The Journeys Begin: Ora

by E.E. Byrnes

An inspirational tale of courage with an unexpected fantasy twist! Bringing history to young adults in a new way.

A stimulating, historical novella that's a delightful, nostalgic mix of the classic American Girl stories and clean tones of Little Women and Anne of Green Gables. With the turbulent American Civil War as its backdrop, this well-researched story is filled with engaging characters and profound emotions. Although a prequel, it can be enjoyed as a standalone as well!

Read the Journey that Started a Family Tradition through Generations!

In 1864, the city of Atlanta surrenders to the Union Army, and Ora Harding and her family prepare to leave everything behind, including their slaves. Instead of planning for her debutante ball, Ora finds herself on a journey filled with heartbreak, trepidation, and danger.

Soon alone, Ora hears a guiding voice that leads her north, but she is a Confederate with a strong southern accent venturing deep into Yankee territory. Can she trust this voice?

During a storm, she encounters a hooded man on a wagon. He offers her a ride that will change her life.

This is the first novella of the exciting prequel series to Jenelyn’s Journey. It’s the story of Jenelyn’s three-time great-grandmother, Ora, and how her perilous Journey during the Civil War shaped the future of an entire family.

152 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2022

About the author

E.E. Byrnes writes women's fiction, historical fiction, and romance. Readers often say her books are heartfelt with engaging characters, captivating stories, and unexpected twists that keep them intrigued and wanting more.

Although born in northern California, her natural wanderlust and family history led her to Ireland, where she currently resides with her husband and three children. When she's not busy writing, Erin enjoys baking, reading, and hiking along the nearby beaches and sprawling landscapes while spending time with her family.

Reviews

[acupofteaandabookplease · Rating 4 out of 5]

As for Jenelyn's Journey, I loved to follow this amazing journey (physically and spiritually) that Ora went through in this book. The evolution in Ora's beliefs is really sweet and as I don't know a lot about American history (just the basis as I'm European), it was really nice for me to read a story between the reality of America's history and a fantastic journey the main character started... I also loved the writing and the kindness I felt from the author all along the pages!

[Maryann Larucci-Troche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously this is the story of Ora, who endures great tragedy. It takes place during the civil war and Ora and her family are from Atlanta, where her father is a confederate soldier and the Yankees are invading and wrecking their livelihood as they know it. They decide to travel north to remove themselves from being captured by the Yankees. With this traveling, Ora has to become courageous and stronger than she ever imagined possible.

Her mother explains to Ora about their culture, how one listens for the spirits to call upon them to begin their journey until their final destination has been reached. For Ora, this turns out to be New York.

Ora grew up only knowing what her parents taught her, such as the dangers of running into Red Indians or the Yankees. She has also grown with her family owning slaves. Even though President Lincoln declares slaves to now be free, there were many who didn’t know where to go or what to do, so staying with their owners and still serving them felt safe.

As you’re reading, you begin going on Ora’s journey with her. My favorite part of this journey was Ora meeting the Occaneechi tribe and a black man who is living free. Ora has no choice but to stay with the people for safety, shelter and food. In turn, her whole world becomes something she would’ve never imagined. She realizes how brown and black people have been the victims of the white folks, yet, without any animosity, they still lend a helping hand. Due to Ora’s southern accent, everyone realizes she is a confederate. Now Ora gets treated as the evil outsider. No one will give her shelter, food or a job. Who ends up taking her in, a black family traveling to New York as well. Ora really gets to know this family and hears about their history and how their native tongue was forbidden as well as their beliefs. Now the tables have turned for Ora. Ora now sees a whole new world, one that doesn’t add up to the one she was raised with. With this, Ora apologizes for being part of the group who wronged the black and brown people. (This is what I loved the most from the journey). Following Ora’s journey is definitely an adventurous one, with her spirits guiding her all the way to New York.

I give this story four and a half stars, because I feel like there is a section missing. This could be my detailed explanation I’m always wanting so there are no holes in the story. Ora turns out to be Jenelyn’s (from Jenelyn’s Journey) great-great grandmother. I wish there had been a family tree we readers could follow. Ora is told by her mother about their culture with the spirits, as Jenelyn was told by her mother the same explanation. It is said that Ora felt so blessed by the spirits guiding her, that she would definitely make sure the tradition continued, hence Jenelyn’s Journey.

Here is where I feel there are holes in the story. I’m still wondering how this tradition came to be? Were spirits suddenly heard and a young lady listened and this is how the tradition develops? Another hole; Ora has a younger sister, Leila. What happened to her? Ora just lives her life with her sister just being a memory?? These are the holes eating me up.

Anyone who has opinions, I would love to hear your take. Actually, this will be a Once Upon a Time book club discussion with the author, E. E. Byrnes! I hope many of you read these two quick books to have a great discussion.

[Aubs · Rating 5 out of 5]

“After all my traveling, I felt as if I had discovered the greatest treasure. Not just a place to live or a means of survival, but a family again.”

If you like historical YA novellas that have the nostalgic feel of an American Girl story, this one is for you!

This follows Ora, a 16-year-old Confederate girl, as she journeys from her home in Atlanta to her new life up north after her family is forced to surrender to the Union in 1864.

This story does deal with family loss so keep that in mind, if that’s something triggering for you.

In this novella, you get a look into the mind of a young, privileged debutante as she learns that things are not always as they seem and stereotypes are not always correct. We get to see her grow and become more open minded as she learns about others with different backgrounds.

I really enjoyed this story. It was very well written and kept me captivated from the time I started it to the very last page. It was a nice, easy, quick fall read.

[Arlene Goligowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was book was a quick, lovely read that was hard to put down. Seeing the world through the eyes of a young southern girl raised in the heart of the south (during the Civil War era) who had to make her own way in life while seeing the people and cultures around her in a new, different light made me look at things from a different perspective as well.

I enjoyed this story immensely. My only complaint is that it was over too quickly!

(I received an advance read copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)

[Sheri Vasconcellos Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed her journey. Such heartwarming stories.with good times and bad times all melted togather. A good lesson learning book.

[Kate Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book to review! This book reminded me of reading American Girl books as a child, so I absolutely loved that nostalgia factor. Ora was a fascinating character and I enjoyed watching her change and grow into herself throughout her journey. I also liked reading about Ora’s time spent with people from different backgrounds than her. Seeing her character become more open minded and accepting of other cultures and characters was wonderful. I will say the Spirits guiding her did throw me off a bit. I know her mother mentioned them in the beginning, but I would’ve liked a bit more detail regarding them. Were they her mother and father guiding her or perhaps something else?

[Deb Kiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Journeys Begin: Ora is YA historical fantasy novella set in 1864 Atlanta, GA during the Civil War. Ora is a 16-year-old with a 4 year old sister, Leila, a mother and father who is a Colonel in the Confederate Army. The family needs to flee their home as the Union soldiers are burning homes throughout the city. Unfortunately, during their escape, Union soldiers stop their carriage and Ora’s mother and father are killed and Ora takes her sister and runs. The sisters flee until they find kind people to help them at an inn. Winnie, the innkeeper, helps the girls as much as she can. A young couple adopt Leila since Ora can’t really take care of them both. The voice in Ora’s hear tells her to go north. Ora believes this is the same voice her mother heard years ago when she moved from Kentucky to Atlanta. On her way north, Ora meets people from the Occaneechi tribe, a black family, and non-Confederates who help her with physical needs and teach her that people are more alike beyond outward appearances. This was an important lesson for Ora to learn. Once in New York, Ora found a boardinghouse and finally found a job as a governess for a widower, Mr. Cowley, who lived in New Hampshire. After a time, Mr. Cowley asked Ora to be his wife and mother to the two little girls she had come to care for and she agreed. The voice, which appears from time to time during the journey to help guide Ora make choices and decisions, said, “Welcome Home.” This was a fun novella to read because I was kept guessing about what would happen to Ora next. She was a privileged southern girl that learned many life lessons along the way, and I think she became a better person by the end. I can see this book generating a lot of discussion with young people as well as adult book clubs. I love the historical fiction quality of the book and the fantasy component reminds us to listen to the voice inside our own heads to help guide us in the journey of life.
Thank you Erin Powney for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ora is just 16 when both her parents are killed by Yankees at the tail end of the Civil War. What will happen to her and her little sister Leila, now that they are orphans, in a world that a young woman should never be alone?
This story is told from Ora's point of view as she tries to find where she belongs. I am not sure I can quite convey my thoughts as well as I want to in order to capture the beauty of this novella. The author was able to paint a vivid story of Ora's journey. From the characters, to the landscape and especially to the life lessons learned by Ora, E.E. Byrnes has created an incredible story to follow up her previous book, Jenelyn's Journey. If you love books that have depth and that move you, than you will love Ora's story as well as Jenelyn's!

[Kelly Dunn-Goligowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read. The writer is so descriptive she makes you feel like you are personally in the story yourself.
This is the third book I've read from this author and I'm hooked.
I highly recommend any book written by this author.

[Jessica Marie]

The Journey Begins: Ora is a YA historical fantasy novella that takes place in Atlanta Georgia back in 1864 during the time of the Civil War. The family consists of a mother and a father the father is a Colonel in the Confederate Army, Ora is 16, and her baby sister Leila who is only 4 years old. The family has come upon hard times when they must flee their home as the Union soldiers are tearing through the city and burning down homes in their path. In a series of unfortunate events, while they were fleeing the city, their carriage is stopped by the Union soldiers and Ora’s mother and father are then killed, thus leaving Ora with the full-on responsibility of caring for her much younger sister Leila due to the unforeseen circumstances. Sadly, down the road time, Leila ends up being taken in by a nice young couple as it is just too much for Ora to care for them both at such a young age. As Ora is on her journey North, she comes across a tribe of Occaneechi, a black family, whose time spent with them is of great importance in her life as she not only learns valuable life lessons but learns that there is more to people than just their looks. On her journey, she lands in New Hampshire with a nice widower named Mr. Crowley who in time ends up asking Ora to marry him and be the mother to his two little girls. I really enjoyed this novella, and it gave me American Girl vibes as they were one of my favorite books growing up to see the girls go through their life changes and succeed in the end. I thank the author for allowing me the opportunity to be able to read this ahead of time and give my honest review on this book.

[Denise Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, I think maybe I read these the wrong way around and sould have read this one before Jenelyn's Journey, however it didn't really matter.
This book follows Ora's Journey in much the same way as Jenelyns but the story is completely different and therefore standalone,
During the American Civil War, the South has surrendered to the North and the Yankee soldiers are taking over town and communities and freeing slaves. Ora's family are slave owners so decide to escape while the going is good, as they are due to leave the soldiers attack their home, dragging them all from the carriage. Her mother and father are killed during the stuggle and Ora and her little sister make a run for it.
This is when Ora starts to hear the spirits talk to her in her head, leading her forward, telling her where to go and who to trust. Thus begins a journey that sees her little sister being adopted by an English couple, and Ora going on alone and meeting many different people along the way. She is learing from each encounter and person that she meets which makes her stronger and more independent which seems to the the theme of these two books.
I really enjoyed both of them and think young women and girls should read them and take in the message that the author is trying to put across. I really wish these had been available to me as a younger person, I know my life would have been very different if I had listened to my inner self and had more self belief.

[Addie Wilkin-Munns · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given an arc copy in exchanged for an honest review.
I unfortunately had to DNF the book for now, I’m not saying it’s a bad book by any stretch of imagination as I feel it is beautifully written. Some of the detail this author was written about really made it feel as though I was there walking along side the main character Ora.
So far: This book follows a family in 1864 who had to the surrender to the union, leaving the whole life behind them. Their escape did not go to plan leaving Ora on her own and left to decide whether she listens to the spirits or not.
This book is out of my comfort zone and not the genre I typically read which is why I may find it harder to read.
However, I feel that this is a beautiful book and the concept of the book has still got me intrigued so I’m hoping to pick it up again soon and provide another outlook on it.
These are my opinions, just because I didn’t quite get into the book the first time round doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a try
Thank you for this opportunity!

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a novella prequel to Jenelyn's journey. Its the story of Jenelyn's three times great grandmother Ora and how her journey during the civil War shaped the future of a entire family.
This novella follows Ora as her family flee from Atlanta as there is a war on. Her parents are killed and her little sister is adopted, soon she finds herself alone on a journey filled with danger and heartbreak. She hears a voice which her mum had previously told her about but she didn't truly believe, which are spirit guides. She listens to them and they help guide her on her journey.
I really enjoyed this book and Ora's journey and it kept me gripped to the end. I really recommend this book and look forward to starting the next book in the series.

[Stephanie Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I absolutely love historical fiction, but I don't run into Civil War HF very often. This one was wonderful. The people Ora met along the way were wonderful and I adored how meeting each of these different groups changed how Ora saw the world. The natives taught her about their oppression and how they changed to survive while still maintaining their traditions and beliefs. The black folks she came across were so helpful despite sometimes not being in the best pace themselves. This book really highlighted how alike we all are and how important it is to accept other points of view.

I will absolutely have my kiddos read this when they hit middle or high school, but as an adult I absolutely enjoyed it. Well written.

[Shawn-Joy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book to review.

Historical YA

This is definitely not my normal genre but this book had me hooked from the start. Ora really goes through it from the very beginning of this book. I had so many emotions and feelings reading her journey and many times I am certain I wouldn't have been half as strong as she was.

Ora's family is Southern during the Civil War and everything falls apart for them. Very early in the story she loses her parents and is then responsible for getting herself and her younger sister North to safety and a new life. The growth that Ora finds on her several weeks journey is more than most adults find in their entire lives. She embraces her mother's words and story about trusting the Spirits, she makes new friends she would not previously given a second look and learns that there's more to the world than her privileged upbringing could have ever prepared her for.

I absolutely recommend this novella to anyone and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Cassie Hollenbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read a book nor a novella in the genre of Historical Fiction in a long time! I am so glad I found this author in a group on fb and was part of an ARC read! The story was incredible! Ora, only sixteen when she loses both of her parents, and now has to take care of her little sister, is so much stronger mentally and physically than she realized! Her journey to a better life was a page turner! I do wish we could have found out what happened to her little sister once they parted ways, but I am so glad she finally was given happiness! I hope there is a second so I can find out more about them!

[Morgan Langer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Ora's adventure and all of the friends she made along the way. It was interesting to see how Ora was initially close minded but overcame her biases after the positive experiences she had with different groups. The guiding spirits were also a nice touch.
I was a bit disappointed in the courtship between her and Harold. It was basically non excellent and then boom. She agrees to marry him. I also would have liked to find Leila or at least hear more about what happened to her since that was a major theme in the beginning that we never got back to.

[Rachel Wentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected, but loved it!

So I totally thought this was a paranormal book. Oops.

I love the way she wrote this short tale. It's heartbreaking, year jerking, and overall just a good story to understand things from a different point of view. Can't wait to read her next book!

[Karen Cantara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy write

Such a tender written book. Completely drawn in to the highs and lows of the character and her journey. Great prequel.

[Hannah-Louise Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

[The Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Dystopian, a very enjoyable tale, of hope and strength in the face of adversity. A must for fans of escape/thriller fiction. The descriptions were good, pace continual, characters interesting and
three dimensional. Overall, I enjoyed this story. (Andrew Bell Book Tour Reviewer)

Overall journey’s begin Ora, is a very spiritual book about relying on ones’s faith amidst times of war, as well as being a book of necessary sacrifice. It’s very hard to put down and had me gripped as a young woman travels from Atlanta to New York on her own and encounters not only forces of nature but the risk of death and had me gripped the whole way through. (Hannah Smith Book Tour Reviewer)

The setting of the novella is in the American Civil War era, and the action begins in my own birth town of Atlanta, so I felt invested from the off – and admittedly hesitant at that investment. It’s a difficult subject matter, but one that I feel has been handled here well. This story is not about the brutality of the war (although there is some brutality within it) so much as it is about identity and the confrontation between reality and perception. The protagonist finds herself in a state of displacement, both in her physical
location, her sense of self, and her sense of others. It’s a well- written, easy read that examines a rapidly changing society from a personal level. (Tim Marshall Book Tour Reviewer)

A story that I enjoyed thoroughly from start to finish. It was easy to read, engaging and something I looked forward to getting back to reading. Though not as long as a traditional novel, it is lengthier
then a short story and therefore allows time for a well developed main character. The author has created a likeable main character who goes on a journey throughout the duration of the book, both in a literal and figurative sense. With each physical step she takes, her mind is opened further and she learns to trust her instincts. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants an entertaining and uplifting read with a well written and charismatic protagonist. It reads like a fairy story for an older audience and left me with the same feeling I would get from such stories as a child. (Michelle Marshall Book Tour Reviewer)

When sixteen-year-old Ora Harding’s parents are killed by Yankee soldiers outside of Atlanta, Georgia, Ora takes her younger sister’s hand and hides in a nearby forest. Once Ora finds a hiding place for herself and Leila. She keeps her hand over her sister’s mouth to keep her quiet. Of course, Leila doesn’t realiae they’re in danger; the four-year-old thinks it’s all a game. Thus begins Ora’s flight to
safety. This book was a pleasure to read. The author did quite a bit of research to prepare herself to write this historical fiction. ‘The Journeys Begin Ora’ was well edited, well written, and well-paced, putting the reader into the book. The author paints the Yankee soldiers as evil. This is how they were seen by people of the old south. The scenes are so well described that you feel the Ora’s frustration, weariness, and wariness from traveling the road north alone. The story line is fast paced and is one adventure after another. I was so impressed that the author included Ora’s learning about other races and cultures. In this book, she learns to accept people for who they are and to take to heart their wisdom. This book is perfect for readers aged twelve through eighteen. I was impressed that Ora is guided north by ‘Spirits’ who speak to her whenever it’s necessary. This mysticism only adds to the story. (Deb Hockenberry Book Tour Reviewer)

Ora’s journey is guided by the Spirits who guided her mother through her own journey, and we can’t help but feel it is something that continues through the Ages. We are taken on a roller-coaster of emotions throughout the book as we follow Ora’s journey to a new life of her own. Thrilling and captivating, this is an enjoyable read I’d have no hesitation to recommend. (Yvonne Marrs Book Tour Reviewer)

A fantastic prequel to Jenelyn’s Journey that takes the reader further back in time to the civil war period and the challenges that a young woman must face to find her true path, and rebuild her life when she is impacted by the harsh realities of war. Losing those she loves dearly, our female protagonist Ora Harding must trust in the spirits that guide her, and adapt to the circumstances she is thrown into, learning that not everything is at first seems. Her strength of heart and mind, her resilience, her selflessness in terms of the personal sacrifices she makes for another’s happiness, and the way she learns to embrace the differences of others, makes for a truly admirable and inspirational character, that readers can really connect to on an emotional level. Journeys Begin Ora is a beautifully written book, that captivates the reader from the beginning. The story moves at a good pace, with little that would distract a reader, and with credible dialogue, and characters that are enjoyable and relatable in the roles they serve to move Ora’s story onward to her final destination. I loved the story so much I was disappointed when it ended and would have welcomed more. (Kirsty McKay Book Tour Reviewer)

Overall we award 4.5 stars.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pros: It is so good to see where Jenelyn's ancestors come from! Jenelyn was the first in this lineage that I was introduced to and her journey was so captivating. I absolutely love seeing how it was influenced by her history!

I also love the Civil War era. Byrnes really put the work in to capture the feel and emotion during that time to make Ora come to life.

Cons: I don't have any. Part of me wishes that it was much longer because the whole idea of spirits leading us can live rent free in my head any day that ends with a "y", but the other part knows this story is complete exactly how it is.

Conclusion: If you haven't read Jenelyn's Journey, you can still read this first, but I do recommend reading JJ first so that this brings more magic to your mind with how Jenelyn landed where she did. It's a quick read too, so you've got plenty of time! Pick this up for a captivating, historical, magical story!

[Mary M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly captivating read. I was totally intrigued by Ora’s adventures and read this beautifully written book in three sittings. A heartbreaking, tear jerking, and amazing story of a young girl's struggle to survive amongst the harsh conditions which she found herself in. Can't wait to read more books by E. E. Byrnes.

[Lexi V · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - i felt really uncomfortable about the depiction of black people and the “good master” narrative.

[Megan Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The struggles of the civil war are brought to the pages in this beautiful novella. Byrnes delves into the dangers of living as a woman in a dark time.
Ora is lucky enough that she had spirits watching over her. She was not alone on her journey. The readers are along for the ride. I was in tears a few times, Byrnes brings emotion to these believable characters. She deserved her happy ending.
This quick read is worth picking up. If you like historical fiction, pick up Ora.