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With You Always is the first installment of Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train series and to be truthful is a great beginning. I had the privilege of being apart of Jody Hedlund's influencer team for this book. For me personally, being an influencer for any author is hard because I never want to hurt the author's feelings by not liking their books. Jody Hedlund does not have to worry though. I really liked this book. Everything about the book, the time period, the characters , and the plot was intriguing till the end. When I was reading this book, I could imagine each scene. Elise and Thornton are great main characters. I started this book thinking "Oh, I will be able to put this down, when I need to do other things," but that was not the case. Every time I was interrupted, I was like, "No, I need to keep reading. Go away." So last night, I was up really late reading and I finished the book. Hedlund did an excellent job with this book. A good book, to me, is a book that I cannot put down, and I could not put this book down.

I would recommend this book and cannot wait for the next two in this series. To readers who like historical fiction, this books is worth taking the time to read.

This looks like the start to an interesting series. I always find it interesting to learn about things from the past in the context of a story. It gives me knowledge of how things were without seeming like a history lesson. I knew some about this time period, but enjoyed learning more.
I liked how Elise took the initiative to step out and do what needed to be done to help out her family even if it meant leaving them. She had the courage needed to do this and relied on faith to help her out. Thornton was an interesting character as he set out with a motive in mind and soon found himself doing things for different reasons. I liked how he grew as a person. I look forward to more in this series.
I received a copy of the book from the author, the review is entirely my own.

I literally just finished the book an hour ago and my head is still in Illinois. Ms. Hedlund takes back to the 1850's, with financial crisis, orphans, and twin brothers competing to inherit everything from their dying father.
I first thought the father was a little loopy to pit his sons against each other, but in the end you see he was actually pretty smart in his thinking.
Even though Thornton is pretty much engaged to a girl back in New York, Ms. Hedlund creates quite the romantic tension between him and Elise. Thornton is swoon worthy, Elise is pretty and devoted to her sisters. There are kisses that will have you catching your breath, and a little bit of mystery to keep you turning the pages. The spiritual thread is woven perfectly through the story. It shows God not forsaking us even when we maybe fearful of trusting.

Loved, loved, loved this book! The characters, the plot development, all of it. Superb!

Before I even begin this review I am just gonna say it: I love this book. If you haven't read the prequel 'An Awakened Heart', available for free download from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, then get it now. This story follows Elise (you meet her in the prequel) as the financial crisis hits New York City. Businesses close, job opportunities dry up and even the Seventh Street Mission is affected. Elise does what she can to protect her sisters and the children they were left in care of. She's given an opportunity to relocate to the west (Illinois) via the New York Children's Aide Society. They helped secure transportation via the train to her new opportunities and ensured a job once she arrived. What they fail to mention is that the working conditions and the pay are just as bad, if not worse than New York. They also fail to mention how long it will take to pay back travel expenses. They actually fail to mention a lot. We'll address that later. En route to her destination she meets Thornton. And with many twists and turns history is made. In more ways than one.

I've said it before and I'll keep saying it. Hedlund is a powerhouse for setting a scene that draws you in. She engages your entire being into the world she creates. You can smell the stench of unwashed bodies and filth, you can see the haze of coal smoke from the buildings and trains. You can envision the flat nothingness that is Illinois over the stacked hustle and bustle of people on top of people that was New York. You may be wrapped up in your cozy reading spot but you are 'there' in the moment that Hedlund takes you too. You have to look again at your hands to make sure they aren't covered in soot or chapped by manual labor. When she first introduced the Quincy family I wasn't sure why they mattered a chapter. But when Elise met up with Thornton on the streets of New York I knew there were important things to come.

Another thing that Hedlund excels at is her knowledge (read I'm sure days upon days of research) of the time period she is writing and the social and moral issues of the time. She takes on the plight of poor immigrant families in Lower Manhattan (and the Illinois prairie) as though she was one. She takes on the inequality of the rich and poor, male and female, adult and child as though she actually experienced all of those things personally. She does so in a way that is appropriate to the time without coming across as a social injustice warrior attacking where we have come from. When Elise stands up for what she thinks and gets fired for what she says, well you know that good things are coming. And like Thornton I am confident there were other's like him that when confronted with things that needed changed made the hard decisions to buck 'tradition' and make those changes. They weren't many, they weren't common, and they aren't necessarily documented and lauded by history. Change is slow. Even necessary change.

Honestly, there's nothing I did not like about this book. The characters spoke to me, the spent hours engaged in their lives. The story spoke to me and for a small fraction I can almost imagine I was there. I am ever so grateful to the author, Jody Hedlund, and her publisher Bethany house (via NetGalley) for allowing me the opportunity to pre-review this book. I know my life is different and I cannot wait for future installments in this series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Jody Hedlund, Bethany House, and NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

New York City - 1857

Elise Neumann, age 19, and her sisters have been given housing at the Seventh Street Mission. The girls are homeless orphans. The Mission building used to be a brewery and its owner, Miss Pendleton, is trying hard to clean it up. The girls have recently lost their German parents and Elise had promised her mother that she would care for her siblings. She is hoping to find work as a seamstress.

Thornton Quincy and his twin brother, Bradford, both age 26, are nearly identical in appearance. They have been told by their father that he is slowly dying. His advisor, Mr. Morgan, is explaining the man’s last wishes. Their father has issued a challenge for the twins to undertake. They must each build a sustainable town and marry a woman they love all within six months time. The winner will then become the owner of the very wealthy Quincy Enterprises. Bradford boasts that he himself is the better man to run the company, but Thornton is not about to relent.

As work becomes scarce, Elise decides to join a group of women going out west to take up jobs. Leaving her family behind is hard for her, but she will send everything her earns to them. On the train trip, Elise sees Thornton again. He had once helped her and the other people at the Mission during some town rioting. Elise is heading to Quincy, Illinois which is the town that Thornton is building. As she settles in, she finds the work very hard but soon Thornton allows her to run the train cafe. As she’s a good cook, she is happy with this. There are those who are jealous of her and think she is receiving favoritism from Thornton. As the town is slowing building, so is an attraction between the two of them. But Elise knows it is not something she can pursue because they are of different classes.

Which brother will win the challenge and will Elise find love?

This is a very well-written story that is beautifully descriptive. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest 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.

It's been awhile since my feelings have been so mixed over a story.

Elise was annoying with her superior self-righteous attitude... and yet I liked that. I liked that she wasn't presented as perfect or right.

I liked that Fanny, who was immediately set up as Archnemsis, was not one dimensional and that there was resolution with her. Honestly, I would have been more interested in and moved by her story.

I liked the way faith was woven into the story.

I loved the advice to work among the people and how that changed and improved the plans.

And though I felt like some major threads were left loose and hanging, I felt like it added strength to the story and message of relying on God. And on futher thought, those are probably wrapped up in books 2 and 3.

While there was a lot to interest and enjoy, it seemed like there were equal things to detract from the story.

*SPOILERS*

My biggest issue was with the train ride romance. Though little came of it, I thought Elise was beyond stupid to have dallied with a man at all. Her only remaining family was left in a very unstable situation in a dangerous area and facing starvation and violence. Elise's position with the Children's Aid Society was their only hope at this point, and she's going to risk her reputation (the only thing that got her this job) to wander off on multiple rendez-vous with a man she barely knows?! 99 to one, a strange man luring her off to hidden places would have attempted to seduce her at the very least, if not harm her or force himself upon her. I didn't find these instances charming or romantic, but dangerously naive fantasies.

I was annoyed by the way they both tried to deny their attraction and pass it off as friendship. In what world would anyone sincerely interpret things that way?

I didn't think Elise's sacrificial choice at the end was realistic or relatable. I think any normal woman would have done the opposite- would have desperately wanted to marry the super wealthy "land developer" which would provide immediate rescue to the people she loves most in the world. The sacrifice to potentially not get to work as a cook or live where she wanted would have seemed a better trade off for safety and provision for her family, not to mention being with the man she loved.

I wish Reinhold had been left out of the story entirely. I felt bad for him being used and thought his conceding defeat and wishing them the best was unnatural. I have never known anyone who, in the midst of rejection, loss, jealousy, hurt and broken plans, calmly states that they know the couple was right for each other, but just didn't want to face it, and then goes on to help them be together. That kind of acceptance usually happens after some time to process and move on.

Was I the only one who felt bad for Rosalind? This girl was all but engaged, planning their December wedding while her beau is playing with fire, constantly putting himself in the path of temptation, pursuing, flirting, and kissing another woman. She was betrayed and publicly humiliated. The only good thing I can say about the situation was that thankfully this girl was not portrayed as having any major character defects, as if that would justify their actions.

While I am invested enough in the supporting character to want to read the following books and get the full resolution, I would be careful who I recommend this book to- adults who are not likely to mistake wreckless liasons and infedility as romance, but will appreciate other aspects of the story.

This is the first book I have read by Jody Hedlund and it won't be the last. she rots from the heart .

It had been a while since I'd read one of Jody's books. I used to enjoy them better than I did "With You Always". The blurb sounded great and I eagerly started reading. But I couldn't relate to the storyline, didn't really care much for the characters, and had a hard time finishing the book.

With You Always
Orphan Train #1
By Jody Hedlund

1857 is a difficult year for those looking for work in New York - Elise Neumann and her siblings know this only too well. But when Miss Pendleton offers them a place to call home off the streets and the promise of work Elise accepts. But the economy is anything but stable as soon rumors spread of other seamstresses being let go. But surely the Seventh Street Mission which is their new home will be safe with Miss Pendleton's support.

Meanwhile, in the elite circles of New York society, Thornton Quincy is going through his own crisis. His father is dying and he has issued a challenge to his two sons - compete for the family's railroad empire. Thornton has always been second to his twin Bradford and he is sure he will again, after all, how can anyone develop a sustainable town plus fall in love and marry within six months. But their father is not to be dissuaded in his challenge.

When gang fighting brings Elise and Thornton together in a race for their lives neither had any idea that they would ever see one another again. But Elise needs a job and Thornton's new town of Quincy, Illinois needs workers to bring it into being. But getting work through the New York Children's Aid Society means leaving those nearest and dearest to her behind if she hopes to provide for them. But for her family, Elise is willing to make the sacrifice and take whatever work they have for her.

With You Always is a journey that is not only of distance but of heart as both Thornton and Elise learn who they truly are and grow as individuals. Both need to see past social dictates that label without knowing the person. Can they both learn to see a person for who they truly are at their heart or will they let preconceived perceptions blind them to the truth? Only time will tell and it is running down.

This is yet another step into the past from Jody Hedlund and this time she shares a piece of history I had certainly never before heard of. Who knew that the orphan trains also helped placed women in need of work! For fans of historical fiction with a touch of romance, you'll enjoy this first book in a new series.

I was provided a review copy this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review all opinions expressed are my own.

"With You Always" is a Christian romance set in 1857 in NYC and then in Illinois. You've got pride, prejudice, an "I never knew myself" type moment, and a romantic couple who are better people for having known each other. Just saying, P&P fans might like this novel.

Elise's family was wronged by a rich man, and now she and her sisters are poor and orphaned. After a financial crisis hits NYC, Elise can no longer find work there and must risk the unknowns of taking the Orphan Train to new employment in Illinois.

Thornton just wants his father to be proud of him, but all his father's pride seems aimed at Thornton's twin brother. Their father pits the brothers against each other to build a town in Illinois and fall in love in the next six months. Elise challenges Thornton to care about people and listen to their needs, not just see them as assets. But will acting ethically mean losing the challenge?

I enjoyed the banter between Elise and Thornton. They were both kind and honorable at heart even if their actions weren't always perfect. They faced hard decisions and grew as people throughout the story. The historical details were woven into the story and gave a good sense of what life was like at that time.

The Christian element was Elise learning to draw closer to God during hard times. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this enjoyable novel.

The cover is what prompted me into picking up the book, to read the synopsis on the back. The synopsis is what prompted me to read it. The story starts off with Elise and her sisters seeking shelter in New York. It is middle of the 1800's, and this family of three orphan sisters need to find a place to stay and work. The oldest sister, Elise, finds a place for them to stay at a mission, but when the market crashes their gainful employment as a seamstress is gone. So she turns to the New York Children's Aid Society to find work.

In the meantime, the second story in the book is about Thornton Quincy who must prove to his father that he is deserving of his inheritance. He, along with his twin brother, must build and create town that can survive on it's own along the railroad. In addition, within the six months, he must find a woman that he loves and get married. Quite a tall order I would say!

That said, I had a difficult time really getting into this book. After struggling to read the first chapters, I opted to skim and get to the interesting parts. For me, the main characters didn't intrigue me. I didn't fall in love with them, and in turn, I found it a struggle to really want to get to know them. She had a sense of humor, but yet a worrisome personality. I wish I had the opportunity to get to know her better, and to like her.

With you Always (Orphan Train) - Jody Hedlund


Jody Hedlund is one of my all time favorite authors. I loved this book, but I don’t know if I would have categorized it as an “orphan train” book. I would definitely say the characters are struggling orphans. It was a very good book!
This is the story of Elise Neumann, the oldest of 3 sisters who were orphaned. Elise has to leave her sisters after a crisis in New York causes her to go west for work. While she is away she convinces the founder of a new town – that is a competition between twin brothers – to really experience what he is asking the working class to do. Thornton Quincy, the twin who starts her town, is greatly humbled, and has his eyes opened to the plight of the working class.
The competition has a stiff prize – the inheritance of his wealthy father’s money. Thornton’s brother is willing to do what it takes to win, will Thornton?
I really enjoyed this book.

I was given this book in exchange for the possibility of writing a review.

I was completely immersed in Elise's story. Jody writes with such depth of feeling, my heart physically ached with Elise at the loss of her mother, and separation of her family, and soared with rejoicing in her successes. There were moments of holding my breath with anticipation and at times I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to discover the outcome. I enjoyed Elise's wit and sarcasm. I love how she pushes those around her to do better, and to become more than they thought they could.

I felt like I was living the story with Elise & Thornton; even the secondary characters were complex and realistic. Fanny, Marianne, Reinhold, Sophie, Mr. & Mrs. Gray, I loved them all (okay, *spoiler alert* so maybe I didn't love Mr. Hewitt, but every story needs a good villain). I didn't want the story to end! Do yourself a favor, and purchase a copy of this wonderful book.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my review. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions expressed are my own.)

With You Always
Jody Hedlund
Bethany House









Bethany House Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 06 Jun 2017


I am reviewing With You Always through through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:
This book transports us back to 1850's New York City, where we meet Elise Neumann where she is staying at the newly opened Seventh Street Mission. She finds herself looking for a job, trying to earn some money so she can build a life for herself and not rely on charity.

Elise and Thirton soon find themselves trying to get safely away from the violence that had erupted on the streets, they get themselves and a blind beggar to the relative safety of the Seventh Street Mission.
When Elise can't find work she signs on with the Children's Aide Society where she will be sent west to work.
Elise finds herself amazed at the speed of the train, the changing scenery.
Thornton too is traveling by train and is doing everything he can to get Elise's attention.
Elise has no idea that Thorton's Father is a railroad Baron or that they are one of the wealthiest families in New York, until someone tells her.
Elise finds herself b working for Thorton in Illinois but soon it is Elise teaching Thorton what its really like for those who work for him.
Will Elise and Thorton take a chance at love despite everything stacked against them? Find out in With You Always!
Five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!

I find Jody Hedlund to be an engaging author. Though this book could likely stand alone I would recommend reading it after reading the prequel: An Awakened Heart (which at the time of this posting is free on Amazon kindle).

Though this book is part of an “Orphan Train” series it is far less about the life of orphans sent out on trains as it is about the life of the men and women of the time. It looks at the question of what kind of life situations resulted in so many children being given up to the trains as well as the ordinary and extraordinary actions of those who wanted to bless families, hold them together and offer love and assistance to those who were caught in the devastation of the times.

With You Always is an engaging work of historical fiction that is well worth reading.

I received a free digital pre-release of this book to read in exchange for my honest opinion.

With You Always by Jody Hedlund


Elise Neuman has been taking care of her sisters since both of their parents had died. Living in New York City as a seamstress she as been able to support her family until the financial crisis hits in the 1850's. She finds herself not only homeless with her sisters but the added responsibility of two small orphaned children. Thanks to the generosity of a preacher and his well to do fiancee, Elise finds work and a place to live. That is until the financial crisis also hits the well to do and forces the close of their charity. Elise then sets out west to a job leaving her family behind. While living in New York Elise meets a wealthy young man, Thornton. Thornton has been forced to a competition with his twin brother for the control of his father's business. Thornton and Elise meet back up in Illinois where Elise shows Thornton the life of a working class person.

This story tells of the plight of young women unable to support themselves or their family. Ms. Hedlund writes characters in such a way that you can identify where they are in life. Whether it be the well-to-do Thornton or the working Elise. The relationship that ensues between Thornton and Elise. This relationship is a great vehicle to illustrate the difference between the classes and the hardships of the working class during this time period. The readers finds themselves learning more about the orphan train and the difficult decisions many had to make to survive. Readers will find themselves rooting for Thornton to win the competition to better the community he has founded. Those who like historical fiction will feel satisfied this quick read.

Note: I was given an electronic copy via Net Galley and the publisher, Bethany House for an honest review.

Two twin brothers, a competition, trying to fall in love, but to have only six months to prove the winner. Enter three orphan sisters, one who is bound and determined to make sure they will survive, despite the set backs in their path. Two rail road towns, built by two brothers, one who cheats to win, and one who never wins. Who will win in the end?