As
the oldest of the Neumann sisters, Elise carries the heavy
responsibility of protecting and providing for her siblings as well
as the two small children that live with them. Though she is a
skilled seamstress, work is hard to find and her pitiful pay fails to
provide for basic needs. Convinced that she can earn better wages in
the west and send them back to her sisters, Elise joins the New York
Children's Aid Society. However, she finds immediately that the pay
and work is far worse than promised. Her history with the town's
developer, Thornton Quincy, temporarily preserves her. However,
Thornton contends with his own issues – issues that don't include
better working conditions and the sparking attraction between him and
Elise. With such different life stations, is it possible that Elise
and Thornton were brought together for a purpose greater than their
own welfare? Read more in With You Always
by Jody Hedlund.
With You Always
is the first full-length novel in Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train series.
I highly recommend reading the (currently free) prequel novella, An
Awakened Heart. With
You Always picks up one
day after An Awakened Heart
ends and it flows together as one complete story.
Simply
put, I thought With You Always
was excellent. Equal parts romance and fiction, I found the plot
unique and captivating. The immigrant plight was thoughtfully
presented and the story made me sadder than I expected. The story
pulled at my heartstrings, but used the conflict to present hope in
God. I recommend With You Always to
fans of inspiration historical romance and I'm eager for the next
novel in the series.
Read an excerpt from With You Always by Jody Hedlund on the publisher's website.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to
write a positive review. The opinions I have 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."