Marianne Neumann has one goal in life: to find her lost younger sister, Sophie. When Marianne takes a job as a placing agent with the Children’s Aid Society in 1858 New York, she not only hopes to give children a better life but seeks to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train.Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing trip, is a former schoolteacher who has … schoolteacher who has an easy way with the children–firm but tender and funny. Underneath his handsome charm, though, seems to linger a grief that won’t go away–and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden. As the two team up placing orphans amid small railroad towns in Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever.
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I absolutely love anything Jody Hedlund writes. She is an amazing story teller. Together Forever is beautifully written, highly engrossing, and, at times, completely heart breaking. I loved every minute of this book and tore through every page! I am actually very sad that my time with Marianne and Drew is over, but I am eagerly anticipating the third novel in this series, Searching For You.
As I wrote in my review for With You Always, I had never heard of the Orphan Train before, and I found the further depth in the topic in Together Forever absolutely fascinating and heartbreaking all at the same time. In her first book, Hedlund discusses the Orphan Train through the lens of the women transported out of New York to help start up new cities along the train route that would one day be placement stops for the Orphan Train. In this book, the reader is shown what it was like to be the children and the placement agents on the Orphan Train. The kids! How do we get to a place where children, innocent and fragile and beautiful children, become nothing more than trash on the side of a building? How was it ever OK to walk past a hurting, hungry, homeless child and think it was nothing? This aspect of the novel really broke my heart. I found myself needing to hug on my daughter a lot as I was reading this book!
Marianne works for the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) as a placing agent. This means she prepares a classroom-size group of children, roughly 30+, to board a train that will hopefully see them to a new family. These children vary in age from near-infant to early teen. Marianne makes sure that the children have packed properly the two brand-new outfits given to them by CAS. She then prepares the food and other necessary items to make traveling with 30+ children of all ages a doable feat. When all is ready, and the train had arrived, Marianne boards the train with the children in order to care for them for the weeks it would take to place all of the children. Of course, Marianne, as well as the real-life placing agents, fell in love with these children and found it very difficult to say good-bye. Then, there is the constant worry…did the children get placed into good homes? Will they have food and clothes? Will they be loved? Will they be raised by people who love Jesus? Did she do the right thing? And, on and on the questions, doubts, and insecurities go.
As a teacher, I completely understand Marianne’s attachment issues. I call my students my children. This is in no way meant to disrespect my students’ parents or take their place, but I do take seriously the responsibility I have to care for my kiddos each and every school day. I want every one of my students to have the best English education possible, and I work really hard to make sure that they do. I absolutely care about their grades and their academic progress, but I care more about their well being. I worry every weekend. Will I see my kids on Monday? Will they get enough to eat? Are they safe? I love what I teach, but I love who I teach more! As Drew ruminates at one point in the book, a good placing agent, like a good teacher today, must love and care about his/her students, but must know when to let go. I can tell you from personal experience, the loving part is easy. The letting go part is a little harder, which Marianne experiences in this book.
In a later part of the novel Marianne ponders her reversal of situation. The reader is told, “All she could think about was being here the last time with Drew and the children and that now she was alone.” This moment struck me because it is so like life. I can’t tell you how many times in my life something BIG and BAD has happened and it seems like all of my people have disappeared. When I crave the advice of my mother in these moments she is busy. And, it seems like my best friend and husband are typically busy and unavailable in these moments, too. These are the exact moments I desperately want someone to be there for me, but I find myself totally alone as Marianne feels in this moment in Together Forever. In reality, we are never alone. God is with us always. I think these moments of “aloneness” are God’s way of reminding us that we need to go to Him in these BIG and BAD times because He is the only One who can get us through them successfully. I used to get so depressed in these moments. I would think, “Seriously?! I come from a large, loud, butts-into-your-business, Italian family, and I can’t find one person to talk to?” I used to really get discouraged, but now I almost immediately realize I need to go to God first. When we find ourselves in moments where we are overwhelmed by the world and no one seems to be available to help, that is a clear sign God is calling us to go to Him. It really does make me feel like I can handle the BIG and BAD a little better and more efficiently when I go to God first. Marianne comes to this conclusion too.
Like all Hedlund novels, there are about 700 more things I could talk about, but I won’t because I don’t want to spoil a single second of this book for anyone. Suffice it to say, I adored this story. The action is constant, the romance between Marianne and Drew is beautiful and genuine, and the historical detail is stunning in its depth. If you are looking for a phenomenal historical fiction novel, then I cannot recommend this book enough! Go to your local bookstore and pick up a copy of this awesome story. You will not be disappointed that you did.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author and Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I may have actually liked this book better than the first. Marianne is trying to redeem herself from a mistake she made in the past. David is trying to escape from his. Their story was a really good lesson on God’s unconditional forgiveness. It was sweet watching David try to help Marianne, and I loved seeing Marianne fight to help David even when he didn’t want her to. I also liked the mystery element, and Jody Hedlund did an amazing job keeping me on my toes wondering how everything was going to come to a resolution. A wonderful book. I can’t wait for the next one!
From the first chapter until the last page, I was completely enveloped in the lives of these characters. At one point I found myself talking to the characters, wishing they could only hear me. These characters are sure to find their way into your heart.
Marianne has made some mistakes, and more often than not it seems that she has to learn the hard way. Maybe it was the older sister in me, but I couldn’t help but want to give her advice and see her succeed.
Andrew (Drew) Brady is quite the charmer, but behind his debonair front lies a world of hurts and a secret past. Will he be able to overcome the past to grasp the future that God has planned for him?
I absolutely loved the children. Each one brought his or her own unique personality. I wanted to reach in and hug them!
I give this story 5 stars and highly recommend that you find a copy to enjoy!. I’m eagerly looking forward to reading the next story in this series!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
“It took more courage to love in the face of loss than to close onself off out of fear of getting hurt.”
Love. As Washington Irving once said, “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.” Love and loss gave strength to our characters in Jody Hedlund’s Together Forever, the second installment of the Orphan Train series.
I felt all the feels when I devoured Together Forever. This series have truly opened my eyes and hearts to some historical details sprinkled throughout, as well as tying into the premise of the collection. Add in the personal development of our characters, it makes for a great historical novel. The romance takes a prominent position in Together Forever, but the shining message is how it directs to the true Beacon of Light, our God in finding courage to overcome the hard, including guilt, grief and uncertainty. Remember, “God’s pretty good at working things out…” All we need to do is trust.
In all, Together Forever carries all the elements of a good story, and gives you more to ponder. Though I wish it gave answer to one character’s outcome, the main points and romance does close with satisfaction for readers. Heartfelt and touching, after Together Forever, I can’t wait for book 3, Searching for You.
“God’s pretty good at working things out, ain’t He?” (339)
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Together Forever (Orphan Train, #2) by Jody Hedlund is a powerful and historically based inspirational Historical Romance set in 1858 New York. While book 2 in the “Ophan Train”, it can be read as a stand alone.
Marianne Neumann and Andrew Brady are agents for the Children’s Aid Society. Powerfully and well written with memorable characters and a fascinating story. A very satisfying and enjoyable read. I look forward to the next book in this powerful and compelling series.
“I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.”
Sometimes there are stories that tug at your heart in a way that makes you fall to your knees in tears. This story was one of them. From the beginning as I became acquainted with Marianne, I felt a bond to her. She is looking for her sister, but also takes a position with the Children’s Aid Society. I didn’t realize that in the late 1850s there were so many children in need of a safe place to live. I cringed when I read about the abuse some had endured. My heart went out to them as I know first hand what it is like to be abused as a child. Why would a society think that children who begged to stay alive belonged in asylum? Did it have to do with money for the places the children were at?
When Marianne meets Drew I was hopeful they could find safe passage for the children. Their journey will be met with danger, tragedy and secrets. What was it like to travel with a group of children on a train for days? The adults seemed to be able to entertain them for the most part. I loved the race that Marianne and Drew had. I wonder who won? The story made me wonder why Drew was so driven to help the children? Was it something from his past that fed his desire to help them?
The author does a great job of expressing how the children felt as they realized they were going to new homes. I don’t really like change and it’s hard for me to adjust to it. Some of the children were having a difficult time and wanted to go home. I think the unknown is what can cause us to be fearful. When they reached their destination I found it hard to see how the children seemed to be on display for people. Can you imagine being looked at as someone decides if they want you or not? I fear that some of the people there were looking for children who could do chores for them and no intention of showing them compassion. What a difficult situation it was for Marianne to watch as children were picked to go with a new family. Will the children be treated well at their new home? The horrible statement the sheriff makes about the children being garbage and stinking up the town was devastating . I think I would have to let the sheriff know that his judgment of the children were uncalled for.
When tragedy strikes one of the children chaos ensues. I thought it was strange that instantly fingers pointed to Drew. Why are so many people turning against Drew? The story takes on a plan that I wasn’t quite in agreement with. Marriage is a very important commitment and I have to question if the two people involved are doing it for the right reason. Is Drew willing to sacrifice his freedom and happiness because of guilt? I did enjoy the intrigue the author included in the story. It made it a bit more interesting and focused on trusting and forgiveness. Drew has much to forgive himself for, but his pride and guilt won’t let him. The author does a great job of allowing Drew to believe he is guilty of a crime because the townspeople said he was. What must Marianne think when she finds out about his past? I liked the ending even though it seemed a bit rushed and tied up neatly in a bow. I did enjoy learning about children who became orphans and wanted someone to love them. I would have liked to see more of the background of the Children’s Aid Society and how much they do to help children find a forever home. It would be great to see a follow up story and revisit some of the children in their new homes.
I received a copy of this book for free from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I love reading stories about the orphan trains in the 1800s and this one didn’t disappoint me. Author Jody Hedlund writes this so well that I could see the children. Feel their confusion, fear, and hope. The adult characters, both main and secondary, were well developed and pulled you into the story.The entire book is easy to visualize.
If you enjoy some romance with your historical novels, this is a book for you. However Andrew and Marianne both had to grow before they were ready for a relationship. Hedlund gives us a look into their development as individuals and a couple as they struggle with real life issues.
Together Forever didn’t end the way I expected. I really was surprised, and that’s something only a good writer can give a reader. I highly recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
While I loved With You Always, Together Forever is my favorite in the Orphan Train series so far. I love a good redemption story, and Marianne Neumann’s was so sweet and satisfying! While all of Jody Hedlund’s books are standalone, I feel that Marianne’s growth is best appreciated by reading the books in order, and I recommend doing that if possible.
Most of this story takes place during one of the orphan train’s trips out west to place children into new homes. I admire those men and women like Marianne and Andrew (Drew) who were placing agents for the Children’s Aid Society. Like foster parents who grow to love children and then have to let them go, it must have been such a beautiful but sometimes painful job. In the book we are shown the joys and the tragedies that can come with placing children with strangers, and Jody Hedlund does a wonderful job of portraying this accurately.
I appreciate the education in U.S. history that this book gave me. For example, I never realized that the placing agents went back to check on children after they’d been taken to their new homes. Although this didn’t guarantee happy outcomes for everyone, I’m glad to know that the members of the Children’s Aid Society were at least trying to do the right thing. In the story, Marianne comes to realize that doing the right thing can be complicated and not always what we want. As she and Drew learn to work together to take care of the children and guide them to their new homes, they overcome their fair share of trials and learn to forgive themselves and to love unconditionally just as God does for us. I highly recommend this book to those who are struggling to recognize their own divine worth and who may have a difficult time forgiving themselves for their own mistakes. Even if that doesn’t describe you, I still recommend it! It’s the perfect blend of romance, history, a little bit of action, and plenty of faith-affirming wisdom.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I absolutely loved this book by Jody Hedlund! Together Forever is the second book in the Orphan Train series and it is Marianne Neumann and Andrew Brady’s story.
Marianne started working for the Children’s Aid Society in order to find her lost younger sister, but in doing so she found a lot of lost children and was able to love them for a brief period of time before she and Andrew placed them with their forever families.
What she didn’t expect to find was man to love, but that is just what happened after spending so much time with Andrew. He had such love for the children, a free spirit and a love for God that Marianne thought she no longer deserved, but a tragic accident threatens to destroy all that they’ve worked so hard for including their long life together.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Together Forever is book two in the Orphan Train series by Jody Hedlund. Together Forever is a wonderful story that will tug at your heartstrings. It captured me right from the start and didn’t let me go until the very end. It felt as though I was in the middle of the story it is that well written. I felt for Marianne and how attached she was to the children. You gotta love Andrew (Drew). I can’t wait to read the next book in this series
I loved this book as much as I did the first one in this series, a part of American history, and we get to see it first-hand.
This is the second Neumann sister’s story, Marianne, and we get to walk in her shoes as she travels with the orphans to find them new homes in Illinois. You watch her do what she isn’t supposed to do, become attached to these precious children, and become attracted to her fellow agent Andrew, another no no.
I really found myself page turning, and not wanting to put the book down, I had to know how things turned out. With some chuckles, some heart break, and life struggles, this story has it all.
Now I can’t wait for the next book for the lost sister Sophie, and maybe the lost orphans, and I still don’t like Rheinhold’s aunt and what she did!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Great novel with real history we seldom hear about
This is an absolutely incredible historical romance!
I love the characters in this book. They are extremely well developed. I was able to relate to them and truly empathize with the heartaches that they were dealing with.
Until I started reading this series of books I really didn’t know anything about the orphan train. I had no idea of the plight that so many children were facing right in New York City during this period of history.
This marvelous book truly showed me the hard work that some of the adults were willing to put into trying to help the children to have a better life. My heart broke for many of the children as they were dealing with feelings of abandonment and unworthiness. Their fear of the unknown was palpable.
I look forward to seeing what other aspects of the Orphan Train this author has researched and brings to life in future books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through Celebrate Lit. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinions.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Jody Hedlund’s books are hands-down awesome. But this is actually the first non-young adult book by Jody Hedlund I’ve read….. and I absolutely loved it. The book is incredibly well-written with vivid descriptions of NYC and small towns of Illinois at the end of 1850s. The journey of the NYC orphans to their placement out West was detailed from beginning to end and I became invested in not only the main characters’ lives but also in the various orphans’ lives. Anyone who enjoys a historical romance that is realistic, well-researched, and heart-warming will love this book.
I didn’t read the first book in the series (With You Always) but didn’t feel like I missed anything and this book can most certainly be read as a stand-alone.
The main characters Marianne and Drew are so lovable and real….and so broken by their past mistakes. Marianne is a German immigrant who has lost track of her younger sister and is desperate to find her again. This drive helps her become a placement agent with the Children’s Aid Society. She’s only eighteen years old and somewhat young but has a big heart and loves the children whom she cares for during the placement. She matures quite a bit through the book and learns to embrace courage during the journey. Her discovery of who God has made her to be is a bittersweet process yet quite gratifying. Drew is a Southern gentleman with strong faith and endearing spontaneity that makes him oh-so-charming. He’s running away from his misplaced sense of guilt and it catches up with him. Despite his faith, he still needs to learn to let go of the past and trust in Christ’s forgiveness and accept unconditional love.
This book took me on an emotional ride and I cried with their hurts and rejoiced with their victories. I truly liked the character of Reinhold….will there be a follow-up story about him, I wonder? The story also made me think deeply about the sanctity, joy, blessing and responsibility of parenthood.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not obligated to post a review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and subjective.
Jody Hedlund has yet to write a book (that I’ve read) that I haven’t loved. Her Orphan Train series has captured my heart and my mind. Waiting between releases is torture. Having the book sitting on my stack waiting it’s turn to read? Inhumane. I mean, I have a schedule for a reason but sometimes I just want to toss it to the wind and just indulge. I usually don’t, but I desperately want to. I picked this book off my pile, my 60th of the year, during the work week. Work always gets in the way of reading 😀 It took me a bit to read it and I was just as enthralled with the first chapter as I was the last. Though since it has been more than a minute since I read the first book the obvious first step was to go back to my review of the second. You can find that here ‘With You Always’.
Marianne has a lot to figure out. She takes personal responsibility for Olivia and Nicholas (orphans her and her sisters had taken in) being sent away from the home they were staying at to placed out on the orphan train but also her sister Sophie taking off to find her young charges. None had been find-able, even with investigators. So what is a girl to do? Finagle a job at the Children’s Aid Society and go out on the train of course! Never mind the desperately annoy yet handsome man that is accompanying you on the journey. Never mind the adorable little boy that still needs a family. Those are just gravy ya know? I have to say it, yes there was insta-loveish. But it was hilarious and endearing and I didn’t even care to acknowledge it. There was also a love triangle. That I desperately struggled with not flipping ahead to the end to figure out who she ended up with. I didn’t. I wanted to but I didn’t. That kept me on the edge and I didn’t even care that it was a love triangle. I mean hello, those two things alone should tell you just how amazing this book is.
Though I gotta feel bad for Reinhold. He will never have the one woman he loved yet he has been loved by two women he didn’t want. It was nice to see Marianne grow up in this book. Embrace who she is, who she was, who she can be. It was nice to see her come to terms what what she saw as her failings. Though I can say the same for Drew. I don’t have history with him but I came to care for him. I also was drawn into his story and awakening to who he is, was, and can be. Self-forgiveness is sometimes the hardest forgiveness to give. That was a huge theme in this book for me. Sophie still isn’t found but Marianne, Reinhold, and Drew all found themselves. And hopefully in the next book we find Sophie, Olivia, and Nicholas.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Together Forever, the second book in Jody Hedlund’s Orphan Train series, centers more on the orphan placement process from the 1850s than her first book, With You Always, which focused more on the emigrant relocation process of that time. I really loved the historical details about the orphan trains as well as the way she presented both sides of the coin, how it worked well for some, but was fraught with difficulties for others. She presented snapshots of a large range of orphan situations while still focusing mainly on the hero and heroine and their struggles. So, if you love historical details, but don’t want to be overwhelmed by them, you will enjoy this book!
As far as the main characters are concerned, Drew & Marianne are both people who love children and interact easily with them. In this way, they remind me a lot of myself. I could easily place myself in their situation and imagine reacting similarly to the children in my care, so it they seemed so real to me. They each have spiritual & mental struggles as well as some situational ones that come up in the book, and again, these seemed very realistic because Jody did a great job of having them respond consistently based on their personalities. And of course for each there was a moment of spiritual awakening that moved them through their struggles.
As a Christian reader it is very satisfying to read application of God’s truth through these fictional characters. And it wasn’t preachy! There wasn’t even a church service in the book with a long sermon which is a common christian fiction ploy that I feel bogs down the plot. She managed to work in the spiritual aspects in a more gentle way so that you see the truths without feeling preached at. I feel like a non-christian could read this and not feel preached at, but a christian could read it and apply truths to their life.
I really enjoyed the romance, the historical details, and the spiritual elements. The story will stick with me for some time and I plan to recommend it to some friends I know will like it too
Last spring, since reading With You Always by Jody Hedlund, I have been anticipating the release of Together Forever, Book 2 in the Orphan Train Series. This series tells the story of children who were either orphans or from families who could no longer care for them. The financial crisis in New York, 1857, left many factory workers in dire straits worse than the tenement lifestyles we can only imagine today. Living on the streets was dangerous and many safeguards today were unheard of then. Charles Loring Brace founded the Children’s Aid Society in 1853. This was an incredible movement and many children placed with families went on to live lives that would have been unheard of had they stayed in the poverty that laced the streets of New York City.
It must have been frightening for the children who rode the train to new homes and families. Placing agents, like Andrew Brady and Marianne Neumann supervised all aspect of the journey from the preparing for the trip, supervising the ride, placing the children with families and checking in with them at a later date. It must have taken a special person to be an agent and I believe Marianne and Drew fit that role well.
Marianne and Drew both had secrets from their past that they were reluctant to share with each other. It is only with the realization of true love that one can relinquish their fears only to discover that those who love us can do so without reservation. It is within that safety net that understanding and faith for the other reside.
Drew was indomitable in his pursuit of her. No reminders of her implied engagement to Reinhold could dissuade him. He was falling for her yet he wouldn’t tell her because he just knew he was unworthy of her. He believed his past, once she found out, would stop any chance he may have had in winning her heart.
Marianne admired Drew. He was a wonderful agent and had such a way with the children, especially the older boys, who could easily get under her skin. It wasn’t easy to be a young woman who was not much older than 15 year-old Liverpool. He was hardened after living on the streets since he arrived in New York alone at a tender age. He knew he could get to Marianne and it was Drew who stepped in and kept the young man in check.
She could easily fall for Drew, a handsome, capable man, but she reminded herself often that she took her job with the Children’s Aid Society solely to find Sophie. Besides, if he found out that she had “lost” Sophie he wouldn’t want anything more to do with her. She was determined to concentrate on the children she was responsible for as her job as a placing agent. The children came first to both of them.
It is only when tragedy strikes and one of them is on the line with responsibility, they find more than anything just how much they were united through the children. In a surprising turn of events, Marianne proves much stronger than I would have guessed. She reached an independent maturity that helps her rise above what she perceives are her dark past.
I recommend Together Forever with 5 stars. The writing is what I expected from Jody Hedlund. Her research is thorough, and her characters are well developed and come alive. My heart was with the children who expressed their fears and delights. The wit between Drew and Marianne was filled with humor yet they were very intentional in other aspects of their roles as agents. Their story and the story of the children riding the train is worth reading!
Drew was adorable. Marianne grew a ton in this book and since the last one. Marianne was a character I didn’t particularly enjoy in the last book, but I enjoyed her a lot in this book. Drew was great, especially with the kids. They were absolutely perfect for each other. I found Drew self guilt hard to read, but it was written well, and I got it.
his story took me on a wild ride. There was a mystery, a marriage and a trial. Not in that order, but wow, was this a book that you won’t want to put down!
Imagine taking 30+ children, of all ages, on a train. You had to keep track of them at each stop and as you change trains in an extremely busy terminal. Imagine doing this for days on end, only to hand them over to their new parents.
Since of the older boys were resentful of any authority and would wander off, at one stop, one of the older boys never came back.
This was a very interesting twist. I loved this story! It truly did open my eyes to just how desperate some parents were when they had to give their children away because they couldn’t afford to feed or clothe them, or even put a roof over their heads. Many lived in the streets, so this was to be a better option.
Great story
I have to admit I enjoyed With You Always (Orphan Train Book #1) more, but also enjoyed this book. Looking forward to book 3. I had trouble relating to Drew, maybe he disappointed me at times in his lack of thought process. Marianne was well depicted.