It was so good to pick up the story of the orphan train and three sisters again. Sophie was the youngest, who ran away from the other two sisters as they sorted out their lives, always trying to provide a way to support them all. Sophie also took on the responsibility of two other very small orphans from the time they were babies. So many orphans lived on the streets of New York City, surviving any way they could. When Mr. Brace started the orphan trains it gave so many a new start, although no system can be perfect. A dangerous situation forced Sophia and her friend to flee the city with the little ones, and they were lucky enough to be included on a train. But it's not all smooth sailing for them, and they continue to have trying times. Heart wrenching details and well written characters make you endeared to them and feel all the pain and frustration of trying to adjust. And feel the love they have for one another. You'll fervently want all the best for each of them. God can bring the best to rough trails and make a way that's better than anything we could imagine for ourselves. The journey makes us who we are.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publisher and 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.

Reaching the final book of a series is always bittersweet for me. It’s exciting because I get to revisit places and people I’ve book-traveled to and with, yet sad because I know the journey will soon end.

Jody Hedlund has created a wonderfully touching orphan train series. I loved Elise and Thornton’s growth in With You Always (book 1) and how Andrew and Marianne’s friendship became more in Together Forever (book 2.) And now, I’m totally satisfied in the conclusion, Searching For You, in which the youngest sister’s story unfolds.

I love Sophie’s story. Her spunk is admirable, her growth is tremendous, and I easily sympathized with her. She makes mistakes, sacrifices, and difficult choices, and becomes stronger because of them.

Perhaps the main reason this story is my favorite of the series (though each are exceptional in their own way) is Reinhold. I enjoyed his progression throughout the story, and connected with his struggle through the past and search for future peace.

I will truly miss the Neumann sisters and their friends and loves. This series is enlightening, inspiring, and memorable. Wonderful storytelling!


Cover Love
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House
Series: Orphan Train Book 3
Pages: 352
Opening Line: Sophie Neumann nuzzled her nose against Danny’s chest.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sophie Neumann struggles to take care of young Nicholas and Olivia on the streets of New York City, going from place to place. Sophie finds herself in a risky relationship, and the witness to a brutal crime, so she and the children take the quickest way out of the city, on the Orphan Train headed west.



Reinhold Weiss has been fighting to keep his small farm afloat, and even with his brother Jakob by his side, he wonders if they will last. Reinhold is shocked to see Sophie again after so many years, she has grown into a beautiful woman, not the little girl that he remembered. Sophie and Reinhold's shared past draws them together, they must fight their doubts and feelings of unworthiness to trust God and find home.



I've been waiting for Sophie's story for a long time, but I was even more thrilled when I learned that it would also be Reinhold's story, as he has long been one of my favorite characters.



Seeing everything through Sophie's eyes, helped make more sense of why she made the choices that she did in the past. She has a big heart, and loves Nicholas and Olivia fiercely, she is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for them. Sophie doubts that her sisters will forgive her in the light of how far she had fallen living on the streets, and she struggles to accept the undeserved kindness shown to her.



I absolutely loved Euphemia Duff, she holds the dairy farming Duff household together, and takes Sophie under her wing. Euphemia has an enormous heart, caring tirelessly for her large brood of boys, while also finding time to lend a hand and look in on her neighbors. She is an exemplary wife, mother, Christian, friend, her honesty, kindness, and flaws show a genuine heart following hard after Christ.



Reinhold is a hardworking man, fighting to make his dream of making a living for himself as a farmer and providing for his family come true. Yet demons of doubt haunt him, making him wonder if he has escaped the shadow of his father. He has grown so much over the course of this series, and he is possibly one of my favorite characters of the series because of that fact.



Overall, a fitting, and thoroughly satisfying conclusion to this series, I have immensely enjoyed reading about the Neumann sisters as they make their way in the world. I could not put this book down, and I'm gonna say that it is my favorite of the series. I just loved how everything came together, the chemistry between Sophie and Reinhold, and how we finally get to see Sophie's side of the story. Strong themes of grace, compelling characters, and heartfelt storytelling. HIGHLY recommend!





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

Searching for You
By Jody Hedlund
4.5 stars

The exciting conclusion to this orphan train series! The author doesn't shy away from the hardships that orphans faced in the 1800s. But she shows that love can conquer all in the end. We have closure as all three sisters that this series focuses on finds love in unexpected places.

Sophies story. As a fan of The Orphan Train series I have been anxiously waiting for this book. Sophie all but vanished in the first book of this series, leaving unanswered questions until this third and final book of the series. Once again, Jody Hendlund’s descriptions and writing style really take the reader on a journey along with these characters. Sophie’s experiences were heart wrenching and really highlighted how hard life could be for someone in her situation during this time period. Her dedication to her adopted siblings was admirable and really was driving force behind most of her decisions. This book was a beautiful picture of how family can be formed by love and not just by biological family members. At firsts reading this story I was a little hard on Sophie, but I feel that her actions were a result of hard circumstances and just being young and having to make decisions on her own. I still felt as though she was somewhat selfish and rather impulsive in a lot of circumstances, however I think that it makes sense for her character to react in that way given her past.

The love story in this book was really sweet and it was one of my favorite parts of this book. I loved watching the relationship develop between Rienhold and Sophie. I really felt that these characters connected in a genuine way and it made their relationship easy to root for!

The conclusion of this book was everything I had hoped for. I am not going to give any spoilers. Questions were answered and things were resolved for each of the characters. This series has been one of my favorites from Jody Hedlund. This book was a perfect conclusion to this series!

What a wonderful wrap-up to the Orphan Train series by Jody Hedlund! I’ve loved meeting all these characters and learning more about the history of the orphan trains and their part in our nation’s history. The richly painted settings in both New York City and Illinois in the 1850s intrigued me and made vivid backdrops for the story. Both the main characters and the secondary ones in this series were masterfully created and came alive in my mind.

Hedlund added just the right touches of intrigue, suspense, romance, and inspiration to keep me turning pages and entrenched in the book, while the sweet messages of redemption, forgiveness, and mercy added another dimension to the story. Although the main characters in this story were Sophie and Reinhold, appearances of characters from the other books in the series gave a glimpse of what was going on in their lives and were a fun addition.

Hedlund’s distinctive historical detail and brilliant story-telling have earned these books a place on my keeper shelf. I’m looking forward to another great series in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A wonderful ending to a great series. I loved getting to see how much Sophie grew in this book. While this book can be read as a stand alone, why would anyone want to miss out on the others in this amazing series. I feel almost sad that it is over, yet at the same time can't wait to see what else Jody Hedlund brings to us next.

Searching for You by Jody Hedlund is the third in the Orphan Train series. It is unfortunate that I did not read the first two books in the series as I thoroughly enjoyed Searching for You. While the current release can certainly be read and enjoyed on its own, I personally feel I missed out on something special having not read the previous two; those to books are now on my TBR pile.

Sophie Neumann has been on the run and on her own for a number of years. Along the way, she “rescued” very young children, Olivia and Nicholas who she as grown to love and fiercely protect as any sister or mother’s heart would do. Becoming involved in the wrong crowd, Sophie and Anna witness a horrifying crime, perpetrated by their boyfriends. Frightened for their own lives, and that of the children, the young women determine to find a way out of New York City.

Penniless, a plan is hatched to join up with the next Orphan Train west, but instead of going through the entire trip, the two planned to take the children and sneak off when the train reaches Chicago. Things go a bit awry in Chicago, the plans are thwarted forcing them to continue to the small farming community destination further west.

Upon arrival, the orphans are welcomed by the townspeople at the church where those who were interested could choose an orphan to complete their family. What Sophie has yet to learn is that someone from her past has established a small farm just outside the community. Reinhold Weiss, along with his young brother Jakob, are working hard to harvest the crops for sale in order to pay off the significant debt accrued when Reinhold purchased the farm.

Both are shocked to see each other. And both are shocked to find that their feelings are developing into something beyond friendship, despite their refusal to admit it. Adventure abound in Searching for You.

Orphan Trains were fairly common in the mid 1800’s as a way of providing homes for orphans. Though most truly were looking to add sons and daughters to their families, it is also true that some were looking for not only new family members but also hard workers to help on farms. History fascinates me, Searching for You was instrumental in helping me to learn how it may have been for the people involved. I very highly recommend Searching for You.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.

This was book 3 of this series. I recently read book 2 and knew I had to keep reading this series. Again Jody Hedlund has written an enthralling story of the orphan trains and lives of those who were placed in families, not always because of the right reasons. It was a heartwarming and touching story, starting out in New York and the rough existence that Sophie experienced there causing her to take two children that she greatly cared for to find homes with what she hoped would be a loving family.

This is a great book. And because I missed book 1, I will have to get a copy to read. I have to admit, this author is becoming one of my faves!

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

It's always nice to get to the end of a series. Pride has kept Sophie from her sisters for so long. Pride and a little anger. How often does our pride keep us from reconciling with others or seeking help?

Sophie's care of Olivia and Nicholas is so sweet. I know she thinks it selfish at times, but I thought it was sweet.

I can't stand his name, but Reinhold is a very nice guy. He is like Sophie in his care of people. Speaking of nice, the Duff family, especially Euphemia (!!!) were so fun and kind. Loved the Scottish talk :)

This was a nice series and while I think I like her Uncertain Choice series better, I did enjoy reading about Elise, and Marianne, and Sophie.

This is book 3 in the Orphan Train series. I feel it is somewhat of a stand alone book. I have not read any of the previous books and had no problem keeping up. However, I do feel like I missed some background that would have made this book even better.

I was not sure what to think of the beautiful, Sophie Neumann, however I fell in love with her heart and determination. She is determined to do whatever it takes to keep her rag tag family together. When Sophie and Reinhold Weiss reconnect sparks fly. I love the sparks, miscommunication, determination and so much more about this story.

Book Summary (Amazon): Despite years on the run, Sophie Neumann is determined to care for two young children. She won't abandon them the way she thinks her older sisters abandoned her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing 1850s New York 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. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life.

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

My thoughts...This book is the third in the Orphan Train series, fourth if you include a prequel novella. You could read these novels as stand-alone, but I would suggest reading all of them in order. Each book tells the story of the three individual Neumann sisters. Searching for You is about Sophie, who is the youngest of the three. This last book in the series is honestly my favorite.
The vivid descriptions of what life was like in the mid-1800s for orphaned children who were forced to do whatever they could to survive tugged at my heart. Hedlund takes you on a journey right in the middle of the harsh reality of living on streets: crime, prostitution, abuse, separation from your family, older children taking on the role of parents, and more. All of this is written in a way that you get a picture of what it was like without it being too graphic. As all three Neumann sisters were orphaned, this is part of all of the novels. I found this book especially compelling as Sophie was so young herself as she cared for two infants. Sophie's love and devotion to the two children was also beautiful, yet the conflict she went through to have wisdom to parent and fight for their survival was heart wrenching. Often she had to make some very difficult choices.
The softer side of this story is the relationship between Reinhold and Sophie. Reinhold is introduced in the previous novels as a friend and protector of the Neumann family. I thoroughly enjoyed the romantic moments....Jody Hedlund is SO good at writing scenes like this!! It's not only the physical interaction between the characters that I enjoyed, but also the struggle they go through to feel loved, accepted, and experience the peace that only God can give.
This novel is an excellent conclusion to this series. I couldn't put it down when I started. I would definitely recommend not only this book, but the others in the series.

Personal takeaway...Even when your circumstances seem hopeless, cling to God and His promises. His provision may come in ways that we least expect.

**I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to give an honest review, which I did.**

Searching for You by Jody Hedlund is the final story of the Orphan Train series. Following the lives of the Neumann sisters has been an enlightening and entertaining journey.

After being separated from her sisters, Sophie finds herself on the run after witnessing a crime. Her desire to keep her young charges together festers a struggle that tests Sophie's resolve. Reinhold Weiss returns into her life and her affection for him resurrects. Although she had a crush on Reinhold when she was just a girl, as a young woman she finds herself physically drawn to him. Reinhold no longer sees Sophie as a child, but as a beautiful young woman and is surprised by his own physical attraction to her.

Searching for You is a historical fiction novel that dwells on so many levels of deep internal feelings. From a time when orphans lived on the streets of New York, making their way day by day. Jody Hedlund is such an excellent author, delving into the realities of how life was in the 1800's for thousands of orphaned and neglected children.

This book definitely captures you and holds your imagination and interest.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Searching for You is the third installment from Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train series. This is by far my favorite in the series, as well as, within my top three written by her. I absolutely love Sophie and Reinhold. The romance is so sweet.


Searching for You is a perfect conclusion to the Orphan Train series. It give me yet another reason why I highly recommend Jody's books. I would give this one 100 stars if I could.



Highly, highly recommend for readers who love beautifully well written and clean historical romance.



I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

This series has been as educational as it has been entertaining. I had never heard of the Orphan Trains or the huge amounts of Children that were relocated and placed with rural families in the ‘west’. Jody Hedlund has done an amazing job with each of the 3 books (and the intro novella) - detailing every angle from the perspectives of all involved.

In this final book we get to see this from the eyes of those being placed, albeit from Sophie’s situation, and she’s not quite child. But we do get an eye opener into what had to be done to survive then - and we get to see the direction her life took after she disappeared from her sisters lives. Elise & Marianne are both settled, and perhaps a little unrealistically to wealthy men. How will Sophie react once she learns this information, she is harboring a lot of anxiety about seeing them, and perhaps the perceived judgement she thinks they will put on her. This story brings us back again to ever constant Reinhold Weiss, who we’ve seen in both previous stories. He’s finally making his own way in Illinois and desperate to bring his sisters to his home. As the orphan train arrives in Mayfield again he never would have guessed who it would bring and how it would change his life.
This story has a little more realistic feel to it - with us seeing life through those that had to work hard for what they had back then. The balance between the good and the bad, and as difficult as it was to read, I’m glad Hedlund had us deal with the issues of those who were not good foster parents. Poor judgement, bad treatment, abuse. Then there is the Duffs, what a lovely family. They made a great addition as important secondary characters. I’m normally not a fan of too much over analyzing of ones self and why you can’t step out and do that which we all know would bring happiness, but I kind of felt this time that both Reinhold and Sophie’s self reflections, were a good way to develop the pace of the relationship. The ending was a little rushed for me.

Beautiful series that I’ve started collecting in paperback, which means its a winner.

Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.

Series books and I have a love/hate relationship. I love series because the story continues from one book to the next, and we get a more intimate look at each character. However, like with Searching for You, the series must come to an end, which this reader is not a fan of.

The more and more I review the harder and harder it is to put the emotions the story evokes into words.

I've been looking forward to Sophie's story since reading Together Forever, and Miss Hedlund does not disappoint with her final installment of this series.

This quote "Sometimes God allows us to sink down in our own misery until we reach a low place where we're finally ready to look up and reach out for Him." is the theme of the story.
Sophie struggles with her situation, lack of control, and her inability to fix the circumstances that both Nicholas and Olivia are in. Through these struggles Ms. Hedlund places the reader smack in the middle of all that is going on which makes them feel like they are experiencing everything the characters are.

The research that Ms. Hedlund puts into this story is evident with her care to the true story of orphan trains. Reinhold is a swoony hero. Not only is he handsome, he is a man of integrity, and his care, devotion, and concern for Sophie and the children is just what you want a hero to be. Sophie is a spitfire which is one of the many qualities I enjoy in a heroine.

Overall this is a great finale to a wonderful series. You can read this as a stand alone, however I recommend you read the entire series from beginning to end so you can enjoy the series more fully.

I highly recommend this book!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher as a member of a street team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sophia was determined. Protecting the two orphaned children in her care means everything to her. She will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.
Lying about her age works for awhile. When she can't do enough to keep them all warm and fed. The asylums serve the purpose until she can't pretend to be 12 any longer.
Befriending the strongest, most powerful, seems like a good idea, until he wants more than she is willing to give and she sees something unthinkable. They have to leave the city NOW!
The Orphan train is leaving soon, that looks like a way out!
Will the future turn out to be bright? Will Sophie get what she wants? Will the children she loves be safe and in a better life?
You won't be dissapointed as you read to find out!

What an informative story of life in the mid 1800s both in New York City and the Illinois farmlands! Sophie Neumann is a great protagonist who is determined to care for two young children whose father died and the mother abandoned. Sophie's methods may not have been the best but she truly loved the children. Ashamed of things she has done, Sophie has been hiding from her sisters for two years.
Reinhold Weiss is determined to be a successful farmer in Illinois but also determined to not feel love for anyone. Sophie learns "it's what we do with our brokenness that counts". While you will enjoy Searching for You as a stand alone title, you will get the full story if you read all of the Orphan Train series. I recommend Searching for You to others. I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and from Bethany House Publishers. This is my honest opinion.

I enjoy Jody Hedlund’s novels, and this series has a particular spot in my heart as it deals with the relationships within a family, specifically, sisters. This book is the final one in the Orphan Train series and although it stands alone well, readers who have read the first two novels know one major loose end remains: What happened to Sophie?

Because she is the youngest sister and her journey has not been an easy one, this book was difficult to read in many places. Her stubborn nature had me wanting to knock some sense into her, even as I longed to hold her and shield her from the difficulties she was enduring. The character lived and breathed for me.

Reinhold is another character we have read about since the first installment. He faces his own challenges from within, but rose to hero status for me as he cared for Sophie. His truly selfless attitude was beautiful, even when he went to greater lengths to be self-sacrificing than either the reader or Sophie liked.

Besides the characters, this book has God as its focus, specifically how He can love and forgive and put our lives back together, even when we don’t deserve it, which we never can. He does it because He loves us and knows we can’t successfully navigate life on our own.

And all of this takes place in a well-researched setting of the orphan trains that took children from the New York City tenements and moved them west through the Emigration Plan. I appreciated how the book focused on the positive intentions of the Children’s Aid Society even as it refused to hide the problems that accompanied it. It was not perfect, and the realistic portrayal was moving and powerful.

With its fantastic Christian content, realistic and relatable characters, and well-researched historical setting, this book is a wonderful conclusion to the series. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy historical romance or who have an interest in the Emigration Plan of the Children’s Aid Society.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.

I enjoyed reading the Orphan Train series and I think this last one was the best.  Searching For You centers on Sophie, the missing sister of Elise and Marianne from the first two books. Sophie has eluded her sisters because she does not want to be found. She has latched onto two orphaned children from the orphanage she was is and in her eyes has become their mother although she is little more than a child herself. She is like a fierce mama bear protecting her offspring.  Even though they have to live on the streets she has vowed that they will always be together. Feeling guilty for their way of life and having so little, she decides they will take their chances with the orphan train, though she's determined that nothing will tear her apart from the children. If need be they can live on the streets again. Things do not turn out like Sophie thought they would and she finds herself separated from her children and fearing that the little girl is being abused, determines that a marriage of convenience will help her get the children back. Such an interesting book showing how Sophie finds true love and her sisters find her and all are united once again. A good ending to this series.............Special thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for an advanced e-copy of this book. I was not obligated to write a review, and the opinions contained herein are my own.