"Loyal Son" follows 18-year-old Patrick Ryan, who emigrates from Ireland to Philadelphia in the 1840s, only to lose his family’s life savings during the anti-Catholic Bible Riots. Offered land in exchange for war, he enlists in the army where he endures bigotry and brutality under U.S. command—until the need to escape injustice, the bond of brotherhood, and the love of a Mexican woman drive him to desert and join the legendary St. Patrick’s Battalion, fighting not for empire, but for a future he can claim his own.
Historical Fiction in Mammoth Lakes
Author Wayne Diehl at the Eastern Sierra Book Festival
Wayne Diehl joined readers and fellow writers at the Eastern Sierra Book Festival for a memorable day of stories, signings, and literary connection. He signed copies of his latest novels and shared the inspiration behind his richly researched historical fiction, sparking conversations about history, identity, and the human spirit.
Visitors stopped by to meet Wayne, pick up signed books, and celebrate the region’s vibrant literary and natural heritage in the heart of Mammoth Lakes.
"an inspiring historical novel that immerses readers in the resilient spirit of Irish-Catholic immigrants during the Mexican-American War."
-Goodreads Review
About Wayne Diehl
Wayne Diehl is a Southern California-based author with a background in the U.S. Army and a degree in English from Cal State University, Northridge. After a career in the transportation industry, he retired to pursue writing full-time. Diehl has authored several books, including the historical novel Loyal Son, blending his interest in history with compelling storytelling.
Also by Wayne Diehl
Wayne Diehl, author of Loyal Son, serves as Chair of Books in the Woods, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Frazier Park, CA. The organization fosters literacy through programs that inspire reading, writing, and creative expression for children, teens, and families throughout Kern County and surrounding areas.
