Tag Archives: Orphan Train

#BookReview: Searching for You by Jody Hedlund

27 Dec

Oh, how I loved Sophie’s story! I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the plight of orphaned and homeless children during the orphan train movement, and Hedlund has done an excellent job of bringing their stories to life. Heart-wrenching and hopeful, Searching for You is a compelling tale and a wonderful conclusion to the Orphan Train series. While this novel can stand alone, I highly recommend reading the entire series! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own. 

 

About the book:

Despite years on the run, Sophie Neumann is determined to care for two young children. She won’t abandon them the way she thinks her older sisters abandoned her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing 1850s New York is her only option.

Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life.

Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that haunt him, he’s in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby train pleading for his help?

Learn more about the book and the author.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

31 Jul

The Hope of Azure Springs is a stirring story! Em is an endearing character who has experienced much heartache, and the care and kindness she finds in Azure Springs are touching. Intrigue and romance weave their way through the narrative, and my emotions were engaged as the dramatic tale unfolded. Always happy to discover new authors, I enjoyed The Hope of Azure Springs and look forward to reading more from Rachel Fordham.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the book:

Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won’t be able to do it alone.

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He’s determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn’t expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

Learn more about the book and the author.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: Together Forever by Jody Hedlund

16 May

I adore historical fiction, and Jody Hedlund’s orphan train series is one of my favorites! The details and descriptions are vivid and bring to life a compelling tale. Marianne Neumann, her fellow Children’s Aid Society agent Andrew Brady, and their young charges are well-crafted and endearing characters, and I loved experiencing their emotional journey. Together Forever is a beautiful blend of history and romance, and I can’t wait to continue this wonderful series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the  book:

Marianne Neumann became a placing agent with the Children’s Aid Society with one goal: to find her lost sister. Her fellow agent, Andrew Brady, is a former schoolteacher with a way with children and a hidden past. As they team up placing orphans in homes in Illinois, they grow ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy changes one of their lives forever.

Learn more about Together Forever.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

#BookReview: With You Always by Jody Hedlund

17 Jun

With You Always is a beautifully told tale of strength and survival! Jody Hedlund brings history to life in her novels, and I loved the lesser known details she highlights in this story. While familiar with the history of orphan trains, I was not aware of the women who also traveled on the trains seeking employment.

Elise Neumann is an endearing character, and my heart ached for her and her sisters. I delighted in Elise crossing paths with businessman Thornton Quincy, and their unexpected journey stirred my emotions. I loved this compelling story of history and romance and eagerly await the next book in the Orphan Train series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

 

 

About the book:

When a financial crisis in 1850s New York leaves three orphaned sisters nearly destitute, the oldest, Elise Neumann, knows she must take action. She’s had experience as a seamstress, and the New York Children’s Aid Society has established a special service: placing out seamstresses and trade girls. Even though Elise doesn’t want to leave her sisters for a job in Illinois, she realizes this may be their last chance.

The son of one of New York City’s wealthiest entrepreneurs, Thornton Quincy faces a dilemma. His father is dying, and in order to decide which of his sons will inherit everything, he is requiring them to do two things in six months: build a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad, and get married. Thornton is tired of standing in his twin brother’s shadow and is determined to win his father’s challenge. He doesn’t plan on meeting a feisty young woman on his way west, though.

Learn more about the book and the author.

Tags: , , , , , , ,