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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Another good one! I love the way Hedlund plays with the reader’s emotions as she pulls you through the story. There were a few surprises that were fun between the pages.
I struggled with the decision on what to rate this book. Jody Hedlund is a wonderful and talented author and generally I love her stories and recommend them to who ever I can. This one, however, just didn’t draw me like her other books. I liked Marianne in the first book but couldn’t enjoy her as the heroine this time. Her actions and the thoughts behind them never seemed to show any growth or maturity up until the very last pages of the book, yet it all worked out fine. Everything was wrapped up neatly regardless. I also couldn’t get behind Drew. He was either recklessly doing whatever he felt like or moping. I enjoyed seeing Elise again and getting to know Reinhold better. I am still eagerly waiting to read his and Sophie’s story.
I know many others have greatly enjoyed this book and as I said, Hedlund is an excellent writer. Many of her other stories have earned spots on my favorites shelf. Please don’t let my opinion keep you from seeing for yourself if this book is for you or not.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Great
Another great series!
In “Together Forever” we join the middle Neumann sister Marianne, who has lost her way with God, and considers herself unworthy for loosing her little sister. She takes a job with the Children’s Aid Society as a placer to try and find her sister Sophie, and the little charges that were in her care after her older sister Elise left for the West. Her fellow placer on her first trip is Andrew Brady who captures her heart but is just as broken as she is.
Orphan placing was not all sunshine and roses and I am glad that Jody showed a little of the dark side as well. The goal of the Children’s Aid Society was to place the children in Christian homes where they would be loved and cared for, but many were treated as indentured servants performing backbreaking work from dawn to dusk living in not any better conditions than they left. Also record keeping was not a priority and prospective families were not even screened at all like they are today. Plus many of the towns people were not welcoming to the idea and many of the orphans were met with rejection and bitterness upon arrival.
As Marianne and Andrew traveled via train with the children Jody’s sensational pictorial art of writing pulls the reader in so completely you not only feel, but also hear and smell the journey. Jody’s prose and characters are so intense and memorable, as is each and every scene throughout the story. The way she melds fact and fiction is exquisite and her research of the era was flawless, but most of all the emotions she draws out in her audience leaves me speechless.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Celebrate Lit book tour via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved that this second book in the series was directly involved with the placing out of orphans and their experiences along the journey. I’ve been fascinated by this part of history since reading the Orphan Train Adventures books by Joan Lowrey Nixon as a youth, and now that I’ve adopted two children of my own it’s especially close to my heart. Marianne seems to have grown a bit since the previous book, where desperate circumstances drove her to make questionable choices, the ends justifying the means. She faces challenges while accompanying the children on the train that she handles with grace and strength, and following Andrew’s example, allows her caring influence to be a blessing in the lives of the orphans. I appreciated that the author portrayed both the advantages and challenges of the orphan train movement and the perspective of the placing agents and what they felt and experienced.
Marianne and Andrew’s romance was impetuous since the rules forbid placing agents from fraternization, but they naturally grew close through the obstacles and unexpected tragedies they faced. Even though there were hardships, Marianne and Andrew’s bright personalities brought light and laughter to the story, bringing balance and relief from the anxiety of the circumstances. I enjoyed that they played with the children on breaks and sang songs and told stories to them, even when Marianne was out of her comfort zone. One of my favorite parts that made me laugh out loud was young Jethro’s innocent question when he witnessed a kiss between Marianne and Andrew- so funny! I’d hate to spoil it so you’ll just have to read the book and keep an eye out for it 😉
Reinhold, Marianne’s family friend from New York, is also a part of the story and his perspective provides a lead-in to the next book, which will feature him and the youngest Neumann sister, Sophie. He has overcome so much from his past, and his hard work and determination to succeed are finally coming to fruition in a thriving community. I felt so frustrated for him as his plans to buy his own farm and care for his family are thwarted and he must come up with a solution to his growing problems. I’m thoroughly enjoying this historical series and can’t wait to read the next book!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
TOGETHER FOREVER by Jody Hedlund is the second book in the Orphan Train series. It can however be read as a standalone book.
TOGETHER FOREVER is a story that will pull at all your emotions – knowledge as you learn more about the functions of the Children’s Aid Society – sadness for the actions, death and illness of some of the orphans – happiness when love develops and earned – anger at the lack of respect and indignities some are faced with – hope that there are folks willing to help and give love to the underprivileged – laughter when you see that it’s the best medicine when you have nothing else – joy when you see that love does prevail for both children and adults.
It’s the story of Marianne Neumann, who took the job in hopes of finding her baby sister, Sophie, and Andrew “Drew” Brady, a former school teacher, and their adventures while working as agents for the Children’s Aid Society out of New York in 1858.
Their job is to take a group of orphans by train to stop at three small railroad towns in Illinois in an effort to find them loving homes and a better life. Marianne and Drew are both haunted by events of their past that drives them to try to find a better life for the orphans. As Marianne was told “It takes a very special kind of strength to be able to love these orphans, and then to let them go.”
While on this journey, Marianne and Drew find they have a strong attraction to each other. Through the mutual love for one of the orphans and a dare, they agree to marry to furnish a home for Jethro.
Along the way, one of the older orphans, Ned Colson, is found dead after being hit over the head and tied with a rope and rock before being thrown in a creek. This event sends Drew into a tail spin and charged with his murder, stopping their wedding, and leaving Marianne to finish their mission. Once she’s went to the end of the line, she is determined to prove that Drew is innocent.
While making follow up visits, she told everyone about the trial for the murder. The once orphans and their families showed up to support and speak favorably on Drew’s behalf. When she stops in on the dairy farmer that adopted George and Peter and they find out about Drew’s dilemma, they walked the long distance to court because they had actually seen what had happened. Peter, who stutters, had been threatened by Liverpool not to talk so George was the one to speak up in defense of Drew to the judge.
Once the truth comes out, Drew is exonerated of the charges and free to follow through on their “dare”. It’s only after the “I do’s” that they find out that Jethro is happy as can be with Mr. & Mrs. Gray who had been taking care of him since his illness. He expresses his desire to stay with them. As Jethro said “God’s pretty good about working things out, ain’t HE?”
Definitely highly recommend this book! It will touch her heart and make you want to read all the books in this series and explore the author’s other books.
I thoroughly enjoyed the previous book in Hedlund’s Orphan Train series so I was eager to see what happened with Neumann sister Marianne. Together Forever absolutely lived up to my expectations and then some. I do love my history woven expertly into a fast-paced novel complete with a touch of suspense and a large dose of romance.
Although Marianne and Drew did not have the best start to their relationship, it didn’t take very long for them to trust each other and form a fast friendship. Escorting a large group of children from New York City to small towns in Illinois turned out to be more difficult than expected. It was hard not to form attachments to the younger children and some of the older boys could be quite the handful. Along the journey both Marianne and Drew found much to admire in the way the other handled the difficulty.
I was impressed with the way the author developed her characters even through some very frightening and trying situations. Their loyalty and love were put to the test and each had to learn to lean on the Lord to get them through. Together Forever is a wonderful story of forgiveness and reconciliation that is a must rear for history lovers. I personally am looking forward to the next book of the series and hope to find out what happened with the youngest sister.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Together Forever by Jody Hedlund is the second novel in Orphan Train series. Our journey begins in 1858 in New York City where Marianne Neumann has taken a job with the Children’s Aid Society. While Marianne could life a life of luxury since her sister married Thornton Quincy, she is determined to find her sister, Sophie. Marianne will be embarking on her first tour the next day, and the other agent who will be accompanying her is Andrew “Drew” Brady. Drew is a former schoolteacher who is good with children. He has a way of making things fun and entertaining for them. Drew, though, has secrets from his own past that continue to haunt him. The pair journey across Illinois finding homes for their children in their charge. They get to know each other and grow closer on the tour. Then an unfortunate tragedy occurs that will change the future they had planned. Will they be able to overcome this tremendous obstacle? Hop on for trip into the past in Together Forever.
Together Forever is well-written and an engaging novel. The book has a gentle pacing, good flow and smooth transitions between sections. While it is the second book in the series, Together Forever can be read alone. With You Always is summarized in this installment in the Orphan Train series. However, I recommend reading the series in order. You get to see the characters mature. Marianne has changed and regrets her actions in With You Always. It was interesting to find out more about the orphan trains and how they operated. What these children suffered is just heartbreaking (living on the streets, being abandoned, having no food, abusive homes). As Marianne soon discovers, you can only pray that God will deliver them into good Christian homes and that the children will not be harmed or used for free labor. I appreciated that we get to see a variety of people in the story. Farmers, shopkeepers, housewives, business people, and children. Many of them are wholesome Christians, but there are a couple of bad seeds. They are realistic characters with flaws, issues, and concerns. It was pleasurable to catch up with Elise and Reinhold. There are good and valuable life lessons in the story (keeping Faith, importance of prayers, violence is wrong, forgiving yourself as well as others). Together Forever is a heartwarming, Christian novel. It is an emotional book that will tug at your heartstrings. I am curious to read Sophie’s story and look forward to the release of Searching for You.
Together Forever by Jody Hedlund
My rating is 4.5 Stars
Guilt can be good, and it can be bad. Properly applied, it can draw one to the Savior. There are many who, though forgiven, washed whiter than snow, cleansed from all unrighteousness, go through life still carrying the burden of their sin. Others, like Drew and Marianne in Together Forever, hold on to guilt that was never theirs to begin with.
There are so many things to like about Together Forever. The plight of the orphans. The richly developed characters. The swoony attraction and romance that grew between Drew and Marianne. The mystery. The conflict.
I loved the way Marianne thought herself to be weak and inadequate, and yet she had such inner strength and compassion that she continued to do what she knew was right. Her deep love for the children in her care led her to step out of her comfort zone, and she grew so much. She had so much to learn about the price of telling lies and the freedom that comes from the truth.
Drew was so close to God, and yet he had so much to learn about forgiveness. He allowed his past and his father to dictate his view of himself. I loved seeing his interactions with the children. His breezy, carefree way of distracting them from the unknown future and the way he directed them to God in prayer was so heartwarming.
Just as I thought things were going so well, tragedy threw everything into turmoil! I enjoyed the twists in the story. The answer to the secondary mystery surprised me.
This lovely story is part of a great series. I read the prequel, but not book one. Though I am now very curious about Elise’s story, I didn’t feel like I missed anything in this story for not having read it.
This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net
Be sure to read Jody’s Guest Post and get a preview of Together Forever at AmongTheReads.net
I would like to thank Celebrate Lit, Netgalley for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
This books is about Marianne Neumann and Drew Brady as they work for the Children’s Aid Society, and there ups and downs trying to find a home for the children. They also give each other challenges along they way where they first are just people working together, but could it become something more? I enjoyed this story allot, more than the first book. I can’t wait for the third book to come out. This book was a fast read for me. I didn’t want to put it down but had to a times. I gave it four stars because it kept me wanting more, and I wanted to find out what happend to each to the children and other parts of the story, but you’ll have to read the book to understand what I mean with that
Together Forever is what I have been waiting for all year. I absolutely loved Jody Hedlund’s beginning of her Orphan Train series, With You Always. The wait for book two was well worth it. I love how the author uses vivid historical details for her stories. She knows how to transport me back in time and be part of the characters’ lives and this one is no different. Love how she brought Marianne and Drew to life. Another reason why she is among my favorite authors.
I give Together Forever a well deserved five plus stars. I will be eagerly waiting for the third installment from the Orphan Train series.
Great piece of sweet, clean and romantic historical fiction. Highly recommended.
I received this book from the author but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Together Forever – Orphan Train Book 2, is another winner by Jody Hedlund. She writes wonderful historical novels. I know when I’m reading one of hers that actual events and characters may be included, that’s why I always read the author’s notes in the back of the book. She researches her topic well so that the actual facts of history are accurate. It’s a great way to learn in among the fiction.
It’s not absolutely imperative that you read book one, With You Always, to enjoy this one but getting some of the background might be helpful so that you don’t feel lost, and why miss out on a great read?
The 1850s-1860s is the time frame and it begins in New York City. A financial crisis has occurred and some parents are forced to place their children in orphanages because they can no longer support them. Some children lose their parents to disease and death. Some are forced out on the streets to survive the best they can. The Children’s Aid Society takes the children on trains with agents hired to go out west with them and find families to adopt them. Some are good placements, some are not. Farmers take some of the older boys to use as free labor. Stops were made in different towns along the railroad line and the most desirable were chosen first. I felt so sad for some in the story that were last or not chosen at all.
The characters were easy to care about and follow. The two agents in this story Marianne and Andrew, worked together and became better acquainted on their long placing journey. They both had pasts with regrets and insecurities and kept them hidden from each other. I loved Drew’s humor and Marianne’s motherly instincts. God gave her some revelations about herself toward the end that helped her let go when the time was right.
This was full of problems, misunderstandings but also lots of adventure and love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher but was not required to write a review.
The author packed a lot of heart into the pages of this novel. It was impossible for me not to feel compassion for some of the sweet orphans who captured Marianne’s love on their journey west. I also really enjoyed the developing relationship between Drew and Marianne. Plenty of sparks there!
Drew and Marianne faced many things on this journey which put their fledgling relationship to the test. Could they let go of the guilt that they each carried around? Could they overcome the hurdles that arose? Would they come out stronger together? Would the truth prevail?
Together Forever was a sweet and emotionally rich story. An enjoyable addition to the Orphan Train series, this story could be read as a stand alone novel, if desired. I believe the reading experience will be enhanced if book one is read first, as well as the free prequel novella. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, in which we find out Sophie’s story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Together Forever Is the second one in the series. It is secrets, orphans, tragedies, searching, bad choices, good choices, high emotions, connections, mystery and Faith. Don’t worry though it may be the second in a series but it is a wonderful stand alone book. The author is so talented and knowledgeable about her historical facts it is so fascinating – it only makes the story all the better. These children and caretakers came to life for me straight off the pages. Now that is an awesome book. I received a copy of this review from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
Jody Hedlund’s Orphan Train series gives a riveting look at a part of American history most people probably know little about. Together Forever is the second in the series and tells the story of Marianne Neumann and Andrew Brady, who are placing agents for the Children’s Aid Society in 1858 New York. They are charged with accompanying the orphans on their journey westward to Illinois and placing them with families who are willing to take them in.
Brimming with engaging, multi-layered characters and rich historical detail, this book pulled me in from the first page. Several plot twists kept the action going and had me turning pages far into the night. I enjoyed the contrast between Marianne’s cautious and thoughtful personality and Andrew’s more fun-loving and somewhat impetuous ways. Carefully woven throughout the story is an uplifting message of hope, forgiveness of others and self, and trust.
I love this author’s exquisite writing voice, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series. I would recommend this to those who enjoy clean historical fiction stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Hedlund is known for the wonderful romantic threads within her stories, and while that thread is certainly present here, the historical details about the orphan train are where Together Forever truly shines. Readers of the first book will remember that details about the orphans were a bit sparse, because it was based on a different aspect of the same organization, helping women find employment. However, in this novel, the focus is entirely on the experience of the orphans and the placing agents sent with them as they are adopted at the different stops along the journey.
Marianne Neumann made some bad choices in book one, however, in this story, she has grown up and is determined to prove her worth as an employee of Children’s Aid Society. Despite her youth, she has come through some tough times and wants to make up for her past mistakes. Andrew Brady, the Society’s other placing agent, is also dealing with a past mistake that has come to define him. His charm has allowed him to hide his secrets, but, of course, Marianne has a way of getting past it all. Their interactions are sweet and endearing. I was especially struck by the depth of emotion that Marianne’s character portrays, as she struggles with letting go of the orphans that she comes to care for. Her tender heart struggled with letting go, and I really connected to that aspect of the story. In addition to the romance and fascinating historical details, there is a bit of a suspenseful thread. While I was not surprised about the culprit of it all, I enjoyed experiencing the events as they unfold.
The story can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I do recommend reading With You Always first because I think it makes Marianne’s character development more poignant. The whereabouts of the youngest Neumann sister, Sophie, are still unknown at the end of the story, and I’m definitely looking forward to her story in Searching for You.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; I chose to review it, and the opinions expressed here are my own.
Together Forever is book 2 in The Orphan Train series by Jody Hedlund. I was invested in the
Three sisters from book one. Book two brought Marianne’s story to the forefront. As with all Jody’s books, the research in her books is very deep and thorough. She weaves characters together that make you feel like they are your family. You cry when they cry and you rejoice when they rejoice. I highly recommend!
” ‘Go away!’ . . .. . . But the steps grew nearer. ‘Don’t come around the desk. Please . . .. ‘ ”
Not the most traditional of introductions, but maybe it was just meant to be, that Marianne Neumann and Andrew Brady should happen to meet under such entertaining circumstances. Both were employed as placing agents with the Children’s Aid Society of New York, and on the eve of an important cross country trip; chaperoning a train car full of orphans who were anxiously anticipating placements within families through-out small Illinois railroad towns.
Whereas Andrew appears lighthearted and impulsive, Marianne feels cautious and reserved, viewing the trip as an opportunity to search for a much beloved sister, who had virtually disappeared. As the miles disappear behind them, their hours of close proximity forge an invisible bond of attraction, between themselves and the children, making the decisions ahead of them all the more painful. Sometimes loving means letting go and often times “courage takes many forms”. Thankfully, there is a God “whose strength is made perfect in weakness”.
A lovely historical with plenty of blush rendering romance!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions state are entirely my own.
You will learn some of the horrors and joys of the Orphan Trains! Placing agents with the Children’s Aid Society, Marianne Neumann and Andrew Brady, are great protagonists. Marianne is rather impulsive but she is always trying to help someone! You will enjoy traveling with more than thirty children and the two adults as they travel from New York to Illinois attempting to find suitable homes for the children. Marianne learns that telling a small untruth can lead to big problems! I enjoyed Together Forever and recommend it to others. I found it to be entertaining and informative. I received advance complimentary copies of the book from Bethany House Publishers, the author and NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.