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 … 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?
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Searching For You (2018) by Jody Hedlund is the final novel in her Orphan Train series. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is 384 pages in length. With a full-time job and a precocious six-year old at home, Searching For You took me three days to read. I received an eBook copy of this novel from the publisher, Bethany House, via NetGalley to review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this novel 5+++++ STARS. Searching For You is a Christian Historical Romance.
My good blogger friend, Becca from The Becca Files, wrote in her review for Searching For You that when she finished this book her “book fog” was heavy! I 1000% completely agree with Becca. I was so dazed upon finishing this book that I had to take the night to stew and think on all the many wonderful things I could discuss about Searching For You. Of course the writing is flawless, the story is highly engaging, the characters are perfectly drawn, and the historical detail is superb. I’m not sure Jody Hedlund could write a bad book if she tried! And, as with all her books, those things did speak to me, but what resonated with me the most are Ms. Hedlund’s themes. Searching For You deals with some heavy topics, but I finished this book feeling hopeful and more convinced in God’s love for me than I have ever felt from a fictional book before. This alone makes Searching For You a must-read novel!
I applaud Ms. Hedlund for delving into the issue of anger through her character, Reinhold. She doesn’t sugarcoat it. She doesn’t make excuses for it. Reinhold has a serious problem. Readers saw a bit of his issue in book 2, Together Forever, but in this book we see Reinhold’s internal struggle. Reinhold’s number one fear is turning into his father who was an abusive and angry man who kept his family in constant fear. He realizes that he actually has become his father after an incident in book 2. Because of this realization, Reinhold acts purposely to keep his anger in check by being alone most of the time. He will turn down dinner invitations and party invites because it is easier to be alone and single than in a group worried something might set him off. What I appreciate so much about Reinhold’s character is how realistic his anger is. For some people, it’s like we are the Hulk — you won’t like us when we’re angry. Reinhold is the Hulk. His anger turns on like someone flipping a switch. There is no such thing as building up to angry; no, Reinhold goes from cold to hot in less than a nanosecond. And, his is a powerful anger that leaves him feeling spent once he’s stopped beserking. That’s when the real pain hits — the immediate tidal wave of guilt, disgust, and self-loathing, which makes his desire to run and hide from people all the more intense.
How does someone fix this anger issue? First, the angry person has to admit he/she has a problem, and then that person has to go to God. God is the only One who can help alleviate anger. Sure, there are breathing techniques and calming exercises one can do, but unless you get to the root of the problem and give it over to God, those techniques are surface-level aids at best. I have my daddy’s anger. MANY times in my life I have felt exactly like Reinhold — I feel like there is a monster inside of me. It shames me. I am embarrassed by myself. I NEVER mean to let the monster out, but sometimes it happens, and immediately after I calm down I HATE myself intensely. It has taken me YEARS of prayer and Bible study and tears and confession, but I have finally come to understand what Solomon meant when he wrote, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly” (Proverbs 14:29). I am by no means perfect today — I still fall into old patterns sometimes. But, I have learned. Now, I visualize my anger. I imagine putting my anger in a box. I mentally walk that box to the foot of Jesus’s cross and give it to Him asking for His forgiveness. Then I beg Jesus to help me learn how to be “slow to anger.” It’s not easy, but this technique does help me. Talking to Jesus is the only way I’ve found I can successfully control my anger, and Reinhold realizes this, too. At one point, the reader is told, “[Reinhold] picked up Sophie and carried her to the wagon thanking God again that he’d controlled his anger and praying he’d have the strength to do so next time.” To overcome our monster within we have to we have to talk to Jesus. I’m not going to lie, when Reinhold learns this truth I cried buckets of cathartic tears.
And, this leads to my most FAVORITE aspect of this book: Jesus loves me (and you!) no matter what. Poor, beautiful, broken Sophie is SO worried and shamed by her brokenness that she feels she will never be good enough to see her sisters again or for God to care about her. Reinhold believes he will never be good enough because of the anger monster inside of him. Two broken people who listen to the wrong voice in their heads. I love how Hedlund uses Sophie and Reinhold to illustrate that we all need to replace our voices in our heads with God’s Voice. Life would be so much easier if we focused on how God sees us rather than on how we see ourselves. Instead of thinking I am worthless because I battle anger, I should replay over and over Jeremiah 31:3 — “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued My Faithfulness to you.” Or, I should play this verse from Job 33:4 — “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Having God’s Voice in my head reminds me that I was made for a purpose, that God loves me forever, and that I am His. We are all good enough because God says so. Yeah, so we may have a few cracks and flaws, but God loves cracked pots. It says so in His Bible!
For sure, I will miss my time with Elise, Marianne, and Sophie. All three characters endeared themselves to my heart. If you are looking for an excellently written and well-crafted series with heart, action, and timely messages then Jody Hedlund’s Orphan Train series is the series for you. I highly recommend all three novels in this series. When Searching For You releases on December 4th, I recommend running to your nearest bookstore and picking up a copy of this excellent book. You will not be disappointed that you did.
Searching for You is the third book in Orphan Train series. I find it beneficial to have read the books in order. Sophie’s story is a little darker than that of her sister’s, but it suits the character. Sophie is trying so hard to make a home for Nicholas and Olivia. Her actions are driven by her love for them as well as the shame she feels. It is this shame that prevents Sophie from reuniting with her older sisters. I thought Searching for You was well-written, and it captured my attention. I enjoyed the author’s writing. She has created solid characters that are real. Jody Hedlund provides descriptions, but she is not overly descriptive (we are not bogged down with unnecessary details). You can feel the emotions of the characters. I thought the time period was captured with the attitudes of the people, the clothing, conveyances, the homes, goods available and the descriptions of the towns. Orphan trains were not always welcome and, unfortunately, not every child ended up in a good home. Sophie is high-spirited and determined young woman with a big heart. Euphemia Duff is a delightful character. She is a warm, loving woman with a large family (would love a book with Euphemia’s story). I like that she took Sophie into her home and treated her like a daughter. Some of the Christian elements mentioned are forgiveness of others and oneself, praying to God, and the God loves us and guides us. The Orphan Train series has an ending that will delight readers.
Searching for You, by Jody Hedlund, is the third and final book in the Orphan Train series. Even though I haven’t yet read the first two books in the series, I had no trouble jumping right into this story and enjoying it thoroughly. If you’re like me and haven’t had a chance to read the two novels that preceded Searching for You, don’t let that stop you from reading this book as soon as possible!
Searching for You is an engaging novel that is well-researched, skillfully written, and thoroughly filled with heart and hope. From start to finish, this book captivated my attention. The settings, characters, and themes are engrossing and relevant. The characters are very well-developed, and they possess an authentic vulnerability that makes them utterly relatable and unforgettable. Their struggles, insecurities, and fears are truly believable, and I often had to remind myself I was reading a work of fiction.
Searching for You is a story of faith, hope, second chances, and new beginnings. It is a novel that artfully balances hope and despair, perseverance and struggle, and faithfulness and uncertainty. With great skill, Ms. Hedlund explores shame, rejection, and loss. Yet, this journey through and beyond hurt and heartache is significantly strengthened and uplifted by meaningful moments of grace and gentle reminders that forgiveness, healing, reconciliation, and restoration are made possible through the reality of God’s mercy and unconditional love.
Searching for You is tender, emotionally stirring, and ultimately uplifting. It is a novel that I will not soon forget. The impact it has had on my thoughts and on my heart is sure to be a lasting one. Searching for You is thought-provoking and moving, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this novel from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Such a good book, I highly recommend you read the entire series. My only regret is that this is the end.
Author Jody Hedlund takes the hard subject of children trying to survive in 1850s New York, living in boxes and surviving off scraps, and then joining the famed orphan train heading west. Desperate to be placed into families, we see that sometimes this worked and sometimes it didn’t. Full of historical facts, this book is a great read.
You will love or dislike the characters in Searching for You, but you will not read it and remain detached. So well developed, they are very life-like. Through various trials both Sophie and Reinhold grow and mature in very real ways. God is always present and through Him lives are changed.
Searching for You is heartwarming and even emotionally wrenching at times. It does touch on sexual assault and child abuse, but never in an overly graphic way. There is also a passionate marriage scene that is not explicit but implied. I didn’t find it offensive in any way.
If you enjoy reading about the very real Orphan Train era I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Finally getting to know Sophie in Searching for You was a delight. Forced to grow up much too soon, yet still lacking in a certain maturity, her character goes through tremendous growth throughout the story. Her previous decisions were those of a desperate girl and her change from that desperate girl to competent young adult is my favorite aspect of the novel. And, oh, Reinhold, how I just wanted good things for him. His character really tugged at my heart, and he deserved all of the good things that his hard work was beginning to give him. Despite his flaws, and probably because of them, he is an endearing character.
The plot line is entertaining and well-paced. Emotional upheaval as well as physical danger come into play, sometimes of the characters’ own making – but isn’t that just like us, to get ourselves into a predicament, then pray God will help us out of our self-made problem? Another thing I love about the story is how is displays so well allowing God to mold our life instead of trying to push it into a form that it was never meant to fit. For Sophie, and to an extent, Reinhold, things turn out much differently than what they had been fighting toward at the beginning of the story. Coming to terms with new paths and the loss that comes with are both poignant and propelling elements of the story. It was also lovely to see Elise and Marianne again at this story’s end.
I’m a bit sad that this series has come to an end. It’s been such a joy to anticipate and read each book in the series, and I don’t know that I can pick a favorite between the three novels. However, I’m always eager to see what Jody Hedlund has for her readers next and already looking forward to her next release. Although I do think this story would be enjoyable as a standalone, personally, I recommend reading these in order, as the overall story build with each sister.
I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher, and a positive review was not required. This review is my honest opinion.
“We’re human. We break things. It’s what we do with the brokenness that counts.”
What an incredible and satisfying conclusion to the Orphan Train series! Though this third book can be read as a stand-alone, reading the first two books would enrich understanding of this story with Sophie and Reinhold’s family history and background. The book has all the hallmarks of Jody Hedlund’s engaging storytelling – fluid and easy-to-read writing style, well-researched and absorbing plot, unforgettable characters, and over-arching theme of redemption and forgiveness.
In this book, the readers finally (finally) meet Sophie, the youngest of the Neumann sisters, who ran away and kept herself well-hidden. Sophie starts out as a loving but selfish and immature young woman who has good intentions without any follow-through. Life on the streets of NYC hardens her tender heart and the descriptions of such life are heart-breaking. Sophie does end up going out west with the two little children in her charge on the Children’s Aid Society placement train and finds Reinhold, her childhood neighbor and friend. Through her journey west and finding a new life, Sophie matures into a warm, forgiving, content woman. Reinhold also has had a tough life and can’t seem to crawl out from the rage that grips him and the fear that he will become just like his abusive father. Reinhold is a different type of hero from the other two in this series in that he’s not privileged or wealthy but must eke his living off the land that he cultivates. Their fears and insecurities stir up quite a bit of trouble for their relationship until they recognize the One who holds their future and forgives their past.
I am sad to say good-bye to the Neumann sisters and their worthy heroes. But I can’t wait to start the new series with which Jody Hedlund will surely wow us!
I was given a copy of the book by the author and Baker Publishing Group and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I have been looking forward to reading Sophie’s story. It wasn’t easy to wait, but oh so very worth it! Jody Hedlund takes readers on a heartfelt journey through the pages of this book. I felt like I was right in the story with the characters. My heart broke for Sophie and cheered for her breakthroughs and successes!
Even at her young age, Sophie had a mother’s heart and a deep love for the two children, Nicholas and Olivia, that were left in her care. She made some very tough choices and sacrificed much to ensure that Nicholas and Olivia were safe and that they had someone to love them. Sophie carried with her a big hurt and misunderstanding. She often blamed God for the hardships she has faced, and her feelings of being abandoned by God. Sophie grows a lot during this story and it was a beautiful thing to be a part of!
At its core, this story takes a deep, soul-searching look at the inadequacies that we all feel in ourselves at one point or another. Through the eyes of the characters, we can learn that the inadequacies are lies. We need to know who we are in God and trust in His plan for our lives.
One of my favorite lines from this story reminds us that, “Sometimes God allows us to sink down in our own misery until we reach a low place where we’re finally ready to look up and reach out for Him.”
Searching for You is a story that you will want for your “keeper” shelf. A story that you will want to pull out and read again. There is so much to love about this story! Multifaceted characters, a deep, heart-warming plot, with page-turning delights. Start to finish, this story wove itself around my heart!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
Ah! Wonderful end to this series.
Jody Hedlund has given us a wonderful series about the women and children that were part of the orphan train emigration in 1859. Her research is impeccable, laying a solid foundation as she masterfully crafts the final story in this series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, as it follows three sisters in the 1850’s, each sister having her own story. What I liked about this book is that it told the story from the perspective of the orphans that were placed in the homes in the Midwest at this time. Hedlund shows both positive and negative results from these placements.
Separated from her sisters by a series of unfortunate circumstances and misunderstandings, Sophie has been on the run for two years. In Sophie, Ms. Hedlund has given the reader a spunky heroine. We find that she has survived much hardship, willing to sacrifice for the two young orphan children she has grown to love. I think I liked Sophie’s story the best. She was the youngest of the three sisters. Some of the decisions she made initially were decisions of a young girl, not an adult, who had to survive. As she matures, she is filled with the burden of guilt, thinking herself unworthy. Reinhold Weiss is a fabulous hero. In Reinhold and Sophie, Hedlund gives us flawed characters that are searching for hope. They realize that God can create something beautiful out of their brokenness. Hedlund is a master at weaving a spiritual thread effortlessly throughout her stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I couldn’t wait to read this book! This series is wonderful and while I didn’t want it to end I wanted to know what happened to Sophie Neumann after she was separated from her sisters. Like so many children in New York in the late 1850’s, Sophie and her two sisters became orphans. Times were desperate and many lived and worked in squalor. Jody Hedlund introduced the series with her novella An Awakened Heart and I was immediately hooked. Each sister has her own story on the train and along the way the lives of many are changed. Searching For You is Sophie’s own story.
Sophie is the youngest of three sisters but has every ounce of sheer determination as her older sisters to survive in the cruel world that surrounded her. She was charged with the care of little Olivia and Nicholas who were left in her family’s care after the death of their mother. When her sisters found work she cared for them. When she was separated from her sisters she took full responsibility for them. After that, they became her world.
When circumstances became too dangerous, she left New York on the Orphan Train with the children and her friend Anna. They were determined to stick together no matter what happened. Sophie promised she would do the right thing for the children she loved. Just older than a child herself, she had given of herself fully to Olivia and Nicholas.
Reinhold Weiss, a former close friend of Sophie’s family in New York plays a prominent role in our final story. He had been in love with her sister Elise before she left New York when she found a job in Illinois. When Marianne was in Illinois searching for Sophie the year before he offered her his protection with a marriage proposal. Now, little Sophie was before him, but she was not so little anymore. I am not sure if Sophie or Reinhold was more surprised to see the other! It was a very long way from the tenements of New York to a growing farm in Illinois.
Jody Hedlund’s writing ties this book up neatly and leaves no questions unanswered for the series. The characters are well developed and it is easy to get hooked on their situations immediately. Jody’s careful research and attention to detail gives a telling glimpse into the lives of how it must have been living as an orphan riding the orphan train to places unknown. I recommend this book with 5 stars.
Each book in this series deals with sisters, Sophie, Elise, and Marianne Neumann and the difficulties they faced after their mother died and they became separated. Although each book is stand-alone, you will absolutely want to indulge in all three. I wasn’t familiar with the orphan trains prior to reading this series. Author Jody Hedlund did her research well and gives the reader a heart-breaking glimpse of what the children experienced and how they might have felt. In 1850’s New York, Sophie struggles because of bad choices she’s made and desperately tries to remember her mother’s words, “No matter how lost you might feel at times, always keep His light burning inside you,” however her faith has grown dim. Reinhold Weiss, a friend of the family, struggles with his faith and his past. Will Sophie and Reinhold find the forgiveness and happiness they crave? You won’t be disappointed in this heart-warming series!
I received a copy from the publisher. The opinions are my own.
Jody Hedlund is a wonderful storyteller as seen in the final installment of her orphan train series. Searching For You is a moving story involving flawed characters, which makes relating to them very easy. I soon found myself cheering for these characters as they sought to define themselves and the lives they sought to establish. They were strengthened by lessons learned in the midst of community. Hedlund’s poignant story reminded me of the great power of love and for that I am very grateful. Although Searching For You can easily be read by itself, the first two stories are just as gripping and worth the read. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
“Sophie knew it was time to stop running from her mistakes and the brokenness of her life. She had to face her sisters before she could move on. She had to do it for them, for her, for them all. ~Sophie”
“Was it possible that God could change him into a better man? If Jakob hadn’t lost faith in him, maybe God hadn’t either. ~Reinhold”
It’s really hard for me to write up a review for a book that touched me deeply. Hedlund knows how to compose a story that will stay with me for a long time to come. I experienced so many emotions with this one, even to the point of shedding real tears for some things that happened. I always wonder if the author experiences some of the same as they write! My heart ached for Sophie and her feeling so inadequate and bogged down with guilt she’s had for so long. Only relying on herself instead of the One who can carry those burdens for her. She’s felt like she’s made too many mistakes to find favor with God, but that’s where His grace comes in to play! And I’ve admired Reinhold from the very beginning. He’s the kind of man who’s had to grow up young because of the destitute poverty his family went through. Desperately trying to help provide in any way he can. Also struggling to be the opposite of what his father was, an angry & violent man. He takes on a young man named Jakob that he had saved from the orphanage and strives to make a living from the farm he’s purchased. Finding satisfaction in hard work & toil of the land. I loved the moment Sophie and him meet back up when he learns she’s living with his nearest neighbors, the Dun family. Euphemia is the mother figure she never had and takes her completely under her wings, reminding her of God’s love for her no matter her mistakes. I love it when side characters play a major role, I would have loved to be one of her “kids”! As you can probably guess, these two fall in love, and I love the journey they take to do so. The road is never straight or easy for them and they must overcome a lot to get there. Lastly, there are so many quotable quotes for me to save, reminders of God’s truth that echoed in my own heart. I admire authors who let Gods light shine and allow Him to use their words to touch my own life. I always find this in Jody’s books!
The riveting conclusion of the Orphan Train series comes at last, but this story will resonate with me for a long time. The characters wrapped themselves around my heart through all three books and it’s going to be hard to say goodbye. Knowing they all get their happily-ever-after will help ease the sting! I’ve enjoyed this book so much and think Hedlund wrapped it up perfectly. Please be sure to read the Author’s note at the end; I’ll conclude my review with this because she puts it into words so well:
“It was also my prayer in writing this story to help you—wherever you are in your journey—learn to let go of your burdens and guilt, to hand them over to the One who is waiting to bear the weight for you. He can turn your brokenness and messes and shape the into something beautiful and unique and unexpected—if you just let Him.”
*I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley and Bethany House publisher on the authors behalf. No favorable review was required, all opinions are my own. *
This is the third and final book in the Orphan Train series. I have not read the two previous books. I was given this book by the author at a book convention. Having read some books from Bethany House in the past, I was looking forward to reading this book written by a “new to me” author. I know the books they publish are loving, Christian based stories.
The book was a very insightful and informative, taking place in 1859 (and into 1860). Reading the author’s notes in the back of the book, I learned that this book was based on true events that I was unaware of. I enjoy reading historical fiction mainly for the fact that I learn a lot about the past.
I recommend this book and I will be going back to read the first and second book in the series since I enjoyed this one very much.
This was a cute conclusion to the series. Sophie wasn’t a character I really connected to, and I hadn’t loved Reinhold in the previous books. Reinhold was nice, but you didn’t get to know him much in the first book, and the second he was in such weird situations that I didn’t feel like I really understood him then either. I ended up appreciating his character more in this story and Sophie was perfect for him.
Wait, I need to wipe the tears away. Oh, my what an ending to a great series! Three sisters alone after both their parents pass away. The trials and tribulations they went through as they struggle to survive in New York after the stock market crash. Living on the streets, struggling to live day to day. This story will tug on your heart and emotions.
Sophia was struggling to provide with two young children she had raised since they were babies. She did what she had to do to make sure they ate, had a semi safe place to sleep and just survive. What does she do when they join the orphan train? Does she stay with the children or take them and run again? Have a hankie ready, you’re in for a ride!
I enjoyed this series and I really liked Reinhold, however I found Sophie to be way too manipulative with him and selfish at times. I know she thought she was doing what was best but she didn’t see the bigger picture.
I read the first two books of the Orphan Train series and really enjoyed them. I looked forward to getting to know Sophie and Reinhold better. Each character of the book brought elements of a good story
Searching for You by Jody Hedlund is a beautiful end to the trilogy Orphan Train! With You Always we meet the three sisters and follow Elise and Thorton’s story and then Together Forever tells Marianne and Drew’s beautiful story and then we follow Sophie story and how Reinhold helps her with Olivia and Nicholas in With You Always. The life for an orphan in the 1800s was hard in New York city and the story of moving the orphans West to find hope and family is amazing!
I love love this series. Love this author.. a must read
Searching for You by Jody Hedlund is the third book in her Orphan Train series. This is Sophie’s story. She has been given the task of raising two younger orphans. After witnessing a murder, she flees New York City with Olivia and Nicholas. Joining an orphan train headed to Illinois seems to be her only hope of keeping everybody together as a family. There she runs into her old friend Reinhold Weiss. Vowing never to give his heart to another because of his past, Reinhold must fight to keep his feelings hidden. But when Sophie needs his help, his heart is in serious danger of over-ruling his brain. I really liked the story-line. The author has great talent. The only draw-back was she tried to make a Christian story more appealing to a wider audience; and came pretty close to crossing over that invisible line of a clean-read as opposed to a secular romance. There were scenes that I felt were inappropriate for a Christian novel. If she had only left the steamier scenes out it would have been a good book.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.