With You Always
Jody Hedlund
Bethany House









Bethany House Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 06 Jun 2017


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

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

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

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

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

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

With You Always by Jody Hedlund


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

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

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

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

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

There have been a few books written about the orphan train of the old days, none as well done as this book. I love to read a christian based book now and again to change things up, they make me think and reflect. This story is about the daughter of some immigrants that come to New York, the daughters find themselves on their own with no way to earn a living and they come across a woman who runs a mission and finds work for the woman who stay there. Most of the woman are those who were trying to get away from prostitution, although the same isn't to be said of Elise and her sisters. They also have a two boys very young that they have taken under their wing and made a part of their little family. They are working very hard to keep them all together.
The oldest daughter finally has to leave, as the great depression happens and the work for the woman stops. She must find work so that she'll be able to put some money away to get a place to live for her little family and to be able to send for them. She travels by train to a small town that is being built along the Illinois Train Line, the town of Quincy. Two brothers (twins) are in competition to build up two new towns, and the must marry for love and do it all in six months the winner will be able to take over their sons massive fortune and businesses. Both are romancing some women who are in New York women from rather well off family's. Thornton though finds he is having difficulty developing feelings for his lady. He's met Elise and he can't get her out of his mind. Elise ends up working for Thornton in Quincy and she really messes with his mind! He really goes out of his way to help her out. The book is a great read and has a lot of real history thrown into a very complex romance/story. I lost hours while nursing a cold reading the book. I really did love this book. I received an e-copy of the book through net galley and Bethany Books in exchange for an honest review.

Here is the description as found on Good Reads: Riveting Look at the Orphan Train from Historical Novelist Jody Hedlund

When a financial crisis in 1850s New York leaves three orphaned sisters nearly destitute, the oldest, Elise Neumann, knows she must take action. She's had experience as a seamstress, and the New York Children's Aid Society has established a special service: placing out seamstresses and trade girls. Even though Elise doesn't want to leave her sisters for a job in Illinois, she realizes this may be their last chance.

The son of one of New York City's wealthiest entrepreneurs, Thornton Quincy faces a dilemma. His father is dying, and in order to decide which of his sons will inherit everything, he is requiring them to do two things in six months: build a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad, and get married. Thornton is tired of standing in his twin brother's shadow and is determined to win his father's challenge. He doesn't plan on meeting a feisty young woman on his way west, though.

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!