Detour Home

A newly married young couple decides to take a Detour in life. Through a series of events, they come to discover one of the basic tenants of living: The more you give, the greater the rewards you receive in return. This heartwarming novel is set in rural South Dakota, on the banks of the Missouri River. As the couple takes on the role of houseparents at St. Joseph's Indian School, their lives are changed forever. Without recognizing it, their struggles lead them to understand where they belong. Loosely based on true events, see how a little faith ends up giving two people the true meaning of Home.

A newly married young couple decides to take a Detour in life, from fast-paced Chicago to a small town in central South Dakota. On a year-long journey, with a cast of unique characters, they come to discover one of the basic tenets of living: the more you give, the greater the rewards you receive in return. This heartwarming novel is set in rural South Dakota, on the banks of the Missouri River. As the couple takes on the role of houseparents at St. Joseph's Indian School, their lives are changed forever. Their students, coworkers and new friends open their eyes – and their hearts – to love, loss, and what it really means to serve others. Without them recognizing it, the couple's struggles lead them to understand where they belong. Loosely based on true events, see how a little faith ends up teaching two people the true meaning of Home.

Mike Tyrell began his career with St. Joseph's Indian School when and his wife Kim relocated to Chamberlain, South Dakota from Joliet, Illinois to become houseparents at St. Joseph's in 1985. Since that time, Tyrell has served in many roles at St. Joseph's, including Human Resources and Associate Executive Director of Child Services. In 2014, he was named President of all missions of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart in South Dakota, which includes the Sacred Heart Center in Eagle Butte, St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, and parishes in Lower Brule and Fort Thompson. Tyrell earned a Master of Science in Administration at the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife have remained in Chamberlain since their first move from Illinois in 1985, where they raised five children and now enjoy three grandchildren.