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Messenger By Moonlight
Bestselling author Stephanie Grace Whitson's latest historical novel features an adventurous young heroine who joins the Pony Express. Orphaned Annie Paxton and her brothers may have lost the only home they've ever known, but they're determined to make a better future in St. Joseph, Missouri. Annie dreams of a pretty house with window boxes, and having friends, and attending church every week. But then her brothers spot the ad for a new venture called the Pony Express. "Wanted," it reads, "Young, skinny fellows not over eighteen. Must be expert riders and willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred." Sure enough, both her brothers land jobs as Express messengers, and Annie puts her dreams on hold to work as a cook at Clearwater Ranch, a station along the Pony Express route.
Annie struggles to adapt to her new job--work made all the more challenging when she has so many to feed and few ingredients. The gruff station owner, George, doesn't seem inclined to make her life any easier, or at least not at first. But slowly a friendship builds between them. When Annie attracts the attention of a refined, dashing lieutenant from the nearby fort, she'll have to learn how to trust her instincts and follow her heart, even if she's conflicted about which way it's leading her.
Annie struggles to adapt to her new job--work made all the more challenging when she has so many to feed and few ingredients. The gruff station owner, George, doesn't seem inclined to make her life any easier, or at least not at first. But slowly a friendship builds between them. When Annie attracts the attention of a refined, dashing lieutenant from the nearby fort, she'll have to learn how to trust her instincts and follow her heart, even if she's conflicted about which way it's leading her.
352 pages, Library Binding
First published May 10, 2016
49 people are currently reading
712 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Grace Whitson
56 books341 followersA native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 83 reviews
February 12, 2022
3.5 stars
Whitson’s fascinating look at the Pony Express and those who lived in the Midwest during that time is entertaining and intriguing. The romance is unexpected, beautifully developed and well-balanced with action and family drama. The faith message is touching and relevant.
Annie Paxton and her brothers Emmet and Frank are orphaned and left with nothing but a couple of trunks full of personal items. They make their way to St. Joseph, Mo., where the brothers respond to an ad to ride with the new Pony Express. They talk Annie into taking a job as a cook at a remote outpost in Nebraska. It’s a rough living so far from civilization, but the people Annie meets (including a handsome lieutenant) help make life more bearable.
Whitson’s fascinating look at the Pony Express and those who lived in the Midwest during that time is entertaining and intriguing. The romance is unexpected, beautifully developed and well-balanced with action and family drama. The faith message is touching and relevant.
Annie Paxton and her brothers Emmet and Frank are orphaned and left with nothing but a couple of trunks full of personal items. They make their way to St. Joseph, Mo., where the brothers respond to an ad to ride with the new Pony Express. They talk Annie into taking a job as a cook at a remote outpost in Nebraska. It’s a rough living so far from civilization, but the people Annie meets (including a handsome lieutenant) help make life more bearable.
February 16, 2022
This was an enjoyable read indeed :)
June 10, 2016
A well-written and researched historical, telling the story of the Pony Express, through the eyes of the riders and those who manned the stations from 1860-1861. A solid inspirational message is woven in too, with Scripture quoted for courage by one character, and in leading a prodigal to Christ.
I grew to love sweet natured, courageously stubborn Annie, and her brothers who diligently tried to looked after her. It was uplifting to witness her growth in confidence and faith with each trial she faced. I also enjoyed seeing George's character slowly unfold from beneath his rough exterior, and find out his backstory. The author writes great descriptions of life along the trail, and the rough living in a prairie outpost, as well as the dangers Express riders experienced.
Colorful characters, interesting history, adventure and a little romance added up to a very satisfying read. 4.5 stars
I grew to love sweet natured, courageously stubborn Annie, and her brothers who diligently tried to looked after her. It was uplifting to witness her growth in confidence and faith with each trial she faced. I also enjoyed seeing George's character slowly unfold from beneath his rough exterior, and find out his backstory. The author writes great descriptions of life along the trail, and the rough living in a prairie outpost, as well as the dangers Express riders experienced.
Colorful characters, interesting history, adventure and a little romance added up to a very satisfying read. 4.5 stars
June 15, 2017
Messenger by Moonlight...oh, how I am torn on rating! But I feel better on "I liked it" versus "I loved it". I liked the sweetness that permeated this novel detailing the history of imaginary riders and stations of the Pony Express. The characters were enjoyable and dynamic. The imagery was on point. But it moved. so. slowly. And there was some mild swearing that I don't expect from a Christian publisher. So 3.49 stars it is.
August 10, 2024
This sweet romance didn’t blow my mind, but it was thoroughly entertaining and I enjoyed it. The Christian messages and gospel presentation were excellent. No spice, no language, whatever violence or injuries here are not graphic or excessive. A clean fun read!
May 2, 2016
I have such passion for historical fiction novels based on historical facts, in this case the Pony Express as the backdrop for Stephanie Grace Whitson's latest novel, Messenger By Moonlight. While the story line revolves primarily around Annie Paxton, the sister of Emmet and Frank, who find themselves in a bit of a predicament when they find their family home and farm lands sold from out under them to settle their father's excessive debts. Believing that God is in the details, they pack all their belongings into three trunks and head out to St. Joseph, Missouri in search of new futures. One thing is for certain, Emmet and Frank want to make sure that all of Annie's dreams come true and that begins with finding ways to earn money so she can have the home she has always wanted.
Frank and Emmet try their hand at auditioning for the Pony Express and find that they are but a handful that will be based in remote home station in Nebraska. Fearing she will be left alone, the brothers assure Annie, that they have secured her a job as a cook at the station house working for George Morgan, a man with a less than stellar reputation, but one they feel will be the best for all of them. They promise Annie if they can all do their part for two years, she will have everything she has ever wanted and more. For Annie it will mean learning to cook for more than 4 people, as not only will she have to deal with the stagecoach passengers but men who serve one of the local outposts at the fort as well. In fact, they are sure, Annie will have no problem with being alone once the local population finds out how beautiful the local cook at the station house is.
Now they will each face uncertainties they had never dreamed of before. Annie is trying to find her way in a world she knows very little about, working for gruff old man who has very little to say to her and instead keeps out of her way most of the time. Frank has to come to terms with the fact that Annie and Emmet have their faith to fall back on, while he struggles to come to terms with the fact that there is a God often times when you least expect Him to show up. Emmet, believes that he can save up enough money to secure the future of a girl he left in Buchanan County, Missouri if he can prove he can provide for her. But like all great novels, things aren't going to be as simple as that.
I received Messenger by Moonlight by Stephanie Grace Whitson compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest and personal opinion. I really loved this novel because it involves not only Annie's story but also that of Emmet and Frank. They each have a bit of growing up to do and the challenges of life on the wild frontier is not always an easy one. The challenges of riding for the Pony Express isn't as straight forward as you might imagine as riding long distances can take a physical toll of the body as well as dealing with adversities like Indians, uncooperative horses and weather just to name a few. But the mail must move forward and this is a well written and engaging novel that fans of historical fiction will absolutely LOVE! 5 Stars in my opinion. An author's note at the conclusion of this novel highlights some of those unique facts about the Pony Express she used in the creation of this novel.
Frank and Emmet try their hand at auditioning for the Pony Express and find that they are but a handful that will be based in remote home station in Nebraska. Fearing she will be left alone, the brothers assure Annie, that they have secured her a job as a cook at the station house working for George Morgan, a man with a less than stellar reputation, but one they feel will be the best for all of them. They promise Annie if they can all do their part for two years, she will have everything she has ever wanted and more. For Annie it will mean learning to cook for more than 4 people, as not only will she have to deal with the stagecoach passengers but men who serve one of the local outposts at the fort as well. In fact, they are sure, Annie will have no problem with being alone once the local population finds out how beautiful the local cook at the station house is.
Now they will each face uncertainties they had never dreamed of before. Annie is trying to find her way in a world she knows very little about, working for gruff old man who has very little to say to her and instead keeps out of her way most of the time. Frank has to come to terms with the fact that Annie and Emmet have their faith to fall back on, while he struggles to come to terms with the fact that there is a God often times when you least expect Him to show up. Emmet, believes that he can save up enough money to secure the future of a girl he left in Buchanan County, Missouri if he can prove he can provide for her. But like all great novels, things aren't going to be as simple as that.
I received Messenger by Moonlight by Stephanie Grace Whitson compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest and personal opinion. I really loved this novel because it involves not only Annie's story but also that of Emmet and Frank. They each have a bit of growing up to do and the challenges of life on the wild frontier is not always an easy one. The challenges of riding for the Pony Express isn't as straight forward as you might imagine as riding long distances can take a physical toll of the body as well as dealing with adversities like Indians, uncooperative horses and weather just to name a few. But the mail must move forward and this is a well written and engaging novel that fans of historical fiction will absolutely LOVE! 5 Stars in my opinion. An author's note at the conclusion of this novel highlights some of those unique facts about the Pony Express she used in the creation of this novel.
June 22, 2016
Stephanie Grace Whitson in her new book, “Messenger By Moonlight” published by FaithWords takes us into the life of Annie Paxton.
From the back cover: Bestselling author Stephanie Grace Whitson’s honors the forgotten women of the Pony Express.
Orphaned Annie Paxton and her brothers may have lost the only home they’ve ever known, but they’re determined to make a better future in St. Joseph, Missouri. Annie dreams of a pretty house with window boxes, and having friends, and attending church every week. But then her brothers spot the ad for a new venture called the Pony Express. “Wanted,” it reads, “Young, skinny fellows not over eighteen. Must be expert riders and willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred.” Sure enough, both her brothers land jobs as Express messengers, and Annie puts her dreams on hold to work as a cook at Clearwater Ranch, a station along the Pony Express route.
Annie struggles to adapt to her new job–work made all the more challenging when she has so many to feed and few ingredients. The gruff station owner, George, doesn’t seem inclined to make her life any easier, or at least not at first. But slowly a friendship builds between them. When Annie attracts the attention of a refined, dashing lieutenant from the nearby fort, she’ll have to learn how to trust her instincts and follow her heart, even if she’s conflicted about which way it’s leading her. But when each of her brothers is pulled away by his own crisis, Annie is left alone in the struggle to discover what she really wants out of life–and the true meaning of the word home.
Let me start out by stating that this is a well written and engaging novel that fans of historical fiction will absolutely LOVE! This is Historical fiction at its best! I think this is one of the hardest stories to write as it is all character driven and takes a steady hand to guide the characters through the story while remaining true to each character and these characters are memorable. You come to love Annie, George and Lt. Hart as if they were alive (and they are within the pages of this book) and it is a thrill to watch them interact, grow and put aside their distrust, fear and the hurts of their pasts and find peace in their present. It has been a long time since someone wrote a story about The Pony Express and all the trimmings that was associated with it. The last time, I believe, they made a movie with Charlton Heston so Ms. Whitson has given us something spectacular I believe. Many kudos to Ms. Whitson for a truly memorable book. I am so looking forward to the next book from the very talented Ms. Whitson.
If you missed the interview for “A Claim Of Her Own”, another novel by Ms. Whitson, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from FaithWords. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Bestselling author Stephanie Grace Whitson’s honors the forgotten women of the Pony Express.
Orphaned Annie Paxton and her brothers may have lost the only home they’ve ever known, but they’re determined to make a better future in St. Joseph, Missouri. Annie dreams of a pretty house with window boxes, and having friends, and attending church every week. But then her brothers spot the ad for a new venture called the Pony Express. “Wanted,” it reads, “Young, skinny fellows not over eighteen. Must be expert riders and willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred.” Sure enough, both her brothers land jobs as Express messengers, and Annie puts her dreams on hold to work as a cook at Clearwater Ranch, a station along the Pony Express route.
Annie struggles to adapt to her new job–work made all the more challenging when she has so many to feed and few ingredients. The gruff station owner, George, doesn’t seem inclined to make her life any easier, or at least not at first. But slowly a friendship builds between them. When Annie attracts the attention of a refined, dashing lieutenant from the nearby fort, she’ll have to learn how to trust her instincts and follow her heart, even if she’s conflicted about which way it’s leading her. But when each of her brothers is pulled away by his own crisis, Annie is left alone in the struggle to discover what she really wants out of life–and the true meaning of the word home.
Let me start out by stating that this is a well written and engaging novel that fans of historical fiction will absolutely LOVE! This is Historical fiction at its best! I think this is one of the hardest stories to write as it is all character driven and takes a steady hand to guide the characters through the story while remaining true to each character and these characters are memorable. You come to love Annie, George and Lt. Hart as if they were alive (and they are within the pages of this book) and it is a thrill to watch them interact, grow and put aside their distrust, fear and the hurts of their pasts and find peace in their present. It has been a long time since someone wrote a story about The Pony Express and all the trimmings that was associated with it. The last time, I believe, they made a movie with Charlton Heston so Ms. Whitson has given us something spectacular I believe. Many kudos to Ms. Whitson for a truly memorable book. I am so looking forward to the next book from the very talented Ms. Whitson.
If you missed the interview for “A Claim Of Her Own”, another novel by Ms. Whitson, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from FaithWords. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 14, 2016
I first discovered Stephanie Whitson when an old friend of mine handed me her book "Walks the Fire" and encouraged me to try it. She said it was 'wonderful', and I really enjoyed that one.
Stephanie since then has written many more pioneer-era fiction books and although I haven't read them all, since we share a love of American/pioneer history, I hope to do that in the future.
"Messenger By Moonlight" is a story based on the Pony Express. It is a light historical read, more in the historical romance genre, but entertaining and enlightening. Although I probably had heard of the oath the riders had to take I had forgotten it and the wording was quite eye-opening, especially to those who would deny the existence of a Christian foundation in our nation's history.
Ann E. Paxton is left with her twin brother Frank and older brother Emmett when their alcoholic father passes away and they inherit his many debts. Deciding to make themselves a new life in St. Joseph, Missouri, they find work awaits them if they are brave enough to ride (and in Annie's case, cook) for the Pony Express. The job means travelling to another way station farther west, and there Ann learns what it means to not only cook for the riders but also stagecoach travellers and emigrants. As she adjusts to her new life in Nebraska with its hot summers and freezing cold winters she meets up with the soldiers from Fort Kearny and learns all about the rigors of the west.
I also enjoyed learning about the role women played in the short years of the Pony Express and it made the story come alive for me when I read the author's end notes and realized that most of the characters in the book were real figures in history. The author does a nice job explaining which of the scenes in the book are fictional and which ones are real, and I found that so helpful, but I do wish a map of the mail route had been included in the book.
The romance in this novel is lightly done, and I think I would have enjoyed the book more if the history were more developed. However it was a fast read and once again I found myself learning facts from our history that I never knew before.
3.5 stars.
Stephanie since then has written many more pioneer-era fiction books and although I haven't read them all, since we share a love of American/pioneer history, I hope to do that in the future.
"Messenger By Moonlight" is a story based on the Pony Express. It is a light historical read, more in the historical romance genre, but entertaining and enlightening. Although I probably had heard of the oath the riders had to take I had forgotten it and the wording was quite eye-opening, especially to those who would deny the existence of a Christian foundation in our nation's history.
Ann E. Paxton is left with her twin brother Frank and older brother Emmett when their alcoholic father passes away and they inherit his many debts. Deciding to make themselves a new life in St. Joseph, Missouri, they find work awaits them if they are brave enough to ride (and in Annie's case, cook) for the Pony Express. The job means travelling to another way station farther west, and there Ann learns what it means to not only cook for the riders but also stagecoach travellers and emigrants. As she adjusts to her new life in Nebraska with its hot summers and freezing cold winters she meets up with the soldiers from Fort Kearny and learns all about the rigors of the west.
I also enjoyed learning about the role women played in the short years of the Pony Express and it made the story come alive for me when I read the author's end notes and realized that most of the characters in the book were real figures in history. The author does a nice job explaining which of the scenes in the book are fictional and which ones are real, and I found that so helpful, but I do wish a map of the mail route had been included in the book.
The romance in this novel is lightly done, and I think I would have enjoyed the book more if the history were more developed. However it was a fast read and once again I found myself learning facts from our history that I never knew before.
3.5 stars.
September 7, 2019
I really liked this book! It was fun to read, educational and interesting. Plus, the romance and faith elements were subtle but effective. I will definitely read more books by Stephanie Grace Whitson.
April 30, 2019
Cute and warm story about the life of women in the Wild West.
Annie Paxton had never wanted to come to Clearwater and became a cook there. She had her dreams about the lovely house with trims and flowers in the city, about the living in harmony there with her two brothers. But it was exactly her brothers who had decided her future - they would become the Pony Express riders and she would go with them. A couple of years at last, for a good money. And then - the house with the trims and flowers.
But West can get under your skin. And Annie comes to love her cooking job, the harsh yet beautiful prairie...and her bear of a boss might be a good person, after all.
This is a very sweet, lovely story. While it is very cute, the story can go deep here and offer a portion of a food for thought here and there (mainly in the form of Annie´s bad-tempered yet caring readhed of a brother, Frank).
While I think that the life on a prairie must be quite harsher than the almost idyllic life described here in the book - the sweetness here will get you. After all, the thinking of the good things is very good for the soul, mainly for the soul tired from the hardships of the everyday life. I have enjoyed my ride with the guys - and the gal.
Annie Paxton had never wanted to come to Clearwater and became a cook there. She had her dreams about the lovely house with trims and flowers in the city, about the living in harmony there with her two brothers. But it was exactly her brothers who had decided her future - they would become the Pony Express riders and she would go with them. A couple of years at last, for a good money. And then - the house with the trims and flowers.
But West can get under your skin. And Annie comes to love her cooking job, the harsh yet beautiful prairie...and her bear of a boss might be a good person, after all.
This is a very sweet, lovely story. While it is very cute, the story can go deep here and offer a portion of a food for thought here and there (mainly in the form of Annie´s bad-tempered yet caring readhed of a brother, Frank).
While I think that the life on a prairie must be quite harsher than the almost idyllic life described here in the book - the sweetness here will get you. After all, the thinking of the good things is very good for the soul, mainly for the soul tired from the hardships of the everyday life. I have enjoyed my ride with the guys - and the gal.
May 2, 2021
To be honest I didn’t read this book 100% of the way through. I read halfway through skimmed till the end and then read the last chapter.
It started out good but over time just seemed to get boring to me.
The characters are great but the story wasn’t gripping. I wasn’t thinking “oh I wanna know how this book ends and what happens with each character.” I just wasn’t very interested.
Now this is a more historical fiction type book which I usually am not into very much. I did like the beginning about the Pony Express, though I honestly lost interest.
I find this sad because I was looking forward to this book.
I still am glad I read some of it : )
It started out good but over time just seemed to get boring to me.
The characters are great but the story wasn’t gripping. I wasn’t thinking “oh I wanna know how this book ends and what happens with each character.” I just wasn’t very interested.
Now this is a more historical fiction type book which I usually am not into very much. I did like the beginning about the Pony Express, though I honestly lost interest.
I find this sad because I was looking forward to this book.
I still am glad I read some of it : )
September 10, 2021
Love me some historical fiction and this satisfied but didn’t have the depth of a Francine Rivers historical fiction, but who does? I agree with a previous review that it was quite slow at times but that’s ok. I enjoyed life from the perspective of a woman in the time of the pony express.
May 26, 2019
Very enjoyable and different view of the Pony Express. Nice descriptive passages of the area, people, country and hardships.
April 12, 2018
Messenger by Moonlight by Stephanie Grace Whitson
Genre: Western Christian Fiction (A real catagory?)
Format: Kindle
Characters:
Annie Paxton: Pony Express station cook and sister to:
Emmet and Frank Paxton: Annie's brothers
George Morgan: Annie's boss at their new location
A nice surprise for a simple Western Historical Fiction book
I loved the characters. Annie and her brothers were so dedicated to each other. Everyone who meets Annie loves her (except for some fussy socialites who were jealous of the attention a handsome soldier paid her).
George Morgan, who runs the Clearwater Station, is an interestingly flawed man. But in an odd way, likeable.
Annie, her twin Frank and brother Emmet have lived a hard life. Mother died when they were young and their father drank any extra they had. When he died and left them with only debt, they all took off for St. Joseph, twenty miles away, hoping to earn livings and stay together. There Frank and Emmet were told Pony Express needed expert riders: young, skinny and orphans preferred. Couldn't be jobs more up their alley. So they added their sister as a cook for their station aso they would all earn money and save for a home she could finally call home.
At this location Annie meets her first Indian, a young man who helped the owner of the station, George... an odd character with brusk ways she finds off putting and a bit insulting. But her positive attitude forbid her to hold it against him. She begins life as a cook with a miserable start. No eggs, no cow, no instructions, and a new-fangled stove she had no clue how to use.
Her brothers, on the other hand, were successful from the start as riders. People were amazed as they caught sight of the mail carriers racing past, or offered curious receptions when they'd see Pony Express riders coming into town. It was an exciting time for them, and a lot of lonely time for their sister as she cooked and cleaned and waited for then to return.
What an enjoyable easy-to-read book. Clean story with a genuine faith theme running throughout, truly good for all ages. Nothing uncomfortably "mature" in the least. Romance has a small part, but it's done so tastefully that there's not a single mother who could object to it... I don't believe there's even any kissing (just cheek and hand, mostly by her brothers), and only a brief hug. Some considered it a slow book, but I enjoyed it all.
I've read books with The Pony Express in the storyline, but not one all about it. Well, truthfully, it's about the characters within, but the background story is about this famous mail system. What I didn't realize was that this system lasted less than two years, yet has garnered fame, written about by famous authors as Mark Twain. Also Buffalo Bill included Pony Express riders as part of his production. As Ms. Whitson expressed it, "the Pony Express was the NASCAR of 1860".
Genre: Western Christian Fiction (A real catagory?)
Format: Kindle
Characters:
Annie Paxton: Pony Express station cook and sister to:
Emmet and Frank Paxton: Annie's brothers
George Morgan: Annie's boss at their new location
A nice surprise for a simple Western Historical Fiction book
I loved the characters. Annie and her brothers were so dedicated to each other. Everyone who meets Annie loves her (except for some fussy socialites who were jealous of the attention a handsome soldier paid her).
George Morgan, who runs the Clearwater Station, is an interestingly flawed man. But in an odd way, likeable.
Annie, her twin Frank and brother Emmet have lived a hard life. Mother died when they were young and their father drank any extra they had. When he died and left them with only debt, they all took off for St. Joseph, twenty miles away, hoping to earn livings and stay together. There Frank and Emmet were told Pony Express needed expert riders: young, skinny and orphans preferred. Couldn't be jobs more up their alley. So they added their sister as a cook for their station aso they would all earn money and save for a home she could finally call home.
At this location Annie meets her first Indian, a young man who helped the owner of the station, George... an odd character with brusk ways she finds off putting and a bit insulting. But her positive attitude forbid her to hold it against him. She begins life as a cook with a miserable start. No eggs, no cow, no instructions, and a new-fangled stove she had no clue how to use.
Her brothers, on the other hand, were successful from the start as riders. People were amazed as they caught sight of the mail carriers racing past, or offered curious receptions when they'd see Pony Express riders coming into town. It was an exciting time for them, and a lot of lonely time for their sister as she cooked and cleaned and waited for then to return.
What an enjoyable easy-to-read book. Clean story with a genuine faith theme running throughout, truly good for all ages. Nothing uncomfortably "mature" in the least. Romance has a small part, but it's done so tastefully that there's not a single mother who could object to it... I don't believe there's even any kissing (just cheek and hand, mostly by her brothers), and only a brief hug. Some considered it a slow book, but I enjoyed it all.
I've read books with The Pony Express in the storyline, but not one all about it. Well, truthfully, it's about the characters within, but the background story is about this famous mail system. What I didn't realize was that this system lasted less than two years, yet has garnered fame, written about by famous authors as Mark Twain. Also Buffalo Bill included Pony Express riders as part of his production. As Ms. Whitson expressed it, "the Pony Express was the NASCAR of 1860".
September 14, 2016
Oh, I loved this book so much! I tried to read slowly to savor it. I had forgotten how much I enjoy this author. I liked the info I learned about the pony express, I enjoyed how real the characters were. I really loved how instead of an unrealistic romance as some historicals have, it was so slowly developed and so realistically too for that time period! A lot of atmosphere. It was not a modern story plopped down in the 1800's. It was true to the time period which is so important to me. The characterizations were wonderful! On my keeper shelf
September 9, 2016
I absolutely loved this book! I was immediately drawn into it. I couldn't wait to get off of work so I could continue reading. The only thing that I kinda didn't like was that the ending seemed kind of abrupt. Other than that, I thought that it was a great book. It was really interesting to read about the Pony Express.
August 3, 2017
Starting this book was a bit of a groaner for me- I thought after a few chapters that I wouldn't be able to finish it- the writing style seemed just too slow and stilted for me. However, I did pick it up again and breezed through it after changing my perspective on what to expect from Messenger By Moonlight.
Also, I found it confusing (KINDA SPOILER- ISH) how the supposed love interest (the Lieutenant) hadn't really made a serious appearance and I was halfway through the book. I wish the back cover excerpt had have made it a bit more clear that George Mason was also a "kinda sorta love interest". I never even considered him, because when his character was introduced, the author stressed his bear-like-ness and how huge he was and how hairy and scary and gruff- to be honest I thought the dude was in his fifties or something. Maybe I missed the part where they mentioned his age, but until things were quite...ahem...obvious between Annie & George, I thought he was more grandfather type material. So, that was a bit of a letdown (don't get me wrong, I loved the George & Annie relationship) because I wasn't even in the headspace for them to become a thing. I think that should have been more clearly stressed that they were...I'm assuming, closer in age?
Also- I wasn't expecting for Emmet to basically drop off the pages of the book. I get he had business out of town, but he pretty much got written out of the book. I'm not a huge fan of characters being in a book for a good chunk and then disappearing.
Apart from that, and once I got past the beginning chapters, I enjoyed Messenger By Moonlight. It was slower paced, but it had a wholesome, rather timeless and heartwarming quality to it. Wasn't as much a fan of the preachy sections, but normally I skip over them.
2.5 stars- this was not a bad book- it simply wasn't quite my personal style.
Also, I found it confusing (KINDA SPOILER- ISH) how the supposed love interest (the Lieutenant) hadn't really made a serious appearance and I was halfway through the book. I wish the back cover excerpt had have made it a bit more clear that George Mason was also a "kinda sorta love interest". I never even considered him, because when his character was introduced, the author stressed his bear-like-ness and how huge he was and how hairy and scary and gruff- to be honest I thought the dude was in his fifties or something. Maybe I missed the part where they mentioned his age, but until things were quite...ahem...obvious between Annie & George, I thought he was more grandfather type material. So, that was a bit of a letdown (don't get me wrong, I loved the George & Annie relationship) because I wasn't even in the headspace for them to become a thing. I think that should have been more clearly stressed that they were...I'm assuming, closer in age?
Also- I wasn't expecting for Emmet to basically drop off the pages of the book. I get he had business out of town, but he pretty much got written out of the book. I'm not a huge fan of characters being in a book for a good chunk and then disappearing.
Apart from that, and once I got past the beginning chapters, I enjoyed Messenger By Moonlight. It was slower paced, but it had a wholesome, rather timeless and heartwarming quality to it. Wasn't as much a fan of the preachy sections, but normally I skip over them.
2.5 stars- this was not a bad book- it simply wasn't quite my personal style.
June 28, 2017
A well-researched story about the Pony Express. This subject has always interested me because my mom was from Saint Joseph, MO, and because my great great grandfather once rode a leg for the Pony Express on a borrowed horse to fill in for the regular rider. The rider coming in had ridden a double leg and couldn't go on, and the regular rider for that area was sick. My GGG volunteered for a ride that could have ended disasterously for him because: first he was caught in a snowstorm and lost his bearings, and second after the storm some men recognized the horse, knew it didn't belong to him, and nearly strung him up as a horse thief. Thankfully, someone came by who knew the truth and stopped them, else I wouldn't be here to write this review. I enjoyed this story, it was well written and it gave me a better understanding of the times. The author filled the story with details that helped flesh out our own family's P.E. story. I recommend this story to anyone interested in the Pony Express.
May 8, 2020
This book didn’t have a very fast pace to it. I love history about the pony express, and that side was interesting (what part it played in the story, the history was good). It was an enjoyable but not quick read.
🚧This May contain spoilers.
The characters though just didn’t seem super developed. I don’t know if it was because there were too many people’s stories going on maybe. Plus, George was my favorite character and it took Annie absolutely forever to even talk to him. Frank was frustrating and his storyline seems to just stop once he gets his life figured out. I wish that there would have been George’s perspective instead of Frank. Also, I was confused how the story had a letter about “Another Paxton joining the world” then the epilogue said that Emmitt and his wife had no children 🤨
🚧This May contain spoilers.
The characters though just didn’t seem super developed. I don’t know if it was because there were too many people’s stories going on maybe. Plus, George was my favorite character and it took Annie absolutely forever to even talk to him. Frank was frustrating and his storyline seems to just stop once he gets his life figured out. I wish that there would have been George’s perspective instead of Frank. Also, I was confused how the story had a letter about “Another Paxton joining the world” then the epilogue said that Emmitt and his wife had no children 🤨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2018
Once again I have enjoyed the detailed and informative works of Stephanie Whitson. Her historical fiction is well researched and I feel transported in time as I read. Her characters are very "real" and it's refreshing to read a novel without overdone drama. If you enjoy historical fiction/romance that focus more on the time period and situation than the romance, Whitson's books are for you. If you want more romance then you may not be as happy. The romance is typically secondary to the overall story being told. Messenger By Moonlight is about the Pony Express and how life may have been like for those who worked for it. There were two perspectives told throughout the book, twin boy/girl siblings. You'll find reference to God and the Bible throughout the book, but not overdone.
January 29, 2020
Annie's brothers become Pony Express riders. She stays at one of the stops and becomes the cook. There's a friend and her brother at the fort that add some entertainment. And there's the depot manager helping out.
I wanted to try this book because the Pony Express is quite interesting. But, I just can't get into any books by this author. Every single time I try one, I'm bored within the first couple chapters. I skim through to get an over all idea of the story and ending. But even the ending was boring.
If you love the idea of the Pony Express, you might be ok with this book. Otherwise, I'd suggest one of the Barbour Publishing book "Pony Express Romance Collection" with 8 shorter-ish stories by different authors.
I wanted to try this book because the Pony Express is quite interesting. But, I just can't get into any books by this author. Every single time I try one, I'm bored within the first couple chapters. I skim through to get an over all idea of the story and ending. But even the ending was boring.
If you love the idea of the Pony Express, you might be ok with this book. Otherwise, I'd suggest one of the Barbour Publishing book "Pony Express Romance Collection" with 8 shorter-ish stories by different authors.
January 16, 2024
This is a hard to book to review so I’ll start with what I didn’t care for.
1. the stories “speed” was inconsistent. The beginning was slow and by the end it felt like they were racing through and missing important scenes that would have made the story better. Ex. That picnic that was just casually mentioned. I needed more details on the picnic. 😂
2. There is no romance until chapter 20.
3. The romance story life felt a bit scattered. I wish the writer would have gone into the FL and ML feeling more toward the end. Especially when choosing which guy she loved.
But all that being said I realllllllyyyyy loved the male lead. So sweet and even though there’s almost no physical interactions between they have so many sweet love filled moments. So despite the flaws I’m giving this book 4⭐️
1. the stories “speed” was inconsistent. The beginning was slow and by the end it felt like they were racing through and missing important scenes that would have made the story better. Ex. That picnic that was just casually mentioned. I needed more details on the picnic. 😂
2. There is no romance until chapter 20.
3. The romance story life felt a bit scattered. I wish the writer would have gone into the FL and ML feeling more toward the end. Especially when choosing which guy she loved.
But all that being said I realllllllyyyyy loved the male lead. So sweet and even though there’s almost no physical interactions between they have so many sweet love filled moments. So despite the flaws I’m giving this book 4⭐️
January 31, 2018
4.5 stars
I've really enjoyed Whitson's books this month. It's been a while since I've read anything by her, and it was so great to revisit her rich and welcoming style. Her stories are meaningful, the characters lovable, and the settings are memorable. I loved that this book's hero was a man of few words, and you never heard from his perspective, so you had to read between the lines of everyone else's. I loved gathering hints that way - it made the story so much sweeter and fun. Loved the Pony theme, and the message of grace. An all-around good read.
I've really enjoyed Whitson's books this month. It's been a while since I've read anything by her, and it was so great to revisit her rich and welcoming style. Her stories are meaningful, the characters lovable, and the settings are memorable. I loved that this book's hero was a man of few words, and you never heard from his perspective, so you had to read between the lines of everyone else's. I loved gathering hints that way - it made the story so much sweeter and fun. Loved the Pony theme, and the message of grace. An all-around good read.
April 2, 2024
This story simply fell flat for me. It was sweet enough, but the characters weren’t anything that I cared for all that much and because of that, I ended up finding this one quite mediocre overall. Emmett was the only character that I really cared much of anything about and he wasn’t even present for the majority of the book. Unfortunately, I think that I probably won’t even remember that I read this book in a couple weeks; it was simply that forgettable. For the people that enjoy it, it’s super sweet, but I am unfortunately not one of those chosen.
September 1, 2017
I really wanted to give this 4 stars. I really loved the back drop of the story, and the characters. But like other reviewers, I agree that the overall story fell flat. I really liked Annie and George, and probably would have given this 4 stars if there had been more dialogue between the two. I found the novel spent too many pages on giving details to secondary characters and scenes and not nearly enough dialogue between the primary characters.
June 23, 2018
Beautiful, sweet, and clean story
George and Annie are perfect for each other. I couldn’t help but love both of them. This book showed the sweet and natural progress of a beautiful relationship. I really liked how it remained clean without feeling like it was stiflingly clean. The humor as adorable. One piece of criticism I will give is that I wish it had more action and adventure with George and Annie. I love good damsel in distress moments. :)
George and Annie are perfect for each other. I couldn’t help but love both of them. This book showed the sweet and natural progress of a beautiful relationship. I really liked how it remained clean without feeling like it was stiflingly clean. The humor as adorable. One piece of criticism I will give is that I wish it had more action and adventure with George and Annie. I love good damsel in distress moments. :)
February 14, 2019
Messenger by Moonlight was a fascinating historical read. If you want to enjoy learning more about the pony express in a vibrant world this is a book for you. If you want in depth characters and heart wrenching romance you probably want to skip this one. Not to say it wasn't good, it just wasn't memorable. I did enjoy the sibling dynamic portrayed in this book and the little plot twist in the romance (though it was sorta obvious). I am interested in more of the authors works!
April 12, 2024
I loved this book for many reasons. I learned a lot about the Pony Express. I spent quite a while on Google doing my own history research. I couldn’t help but love the characters, the tough ones, the soft ones, the young and old. All played their part in making me contemplate again what it took to settle this country. I loved the subtleties of the developing relationships. I’m sorry to reach the end of this book. For me, it is a great one.
September 9, 2025
I’ve tried at least twice (that I’m cognizant of) to read this title, and I only get about partway before setting it aside for more fast-paced historical fiction. I assume Annie will take one of her brothers’ Pony Express routes or become a rider herself, in addition to them (an assumption based solely on the cover art). I’m finally letting go of this book that has sat on my Kindle for IDK how long. Too many books I want to read, so too little time to waste on not-so-stellar stories!
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