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."
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.
