Home from the Storm - (A Johns Mill Amish Romance) by Laurel Blount (Paperback)

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 admiring 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.

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.