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 in herself all alone after the death of her mother. Stricken with grief and loneliness, Ellis and her horse, Billie, set off on a journey to find her brothers and her father, who had left long ago to fend for the family but had not returned. Ellis, disguised as a boy, meets many hardships on her journey through the South and Midwest of the US. At 15, she sees more strife and war than anyone ever should. But luckily, along the way, Ellis meets a group of travellers who become her found family of sorts.

Ellis River touches on many dark themes, such as grief and loss, loneliness, war, mental illness and racial injustice, but it never feels too heavy. The author balances the sadness in Ellis’ story so well with optimism, acceptance and loving relationships that I shared Ellis’ near constant hope despite the many lows along the way.

While Ellis River is a historical fiction, it is also a coming of age story. I loved watching Ellis discover new things about herself and the world around her. She writes in her diary at different times in the story, which enables the readers to reflect on her experiences, her memories and her feelings as she does. I loved that aspect of the book.

Finally, what made this story so cozy for me was the many beautiful descriptions of nature. Ellis’ journey mostly takes place in the American wilderness and without being excessive, the descriptive nature scenes are very palpable. I could visualize them, smell them, hear them. The beautiful setting of the story also helps balance out some of the darker, harder moments.

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

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.

I received an early copy to read and review through Netgalley. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.

Another new author for me and I just loved this book once I had the first two chapters in hand and then I couldn’t put it down.
The civil war is nearly over but the day comes that Ellis had hoped would never happen, soldiers come to take the horses. The next day her favourite horse Billie comes back so Ellis decides to go and try and find her brother and father. Ellis is only 15 but she seems much older and she doesn’t realise the danger and level of the journey she is about to make.
There are many times in this book when you ache from being in the saddle and feel so tired with Ellis. I kept turning the pages and was sorry it ended.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and Bay Feather Books for the early read.

Some fine writing going in this wonderful book! Loved every minute of it.
Especially Billie! She was one smart horse and pretty too! I'm guessing that's who is on the cover of the book.
I've met lots of wonderful characters in here and I loved Libby and her free spirit. Wish I could be like that. She's truly a good friend to Ellis. My heart really went out to this character. I definitely connected with her.
I love to write in my journal too. I think it's a woman thing but it really does help to get your thoughts out.
Yes this book is slow paced but I loved anyway. A good way to slow your mind down and absorb what all is going on in this book. It was a wonderful adventure!
I highly recommend it.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
5 stars for a job well done!

I absolutely loved it! Nicki is an artist of words. The characters became my family and the trail my home. Your story pulled me in, investing my mind and heart in Ellis, while keeping me on the edge of my seat as she went from the frying pan into the fire. This story has action, grit, hope and perseverance. It's refreshing to read a book that doesn't use foul language, over the top gore, or explicit romance, I look forward to the sequel.

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