Book Reviews for The Dangerous Journey Home

This historical novel set in 1867 post civil war is wonderful.

Such a fascinating time in history the author Donald Montano opened up my eyes again to how life must have been in this fastly developing era. His accuracy and research is second to none and like in his first novel it’s like being in a history lesson at times.
The story is set in troubled times when the ‘Redshirts’ in South Carolina still want slavery to remain and are making up their own rules.
These trouble makers are extorting vast sums of money from the plantation owners – if refused the owners are beaten, tortured or worse.
The story begins to introduce us to one of the most powerful backers of this group – Colonel Oscar Blaylock who has taken slave Serena his most favored mistress and she isn’t allowed to leave his side.
Serena is first introduced to us in “A stranger came among them” book one by the character Joshua.
Joshua the huge ex slave whose heart mirrors his enormous size and spirit, is desperate to rescue his love Serena who he left behind in the clutches of Blaylock in Carolina.
John Sampson our main character has made a promise to Joshua that they will rescue Selena and bring her back home to Hightree. But to do that first a plot is hatched – first they must create a powerful image of Arley.
Arley Ruttlinger the smoldering beauty who has fallen deeply for Sampson is eager to become the all rounded southern belle woman not just a rancher, horse woman that John fell in love with.
Arley is to play the role of a rich landowner who is looking to buy plantation land following the war.
Sampson tells her they all must go on a journey across country where she will travel by stagecoach, steamer and train and that is were the story begins.

This historic saga takes our imagination flying, crossing states in stagecoaches, being chased by Indian hunting parties. Stage coach hold ups, kidnapping, gunfights, cowboy pimps and brothels.
Gunfights across the Great Plains, sheriffs, murders, private detectives – ohh and did I mention lots of steamy sex, oh and for the lovers of book one there’s another sexy bath scene.
The fashions of the 1800s and how women had to make their grand entrance was really fascinating and ladies had to dress appropriately to travel by the luxury steam methods.
It was a time of luxury steam boat travel that was pure opulence and the height of fancy decadence. The hatred of the whites, the fear of the blacks.

Without giving the whole story away we travel on a journey that develops the characters we loved in book one.
I was a little disappointed that I never got further in these adventures to learning about Selena or Blaylock but that is clearly all nicely lined up by Montano in book three (An ill wind is blowing).
The story is predominately about how a John and Arley are creating personas of wealth and status that will unfold more in the next story.
I enjoyed the whole wild west travels, the story telling involved the introductions of lots of new characters that we met briefly throughout their travelers troubled journeys.
I didn’t feel that I enjoyed the story as much as book one, it’s hard to pinpoint why. Hence me giving it 3.5 – 4 stars… Maybe because some of the loose ends still haven’t been resolved?
I was desperate for characters to reach their final destination and discover more about Blaylock and his trouble causers. What will Charleston look like through Arleys eyes. I wanted to be introduced to Selena, who is under this crazy plantations clutches.
Does she still love Joshua? What does she look like?
How does she feel?
So I suppose that was my impatient frustration.
Montano really takes you on a journey across the plains of America and I can say I’m glad I didn’t have to travel with them for real.
His attention to detail is what makes his books as special as they are. Now I need to get my hands on book three. Highly recommended.

A fabulous look at the post Civil War West and South with two unforgettable characters. The descriptions were so rich and meticulously researched I felt like I was there. This the second book in a series about Arley and John Sampson, their steamy love affair and their quest to unravel a mystery that will have you turning the pages. From the ranch in Colorado, to the Planter’s Hotel in St. Louis to the journey on the elegant riverboat, this book will propel you back to another time, thick with romance and intrigue. Don’t miss it!