08-01-24

30 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY August 1-7, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com LIT Nicki Ehrlich is a local writer, author of a 2022 coming-ofage novel titled Ellis River, followed by the just-published Zephyr Trails, the second volume of what is planned as a trilogy. “I didn’t think that Ellis River stands alone,” Ehrlich says. “The plot begged for more.” Readers did, as well. The books tell a story of a teenage girl, Ellis, and is set in the wake of the Civil War, reflecting the chaos in American lives, when many were displaced and disconnected from their families. Ellis is forced to find hers. This young horse-lover travels on the saddle from Tennessee to Missouri and toward California, meeting friends, working out her taught past and seeking her father and brother. Eventually, Ellis finds employment and adventure with the legendary mail service Pony Express. The title of the second volume refers to the Zephyr Post, where Ellis works. “In the 19th century people had to grow up much quicker,” Ehrlich says. “So in her time, Ellis is practically an adult.” She is going through what today would be described as PTSD, Ehrlich adds. But Ellis also has to be tough due to the environment around her. The plot is fast and natural; the language—and the story—is appropriate for young adults. There are some allusions to Ellis’ budding love life; she feels both ways, attracted to men and women, and has a lot to figure out. The novel avoids politics. There’s no good or bad side in Ehrlich’s Civil War. “War is simply terrible,” Ehrlich says. “And there are better ways of solving problems.” The author is more interested in the big West. Ehrlich has been into Westerns all her life. Among her favorites titles are Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Dances With Wolves. Ehrlich and her heroine share the story of moving through the U.S. and finding home in California. She is now halfway through the third book about Ellis. “I like her,” Ehrlich says of the character she has spent so much time with. “But yes, it requires patience too.” Ehrlich self-publishes but her books can be found in local bookstores and libraries. Nicki Ehrlich’s book launch party takes place at 1pm Sunday, Aug. 4. Riverhouse Books, 208 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel. 626-2665, info@riverhousebookscarmel. com, riverhousebookscarmel.com. DANIEL DREIFUSS Ride Along The second novel in Nicki Ehrlich’s series brings her young character to the old West. By Agata Pop˛eda Monterey resident Nicki Ehrlich has completed two parts of her trilogy. She also found time to enter and win the Weekly’s 101-Word Short Story Contest in 2023. INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT Eat + Drink Indoor and Outdoor Dining on the Dog Friendly Patio Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly Live Spanish Guitar Music Thursday & Friday 5:30-8:30pm Saturday & Sunday Brunch 9am–1:30pm 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ CASUAL CALIFORNIA DINING INDOOR & PATIO DAILY AT 4:30PM 620 OCEAN VIEW BLVD. PACIFIC GROVE 831-375-2345 • BEACHHOUSEPG.COM LOVERS POINT BEACH CAFE OPEN DAILY, 9AM–4PM 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’23 LUNCH & DINNER SERVED DAILY from 11:30am-8:30pm Monterey County’s Best Calamari Wood Fired Pizzas, Burgers, Pasta, salads, sandWiches and more 11:30am mon-Fri, 10am Sat & Sun melvilletav.com 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 haPPY hour Food & drinK sPecials Sun-Thurs 4-6pm WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS Monterey’s MOST Recommended Pizzeria Open at 4pm Mon-Thurs • Open at 3pm Fri Open at 12pm Sat.& Sun. 725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey giannispizzamonterey.com 831-649-1500 BEST PIZZA ’98-’23 Fisherman’s Wharf’s Newest Restaurant Serving Fresh Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches Open Daily at 11:30am Great views at the end of the Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 ’23 JOIN US NIGHTLY FOR DINNER AT 5pm TWO HAppY HOURS DAILY 5-6pm & 8-9pm Call or go to sardinefactory.com for details, reservations. 701 Wave Street, monterey, 831-373-3775 BEST RESTAURANT IN mONTEREY! OPEN EVERYDAY for DINNER at 4:30pm Offering all your favorites plus wine, cocktails, bottle and draft beers. 763 Wave St., Monterey 831.373.3778 thewhalingstation.com ’23 Best Steak and Martini

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