Ebb Tide (Volume 3 – Ella Wood Series)
Michelle Isenhoff, Author
CreateSpace Independent Publishing, Historical Fiction, Apr. 24, 2017
Suitable for Ages: 14 – adult
Themes: Love, Family Relationships, Civil War, Slavery, Abolitionists, Pursuing educational dreams, Courage, Hope
Opening: Emily felt the explosion before she heard it. Her ribcage thrummed like the plucked strings of a guitar, then the sky split open, pouring sound and fury down upon the world below. Her bones bucked against the sudden pulse of energy. Glass fractured. Horses plunged and screamed, slamming vehicles together with a crunch of wood on wood. Escape mocked them. Everyone in Charleston had joined the mad rush to safety.
Book Synopsis: When the Union navy fires on Charleston, Emily must flee to Ella Wood — and to a father who has never forgiven her for attending the Maryland Institute against his will. There, she grapples with Jack’s secret plans for the plantation and his final admonition that she carry them to fruition. But as a woman back under the authority of her father, evoking even the slightest change might prove too much to hope for. In the meantime, old jealousies place Emily’s life in danger, and her desperate hopes for Jovie’s safe return begin to fade. As the war rumbles to its conclusion, she must draw upon every ounce of courage in a final bid for love and freedom.
Why this book is on my shelf:
Ebb Tide brings Michelle Isenhoff’s Ella Wood trilogy to a heart-pounding conclusion. It is powerful, emotion-laden novel with secrets and many unexpected outcomes. Ebb Tide brightly shines as her finest literary accomplishment to date. The prose is beautiful, the language is rich and the dialogue lively. The trilogy has been an ambitious undertaking for the author and fans will be deeply satisfied with her third novel. It is my favorite!
Character development is Isenhoff’s strength. As Emily faces the destruction of Charleston, the uncertainty for Ella Wood, the loss of loved ones and shattered dreams, her ferocious spirit and determination will leave readers breathless. The rich cast of characters are tender and lovable, while others are abusive and gritty. And Isenhoff doesn’t let you rest until all of their fates are known — a monumental effort considering the large cast of characters central to Emily’s journey from debutante to accomplished artist. Readers will be satisfied.
The high-stakes plot is riveting, dangerous and deliberately paced with nonstop adventures. There are tragic incidents at Ella Wood. Emily’s responsibilities increase as the Union Army presence threatens livelihood at Ella Wood. There is a shortage of food, clothing and shoes. Finishing her studies in Baltimore seems out of reach. And Jovie is missing in action. Ebb Tide also has more tender moments with romance, weddings, births, and the reappearance of important characters from earlier books.
Ebb Tide is impeccably researched and offers readers a penetrating look into the emotional landscape of the south, its role in the civil war, customs, culture, the suppression of women’s rights, the searing treatment of slaves and freedom for other slaves. Michelle Isenhoff’s website has links to a pictorial representation of many of the people, places, and events that are featured in Ebb Tide and to her behind-the-scenes research.
** Readers can download a free Kindle copy of Ella Wood until June 15 on Amazon.
Ella Wood Novellas: In July readers can get to know three prominent characters better: Lizzie, Jack and Jovie. This upcoming series of novellas, available exclusively for Kindle, will fill in additional details in the Ella Wood trilogy’s main story line. Experience Lizzie and Ketch’s escape north. Follow Jack into the Confederate army. And find out exactly what happened to Jovie after Gettysburg. Visit Isenhoff’s website for details.
Michelle Isenhoff is the author of Ella Wood and Blood Moon; The Candle Star, Blood of Pioneers and Beneath the Slashings (Divided Decade Collection); Song of the Mountain and Fire on the Mountain (Mountain Trilogy); Taylor Davis and the Flame of Findul, Taylor Davis and the Clash of Kingdoms; The Color of Freedom; and The Quill Pen.
Check other Middle Grade review links on author Shannon Messenger’s Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post.
I love reading about this time period though I have little time to read YA books. I’ll be sure to recommend this one to others interested in Civil War based stories.
Michelle Isenhoff is such a seasoned author. Her writing is powerful. I have loved this series!
Sounds like a great trilogy! I’ll add it to my list, Pat! Thanks for reviewing the series.
This is a series that you can’t put down, once you begin. Michelle is a real literary professional. Her research is incredible and her plots stand out. The nice thing for new readers is that all three books are available and you can read all three without waiting for the next sequel. Great series to lose yourself in.
I do love historical fiction. I don’t have a lot of extra time, though, just now. I will keep this in mind. Thanks for the review.
This is a winning series and I know you’d enjoy Michelle’s writing style.
This book sounds like a treasure! I’m happy that the author knows how to wrap up a series, sometimes I find that I’m just not satisfied with the ending. Thanks for the review!
You loved Halse’s series about the Revolutionary War. But, I’ll have to admit that I loved this series about the Civil War even more. The series began with a MG novel she wrote about a spoiled southern girl who is sent to live with her Uncle Isaac, who happens to be an abolitionist. Emily’s view on slavery change and when she returns south she has a lot to grapple with about the slaves at home. Isenhoff’s fans wanted to know more of Emily’s story so Isenhoff penned this YA trilogy. Emily is older, has no interest in marriage and wants to attend a famous art institute, which her father refuses. She begins to smuggle slaves off the plantation right under her father’s nose. With each novel Emily matures and her responsibilities increase. The plot is outstanding and there is a lot of excitement in this series. If you have any interest, you can download the first novel Ella Wood on Kindle for free until 6/15. We share similar interests. I think you’d get lost in this series! So much research went into this trilogy. And, all three novels are completed, so you don’t have to wait. 🙂
What a gripping opening paragraph. I am visiting Charleston on a road trip this summer. Thanks for the kindle tip. I shall absolutely do that.
That’s why I shared the opening. I hope you download Ella Wood. You would really enjoy Michelle’s writing style. What a remarkable task it was for her to bring closure to the very well-developed characters in her trilogy. If you have Amazon Prime, her second book Blood Moon is free, or otherwise $2.99 Kindle. You are lucky to have the opportunity to read all three books in succession. I had to go back and read each novel a second time, before the next one came out so I wouldn’t forget the details. The is a superb example of historical fiction done well.
Great review! I like that Mrs Isenhoff branched out, and will look forward to reading the series at some point in the following years. 🙂
I hope so Erik. This is her best work and with so many male characters, you would find it interesting. My husband loves the Ella Wood series!