Come Home, Joe — Tim Callahan

The Conroy family knows all their neighbors in the small subdivision of Lexington, Kentucky; that is, until Joe Hawkins moves into the old Hawkins farmhouse. Joe is a gruff old man who doesn't take kindly to his neighbors. When twelve-year-old Kevin Conroy and his friend Belinda try to befriend him, they realize he isn't mean, he's frightened. After four years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, Joe was released and honorably discharged. Traumatized by the events, Joe fled to the mountains instead of returning home. Thirty-five years later, Joe comes home to his family's farmhouse, but the world he returns to is much different from the one he left. Reluctantly Joe begins to reenter society with the help of Kevin and Belinda, but will he be able to overcome the war within and accept the love this family offers him? Over 58,000 Americans lost their lives in the Vietnam War that left a deep scar on this nation and on individual hearts. Join author Tim Callahan in honoring the Vietnam veterans in Come Home, Joean inspiring tale of compassion and love. 'As the author of four mystery novels myself, I am continually impressed by how Tim weaves humor and lightheartedness around such powerful topics as the Vietnam war, racism, and hate; how some of our most basic beliefs are presented in a way that is meaningful to readers from kids to seasoned citizens.' Author Bill Noel