A Rich Portrait of the Frontier Experience - an Editorial Review of "Enchanted Journal: Pony Express"

Book Blurb:

This tale of time travel and romance is from the author of The Viking Princess: College Romance in 1970, Timepath: Nature Abhors a Paradox and Enchanted Journal: Adventure on the Oregon Trail. Continue the Journey with Pony Express, the Thrilling Sequel to Enchanted Journal.

Step back into the world of Enchanted Journal with Pony Express, the much-anticipated sequel that takes readers deeper into the lives of beloved characters while introducing new challenges, dangers, and adventures.

Set against the rugged backdrop of Oregon City and the legendary Pony Express route, this novel follows Abigail, Will, and their growing circle of friends as they navigate the complexities of life on the frontier. With new opportunities and responsibilities pulling them in different directions, they must each decide where their futures lie—and who they will become.

Pony Express brings history to life with vivid detail, painting a rich portrait of the frontier experience. From the quiet moments of small-town life to the perilous journeys through untamed lands, every page is filled with suspense, emotion, and a deep appreciation for the courage and resilience of those who shaped America’s past.

For fans of Enchanted Journal, this sequel delivers everything you loved about the original—compelling characters, heartfelt relationships, and a world so immersive you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into the past. Whether you’re following Abigail’s growing independence, Will’s relentless pursuit of adventure, or the many trials and triumphs of their friends, Pony Express promises a journey you won’t forget.

“The Enchanted Journal: Pony Express” by Gordon Sandlin Buck Jr is an entertaining and evocative read that brings the Pony Express and the pioneer West to life. Will is a loveable (and well-written) rogue, and if Abigail makes some readers affectionately raise their eyebrows at her forbearance, it has to be said that Will is worth waiting for! A great read with several different dimensions to the storyline. The Enchanted Journal: Pony Express” by Sandlin receives 4½ stars from The Historical Fiction Company.

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/6R3RKBH

Author Bio:

SANDLIN IS THE PEN NAME for Gordon Sandlin Buck, Jr., a retired mechanical engineer with various technical publications over the years. He also has self-published genealogy and photography books. Gordon lives in southern Louisiana, where his hobbies include photography, genealogy, and woodworking. Contact Gordon at gordonsbuck@hotmail.com.

Editorial Review:

“In the bedroom of his comfortable farm outside Oregon City, William Anderson wiped the lather from his Sheffield straight razor, folded it and set it aside on the oak countertop. He rinsed his face with cool water from the porcelain bowl and inspected himself in the mirror. No cuts. The Yankee Shaving Soap Miss Milli bought was the best he ever used. It was 1859, and William shaved every Sunday morning. The soap was unscented, so William dribbled two drops of Bay Rum aftershave into his damp hand and rubbed it onto his cheeks and neck. “Dad, may I borrow your razor?”

William jumped and turned. Water sloshed from the bowl, and his razor clattered on the pineplanked floor. His seventeen-year-old son, Will, had entered the bedroom silently and watched him shave. William examined the razor; fortunately, its horn handle had protected the blade without cracking. His late father had given it to William when he turned seventeen.”

There are some books that instantly transport the reader back in time, creating a sense of immersion in the story and history. “The Enchanted Journal: Pony Express” by Gordon Sandlin Buck Jr is such a book, set in the times of the Pony Express and the Oregon Trail. The Pony Express operated for about 18 months in the early 1860s. This novel is a sequel, but can easily be read as a standalone story, as this reviewer has done. The plot centers around Abigail and her sweetheart Will, who, in a somewhat cavalier decision, prefers the adventure of the Pony Express to commitment, leaving Abigail with her family and the housework – and the attention of other suitors. Will, though, does write to Abigail, and appears surprised at the realization he is not the only fish in the sea. The path of true love never did run smoothly, especially in the harshness of the pioneer era where the threat of illness, accident and early death was an everyday reality. Will’s musings while riding out alone are particularly poignant as he contemplates who would ever tell Abigail of his fate, if something adverse were to happen.

It would easy to rail against Abigail’s lack of agency, to wince at the painful rendition of the saga of completing laundry without a washing machine, disposable diapers and Tide Ultra detergent. But it is the plainness – and starkness – of everyday challenges that really bring the reality home to the reader. The authenticity of the story shines, and the author is careful to keep the characterizations true to the era.

“Abigail picked up the laundry paddle and hummed Home Again as she stirred. This was the last song she and Will had danced to. Abigail suddenly broke down and bawled. Come on, control yourself. You’ve got work to do. With the drainboard of the wringer tilted toward the soapy water, Abigail placed the washboard across the soap basin and loaded the wet, soapy clothes on top. She fed her favorite white blouse into the wringer with one hand and turned the crank with the other. The blouse passed through the wringer smoothly and emerged almost dry. She dropped it into the rinse water and wrung out the other soapy clothes. Next, she wrung out the rinsed clothes and placed the resulting nearly dry clothes in the laundry basket. Abigail placed the next load of dirty clothes into the soapy water and poured warm water over them to let them soak. She put a fresh bucket of water on the fire and turned to hang up the rinsed clothes. A slight breeze fluffed the wrung-out garments, and they would soon be dry. One load down and five to go.”

The supporting characters are also genuinely crafted, and the conversations create a sense of pace, bringing the novel together into a cohesive and fast-moving read. It is the reviewer’s duty not to reveal spoilers, but one of the secondary characters will bring a smile of recognition to all who read of the era. There is a continuing procession of dialogue, sub plots and external forces to keep the reader well entertained in what is an adventure yarn with a twist (and more than a hint of romance!). The story is heavy on action, providing a reading feast for those yearning to return to the romaticised Old West, although at some points the writing style veers towards telling rather than showing the reader what is happening.

““Here’s your route,” Mr. Robinson handed Will a sheet of paper. “Well, the initial part of it, anyway. We’ll see how you do before sending you on the full trail. Ever been to any of these places before?”

“No, sir, Mr. Robinson. I’m from Oregon City, and this is my first time away. I’ve read of those places, though. My parents and sweetheart who traveled the Oregon Trail told me tales of it, but I want to see it myself.”

“You have a sweetheart but prefer the trail?”

“Yes, sir. I want an adventure.””

“The Enchanted Journal: Pony Express” by Gordon Sandlin Buck Jr is an entertaining and evocative read that brings the Pony Express and the pioneer West to life. Will is a loveable (and well-written) rogue, and if Abigail makes some readers affectionately raise their eyebrows at her forbearance, it has to be said that Will is worth waiting for! A great read with several different dimensions to the storyline.

*****

““The Enchanted Journal: Pony Express” by Gordon Sandlin Buck Jr receives 4½ stars from The Historical Fiction Company

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