What do you think?
Rate this book
In the Company of Cows
No one listens to Nora Kelly, except her cows. Thanks to a lengthy drought, she is in danger of losing them, her livelihood, her job, and the one place she feels that she can truly be herself— the ranch. The heifers never belittle or run her over when she tries to speak. They don’t mind that she fumbles over her words– in fact, they are the only creatures who have ever just listened to her. Unfortunately, no rain means no grass, and no grass means no cows. Nora’s one hope is that her boss will find a new piece of land to lease, but they only have six weeks to secure a place and relocate. Determined to stay with the heifers, Nora scrounges up every ounce of bravery she has and goes to the only person who could possibly her intimidatingly successful uncle that she barely knows. He’s a ranch real estate agent with connections, who doesn’t have time for an awkward niece. Just when a lease finally fits all of her boss’ specifications, Nora discovers the land is already leased to her uncle, who might just be more family than she's ever experienced. What if her boss taking this lease breaks the budding bond between Nora and her uncle? But is she really willing to lose the only place she feels safe? In the end, Nora must decide what staying in the company of cows is worth.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2023
9 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 14, 2023
Country/horse novels aren't normally my genre. But there's something valuable about spending time in a place you don't normally read in. Experiencing another side of the country that you don't normally think about. And getting a glimpse into someone else's experience.
This novella provided that for modern ranching life. And I appreciated the time spent in a world that isn't normally my own. The protagonist's quiet but steady journey toward courage and trust was also rather heartwarming. And I loved the relationship between her and her uncle.
There's something to be said about appreciating the quieter moments of life in a world that isn't normally your own.
This novella provided that for modern ranching life. And I appreciated the time spent in a world that isn't normally my own. The protagonist's quiet but steady journey toward courage and trust was also rather heartwarming. And I loved the relationship between her and her uncle.
There's something to be said about appreciating the quieter moments of life in a world that isn't normally your own.
October 19, 2023
I love sweet, grounded stories like this. Realistic ranch life woven with family relationships, grief, social anxiety, and faith in hard circumstances.
(Also, no romance!)
The representation of ranch life goes beyond the realistic concrete details - Sequoyah shows the emotional highs and lows of the job, too. I don't usually read books with this setting, and wasn't super invested at first. But it grew more compelling as I understood the emotional stakes and met Uncle Ian. Also, I liked the line about Nora and Kayla 'having the same eyes.' That was good. The whole family dynamic is sweet and refreshing and a little sad.
Since this is a novella, the pacing is tight and there aren't really any places where the plot drags. It's short and sweet but still packs a punch. :) I also enjoyed the strong character voice - there was one specific line that I had to pause on a second as I realized what it meant. You'll know it when you read it. Heh.
There *were* a few places where the prose could've been stronger, but it wasn't a big deal.
All in all, this is a somewhat quieter story that paints a vivid setting while grounding you with its raw emotions and characters. <3
(Also, no romance!)
The representation of ranch life goes beyond the realistic concrete details - Sequoyah shows the emotional highs and lows of the job, too. I don't usually read books with this setting, and wasn't super invested at first. But it grew more compelling as I understood the emotional stakes and met Uncle Ian. Also, I liked the line about Nora and Kayla 'having the same eyes.' That was good. The whole family dynamic is sweet and refreshing and a little sad.
Since this is a novella, the pacing is tight and there aren't really any places where the plot drags. It's short and sweet but still packs a punch. :) I also enjoyed the strong character voice - there was one specific line that I had to pause on a second as I realized what it meant. You'll know it when you read it. Heh.
There *were* a few places where the prose could've been stronger, but it wasn't a big deal.
All in all, this is a somewhat quieter story that paints a vivid setting while grounding you with its raw emotions and characters. <3
February 13, 2024
This book is perfect for anyone who wants a short, enjoyable and character driven western!
Read
November 16, 2023This is one of the most beautiful little books I've read! It's real, gritty, honest, and emotional, and captures the life of a ranch girl perfectly. As a young woman myself who has worked on ranches and farms, I see myself in Nora (the main character) and the desire to want to be strong and not cry when life throws hurdles at you. The themes of strength, honesty, and found family ring true in this novella. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who loves horses, cattle, or ranching, or young women who are working in positions that require a lot of physical and emotional strength - or just anyone who wants a real, heartfelt story.
Wonderful job on this one, Sequoyah! I cannot wait to read what you write next.
Wonderful job on this one, Sequoyah! I cannot wait to read what you write next.
October 22, 2023
In The Company Of Cows is real to life. Nora's emotions and thought process is accurate, sometime so much so I wonder if I am reading my own journal not a fictional story! Nora is fighting to hold onto something that she loves dearly, but through the whole story she also wrestles with the real possibility of it getting taken away. The way she faces that with the Lord and others in her life is encouraging.
This book is written for the Texas ranch girl. I am not her. I have only ridden a horse once and never owned a cow. BUT I love this story to pieces! It was the perfect introduction to a way of living I knew little about. Not only that, this book reminded me to keep feeling the hard emotions. Crying isn't bad. Grief even over personal, private things isn't wrong.
In The Company of Cows is one of my all time favorite books. And I cannot give it enough stars!
This book is written for the Texas ranch girl. I am not her. I have only ridden a horse once and never owned a cow. BUT I love this story to pieces! It was the perfect introduction to a way of living I knew little about. Not only that, this book reminded me to keep feeling the hard emotions. Crying isn't bad. Grief even over personal, private things isn't wrong.
In The Company of Cows is one of my all time favorite books. And I cannot give it enough stars!
December 15, 2023
I blew through this book in a few sittings, but didn't get a chance to sit down and review it until now. I rarely read Westerns and have actually never read a contemporary Western, but In the Company of Cows gripped me. Nora was such a relatable heroine; even though I know next to nothing about ranching, her fears and her struggle to hold onto her cows was so emotionally resonant. The side characters (both human and animal) were vibrant and engaging, and her relationship with her Uncle Ian provided an incredible core for the story as a whole. Sequoyah's writing is vivid but also has a practical, plainspoken flavor that really pulled me into the story world.
Overall this was a blast to read and I can't wait for Sequoyah's full novels one day!
Overall this was a blast to read and I can't wait for Sequoyah's full novels one day!
January 17, 2025
I absolutely adored this novella!
This genre was definitely outside of my comfort zone, but I found myself enjoying it immensely.
The beginning was a little slow for me, just because I’m not familiar with a lot of the terminology used, but the second half absolutely flew by and left me wishing for more (in the best way.) I loved being able to connect with Nora and watch her grow throughout the story. (And Uncle Ian has to be one of my favorite characters.)
The ending was well tied up and satisfying. (Dare I say one of my favorite endings to a book yet?) The imagery I had at the end was beautiful, and thinking through the events of the story, the ending wrapped up beautifully.
Definitely a comfort read.
I can’t wait to order and read the sequel!
This genre was definitely outside of my comfort zone, but I found myself enjoying it immensely.
The beginning was a little slow for me, just because I’m not familiar with a lot of the terminology used, but the second half absolutely flew by and left me wishing for more (in the best way.) I loved being able to connect with Nora and watch her grow throughout the story. (And Uncle Ian has to be one of my favorite characters.)
The ending was well tied up and satisfying. (Dare I say one of my favorite endings to a book yet?) The imagery I had at the end was beautiful, and thinking through the events of the story, the ending wrapped up beautifully.
Definitely a comfort read.
I can’t wait to order and read the sequel!
August 28, 2023
What a book! Western contemporary is not a genre I can say I read regularly. In fact, I can’t really say I’ve read it at all. However, this book was so truly country, I would be willing to read more if I could be assured the vibes would be the same as ItCoC. The author has perfectly captured the feeling of small-town living, equestrian lifestyle, and the kind of true cowgirl my grandpa would be proud of.
The themes represented in this novel are thorough and touching. Tears were shed. I laughed and cried as I journeyed with Nora through this moment in her life. If there’s a sequel? Instant buy. Do yourself a favor and read this quick-read novella.
The themes represented in this novel are thorough and touching. Tears were shed. I laughed and cried as I journeyed with Nora through this moment in her life. If there’s a sequel? Instant buy. Do yourself a favor and read this quick-read novella.
August 20, 2023
While I don't have too terribly much to say, as I usually don't read in this genre, I wanted to take a moment to just say how amazing this story is! Sequoyah's heart really shines through in this novel through Nora and her struggles, and it was an enjoyable read from start to end!!!
October 28, 2023
In the Company of Cows was very well written and shines a beautiful light on the joys and challenges of the ranching lifestyle- especially through the eyes of a woman. I saw myself in Nora while she worked to muster her confidence despite her social anxiety. This is a book I will share with my daughters one day for the storyline itself as well as to spotlight a young author who grew up on a ranch like they are and how they can do anything they set their mind to.
My favorite line in the whole book is found on page 74:
“‘Sure.’ That four-letter S-word that has gotten me in more uncomfortable situations than a kid saying the other four-letter S-word.”
I also loved the glossary in the back: what a great way to ag-vocate for the lifestyle we love!
My favorite line in the whole book is found on page 74:
“‘Sure.’ That four-letter S-word that has gotten me in more uncomfortable situations than a kid saying the other four-letter S-word.”
I also loved the glossary in the back: what a great way to ag-vocate for the lifestyle we love!
October 9, 2023
This is a beautiful and touching story!! I love reading books from this genre, but have trouble finding ones that are both clean and realistic. But this book is certainly that!! I almost feel as though I am right there alongside Nora, struggling when she struggles, and pushing through each day with determination. A wonderful read and I highly recommend it!!
June 20, 2024
Written in an engaging and developed writing style, this short read depicts the highs and lows of ranching life in a way that feels realistic and grounded.
While following some of the more logistical parts of the story was a bit difficult for me, I appreciated the clear stakes and the accurate depiction of social anxiety—a struggle I haven't seen represented in fiction very often. Though my circumstances are different than Nora's, I found I could relate to her on an emotional level. I also liked how realistic the ending was—there's not an amazing change of events, however, doors still opened for her in different ways than expected, which is true to real life and a very timely reminder.
Overall, I was very impressed with this story!
While following some of the more logistical parts of the story was a bit difficult for me, I appreciated the clear stakes and the accurate depiction of social anxiety—a struggle I haven't seen represented in fiction very often. Though my circumstances are different than Nora's, I found I could relate to her on an emotional level. I also liked how realistic the ending was—there's not an amazing change of events, however, doors still opened for her in different ways than expected, which is true to real life and a very timely reminder.
Overall, I was very impressed with this story!
August 14, 2024
My biggest problem with this book is that all of Nora's horses are sorrels, yet the horse on the cover appears to be a blue roan.
June 15, 2024
This was a great book! I couldn’t put it down!!
December 26, 2023
The most accurate fictional book about modern cattle raising that I've ever read! This is the first time I've ever read a book that actually described using a calf puller and delivering a breech calf in detail. It was so fun! I also loved meeting Nora and Uncle Ian. Their relationship is so sweet! Nora's struggle with social anxiety is sooooo relatable.
June 21, 2025
Few things in life can be more relaxing, exciting, fulfilling, and yet sometimes frustrating and dangerous than ranching and working with horses and cattle. Sequoyah does a fantastic job of painting pictures of West Texas from that ranching perspective. Some of the best people in the world live in that hard land, and she gives us a glimpse into some of those beautiful souls. The main character, Nora, is a delight, and I am glad to have met her and am looking forward to following her journey through life (I’ve already read the sequel – In Between Pastures). As a fellow rancher, this book hit close to home. Droughts can be devastating, and this novella paints that dark picture beautifully. If you are looking for a realistic modern western read that is clean, you won’t be disappointed in In the Company of Cows. Love the title by the way!
November 22, 2024
In the Company of Cows is a sweet book that allows you to feel for yourself the pain and grief of loving livestock. It is also beautifully redemptive. Good job Sequoyah. It was a pleasure to meet you.
March 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pretty enjoyable book on West Texas ranching. Storyline was easy to follow & had some great quotes!!
Pretty enjoyable book on West Texas ranching. Storyline was easy to follow & had some great quotes!!
October 23, 2023
While this is a genre I rarely read, In the Company of Cows completely delighted me with its quirky, relatable main character Nora, vibrant inner dialogue, and compelling themes about courage and family.
I could so relate to Nora and her struggle with social anxiety. Several moments in the book made me chuckle. Her character voice was colorful and entertaining.
Uncle Ian was a close second favorite. I loved how he gently challenged Nora to face her fears and chase her dreams. He was the perfect mentor for her.
The author clearly knows her area of expertise—cattle ranching. I found the details on modern cattle ranching fascinating insight into a world I’m unfamiliar with. And I appreciated that she explored both the joys and sorrows of the job--this story gives a realistic, well-rounded picture of cattle ranching. Sequoyah’s prose was also smooth and well-crafted, with a hint of humor every now and then that makes you chuckle.
The only drawback is that I felt the story was too short to really get to know Nora. This novella feels like just a snapshot of her life, not a full journey. I would love to know more about her past and her family situation in a full-length novel.
If you’re looking for a short, entertaining read set in the world of Texas cattle ranching, this is the book for you!
Favorite quotes:
“Change what you can and give what you can’t to God.”
“You’ve got to be strong enough to cry.”
I could so relate to Nora and her struggle with social anxiety. Several moments in the book made me chuckle. Her character voice was colorful and entertaining.
Uncle Ian was a close second favorite. I loved how he gently challenged Nora to face her fears and chase her dreams. He was the perfect mentor for her.
The author clearly knows her area of expertise—cattle ranching. I found the details on modern cattle ranching fascinating insight into a world I’m unfamiliar with. And I appreciated that she explored both the joys and sorrows of the job--this story gives a realistic, well-rounded picture of cattle ranching. Sequoyah’s prose was also smooth and well-crafted, with a hint of humor every now and then that makes you chuckle.
The only drawback is that I felt the story was too short to really get to know Nora. This novella feels like just a snapshot of her life, not a full journey. I would love to know more about her past and her family situation in a full-length novel.
If you’re looking for a short, entertaining read set in the world of Texas cattle ranching, this is the book for you!
Favorite quotes:
“Change what you can and give what you can’t to God.”
“You’ve got to be strong enough to cry.”
October 25, 2023
Nora is a young rancher doing her best to sit tall in the saddle while looking over barren pastures, struggling with the hardships that come with raising livestock. Themes of adversity, heartbreak, but also celebration and rejoicing are prevalent, as well as strengthen familial bonds are so relatable in this book. Nora being the strong-willed, stubborn, occasionally socially awkward, and determined woman that she is makes her character more personal and relatable, even with myself! Reading a book that truly encorporates ranching in such an understandable and liveable way, and reading a book that is written by such a talented writer who lives the cowgirl lifestyle, living her writing every day, just makes the reader feel like she is riding next to Nora and makes you feel like you, too, are "In The Company Of Cows."
This book is one you will never want to put down and will want to read over and over again.
This book is one you will never want to put down and will want to read over and over again.
January 16, 2025
I read this book a few weeks ago, and loved it 😍 I've been struggling through a reading slump for a while so it's been quite a long time since I've been immersed in a book, but this one sucked me in and wrapped me up in such a warm, homey world, right from the getgo.
I know very little about ranch life, but Sequoyah never left me feeling frustrated and confused, even though she clearly included a lot of accurate details. On the contrary, it left me feeling like I was really experiencing the world -- and her description of phone call answering anxiety was so on point it had me laughing (and cringing XD)
The storyline was sweet, evocative, and gentle, and was beautifully soft to a tired heart. I love Uncle Ian, I love Nora, and I love how Sequoyah built out the other characters as well.
All in all, I would 100% recommend to anyone! The writing is beautiful, realistic, and high-quality and you won't regret it!
I know very little about ranch life, but Sequoyah never left me feeling frustrated and confused, even though she clearly included a lot of accurate details. On the contrary, it left me feeling like I was really experiencing the world -- and her description of phone call answering anxiety was so on point it had me laughing (and cringing XD)
The storyline was sweet, evocative, and gentle, and was beautifully soft to a tired heart. I love Uncle Ian, I love Nora, and I love how Sequoyah built out the other characters as well.
All in all, I would 100% recommend to anyone! The writing is beautiful, realistic, and high-quality and you won't regret it!
August 14, 2023
This story is so special to me and I'm so happy to share it with the world!
If you're looking for a ranch story you can actually relate to, look no farther!
Drought, giving every ounce of your being and it still not being enough, and horses big enough to pull down a barn yet scared to go in one—those are themes I've known my whole life growing up ranching. I've weaved those themes into this story.
I hope that within these pages you find a ranch story that brings you joy and comfort—but more than that—a story that gives you permission to feel the hard feelings.
Thank you for taking a chance on this little cowboy-gal story!
If you're looking for a ranch story you can actually relate to, look no farther!
Drought, giving every ounce of your being and it still not being enough, and horses big enough to pull down a barn yet scared to go in one—those are themes I've known my whole life growing up ranching. I've weaved those themes into this story.
I hope that within these pages you find a ranch story that brings you joy and comfort—but more than that—a story that gives you permission to feel the hard feelings.
Thank you for taking a chance on this little cowboy-gal story!
September 5, 2023
I usually read science fiction or fantasy, but though In the Company of Cows is far from my preferred genre, I found myself really enjoying this story. I learned a lot about cows and ranch life from reading it! There were a number of terms I was unfamiliar with, but the context made them clear enough even to this non-cowgirl. The settings are vivid, easily allowing me to imagine I was actually there, and the main character is interesting and relatable, with a distinct and engaging "voice". I found myself caught up in her problems, worrying and hoping right along with her for a solution. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a good story, even if you don't think the genre is for you!
October 3, 2023
I love this book so much!
This contemporary novella focuses on such sweet relationships and Uncle Ian was so perfect. I feel like every time he interacted with Nora I just about melted.
It was also fun to see an awkward character struggle with socializing. XD I definitely relate. And the amount of things she overthinks was hilarious because I'm the same way.
End and accept. Decline. Hold and accept. I'm not the only one that gets confused with this, lol!
If you're looking for a character you can relate to, a storyline that grips your heart, and relationships that make you smile, this book is perfect for you. <3
This contemporary novella focuses on such sweet relationships and Uncle Ian was so perfect. I feel like every time he interacted with Nora I just about melted.
It was also fun to see an awkward character struggle with socializing. XD I definitely relate. And the amount of things she overthinks was hilarious because I'm the same way.
End and accept. Decline. Hold and accept. I'm not the only one that gets confused with this, lol!
If you're looking for a character you can relate to, a storyline that grips your heart, and relationships that make you smile, this book is perfect for you. <3
October 9, 2023
Okay, to be honest, I don't really read contemporary westerns (or any westerns, for that matter!) But after reading an ARC in exchange for an honest review, I can say I definitely enjoyed this book.
It took me straight to West Texas in a very real way, letting me picture Nora's world. Nora herself is relatable, assuring me (in painfully humorous ways) that I'm not the only one who feels socially awkward, sometimes. Even deeper than that, I loved watching her learn to allow others to love her, overcoming her fear that she'll come across as "too needy".
I laughed, loved Uncle Ian, longed for Nora to come around, and enjoyed this gentle, real story. <3
It took me straight to West Texas in a very real way, letting me picture Nora's world. Nora herself is relatable, assuring me (in painfully humorous ways) that I'm not the only one who feels socially awkward, sometimes. Even deeper than that, I loved watching her learn to allow others to love her, overcoming her fear that she'll come across as "too needy".
I laughed, loved Uncle Ian, longed for Nora to come around, and enjoyed this gentle, real story. <3
November 10, 2023
Congratulations, Sequoyah! I enjoyed the ranch talk (ranch talk is different from city talk), and the story brings back memories of my own ranch life. I also liked the clean story, no sex or "F" words--none. I get so turned off with that. Sequoyah doesn't need to add all this garbage to her story because she has a real story to tell. All this took place in and around Rankin, Texas where I lived for many years; I love that part of Texas. Next time, I hope Sequoyah will write a novel that will go deeper into the characters and describe those wonderful places--Big Lake, Iraan, Crane and hopefully Rankin. Good Job! I am looking forward to the next book.
October 10, 2024
I don't normally read rancher/country fiction because it isn't normally my cup of tea, but I still enjoyed this book. It was nice and short, and I related to the main character a lot. Not only was she socially awkward (which I think everyone can relate to at some level), she also had to deal with going along a career path that most wouldn't see as 'normal', and the doubt other people cast on her dreams.
Also I love Uncle Ian. I don't think you could read this book and not like him, but he reminded me a lot of my Grandpa and so it felt really nostalgic despite the fact I'd never read it before.
Can't wait to see what Sequouyah does in the future.
Also I love Uncle Ian. I don't think you could read this book and not like him, but he reminded me a lot of my Grandpa and so it felt really nostalgic despite the fact I'd never read it before.
Can't wait to see what Sequouyah does in the future.
September 9, 2023
Want a feel good, cowgirl vibe, encouraging read? THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU! If you've ever struggled with feeling awkward talking to new people, or had to let go of something you loved, or felt like everything you knew was going to fall out from under you, you're gonna love reading about how Nora deals with all of these things!
I wish I knew the characters of ITCOC in real life, that's how relatable and wonderful they are! 😊
In The Company Of Cows is the perfect book to read when you want realistic, heartwarming, western vibes. Enjoy!
I wish I knew the characters of ITCOC in real life, that's how relatable and wonderful they are! 😊
In The Company Of Cows is the perfect book to read when you want realistic, heartwarming, western vibes. Enjoy!
October 17, 2023
This short read is pure gold! Sequoyah did a masterful job of drawing me into Nora’s rancher-life world. As an introvert myself who struggles with stuffing tears and communicating words, I really connected with Nora. The one-liners were fire, especially towards the end! I also adored Uncle Ian and James. The process of birthing calves was fascinating to me too. You can definitely tell Sequoyah knows what she’s talking about! Highly recommend In The Company Of Cows if you love the simple life, relatable mind struggles, and chasing your dreams. Totally a comfort read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews