Home from the Storm Book Review
About the Book
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.
My Review
What a fitting conclusion to such a wonderful series! The very first book, Shelter in the Storm, is what first introduced me to this author, and now I’m a fan for life.
Home from the Storm follows Caleb’s journey back to Johns Mill after spending months hunting for the man who murdered his parents. Caleb believes he should seek vengeance for their deaths rather than relying on the Amish way of leaving justice in God’s hands. Many surprises await him when he returns to Johns Mill to reunite with his wife and family.
While each book in this series can certainly be enjoyed on its own, I was especially anxious to read Caleb’s story because his actions are the antithesis of the Amish lifestyle. Laurel handled his internal struggle very well, as well as the reactions of his family and community after he was shunned. The bishop was different from any other Amish bishop I’ve encountered in fiction, showing a kind and understanding nature that added depth to the story. Caleb and Rhoda had only been married a couple of months before Caleb left, so their reunion almost feels like a restart to their marriage as they learn to know one another again.
Above all, the lasting truth of this story is that none of us are past the point of redemption. Parts of Caleb’s character exist in all of us – we can be stubborn, we struggle to submit to authority, and we want to see justice prevail. But God longs for all of us (not just the Amish) to trust that He is in control, that He has a plan, and He alone can bring true justice.
Readers who enjoy Amish fiction shouldn’t despair at the end of the Johns Mill Amish series. Laurel has written many other Amish stories, including several titles in the Love Inspired line, all featuring her signature storytelling and memorable characters.
5 Stars
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