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A River Between Us

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Cora Mae Stewart’s world collapses when Sherman destroys the Georgia cotton mill where she works and has her arrested for treason and sent North. Faced with impossible choices, she does what she must to keep a little girl safe in an inhospitable land.

Convinced he won’t survive the war, Union Sergeant Ethan Howard determines to make his death count for something. But Cora Mae gives him a reason to live. Trouble is, he’s just arrested her on Sherman’s orders, and torn her from home and family.

Sergeant Howard is the last person Cora Mae wants to forgive, and the only man who can bring her all the way home.

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2023

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4366 people want to read

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Jocelyn Green

36 books1,629 followers

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5 stars
591 (54%)
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353 (32%)
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118 (10%)
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14 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
Profile Image for Stephenia McGee.
Author 30 books800 followers
May 15, 2023
A layered and captivating journey that grips the heart and keeps the pages turning, A River Between Us is one historical romance fans will not want to miss! Green does a phenomenal job weaving together the nuances of the complicated issues of the Civil War with beautifully developed characters. With her signature masterful storytelling, the lives of ordinary people from both sides of the divide come to life with this tale of faith, discovery, and resilience. Be ready to settle in. You won’t want to put this one down!
Profile Image for Christin.
827 reviews23 followers
July 29, 2023
I feel like this is classic Jocelyn Green and exactly what I want in historical fiction. It is extremely well-written and it took an aspect of history I didn’t know about and brought it alive! I loved it. I liked that it looked at different members of the civil war than most novels. Most seem to focus on the daughters of wealthy plantation owners or slaves themselves. Cora Mae was a normal, working class woman and yet the war still had a profound impact on her life. I had no idea the Union jailed women and children!

Jocelyn Green manages to keep tension in a plot so well here. I literally stayed up until the wee hours of the night rather than put it down. I loved the romance, the theme, and the writing was so well-done!!! It made me think of how Christ loves his enemies so much that he died on the cross for us and turns us into friends and brothers. I would've loved that connection in the book. This is very much written to be Christian fiction—I think it would’ve been even stronger to take it all the way with a Christ-connection.
Profile Image for Staci.
2,296 reviews667 followers
September 17, 2023
1864 Georgia and Indiana

This novel is an expanded version of a novella previously featured in a collection. It's a beautiful tale of survival and humanity in crisis. In reflection, it may seem simple of how one would navigate the landscape of north vs south. Jocelyn Green brings us to what that may have really looked like. Tons of historical details included in the pages.
Profile Image for Jeanne Alfveby Crea.
971 reviews106 followers
July 16, 2023
What a compelling journey that grabs you right off the bat and introduces you to a tender story of loving your enemies and doing the right thing even when it's hard. A captivating story of hope, and strength in difficult times, where prayer and just doing that next thing that's in front of you is what pulls you through.

The story begins in Georgia with a sweet Yankee who does everything he possibly can to help his new Southern charge and the girl entrusted to her. A River Between Us, set during the last stages of the civil war, shows us how the main characters intentionally chose to respond to hatred and unkindness with kindness. There are many instances of separation, and not knowing what the future held.

Themes of faith, loving your enemies, living with integrity, self-sacrificing love and finding family drew me in and kept me reading this excellent historical fiction late into the night. I love learning previously unknown to me history, and I ALWAYS enjoy the masterful storytelling of Jocelyn Green. I couldn't put it down! If you love top-notch historical fiction with a dash of intrigue and romance, you will love her latest novel.

Thank you to the author for allowing me to be an early reader! All opinions are my own. I can't wait for my pre-ordered copy to arrive. It will look so nice next to the rest of this author's books on my keeper shelf.
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
Author 40 books868 followers
May 11, 2023
Filled with beautiful turns of phrase and immersive worldbuilding, A River Between Us shares hope in the desperation of the Civil War. Themes of loving your enemies and found family are artfully woven into these well-crafted pages. Green's historicals are an experience not to be missed.
Profile Image for Carolyn Bryant.
906 reviews79 followers
July 29, 2023
A River Between Us is a beautifully written, cleverly plotted Civil War Era saga—another historical gem from storyteller extraordinaire Jocelyn Green. I was totally immersed in this story from the sorrowful beginning to the hope-filled ending. The Civil War Era is my favorite historical setting, and this story is of special interest to me since I live in the Georgia area where much of the story is set. I loved being able to really picture the accurately described settings of the scenes in Roswell and Marietta. The story is well-researched and aptly conveys the struggles and sacrifices brought on by the Civil War affecting everyone regardless of social status, race, age, political leanings, or beliefs. Compelling, inspiring characters jumped off the page and into my heart. I could feel the emotions of the displaced southern mill workers as they were forced from their homes and deported north. I appreciate the strong faith thread with themes of forgiveness and loving your enemies. This emotionally rich story of redemption and restoration, hope and home will stay in my thoughts for a while. I recommend this book as a must read for historical romance fans!
Profile Image for Cheryl Barker.
Author 2 books137 followers
September 30, 2023
Another wonderful read for historical fiction lovers by author Jocelyn Green. In this novel, Green takes us back to Civil War days and her descriptions and mastery of word choice really bring the scenes to life for readers. Also, the title is perfect for this book, and as you read, you'll see why.

The hero and heroine both face huge challenges in this story so we get to see their growth and how they so nobly handle their situations. As a result, important spiritual and life lessons definitely take place on the pages of this book. And it was the last thirty to forty pages that really moved this novel up to a 5 star read for me as the stakes skyrocketed and the action kicked into high gear. This is one that historical fiction readers won't want to miss!
Profile Image for Heather Wood.
Author 7 books254 followers
October 5, 2023
See, that's the thing about Jocelyn Green books. I can't put them down once I start. I read A Refuge Assured in one day. A River Between Us took me two.

I really loved the characters in this one and learned a lot of interesting history about my favorite time period. The message about loving your enemies is always timely, including in this day and age when everything seems intent in dividing us and making us enemies of one another.

"There’s a river between us, and I don’t just mean the Ohio.”
"That may be so. But the wonderful thing about rivers, Cora Mae, is that they can be crossed."
Profile Image for Kelsey Gietl.
Author 11 books99 followers
September 23, 2023
This book, y’all, I just can’t begin to describe how good it is. Emotional and gritty and beautiful and far and away, Jocelyn Green’s best book yet. All her books are fantastic, but there is something about this one that feels more honest than the others. The characters just come alive, no holds barred. I don’t know if that’s because this is self published and she didn’t have publisher marketing standards to follow, but just, wow. One of my favorite books ever. Seriously, you need to read this one.
4 reviews
October 2, 2023
Jocelyn Green does it again! Historical facts & locations put you right in the Civil War era. Day-to-day struggles for soldiers, doctors & nurses, and families weave a story that keeps you captivated. With each character, Green pulls out "timeless truths" that resonate in all generations:
*We are always teaching by example
*The most hostile people are often coming from a place of fear or hurt
*It takes more courage to be kind
*We can always choose how we respond to circumstances
*Home isn't always a place. It's God and the family of God
Profile Image for Tales and Treats with Tay.
148 reviews112 followers
May 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I love it when I learn something from historical fiction and the love story was super sweet!

I had no idea that there were cotton mill workers in GA who were sent up North during the Civil War because they were considered allies with the Confederates. Green stated in her authors note that there also was a true story of a Union soldier proposing to a cotton mill worker, and that was the basis for this book.

Ethan, the MMC, is an all-time favorite now: he was so sweet and considerate. I loved seeing him care for the little girl in this book. (His letters were so incredibly sweet and thoughtful.)

In the beginning, it switched viewpoints in the same chapter without page breaks which was confusing (perhaps an ebook issue-- but it only happened for a few chapters.) Also in the beginning June's (the adopted daughter of the FMC) statements didn't make sense sometimes and at times her character was annoying to me, perhaps because of the female narrator's voice for her in the audiobook.

The pacing was good and something kept my attention the entire time.The ending was so sweet! Both the FMC and MMC showed lovely faith throughout the book.



Christian faith rating: 2/3




Content: attempted sexual assault
Profile Image for Elisabeth.
392 reviews7 followers
October 4, 2023
Wow! This book was an incredible journey back in time to a very different culture. I loved the way Green seamlessly wove historical details into her story while building the emotion and tension that propelled the novel forward. Based on a little known historical event, this novel was richly layered, honored the many issues surrounding life in the 1860s with sensitivity and compassion, and provided a satisfying ending.
Profile Image for Janine Rosche.
Author 16 books434 followers
October 18, 2023
Absolutely timely despite its 1864 setting. Green does an excellent job creating characters on opposing sides who seek to understand the other’s perspective and experience. Cora Mae is loyal and honorable. Ethan is selfless, steadfast, and the ultimate hero. Historical romance readers will swoon for sure!
Profile Image for Hulah.
119 reviews13 followers
September 24, 2023
Fans of Civil War era fiction will not want to pass up this book. A River Between Us is a story based on little known true events when Sherman had women and children arrested for treason because they worked in a cotton mill that provided textiles to the south. Beautifully written, full of historical details perfectly weaved with a tender love story. A favorite quote, “there’s a River between us and I don’t just mean the Ohio. That may be so, but the beautiful things about rivers Cora Mae, is they can be crossed. Even after the bridges have been burned.”
Profile Image for Jennifer Hunt.
Author 11 books193 followers
February 3, 2024
I knew as soon as I heard about this book that I HAD to read it! Who doesn’t love a story set right where you grew up? I’m generally not a fan of Civil War fiction, but if there were more stories like this one I might be.

This book is about ordinary people. Cora Mae is a mill worker in Roswell, Georgia. Ethan is a coal miner from Indiana. They meet when he is assigned to help take the women and children working at the mill as POWs.

The characterization in this book is first class. It also avoids some of the most tired Civil War tropes—spoiled Southern belle on a plantation, for instance. People are people. All the Southerners aren’t horrible slave-owning aristocrats, and all the Yankees aren’t virtuous freedom fighters. There’s sin and virtue on display across both sides.

The romance between Ethan and Cora Mae was so sweet. They both learn to not only forgive their enemies, but to help others do the same. Though both victims of great loss and tragedy, they lean into helping others vs. feeling sorry for themselves.
Profile Image for Mimi.
785 reviews114 followers
September 28, 2024
Once again I love another Jocelyn Green story! She's so incredible with historical fiction!

Cora Mae does what she needs to survive with her future step-daughter, June, after the cotton mill they worked at was taken over by soldiers from the north. Enter our hero, Union Sergeant, Ethan Howard. You know from the start that he's a good hearted man. Then, he shows it over and over again with his treatment of no only Cora Mae and June, but of others throughout the story.

The story follows them as they work together (and separately) to get through the war as unscathed as possible. Of course, since this is the Civil War, some of the women who were arrested at the mill have a deep hatred for those in the north. With Cora Mae being kind to one of their enemy, things don't bode well for her.

You can't help but root for Cora Mae and Ethan. That love will win over the war. They come to know each other as human beings, not as just "the enemy." What they find out is that they're not so different. Isn't that true for us today?
119 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2023
I got this book as a gift and was not too sure about it. I wasn't sure about Civil war fiction, but I had read a couple of Jocelyn's books and liked them a lot, so I was encouraged. As it happens, I really, really liked this book! The story is interesting (based on actual events) and the characters are very engaging.
Profile Image for Lauri Gentry.
855 reviews21 followers
May 15, 2024
Civil War story. When characters on opposing sides of the War are brought together and learn to love their enemy. Enjoyable read.
319 reviews31 followers
July 7, 2024
I enjoyed this historical fiction romance set in the Civil War. It was a new era for me. I didn’t realize I’d read another book by this author. I enjoyed this one more.
Profile Image for Nicole.
902 reviews22 followers
October 5, 2023
Jocelyn Green is one of the best Historical Romance authors ever. Every book I’ve read by her is masterful and poignant and endearing. A River Between Us is no exception. I devoured this story. Truly, I could not put it down. The fact that Union soldiers during the American Civil War were ordered to take Southern women and children to prison just because they were Southern and worked in mills making clothing for the Confederate soldiers is horrific to me. Actually, most of the time while I was reading this book I was a ball of emotions — I was angry, frustrated, and concerned. “Concerned?” you ask. Yes, concerned. I read a lot of historical fiction and what I have learned is that history repeats itself all. the. time. There is a lot of hate and distrust and mean-spiritedness in Society today that feels very similar to basically every revolutionary and civil war period that’s ever happened. It bugs me big time that humans can get to a place where it’s OK to behave barbarously against the poor, the vulnerable, basically all those who are different from what Society approves, and the Majority doesn’t even bat an eye. Today, I see this behavior everywhere. It really has me worried. But God, right?! And this is my favorite theme weaved throughout A River Between Us. Cora Mae is the heroine and one such Southern mill worker who is forcibly taken to prison by a Union soldier simply because she is Southern. I really felt for Cora Mae and the other women and children who were taken from their homes, families, and everything they knew. I related to Cora Mae as she gets frustrated or scared or worried about her current situation. But what I love about her is that she doesn’t ever let present circumstances get her down, and she never gives up figuring out the right step to take. I also LOVE that she takes the time to look back on her experiences and see all the ways God has acted in her life on her behalf. Cora Mae is a really good illustration of how we who say we believe in God should act in scary times (because God ALWAYS has a plan!). I found her to be such an encouragement. And a great reminder that I need to trust God no matter where He has me.

A River Between Us is another home run by Jocelyn Green. This book is SO good and I truly cannot recommend it enough. If you are a fan of superb writing, excellent attention to historical detail, a sweet an endearing romance, and a story replete with timely themes, then this is the book for you!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author in order to review. I also purchased a signed paperback copy of this novel from the author in order to review. In no way has any of this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Jamie  (The Kansan Reader).
686 reviews105 followers
August 3, 2024
4.5 stars

He was a Yankee, she a Rebel- by geography, if not ideals.

TW: Amputation, attempted rape.

An enemies to lovers romance set during the Civil War. Cora Mae was working in a mill factory making uniforms for the confederate army so she could put food on the table. Due to marry Mr. Ferguson that night, the Union comes in setting the mill on fire and arresting all the women who worked in the mill.

Instead of letting the bitterness and hatred for the Union consume her, Cora Mae shows compassion and empathy towards the Union soldiers. Through this Cora Mae becomes slow friends with Ethan Howard, a sergeant who arrested her.

I love the slow build between Cora Mae and Ethan.

I will most certainly be picking up another Jocelyn Green book in the future.
Profile Image for Charlie.
193 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️. Wee bit too predictable for a higher rating in my opinion.
26 reviews
October 14, 2023
This is the first historical novel I've read about the Civil War era. It's also the first book I've read by this author. This book was beautifully written. I fell in love with the characters. There was so much sadness but hope prevailed in the end. My new favorite author!!!
Profile Image for PhyllisRBooks.
321 reviews44 followers
October 23, 2023
A River Between Us is a journey to finding a future amidst the brokenness and loss at the end of the war-while Sherman ravages through Georgia. This book is truly a historical romance with an exceptional H in Sergeant Ethan Howard. Both H and h (Cora Mae Stewart) portray high moral standards in their honesty and care for others regardless of which side of the Civil War they were on.

Outlining the hardships and fears of the time, laced with hope for the future, I love how Jocelyn Green effortlessly weaves history into her fictional stories. I learned so much about the events in Roswell and Marietta, Georgia, factory-life, the surrounding war and the numerous wounded that were brought to that area for hospital care. This is a story that I will hold dear and reread in years to come.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also preordered a print copy of this book since I enjoy this author so much.
Profile Image for Anne Wise.
394 reviews9 followers
November 12, 2023
Fantastic

I love fictionalized accounts of true stories , especially if those stories take place during the Civil War. This is one of the best I’ve read in some time. This author has a way with words and a way of getting inside her characters and showing you what makes them tick. Can’t wait to read more along these lines.
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,658 reviews1,227 followers
October 18, 2023
This was an expanded rewrite of a novella that was part of a book that’s no longer in print called Message in a Bottle, a collection of historical novellas. I’ve had that book on my wish-list for at least five years. I'm gratified that I got to read at least one of those stories, and the fact that it is now a full book was a delight to me.

Roswell and Marietta, Georgia
Cannelton, Indiana
Civil War, July to December, 1864

Main characters
Cora Mae Stewart
Ethan Howard: Union Army Sergeant
Horace Ferguson: Cora's father's friend vowed to marry and protect Cora and her mother
Cora Mae Stewart: Southern mill worker
Matilda Stewart: Cora Mae's very ill mother
June: Horace Ferguson's step-daughter

Under the orders of General Sherman, the mill where wool for confederate uniforms was produced, mostly by women, was set ablaze. Cora Mae and all of the mill workers were arrested and set to be deported north to Indiana.

Cora Mae on the advice of Ethan Howard, a "Yankee" sergeant, took an oath of allegiance to the Union and stayed in Marietta as a nurse for the wounded northern soldiers, so she could be closer to her very sick mother. Another reason for not being far from Roswell, Georgia, she believed the man who had promised her father that he would marry and take care her would return someday, and be reunited with his stepdaughter, June.

From that point until her long awaited return after the war, a whole lifetime seemed to happen around her.

What I didn’t know until the end of the book was that this was based on a true story of General Sherman's heartless orders to have women and children arrested and transported away from their homes. Exile of Roswell Mill Women

I have always enjoyed Jocelyn Green faith-filled stories, and this book was not only what I expected, but more.
Profile Image for Esther Filbrun.
671 reviews30 followers
November 14, 2023
I’ve read quite a few books set during or close to the Civil War era over the years, but I think this one could quite possibly be one of my all-time favorites. I’m not quite sure what it is about this book—whether it’s just that it came at the perfect time for me, or if I was able to connect with the characters better than other books, or what it was, but I greatly enjoyed the story!

The history side of this book was fascinating. I was intrigued by the author’s note at the end, but even without that, I think I would have enjoyed the book just as much. I remember coming across the story of the Georgian millhands while I was in school, so it was interesting to see another perspective on their plight.

This book had just about everything I love in good fiction: Solid, relatable characters, a strong faith element, and some sweet romance. One of the things I loved the most was the way Cora Mae did her best to honor her mother’s advice, the commitments she made, and her realization that she had to live out her faith, not just say she believed it. This was a gripping, sweet, entertaining story, and though it had its harder moments, I found it a worthwhile, fun read. I can’t wait to see what else Jocelyn Green has up her sleeve!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
15 reviews
October 13, 2023
This is new author for me but I like books with Civil War stories. To say I learned something new almost right in the beginning, I did. The characters were real and a light was shed on Christian values. A lesson to remember to love one another even when it is hard. I can not imagine living during that time in history. There were not really 'gross' details and I could read it at night.
Profile Image for J.M. Hochstetler.
Author 11 books89 followers
June 23, 2024
A story that will stay in my heart

Again Jocelyn Green offers a story that is wrenching and heartwarming, realistic and inspiring. Characters, setting, and theme are all beautifully portrayed and touched my heart deeply. Highly recommended for readers looking for stories that draw them in with the first page and keep them turning pages!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews

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