⛈️🏡☀️ “Home from the Storm” (Johns Mill Amish Romance #4) (2023) ☀️ 🏡⛈️ – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Johns Mill Amish Romance (Book #4)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley Publishing (December 26, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN: 0593200268
ISBN-13: 978-0593200261
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“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.”
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 – for this one?
ABSOLUTELY!
While the author does make some references to what led Caleb to leave Johns Mill, as well as what happened in the 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.
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 though.
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 book, 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.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
Publisher: Berkley (May 25, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0593200209
ISBN-13: 978-0593200209
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“In this moving Amish romance, two broken hearts find hope in each other after a terrible loss.
Unspeakable tragedy strikes the Amish hamlet of Johns Mill when an unstable Englischer opens fire in the Hochstedler’s General Store. In the aftermath, and under the media’s spotlight, Joseph Hochstedler struggles to hold his shattered family together, drawing unexpected comfort from a faithful childhood friend.
Born with a serious heart defect, optimist Naomi Schrock has always longed to live a life of service. She rolls up her sleeves, determined to help Joseph cope with this terrible crisis. But dare she hope that his friendship will finally deepen into love?
As the media’s obsession with the Hochstedler shooting escalates, Joseph and Naomi find themselves caught between tradition and compromise, lingering sorrows and uncertain hopes. And in the end, two people who’ve already lost far too much must find the courage to trust their hearts one last time.”
Series: Johns Mill Amish Romance (Book #2)
Publisher: Berkley (February 22, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0593200225
ISBN-13: 978-0593200223
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“In this touching Amish romance, a brokenhearted woman and a steadfast man discover that the safest place to weather tragedy is in each other’s arms.
After the murder of both her parents, Emma Hochstedler returns to the small community of Johns Mill, hoping to resume her quiet existence. Reclaiming her place proves harder than expected—especially now that a movie is being made about her family’s loss. But then, an old friend offers her a lifeline that gives her new purpose.
Amish builder Samuel Christner is the biggest—and the strongest—man in town. In fact, the gentle giant has only one weakness—Emma. Even though she broke his heart, he won’t let his childhood sweetheart face her troubles alone. He hires Emma as a nurse for his elderly aunt…and finds himself falling for her all over again.
But while romance blooms, storm clouds gather. And when darkness falls, it will take all Sam’s strength—and all their love—to see them through.”
Series: Johns Mill Amish Romance (Book #3)
Paperback: 336 Pages
Publisher: Berkley (April 25, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0593200241
ISBN-13: 978-0593200247
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“In this powerful Amish romance, an isolated woman and a compassionate man learn that love can build a bridge between their two worlds.
Since witnessing the murder of her beloved parents, Miriam Hochstedler suffers from paralyzing anxiety and a deep-seated fear of the Englisch. Unwilling to venture beyond her family’s Tennessee farm, she forms a close bond with a badly injured gelding. Like Miriam herself, the traumatized animal seems unlikely to recover—until skilled horse whisperer Reuben Brenneman arrives.
A survivor of an abusive childhood, Reuben understands fear better than most. He’ll do whatever it takes to help a terrified animal, but his compassion doesn’t extend to the church that turned a blind eye to his family’s suffering. Once he finishes this job, he’ll return to the Englisch world, putting his Amish heritage behind him forever.
As Miriam works alongside Reuben, battling the horse’s fear—and her own—an unexpected friendship blooms and deepens into romance. But the Amish faith that sustains her inspires only distrust in Reuben, and the Englisch world he’s chosen has already broken her heart once.
Falling in love was easy. But staying together will take all the courage they have.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author LAUREL BLOUNT writes captivating romances full of grit and grace – with characters who will 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.
She can be found on the following social media networks:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurelblountbooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurelblountauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurelblount
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