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The Longest Road

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** Long-Awaited Sequel to Dan’s Award-Winning Novel - The Deepest Waters ** It’s October, 1857, just a few years before the Civil War. After recovering a month in New York from the shipwreck that almost took their lives, John and Laura Foster finalize plans to return home to San Francisco. Knowing they must return, both are dreading the voyage. Their plans suddenly change when they learn of a tragedy involving their beloved friend and former slave, Micah. His youngest daughter Hannah, still a slave in Virginia, has been mercilessly torn from the arms of her husband and sold to a wicked slaveowner from the Deep South. Her brother Eli knows Hannah will never submit to the evil schemes of this slaveowner. Unsure of how to find her, John and Laura embark on an epic journey—together with Micah and Eli—hoping to somehow rescue Hannah…before it’s too late.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2020

450 people are currently reading
113 people want to read

About the author

Dan Walsh

37 books747 followers
Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 27 novels including The Unfinished Gift, When Night Comes and The Reunion. Over 1.3 million copies of his books are in print or downloaded. He's won 3 Carol Awards (finalist 6 times), 4 Selah Awards and 4 of his books have been finalists for RT Review’s Inspirational Book of the Year. His novels have received over 47,000 Amazon reviews (4.7 Avg).

A member of Word Weavers International and ACFW, Dan writes fulltime in the Daytona Beach area. He and his wife Cindi have been married 46 years. You can find out more about his books or follow him on other social media sites from his website at http://www.danwalshbooks.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Joni.
116 reviews63 followers
Want to read
October 19, 2020
Pre-ordered 10/18/20
I will wait until I actually receive before rating......

** Long-Awaited Sequel to Dan’s Award-Winning Novel - The Deepest Waters **

It’s October, 1857, just a few years before the Civil War. After recovering a month in New York from the shipwreck that almost took their lives, John and Laura Foster finalize plans to return home to San Francisco. Knowing they must return, both are dreading the voyage. Their plans suddenly change when they learn of a tragedy involving their beloved friend and former slave, Micah. His youngest daughter Hannah, still a slave in Virginia, has been mercilessly torn from the arms of her husband and sold to a wicked slaveowner from the Deep South. Her brother Eli knows Hannah will never submit to the evil schemes of this slaveowner. Unsure of how to find her, John and Laura embark on an epic journey—together with Micah and Eli—hoping to somehow rescue Hannah…before it’s too late.
513 reviews7 followers
December 2, 2020
Great book

Great book and he brought a dark time in our country alive and showed us hope in darkness, and even though evil is alive and strong, there is goodness and light in the world
59 reviews
January 15, 2021
This isn't my normal type of book to read, but I'm thoroughly glad I did. It was very good reading, and made so much sense. I have felt like Micah, we have to move on, have forgiveness and grace in our hearts. That comes from the Lord. I have something I thought of about ten years back. The first person I told it to, was a black Schwan man. I call it "Who Do I Hate": I have Cherokee in me, so who do I hate, the white man, or the red man? Now since I have Cherokee in me, I could possibly have black in me, who should I hate? White man, red man, or black man? And it is known that the black man also had slaves, who should they hate? I have Irish blood in me, was it Catholic, or Protestant, so who should I hate in this case? Now I have German blood also, was it Jewish, or Nazi, who should I hate in this case? Now couple of years ago, the family got me the DNA kit and it showed I had a small portion Niegerian blood in me. So you see, I really don't know who I hate. Guess what, I don't hate any of the races. I wish things could be better, but I see much wrong on all sides. Riots and such just turn my stomach, and like many Americans leave bad feelings. But, anyway, back to the book, I really enjoyed reading it, and might try and get the other books as well. I have so many on my Kindle now to get read, and get rid of.
Author 1 book69 followers
November 28, 2020
Tension stayed high as the story progressed, gluing me to each scene. It gave me an "experience" and brought back memories of the characters from the first book in this series, "The Deepest Waters." (October 1857-A shipwreck almost took John and Laura Foster's lives.) I connected with them, then, and loved reading about them again. Quality characters, who planned to return to San Francisco. That changed when they learned about their friend and former slave, Micah's situation. His youngest daughter Hannah has been sold to a wicked slave owner from the South. John, Laura, Micah, and Eli plan to rescue Hannah. What a journey. What a story. What a message. What an ending. I loved it. Five-Star great.

Dan is one of the few authors who I've read every one of his books and excitedly wait for the next ones to come out.
27 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2021
Great book by great writer

Another great read by Dan Walsh. I have yet to read one of his books that was not hard to put down or moved me in some way. His characters are always well developed and interesting, and the plots move along quickly. This is a timely book that addresses broader issues of racism and predjudice, and gives a biblical rationale for why the characters feel as they do, despite the beliefs of the time they live in. This is a follow-up to a previous book. Although it can be read as a stand-alone , I highly recommend that you read the previous book, The Deepest Waters, first. It will fill in a lot of the background Information, and is also an excellent book. In fact, I highly recommend that you read whatever you can get your hands on that is written by Dan Walsh.
63 reviews
February 7, 2021
Wonderful story, Great reading for Black History Month.

This is a wonderful Story of people. It’s a story that is history both of black Americans as well as of early Americans. It’s also a book that encourages one to overcome situations and to draw close to the Lord! Here’s an example, “....
The reason I can be so calm is not because I don't care, it's because I know my Shepherd is in this thing we doing. And I'm following where he leads. And I know he cares about Hannah more than both of us do. See, we going right smack dab through the valley of the shadow of death here, and we gonna need his help every step of the way. That's why it ain't wise to rush on ahead doing whatever feels right at the moment. We gotta go at the pace the Shepherd goes, follow the path he takes us down, wherever it leads."....
This story will hold you and you’ll love it!
168 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2024
Life Changing As Well As Life CHALLENGING Novel

Extremely courageous as well as challenging rescue novel set in pre-civil war states. Set in locations from New York City, Washington City (Washington D.C.), Baltimore to Charlestown. The novel is checkered throughout with biblical and scriptural stories and/or references. Not only is this novel an enjoyable historical novel as a possible 'stand-alone' story, The Longest Road wonderfully completes the Epic Journey Series in which the novel The Deepest Waters begins.
VERY RECOMMENDED READING !! Somewhat of a surprising ending (pg. 304), as well as a very heart-warming and tear jerker to a Mighty Big look at a very Difficult time within the history of the United States of America. I look forward to reading more books written by Dan Walsh !!
Profile Image for Sherri Kukla.
Author 87 books61 followers
July 31, 2024
I felt like crying when I reached the last page of this amazing story. I loved this family and wanted to keep being immersed in their world. The author's insight into the hearts of hurting people and the answers for the hurt and anger are incredible. The way the characters support each other in joy and in fear, the danger they encountered on behalf of one another. I've never delved into the lives of slaves or imagined what it might be like to seek freedom, and the story he weaves around a such a difficult time in history, including creating an amazing and unexpected friendship between families touched my heart. I'm still sad. I don't want the story to be over. I want to spend more time with this family. Thank you Dan for this incredible and uplifting story. I especially appreciate the appropriate ways that Scripture is utilized throughout the story in helping the characters to grow.
128 reviews
April 16, 2024
Setting: New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, Washington DC

This is the book that follows "The Deepest Waters" book which was based on a true story. This story continues to follow the story of Dan and Laura as they help Micah and Eli with a situation with Micah's daughter/Eli's sister. This second story was all fiction. Lots of strong Christian threads and a happy ending. It was an enjoyable read. We read both Books 1 and 2 of "The Epic Journey series" as part of our monthly book club meetings. (I am also trying to read books from all 50 states this year and you can see that this book checked the box for 5 states.)
127 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2025
Set in the deep south before the beginning of the Civil War, this book is a sequel to The Deepest Waters. The events of The Longest Road take place just one month after the ending of its prequel. It contains some of the same main characters. but was, in my opinion, not as satisfying to read. Maybe it’s that the closeness in timing of the events feels a little too convenient and contrived or perhaps it’s because I’ve read several books about this time period and similar events.

When Laura & John find out about the dire situation that Hannah, daughter of their dear friend, Micah, is in, they hatch a plan to free her.
52 reviews
August 3, 2025
The Longest Road

This was a great follow up to The Deepest Waters , both books were so well written and had so much history details in each one. The characters were so well developed from the first book that it was easy to just continue to be involved in their lives in the second book. I enjoy the consistency of Mr. Walsh's writing style each book moves along without getting bogged down in unnecessary details but conveys the emotions of each character and the plot to keep one reading to the end. I hope there's another book following up with Micah and his family and John and Laura and their life together.
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,628 reviews
November 27, 2020
The Deepest Waters (first book in this series) was the first Dan Walsh book I read, and has remained my favorite of all his books! So I was thrilled to find out he was writing a sequel. I stayed up late reading this, and it did not disappoint. You should try to read The Deepest Waters first, because that will give you all the back story on the characters and situations in this book. Walsh does a great job with the pacing, tension, characters, and spiritual questions that arise between the characters. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Marilyn Kuchma.
198 reviews
January 31, 2021
Not a typical Dan Walsh novel

I gave this book 3 stars because it is well written and edited well, but I didn’t enjoy this book and probably would have given it one star if anyone else had written it. There were so many times I put the book down because it was so frustrating. The way he wrote the character’s voices was insulting and the plot was so ludicrous it didn’t make for an enjoyable story. I loved the characters from The Deepest Waters and was ecstatic to learn their story was continuing, but this book was so unbelievable that it was terrible.
735 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2021
Great!!!

This follow-up book is just as great as the first. John, Lauren, Micah and Eli know what family is. Although this is not based on fact I think it clearly offers an idea of what being a slave in the deep south might have been like without being graphic. As always this is a "clean read" so enough information is given for your imagination. There is a great showing of faith, caring, respect, love. Great job. Thank you. P.S. I hope there is a book 3, maybe the Civil War according to time line?? Thank you again.
53 reviews
February 2, 2022
Soul-prodding...

With every social media outlet promoting self-focus & soul-sucking self-indulgence, it was satisfying to read another novel in this day that is neither lurid or slanderous. Dan Walsh's literature is clean and hope-filled.The reunion scenes were a bit overwritten (the reader is able to handle fewer cues) but overall there was plenty of tension, yet sufficient Providential intervention to keep one encouraged in this tale that creatively portrayed another view of the discouraging Era of slavery.
2,293 reviews83 followers
May 9, 2025
Christian Historical Fiction

5 stars for the story, 1 star for the narration!!

I LOVED this story, which is a continuation of the first book, with the focus on the black family reuniting. (The first book was primarily about the white family reuniting). But, both families are quite a big part of each story.

I HATED the virtual voice. At first, when I listened to the sample, it seemed I could handle it, but there's no expression in the voice. The emphasis and timing are on the wrong words. There's no difference between characters! it was horrible!
Profile Image for Laurie.
132 reviews
December 5, 2020
This book was an easy, quick read. As I was getting into it near the beginning, I wasn't sure that I'd want to follow through with another book dealing with the horrors of slavery. It was pretty predictable, I had a good idea of what would happen early on. But, it was good to read, and included a lot of thought about how to release hatred and forgive & deal with oppressors or other difficult circumstances we can't control. More books should include these lessons.
Profile Image for Scott Kalas.
536 reviews10 followers
January 2, 2021
Predictable but good

The final outcome comes as no surprise but getting there was good. A little to cheesy but to have sometimes you have to use cheesy.

I can’t rewrite it all my memory just not equipped but a couple of great spots where Micah talks of man’s fallen nature and the need to seek God and the healing of forgiveness.

Overall Dan Walsh is an author I enjoy. His Joe Boyd Suspense series being my favorite.
Profile Image for Nikolina.
352 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2022
very very well written

This one of the most insightful books I have read about conditions just prior to our countries civil war. I greatly appreciated the Christian perspective. These characters were well developed and believable. The story line /plot is history. A very dark part of our history. Sadly we haven’t seen as much change in conditions as I would like. There is still a lot of evil in our world (and ignorance)
28 reviews
September 13, 2022
A Must Read

I loved both books in this series and would gladly read more whenever this author is so inspired. Such a moving story of faith, hope, love and compassion. Some traits that are sorely lacking in many circumstances today!
We can all learn a valuable lesson from these fictional characters placed cleverly within our nations' history. I will recommend this author to all my reader friends and family.
79 reviews
March 1, 2024
The Longest Road is a book that can make you angry and glad at the same time. It is set before the Civil War so there was still slavery. Laura and her husband John go out to help a young women who is family to their of their freed servants. This young lady has been bought by an evil slaveowner who is looking to make her one of his 'ladies'. They have to live as if they believed what they not only do not believe but actually loath ... can they do it??, will they save this young lady??
122 reviews
June 19, 2025
Wow!

John, Laura, Micah & Eli craft a plan to take a trip to Charleston SC to buy the freedom of Hannah, Micah's daughter. She was recently ripped from the arms of her husband and sold to a ruthless slave owner who has plans for her far worse than a field hand. This story was so well-written & depicted the sad realities of slavery in the deep south. Take a wild ride on The Longest Road to freedom! Be sure to first read the first book in the Epic Journey Book 1.




Profile Image for Nancy.
143 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2025
The Longest Road by Dan Walsh

What a beautiful story! I loved this second book! The characters of Micah, John, lauren, and Eli are amazing....their faith that God can handle anything, their strength and courage to do what they knew was not only the right thing,but what God would have them do... courage to walk into dangerous places. I hope you will read book one, which sets the characters of Micah, John and Lauren as well as this second book!
Profile Image for Pat Wesby.
5 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2020
The conclusion to Deepest Waters.

I remember when I finished deepest water, I could hardly wait for the next book. The longest road. Not a disappointment at all. So well written, from North to South. History , language. Love, hatred, Gods love and forgiveness. I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Carolyn Wylie-mcelroy.
85 reviews
December 8, 2020
WHAT A WONDERFUL SEQUEL!!!!!

I had read The Deepest Waters in 2012, quite a while ago, so I reread it first and I’m so glad I did!!!! This continuing story is every bit as good as the first one!!! The characters are wonderful, the gospel is great w/o being preachy, and the story is so wonderful!!!
74 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2021
Emotional story with a wonderful ending. The reality of slavery made some parts difficult to read but were well written. This book takes place about 8 years before the civil war & the anti-slavery position of the Northern states is well presented. Loved Micah’s (an illiterate slave) ability to explain & demonstrate mercy. Beautiful character.
41 reviews
February 7, 2021
This was an excellent book! I enjoyed it even more than The Deepest Waters which was the first book in this series. It's one of those stories that when finished you are sad that it's over. Not sure what I will read next that will even compare. Will definately be looking at getting some of Dan Walsh's other books
12 reviews
February 18, 2021
Great story

I very much enjoy Dan Walsh books. This book is a sequel to Deepest Waters and picks right up where it left off. I loved each of the characters and hope Dan chooses to keep the story going. The time frame surrounding the Civil War is such a difficult time line in US history. Ships, trains, running for their lives. Great read.
58 reviews1 follower
Read
March 22, 2021
Wonderful

One can tell immediately that this book was written by a minister. The faith of the books characters is very deep and believable. The issue of slavery is one of concern throughout the book and leaves no doubt about the horrors slaves suffered at the hands of white oweners.
4 reviews
September 8, 2021
Shi

I have read many books by Dan Walsh and enjoyed them all. this by far the best! I am a voracious reader and this one of the if not the very best books I have read, in many aspengcts.Inspirational but a real page turner.Micha helped me renew my faith. Agreement hours spent enjoying this novel I almost hate to see it end.Thank you'll Mr. Walsh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews

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