The Return, is the Grass always Greener?

I’m thrilled to introduce you to my latest novel, The Return: The Grass Isn’t Always Greener—a story crafted from a lifetime of fascination with the American West, a career of service, and a deep respect for the ties that bind us. After more than thirty years in the Air Force, living in Colorado Springs and immersing myself in the rich Western history of the region, I discovered that the grandeur of the frontier is matched only by its quiet heartbreaks. My daughter and her family now live in Germany, supporting America’s efforts abroad, and their sacrifices made me ponder: what does “home” truly mean—and how do we find our way back to it?

Set in 1879, the novel follows Ike and Lorraine McAlister, who leave their peaceful Colorado ranch in the hope of better medical care in Denver for Lorraine. What they anticipate as a lifeline turns instead into a maze of danger, deception, and hidden enemies. The sprawling skies and open land they once called home begin to feel like the safer place, yet they’ve left it behind. Through Ike’s growing dread and Lorraine’s fragile hope, I aimed to weave a tale of suspense and sentiment—because while the grit and tang of a Western thriller drive the story, it’s the quiet moments of longing, the memory of a familiar ranch wind, the look in a husband’s eye as he questions his decision—that stay with you.

If you’ve ever wondered whether the grass really is greener—or whether the place you left behind might hold the answers you sought elsewhere—then this book is for you. With its blend of high stakes, heartfelt emotion, and the timeless “Code of the West” values that shaped me long ago, I believe The Return will keep you turning pages and tugging at your heart. I hope it finds a place on your shelf—and in your thoughts afterward.

Thank you for reading,

Mike Torreano