With You Always (Orphan Train, #1) by Jody Hedlund

A Riveting Look at the Orphan Train from Historical Novelist Jody Hedlund

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

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

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About The Author

Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award for fiction and Christy Award for historical romance, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

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My Review

had read a preview for this book in An Awakened Heart, which is a free preview kindle book on Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Heart..., and you will not be disappointed.
I was a page turning very quickly and this book is one that will linger with you, a very compelling read and enjoyable.
When we look back to the 1800’s in our country and look at a city like New York and its immigrant population, life was far from easy, and people tended to gather in areas from the same ethnicity.
The family we are following, and again I recommend you read the freebee, is from Germany, and although some are grown, they are orphans, and there are no jobs and they can’t afford any housing. Desperate, the oldest Elise heads out West hoping to earn enough to send for the others.
A chance meeting on the streets of NY and our Elise already knows a prospective employer whom she meets again on the train to Illinois, Thorton Quincy. You are in for a treat as you catch the banter that these two seem to enjoy.
What Elise doesn’t know is that Thorton and his twin brother have been challenged by their wealthy father to establish a self sustaining town and marry for love, and have all accomplished in six months. So while attracted to Elise, Thorton must marry well, or so he thinks.
A book filled with surprises, and not all to my liking, but a story that will keep you up late reading, and you won’t be disappointed.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.