Where the Orchard Ends

De: Sefi Wells

Narrado por: Erika LeonGuerrero

A poignant middle grade novel for fans of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, Because of Winn-Dixie, and Pax

Some silences are louder than words. Some friendships are deeper than wounds.

Twelve-year-old Wren Harper hasn’t spoken a word in seventy-three days. Not since the morning she found her mother unresponsive in their Arizona apartment. Now she’s been sent to live with a grandmother she barely knows, in a rain-soaked orchard that feels more like a prison than a home.

Grief hangs heavy in the air. Wren finds solace only in her sketchbook, until a storm leads her to a hidden ravine and a terrified, injured Appaloosa mare. Scarred, starving, and half-wild, the horse is everything Wren understands: broken, voiceless, and forgotten.

As Wren secretly cares for the horse she names Talowa, a fragile bond begins to form, one built with trust, silence, and soul-deep understanding. But when a mysterious man comes looking for a missing mare, Wren realizes Talowa’s past may be darker than anyone guessed. Now Wren must find the courage to speak, for the creature she’s vowed to protect.

A quiet, powerful story about:

• A girl navigating grief, trauma, and healing
• The transformative bond between a child and a rescued horse
• Finding your voice after unspeakable loss
• Intergenerational connection and rural life
• Art, emotional resilience, and choosing kindness

Where the Orchard Ends will resonate with listeners ages 9–14 who loved Wishtree or The One and Only Ivan.

A perfect addition to classroom libraries, book clubs, and family libraries. Includes discussion themes around selective mutism, loss, empathy, and animal care.

Heartbreaking and hopeful in equal measure, this unforgettable novel is a tribute to the quiet, the survivors, and the healing that begins where words run out.

©2025 Novane Publishing, LLC (P)2025 Novane Publishing, LLC

Quiet Strength

This audiobook is a masterpiece of quiet storytelling. It doesn’t rely on big dramatic moments but instead shows the power of small, tender acts of care and trust. The symbolism of Wren’s mutism paired with Talowa’s brokenness was stunningly portrayed. I especially loved how the orchard itself felt like a character—moody, isolating, yet eventually a place of growth. The narrator’s calm, steady tone matched the story perfectly. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys meaningful, character-driven stories.

A Gentle but Powerful Story

This audiobook completely swept me away. Wren’s silence after losing her mother and her connection with the injured mare struck such an emotional chord. The relationship between a grieving child and a broken animal was handled with such care that I found myself tearing up more than once. What stood out most for me was the message about empathy, resilience, and finding your voice in unexpected ways. The writing has a poetic flow, and the narrator’s performance gave the story even more depth and heart. A perfect listen for families, classrooms, and anyone who appreciates quiet yet powerful storytelling.

A Must for Horse Lovers

As a lifelong horse lover, this story really resonated with me. The way Sefi Wells described Talowa’s fear, scars, and gradual trust-building was so authentic that I felt like I was right there in the ravine with Wren. Their friendship built on silence and understanding was absolutely beautiful. The audiobook format made it even better because you could feel the emotions in every scene. This is more than just a “horse story”—it’s about healing, love, and the courage to speak up when it matters.

Beautiful but Slow in Parts

Where the Orchard Ends is a touching and beautifully written story that will resonate with many listeners. I loved the themes of grief, healing, and the bond between Wren and Talowa. The narration was soothing and heartfelt, making the audiobook a pleasure to listen to. My only minor critique is that some sections felt a little drawn out, and younger listeners might lose focus. Still, the message and emotional impact make it worth every moment.

Perfect for Young Listeners

I picked this up because my daughter loved Because of Winn-Dixie, and we ended up listening together. It was such a moving experience. Wren’s story touches on grief and trauma in a way that kids can understand, but also offers so much hope. The addition of Talowa the horse was magical—watching them heal together was inspiring. The narrator did a phenomenal job bringing the orchard and its quiet moments to life. I think this audiobook belongs in every school library and would make an excellent book club choice. It sparks important conversations about loss, empathy, and kindness.

Thoughtful and Tender

This audiobook is gentle, emotional, and perfect for sparking discussions about loss, resilience, and empathy. Wren’s selective mutism was portrayed with sensitivity, and her journey toward finding her voice again was moving. Talowa the horse was such a powerful symbol for healing, and I loved how their stories intertwined. While the pacing was a little slower than I usually prefer, I appreciated the reflective nature of the storytelling. Overall, a meaningful and heartfelt listen that I would recommend to families and educators alike.

Narration Brings It Alive

Erika LeonGuerrero’s narration was flawless. She gave so much personality to each character without ever overwhelming the story. Wren’s silence could have been hard to translate into an audiobook format, but the performance carried the emotion so well that you always knew what she was feeling even without words. The orchard setting was beautifully described, and the pacing felt just right—slow enough to let the emotion sink in but compelling enough to keep you listening. This is an audiobook that lingers long after the last chapter.

A Journey Through Loss and Hope

This audiobook reminded me why middle grade literature can be so powerful. Wren’s grief was portrayed with honesty, and her journey to find her voice again was both heartbreaking and healing. The relationship between child, horse, and grandmother created a story full of layered emotions. It’s rare to find a book that tackles difficult topics with such tenderness while still being accessible to younger listeners. Erika LeonGuerrero’s narration added warmth and sincerity, making this an unforgettable listening experience.

Healing in Silence

Where the Orchard Ends is one of the most touching middle grade audiobooks I’ve listened to in years. Wren’s struggle with grief and silence felt so raw and real, and the way her pain was mirrored in the injured horse Talowa was beautifully written. I loved how the story didn’t rush the healing process but instead let it unfold slowly and naturally. The orchard setting was vivid and atmospheric, perfectly reflecting the weight of grief while also offering moments of quiet hope. Erika LeonGuerrero’s narration captured Wren’s emotions and the tenderness of the story with incredible grace. This is a book I’d recommend to both kids and adults—it’s heartbreaking yet deeply hopeful.

Emotional and Inspiring

I wasn’t sure if this book would be too sad, but instead I found it to be incredibly uplifting. Yes, it deals with heavy themes of grief and trauma, but it’s also filled with compassion and hope. Wren’s connection with Talowa was one of the most touching depictions of human-animal bonds I’ve ever come across in middle grade fiction. I also appreciated the intergenerational relationship with her grandmother—it felt authentic and added depth to Wren’s healing journey. I walked away from this audiobook feeling inspired to face my own challenges with more courage.