I have been looking forward to reading Sophie’s story because she’s the one character that has been in my heart from the very beginning of this series.
Sophie has such a caring nature and she shows her love and devotion to the young children she took in after their mother passed away by putting their needs before her own. With little to no means she takes the children with her when she leaves the dangerous streets of New York. She is always in protection mode due to circumstances far beyond her control which made me respect her to decision to keep the kids with her no matter how hard things were. I think she has a true mothers heart.

I have always hoped that Sophie and Reinhold would meet each other again so I was happy to see the two of them reconnect especially since Reinhold was finally able to purchase a farm. Truthfully, Sophie and Reinhold have been my two favorite characters throughout the series so I have been rooting for good things to happen to them

There are a few characters in the book that I loved and a few that I wasn’t particularly fond of. To me that’s a sign of a skilled author when they create characters that evoke strong emotions in a reader. As sad as I am to see this series come to an end, I can honestly say that this has the perfect ending.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Finally! Finally I know what happened to Elise and Marianne Neumann’s little sister Sophie and the two children she has vowed to care for. I have loved all the books in the Orphan Train Series, but I have to say that Hedlund saved the best for last. Searching for You exceeded my expectations with its wonderful characters and beautifully expressed truth. If you have been waiting (impatiently) like me, then you are in for a treat. If you haven’t read any of this series, you are in luck because they are all available for binge-worthy reading.

Sophie Neumann has been doing just about anything to survive. She loves her adopted children Nicholas and Olivia, but it soon becomes apparent that her life in New York is not the best for them or her. She embarks on an orphan train determined to make a new life for them all. What she finds might just break her heart.

Sophie is a wonderfully written character. She has a seed of faith deep down, but life has caused her to make compromises that trigger feelings of guilt and shame. Her determination to clean herself up is realistically portrayed. I’ve often heard those same sentiments (and have even felt the same). Reinhold Weiss is another relatable character. Anger issues keep him from wholly committing to relationships. Both Sophie and Reinhold do a lot of growing in Searching for You — in their relationship with each other and with God. While I loved both of these characters (and their sizzling romance 😉 ), it was secondary character Euphemia Duff that truly spoke to me. Maybe it’s because I am of an age with Euphemia, but her wit and wisdom was an inspiration. Her transparency about her past failings and God’s grace was beautiful. I loved how Euphemia’s life spoke to both Sophie and Reinhold. Searching for You is an historical novel and Hedlund did a wonderful job of making the time period come alive. From the mean streets of New York to the farmland of Illinois, the reader gets a real feel for what life was like in the mid-19th century. As I stated above there is plenty of romance for those who like swoony heroes and kissing scenes. But this is Christian fiction, so while realistically portrayed, there’s nothing graphic or inappropriate. (Your grandma would approve. LOL!)

For those looking for a book to sweep them up, I cannot recommend Searching for You enough. But remember, you really need to read books 1 and 2 first. Well worth it.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

I enjoyed this book, much more than I should have. The story line is sweet, how these two people met in unexpected circumstances, and were attracted to each other. But I thought it was by far too descriptive, should not be recommended for young readers.

Finally getting to know Sophie in Searching for You was a delight. Forced to grow up much too soon, yet still lacking in a certain maturity, her character goes through tremendous growth throughout the story. Her previous decisions were those of a desperate girl and her change from that desperate girl to competent young adult is my favorite aspect of the novel. And, oh, Reinhold, how I just wanted good things for him. His character really tugged at my heart, and he deserved all of the good things that his hard work was beginning to give him. Despite his flaws, and probably because of them, he is an endearing character.

The plot line is entertaining and well-paced. Emotional upheaval as well as physical danger come into play, sometimes of the characters’ own making – but isn’t that just like us, to get ourselves into a predicament, then pray God will help us out of our self-made problem? Another thing I love about the story is how is displays so well allowing God to mold our life instead of trying to push it into a form that it was never meant to fit. For Sophie, and to an extent, Reinhold, things turn out much differently than what they had been fighting toward at the beginning of the story. Coming to terms with new paths and the loss that comes with are both poignant and propelling elements of the story. It was also lovely to see Elise and Marianne again at this story’s end.

I’m a bit sad that this series has come to an end. It’s been such a joy to anticipate and read each book in the series, and I don’t know that I can pick a favorite between the three novels. However, I’m always eager to see what Jody Hedlund has for her readers next and already looking forward to her next release. Although I do think this story would be enjoyable as a standalone, personally, I recommend reading these in order, as the overall story build with each sister.

I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher, and a positive review was not required. This review is my honest opinion.

While it took me a bit to get used to Sophie grown up, the concluding story of the Orphan Train series sucked me in just like the previous novels and immersed me in the period. I loved how protective Sophie is of Olivia and Nicholas and devoted to keeping them together. She doesn't have many choices or resources, but she's scrappy and has made a life for them, however destitute. I've always been fascinated by the history of the orphan trains, and this book was different than the others in the series since Sophie plays the role of an orphan and also sacrifices for Olivia and Nicholas the way a mother would. I loved seeing Reinhold get the farm he worked so hard for and the relationship he built with his neighbors. He and Sophie are drawn to each other not only because of their past history as family friends, but the powerful attraction that springs up and fills the book with romantic tension. I loved their chemistry and the way they cared for each other! The plans they make to try and get Olivia and Nicholas back bring them even closer together, but also brings a vulnerability into their relationship dynamic. The themes of abandonment, guilt, and forgiveness brought depth and I was glued to the pages as I read, and loved the way the characters and story came to life.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

I have so enjoyed Ms. Hedlund's Orphan Train Series and couldn't wait to read Searching for You, the latest release in this series. I read it over New Year's Day and it was a treat to relax, read and enjoy this delightful story. It definitely started my reading year off in the right direction!

I found this book to be engaging and full of historical fiction, romance, family, Faith, challenges and triumphs. I truly appreciated the Faith Ms. Hedlund wove into this engaging story. This whole series has been a true pleasure to read and I can't say enough about it!

If you enjoy a captivating romance full of great characters, historical fiction, Faith and romance .... this book is for you!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Hedlund, Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

A wonder end to a wonderful series! I love how this author has the talent to draw her readers in. From the very first page I felt like I was in the story with the different characters. I was with Sophie in New York trying to make a life for myself and two little ones. I was on the orphan train headed west to make a new like out there. I fell in love with a childhood friend because he seemed to be the only one I could count on. The story of Sophie is heartfelt. She in her young life has gone through a lot of issues and came out on top. When she was abandoned by her two older sisters life got hard, but she made her way through it. She became a mother to two young ones even though she was young herself. She made sure they got what they needed to survive no matter the cost to herself. This is such a great historical fiction book and series that it's a must read! So go pick it up and happy reading my friends!

When I requested this book, I did not realize it was the final book in a trilogy. That being said, it worked as a standalone, but there were references to the past and the sisters who were the main characters in the first two books are referred to and actually make an appearance in this book. Sophie Neumann is the youngest of the three sisters, and has been separated from them due to a series of unfortunate circumstances and misunderstandings. She has been on the run for two years in New York City with two other young orphans who she takes care of. When she gets in trouble and fears for her life, Sophie, her best friend Anna and Nicholas and Sophie, the young children, head west on the orphan train to get away. Sophie and Anna plan to make a new life in Chicago, but the kids want a mom and dad, so they all disembark in Illinois and are taken in by various families.

Sophie is a spunky heroine. She is a strong character who has survived much hardship, willing to sacrifice for the two young orphan children she has grown to love. She has to do things that are illegal to survive but draws the line at prostitution or having physical relations with the boys in the gang that protect her. As she matures, she is filled with the burden of guilt, thinking herself unworthy. Reinhold Weiss is a fabulous hero. Reinhold knew Sophie in New York, so it was great for them to meet up again. Both Sophie and Reinhold are flawed characters who need to forgive themselves as God forgives so they can have a second chance. I loved the character of Euphemia Duff. She was able to get Sophie to realize that no matter what she did in her past, that God is there for her. She was also the person who was able to help Sophie see the Reinhold loved her.

The plot line is entertaining and well-paced. There were many emotions stirred in the book from sadness to extreme happiness. The characters also went through emotional upheaval and physical danger, sometimes because of their own actions, sometimes because of the actions of others. A main premise of the story is how we need to allow God to direct us in our lives and follow what he wants us to do instead of trying to push it into a path that was never meant to be. This message was very clear when it came to Sophie and Reinhold. I have read various stories about the orphan train, and I am pleased with this book. It seems to be historically accurate and I like that she showed both positive and negative results from the placements that were made. I will definitely go back and read the first two books in this series to get the full story of these three sisters. The publisher, Bethany House Publishers, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

Searching For You is the third and final novel in Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train trilogy, and it finally reveals to the readers of this series whatever happened to Sophie, Olivia, and Nicholas -the three children Elise and Marianna spent so much time searching for in the previous two novels. In this novel, however, Sophie is no longer a child and is angry, hurt, and shame-filled as she attempts to care for the two little ones in any way she can. As a result, she ends up on an orphan train, eventually separated from the two she loves most, and in the same town as her old family friend, Reinhold. Reinhold has been in all three novels, and I was cheering for him at this point to finally find peace and contentment. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this novel (I was also rooting for some matchmaking between other, minor characters, but the author left that to the reader's imagination) and seeing the main characters grow stronger together and in the Lord. It was sweet to see both Reinhold and Sophie learn to confess and surrender their fears and failures to God and to experience both His and others' love and forgiveness anew. I really enjoyed this series as a whole, and I look forward to seeing what stories Jody Hedlund chooses to write next!

I received this novel from Bethany House through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

You know, I’m getting really tired of authors trying to end series on me. I mean, can’t they just go on forever? Kinda like Law and Order seasons. The Neumann girls have had my heart since our first meeting. I’ve watched these girls grow up, make mistakes, find their path, and even find love. Love not required, as you know, but it is a nice addition. I don’t want to go too far before throwing in a couple of warnings here. This book does deal with the hardship of being poor and or homeless in New York City. It does deal with the violence of the gangs of New York. And it does deal with the place so many women (to this day) find themselves in that leads to prostitution. It is all in this book, gracefully handled and not overt but it is also honest. Sophie, as the youngest, had to most to discover. She lost her parents extremely young. She had the least life experience to carry her through. She had the most to lose with Olivia and Nicholas as an extension of her heart. She had the most to gain by disappearing. And she’s back, in New York City, still with her babies, and still trying to find her path. Until her path is chosen for her.

There is literally nothing about this book I did not like. I mean, I felt like Reinhold could just a shot of confidence and perhaps some willingness to step up and take charge. I feel like with each step he’s taken it’s caused him to weaken in ability to own his feelings (and thoughts). The flip side is that I still needed him to persevere. He’s been through too much with the Neumann girls to not find his future. Though I do adore his neighbors, especially Euphemia. That girl is is a corker! She’s walked her own struggles like Reinhold and Sophie. She’s found the other side and is an unexpected beacon of hope for more than just these two. Ya’ll, just so ya know I am really struggling here as I don’t want to give anything away. You absolutely have to read this book and I am slipping all over the place to tell you nothing that will ruin it!

Sophie is not open to finding her sisters. She’s not open to her sister’s finding where she is. She’s ashamed of the choices she’s made to protect herself and the little ones. She’s embarrassed. She feels as though she was a burden and they are better off separated from her. She’s wrong, just so ya know. Euphemia is the start of her learning to trust herself again. Euphemia is the start of her learning to trust God again. Her honest hardship of her faith through her own diversity is a start for all of us. We may not all have lived with their situations, their faults, or even their sins but we all have our own. And we all have to start somewhere. If this series can’t continue like a Law and Order spin off then this is the perfect way to end it. Not so neatly tied up that’s it’s trite. Not a ravel of loose threads to cling too. It’s balanced, and loved, and almost near perfect.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House, 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.

Searching for You, by Jody Hedlund, is the third and final book in the Orphan Train series. Even though I haven’t yet read the first two books in the series, I had no trouble jumping right into this story and enjoying it thoroughly. If you’re like me and haven’t had a chance to read the two novels that preceded Searching for You, don’t let that stop you from reading this book as soon as possible!
Searching for You is an engaging novel that is well-researched, skillfully written, and thoroughly filled with heart and hope. From start to finish, this book captivated my attention. The settings, characters, and themes are engrossing and relevant. The characters are very well-developed, and they possess an authentic vulnerability that makes them utterly relatable and unforgettable. Their struggles, insecurities, and fears are truly believable, and I often had to remind myself I was reading a work of fiction.
Searching for You is a story of faith, hope, second chances, and new beginnings. It is a novel that artfully balances hope and despair, perseverance and struggle, and faithfulness and uncertainty. With great skill, Ms. Hedlund explores shame, rejection, and loss. Yet, this journey through and beyond hurt and heartache is significantly strengthened and uplifted by meaningful moments of grace and gentle reminders that forgiveness, healing, reconciliation, and restoration are made possible through the reality of God’s mercy and unconditional love.
Searching for You is tender, emotionally stirring, and ultimately uplifting. It is a novel that I will not soon forget. The impact it has had on my thoughts and on my heart is sure to be a lasting one. Searching for You is thought-provoking and moving, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.

This is the final installment in the series. I think this was my favorite of the three. Sophie’s story was very interesting. She sometimes lets pride get in her way but her love for Nicholas and Olivia could not be faulted. I will definitely recommend this series to the patrons at our library.

I absolutely loved this book by Jody Hedlund! Searching for You is the third book in her Orphan Train series and by far my favorite. It was gutsy and heart wrenching following Sophie Numann through her hard and difficult life trying to not only survive herself, but take care of the children of her heart. This story touches on the ugly in life and the hard decisions that some have to make in order just to survive. The choices she made makes Sophie believes that she has nothing to offer her sisters or the Lord and isn't worthy to come to them, but she finds out that even though none of us are worthy her family and God love and forgive her no matter what.
I'm going to miss this series, but I'm definitely looking forward to what Jody Hedlund has planned next.

Searching for You is the third book in the Orphan Train Series. While it helps to have read the first two, it is not necessary.

Sophie finds herself running again and trying to take care of herself and two children that she thinks of as her own. She joins a train going west and finds her plans changed as she travels away from the city and the life she has there.

I was glad to find out more of what has happens with the characters in the book and seeing how they have to work at what is best for what everyone and not just for what they want.

I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher, the review is my own.

I enjoyed this conclusion to the Orphan train series quite a bit. I loved how she told the hard parts, but had happy stories too. I found myself saddened for the wives, stuck in abusive marriages and realized how little things have changed at times.

I only wished there was more time spent with the sisters reconnecting. I kept imagining some of the issues these little orphans faced after everything. It probably didn’t help with seeing some of the issues with the foster system and the trauma kids face now.

The story was a happy one, but tainted with the reality of the hard facts. This author does an amazing job to make the story realistic and yet make you want to read more.

I loved this book (and series) so much! While I was curious about what happened to Sophie Neumann, what I really wanted was for Reinhold Weiss to find love ... and he did!

Sophie, though just 18, is the only mother Nicholas and Olivia have ever known. When she and her friend Anna are caught up in a gang fight that turns fatal, Sophie realizes she needs to flee New York ... and the only solution she can think of is to join an Orphan Train. They end up in a small Illinois town, and that town also happens to be the adopted home of Reinhold Weiss, a man Sophie knew as a young girl.

Sophie is horribly ashamed of what she did to provide for Nicholas and Olivia prior to fleeing the city. Reinhold is terrified of becoming an angry bully like his father. Yet they form a tentative partnership in an effort to save Nicholas and Olivia, and as they spend time together, they begin to fall in love.

Of the three Neumann sisters, Sophie started out as my least favorite, but her love story is the one I enjoyed the most. I also appreciated this look at the darker side of the Orphan Trains: some of the characters ended up in abusive situations; not every family was as good as the one that took Sophie in.

The book ends with a glimpse into both Elise and Marianne's lives; it's a great wrap-up to the series!

Jody Hedlund’s final book in the Orphan Trains series follows Sophie Neumann, the youngest sister of the Neumann family. At the age of 16, she disappears with the two abandoned children in their cobbled together family unit of orphans struggling to survive in 1850s New York City. Her older sisters, Elise and Marianne, find happiness and love, but Sophie’s disappearance leaves a hole in their hearts.

Sophie runs away when a woman the family has found shelter with takes the little ones, Nicholas and Olivia, to the Children’s Aid Society asylum during the older girls’ absence. Determined to never abandon the children, Sophie runs away from her older sisters, sneaks into the asylum, steals the children, and begins a life on the streets.

For two years her ingenuity and love have kept the tiny group alive and safe. Olivia and Nicholas, now five and three, call her their sister, when in reality she is the only mother they’ve ever known. But as Sophie starts to mature, her unusual beauty becomes her biggest detriment in the streets of New York.

A violent incident becomes the catalyst for her to grab the children and flee west on an orphan train with the very group she spurned two years earlier. Maybe a fresh start away from the gangs will give her the time she needs to clean up her act and make herself presentable enough to reunite with her sisters.

Hedlund’s series not only highlights a little-known aspect of American history, it shows that everyone has a different journey to God. Most importantly, God woos each person in a different way—a way that’s tailor-made for our unique strengths and weaknesses. Although not listed as Young Adult books, the series will appeal not only to women, but to older teens as well.

It is not often I will begin a book and not finish it. Even though I love Jody Hedlund's writings, I just couldn't wade through this one. It is not the quality of Jody's writing--it's five star quality as always. It is not the subject matter, I love historical fiction. There is just a disconnect between Searching for You and me.

Sophie is the "guardian" of Olivia and Nicholas, two very young children at the orphan's asylum. She took them out of the asylum and lived with them on the streets of New York until one of Sophie's friends shot a member of a rival gang. Sophie had to get the children out of New York for her own safety. She got them on the Orphan Train and all the way to Mayfield, Illinois.

For some reason, Searching for You doesn't grasp and hold my attention the way her other books do. Like I said, it's not the quality of the writing, it's not the subject matter, there's just a disconnect between me and the characters.

It's still a five star book that will enthrall someone else.

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

Searching for You is a gripping story of love, want, and need. Life's choices aren't always one way or another, the path is winding and the way difficult to discern without nurturing guidance. Despite her youthful naivete, I admire Sophie's gumption and determination to do what (she thinks) is best for them all. Reinhold is one of the good guys without a doubt. He's not perfect but he acknowledges that fact and then punishes himself for it, bless his heart.

Friends, family, and affection take center stage in this thrilling conclusion to the Orphan Train series. Hedlund brings this time period to life from the dark metropolitan alleys to the wide-open Midwestern farmlands. I highly recommend this book and its sisters and they are all at home on my all-time favorites shelf!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

At long last, Reinhold gets his own story! I’ve felt for this poor guy throughout this series. He’s tangled up with the Neumann sisters, but can’t quite find the right place to be.

Both Reinhold and Sophie are driven by fear. For him, it's fear of becoming the angry, out-of-control man his father was. Her's is fear of losing her two young charges and in some way, losing her purpose and meaning in life. This fear logically works itself out in some not-so-great choices.

I liked seeing the orphan train from this perspective, as Sophie and the two children are placed out into homes.

It was so fun to see this gripping series come to a close and see these siblings finally find restoration and healing. The romance in this book is—as usual—right on. I think what I most enjoyed in this book were the supporting characters. The Duffs are such a wonderful family, and the various characters that color this book make it that much more fun.

As usual, Jody Hedlund left me wanting more, but also satisfied with this sweet, historical read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.