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Civil War Heroines #.5
Romance on the River
This free short story prequel by bestselling author Mary Ellis provides an early glimpse into the life of Quaker Emily Harrison. Laced with humor and a sweet love story, this bonus material also contains the first chapter of Emil
34 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
70 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Mary Ellis
36 books271 followersMary Ellis is a former schoolteacher turned USA Today bestselling author who’s written twenty-six novels including Amish fiction, historical romance, and suspense. Her first mystery, Midnight on the Mississippi, was a finalist for the RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. Her latest book is One for the Road from the Bourbon Tour Mysteries from Severn House. One Hundred Proof Murder releases August 31, 2021. Her latest Amish novella is Missing at Amazon Kindle. She enjoys gardening and bicycling and lives in Ohio with her husband and dog. www.maryellis.net or www.facebook.com/Mary.Ellis.Author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 21, 2015
Brilliant idea!
I think more authors should do a prequel to a series, it helps to give you a good idea of what to expect. A blurb catches your attention, but are often too short and do not do justice to the actual story!
I think more authors should do a prequel to a series, it helps to give you a good idea of what to expect. A blurb catches your attention, but are often too short and do not do justice to the actual story!
May 27, 2016
Cute but not interested enough to tackle the novel.
May 17, 2017
This is an extremely short prequel to the Civil War Heroines series. Barely enough to capture your interest. The ending definitely leaves you hanging, but I would read on to see what happens in Book 1, The Quaker and the Rebel.
June 18, 2019
Emily, a young Quaker woman, has a lot to handle while running her family's farm on her own, not to mention her duty as the mistress of a safe house along the Underground Railroad. It may or may not be too soon for Emily to anticipate a marriage proposal from a young farmer nearby, but besides that, war in her country and news regarding her farm may plunge her into a future she isn't ready for in Romance on the River by author Mary Ellis.
Now, despite the title, I wouldn't call this short read a romance. The focus of this prequel isn't centered on Emily's relationship with the farmer she loves but rather on Emily's overall situation as an orphan who's suddenly had the weight of so much responsibility placed on her shoulders while war has broken out in the country.
Even though the circumstances are dire (even more dire than the characters could know, as the Civil War has only just begun), the read makes a little room for comedy, and there's sass in Emily's sense of humor. And I appreciate her conviction that no matter how "well" some masters treat the enslaved people in their charge, the institution of slavery itself is still "an abomination."
This prequel isn't a short story so much as its a prelude to a story. There's no resolve to this layered and intriguing setup—a setup for the novel that follows. I'm not ashamed to say that if I'd first come across the cover of the novel, The Quaker and the Rebel, I would have skipped right over it, as there's nothing about a man in a Confederate soldier uniform that attracts me, particularly if the image is made to look romantic.
But now being familiar with who Emily is (and hearing that the hero in the following story isn't what he seems), I might check the novel out sometime.
Now, despite the title, I wouldn't call this short read a romance. The focus of this prequel isn't centered on Emily's relationship with the farmer she loves but rather on Emily's overall situation as an orphan who's suddenly had the weight of so much responsibility placed on her shoulders while war has broken out in the country.
Even though the circumstances are dire (even more dire than the characters could know, as the Civil War has only just begun), the read makes a little room for comedy, and there's sass in Emily's sense of humor. And I appreciate her conviction that no matter how "well" some masters treat the enslaved people in their charge, the institution of slavery itself is still "an abomination."
This prequel isn't a short story so much as its a prelude to a story. There's no resolve to this layered and intriguing setup—a setup for the novel that follows. I'm not ashamed to say that if I'd first come across the cover of the novel, The Quaker and the Rebel, I would have skipped right over it, as there's nothing about a man in a Confederate soldier uniform that attracts me, particularly if the image is made to look romantic.
But now being familiar with who Emily is (and hearing that the hero in the following story isn't what he seems), I might check the novel out sometime.
January 1, 2018
This is a quick read set right before the start of the Civil War. 1861 is the year, and Emily’s running the family farm on her own after the tragic deaths of her parents only a few months before. She’s given shocking news by her pastor at dinner, her parents farm had been mortgaged and her parents had been months behind on the payments and the bank is foreclosing.
Even though this is a work of fiction, my heart wanted to reach out to poor Emily. She’s really trying to make it on her own at only 17. Her world has been falling apart for months and she’s just trying to keep everything together, maintain the farm, and continue carrying on the secret work her parents were involved in. The book is well written and I will be looking into reading this series.
Even though this is a work of fiction, my heart wanted to reach out to poor Emily. She’s really trying to make it on her own at only 17. Her world has been falling apart for months and she’s just trying to keep everything together, maintain the farm, and continue carrying on the secret work her parents were involved in. The book is well written and I will be looking into reading this series.
May 10, 2017
Nice little novella introducing Mary Ellis' Civil War book The Quaker and the Rebel and others in the series. Tells how Emily lost her parents and their farm and had to fend for herself. She is outspoken against slavery . She regularly tackles jobs she has no talent for, especially cooking. She is forced to take a job as a governess, which continues in the first novel of the series. Included was the first chapter of that book. It sets it up beautifully, giving up a look at her character.
November 20, 2025
A bit of a teaser trailer for The Quaker and The Rebel. Generally very good, has potential for the first book in series to be good. It feels a little rushed but it makes for very good scene setting. It isn't something I would typically pick up to read, perhaps the rest of the series would be more my style, but the algorithm suggested it so I hit download and was pleasantly surprised.
Perhaps I will read the full series one day, I am undecided.
Perhaps I will read the full series one day, I am undecided.
November 12, 2020
Romance on the River wasn't very romantic, but it did have a great introduction to a series that takes place during the Civil War. Emily's plight touched my heart, and I loved seeing how she tried to sustain herself despite the loss of her parents. I would enjoy reading more in this series.
February 20, 2022
I have to agree with other reviews. I don't know how this was placed in a separate volume. Maybe in order to generate interest in the story? I feel like this was not a wise decision.
The story was good but not so good that it would encourage anyone to buy the book if he or she didn't already own it.
The story was good but not so good that it would encourage anyone to buy the book if he or she didn't already own it.
August 23, 2017
Good book
It's a good bath read just kick back soak up the suds with this read . Don't forget the tea and candles.
It's a good bath read just kick back soak up the suds with this read . Don't forget the tea and candles.
August 14, 2014
Title: ROMANCE ON THE RIVER
Author: Mary Ellis
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
April 2014
ASIN: B00ISY89MQ
Genre: Historical e-short
$0.00
34 pages
This free short story prequel by bestselling author Mary Ellis provides an early glimpse into the life of Quaker Emily Harrison. Laced with humor and a sweet love story, this bonus material also contains the first chapter of Emily’s continuing journey in The Quaker and the Rebel, Book 1 of the Civil War Heroines series.
Summer 1861—Emily Harrison is finding life a bit overwhelming. Alone on her family’s farm, she must take on the roles of both housekeeper and farmer. She cares for the garden, makes plans for planting the fields, and milks the cows, all the while creating havoc in the home her mother used to keep immaculate. That is in addition to providing a safe house as part of the Underground Railroad. In the midst of this whirlpool of swirling tasks, she is getting ready to greet very important dinner guests—the love of her life and her pastor and his wife. Will Matthew finally propose? What news does Reverend Ames bring that turns Emily’s world upside down? How does the new war between the North and South impact her life? And…will the goose be cooked in time?
ROMANCE ON THE RIVER is a free e-short beginning to The Quaker and the Rebel by Ms. Ellis. It tells us the backstory of how Emily ended up getting the job working on a farm in the middle of the river. As a story, there is no plot, and no resolution, and it implies that the romance between Emily and Matthew was so much more than it was in The Quaker and the Rebel.
Ms. Ellis is a stellar writer, and for free, this is a great prologue to her new series. But don’t read it as a stand-alone. It is only a prologue. A prequel. Or a teaser, introducing the series.
Author: Mary Ellis
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
April 2014
ASIN: B00ISY89MQ
Genre: Historical e-short
$0.00
34 pages
This free short story prequel by bestselling author Mary Ellis provides an early glimpse into the life of Quaker Emily Harrison. Laced with humor and a sweet love story, this bonus material also contains the first chapter of Emily’s continuing journey in The Quaker and the Rebel, Book 1 of the Civil War Heroines series.
Summer 1861—Emily Harrison is finding life a bit overwhelming. Alone on her family’s farm, she must take on the roles of both housekeeper and farmer. She cares for the garden, makes plans for planting the fields, and milks the cows, all the while creating havoc in the home her mother used to keep immaculate. That is in addition to providing a safe house as part of the Underground Railroad. In the midst of this whirlpool of swirling tasks, she is getting ready to greet very important dinner guests—the love of her life and her pastor and his wife. Will Matthew finally propose? What news does Reverend Ames bring that turns Emily’s world upside down? How does the new war between the North and South impact her life? And…will the goose be cooked in time?
ROMANCE ON THE RIVER is a free e-short beginning to The Quaker and the Rebel by Ms. Ellis. It tells us the backstory of how Emily ended up getting the job working on a farm in the middle of the river. As a story, there is no plot, and no resolution, and it implies that the romance between Emily and Matthew was so much more than it was in The Quaker and the Rebel.
Ms. Ellis is a stellar writer, and for free, this is a great prologue to her new series. But don’t read it as a stand-alone. It is only a prologue. A prequel. Or a teaser, introducing the series.
June 22, 2014
Mary Ellis is a genius!
This eBook whetted my appetite for the full story in a way that was very surprising indeed.
I have never been a fan of Civil War era romance, or for anything about the Civil War era, in fact.
But after reading this tantalizing tome, I simply had to read the book that it gave me just a peek into!
And it does not matter how short the story may be, it was expertly written – giving the reader just enough information without spoiling anything about the novel to come.
In point of fact, it gives us a glimpse into the start of Miss Harrison’s journey that makes “The Quaker and the Rebel” that much more appealing.
Don’t miss it – especially since it’s FREE!
You can download this short prequel on a number of eBook retailer sites and I have linked as many of them as I could find in the review on my blog. Nearly all of them support an app or a reading program that will work on your e-reader, tablet, phone or even your computer.
Happy hunting!
This eBook whetted my appetite for the full story in a way that was very surprising indeed.
I have never been a fan of Civil War era romance, or for anything about the Civil War era, in fact.
But after reading this tantalizing tome, I simply had to read the book that it gave me just a peek into!
And it does not matter how short the story may be, it was expertly written – giving the reader just enough information without spoiling anything about the novel to come.
In point of fact, it gives us a glimpse into the start of Miss Harrison’s journey that makes “The Quaker and the Rebel” that much more appealing.
Don’t miss it – especially since it’s FREE!
You can download this short prequel on a number of eBook retailer sites and I have linked as many of them as I could find in the review on my blog. Nearly all of them support an app or a reading program that will work on your e-reader, tablet, phone or even your computer.
Happy hunting!
May 23, 2014
From the very first scene of "Romance on the River," I took a liking to Emily Harrison, the heroine of this short prequel story, which continues in the book, "The Quaker and the Rebel," the first book in a planned trilogy by Mary Ellis called the Civil War Heroines series.
I would recommend you read this first prior to "The Quaker and the Rebel," for the simple fact that you'll know more about Emily and her motives prior to her actions in that book. This is a brief introduction to her and gives you a glimpse of her back story; however, just in these brief pages, I came to like the personality of this girl and had to continue on to see what became of her.
Mary Ellis does a great job of pulling you into the story in just a few pages and her writing was such that you know you're in for a real treat.
I would recommend you read this first prior to "The Quaker and the Rebel," for the simple fact that you'll know more about Emily and her motives prior to her actions in that book. This is a brief introduction to her and gives you a glimpse of her back story; however, just in these brief pages, I came to like the personality of this girl and had to continue on to see what became of her.
Mary Ellis does a great job of pulling you into the story in just a few pages and her writing was such that you know you're in for a real treat.
October 2, 2014
This short story was really sweet. It isn’t necessary to start the story, but if you are like me, and can’t get enough of characters you like, it is nice to get a glimpse of Emily Harrison’s life before The Quaker and the Rebel picks up. The beginning is funny with Emily’s miserable attempts at cooking. It also makes a good explanation to why she decides to become more personally active on the Underground Railroad.
It might not be a page-turner, but for those of you who like to revisit a character or have a bit more story, it’s a good one. I would suggest reading it before The Quaker and the Rebel. Besides, it’s a free eBook on Amazon currently and it only took me about 20 minutes to read. This also includes the first chapter of the first novel in the series.
It might not be a page-turner, but for those of you who like to revisit a character or have a bit more story, it’s a good one. I would suggest reading it before The Quaker and the Rebel. Besides, it’s a free eBook on Amazon currently and it only took me about 20 minutes to read. This also includes the first chapter of the first novel in the series.
March 27, 2015
Mary Ellis is a genius!
This eBook was the perfect introduction to the full story….
I have to say that I have never been a fan of the Civil War era, but after reading this tantalizing intro, I have to read the book (thank goodness the review for it is due tomorrow)!
This short story gives the reader just enough information without spoiling anything about the novel to come. As a matter of fact, it gives us a glimpse into the start of Miss Harrison’s journey that makes “The Quaker and the Rebel” very appealing.
Don’t miss it – especially since it’s FREE!
You can download this short prequel on a number of eBook retailer sites; find one that works on your e-reader, tablet, phone or computer – and prepare to be amazed!
April 22, 2014
I enjoy Mary Ellis BUT I wasn't too happy with the ending of this short story. I have read a few short stories and they end just right BUT this short story ebook didn't. To find out what happens next you have to get the book "The Quaker and the Rebel, Book 1 in the The Civil War Heroines series. What a disappointment for me. If I had known that this ebook didn't end but continues with another book I wouldn't have even read it! I love reading a short story when I am trying to decide what my next read will be or while I am at the doctor's office.
I still love Mary Ellis and her writing style but I must watch her short stories in the future!
I still love Mary Ellis and her writing style but I must watch her short stories in the future!
April 14, 2015
This is more of a prologue to the book The Quaker and the Rebel, with the first chapter included at the end. I like Matthew and Alexander. Emily has a lot to learn, and her difficult circumstances may just be the best way to gain some much needed wisdom and grace. Takes place at the very beginning of the Civil War.
January 2, 2019
A very short, but interesting prequel to The Quaker and the Rebel. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the Civil War time period and will read this series. If you read only this prequel, you would not be satisfied with the ending.
July 13, 2016
Prequel. A short advertisement for the book to come. If you want to get a feel for the book to come, read a sample from Amazon or something. This prequel doesn't do anything for me as it just starts to catch my interest and then quits.
August 27, 2016
I enjoyed this short prequel to author, Mary Ellis's, Civil War Heroines series. It is well-written, very well-developed for such a short story, and I love her charming characters. I'm sure I will end up getting the others in this series to read.
April 12, 2015
Very intriguing! Can't wait to read first book in series to see what transpires!
April 23, 2014
This is a Great Prequel Introduction to Quaker and the Rebel. I loved it and I am so glad the story will continue in the next book.
September 13, 2014
Sweet prequel
December 28, 2014
This isn't even a novella. This is a prologue. Nor does it introduce any new information to readers of this series.
February 2, 2015
What a great story. I love these extra little stories. They're a great bonus and it's so nice to see behind the scenes. It doesn't hurt that it's FREE too!
Thank you Mary!
Thank you Mary!
August 2, 2015
A Great Introduction
This introduction to the series allows the reader to feel the wide-eyed innocence of the main character. One would wish her well on her journey to adulthood.
This introduction to the series allows the reader to feel the wide-eyed innocence of the main character. One would wish her well on her journey to adulthood.
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December 31, 2015The prequel was decent. Unfortunately, this is one of those rare cases where I don't feel compelled to continue the story by reading the last two books.
July 31, 2016
What a sweet little story and first chapter. The added humor was a nice bonus!!!
December 28, 2014
The story was too fast and very incomplete.
May 3, 2017
Not a short story
This was more of a prologue to the first book of a series, misleading to call it a short story.
This was more of a prologue to the first book of a series, misleading to call it a short story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews