A Riveting Look at the Orphan Train from Historical Novelist Jody HedlundWhen 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 … 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.
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Love reading historical books …this one about the Orphan Trains and that period in history.
In “An Awakened Heart” we were introduced to the Neumann family where their plight began. “With You Always” is the oldest daughter, Elise’s story, and the sacrifices she makes to keep her and her sisters safe as they try to survive after the loss of their parents. Throughout the story we are witnesses to the hardships of that time in history not only of what the sisters had to endure, but also thousands of others like them, many of whom did not survive. To help the orphan children as well as many who were given up by parents who could not afford to feed them the New York Children’s Aid Society starts sending older ones with skills out West along the newly forming railway towns to work. They worked many long hard days receiving nothing more than poorly nutritional meals and a place to sleep. Two brothers are challenged by their dying father to each develop a successful town in Illinois, and when done, marry for love. Who ever triumphs wins the company when he passes. Elise lands in Quincy, Thornton’s town, by his manipulation during the train trip where feeling started to develop between them. Elise challenges Thornton to walk in his worker’s shoes and the story soars after that.
Jody Hedlund is by far one of the best Christian historical romance fiction writers we have today. She has out done herself as she draws you into the Orphan Train series with unsurpassed vivid storytelling making you care about the characters and what happens to them. We are all blessed that she shares her gift from God of storytelling with all of us.
I borrowed “With You Always “ from my local library and recommend to all who enjoy reading exquisite storytelling to check out this remarkable author.
Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite Christian Romance authors. This book however is probably my favorite that Ive read of hers so far.
I love reading about the Orphan Train, but this is the first book Ive read from an adult womans perspective. It was a good story and I loved the main characters. I wanted to be their friend
I enjoy a clean historical romance and this book fit the bill. My interest was held and I’m excited to read the next book.
I’ve said this before in my reviews of several Hedlund novels, and it continues to be true here; she takes women from history and brings them to life in fresh ways, bringing the reader a romantic story, while also being true to the historical context and providing details that fascinate. In Elise Neumann’s story, it’s the orphan train, and though it presents a different facet of the orphan train that I was initially thinking, I loved this look into what it would be like for a woman who chooses to travel to a start-up town out west for work. For Elise, more than just her own well-being and future is at stake – her younger sisters and their adopted charges are first and foremost in her mind.
Though our characters Elise and Thornton are from different stations of society, they feel a connection with one another instantly, but fear not, it’s not insta-love, but rather a mutual enjoyment of each other’s company. They never expect to see each other again but hardship brings them together by way of the New York Children’s Aid Society and Elise’s desire to help her family. What I liked most is how they challenge each other and bring out different sides of their personalities. Their interactions in the beginning are especially bittersweet, as Thornton fights with himself over his desire to spend more time with her, knowing in the back of his mind that he has a challenge to win – a challenge that has no place for Elise Neumann. While at first it seemed like he was just ignoring the truth of his feelings, he is finally honest with himself – he knows that what he wants and the challenge set before him by his father are two different things. Instead of focusing on the challenge at hand, he finds himself challenged by Elise – to really put himself in his workers shoes, to really think about living life the way they have to do.
I know there were women like Elise who beseeched others to consider the plight of the poor and disregarded. I deeply appreciate the way that Hedlund sheds light on the plight of the poor in New York during this time period leading up to the orphan trains. While it is hard to fathom from today’s perspective either giving up your child, or leaving your family to work, for many back then, it was the only option. It really prompted me to remember not to cast judgement on the decisions of others and to remember to look at things from their perspective.
With You Always is another winning romantic historical by Jody Hedlund! Fans of her previous books will not be disappointed. While it doesn’t replace my favorite of her novels, I truly loved the look at the plight of orphans and women especially. It is great start to a new series, and a new Hedlund series is such a treat to look forward to. I’m eager to read Marianne and Sophie’s stories that are hopefully to come! Oh, and do read the ebook prequel novella if you get the chance – it’s short, well-done story that sets up a nice backdrop to Elise’s story. Also, can I just say that Bethany House hit it out of the park with this cover and the overall design of the book. It’s seriously lovely, and when the story inside is as lovely as the outside, it makes for a wonderful reading experience.
I love this series! I cant wait for book three! Omg wait to u see what happens in Rhineholds life! The girls aww Just cant wait a must read
It was the kind of book that you don’t want to put down
Was hoping for more information on the Orphan Trains but the story was pleasant.
Loved Elise and Thorton’s Story and how important it is to stand up for what you believe. Wonderful reading.
I enjoyed this book, main character had a hard life, did not give up, but persevered.
(I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Netgalley!)
Let me start off by saying that I’m normally very cautious about dipping my toe in the Christian-historical genre. Often the characters feel flat and perfect, and getting saved is too often tied with getting the perfect relationship.
That said, I found myself enjoying this book. Our heroine, Elise, is practical and forthright. Her work ethic and backbone had me in mind of Margaret Hale in Gaskell’s North and South (which perhaps isn’t too surprising, given her romantic interest’s name is Thornton!). She takes charge of her story and her choices have real consequences, which I appreciated. I also really liked her drive toward social justice–and that part of her journey learning how to motivate and strengthen those around her to do better, instead of simply pushing over everyone in a rush to fix things.
I also enjoyed her foil, Thornton. I found him just flawed enough to avoid being too perfect, but his portion of the story had me interested just as much as Elise’s–and I really, really appreciated how his portion of the narrative came into a head during the climax. His growth was more visible than Elise’s, I think, but Jody Hedlund managed to skirt the trope of Elise “fixing” him. Instead, together they weave one of those romances based on mutual need–both romantic leads have to have the other in order to be the best versions of themselves. It’s a fairly basic concept, but one that can easily get lost in stories, so it was nice to see it so well executed here.
There were other things that I appreciated–like that the outliers in the love triangles were decent, good people, and that Elise had strong, difficult but ultimately positive relationships with the women around her (sisters, coworkers, etc). One thing did bother me: (view spoiler)
Overall, I did really enjoy the read, and it carried me through swiftly! I’m curious to see what comes up in the sequels for this series!
This story takes place in 1870’s following a
financial crises. The setting is in New York City
where many Immigrants settled looking for a
better life in this country.
But what they find in this time period is a jobless
city, people living in the street, starvation, women
having to turn to prostitution, gangs fighting in
the street. A time of poverty and discontent.
In this story, the reader will learn about ” The
Orphan Train “. This concept was developed to
help keep children clothed and feed plus housed
in return for their labor out West. Yet this train
broke up many families apart.
One German immigrant family consisting of
three daughters found themselves in the street
accompanied by two other orphaned children.
Seeking refuse at a Mission, they found shelter
and food in their rudimentary environment.
The older sister, Elise Neumann was able to work
there as seamstress until the mission closes then
she has to take advantage of the Children’s Aide
Society. She boards a train to head West to an
undisclosed location.
While on the train she reacquaints with a man,
she had literally collided with on a New York street.
The man is Thornton Quincy. Thornton is a twin
from a very wealthy family. Elise does not know
anything about his wealthy status.
Thornton is in a competition with his twin brother,
Bradford. His father challenged each of his sons
to establish separate towns along the Illinois Central
Railroad within a six month period. Plus each sons
must marry for love.
Thornton arranges to have Elise assigned to his
town, Quincy with her knowledge.
There was undeniable chemistry shared between
the main characters throughout the story.
Descriptions are deftly woven into the story taking
the reader right into the midst of the story.
The author incorporates historical details into
the everyday happenings making the story vividly
realistic.
Riveting storyline. A well written historical fiction
combined with romance, well defined, realistic
and dimensional characters.
Jody Hedlund brings history to life in this amazing
time period inspiring the reader with the constant
reminder that the light of God shines on His
steady followers bringing relief in small ways.
I highly recommend this book.
I volunteered to read With You Always. Thanks to
the author and the Influencers via Net Gallery for
the opportunity. My opinion is my own.