Elise Neumann and her two younger sisters are in dire straits.  They work as seamstresses and take care of two abandoned toddlers.  With the death of their mother and the unwelcoming care of their uncle, they are left to their own.  Thankfully they end up at the Seventh Street Mission. However, this is a short stay as a financial crisis in NYC means even less jobs.  Elise must step up and take the offer of the Children's Aid Society to place tradeswomen in the Midwest.

Her male counterpart in the book is well-heeled Thornton Quincy.  Thornton must prove himself to his father by establishing a railroad town in Illinois.  From two different ends of society, Elise and Thornton keep meeting.

Once again, Jody Hedlund has written a riveting story of adversity with God's love to cling to in the mess.  This is set to be a book series and I'm already awaiting book 2.

I love Jody Hedlund's books and she is a master at her historical research, which is just impeccable. I love history and it's so nice to see it fictionalized into a story we readers can dive into.

I can not imagine being a woman and living in the 1850s. If your parents die and family can't take care of you, so many were forced into horrible work conditions with little pay. Many forced onto the streets. That's what I learned from this book. Well, one of them. There's so much history surrounded by beautifully written characters. Elise is wise beyond her years as she takes up the position to take care of her family. Thornton is learning to be a man from the competition his father puts him and his twin brother in against each other. The ups and downs included in the book were likely very true to history. And you have no idea how it's going to end. This book was one I didn't want to put down and really enjoyed reading!

I love historical fiction and this story is a wonderful one. I learned about the Children's Aid Society sending adults out on the trains, like they did orphans, to find work. The story and the characters were likable and engaging. I wanted to know how every plot twist would be solved and every stumbling stone turned into a building block. I am hoping that there are more books that continue with these characters! I would love to visit them again.

I'm trying to think of what I want to say about With You Always by Jody Hedlund. It is her first novel in her Orphan Train Series. I'm trying to figure out if she was using this book as an instrument to introduce the Orphan Trains, or if the Orphan Train was supposed to carry a bigger weight than it did in this book.

Elise is responsible for her younger sisters and two infants that were left with her when their mother died in the tenements of New York. When the opportunity arises for Elise to go to Chicago to help in a new town being built along the railroad, she takes the chance, hoping to send money back to her sisters to come to be with her.

Thornton and his twin brother, Bradford, are thrown into a contest to see who will inherit the title to their father's throne as CEO of his railroad company. The challenge is to build a town along the railroad, and fall in love and get married within six months.

Elise and Thornton had met during a storm while she was living at the Seventh Street Mission. Thornton was instantly attracted to Elise and wanted to see her more. When he found her on the train, he made all kinds of excuses to be with her. The only fly in his ointment was the fact that he had a girlfriend in New York.

The only way the Orphan Train comes into the plot is that the babies are sent out on the train without the sisters knowing about it. There is a bit of a hint that the sisters are going to be searching for the babies.

Jody is a quality writer who knows her craft. She has written an excellent book, with great characters and a compelling plot line. The problems I have mentioned are truly minor and the way the contest ends is truly satisfying.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a First Class Train Ride

My thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this book.

With You Always (Orphan Train Book #1) by Jody Hedlund is a very compelling book that will keep you going from the streets of New York to Quincy, Illinois. This is a story about a young woman overcoming great odds and emerging as a leader among some of the poorest of her time. The Neumann sisters, Elise, Marianne and Sophie lost both parents after emigrating to America. Life became just struggle after struggle for them. After the Financial Panic of 1857, Elise made the difficult decision to sign up with the Children's Aid Society, a group that worked under contract with many employers to offer women of good moral character employment opportunities. She left behind her sisters and two young orphan charges at a shelter in New York. She reasoned they would all be reunited once she could save for their fares to Illinois.

This books is written about a time when so many immigrant women and children bore the brunt of poverty. Poor working and living conditions made their plight deplorable. An opportunity such as Elise seized, was a ticket out of poverty if she could earn enough to pay back her train fare, living expenses and other costs of employment incurred. With You Always (Orphan Train Book #1) by [Hedlund, Jody] Along the journey to Quincy Illinois she encounters Thornton, a man she briefly met in New York. He is handsome, attentive and takes her to dine at places she's only dreamt of. World's apart, and unknown to her at the time, he is the son of a wealthy man from New York. Along with his twin, he is racing to build a community along the Illinois Central Line, competing for the legacy of their dying father. His job is to build that city and marry a woman he loves within six months!

While building the community in our story, Thornton discovers through Elise that under the facade of paperwork compiled by his assistant, there is real work for him to do. Ledgers often tell a different story than what is beyond an office door. Construction workers or Laundresses are much more than entries on a payroll list. What happens to Thornton as he really begins to build the community of Quincy Illinois is an uplifting transformation. He deserves to be cheered on no matter who wins his father's competition if only for his willingness to learn from those who he worked shoulder to shoulder with.

I heartily recommend this book for so many reasons. While fiction, it brings to life the colorful people who had the faith and courage to leave the comfort of what was known for the unknown in hopes it was ever so much better for their families. Historical fiction such as this, written by Jody Hedlund is a catalyst for the reader to enjoy romantic fiction while spurring the desire to learn one more way just how our vast country was settled. A remarkable read, With You Always is a memorable story to read, and read yet again. Available June 6th, 2017 at your favorite booksellers.

Part of the Orphan Train series – Christian Historical Romance
This is another book that I can relate to because of my German and Irish heritage. You don’t usually hear as much about the German immigrants though. I know that my relatives were all bright and resourceful with a lot of talent. I can’t imagine how hard it was for them to get a start in this country, but I am grateful for them that they didn’t stay in New York City long, which is where this story is rooted. So few jobs and so much competition. Even the most talented were sometimes left to live on the streets. This is a heartrending story of immigrants in the 1850s – the poor just trying to stay alive and the rich building their fortunes. The characters are very endearing and most lifelike. The kind that become part of you and you want to continue reading about even after the story ends.

Elise can remember the old country where their family had to leave because of the local Baron who ruined their family baking business. In America, her father dies and they have to live with her Uncle, working as seamstresses. He cheats them and after her mother dies they are forced out on the street with nothing. From there follows her journey, that of her siblings, friends and a wealthy socialite who gives up everything to help the homeless. And of course, Thornton, son of a wealthy man who sets up a competition between his twin sons to see who will gain control of the business when he dies.

Another book that I highly recommend and so want to read more about the others and what becomes of them. Great Christian message throughout of learning to trust in God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. 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”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html

This story takes place in 1870’s following a
financial crises. The setting is in New York City
where many immigrants settled looking for a
better life in this country.
But what they find in this time period is a jobless
city, people living in the street, starvation, women
having to turn to prostitution, gangs fighting in
the street. A time of poverty and discontent.
In this story, the reader will learn about " The
Orphan Train ". This concept was developed to
help keep children clothed and feed plus housed
in return for their labor out West. Yet this train
broke up many families apart.
One German immigrant family consisting of
three daughters found themselves in the street
accompanied by two other orphaned children.
Seeking refuse at a Mission, they found shelter
and food in their rudimentary environment.
The older sister, Elise Neumann was able to work
there as seamstress until the mission closes then
she has to take advantage of the Children's Aide
Society. She boards a train to head West to an
undisclosed location.
While on the train she reacquaints with a man,
she had literally collided with on a New York street.
The man is Thornton Quincy. Thornton is a twin
from a very wealthy family. Elise does not know
anything about his wealthy status.
Thornton is in a competition with his twin brother,
Bradford. His father challenged each of his sons
to establish separate towns along the Illinois Central
Railroad within a six month period. Plus each sons
must marry for love.
Thornton arranges to have Elise assigned to his
town, Quincy with her knowledge.
There was undeniable chemistry shared between
the main characters throughout the story.
Descriptions are deftly woven into the story taking
the reader right into the midst of the story.
The author incorporates historical details into
the everyday happenings making the story vividly
realistic.
Riveting storyline. A well written historical fiction
combined with romance, well defined, realistic
and dimensional characters.
Jody Hedlund brings history to life in this amazing
time period inspiring the reader with the constant
reminder that the light of God shines on His
steady followers bringing relief in small ways.
I highly recommend this book.
I volunteered to read With You Always. Thanks to
the author and the Influencers via Net Gallery for
the opportunity. My opinion is my own.

Introduced in the novella An Awakened Heart, Elise Neumann is a strong young woman of high character who faces life’s hardest challenges with courage and determination. Although, her faith in a God who cares is waning, and she’s running quite short on hope.

Set in the 1850s, this story highlights women involved with the effort to resettle orphaned children from the harsh conditions in the city—where many learn to turn to crime as a means of survival—to a Christian home in the Midwest. Unfortunately, the reality wasn’t always as it was supposed to be.

This storyline follows a few young women escaping the hardships of New York for a better life in Illinois. The New York Children’s Aid Society has offered jobs to some of the young women with marketable skills, in the growing towns along the railways of the Midwest, particularly one being developed by Thornton Quincy.

Jody Hedlund never disappoints, and this series promises to be as intriguing as any of her others. Hedlund breathes life into her characters, painting a clear picture of their day to day struggles. You will fall in love with Elise and cheer for Thornton in this wonderfully written novel.

It has been a while since I've read Judy Hedlund and I'm glad I picked up this one when I did. My only regret is that I have to wait for the rest of the series to release!

With You Always is a beautifully told story of the hardships of women and orphans in New York City in the mid 19th century. The book is about a young woman named Elise who is the oldest of three sisters trying to keep her orphaned family together. She reluctantly leaves to find work in central Illinois. She catches the eye of a very handsome man named Thornton. It turns out that he will be her employer. There is a lot of fun banter between them as well as a strong attraction between them both. This book shows the hardships of the times, but also shows hope. This story has a wonderful inspirational message as well as a sweet romance. This was a page turner for me. I really enjoyed it and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via netgalley and was not required to leave a review.

I have read many Jody Hedlund books. She is a great christian author. I enjoyed this one as well but it wasn't nearly as good as some of her other works. This is an interesting time period and circumstance but the story felt rushed or just glossed over. I liked Elise and Thornton and their ease and playfulness with each other. She was a very strong character that was able to help Thornton see things differently than what he had always known. I really wish Thornton had been a little stronger himself. For a man who can build a whole town in 6 months he seemed a little week and unsure of himself. I understand that that is what Jody was going for since he is always in competition with his twin and coming up short. But He lacked a bit of confidence in himself that I think he would have needed to be able to accomplish what was asked of him. I liked that he was humble enough to accept direction from Elise but in this case he felt a little too unsure and hesitant.

Jody Hedlund is my go-to author when I’m in the mood for Christian romance with a historical perspective. I know I can expect a wholesome story line and interesting characters in everything she writes. “With You Always” is Book One in Hedlund’s new Orphan Train Series, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Elise Neumann is a young German woman who immigrated to New York City with her family in the middle of the nineteenth century. Shortly after their arrival, Elise’s father passes away, and then her mother also dies. In the 1850s, orphaned children in America often ended up in institutions or were sent by train to other communities where they were adopted to households essentially looking for free labor. They rarely experienced a happy, story book ending to their childhood. Elise is therefore desperate to find work so that she can care for and keep her younger siblings together to avoid that fate.

In another part of New York City, twins Bradford and Thornton Quincy are young adults who have lived a life of leisure. Their father is a successful businessman who is facing the end of his life. The elder Quincy gives his sons a challenge that will result in only one of them inheriting sole control of their father’s investments and companies. Each son is given six months to establish a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad. Additionally, each son must marry for love before the six months are up. It is a daunting all-or-nothing proposal that will result in only one winner. The challenge is complicated by the brothers’ personalities. Bradford tends towards ruthlessness, whereas Thornton has always been fair-minded. Thornton has always felt inferior to his brother and struggles to maintain his confidence throughout the challenge.

Life is hard for Elise, and her search for work takes her to the town Thornton is establishing. She had met Thornton briefly months earlier. Both had felt an immediate spark of attraction at the time, but they knew little about each other’s backgrounds. As they meet again, they find that the attraction is still there. However, the dramatic difference in their social status is now clear. Will they deny their feelings for each other, or can they find a way to bridge the gap? Will Thornton find a way to triumph over his brother’s devious actions, or will he lose the challenge? Will Elise succeed in supporting her younger siblings, or will financial constraints separate them like so many other unfortunate orphans of that era?

“With You Always” transported me to a time in America’s history of which I am not well-versed. Although some parts of the book seemed rather predictable, it is nonetheless a sweet love story with a Christian emphasis. Kudos to Jody Hedlund for writing another novel that is a joy to read! I am looking forward to reading her subsequent books in this series.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers, NetGalley, and Jody Hedlund for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a compelling story. A good portion of it is set in the immigrant slums of Manhattan in 1857. It is astounding that anyone lived through that misery! But, it is also fascinating to watch this little family of orphans work through the problems that arise. They are headed by oldest sister Elise, a strong, compassionate, principled young woman who's determined to keep her family together. It's a difficult task with no support system.

Then there's Thornton. Wealthy with the makings of leadership if he can just figure out how to go about it. He's got courage, but even more he has a heart for kindness.

Seeing these two characters from polar points on the privilege spectrum is masterfully done as they head out west to create a town. All of this allows a rich fabric of historical content to unfold.

Great story! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book in the series.

Loved this new series -- can't wait for the next one!

Stunning cover to match the absolutely stunning story within. I had never heard of the Orphan Train Movement, or aware of the extreme deprivation in New York City and other eastern cities during the mid 1800's. As I'm English, I never learned more than the Revolutionary war in school in regards to American history. I find all of this fascinating. The fact that 20-30% of children became orphans during this time period is heartbreaking. Even more so, the depths of the circumstances people found themselves in to also part with their children, out of poverty and hand them over to the Children's Aid Society. Organised with a noble purpose in mind, it obviously created opportunities for some, but abused and miserable lives for others. With its extension to provide help for young women in need of work, came about the basis for Jody Hedlund's newest novel 'With You Always'.

It follows a German immigrant family, who have lost both of their parents. Elise is the oldest and at 19 has taken on the responsibility of caring for her 2 sisters and 2 other orphan children, toddlers really - in her efforts to protect those in need. Having escaped from the harshness of life with her Uncle, they have been surviving the streets of New York. Doing everything in her power to protect them from the common draw of a life of prostitution, in which many girls ended up - they have found themselves fortunate under the care of a Miss Pendleton. She is a wealthy benefactor who has created a Mission, in which she contracts seamstress work with clothing companies, employing single women in need of work, in return for either pay or a safe place to live.

The opening chapters introduce us to Thornton Quincy. Wealthy son of a successful Railroad Baron & Land Developer. His father is dying and has set a challenge between him and his twin brother Bradford. A challenge that will decide the future ownership of his business. Thornton, who has always felt overshadowed by Bradford, is determined to take this one last opportunity to impress his father and gain the respect he has always craved. A chance meeting has Elise and Thornton thrown together inside the mission with a brief 24 hour opportunity to be introduced. Their worlds divide as naturally as their circumstances, only to be reunited as the collapse of the financial strength of the city puts them both on a train heading west.

Thornton is developing his new town, Quincy - Bradford, Wellington. Both in Illinois. Both are real towns in Illinois and I had wondered as to the reasons that Jody chose them for names in her book. There was no reference to them in her Author's note however. Maybe its just a mere co-incidence, but for me, being familiar with some other noble history from the inhabitants of Quincy - during a time period prior to the date of this story. I am guessing with the huge geographical distance between these two towns, that there was no real connection made to the actual locations. Being on opposite sides of the state, and Quincy being on the Mississippi, and no mention is made of the river in the book. Either way, the people of Thornton's town are good and honorable and that matches perfectly to what I know historically about the real inhabitants of Quincy.

I was reminded often of the similarities in the plight of the destitute and the poverty striken of this era in the books written by author Melissa Jagears. Not only has she written quite compelling books about the mail-order brides, but her latest series 'Teaville Moral Society' tackles the very real and difficult to read subject of prostitution. Women who are either forced into it, or are left to no other means to survive. I find those that incorporate this subject into their historical fiction educate and highlight no only the suffering it brings, but also the compassion we should feel for the cause. There were many comparisons to be made between the two authors and what they are bringing to the modern day readership.

I found this story riveting. I could not put it down. So many twists and turns and surprises along the way. New issues are brought to light, and left unsolved, and I am anticipating that we will have more to come from the Neumann sisters as the series continues.

I am aware that the prequel novella 'An Awakened Heart' tackles the story of Miss Pendleton. I haven't read it yet, but the ebook is available for free on Amazon (as of 4/13/17) , and I intend to add it to my kindle and read it also.

https://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Heart-Orphan-Train-Novella-ebook/dp/B01M697WKQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492094524&sr=8-1&keywords=an+awakened+heart

Thank you to Netgalley & Bethany House for the eARC. This is my honest review.

Good start to a new series with strong, distinct, and very likable characters and a great romance!