From the Cover:
Could Following the Opportunity of a Lifetime Cost Them the Love of Their Lives?One of the many immigrants struggling to survive in 1850s New York, Elise Neumann knows she must take action to care for her younger sisters. She finds a glimmer of hope when the New York Children's Aid Society starts sending skilled workers to burgeoning towns out west. But the promise of the society's orphan trains is not all that it seems.
Born into elite New York society, Thornton Quincy possesses everything except the ability to step out from his brother's shadow. When their ailing father puts forth a unique challenge to determine who will inherit his railroad-building empire, Thornton finally sees his chance. The conditions to win? Be the first to build a sustainable community along the Illinois Central Railroad and find a suitable wife.
Thrown together against all odds, Elise and Thornton couldn't be from more different worlds. The spark that ignites between them is undeniable, but how can they let it grow when that means forfeiting everything they've been working toward?
My Reflection:
If I did one-word reviews, this would be my word: PERFECT!
Since a one word review just can't do this book justice, I shall commence.
Jody Hedlund's newest book series "Orphan Train" has to be the best book I have read this year! I was so taken with the drama and plot that I simply could not put this one down! The characters were endearing and oh so perfect for the era. The setting was also so interesting, I know even the setting! If you have to pick just one book for this summer, I highly recommend it be this one!
Elise Neumann has the world upon her shoulders. Tasked to care for her younger siblings and two other orphan children she must do everything in her power to protect and care for the ones she loves. She does not want to find her wee family on the streets again. For a spell, the small family takes refuge with the Seventh Street Mission, where the kindhearted Miss Pendleton takes them all in and provides them with seamstress jobs, shelter, and warm food. The Seventh Street Mission was opened to provide prostitutes with more options to better their lives. Though Elise has not yet had to degrade herself in this way, she finds it hard to fit in with the other factory women as they feel her judgment keenly.
When the economic crisis hits and seamstress jobs dry up, Elise has no other option than join the trains heading West. Armed with a good reference of character Elise joins the New York Children's Aid Society and boards a train heading to newly built towns.
Thornton Quincy's only desire is to be found acceptable and pleasing to his father. His twin brother Bradford is everything Thornton is not. This is his last chance to prove to his father that he can be just as good if not better than his brother and perhaps win his approval just this once.
However, the "challenge" is more than he imagined, to build a thriving town, marry someone he truly loves and do all this in six months! Will Thornton actually be able to win his father's approval before it's too late? Will his heart be able to fall in love with his high class intended, or will a poor German immigrant turn his world upside down and make his look deep inside himself for the answers?
I loved everything about this book and cannot wait until Hedlund's next installment is released! I am so intrigued with the subject matter of this new series and even enjoyed reading the author's note at the back describing the era of the Orphan trains. Oh please hurry Jody Hedlund, as I don't think I can wait for your next novel! What are you doing still reading this go order your copy today!
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc
Jody Hedlund
Jody Hedlund is the author of over a dozen novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher's Bride, and A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for historical romance. She received a...
Continue reading about Jody Hedlund
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