I couldn't wait to read this book! This series is wonderful and while I didn't want it to end I wanted to know what happened to Sophie Neumann after she was separated from her sisters. Like so many children in New York in the late 1850's, Sophie and her two sisters became orphans. Times were desperate and many lived and worked in squalor. Jody Hedlund introduced the series with her novella An Awakened Heart and I was immediately hooked. Each sister has her own story on the train and along the way the lives of many are changed. Searching For You is Sophie's own story.


Sophie is the youngest of three sisters but has every ounce of sheer determination as her older sisters to survive in the cruel world that surrounded her. She was charged with the care of little Olivia and Nicholas who were left in her family's care after the death of their mother. When her sisters found work she cared for them. When she was separated from her sisters she took full responsibility for them. After that, they became her world.


When circumstances became too dangerous, she left New York on the Orphan Train with the children and her friend Anna. They were determined to stick together no matter what happened. Sophie promised she would do the right thing for the children she loved. Just older than a child herself, she had given of herself fully to Olivia and Nicholas.


Reinhold Weiss, a former close friend of Sophie's family in New York plays a prominent role in our final story. He had been in love with her sister Elise before she left New York when she found a job in Illinois. When Marianne was in Illinois searching for Sophie the year before he offered her his protection with a marriage proposal. Now, little Sophie was before him, but she was not so little anymore. I am not sure if Sophie or Reinhold was more surprised to see the other! It was a very long way from the tenements of New York to a growing farm in Illinois.


Jody Hedlund's writing ties this book up neatly and leaves no questions unanswered for the series. The characters are well developed and it is easy to get hooked on their situations immediately. Jody's careful research and attention to detail gives a telling glimpse into the lives of how it must have been living as an orphan riding the orphan train to places unknown. I recommend this book with 5 stars.

Each book in this series deals with sisters, Sophie, Elise, and Marianne Neumann and the difficulties they faced after their mother died and they became separated. Although each book is stand-alone, you will absolutely want to indulge in all three. I wasn’t familiar with the orphan trains prior to reading this series. Author Jody Hedlund did her research well and gives the reader a heart-breaking glimpse of what the children experienced and how they might have felt. In 1850’s New York, Sophie struggles because of bad choices she’s made and desperately tries to remember her mother’s words, “No matter how lost you might feel at times, always keep His light burning inside you,” however her faith has grown dim. Reinhold Weiss, a friend of the family, struggles with his faith and his past. Will Sophie and Reinhold find the forgiveness and happiness they crave? You won’t be disappointed in this heart-warming series!
I received a copy from the publisher. The opinions are my own.

Reinhold Weiss!! Swoon!! He has to be one of the most awesome heroes I have read this year. He was a hard working young man who was so disciplined and dogmatic in his work but he was so gentle and loving too.. A man of integrity. And, oh so handsome. I am obviously in love with Reinhold, but I also loved kind hearted and devoted Sophie. She was determined to make a good life and help her two charges who were orphans. This book was a book with historical details of the orphan train. It gave the reader insights as to how it was back then for orphans. It was also about marriage of convenience. Which I happen to love. I highly recommend it. This was the third book in the series, but could be read as a stand alone. It would be best to read them in order though, in ny opinion.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. This is my honest ooinion.

The book fog is real y'all...WOW! I have loved this series right from the very beginning. Jody Hedlund knows how to suck a reader in deep! The heartache, the hope, the faith, the endurance, the ability to rise above from the broken pieces--this is a series that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. As Jody shares a bit in her Author's Notes at the end of each piece, her research of the orphan trains and the Children's Aid Society is impeccable. She takes readers on a journey deep into the trenches of what life was like for orphans running the streets of NYC in the mid 1800's and how the orphan trains changed their lives--for better or worse.
It didn't take long in the story to see just how low Sophie's life had ended up. My heart quickly broke for her. Life had taught her that it was easier to expect the worst in life so that she wouldn't be disappointed in hoping for better. She had come to a point where even the concept of good things happening for her were unfathomable. Despite her love for little Olivia and Nicholas, her heart no longer believed she could be loved herself. She felt like she was a throw-away. This story didn't give her a quick and easy happy ending--it slowly provided opportunities for her heart to mend and grow. As a reader your emotions will rise and fall with each bump in the road she hits as well. Sophie is one character you won't soon forget.
Another character I quickly grew to love was Euphemia. Have you ever happened to run into just the right person to give you just the right wisdom and encouragement at a needed time in your life? This was Euphemia for Sophie. She loved Sophie when she felt unlovable. She spoke truth into her life where Satan had torn her down. She provided her with means to give her a jump start in life instead of complaining over her own losses. She shared her own story to inspire Sophie to hope for more. She was truly a remarkable woman.
A piece that was interesting to me in the story was the fact that Sophie and her friend Anna lied about their ages in order to be able to join the orphan train with Olivia and Nicholas. It wouldn't happen in today's world with all of the different forms of identity we carry, but it made me wonder how often things like that would occur. I myself am in my early thirties, but every now and then I still hear people ask if I'm still a teenager. I was 24 (yes, 24!) the last time I was asked if I wanted a kid's menu. As a young adult I was constantly met with people wondering "who I belonged to." Would young adults struggling to survive in the city pose as younger children to board the trains and hope for a better life? This thought honestly has me curious.
Although I love Reinhold's character, I have to admit this book felt a bit like "third time’s the charm" for him. I love his character and his relationship with Sophie, but I wish there wasn't complicated history with her sisters. I loved that he was able to understand her better because of their childhood history together, and in a way he wrestled with the same feelings of inadequacy as Sophie did. Together they really were perfect for each other. I just wish he wasn't someone desired for her sisters in the other books.
This was truly an incredible series. I feel as if I'm in mourning over the fact that it has come to an end. I would highly recommend this series to historical fiction fans. Each of the books should be read in order as they are all connected and I wouldn't consider them stand-alones. I highly suggest you take the time to read them-- you won't be disappointed!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

This novel is 3rd in a series about the Orphan Train from New York City to rural America in the 1800s. Sophie Neumann takes her two young charges (age 3 and 5) and lies about her age to qualify herself and boards the Orphan Train to flee New York City after she becomes the target of one of the street gangs. She ends up in a small town in the heartland where Reinhold Weiss, a friend from her past, has bought a farm and is making a life for himself and his siblings. The previous two novels are about Sophie’s older sisters who are now desperately searching for her.

This is full of historical understanding and just a good story. I read through most of this book in one day. I read a few chapters the first day and the next day I didn’t put it down much because I was so engrossed in the story. I love how Jody Hedlund brings out each characters faith in God and their personal theology as she weaves her tale. It is all real and uplifting and so much a part of the story you don’t feel like you are reading a sermon.

I received a digital copy of this book from Bethany House through Net Galley for the purpose of writing my own observations into a review. If you love historical romance, you will love this book!

This is Sophie’s story as she and friend Anna give one last attempt at getting out of their unsafe, unstable living conditions. Still in charge of Olivia and Nicholas, Sophie realizes that the orphan train may be the best solution for the two children. Concealing her age, Sophie also joins the trip out west.

Reinhold Weiss, an old family friend, lives next door to the family that takes in Sophie from the train. He represents ties to the past, and to her two sisters, that Sophie is reluctant to explore.

Sophie becomes accustomed to the farm life by living with the Dun family. Euphemia becomes a friend and mother figure to Sophie and this is new experience for her as she has been so long without a parent in her life.

In some hurried circumstances, Reinhold and Sophie strike a life together. Old loyalties for each of them keep them from putting any importance on their marriage. They are both carrying old obligations that threaten to tear apart their new opportunity.

This was a great wrap-up to the series about the Orphan Trains by Hedlund.

This is the third and final book (fourth if you include the prequel novella) in Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train series, and tied up the series nicely with such a fitting end. While you could probably read this one as a stand-alone, there are parts that won't be as meaningful as they would be if you've read the earlier books in the series. So, it's definitely best if you read the series in order.... but it's not essential to enjoying this story.

If you've followed the series, it follows a trio of sisters. This particular book is about the youngest Neumann sister, Sophie. In the earlier books, Sophie was too young to earn a wage, but was old enough to watch the younger children in their care. When those children are taken to the children's aid society, Sophie feels like a piece of her heart has been taken out. She runs away to find the children, and her sisters are unable to locate her. This story starts with how she is surviving with the two young ones in her care on the streets of New York. When Sophie and her friend Anna witness a gang war and fear being called to testify (or used by the rival gang), they take the younger children and ride the orphan train to the west to get lost in Chicago. Through a series of events, they end up in Mayfield, IL and they are all separated. Sophie finds herself with a loving Christian family who gently point her back to God and teach her about life on the farm. Throughout the story, Sophie learns to trust in God and a life that she longs for becomes her own. The story line for the series ties up nicely at the end and it's very satisfying.

The romance in this story was a little more intense than I like in general, but I think it was essential to the plot line. The overall theme of grace and forgiveness was strong and I loved the reference to leaving your brokenness with the One who can make it right. If you like historical romances with strong Christian themes, I would highly recommend this one.

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.

This is the 3rd book of the Orphan Train series by Jody Hedlund, but can be read as a stand alone. I would recommend reading the first two, With You Always and Together Forever. It will help you understand the characters. This story focuses on the 3rd sister Sophie. She has been on the run for the past two years taking care of two young kids, Olivia and Nicholas. Her life is turned upside down and she has resorted to stealing and lying. After Sophie and her friend Anna witness a crime, they head west on the train hoping to live with families. There she meets Reinhold whom they knew back in New York City where he is living on his own. The chemistry is there between them and each try to fight it. Sophie feels like he could do better and same with Reinhold. I love how each character has some growing up to do and letting God take over. This book is about God healing us when we most need it. This was a great wrap up to the series. My favorite character is Euphemia. She just says it like it is! I loved it. I thought it was great to catch up with previous characters as well.

If Jody Hedlund's track record for excellence in writing heartwarming, page-turning, inspirational romantic fiction hasn't already won you over, then the stunning cover of Searching for You should have grabbed your eye and beckoned you to have a closer look.

I don't know if I'm the only one like this, but when I have an author who I love, (I'm talking about Jody Hedlund) I don't want to read the back of the book or even read reviews, although for some reason I get a little disappointed if I don't like the cover. Anyway, when I have an author I love I just want to read the book as organically as possible, no spoilers or premise. I want to go in "blind" and just travel along through the pages and trust in the journey my favorite author has in store for me.

Searching For You is the final book in the Orphan Train series. Searching For You is the story of Sophie Neumann, the youngest of Neumann sisters who has been "missing" for years. Sophie is such a dear, loving character. I think she is my favorite of the sisters. She has been caring for a pair of orphans and has a fierce inner mother bear that comes out when she needs to protect them. I once heard that being a mother is like ripping your heart out and having it walk around outside of your body and I think Sophie felt like that through parts of this novel. I loved the secondary character Euphemia Duff and all of the extra love and positivity she had and freely gave to those around her. I have loved Reinhold's character in all three of the novels and chuckled as he tried to keep his marriage of convenience, strictly platonic. I appreciated the message that God can take the broken pieces of our lives and the mistakes that we have made and an turn our lives into something beautiful. All we have to do is reach out and let Him. If you love historical fiction and a sweet romance than you will love Seaching For You.


Searching For You will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer December 4, 2018.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free e-copy of Searching for You to read in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite authors and this book is another amazing reason why. Her characters are deep and their lives create a developing story you can't help but connect with from page 1.

Sophie’s Story was worth the wait. As I neared the end I was not ready for this series or this particular book to end! I really enjoyed this journey and learning about The Orphan trains that once were. I understand they were necessary and helped many, yet for some it was not a good experience. I think the author did an excellent job in portraying all sides of this. Sophie is still running and thinks she can’t be redeemed. She doesn’t want to see her sisters until she is good enough for them, if ever. We also get to see Reinhold again and continue his journey with farmlife. A new family is introduced that will capture your heart, hard subjects tackled, and grace shown. Enjoy this last installment to the Orphan Train series, I highly recommend it. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions stated here are my own.

A perfect ending to a great series! Jody Hedlund created the best ending for this series. It was so good! I loved seeing the characters get their happily ever after. The pages were filled with loveable characters! I was hooked from page one! This is definitely going on my keeper shelf! I highly recommend it!

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

Sophie knew it was time to stop running from her mistakes and the brokenness of her life. She had to face her sisters before she could move on. She had to do it for them, for her, for them all. ~Sophie”

“Was it possible that God could change him into a better man? If Jakob hadn't lost faith in him, maybe God hadn't either. ~Reinhold”

It's really hard for me to write up a review for a book that touched me deeply. Hedlund knows how to compose a story that will stay with me for a long time to come. I experienced so many emotions with this one, even to the point of shedding real tears for some things that happened. I always wonder if the author experiences some of the same as they write! My heart ached for Sophie and her feeling so inadequate and bogged down with guilt she's had for so long. Only relying on herself instead of the One who can carry those burdens for her. She's felt like she's made too many mistakes to find favor with God, but that's where His grace comes in to play! And I've admired Reinhold from the very beginning. He's the kind of man who's had to grow up young because of the destitute poverty his family went through. Desperately trying to help provide in any way he can. Also struggling to be the opposite of what his father was, an angry & violent man. He takes on a young man named Jakob that he had saved from the orphanage and strives to make a living from the farm he's purchased. Finding satisfaction in hard work & toil of the land. I loved the moment Sophie and him meet back up when he learns she's living with his nearest neighbors, the Dun family. Euphemia is the mother figure she never had and takes her completely under her wings, reminding her of God's love for her no matter her mistakes. I love it when side characters play a major role, I would have loved to be one of her “kids”! As you can probably guess, these two fall in love, and I love the journey they take to do so. The road is never straight or easy for them and they must overcome a lot to get there. Lastly, there are so many quotable quotes for me to save, reminders of God's truth that echoed in my own heart. I admire authors who let Gods light shine and allow Him to use their words to touch my own life. I always find this in Jody's books!

The riveting conclusion of the Orphan Train series comes at last, but this story will resonate with me for a long time. The characters wrapped themselves around my heart through all three books and it's going to be hard to say goodbye. Knowing they all get their happily-ever-after will help ease the sting! I've enjoyed this book so much and think Hedlund wrapped it up perfectly. Please be sure to read the Author's note at the end; I'll conclude my review with this because she puts it into words so well:

“It was also my prayer in writing this story to help you—wherever you are in your journey—learn to let go of your burdens and guilt, to hand them over to the One who is waiting to bear the weight for you. He can turn your brokenness and messes and shape the into something beautiful and unique and unexpected—if you just let Him.”

*I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley and Bethany House publisher on the authors behalf. No favorable review was required, all opinions are my own. *

I really enjoyed all three of the books in this Orphan Train series, and each one was very different from the other. Here, we're following another sister, Sophie, as she struggles to break free from a bad situation and fight for two children who cannot do so themselves. They come out west, where they are faced with another series of bad situations, and must begin to put their faith in others and trust in the Lord. As we all know that in this kind of book it works out in the end, I'll say that the journey to get there is riddled with both misfortune and fortune, and it is the latter that will make you smile.