstedler now works for bounty hunter Milt Masterson. They're tracking a killer; specifically, the man who murdered Caleb's parents a number of years ago. That action resulted in Caleb's eventually having to leave his Amish community, Johns Mills; and his wife, Rhoda. (His determination that Trevor Abbott be brought to justice conflicted with their Amish community's practice of extending forgiveness. Caleb is just not ready to forgive a killer.) They've come close to finding the young man again and again, but have just missed him.
Then, Caleb discovers that while they've been tracking Trevor, Trevor has been tracking Caleb's wife, Rhoda.
Don't miss this exceptional book of healing, love, restoration, and family. (With a little crime fiction mixed in.) I truly loved Caleb, Rhoda, the other members of Johns Mill...oh, and did I mention the twins that Caleb has just discovered Rhoda had? (Yes. He's very surprised as well!)
Wonderful book, with a beautiful faith component mixed in.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
December 14, 2023
Home from the Storm is the 4th book in the Johns Mill Amish Romance series that is written by by Laurel Blount. I have read most of the books in the series ( I did not read book 3) - but it was nice to see the mystery and storyline wrap up. I really enjoyed seeing the story of Caleb Hochstedler. He left the Amish life to try and pursue his parent's killers. When he left, his wife Rhoda was left behind. Rhonda is torn between being happy to see her husband and her father, the bishop who did not think Caleb was ever content to be Amish.
When he returns back to Johns Mill, he is shock to see that he is the father of twins. He soon finds out that his parents killer has his sites set on Rhonda. Caleb has to try and keep his family safe along with bring the killer to justice. He returns to the Amish with such vengeance - and that is frowned upon within the Amish. He cannot enter back into good graces being so angry.
This has been an amazing series. The characters are well written - the storyline is intriguing. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley - for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
When he returns back to Johns Mill, he is shock to see that he is the father of twins. He soon finds out that his parents killer has his sites set on Rhonda. Caleb has to try and keep his family safe along with bring the killer to justice. He returns to the Amish with such vengeance - and that is frowned upon within the Amish. He cannot enter back into good graces being so angry.
This has been an amazing series. The characters are well written - the storyline is intriguing. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley - for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
December 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this storyline and understood the struggle that Caleb had with wanting to be able to live both sides. After the murder of his parents, the law and Amish did not seem to understand that justice needed to be done and the only way he felt that could be achieved was on his own. The murderer was on the run and Caleb was always just a few stops behind, but when he gets information that leads him back to his home town, and his wife the next possible target he has some choices to make. Does he continue to seek his own justice or does he need to return to the Amish ways, back to his family and prove he will not hurt them again? I loved that this novel had some suspense and mystery mixed in with the christian message and light romance. Thank you to JustRead Tours for the invite and to the author for her generosity. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
December 27, 2023
What a finale to a fantastic series! Caleb and Rhoda have a lot to overcome to restore their relationship and I have been anxious to see how the situation with Trevor was finally going to be resolved. Laurel has penned a doozy of a story wrapping up this series. It’s full of emotion and and the beauty of forgiveness and restoration. A beautiful finale!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and also purchased an Audible copy. All thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and also purchased an Audible copy. All thoughts are my own.
January 21, 2024
Thank you in advance to the author, Laurel Blount, for providing a complimentary review copy through her launch team. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
First off – the reason it took me so long to review this book – I didn’t want to read it. Not because it was a bad book, that’s not at all the problem. The biggest problem – I didn’t want to read the end of the series as this is the final book 😢 Yes, I’ve been wanting the conclusion and Caleb’s story since the first book nearly two years ago when the first book, Shelter in the Storm (2021) was released. But, in reading this – the series would be ending, and it was FAR too good to just gobble this book up and end it.
With some series, people often ask if the other books should be read in order. My answer?
ABSOLUTELY!
While the author does make some references to what led Caleb to leave Johns Mill, as well as what happened in the three previous books, readers will GREATLY benefit from reading the three (3) previous books before reading this one. Each book is a continuation and builds off the previous one.
The Johns Mill Amish Romance series follows the Hochstedler siblings after their parents’ murder by an Englischer at their store. There are four siblings in total.
At the time I read the first book, I had a pretty good idea there would be four books. And, I was right. I purchased the first book, then was on the launch team from books #2-this one. And, I’ve enjoyed all of them.
The siblings and their stories (along with their “spouses”):
🌩️ Joseph/Naomi (Shelter in the Storm)
🌩️ Emma/Sam (Strength in the Storm)
🌩️ Miriam/Reuben (Courage in the Storm)
This, Home from the Storm, is Caleb and Rhoda’s story.
In addition to the siblings and their spouses, Blount also introduces some new characters, and brings back other ones:
🚨 Milt (bounty hunter that Caleb works for)
⛪ Isaac Lambright (former Johns Mill bishop, Rhoda’s father)
👒 Ida Lambright (Rhoda’s mother)
⚖️ Stephen Abbott (father of shooter Trevor Abbott)
⛪ Abram King (new Johns Mill bishop)
🐦 Birdie
A slight recap for those who’ve read the books, and a spoiler warning for those who haven’t …
In, Shelter in the Storm, the story focused on Joseph and Naomi. It also set-up for the second book with Emma and Sam. Sam is integral at one point with the running of the store after the shooting.
There are also secondary characters: Rhoda (Caleb’s wife and Joseph’s one-time “crush”), Melvin (the Hochstedler’s ornery uncle), Johns Mill bishop Isaac (Rhoda’s father). The shooter’s parents also make an appearance.
Since the first book set-up the murder of the siblings’ parents, that might be traumatic for some readers. The murder is mentioned several times throughout the series. Yet, the author doesn’t delve into the graphic or gory details though. She relies on the emotions and impact of the loss.
The shooting happens towards the very beginning of that book, by the end of chapter two (2).
As the story/saga begins, Joseph is lamenting the loss of the Hochstedler dairy farm. For generations, that was the family’s sole industry, which is why his parents have a general store in town. Joseph has a woodworking hobby, which could be lucrative.
Tension is already brewing in the family – Caleb has just recently wed Rhoda; someone Joseph had his eye on.
Lavonia and Elijah are then killed as the result of an Englisch boy coming around to talk to Emma. Her father has a talk with Caleb (most of this is revealed in the second book). As a result of the shooting, Miriam is mentally scarred and Emma heads to Ohio to stay with Melvin.
Naomi and Joseph were childhood friends, yet there is something distant between them.
The shooting has caused a media circus. And, given what has happened in the two years since – it is sadly a far more realistic take on these events. When it happens in the Englisch community, it is tragic and news fodder. The Amish community? It definitely becomes a fascinating story, if not a “sensation”. This will inspire a “movie” mentioned later in that book, which carries over to books #2 and #3.
A run-in with a reporter sends Caleb well on his way to “jumping the fence”. And, with the shooter at large – Caleb defies his faith. He doesn’t trust the Abbotts (which will circle back to this book). Caleb leaves to hunt the killer down. He cannot stand by the church’s stance of “forgiveness” only. He wants justice.
Rhoda is forced to move away, and unable to divorce or accept Caleb’s help after he is shunned. And, as it turns out, she’s also pregnant.
Emma returned in book two (2), Strength in the Storm. She ends up helping Sam’s awful aent. And, readers were introduced to the sweet Englisch woman, Birdie.
The second book saw Trevor come back briefly before disappearing again. And, it is in that book that Sam has an accident. This is also the book where the movie is coming together, or rather being written. One writer wants to talk to Emma since she was the focus of the shooting. It would also help slant it towards the Amish, but that goes against their faith.
In the third book, Courage in the Storm, Miriam is the focus. And, it is through Englischer Reuben, that Miriam starts coming back out into the world. If anyone knows trauma, it is Reuben. He mainly works with horses, but he is also, indirectly, working with Miriam.
As he wasn’t Amish, Miriam’s family feared he’d lead her away, but as of this book – we see that isn’t the case. And, this is the book where the movie about the tragedy is being filmed. This will have an impact on the events of this story, or one of the plot arcs.
All of these stories bring us – the readers – to the conclusion of this series, the case, and to Caleb’s homecoming. But, as usual – it isn’t what it seems.
For this book Ian, Ruth, nor Melvin appear. Also, Sam’s sister and nice – Leah and Janie are completely absent from books #3 and #4.
That said …
In the beginning of this one, Caleb and Milt are hot on a lead that points to where Trevor is hiding out. As usual with most stories – by the time the two men get there – Trevor is gone. What is left behind gives Caleb cause to worry – a recent picture of Rhoda at a bakery in Johns Mill, thus jumping right into the story.
Milt didn’t know Caleb was married, though the younger man’s beard should’ve told him something. Caleb explains the situation of his shunning and the effect it has on Rhoda. Milt is shocked that there is no divorce allowed. Rhoda is forced to work because she is not allowed to take money from Caleb.
As Milt has another case, Caleb heads back to Johns Mill.
Rhoda is trying to restore her parents’ bakery. The former people who had it, ran it into the ground. And, she’s also hoping it will give her some independence to get out from her father’s thumb. She has had little choice, since Caleb’s shunning, other than to live with her parents.
Also, her father had to retire from being the bishop since his heart attack.
Then, Caleb walks through the doors of the bakery.
When Caleb arrives, things are different. Then again, when he left – he was Amish. But, for the past two (2) years, he’s lived in the Englisch world, even driving a truck.
Rhoda is glad he is back, but their reunion is short lived when he thinks Trevor might be there and scares Rhoda’s twins – his twins: Vonnie and Eli (named after his parents).
Not knowing what he is going to do after catching Trevor, given the shunning, Caleb knows he wants to be a father to his children. He’s also hurt no one told him – not Rhoda, and not his family.
The new bishop, Abram King, has a few ideas for Caleb to “come back”. Through a special arrangement, he permits Caleb to see his children. Though neither Abram nor Rhoda knows the real reason for Caleb’s return. Emma is happy to have her twin brother back.
Caleb enjoys spending time with the kids, and it gives him a chance to keep them, and their mother safe. He is also able to finish the upstairs apartment for Rhoda.
However, since he is shunned, Caleb cannot sit at the table with his family for dinner. Abram feels that love, rather than exclusion is better to bring people back.
Due to the soon to be released movie, and Trevor’s “note”, Caleb wants to put alarms on the door of the apartment. Abram first thinks on it, then tells him no, though it plants a seed with Abram stating Caleb can live there as well.
Miriam is happy to have her brother back.
However, it isn’t long until Rhoda’s parents come back and that division increases with her father’s attitude towards Caleb. It doesn’t help that Rhoda soon learns the real reason Caleb returned.
Then, there is Trevor and his father, both of whom are going to use the movie for publicity.
With the movie coming out – there is yet one more storm to overcome – that is Trevor being brought to justice as well as the movie that might hurt the Hochstedlers even worse, especially the slant the movie takes.
The longer Caleb is home, the more he truly feels like Johns Mill is home. But, to come back, he’s got to do something that goes against who he has become. He has to make amends with the church. He has to admit he was wrong, and he’s beginning to wonder if he wasn’t wrong.
Home from the Storm is likely the most emotional book in the series, if I dare say, the best one. It, like the cover, is poignant and reflective; as well as emotionally stirring from the tragedy, the consequences thereof, as well as the many surprises and plot twists. It is above all – captivating.
Like most Amish books, there are references to God (Gott), and tenets of their faith are espoused and practiced. These are often the deciding factors in their lives.
While this is a 5-star read, I did want more of a conclusion with Trevor and his father at the end. While the series is “romance”, it is categorized as Inspirational Fiction and clearly earns its place in the genre. It is a romance in the sense of the “second-chance” romance between Caleb and Rhoda, with the suspense focused on the search for Trevor.
I am hoping the author can return, even if it is a smaller book, to Johns Mill to address a few of the open ends left with this one. The ending was a bit of a surprise with two “Englisch” characters, and I really wanted to see what was going to happen with them.
I am also hoping that the author has another series like this coming up. I absolutely couldn’t put this down. I was drawn right in and held there from the beginning to the very end. The short chapters and pacing were sheer writing perfection.
There were some “lessons” I enjoyed the author including, and ones that have affected people I know. There is a remark from Milt about hearing and listening being two different things. There are some people in my family that’d do good to remember that. Also, one cannot learn if they’re not willing to listen.
Blount has a way of creating meaningful lessons that don’t even seem like lessons until you reflect on them.
For those who’ve read the first three books – don’t miss this one.
One final thought – this should be a TV mini-series! It truly has all the makings of a great 4-part saga (2 hours each movie). I would definitely watch it (as long as I have the channel it is airing on).
Whether it is main-stream publishing, or Love Inspired, I am eagerly awaiting what story Blount is going to tell us next time.
First off – the reason it took me so long to review this book – I didn’t want to read it. Not because it was a bad book, that’s not at all the problem. The biggest problem – I didn’t want to read the end of the series as this is the final book 😢 Yes, I’ve been wanting the conclusion and Caleb’s story since the first book nearly two years ago when the first book, Shelter in the Storm (2021) was released. But, in reading this – the series would be ending, and it was FAR too good to just gobble this book up and end it.
With some series, people often ask if the other books should be read in order. My answer?
ABSOLUTELY!
While the author does make some references to what led Caleb to leave Johns Mill, as well as what happened in the three previous books, readers will GREATLY benefit from reading the three (3) previous books before reading this one. Each book is a continuation and builds off the previous one.
The Johns Mill Amish Romance series follows the Hochstedler siblings after their parents’ murder by an Englischer at their store. There are four siblings in total.
At the time I read the first book, I had a pretty good idea there would be four books. And, I was right. I purchased the first book, then was on the launch team from books #2-this one. And, I’ve enjoyed all of them.
The siblings and their stories (along with their “spouses”):
🌩️ Joseph/Naomi (Shelter in the Storm)
🌩️ Emma/Sam (Strength in the Storm)
🌩️ Miriam/Reuben (Courage in the Storm)
This, Home from the Storm, is Caleb and Rhoda’s story.
In addition to the siblings and their spouses, Blount also introduces some new characters, and brings back other ones:
🚨 Milt (bounty hunter that Caleb works for)
⛪ Isaac Lambright (former Johns Mill bishop, Rhoda’s father)
👒 Ida Lambright (Rhoda’s mother)
⚖️ Stephen Abbott (father of shooter Trevor Abbott)
⛪ Abram King (new Johns Mill bishop)
🐦 Birdie
A slight recap for those who’ve read the books, and a spoiler warning for those who haven’t …
In, Shelter in the Storm, the story focused on Joseph and Naomi. It also set-up for the second book with Emma and Sam. Sam is integral at one point with the running of the store after the shooting.
There are also secondary characters: Rhoda (Caleb’s wife and Joseph’s one-time “crush”), Melvin (the Hochstedler’s ornery uncle), Johns Mill bishop Isaac (Rhoda’s father). The shooter’s parents also make an appearance.
Since the first book set-up the murder of the siblings’ parents, that might be traumatic for some readers. The murder is mentioned several times throughout the series. Yet, the author doesn’t delve into the graphic or gory details though. She relies on the emotions and impact of the loss.
The shooting happens towards the very beginning of that book, by the end of chapter two (2).
As the story/saga begins, Joseph is lamenting the loss of the Hochstedler dairy farm. For generations, that was the family’s sole industry, which is why his parents have a general store in town. Joseph has a woodworking hobby, which could be lucrative.
Tension is already brewing in the family – Caleb has just recently wed Rhoda; someone Joseph had his eye on.
Lavonia and Elijah are then killed as the result of an Englisch boy coming around to talk to Emma. Her father has a talk with Caleb (most of this is revealed in the second book). As a result of the shooting, Miriam is mentally scarred and Emma heads to Ohio to stay with Melvin.
Naomi and Joseph were childhood friends, yet there is something distant between them.
The shooting has caused a media circus. And, given what has happened in the two years since – it is sadly a far more realistic take on these events. When it happens in the Englisch community, it is tragic and news fodder. The Amish community? It definitely becomes a fascinating story, if not a “sensation”. This will inspire a “movie” mentioned later in that book, which carries over to books #2 and #3.
A run-in with a reporter sends Caleb well on his way to “jumping the fence”. And, with the shooter at large – Caleb defies his faith. He doesn’t trust the Abbotts (which will circle back to this book). Caleb leaves to hunt the killer down. He cannot stand by the church’s stance of “forgiveness” only. He wants justice.
Rhoda is forced to move away, and unable to divorce or accept Caleb’s help after he is shunned. And, as it turns out, she’s also pregnant.
Emma returned in book two (2), Strength in the Storm. She ends up helping Sam’s awful aent. And, readers were introduced to the sweet Englisch woman, Birdie.
The second book saw Trevor come back briefly before disappearing again. And, it is in that book that Sam has an accident. This is also the book where the movie is coming together, or rather being written. One writer wants to talk to Emma since she was the focus of the shooting. It would also help slant it towards the Amish, but that goes against their faith.
In the third book, Courage in the Storm, Miriam is the focus. And, it is through Englischer Reuben, that Miriam starts coming back out into the world. If anyone knows trauma, it is Reuben. He mainly works with horses, but he is also, indirectly, working with Miriam.
As he wasn’t Amish, Miriam’s family feared he’d lead her away, but as of this book – we see that isn’t the case. And, this is the book where the movie about the tragedy is being filmed. This will have an impact on the events of this story, or one of the plot arcs.
All of these stories bring us – the readers – to the conclusion of this series, the case, and to Caleb’s homecoming. But, as usual – it isn’t what it seems.
For this book Ian, Ruth, nor Melvin appear. Also, Sam’s sister and nice – Leah and Janie are completely absent from books #3 and #4.
That said …
In the beginning of this one, Caleb and Milt are hot on a lead that points to where Trevor is hiding out. As usual with most stories – by the time the two men get there – Trevor is gone. What is left behind gives Caleb cause to worry – a recent picture of Rhoda at a bakery in Johns Mill, thus jumping right into the story.
Milt didn’t know Caleb was married, though the younger man’s beard should’ve told him something. Caleb explains the situation of his shunning and the effect it has on Rhoda. Milt is shocked that there is no divorce allowed. Rhoda is forced to work because she is not allowed to take money from Caleb.
As Milt has another case, Caleb heads back to Johns Mill.
Rhoda is trying to restore her parents’ bakery. The former people who had it, ran it into the ground. And, she’s also hoping it will give her some independence to get out from her father’s thumb. She has had little choice, since Caleb’s shunning, other than to live with her parents.
Also, her father had to retire from being the bishop since his heart attack.
Then, Caleb walks through the doors of the bakery.
When Caleb arrives, things are different. Then again, when he left – he was Amish. But, for the past two (2) years, he’s lived in the Englisch world, even driving a truck.
Rhoda is glad he is back, but their reunion is short lived when he thinks Trevor might be there and scares Rhoda’s twins – his twins: Vonnie and Eli (named after his parents).
Not knowing what he is going to do after catching Trevor, given the shunning, Caleb knows he wants to be a father to his children. He’s also hurt no one told him – not Rhoda, and not his family.
The new bishop, Abram King, has a few ideas for Caleb to “come back”. Through a special arrangement, he permits Caleb to see his children. Though neither Abram nor Rhoda knows the real reason for Caleb’s return. Emma is happy to have her twin brother back.
Caleb enjoys spending time with the kids, and it gives him a chance to keep them, and their mother safe. He is also able to finish the upstairs apartment for Rhoda.
However, since he is shunned, Caleb cannot sit at the table with his family for dinner. Abram feels that love, rather than exclusion is better to bring people back.
Due to the soon to be released movie, and Trevor’s “note”, Caleb wants to put alarms on the door of the apartment. Abram first thinks on it, then tells him no, though it plants a seed with Abram stating Caleb can live there as well.
Miriam is happy to have her brother back.
However, it isn’t long until Rhoda’s parents come back and that division increases with her father’s attitude towards Caleb. It doesn’t help that Rhoda soon learns the real reason Caleb returned.
Then, there is Trevor and his father, both of whom are going to use the movie for publicity.
With the movie coming out – there is yet one more storm to overcome – that is Trevor being brought to justice as well as the movie that might hurt the Hochstedlers even worse, especially the slant the movie takes.
The longer Caleb is home, the more he truly feels like Johns Mill is home. But, to come back, he’s got to do something that goes against who he has become. He has to make amends with the church. He has to admit he was wrong, and he’s beginning to wonder if he wasn’t wrong.
Home from the Storm is likely the most emotional book in the series, if I dare say, the best one. It, like the cover, is poignant and reflective; as well as emotionally stirring from the tragedy, the consequences thereof, as well as the many surprises and plot twists. It is above all – captivating.
Like most Amish books, there are references to God (Gott), and tenets of their faith are espoused and practiced. These are often the deciding factors in their lives.
While this is a 5-star read, I did want more of a conclusion with Trevor and his father at the end. While the series is “romance”, it is categorized as Inspirational Fiction and clearly earns its place in the genre. It is a romance in the sense of the “second-chance” romance between Caleb and Rhoda, with the suspense focused on the search for Trevor.
I am hoping the author can return, even if it is a smaller book, to Johns Mill to address a few of the open ends left with this one. The ending was a bit of a surprise with two “Englisch” characters, and I really wanted to see what was going to happen with them.
I am also hoping that the author has another series like this coming up. I absolutely couldn’t put this down. I was drawn right in and held there from the beginning to the very end. The short chapters and pacing were sheer writing perfection.
There were some “lessons” I enjoyed the author including, and ones that have affected people I know. There is a remark from Milt about hearing and listening being two different things. There are some people in my family that’d do good to remember that. Also, one cannot learn if they’re not willing to listen.
Blount has a way of creating meaningful lessons that don’t even seem like lessons until you reflect on them.
For those who’ve read the first three books – don’t miss this one.
One final thought – this should be a TV mini-series! It truly has all the makings of a great 4-part saga (2 hours each movie). I would definitely watch it (as long as I have the channel it is airing on).
Whether it is main-stream publishing, or Love Inspired, I am eagerly awaiting what story Blount is going to tell us next time.
December 15, 2023
HOME FROM THE STORM by Laurel Blount is the fourth book in the Johns Mill Amish Romance series. It’s the fabulous telling of Caleb Hochstedler’s return to his hometown of Johns Mills, Tennessee and to his wife he abandoned two years ago. He has to come to terms with the past and the present if he ever dreams of a future - with no idea of what that is. As for now, all he knows is he has to keep his wife safe from the man he’s been searching for the last two years – the same man that killed his parents.
When Caleb left to search for the man that murdered his parent and left his sister emotionally unable to function having witnessed it all, he not only turned his back on his faith and family, but also left without knowing that Rhoda, his newlywed wife, was pregnant. Rhonda had had to go through a rough pregnancy delivering a set of twins, Vonnie and Eli, without Caleb there with her. In the last two years, - “Life had taught her that when things didn’t work out as you planned, it was no use wringing your hands. You prayed, you cried, you accepted the troubles Gott had seen fit to send you, and then you rolled up your sleeves and got to work.” And that’s what she did. She lived with her parents. He father had convinced her that it would bring on more heartbreak to let Caleb know he was a daed. Never disobeying or contradicting her father, she’s kept the knowledge of his children secret from him. Recently when circumstances had her coming back to Johns Mills to open the bakery back up, she’d yearned for and experienced what some independence was. While waiting on her father’s health to improve for her parents to join her, she begun to thinking that the small apartment upstairs over the bakery would be nice for her and the children getting her out of her parent’s home. Baking, preparing for and running the bakery had given her the confidence that she could make it on her own.
For some time, Caleb’s been working with Milt Masterson, bounty hunter, while in the Englisch world. In the process, he’s come pretty close to finding Trevor Abbott, the man who killed his parent, but he’d always managed to be one step ahead of them. Somebody was keeping him informed of their actions as well as supplied in all his needs and wants along the way. On this last attempt to nab him, not only had he just recently fled, but he left a clear message to Caleb of where he was headed. On inspection of the remains, in one area, they found lots of photos of Rhonda working at the bakery. Who had taken the photos and how did Trevor get them? Immediately catching this murdered wasn’t important. All he knew was he had to get back home, watch for danger to show up and then to protect his wife with everything in him including his life if need be. After all – “A wise man looked after what was his.”
Although her immediate reaction to seeing Caleb is one of extreme happiness that he’s home, just as suddenly was all the hurt of being abandoned and the fact that Caleb was shunned came tumbling down on her. Will she finally get the answers she’s been wanting as to why he had left her? Will the shock of finding out he’s a father, change his way of thinking and have him home to stay? Can Caleb put aside the hurt and anger of being in the dark about his children and missing the first two years of their lives to relish what a blessing his children are to him? How can talks to the Abram, the Bishop, help in his decision making? Will Abram’s quiet ways and silent messages work better than all the raised voice preaching of what was wrong with him from the past? Will seeing what family life could be like make wanting it to be that way in a full time, forever way? What will it take for Caleb to turn loose of the past to make room for the future? Will the longer he stays in the Amish community have him realizing how much he’s missed the warmth of community and where his true alliances are? Could there possibly be an olive branch offered between Caleb and Isaac, his father-in-law? Can Caleb keep his family safe? Waiving between the Englisch life of freedom from so many rules or the Amish life of community and the need between bringing the man that murdered his family or being the dad (daed) to his children and husband (mann) to his wife (fraa), can Caleb find the answers to his questions and see the desires of his heart? Will it take a true moment of danger to bring it all into prospective?
HOME FROM THE STORM is an exciting, heart-wrenching, page-turning love story that grabs you from the first page to the very end. Laurel Blount entertains us with a story of family, faith, hope, forgiveness, community, love, and second chances all wrapped in a thread of faith within the story of Caleb’s return home, his need to keep his family safe and desire to find out where his rightful place in life really is. Rest assured that although part of a series, HOME FROM THE STORM can most definitely be read as a standalone book. However, after reading this amazing FIVE STAR book, you will be wanting to explore the rest of the Johns Mill Amish Romance series as well as all books by this author.
I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#HomeFromtheStorm #LaurelBlount #AmishFiction
When Caleb left to search for the man that murdered his parent and left his sister emotionally unable to function having witnessed it all, he not only turned his back on his faith and family, but also left without knowing that Rhoda, his newlywed wife, was pregnant. Rhonda had had to go through a rough pregnancy delivering a set of twins, Vonnie and Eli, without Caleb there with her. In the last two years, - “Life had taught her that when things didn’t work out as you planned, it was no use wringing your hands. You prayed, you cried, you accepted the troubles Gott had seen fit to send you, and then you rolled up your sleeves and got to work.” And that’s what she did. She lived with her parents. He father had convinced her that it would bring on more heartbreak to let Caleb know he was a daed. Never disobeying or contradicting her father, she’s kept the knowledge of his children secret from him. Recently when circumstances had her coming back to Johns Mills to open the bakery back up, she’d yearned for and experienced what some independence was. While waiting on her father’s health to improve for her parents to join her, she begun to thinking that the small apartment upstairs over the bakery would be nice for her and the children getting her out of her parent’s home. Baking, preparing for and running the bakery had given her the confidence that she could make it on her own.
For some time, Caleb’s been working with Milt Masterson, bounty hunter, while in the Englisch world. In the process, he’s come pretty close to finding Trevor Abbott, the man who killed his parent, but he’d always managed to be one step ahead of them. Somebody was keeping him informed of their actions as well as supplied in all his needs and wants along the way. On this last attempt to nab him, not only had he just recently fled, but he left a clear message to Caleb of where he was headed. On inspection of the remains, in one area, they found lots of photos of Rhonda working at the bakery. Who had taken the photos and how did Trevor get them? Immediately catching this murdered wasn’t important. All he knew was he had to get back home, watch for danger to show up and then to protect his wife with everything in him including his life if need be. After all – “A wise man looked after what was his.”
Although her immediate reaction to seeing Caleb is one of extreme happiness that he’s home, just as suddenly was all the hurt of being abandoned and the fact that Caleb was shunned came tumbling down on her. Will she finally get the answers she’s been wanting as to why he had left her? Will the shock of finding out he’s a father, change his way of thinking and have him home to stay? Can Caleb put aside the hurt and anger of being in the dark about his children and missing the first two years of their lives to relish what a blessing his children are to him? How can talks to the Abram, the Bishop, help in his decision making? Will Abram’s quiet ways and silent messages work better than all the raised voice preaching of what was wrong with him from the past? Will seeing what family life could be like make wanting it to be that way in a full time, forever way? What will it take for Caleb to turn loose of the past to make room for the future? Will the longer he stays in the Amish community have him realizing how much he’s missed the warmth of community and where his true alliances are? Could there possibly be an olive branch offered between Caleb and Isaac, his father-in-law? Can Caleb keep his family safe? Waiving between the Englisch life of freedom from so many rules or the Amish life of community and the need between bringing the man that murdered his family or being the dad (daed) to his children and husband (mann) to his wife (fraa), can Caleb find the answers to his questions and see the desires of his heart? Will it take a true moment of danger to bring it all into prospective?
HOME FROM THE STORM is an exciting, heart-wrenching, page-turning love story that grabs you from the first page to the very end. Laurel Blount entertains us with a story of family, faith, hope, forgiveness, community, love, and second chances all wrapped in a thread of faith within the story of Caleb’s return home, his need to keep his family safe and desire to find out where his rightful place in life really is. Rest assured that although part of a series, HOME FROM THE STORM can most definitely be read as a standalone book. However, after reading this amazing FIVE STAR book, you will be wanting to explore the rest of the Johns Mill Amish Romance series as well as all books by this author.
I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#HomeFromtheStorm #LaurelBlount #AmishFiction
January 26, 2024
I was excited to find out about Laurel Blount’s latest release Home from the Storm! Home from the Storm is the fourth book in Ms. Blount’s Johns Mill Amish Romance series and tells the story of Caleb Hochstedler, an Amish man who is shunned for leaving his faith and family behind in a crusade to catch his parents’ killer after they are brutally murdered, and Caleb’s wife, Rhoda, a bishop’s daughter and the Wife he left behind. Getting a job as an assistant to a Bounty Hunter (who is helping Caleb with his crusade), Caleb is forced to return home when he finds Rhoda’s picture in Trevor Abbott’s house–the man who killed Caleb’s Parents–in order to protect Rhoda. Caleb’s prodigal return is a shock for all in the Amish Community in Johns Mill, Tennessee and a pleasant surprise for some. On the outside, nothing has changed, but the People of Johns Mill have, especially the members of Caleb’s family–familiar and new. With all the changes in their lives, can both Caleb and Rhoda reconcile for the sake of their marriage and family or will Caleb’s desire to catch his parents killer ruin everything once and for all?
I loved my return visit to Johns Mills, Tennessee and visiting with the Hochstedler Family again! This is the second book I have read by Laurel Blount and I love the world she has created in her Johns Mill Amish Romance series. Ever since I read Courage in the Storm, I always wondered what happened to the prodigal Hochstedler brother and if he would ever return home. I’m so happy those questions are answered in Home from the Storm! I love how real Ms. Blount’s characters seem. I love how real Rhoda’s emotions are in the book and not sugarcoated. I love how realistic Caleb’s questions and convictions with his Amish Faith are because I believe most have questions of Faith like these, regardless of whether or not you are Amish. I love that Home from the Storm is a suspenseful book, but that the suspense does not overshadow the lessons of forgiveness and grief that are in the story. My heart broke for Rhoda and Caleb–what they went through individually and as a couple–and I commend them for their effort in trying to put the pieces together again. I appreciate how they both owned up to their mistakes and the lessons they learned from them. Even though a major minor character, I really like Abram’s, Johns Mill’s Amish Bishop, character and how Abram isn’t your typical Amish Bishop. I wish I had an Abram-type leader in my life! I learned a lot from Caleb and Rhoda’s story, the motives behind our emotions, and that sometimes we need to take a step back before we execute our plans and see both sides when we are emotional. If you need a suspenseful read with an important message, then I highly recommend Home from the Storm by Laurel Blount!
Have you read Home from the Storm? What did you think of the book? What do you think of the Johns Mill Amish Romance series? Do you have a favorite book in the series?
I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My review is also on Goodreads and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
I loved my return visit to Johns Mills, Tennessee and visiting with the Hochstedler Family again! This is the second book I have read by Laurel Blount and I love the world she has created in her Johns Mill Amish Romance series. Ever since I read Courage in the Storm, I always wondered what happened to the prodigal Hochstedler brother and if he would ever return home. I’m so happy those questions are answered in Home from the Storm! I love how real Ms. Blount’s characters seem. I love how real Rhoda’s emotions are in the book and not sugarcoated. I love how realistic Caleb’s questions and convictions with his Amish Faith are because I believe most have questions of Faith like these, regardless of whether or not you are Amish. I love that Home from the Storm is a suspenseful book, but that the suspense does not overshadow the lessons of forgiveness and grief that are in the story. My heart broke for Rhoda and Caleb–what they went through individually and as a couple–and I commend them for their effort in trying to put the pieces together again. I appreciate how they both owned up to their mistakes and the lessons they learned from them. Even though a major minor character, I really like Abram’s, Johns Mill’s Amish Bishop, character and how Abram isn’t your typical Amish Bishop. I wish I had an Abram-type leader in my life! I learned a lot from Caleb and Rhoda’s story, the motives behind our emotions, and that sometimes we need to take a step back before we execute our plans and see both sides when we are emotional. If you need a suspenseful read with an important message, then I highly recommend Home from the Storm by Laurel Blount!
Have you read Home from the Storm? What did you think of the book? What do you think of the Johns Mill Amish Romance series? Do you have a favorite book in the series?
I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My review is also on Goodreads and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
December 21, 2023
Home from the Storm by Laurel Blount
A Johns Mill Amish Romance Book 4)
In this stirring Amish romance about love and second chances, a shunned man returns to protect the wife he left behind—and falls in love with the family he never knew he had.
After a senseless loss, hotheaded Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and his young wife to seek justice. Two years later, he tracks his parents’ killer back home to Johns Mill, where he’s astonished to learn he’s the father of twins. Now he's determined to protect his children and the woman he still loves—if she’ll let him.
Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place.
Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find.
Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place.
This is Rhoda ,twins and Caleb Hochstedler's story .
Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place.
Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find.
Then he’d fallen head over heels for Rhoda Lambright, their bishop’s only daughter. And the minute she’d said she loved him back . . . well. He’d squashed down his doubts right quick. With the prospect of having Rhoda for his wife, he couldn’t join the church fast enough. Rhoda was all that mattered. With her by his side, he’d figured he could put up with anything, even a bunch of fussy rules he didn’t agree with.
He’d miscalculated, badly. He’d willingly chosen Rhoda over his own beliefs, but she hadn’t returned the favor. When he and the church had parted ways over his parents’ murders, he’d pleaded with Rhoda to leave with him. But like always, she’d chosen her father’s side, not his.
Caleb shot him a startled look. In a strange way—for just one fleeting minute—Milt had sounded a lot like Daed.
If you like to read Amish and mystery books you will love this book.
I recommend this book.
Home from the Storm by Laurel Blount is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Laurel Blount .
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A Johns Mill Amish Romance Book 4)
In this stirring Amish romance about love and second chances, a shunned man returns to protect the wife he left behind—and falls in love with the family he never knew he had.
After a senseless loss, hotheaded Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and his young wife to seek justice. Two years later, he tracks his parents’ killer back home to Johns Mill, where he’s astonished to learn he’s the father of twins. Now he's determined to protect his children and the woman he still loves—if she’ll let him.
Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place.
Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find.
Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place.
This is Rhoda ,twins and Caleb Hochstedler's story .
Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place.
Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find.
Then he’d fallen head over heels for Rhoda Lambright, their bishop’s only daughter. And the minute she’d said she loved him back . . . well. He’d squashed down his doubts right quick. With the prospect of having Rhoda for his wife, he couldn’t join the church fast enough. Rhoda was all that mattered. With her by his side, he’d figured he could put up with anything, even a bunch of fussy rules he didn’t agree with.
He’d miscalculated, badly. He’d willingly chosen Rhoda over his own beliefs, but she hadn’t returned the favor. When he and the church had parted ways over his parents’ murders, he’d pleaded with Rhoda to leave with him. But like always, she’d chosen her father’s side, not his.
Caleb shot him a startled look. In a strange way—for just one fleeting minute—Milt had sounded a lot like Daed.
If you like to read Amish and mystery books you will love this book.
I recommend this book.
Home from the Storm by Laurel Blount is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Laurel Blount .
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 27, 2023
HOME FROM THE STORM is the fourth book in the A JOHNS MILL AMISH ROMANCE series and did not disappoint. This is the third book I've read in the series by Laurel Blount and was another five star read. I do want to go back and read the third book, COURAGE IN THE STORM.
We get to know Caleb and his family a little at a time as he comes home from living in the Englischer world when he finds out the person who murdered his parents seems now to be targeting his estranged wife. Caleb finds more than he bargains for when he returns home but is not truthful about his return and his desire to return to the church and his Amish upbringing. He finds his wife struggling to keep her parent's bakery afloat since her daed is still recovering from a heart attack and they have not yet returned to the area. He also finds out he's a daed and it's hard for him since he has already missed a portion of their young lives since he didn't know his wife was pregnant when he left.
There are multiple stories being told and we see how Caleb's extended family has grown and changed in his absence. The story has a good flow as we return to Johns Mill and refamiliarize ourselves with the town. There are other small businesses mentioned as well as a lot of prayers and Amish beliefs. The bishop is not as harsh as others have been and Caleb does make a connection with him but will it be enough to bring him back to their way of life? There are still wrongs that need to be made right and there is still danger in their midst.
As we see changes in the characters but especially Caleb when he listens and not just hears what is being said there is some peace that he feels and embraces. The story has nice closure especially with the epilogue but I'm sad to see this concludes the series. There is a happily ever after on several fronts that was heartwarming.
HOME FROM THE STORM is an inspirational Amish romance that had me turning the pages to see what would happen next. The conclusion of this series did not disappoint and I'd love to return one day to Johns Mill and see what everyone is up to next.
We get to know Caleb and his family a little at a time as he comes home from living in the Englischer world when he finds out the person who murdered his parents seems now to be targeting his estranged wife. Caleb finds more than he bargains for when he returns home but is not truthful about his return and his desire to return to the church and his Amish upbringing. He finds his wife struggling to keep her parent's bakery afloat since her daed is still recovering from a heart attack and they have not yet returned to the area. He also finds out he's a daed and it's hard for him since he has already missed a portion of their young lives since he didn't know his wife was pregnant when he left.
There are multiple stories being told and we see how Caleb's extended family has grown and changed in his absence. The story has a good flow as we return to Johns Mill and refamiliarize ourselves with the town. There are other small businesses mentioned as well as a lot of prayers and Amish beliefs. The bishop is not as harsh as others have been and Caleb does make a connection with him but will it be enough to bring him back to their way of life? There are still wrongs that need to be made right and there is still danger in their midst.
As we see changes in the characters but especially Caleb when he listens and not just hears what is being said there is some peace that he feels and embraces. The story has nice closure especially with the epilogue but I'm sad to see this concludes the series. There is a happily ever after on several fronts that was heartwarming.
HOME FROM THE STORM is an inspirational Amish romance that had me turning the pages to see what would happen next. The conclusion of this series did not disappoint and I'd love to return one day to Johns Mill and see what everyone is up to next.
December 13, 2023
I have been a fan of Laurel Blount’s books in the Love Inspired series for awhile now and am so excited that I finally had the opportunity to read a book that is outside that series. Home from the Storm is the final novel in the Johns Mill Amish Romance series and sadly the first book of the series that I’ve read, as I much prefer to read a series from beginning to end.
From the beginning, I was hooked into his world. Caleb Hochstedler comes home after a threat is made towards his estranged wife and finds a few surprises that he wasn’t expecting, including twins that he had no idea about. What follows is trying to adjust to a new life than the one he’s been living with a wife who have every right to not trust him and very young children that he is now the father of. This second chance is what Caleb and his wife Rhoda both need, and it is beautiful to witness the growth that these two undertake as they both fight to understand one another and adjust to again doing life together.
This is clearly an emotional conclusion to an incredible series, one that is wonderfully written with true heart, unforgettable characters, and stories that will leave an imprint. Despite this being the first book I’ve read in the series, I did not once feel lost as the author does a masterful job of setting the stage, and just a few chapters in I already felt like I knew this literary world.
Reading Home from the Storm has given me a voracious hunger to read the rest of the series and makes me wonder where I’ve been and why I haven’t read them yet! This is hands down the best novel that I’ve read by Laurel Blount, and I cannot wait to read more!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
From the beginning, I was hooked into his world. Caleb Hochstedler comes home after a threat is made towards his estranged wife and finds a few surprises that he wasn’t expecting, including twins that he had no idea about. What follows is trying to adjust to a new life than the one he’s been living with a wife who have every right to not trust him and very young children that he is now the father of. This second chance is what Caleb and his wife Rhoda both need, and it is beautiful to witness the growth that these two undertake as they both fight to understand one another and adjust to again doing life together.
This is clearly an emotional conclusion to an incredible series, one that is wonderfully written with true heart, unforgettable characters, and stories that will leave an imprint. Despite this being the first book I’ve read in the series, I did not once feel lost as the author does a masterful job of setting the stage, and just a few chapters in I already felt like I knew this literary world.
Reading Home from the Storm has given me a voracious hunger to read the rest of the series and makes me wonder where I’ve been and why I haven’t read them yet! This is hands down the best novel that I’ve read by Laurel Blount, and I cannot wait to read more!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
December 17, 2023
Home From the Storm by Laurel Blount is a contemporary Amish romance with the surprise baby(ies) trope. I almost never read Amish fiction (too many books, too little time) but this one intrigued me because it's published by Berkley rather than a Christian fiction publisher.
This is the fourth and final book in the Johns Mill Amish Romance series and the only one I've read. At times I felt "late to the party" as I didn't have the backstory for Caleb's siblings and their partners. However, the author provided enough (but not an excessive amount of) hints to prior events so that I was never lost in the story.
The series is about the Hochstedler famiy - the senseless murder of the parents and its tremendous impact on their four young adult children. This story features Caleb who left his wife Rhoda a few months after their wedding to hunt for the man who killed his daed and mamm. He's been shunned from the faith because he can't forgive the killer and has been away from his wife, siblings, and community for two years.
While these characters seemed "real" and sincere, their faith did not. There was much emphasis on following rules established by the Bishop and one's father or husband (based on a woman's marital status), but it seemed the only character who wrestled with and grew in his faith was Caleb. I don't know if that's due to the Amish faith, the general market publisher, or because he was the hero of this book.
The ending will be satisfying for anyone who read this book only or the entire series. All of these characters have experienced many hardships and deserve their happily-ever-after ending.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley, and JustRead Publicity Tours for the review copies of this novel. I was not required to provide a review; all thoughts are my own.
This is the fourth and final book in the Johns Mill Amish Romance series and the only one I've read. At times I felt "late to the party" as I didn't have the backstory for Caleb's siblings and their partners. However, the author provided enough (but not an excessive amount of) hints to prior events so that I was never lost in the story.
The series is about the Hochstedler famiy - the senseless murder of the parents and its tremendous impact on their four young adult children. This story features Caleb who left his wife Rhoda a few months after their wedding to hunt for the man who killed his daed and mamm. He's been shunned from the faith because he can't forgive the killer and has been away from his wife, siblings, and community for two years.
While these characters seemed "real" and sincere, their faith did not. There was much emphasis on following rules established by the Bishop and one's father or husband (based on a woman's marital status), but it seemed the only character who wrestled with and grew in his faith was Caleb. I don't know if that's due to the Amish faith, the general market publisher, or because he was the hero of this book.
The ending will be satisfying for anyone who read this book only or the entire series. All of these characters have experienced many hardships and deserve their happily-ever-after ending.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley, and JustRead Publicity Tours for the review copies of this novel. I was not required to provide a review; all thoughts are my own.
December 13, 2023
HOME FROM THE STORM by Laurel Blount is the fourth book in the John Mills Amish Romance series and to me, it seems like each book gets better and better. I have loved this series so much and was so excited to get to this one. It did not disappoint! Laurel gives her readers a wonderful story of letting go of the past and leaning into the people who are standing by, waiting to help even if when you don’t realize they’ve been there all the time.
Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and has been actively tracking the man who killed his parents. In HOME FROM THE STORM we find Caleb at a house Trevor, the killer, has been to recently. He just missed him, but that isn’t what has him upset. He found a room that is plastered with pictures of an Amish woman. Not just any woman, but Caleb’s wife, Rhoda! What?? Caleb must go to Rhoda, even if he hasn’t seen her in a few years, and warn her and protect her. Hold on tight! It is about to be one crazy ride!
When Caleb gets to Rhoda he is shocked to learn he is the father of twins! No one ever told him, especially Rhoda. When he left the Amish faith he was shunned, but he knows he wants to be a dad to his children and be there and protect his family. My emotions were all over the place and I was even reaching for the tissues quite a few times. HOME FROM THE STORM is not like most Amish stories. It is more like watching the evening news, and then having your heart break for everything this family is going through. I am very sad that this wonderful series has come to an end, but I am excited to read whatever Laurel Blount writes next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and has been actively tracking the man who killed his parents. In HOME FROM THE STORM we find Caleb at a house Trevor, the killer, has been to recently. He just missed him, but that isn’t what has him upset. He found a room that is plastered with pictures of an Amish woman. Not just any woman, but Caleb’s wife, Rhoda! What?? Caleb must go to Rhoda, even if he hasn’t seen her in a few years, and warn her and protect her. Hold on tight! It is about to be one crazy ride!
When Caleb gets to Rhoda he is shocked to learn he is the father of twins! No one ever told him, especially Rhoda. When he left the Amish faith he was shunned, but he knows he wants to be a dad to his children and be there and protect his family. My emotions were all over the place and I was even reaching for the tissues quite a few times. HOME FROM THE STORM is not like most Amish stories. It is more like watching the evening news, and then having your heart break for everything this family is going through. I am very sad that this wonderful series has come to an end, but I am excited to read whatever Laurel Blount writes next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead and Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.
December 18, 2023
Home from the Storm was the first book I have read from Laurel Blount.
When I first choose to read and review this book, I did not realize that the book is number four in the series. With that being said, there is enough overlap that you could get away with not reading the other three books. I personally will be going back to see what all unfolded with the murder of Caleb’s parents and the relationships between Caleb and his siblings. Looking at the descriptions, each of the books is from the perspective of the siblings. That is why there isn’t a whole lot you miss.
It has been a while since I have read any Amish books. That is what drew me to this book. This book was well written and captivating. Once I started, I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the use of Pennsylvania Dutch sprinkled through out. Some of the speech could come off confusing if you are not used to the language and culture of Amish.
The character development was great. I loved seeing Caleb struggle with his own stubbornness and having to decide for himself if he was going to return to the church. The emotions of finding out he was a father. Rhoda’s struggle with trusting Caleb was a very real struggle and was a great aspect.
I loved Laurel Blount’s intertwining of faith, prayer, and scripture throughout the book.
This was a great book. I look forward to reading more books by Laurel Blount, and going back and reading the other parts to this story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
When I first choose to read and review this book, I did not realize that the book is number four in the series. With that being said, there is enough overlap that you could get away with not reading the other three books. I personally will be going back to see what all unfolded with the murder of Caleb’s parents and the relationships between Caleb and his siblings. Looking at the descriptions, each of the books is from the perspective of the siblings. That is why there isn’t a whole lot you miss.
It has been a while since I have read any Amish books. That is what drew me to this book. This book was well written and captivating. Once I started, I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the use of Pennsylvania Dutch sprinkled through out. Some of the speech could come off confusing if you are not used to the language and culture of Amish.
The character development was great. I loved seeing Caleb struggle with his own stubbornness and having to decide for himself if he was going to return to the church. The emotions of finding out he was a father. Rhoda’s struggle with trusting Caleb was a very real struggle and was a great aspect.
I loved Laurel Blount’s intertwining of faith, prayer, and scripture throughout the book.
This was a great book. I look forward to reading more books by Laurel Blount, and going back and reading the other parts to this story.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
December 9, 2023
Home from the Storm by Laurel Blount is a touching Amish tale. I was happy to head back to Johns Mill for Caleb and Rhoda Hochstedler’s story. I thought Home from the Storm was well-written with developed characters. Caleb is a stubborn man with a temper. He has never taken the time to grieve over the loss of his parents. Caleb is determined to catch his parents’ killer. Caleb learns that there is a price to pay for his relentless pursuit for justice. Rhoda is a good Amish woman who has found herself to be that knot in the middle of a tug of war rope. Rhoda was pulled back and forth by her husband and her father who was the bishop of their district. I liked that the story is told from Rhoda and Caleb’s perspective. It allows us to know their thoughts and feelings. The suspense is well done. There were tense moments that would find me quickly flipping the pages to discover what would happen. The romance was nicely done. I do feel the pacing could have been a touch peppier in places. I liked the new bishop of Johns Mill. Abram King certainly has a different approach from Rhoda’s father. Trust and forgiveness are the main themes in the story. Home from the Storm is the fourth book in A Johns Mill Amish Romance series. While Home from the Storm can be read as a standalone (the author includes the needed background information), I do recommend reading the series in order. It will allow you to get to know the characters, their stories, and the town. The ending from Home from the Storm left me smiling. Home from the Storm a gratifying tale with a killer on the run, bakery troubles, a benevolent bishop, an indomitable Daed, a hair trigger temper, a double disclosure, and finding forgiveness.
December 12, 2023
This is book four in a series. You’re definitely going to want to read this series in order and not just start with this book. While you could read it and it would still be enjoyable, you would be missing out on a lot of backstory.
This is a wonderful story of love, plus second chances. And add in some suspense and good old-fashioned conflict. It’s truly a great book to read. It read quickly. I fell in love with the characters. Of course, I felt for Rhoda. With her husband leaving the Amish to chase down a killer and all, but he comes back in this novel. And she has twins, twins that her husband Caleb never even knew about. Now that he’s tracked the killer back to their town and it seems the killer might be focused on Rhoda he is determined to stick around.
Add in her father who never approved of Caleb and lots of other wonderful secondary characters and you’ve got an amazing read!
I’ve loved the whole series but this might be my favorite book of them all! And it’s a wonderful conclusion. Grab the series today!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This is a wonderful story of love, plus second chances. And add in some suspense and good old-fashioned conflict. It’s truly a great book to read. It read quickly. I fell in love with the characters. Of course, I felt for Rhoda. With her husband leaving the Amish to chase down a killer and all, but he comes back in this novel. And she has twins, twins that her husband Caleb never even knew about. Now that he’s tracked the killer back to their town and it seems the killer might be focused on Rhoda he is determined to stick around.
Add in her father who never approved of Caleb and lots of other wonderful secondary characters and you’ve got an amazing read!
I’ve loved the whole series but this might be my favorite book of them all! And it’s a wonderful conclusion. Grab the series today!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
January 3, 2024
What do you do when your whole life has been built on the principle of forgiveness, but you now find it impossible to grant it? Forgiveness can be difficult for many people, and it's certainly a dilemma for Caleb Hochstedler! I've grown to love the many characters who've been a part of the four books in the Johns Mill Romance series, but Caleb may have just become my favorite. Author Lauren Blount has created a multi-dimensional man that I couldn't help liking and placed him in a story filled with a roller-coaster ride of emotions and conflicts.
Home from the Storm is heartbreaking and heartwarming, and it may leave you searching your own heart. Would you be as determined as Caleb, and would you be able to truly forgive? Could you return to your faith after experiencing so much hurt? I urge you to grab a copy of this book, but I suggest that you read the first three books first. Home from the Storm can be considered a standalone but knowing Caleb's history will make it even more powerful, and Blount also offers reunions with other Hochstedler family members. I highly recommend this book!!
I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.
I invite you to read my full review here.
https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....
Home from the Storm is heartbreaking and heartwarming, and it may leave you searching your own heart. Would you be as determined as Caleb, and would you be able to truly forgive? Could you return to your faith after experiencing so much hurt? I urge you to grab a copy of this book, but I suggest that you read the first three books first. Home from the Storm can be considered a standalone but knowing Caleb's history will make it even more powerful, and Blount also offers reunions with other Hochstedler family members. I highly recommend this book!!
I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.
I invite you to read my full review here.
https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot....
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