Searching For You by Jody Hedlund

About the book:

For years, Sophie Neumann has been running from the orphanages of 1850s New York City. Tasked with caring for two younger children, she's determined not to let them be taken from her, and not to abandon them the same way her older sisters did her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing the state is her only option.

Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. But when the train stops in Illinois, she faces an agonizing decision as the orphans will be placed in new homes. Afraid she'll lose them forever, she finds help in a familiar face she never expected to see so far from New York.

Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm in Illinois. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that still haunt him, Reinhold is in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby farm pleading for his help?

My thoughts:

Searching For You is the final installment in Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train series. The novel can be read as a stand alone story, but I recommend reading the books in order as knowing all the backstory makes this final novel so vibrant. Of the prequel novella and three full-length novels, Searching For You is my favorite.

Once I started reading Searching For You, I didn't want to put it down. Sophie's short time as a Bowery Girl fascinated me. She was a unique character and the well-written prose made me feel her pain as life changed. Once Sophie and Reinhold met, there was instant attraction, plenty of tension, and sizzling romance. Both characters developed as Sophie and Reinhold wrestled with their own issues and searched for a happy future. In short, the novel captivated me from beginning to end.

Undergirding the character development and story line, there were nuggets of spiritual wisdom. Some were forthright statements from the lovable Euphemia. Other lessons slowly appeared as the characters struggled, learned, and made better choices. These spiritual themes enhanced the story and encouraged me personally.

I recommend Searching For You by Jody Hedlund to historical romance readers who are looking for a moving tale about faith, love, and family relationships.

Read an excerpt from Searching For You 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."

Book Spotlight: Searching For You by Jody Hedlund

Look what came in the mail today: Searching For You by Jody Hedlund! 

I've been eager to read this novel since I finished Together Forever and I am thrilled to be part of Jody's launch team. Hoping to dive into the book this weekend and, of course, I'll put out a review after reading it.

In the meantime, check out my reviews of the other novels in Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train series: With You Always and Together Forever.  

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Searching For You

Author: Jody Hedlund

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: December 4, 2018 

Genre: Historical  Fiction / Romance

For years, Sophie Neumann has been running from the orphanages of 1850s New York City. Tasked with caring for two younger children, she's determined not to let them be taken from her, and not to abandon them the same way her older sisters did her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing the state is her only option.

Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. But when the train stops in Illinois, she faces an agonizing decision as the orphans will be placed in new homes. Afraid she'll lose them forever, she finds help in a familiar face she never expected to see so far from New York.

Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm in Illinois. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that still haunt him, Reinhold is in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby farm pleading for his help?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over a dozen novels,  including Luther and Katharina, winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award. She received a bachelor's from Taylor University and a master's from University of Wisconsin, both in social work.  Currently, she makes her home in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children.

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR:  Website | Facebook | Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads

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."

Together Forever by Jody Hedlund

Marianne Neumann's job as a placing agent for the Children's Aid Society affords her a measure of independence and the opportunity to covertly search for her missing sister. On the eve of her first placing out trip, Marianne is caught snooping for information by Andrew (Drew) Brady, a handsome man who happens to be her fellow agent for the trip. Between her instant attraction to him and his propensity for flirting, she finds herself strongly drawn to him. However, both Marianne and Drew harbor painful secrets. When a tragedy renews a painful past and separates them, their fledging relationship is unexpectedly tested. Will Drew and Marianne learn the ways of a love that is sacrificial, yet steadfast? Read more in Together Forever by Jody Hedlund.

Together Forever is the second novel in Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train series. Although this novel can work as a stand-alone story, I strongly recommend reading the series in order (including the prequel).

Reading Together Forever by Jody Hedlund was a treat. The opening scene hooked my attention and the story held my interest until the end. The novel is well-written and the unfamiliar setting of an orphan train intrigued to me. Themes such as sacrificial love, personal responsibility, and the importance of family feature prominently through the novel. Drew Brady was the perfect combination of thoughtfulness, humor, and flirtation. I enjoyed observing Drew and Marianne's sweet, flirty relationship develop into something much deeper and steadfast. Overall, I found this novel to be immensely satisfying and I expect to read it again in the future.

I recommend Together Forever by Jody Hedlund to fans of Christian romance. If you liked With You Always (Orphan Train #1), you will likely enjoy Together Forever (Orphan Train #2).

Read an excerpt from Together Forever 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."

With You Always by Jody Hedlund

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."