The Long Way Home

Davenport #1

by Judah Knight

This edition has been retired. See the reprint of the First book in the Davenport series by the same title: The Long Way Home.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adventure, Amazon, Fiction

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2014

About the author

Story telling has been a part of my life for as far back as I can remember. I told countless bedtime stories to my six children through the years making them an important part of each adventure. My first written story came at the age of six when I wrote about the experience of the death of my dog. Now, as an adult, I can lose myself in an adventure and take thousands of people along for the ride. I can also encourage, challenge, counsel, and give people hope with stories while providing wholesome entertainment. I chose to write romance novels partly in response to other books in this genre. I believe that a lot of people would like to read a good romance without all of the graphic details that move many books in this genre into a category that seems more like pornography than literature. I prefer to allow the readers’ imagination to fill in any details that my story might suggest, and I want my main characters to present the kind of relationship that every couple aspires to experience.

Growing up in a home surrounded by love and affirmation provided for me a solid foundation where I was encouraged to dream the impossible dream. I played sports, studied music, developed a love for the outdoors, enjoyed the strong spiritual influence of my parents, and became a scuba diver before I graduated from high school. I received an undergraduate degree in music from the University of Georgia and pursued additional degrees in Texas and Louisiana. One of my greatest joys came in meeting the love of my life at a conference. We eventually married and are blessed with six beautiful children who bring great delight to my life.

I am an avid scuba diver, and I enjoy backpacking and camping with my family. Living near Atlanta, Georgia offers me the opportunity of hiking in the north Georgia mountains or flying off to the Caribbean for another underwater adventure. I have hiked about half of the 2190 miles of the Appalachian Trail and anticipate climbing the final mountain in Maine within the next nine or ten years. I am a blessed man, and I find great pleasure in sharing stories with people that will put a smile on their faces and hope in their hearts.

Reviews

[Mary Freitag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully refreshing.

I couldn't put it down. True page turner full of so many emotions. Grief, anger, friendship, danger and excitement w a hint of romance. Great book. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable story (with a caveat or two).

This was an enjoyable adventure story (with elements of clean romantic suspense) that I devoured in a day. I loved the settings and was fascinated with the reef diving and touch of Caribbean history. Definitely fun to be swept away on an adventure.

Granted, I did have some concerns about the book. Some of the plot twists are too convenient and not realistic, and in other areas the plot unfolds too quickly and brushes over some of the scenes. Inconsistencies and errors are noticeable, although I was able to overlook them to continue enjoying the story. It was harder to get through the ethnic stereotypes in the story. That is very unfortunate.

Another concern is that the book ended before the story arc was completed. That’s a deal breaker for the reader. The author’s promise to the reader is to finish the story within the pages of the book. Even when the book is part of a series, each story needs to be completed in its own right. I invested a day in reading the book and was disappointed that the immediate story didn’t come to a conclusion.

All of this should have been caught and dealt with by the editor and publisher. A re-edit with a different editor would probably improve the book tremendously. It wouldn’t take that much to improve it and would be worth the effort. Even simply getting rid of the stereotypes and completing the story would make it much more enjoyable.

I appreciate what the author has set out to do in creating this book and the overall series. It’s a noble goal. I applaud what the author desires to accomplish. Hopefully future books in the series will carry out these goals more effectively.

If you, as a reader, can get past the unfortunate holes and setbacks in the editing, and just sit back and enjoy an interesting and quick adventure story, I do believe this book is worth reading. There’s treasure to be uncovered in its pages. I will read the next book in the series, to see where the author takes it, and look forward to reading it.

[Laurie Herlich, Author · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Long Way Home is a re-release of the first book in the Davenport series, by Judah Knight.
Meg Freeman’s soldier husband was killed on an overseas mission, but he has left behind a surprise trip they were supposed to take. Meg goes on her own and things turn topsy turvy. As Meg is trying to put her vacation, and her heart, back together, she runs into a widower who was a childhood friend.
Jon Davenport rescues Meg from her initial disaster, but the two run afoul of a drug kingpin allied with international terrorists.
The rest of the book is full of excitement, as the two extricate themselves from one trap after another. All the while, they are each dealing with the conflict between their growing attraction for each other and fears of betraying their deceased spouses.
The Long Way Home ends with a cliffhanger, leading into the second book of the series. I read the entire book in two sittings.
Judah Knight had me on the edge of my seat the entire time!
The book re-releases February 7, 2023, on Amazon and elsewhere, but you can pre-order now!

[Lucille M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME EXITING

It was a most interesting read, full of many ups and downs, waiting for the next bug thing to happen! Since there is follow up book, not sure of ending but can’t wait to get it ❤️💚💜🩷😅

[Dinnl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it. Thought the prologue unecessary. 3.5 stars

[Linda Pott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed in the non-ending end.

[Cheryl LaRoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

It is exciting, the characters are relatable, and it is truly clean! I can’t wait to read the next books in this series!
Thanks Judah

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

adventure

More adventure than you can dream up. A short vacation turns into a week of excitement for Meg and Jon - separate or together, they have some things to work out.

[Suzette Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

Lots of twist and turns in this plot! As edge of your seat adventure. Great character development and description of the settings.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this first book in the series. Jon and Meg have such good chemistry that they have to get together. Based on the first book though, I think it will be a long road for them. Lots of adventure and suspense in this read.

[Jama Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

This was a wonderful book!!! Jon and Meg are great characters!!! I hope they get together in future stories! Can't wait to read the next one!!!

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The day that the casualty notification officers came to Meg Freeman’s door had been one that had changed Meg Freeman’s life forever. They had brought news that her husband, Steve, had been fighting on a secret mission in Afghanistan and had been killed in action. Three years later, Meg decides to finally give herself closure while on an island getaway – a holiday which had been meant for her and Steve.

Jon Davenport had just bought himself a yacht. He wanted to be free of the heartbreaking memories of his wife who had died four years earlier. On open invitation, Jon decides to take his friend, Rick, up on his invitation to visit and stay at his island resort. Meg and Jon are stunned when they find themselves seated at the same table in a crowded eatery. Jon had been Meg’s older brother’s best friend for many years when they had been in school, but she was far too young for him back then, being four years his junior. In the days that follow their chance meeting, Jon and Meg spend time on Jon’s yacht, rekindling an old friendship and rehashing old memories. As friendship becomes romance, neither realize that they are being hunted, as the yacht carries a very valuable hidden cargo and the original owner will do anything to reclaim his bounty, regardless of who has to die in the process.

I very much enjoyed reading this particular romance novel, largely due to the fact that it came with its own “pop-up” picture dictionary. Links have been set up for the reader to click while reading, so that they can see the yacht, the island and the story as it unfolds, giving a very clear picture of the story that Judah Knight had pictured in his head while writing. Both of the main characters were given an in-depth back story, showing each one’s great loss and their reasons for finding themselves on the island. The yacht, itself, is also given a back story of its own so that readers can understand the price that others had already paid at the hands of the boat’s original owner. The emotions in The Long Way Home were hard-hitting, well written, very raw and realistic, so much so that I found myself shedding tears in some parts and laughing out loud in others. Judah Knight has shown incredible writing talent in penning such a complex tale and I look forward to the next book in The Davenport Series. I recommend The Long Way Home to those who enjoy action, adventure, mystery, drama, tragedy and suspense in this romance on the high seas.

- Rosie Malezer for Readers’ Favorite

[C.A. Knutsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the characters, the treasure, the adventure. There was too much description and two aspects of the book seemed improbable to me. The ending was not satisfying.

[Edwina Cowgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading The Long Way Home, the debut novel of author Judah Knight.

When you read the book it will be obvious why the author chose the title, The Long Way Home. The story is about the hero and heroine taking the "long way home." Had Mr. Knight desired a subtitle, "The Long Way Home: Adventures on the High Seas" would have captured the complete story. The hero and heroine, Jon and Meg,encountered a myriad of circumstances while on the seas. A 17th century shipwrecked Spanish galleon, the discovery of gold, worth thousands of dollars, dangers of the sea world and terrorists delayed their trip over and over. These same circumstances will keep you up reading late into the night as the suspense builds from page to page and from chapter to chapter.

There is romance involved as Jon and Meg renew a friendship that was formed prior to their marriage to their spouses. Now both spouses are deceased, but neither Jon nor Meg are interested in anything more than friendship. As you will discover, God had a better plan..

This book will appeal to male readers who are Vince Flynn fans and it will appeal to women who enjoy reading Christian romance. (Men, there's not so much romance, so don't let that turn you away!)

I enjoyed reading this book and I understand from Mr. Knight that a sequel is coming. I can't wait!

[Laurie Herlich, Author · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Long Way Home is a re-release of the first book in the Davenport series, by Judah Knight.
Meg Freeman’s soldier husband was killed on an overseas mission, but he has left behind a surprise trip they were supposed to take. Meg goes on her own and things turn topsy turvy. As Meg is trying to put her vacation, and her heart, back together, she runs into a widower who was a childhood friend.
Jon Davenport rescues Meg from her initial disaster, but the two run afoul of a drug kingpin allied with international terrorists.
The rest of the book is full of excitement, as the two extricate themselves from one trap after another. All the while, they are each dealing with the conflict between their growing attraction for each other and fears of betraying their deceased spouses.
The Long Way Home ends with a cliffhanger, leading into the second book of the series. I read the entire book in two sittings.
Judah Knight had me on the edge of my seat the entire time!
The book re-releases February 7, 2023, on Amazon and elsewhere, but you can pre-order now!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, this was an uneven book. The descriptions of diving, salvage were great! I feel like I got an understanding of the process.

The storyline was a lot over the top, something a teen would fantasize. Wealth, heroics, the president... I reached the point of guessing what fantasy would be next.

I don't often review books. This one I am reviewing because I am so mixed up on how I feel about it. It needed better editing. I am pretty sure the editor dozed, because they were dosed up on something. (Read the book & that joke becomes apparent).

This had some great elements, seriously! I think by combining an action novel with an old school romance novel (70's style) the author just took on too much. In moments it reminded me of a Mary Stewart, then it would deteriorate into sappy romance with a midas touch.

I won't recommend reading it to anyone, but it is readable. I read it & don't regret it, for the diving bits.

[Franky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I have to say, this book is action-packed like crazy. It has romance, adventure, a hunt for sunken treasure and even a terrorist plot that has to be stopped. Meg Freeman opts to take the "long way home" when she finds herself stranded in the Bahamas. All her things, including her ticket home, are stolen and she doesn't know what to do until she runs into her old crush, Jon Davenport. Jon gives her a ride back to the states on his yacht, but a relaxing trip filled with scuba diving in the gorgeous tropical waters is not all they're in for. There is plenty of adventure and excitement that comes their way. Both of them have lost a spouse and the story takes us through their journey of renewing their old friendship and finding love again. It not only takes them longer than expected to reach home, but it also is the long journey to letting go of the past and embracing the future. It's a clean action/adventure/romance. Enjoy!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free on Goodreads Firstreads. Thank you for choosing me as one of the winners! The book cover is beautiful and I look forward to reading the book and giving an honest review!

After finishing the story, I have mixed feelings on this book. How do I explain that? The basic storyline was good, the search for treasure was the best part - so descriptive, I felt as if I was in the water right with them. But the characters didn't come alive, most of the dialogue was too simple, and all the obstacles they overcame were too far fetched.

I will probably try this author again, just too see if this was a good example of Judah's writing or if this was a little off.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from the goodreads first reads program.
It pains me to rate this book so low because the teaser on the back made ot sound like a mist read. Unfortunately I ended up having to force myself to finish reading it. The speech was overly formal, especially for two people that have been friends since childhood. The formality of the speech slowed down the reading process significantly.
The parts of the book that I found interesting were glazed over and seemed to be sidenote while the tribal portions were expanded upon unnecessarily. What really threw me for a loop though were the grammatical errors that were missed both by the author and the editing team.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meg, a recent widow, meets a long lost friend who is in the Bahamas the same time she is. It seems that Jon too has lost his spouse and when he finds that Meg is stranded without luggage or money, he offers to take her home to Florida on his boat. Romance blooms but little did they realize that they were being followed by terrorists hoping to capture Jon's boat. Meg and J0n find themselves in great danger as they are involved in combating a terrorist plot.
Not bad but a bit wordy at times especially about their deep sea diving experiences.

[Connie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting story

I chose this rating for the simple reason that it was hard to put down. I loved all the descriptions of the ocean fish and the excitement of the next find of treasure. I loved the kindness of Jon and the love between him and Meg. I also loved the suspense of wondering if someone would try to hurt them while they were under water . I would definitely recommend this book and other books from this author.

[Gena Barnhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a page-turner. Once you start reading The Long Way Home, you will not want to put it down. The end of each chapter leaves you wanting to know what happens next. How will Jon and Meg reach safety after they encounter several life-threatening situations? How will they resolve their feelings for each other? Judah Knight’s writing style keeps readers on the edge of their seats rooting for the good guys. I cannot wait to read book 2 in the Davenport Series.

[Judy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book to read in the summer. When you go to the beach, you can read this. It is all about a couple who fall in love and end up going to an island in the Caribbean and the exciting adventures that ensue. It is so refreshing to read a story involving the lifestyles of the "rich and famous" and not have to endure trashy language and situations. I can't wait for the sequel!

[Deborah Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a fun book to read. I had a hard time putting it down. There was just the right touch of mystery and suspense. Having also done some diving, I enjoyed the underwater descriptions. The descriptions throughout the book were so vivid I could picture myself in each scene. Very enjoyable pleasure reading.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok

This was just ok. It wraps up part of the story but not all. You have to buy the next book to find out what happens. And I didn't like it well enough to read the next one. It is supposed to be a thriller but I thought it was kind of slow in lots of parts. I didn't feel a connection with the characters either.

[Celeste Behsmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner

I honestly couldn't put the book down. I loved the hyperlinks for the Kindle so that you could find out more about the fish they were "seeing",

The writing was very descriptive and I could really visualize what I was reading. Can't wait for the next one which is already loaded and ready to read in my kindle!

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, I liked the story, but it was a hard book to finish. There were just so many things that didn't make sense, events that were too far out & side stories that were too distracting. Lots of typos & grammar errors too. It just drug on & on & on.

[Ed Fritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Romance Novel

This was a pleasant romance novel with a beautiful heroine and a wealth handsome hero. Thrown into the mix are a few villains who try to thwart the lovers. Good read.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this a lot. Good escapism!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good, hope to read more