Home From the Storm, by Laurel Blount, is the fourth novel in the John Mills Amish Series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.

Caleb Hochstedler is embittered and filled with malevolence toward the killer of his parents. His thoughts of spite and retribution, as well as his search for the killer, led to his being shunned by his Amish community. Unaware that his wife Rachael is pregnant, he leaves her and joins a bounty hunter in the pursuit of the killer.

The story is well-written and at times keeps you on the edge of your seat. I myself felt a lot of the same emotions that were coursing through the main characters.

I enjoyed reading about the Hochstedlers and how they overcame feelings of hurt, enmity and obfuscation. I also enjoyed and appreciated the theme of faith illustrated in the book.

Home from the Storm is a tale of heartache, anger and ultimately forgiveness, love and trust.

I received an advanced review copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

So excited to bring you Laurel Blount's newest book Home From The Storm today! I have seriously enjoyed
reading this series so far and each one somehow gets better than the last!

Laurel Blount is becoming one of my go-to authors when I crave reading Amish books (because yes, it is a craving).
Her books capture my attention from the first page and they do NOT let up. Home From The Storm was a great
blend of secrets, forgiveness, and finding out what truly matters in life.

I loved Caleb and Rhoda's journey together. Laurel Blount handled some unique challenges with them and made
me like them and engage with their struggles all the more. Their dynamics were great. I also enjoyed seeing
characters from previous books in the series pop in.

Plus can I mention how much I love the covers in this series? They are wonderful and catch my eye!

Overall I would give this book a 5 Star rating. It hooked me in from the start, that opener just wow, and I didn't put
it down. Home From The Storm was full of some great suspense, engaging characters, and a redemption arc with a
believable ending!

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest thoughts.

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.

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.

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.

Home From The Storm by Laurel Blount is her last book in the Johns Mill Amish Romance series. I was looking forward to this book, but then again not looking forward to this book. Warning-you will need a box of tissues!!! You might even need a few. I’ve cried a lot of tears reading Laurel’s books but this one takes the cake. My heart is still being stirred by this beautiful book and series. I know I will read them each again and I rarely read books a second time. This story follows Caleb Hochstedler. The prodigal son who has now returned home after leaving his wife, and the Amish community when his parents were murdered a few years earlier This book deals with the aftermath of his decisions and their consequences. I can not stress again that you will be feeling all the feels and doing some ugly crying. But it’s worth it. I hope you pick up every book in the series including this last one. You won’t regret it, but you might have some red puffy eyes for a few days after reading this beautiful story. I was given a copy of the book, but all opinions are my very own.

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.

Wonderful ending to the series I enjoyed very much. Characters became like a family – dear to my heart!
“Perhaps instead of being upset, we should look on the bright side. There are many roads to the places Gott means for us to go,” Abram observed softly. “Some roads have more twists and turns than others, but if we don’t lose faith, we will get where we are meant to be in the end.” Rhoda considered. Possibly Abram was right.”
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.

I am loving this Jones Mill Series. As with any book of hers once you start reading you become one with the characters and feel like you are there.

Caleb left his wife to chase down the man who killed his parents two years ago.

While he is chasing Trevor he comes across something that concerns him.

Check out the story, I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Home from the Storm by Laurel Blount is a book I didn't want to put down! I was nervous when reading the first couple of chapters because I was worried it was going to be heavy on the suspense and low on storyline/romance, but it was not. This book did not disappoint! It's the conclusion of the Johns Mill Amish Romance series, however it can easily be read as a stand alone. If you read this book, I think you'll want to go back and read the first three books in the series!

I liked Rhoda - she was a pick yourself up by your bootstraps kind of woman while being kind to all. Caleb's return to Johns Mill was well conceived. There were certainly obstacles for Caleb and Rhoda to overcome in their marriage and individually. Abram, the bishop, was a fabulous character - I loved how he related to Caleb by saying he has five sons, his ideas for helping Rhoda and Caleb, and his sweet tooth, much to his wife's dismay, was comical.

The ending of the book gave my heart a happy sigh.

If you like Amish fiction, I highly recommend this book...and the entire series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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!

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.

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.

I really hate to see this book series come to an end. One amazing ending to a series that started with sadness and with Caleb's character, anger. When Caleb comes home he is shocked by what he finds. Can he come to terms with what he has lost out on and will he find peace. This book offers forgiveness and a renewed commitment to family and church.

I'm happy to say that I've actually been with this series since book #1. Now with the ending of this series I'm sad to see it end.
Laurel has done a very nice job with this whole series but this one is my favorite.
My heart went out to Rhoda and Caleb. I've felt their pain since page one and I have been hoping that things would come to a fruition for them. They needed an absolution for themselves from their parents' murders. I cried when that happened. I was so angry with their senseless murders.
This was the best story with more understanding with the shunning and while I thought it was pretty harsh I also understood that it was how the Amish showed their way of life, love and hope that their loved ones would come home to stay.
I felt that Caleb was the best character. He showed love, compassion and wanted closure and I loved how he went about it. He had guts. I was rooting for him all the way.
I also loved the bishop. Roly poly Bishop Abram was pretty cool. I thought he handled the situation pretty well.
A favorite quote
People say love is blind, but it isn’t, not
really. Love sees us the way we’re meant to be and overlooks the broken places. That’s all.”
This story deserves 100% 5 stars and I highly recommend it.
My thanks to Berkeley and Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Home From the Storm is the fourth book in the Johns Mill Amish Romance series. I had not personally read the previous books in the series and found I was able to enjoy this one just fine as a standalone. There were moments where I felt like some of the side characters were probably introduced previously, but not to the point where it caused any confusion, just made me curious about their stories too.

Amish fiction is a genre that is definitely more hit and miss for me than some... and I am happy to say that this one was a definite hit! I found I really enjoyed this story right from the very start. There was a good deal of suspense that certainly kept me intrigued, which was blended flawlessly with messages of forgiveness and family... I really couldn't help but want to root for Caleb and Rhoda to get their second chance! If you enjoy Amish fiction, this is absolutely one not to be missed!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

This is a incredible series filled with adventure, suspense, inspiration, romance and forgiveness. Book Four, Home from the Storm skillfully wraps up the series answering readers’ questions. Foremost, where is Trevor Abbott and why did he murder Caleb Hochstedler’s parents? When Caleb leaves his newlywed wife to search for Trevor, he returns when he receives information that Trevor is returning to Johns Mills. Caleb needs to protect his wife, Rhoda, but upon his return, he finds a shock he was not aware of or expecting. Since divorce is banned among the Amish and Caleb is shunned, will Caleb and Rhoda succeed in working out their differences? Will Caleb finally realize he needs to forgive Trevor and stop trying to seek revenge? Author Laurel Blount writes authentic Amish fiction. This series is a must-read!
I received a complimentary copy from Net Galley. The opinions are my own.

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 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 received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion

Book 4 in author Laurel Blount’s John Mills Amish Romance series, I encourage you to read books 1-3 before reading this one as they all tie together.

Taking us back to John Mills, Blount revisits the Hochstedler “children” as Caleb is still seeking his parents' killer. His siblings are healing well but Caleb is another story. We see him struggling with his Amish roots of non-violence and his drive for justice. We also get to know his wife Rhoda better as well as her adorable twins.

While it’s been a really good series, wrapping everything up in book 4 gave me a sense of finality that I’m okay with. Such intense books can’t go on forever, can they? Readers will be surprised at how things play out in Home from the Storm. It was really hard to put down as I had to know what happened next.

If you enjoy clean Amish romance that has a strong element of surprise and suspense, then I highly recommend the entire John Mills series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.