Ellis River

by Nicki Ehrlich

The Civil War scattered her family, and now, along with her beloved horse, a young woman must travel across a war-torn country to collect what's left of her life.

For 15-year-old Ellis Cady, life has gone quiet on her western Tennessee homestead. Her father and older brother left to sell horses to the army two years earlier and never returned. She watched her mother's health decline, finally succumbing to a broken heart. Her twin brother left in search of their father, and neighbors moved out of their Quaker community while he was gone, searching for peace ahead of the final sweep of war.

Ellis is left with nothing but the company of the remaining horses and the letters and journals she continues to write, trying to make sense of a desolate world. A small band of soldiers rides through to claim the last of the herd, and the hope for returning to life as she knew it evaporates like the mist on the river.

When the head-strong mare, Billie, returns, having escaped from the soldiers, Ellis takes it as a sign to leave. Disguised as a boy, for safety and comfort, she rides off to find her twin. Though war refuses to fade, Ellis stumbles upon an unlikely group of rescuers who teach her family is more than blood, and love has no limits.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published July 7, 2023

About the author

Nicki Ehrlich grew up in Southern Illinois before attending college at the University of Denver and later, Idaho State University, where she graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy/English. After living ten “horse-rich” years in Idaho, she moved on to Oregon, and later Washington, where she realized she had unwittingly traveled the Oregon Trail.

While living in the Pacific Northwest, Nicki continued to write fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Her debut novel, Ellis River, won the Independent Book Publishers Association's Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book - fiction. The novel was also a finalist for the Eric Hoffer First Horizons Award, and received an Honorable Mention for the Eric Hoffer Grand Prize. Nicki has won additional awards for her poetry and creative writing, including the Writer’s Digest Annual Poetry Awards and the Ray Fabrizio Memorial Award. Nicki holds a Certificate in Creative Writing from Monterey Peninsula College and is a member of the Central Coast branch of the California Writers Club. She also holds a Coast Guard Captain’s License and currently lives on California’s inspiring central coast where she is at work on the sequel to Ellis River.

Reviews

[Tahera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellis River shows how a story about a girl's journey through a war torn country to search for her father and brothers can be turned into an engaging, piognant and emotional piece due to simple, beautiful and soulful storytelling.

Initially, I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book as I perceived it would be a bit depressing. How wrong was I!

This book is about Ellis's journey.... her physical journey through the country as well as her mental journey as she deals with the death of her twin brother after reuniting with him and experiencing the brutal face of warfare in person. Her mare Billie, her journals in which she writes her thoughts and feelings down in form of letters to her dead mother, brothers and missing father and a trio of unlikely fellow travellers save her from going into total despair and hopelessness.

The book ends on a hopeful and happy note and the author has hinted that there will be a sequel so I will be looking forward to reading that.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bay Feather Books and the author Nicki Ehrlich for the e-Arc of the book. The cover picture is also stunning in its simplicity.

[Athena (OneReadingNurse) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t normally read Civil War era historical fiction. The fact is that I read far too many history books and letter collections and just tend to find historical fiction too easy to nitpick. Ehrlich kept actual historical facts pretty vague, which overall made for a pleasant reading experience without any serious errors.

I picked up Ellis River, an award winning debut novel, on NetGalley as an advanced listening copy. All it took was a horse on the cover and the knowledge that the author incorporated her love of horses into the story. That of a young girl born on a ranch, in Quaker populated Tennessee at the end of the war. The book has garnered lots of praise and I have to agree, especially from a young adult perspective, that it’s a solid c choice.

What she did the best was capture the war-torn feeling of a state that never wanted to join the war. Peaceful folk whose families were ripped apart and devastated and the importance of letters and storytelling between families at the time. The war was over but there were still skirmishes and racial tensions were super high. The country and land were absolutely destroyed. This is a lot of what we see through Ellis’ eyes.

It’s also a great story about horsemanship and the special horses in our lives. Ehrlich has enough of an equine background that I think she does a wonderful job mixing historical fiction and horse crazy. I actually didn’t know that ranchers would round up struggling horses that the army turned loose, but it makes sense. I also liked how Ellis (the main character) handled Billie (her skittish mare) and they grew and became more confident together.

This would be a great YA read as the main character is only 15. She survives things that no one should have to see and then decides to tell her story at the end of it to support the idea of women’s capabilities and the suffrage effort. Watching her have to put her identity back together once she was safe was something that many soldiers and citizenry had to do. I read a LOT of cavalry history books as well and it’s interesting because those books don’t talk about the horses left behind, how they were managed, and some of the sheer logistics involved that were just crazy.

Overall I think this would be a good book for YA or adults looking to try post civil war historical fiction. There is a lot of it out there but this is a good surface scratcher without being too sad or intense, and content is appropriate for a high school reader. Definitely recommend for a coming of age during wartime story, and for horse crazy people!

To touch on the audiobook – Madeleine Norton was awesome. I love her accents and level of excitement. She’s very pleasant to listen to and generally delivered the story in a great way. I think letters are meant to be read aloud and really enjoyed the book in this format!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was really good.
The civil war is close to being over but the soldiers still came and wanted her horses. Billie her favorite horse comes back the next day. Together they head out looking for her brother and father. Ellis is only 15 but she seems much older.
It’s a descriptive book, makes you feel you’re on the trail with her. I had a hard time putting this book down and read it in one day. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending. I think for the most part I wasn’t ready for it to end.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

[Caro D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of Ellis River. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and give it five stars.

Set during the Civil War, 15 year old Ellis finds herself all alone. She and her horse, Billie, set off on a journey to find her brothers and her father, who had left and not returned. Ellis, disguised as a boy, meets many hardships on her journey through the South and Midwest of the US. Luckily she meets a group of travellers who become her found family of sorts.

I loved how the author balanced the dark themes such as grief and loss, war, mental illness and racial injustice, with optimism, acceptance and loving relationships. And while Ellis River is a historical fiction, it is also a coming of age story. I enjoyed seeing Ellis discover new things about herself and the world around her.

Finally, the beautiful descriptions of nature added to the story so much for me. Ellis’ journey mostly takes place in the American wilderness and the beautiful setting makes for such a cozy read.

All in all, great those who enjoy historical fiction and coming of age stories. Apparently there will be a sequel which, after the ending of Ellis River, I am really looking forward to!

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliss could tell the war was changing things but she never thought it would end everything she held dear. They were a part of the quaker community so she never thought losing her father and brothers was even an option during the war but when her father and older brother Wayne left to deliver a herd of horses she thought they would be back in a week or two but they never returned. Her mother waited a year before breaking down but didn’t last a month before she passed away due to her heartbreak. Her twin brother Earl left to go search for them soon before she passed it so after Ellis lost her mom she felt all she had left was the horses but the union soldiers would try and take that away as well when the wild Philly whose name was Billy showed up back at the ranch Elliss was beside herself with joy in she also took off to find the rest of her family. She would find some and lose some before she found them but it seems her dad remained elusive along the way though she met a new kind of support system. I know I am not giving much away in the summary but let me just say this is a great book and I think that’s going to be another or at least I hope so. It ended in a way that could be a set up for the second book and I would definitely be down to read that. I thoroughly enjoyed this book no matter what country do you live in war is horrible and it affects everyone in this book is a great example of how even those who staying neutral can be affected. If you love great historical fiction then you’ll really like this book I totally did and highly recommend it. I want to thank the publisher and net Kelly for my free art copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review of how even those who staying neutral can be affected. If you love greatest Storico fiction then you’ll really like this but I totally dead and highly recommend it. I listen to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a wonderful job she did a great performance with the voices and setting a tone for a great audiobook. I want to thank the publisher and Net Galley for my free art copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review..

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This was quite a beautiful and epic tale. We follow Ellis, a teen journeying alone through the aftermath of the Civil War, trying to find her way to safety and to figure out what’s next. She witnesses the devastation left on the land, the people, and the horses. All while dealing with her own trauma and losses.

Ellis is a lovely, brave young woman, ahead of her time in many ways, accepting of others for who they are even as she struggles to show anyone her true self. It’s impossible not to root for her (and Billie!), and I’d love a sequel to her story.

Madeleine Norton did an excellent job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you Nicki Ehrlich, Bay Feather Books, and NetGalley for providing this ALC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Nancy Mazgajewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written piece which took place at the very end of the Civil At. This work dealt with Quakers, Underground Railroad, separation, gender identity in an almost poetic way. I highly recommend!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child and teenager, I was obsessed with horses, and although I frequently went riding in the Texas hill country, I was never privileged to own one. The book cover immediately caught my eye. Beautifully written, the story takes place at the very end of the Civil War, opening after the death of 15 year old Ellis Cady’s mother. She is now all alone on the family farm, as her father and two brothers left to sell a herd of horses and never returned. All Ellis has left in the world is her beloved horse, Billie. Not every soldier has gotten word that the war is over, and there is still much fighting and violence, making travel extremely dangerous, especially for a girl. Self-sufficient and courageous, young Ellie disguises herself as a boy and sets off on Billie to hunt for her missing family. I found the story mesmerizing and could barely put it down. Awaiting a sequel to hear the next chapter in Ellie’s life.

[Star Gater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bay Feather Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for accepting my request to audibly read and review Ellis River.

Narrator: Madeleine Norton

Just okay, I was disappointed. The historical portion regarding the civil war grasped my attention when reading the synopsis. I found while reading this could have been any war. The historical fiction was missing.

In addition, while classified as adult fiction, I thought it read more like middle grade stretching to young adult. With that said, I recognize the main character was just 15 years old. The story was simple.

The narration by Norton was enjoyable. I thought she did a great job in her performance thus keeping me focused.

I would recommend listening to the book during a family road trip. In addition, listening while reading along could be helpful to a struggling reader.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Julie Tully · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicki Ehrlich’s Ellis River is a tour de force. A storyline I haven’t experienced—a young girl caught at the tail end of the Civil War and left on her own to survive—this novel is also a tale of human endurance, our tie to the natural world, and, most of all, hope. I am looking forward to more from this debut author.

[Nicky Mottram · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audio version of this book 📕- This book is not my usual genre but I thought I would give it try. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get into it 😞 I feel this is only due to personal taste rather than the book itself judging by the other reviews

Thank you to NetGalley and Bay Feather books for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Lindsey Barger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellis wakes up screaming, the nightmares feeling real. Someone’s chasing her. Then she sees the man fall and the blood – he’s been shot. She shot him. That was weeks ago, but the memory still haunts her, just like the memories of her mother and brother dying in her arms. Ellis has been desperate to survive, dressing like her twin brother and living as a man. She’s only 15, but the Civil War has made her grow up much faster than she wanted.

Ellis River is Nicki Ehrlich’s debut and award-winning novel about life for those left behind when the soldiers went to war. This book explores the uncertainty that gripped the nation during the Civil War – families unsure what happened to their loved ones, former slaves and freedmen unsure of their safety, and a nation unsure how to move forward. Ehrlich additionally focuses in on the women left to fend for themselves and the dangers they faced from raiding parties, sickness, and the inability to provide for themselves.

I give Ellis River 3 out of 5 stars. Ehrlich impressed me with her knowledge and inclusion of historical facts such as people, places, battles, and the struggles of the women in this era. However, several scenes felt forced and predictable. I felt like the inclusion of some of the female soldiers was unnecessary to get the point across. I also felt like a handful of characters could have been better developed to bring their stories to life and connect them with the overall narrative. While this was a pleasant read, I felt like it was missing quite a bit.

I would recommend this novel to readers looking to better understand the female perspective of this era. I would also recommend this for Civil War history enthusiasts – without focusing too much on either side of the war or the well-known battles, this book gives a glimpse into life during that time. Also, if you enjoyed The Red Badge of Courage or Lonesome Dove, this book is for you – the long trail rides, the effects of battle, and the determination to survive all remind me of these two great literary works. As with any book about battle, this novel includes descriptions of death and injury that may not be suitable for audiences under 13.

I was provided the audiobook version of Ellis River by the publisher for review consideration. When I noticed it was available through NetGalley for review, I was immediately intrigued. While this book has been on the market for a few months and won several awards, I had not specifically heard of it prior to seeing it on my dashboard. The description and subject matter also caught my attention – having lived in Georgia in the heart of Battle of Atlanta territory for most of my life, Civil War history is something I have always been interested in. I was a bit surprised at the direction Ehrlich took in some scenes, but overall enjoyed the reading.

Ellis River is now available for purchase from your favorite independent bookstore!

[Paromjit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful award winning piece of literary historical coming of age fiction from Nicki Ehrlich, set during and bringing alive the turbulent years of heartbreak and loss in the Civil War years. I listened to this on audio, marvellously narrated by Madeline Norton, that completely immerses the listener for the entirety of the 7 hours and 10 minutes, she conveys the characters particularly well. One of the highlights are the wonderfully rich descriptions of nature and landscapes, as we follow the young 15 year old Ellis Cady. part of the Quaker community. She is caught up in a war and a harshly shifting world that has emotional and despairing life changing repercussions where so much that is familiar comes to an end, requiring her to grow up far too quickly.

Ellis's father and eldest brother left intending to make a delivery of horses, but they failed to return, her other brother leaving to try and find them, her mother left heartbroken and going on to die. She has to come to terms with being all alone, her only companions the horses, and even they do not remain as union soldiers come and take them, the only stroke of good fortune coming with the brilliant horse Billie's return. Dressing as a boy in an effort to protect herself from dangers that may come her way, the courageous and traumatised Ellis sets off, hoping to find her father and brothers, encountering tough times. She bears witness to the impact of the war on a ravaged land, and people, finding unexpected solace in a group of travellers.

Part of the atmospheric narrative is in the form of unsent letters written by Ellis, giving us access to the state of her interior world. The demands and challenges that Ellis faces means surviving requires that she must adapt, ensuring her character undergoes remarkable progress and development. Given Ellis's nightmare circumstances, there is a surprising sense of hope and light in this enthralling listen that captures this period of American history and war so well, and I absolutely adored Billie! I particularly recommend the audio of this superb book. Many thanks to the publisher for an ALC.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎧4-4.25⭐️

I had the audiobook read by Madeleine Norton who kept my interest providing good distinct voices for the different characters.

A debut historical/ literary coming of age fiction that has attracted interest with various awards set in the Civil war following the life of fifteen year old Ellis Cady. Her family has scattered due to the war. Ellis is left alone so travels East with her beloved horse Billie looking for remaining family dressed as a boy for safety. She finds an unlikely group of rescuers to travel with through a war torn country where war refuses to fade.

A slow burn that is beautifully written, giving a detailed description of nature, time and place. You really feel immersed in the era and story.
The writing style reminds me of Where the Crawdads sing, with this book the connection is very much with horses, although there are some natural world references.

Part of the story is told in the form of unsent letters that Ellis writes to her family members which gives a way for Ellis to share her feelings.

I think that audiobook format worked best for me because of the slower pace. I felt in comparison to the rest of the book that the epilogue rushed the conclusion, although I can see that the journey was the emphasis for the story. There’s enough to give the reader closure, but several aspects are only hinted at, which might not be enough for some.

In conclusion I really enjoyed the gentle coming of age Civil war story finding Ellis very likeable, I was invested in the outcome of her journey.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The version of Ellis River that I had the opportunity to review is the audiobook version narrated by Madeleine Norton. She did a great job with the narration!

Ellis River is author Nicki Ehrlich's debut novel and is the winner or semi-finalist for several awards; which honestly drew me to this book. The book is classified (on NetGalley) as General Fiction (Adult), Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction. The protagonist is a teenage girl, approximately 15 years old. The book seemed a little more YA (to me) than "adult". Rounding from between 3 and 4 stars to 4 stars. Updated. I decided to change my rating from 4 stars to 3 stars; providing feedback to publisher directly, as I don't want to provide spoilers.

The family is (evidently) opposed to fighting and try to stay out of the civil war, but it is rather impossible for them to not have gotten swept up with it regardless. They are in a bit of a situation, as you are either with the union or the confederacy.

Congratulations to the author on the awards and nominations. This book just didn't seem to work for me. It almost tries to tackle too much history in one book, civil war, underground railroad, female pretending to be male during war time, suffrage, Quaker, finding lost family members.

Thank you to NetGalley for introducing me to (yet once again) a "new to me author". Thank you to NetGalley and Bay Feather Books for approving my NetGalley request to review the advance listen copy of Ellis River in exchange for an honest review.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment you begin this novel, it captures you attention. Ellis River is a real page-turner. The author does a great job at capturing the reader´s attention with her wonderful writing. The story never felt too slow or to rushed, it was well paced, and that made the reading experience so much better. The characters in this story were also great! They were well-developed and the more I read, the more I got to know them, almost as if I was getting to know a new friend. Billie was probably my favourite character, but I am known for having a soft spot for animals so that did not come as a surprise to me. Something that I truly enjoyed was reading Ellis’ letters as they give the reader a new perspective and a glimpse into Ellis’ mind.

The journey that the reader goes through with this story is not only captivating but also a great adventure. It is a wonderful story for anyone who loves the historical fiction genre, and even if you’re not a big fan of the genre I encourage you to add this novel to your TBR (to-be-read) list, because as I’ve said before, it is a real page-turner. Once you start reading, you will have a hard time putting this novel down. I lost count of how many times I told myself that I would only read one more chapter before I was done for the day, but that never went according to plan, and to be honest, I have no regrets. I enjoyed this story and hope to read more of Nikki Ehrlich’s in the future.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellis River is an historical fiction novel by Nicki Ehrlich that follows a 15-year-old on her journey to find her father and her brother at the very end of the American Civil War. I listened to the book as an audiobook, narrated by Madeleine Norton, and wonder now if the reason the story felt so naive was because of her delivery. She spoke clearly and had a voice for all the characters, but it felt to me like she was speaking to young children. I think the book would be very good directed towards children and YA though, so perhaps the narration is a good thing!

We follow much of Ellis's thoughts through her diary and unposted letters, which give us a good idea of who she is and what her life has been like. When she takes off from home to try and find her remaining family, she not only finds her brother fairly easily, but she finds her relatives as well. I found it a bit far-fetched. Still, the environment at that point in the war was brought to life, and small details in her relationship with horses was interesting. The characters surrounding her could have had a bit more depth and story in them as they were an interesting group of characters.

Although this wasn't enough of a layered read for me, I will say that I won't forget the book (that's a big one for me) and it left me feeling like I'd experienced a few things alongside Ellis.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley!

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the Civil War raged, Ellis’ father and older brother had left to deliver horses to the army but they failed to return. Her other brother left to find them but he too never came back. Shortly after, her mother died, leaving her alone to tend the farm until Union soldiers came and took the horses. When her favourite horse, Billie, returned, fifteen-year-old Ellis disguises herself as a boy and sets out on a journey to find her father and brother. This journey will take her across a war-torn landscape and she will encounter many dangers. But she will also meet many people who will help her on the way and who will become, for her, a new family.

Ellis River by Nicki Ehrlich is a beautifully written historical coming-of-age novel that kept my interest throughout. The story gives a compelling portrait of life during the Civil War, the loss, the grief, the racism but also the willingness to aid strangers and the bonds that could form despite the constant threat of violence and death. Ellis is a strong and resilient protagonist making it easy to care about her. That this is Ehrlich’s first novel makes it even more impressive and I look forward to any future books by this author. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Madeleine Norton who does an excellent job of bringing the story to life.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bay Feather Books for the audiobook version of this novel in exchange for an honest review

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful and heartbreaking novel. I believe this was a debut novel. I loved it from the very start and became engrossed where I lost track of all time and finished it in one sitting it was that good. It was definitely a late night which was definitely worth it. It was so wonderfully wrote and this story will stay with me for some time to come. This story is a thrilling and exciting read but, also heartbreaking. I was emotionally invested in this novel. This book had plenty of unexpected events and I just couldn't predict any of it. There were some great edge of your seat moments and a really good roller coaster ride. The characters were wonderful and realistic and developed really well especially this books female protagonist. The book had amazing atmosphere and tension that I felt like I was in the Story. In fact I forgot I was reading. It would make a great movie. I recommend this book if you love going on an emotional journey.
Only the highest of praise goes out to the author and publishing team for creating such a wonderful page turning story that had me frantically turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. I really can't wait for the next exciting instalment.

[Dione Hanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! If you like historical fiction (civil war), stories about family, strong female characters, horses or nature this book is for you. The writing is moving and the characters are amazing.

Ellis River is about a family during the Civil War that raises and sells horses. This family loves horses which made it extra special for me. Fifteen-year-old Ellis has her family torn apart by the war and is looking for family members that are missing. She has to make many tough decisions during her journey and is constantly caught up in the war.

She does end up with her favorite mare as her companion during her impossible journey. Her mother has given her and her twin brother journals and encouraged them to write from a young age. She uses writing in her journal as a therapy for what is going on in her life, Ellis spends most of her journey disguised as a boy to stay safe. When she is at times safe, she feels better keeping this information secret since she has done it for so long.

Ellis meets some extended family and makes friends with some different and interesting people. Some of the people she meets along the way become family.

Madeleine Norton did an excellent job narrating and telling the story.

[McBreakneck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook review

I didn't know anything about this book, I mainly read thrillers and dabble with historical and a friend with similar tastes thought it looked interesting.

Ellis lives on a horse ranch during the American Civil War. Her father and oldest brother take some horses to sell to the army and never come back. Her mother dies, her twin brother sets out to search for their father. Eventually Ellis leaves to try and find her twin.

It's a somewhat rambling journey / quest / coming of age story with lots of horses. I much preferred the second half when things settle down a bit, and it ends quite strongly.

I didn't gel with the narrator at first, I found her narration a little floaty, almost absent minded, but I liked her character voices.

Overall it felt rather YA to me, I don't think I would have got through reading the book. It felt quite light on history, but it was interesting how the news of the end of the war travelled slowly and how many battles and disputes continued.

I'd give it 3.5 stars, but as a YA or for someone who loves reading about horses and their 'nickering' it's probably a 4 or more.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bay Feather Books

[Ina Halsor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was offered an audio copy of this novel and the narration was very good with well executed voices. The story was pleasant, the characters were nicely developed. It gave an insight into the Civil War in America and depicted the time and place with well researched details.

Told through the eyes of the coming-of-age narrator; we follow fifteen year old Ellis and her horse Billie. She is left alone on the farm after her mother dies whilst her father and two brothers have travelled across the country to sell horses to the army. Ellis decides to ride out disguised as a boy to look for her family when they don’t return.

The journey is eventful, harrowing and life-changing. Ellis faces a variety of hard challenges but there is always hope in the story.
Ellis is a lovely character to follow, there is definitely a modern feminism aspect to the narrative which suits the current market.
I enjoyed the book but I didn’t love it. There’s a lot to like about it though and I’m glad I had the chance to listen to this well executed audio.
3.5 stars
-
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in return for a review

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently stumbled upon Nicki Ehrlich's work on NetGalley and I have to say, I was completely captivated by the audiobook version narrated by Madeleine Norton. The story takes place towards the end of the Civil War and follows the emotional journey of Ellis Cady, a 15-year-old girl who sets out to find her missing father and brothers with her horse, Billie. After the loss of her beloved Mama, Ellis departs western Tennessee with only Billie, her letters, and journals. Disguised as a boy, she begins a perilous quest to locate her family, who have failed to return home as planned.

While I found this story to be beautifully written and expertly narrated, I couldn't help but feel that it might be more suitable for younger readers than adults. That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and I appreciated the audiobook format, which truly brought the story to life in a way that reading it on my own simply could not have accomplished.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bay Feather Books, for the opportunity to listen and review this wonderful audiobook.

[Jayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Civil War, Tennessee. Fifteen year old Ellis Cady is all alone. First her father and eldest brother left to sell horses to the army. Then her twin brother left to find their father. Then her mother died. Days after the passing of her mother, Confederate troops show up and take their remaining horses. Ellis is all alone- until her favorite mare, Billie, returns. She takes off on Billie to try to find her family. She disguises herself as a boy, and comes across many people along the way while searching for family.

I went into this expecting to be sad and probably even cry. That did not happen. While a sad tale (with some positive events), I just didn't feel emotionally connected to it. It is an interesting story, but I just didn't have that connection.

The audiobook is narrated by Madeleine Norton. No complaints about the narration.

I received an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting story of a young girl that is surviving the end of the Civil War the best way she can. She must change her appearance from a girl to a boy and pretend to be her twin brother to remain safe and that change will lead to some trying times for her and decisions that will haunt her. This book shows the hardships the women faced during the war as well as the men, and how difficult times were. One of the main characters in the book is a horse named Billie and the horse has a significance that even Ellis didn't realize. It is sad in so many ways but we see Ellis carrying on to survive. I enjoyed the book and look forward to a second book that picks up where this one leaves off I hope. It is not a cliffhanger, it is a stand-alone but I think there will be more to the story in a second book.

[Stacey E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narrator Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ellis's father and brothers left the homestead to sell horses to the army, her mother falls ill and dies, leaving her alone. Army soldiers ride through and claims the remaining horse herd, but a lone mare escapes and makes her way back to the farm. After the return of the mare, Ellis decides it's time to saddle up and leave to search for her father and siblings. Disguised as a boy, she sets out and meets an unlikely group who teaches her about love and family.


This story was beautifully written and beautifully told. I have never read any civil war fiction, and I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this. My only complaint is it wasn't long enough! There were hints at a sequel, and I can't wait to read it!

Thank you, NetGalley and Bay Feather Books, for the opportunity to listen and review this wonderful audiobook.

[Lisa A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is set at the end of the Civil War and is a heartbreaking tale of survival as 15-year-old Ellis sets off to find her missing father and brothers. I enjoyed the history woven into this story - I love learning more about the civil war era and there were so many details and situations that I was unaware of, some of which are hard to comprehend. I loved everything about Ellis’s character and felt her heartbreak, pain, and hope. Her bond with her horse Billie is just beautiful. I was so sad to reach the end of the book and can’t wait to learn more about Ellis’s journey in the next book. I listened to the audio book of Ellis River and enjoyed the narration by Madeleine Norton.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review

[Megan Blank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellis River

Through the lens of a 14 year old girl, Ellis River follows physical and mental growth during the end of the civil war. It’s a story about the exploration of the interpersonal relationships that grow us and the extraordinary relationships with animals that shape us. I would say this book is an excellent YA to NA level. The balancing of dense, dark and heavy themes with embracing the future after hardship, internal growth, love and joy is well done for the YA audience. Or anyone who wants to read a historical fiction without some of the deeply depressing feelings they can leave you with. I have taken a bit of a break from historical fiction and this book reminded me how much I enjoy this genre. Looking forward to the sequel!
Notable: Madeleine Norton’s narration of the audiobook was very enjoyable!

[Bells Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always a sucker for a boom with a horse on the cover. Novel takes place during and after the American Civil War. Fourteen year old Ellis and her twin have grown up on a horse farm in a community of Quakers. Although their family is not specifically Quakers they hold many of their beliefs and war is not part of the lives until their father and older brother take some of their horses to a market and disappear. As the war wages on, the twins have to make decisions about their futures. Told through Ellis’s viewpoint, survival, growing up and deciding when to reveal who she is in a time of upheaval made me want to know what will happen to her and her family.

[Kay Smith-Blum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horsewoman of merit, author Nicki Ehrlich hits the literary trail during a time of great tumult. The Civil War has technically ended but in the hills and plains of the southeast and beyond, not everyone knows. The death of her mother propels Ellis, our heroine, to find her twin brother, Earl and bring him home. Her journey atop her beloved steed, Billie, enwraps us as Ellis comes of age, navigating the opposing forces loose across the wounded nation. Ehrlich shows us with poignant accuracy the tribulations of the time, the resilience of men and women who have suffered a lifetime of pain and the solace of family no matter how they are found. An emotion-packed read. Well done, Ms. Ehrlich!