The Midnight Ride of Missy Montaigne

by Wayne Diehl

Thirteen year old Layla Rae and her brother are sent off to their grandfather's ranch while their parents work on their crumbling marriage. Layla falls from her horse and breaks an ankle becoming bedridden. She discovers a book about ancestors who lived in Philadelphia when the British occupied the city during the Revolutionary War. She goes on a thrilling ride with her very own Founding Mother whose bravery not only saves her cousin, but quite possibly also saves the American cause for liberty.

190 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2011

About the author

Born in Philadelphia, at the age of 9 Wayne and his family moved to the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. After a stint in the army, he graduated from Cal State University in 1979 with a degree in English. His intention was to continue on for a teaching credential and perhaps pursue writing. But with two young daughters, followed by a son a few years later, the more pressing task of providing for a growing family took precedence. After a series of varied and numerous jobs he found a career in the transportation business, retiring from FedEx in 2005. He took a year off, knowing he would eventually have to go back to work, but wanting to take the time to finally attempt to write seriously. The result was his first novel, The Boy With No Name.
Wayne is the author of four books, three YA novels and, his latest, a historical novel, Loyal Son. He is fully retired now and lives and writes in a small mountain community in the Los Padres National Forest north of Los Angeles. Besides writing, he enjoys hiking, tai chi, chess, playing the djembe and lively discussions with his book club. Most importantly, he loves spending time with his family, especially his five grandchildren.

Reviews

[William Graney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining page-turner. The characters are fully developed and I felt like I got to know everyone well. I was rooting enthusiastically for Missy!

[Gisa Seeholzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midnight Ride of Missy Montaigne is a heartfelt and beautifully imagined historical novel that bridges generations through the eyes of a young girl navigating family change and ancestral legacy. Wayne Diehl has crafted a dual narrative that blends the contemporary story of Layla Rae—a modern 13-year-old girl sent to her grandfather's ranch during her parents’ separation—with the vivid Revolutionary War-era tale of her ancestor, Lydia Rae “Missy” Montaigne.

What begins as a reluctant summer retreat quickly transforms into an enthralling journey through time as Layla uncovers family artifacts and a long-lost manuscript chronicling the adventures of a spirited young heroine. Missy’s story of courage, rebellion, and self-discovery parallels Layla’s emotional arc, reminding readers that strength, love, and identity transcend time.

Diehl’s prose is accessible yet rich, making it an excellent read for both younger audiences and adults who appreciate intergenerational storytelling. The historical detail is deftly woven into a compelling coming-of-age narrative, and the bond between girls and their horses will resonate deeply with fans of classic tales like My Friend Flicka and The Black Stallion.

This is a powerful reminder that the past lives within us—and that sometimes, the most important journeys are the ones we take to understand where we come from.

Highly recommended for readers who love historical fiction, family sagas, and strong female leads.