The conclusion to the Orphan Train series highlights Sophie's plight as she tries to keep Nicholas and Olivia safe and with her. She had such a great love for the children and a soft heart toward her friend, Anna. The author's account of the orphan train during this era rang true. There were both good and bad placements of the orphans. For a complete background and enjoyment of the series, I recommend reading the first two books before this one. Sophie's two sister's stories are equally enjoyable. This is a wonderful historical fiction series. Recommended!

Perfect end to the series <3
Reinhold's happy ending has been long coming and well deserved. Not to mention Sophie's and all the mystery surrounding her.
Both need healing, but, most of all, to come to a stand of surrender. To embrace the new life despite any past mistake, rooted in grace and love through which life flourishes.

Something that I have absolutely loved in this series is how Jody Hedlund creates space for growth. Though not uncommon during their time period, the characters have to make some decisions quite young. I loved how the author was able to show the maturity with which they take up these responsibilities while also allowing insecurity and naive mistakes to be shown and worked on.

I was sad to say goodbye to these characters, though very excited to see that Jody has next :)

I have been looking forward to reading Sophie’s story. It wasn’t easy to wait, but oh so very worth it! Jody Hedlund takes readers on a heartfelt journey through the pages of this book. I felt like I was right in the story with the characters. My heart broke for Sophie and cheered for her breakthroughs and successes!

Even at her young age, Sophie had a mother’s heart and a deep love for the two children, Nicholas and Olivia, that were left in her care. She made some very tough choices and sacrificed much to ensure that Nicholas and Olivia were safe and that they had someone to love them.  Sophie carried with her a big hurt and misunderstanding. She often blamed God for the hardships she has faced, and her feelings of being abandoned by God. Sophie grows a lot during this story and it was a beautiful thing to be a part of!

At its core, this story takes a deep, soul-searching look at the inadequacies that we all feel in ourselves at one point or another. Through the eyes of the characters, we can learn that the inadequacies are lies. We need to know who we are in God and trust in His plan for our lives.

One of my favorite lines from this story reminds us that, “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.”

Searching for You is a story that you will want for your “keeper” shelf. A story that you will want to pull out and read again. There is so much to love about this story! Multifaceted characters, a deep, heart-warming plot, with page-turning delights. Start to finish, this story wove itself around my heart!

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Ah! Wonderful end to this series.

Jody Hedlund has given us a wonderful series about the women and children that were part of the orphan train emigration in 1859. Her research is impeccable, laying a solid foundation as she masterfully crafts the final story in this series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, as it follows three sisters in the 1850's, each sister having her own story. What I liked about this book is that it told the story from the perspective of the orphans that were placed in the homes in the Midwest at this time. Hedlund shows both positive and negative results from these placements.
Separated from her sisters by a series of unfortunate circumstances and misunderstandings, Sophie has been on the run for two years. In Sophie, Ms. Hedlund has given the reader a spunky heroine. We find that she has survived much hardship, willing to sacrifice for the two young orphan children she has grown to love. I think I liked Sophie's story the best. She was the youngest of the three sisters. Some of the decisions she made initially were decisions of a young girl, not an adult, who had to survive. As she matures, she is filled with the burden of guilt, thinking herself unworthy. Reinhold Weiss is a fabulous hero. In Reinhold and Sophie, Hedlund gives us flawed characters that are searching for hope. They realize that God can create something beautiful out of their brokenness. Hedlund is a master at weaving a spiritual thread effortlessly throughout her stories.

A couple of my favorite quotes:
"No matter how lost you feel at times, always keep His light burning inside you."

"He never treats us as our sin deserves."

"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."

"We're human. We break things. It's what we do with the brokenness that counts."

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Sophie Neumann will do whatever it takes to take care of Olivia and Nicholas; although she may not be related to them by blood, she's the only family they have ever known and she is determined that they will stay together. When she witnesses a murder, she realizes that for her own safety and that of the children, they need to flee, she takes the only option she can find--joining an orphan train heading west. Sophie plans to separate from the orphan group in Chicago, but when Olivia refuses to go, Sophie stays with the children--only to have Nicholas quickly placed with a family who only reluctantly allows Olivia to stay with them. Heartbroken to be separated from the children, Sophie goes to work for a good-hearted farmer's wife who lives nearby. Sophie soon finds that one of her new neighbors is an old friend, Reinhold Weiss.
Reinhold is doing all he can to succeed at farming. When Sophie shows up, all grown up, he finds himself drawn to her, but he needs to focus on his farm and doesn't trust himself not to turn out like his angry, abusive father. He can't steer clear of Sophie, though, especially when she begs him for help with Olivia and Nicholas.

I've been waiting a long time to read Sophie's book, and it didn't disappoint at all. There were times when I got a little frustrated with Sophie's stubbornness, but that also made her such a dynamic and real character; she had flaws and she didn't always make the best choices, but she had a good heart and really was a lovable character. As for Reinhold, well, I've been waiting since the first book in the series for him to get the girl, and while I was a little wary about how I'd feel about him and Sophie (I am highly prejudiced against books where a man once liked one woman but ends up with her sister), but it just felt right to me (which is really saying something about Jody Hedlund's writing, if she can make me enjoy a plot line I normally loathe).  I loved the overall message of hope and how even when we make a mess of our lives, God can make something beautiful out of them. Another excellent book from a fantastic author.

I read an ARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Searching For You (2018) by Jody Hedlund is the final novel in her Orphan Train series. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is 384 pages in length. With a full-time job and a precocious six-year old at home, Searching For You took me three days to read. I received an eBook copy of this novel from the publisher, Bethany House, via NetGalley to review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this novel 5+++++ STARS. Searching For You is a Christian Historical Romance.

My good blogger friend, Becca from The Becca Files, wrote in her review for Searching For You that when she finished this book her “book fog” was heavy! I 1000% completely agree with Becca. I was so dazed upon finishing this book that I had to take the night to stew and think on all the many wonderful things I could discuss about Searching For You. Of course the writing is flawless, the story is highly engaging, the characters are perfectly drawn, and the historical detail is superb. I’m not sure Jody Hedlund could write a bad book if she tried! And, as with all her books, those things did speak to me, but what resonated with me the most are Ms. Hedlund’s themes. Searching For You deals with some heavy topics, but I finished this book feeling hopeful and more convinced in God’s love for me than I have ever felt from a fictional book before. This alone makes Searching For You a must-read novel!

I applaud Ms. Hedlund for delving into the issue of anger through her character, Reinhold. She doesn’t sugarcoat it. She doesn’t make excuses for it. Reinhold has a serious problem. Readers saw a bit of his issue in book 2, Together Forever, but in this book we see Reinhold’s internal struggle. Reinhold’s number one fear is turning into his father who was an abusive and angry man who kept his family in constant fear. He realizes that he actually has become his father after an incident in book 2. Because of this realization, Reinhold acts purposely to keep his anger in check by being alone most of the time. He will turn down dinner invitations and party invites because it is easier to be alone and single than in a group worried something might set him off. What I appreciate so much about Reinhold’s character is how realistic his anger is. For some people, it’s like we are the Hulk — you won’t like us when we’re angry. Reinhold is the Hulk. His anger turns on like someone flipping a switch. There is no such thing as building up to angry; no, Reinhold goes from cold to hot in less than a nanosecond. And, his is a powerful anger that leaves him feeling spent once he’s stopped beserking. That’s when the real pain hits — the immediate tidal wave of guilt, disgust, and self-loathing, which makes his desire to run and hide from people all the more intense.

How does someone fix this anger issue? First, the angry person has to admit he/she has a problem, and then that person has to go to God. God is the only One who can help alleviate anger. Sure, there are breathing techniques and calming exercises one can do, but unless you get to the root of the problem and give it over to God, those techniques are surface-level aids at best. I have my daddy’s anger. MANY times in my life I have felt exactly like Reinhold — I feel like there is a monster inside of me. It shames me. I am embarrassed by myself. I NEVER mean to let the monster out, but sometimes it happens, and immediately after I calm down I HATE myself intensely. It has taken me YEARS of prayer and Bible study and tears and confession, but I have finally come to understand what Solomon meant when he wrote, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly” (Proverbs 14:29). I am by no means perfect today — I still fall into old patterns sometimes. But, I have learned. Now, I visualize my anger. I imagine putting my anger in a box. I mentally walk that box to the foot of Jesus’s cross and give it to Him asking for His forgiveness. Then I beg Jesus to help me learn how to be “slow to anger.” It’s not easy, but this technique does help me. Talking to Jesus is the only way I’ve found I can successfully control my anger, and Reinhold realizes this, too. At one point, the reader is told, “[Reinhold] picked up Sophie and carried her to the wagon thanking God again that he’d controlled his anger and praying he’d have the strength to do so next time.” To overcome our monster within we have to we have to talk to Jesus. I’m not going to lie, when Reinhold learns this truth I cried buckets of cathartic tears.

And, this leads to my most FAVORITE aspect of this book: Jesus loves me (and you!) no matter what. Poor, beautiful, broken Sophie is SO worried and shamed by her brokenness that she feels she will never be good enough to see her sisters again or for God to care about her. Reinhold believes he will never be good enough because of the anger monster inside of him. Two broken people who listen to the wrong voice in their heads. I love how Hedlund uses Sophie and Reinhold to illustrate that we all need to replace our voices in our heads with God’s Voice. Life would be so much easier if we focused on how God sees us rather than on how we see ourselves. Instead of thinking I am worthless because I battle anger, I should replay over and over Jeremiah 31:3 — “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued My Faithfulness to you.” Or, I should play this verse from Job 33:4 — “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Having God’s Voice in my head reminds me that I was made for a purpose, that God loves me forever, and that I am His. We are all good enough because God says so. Yeah, so we may have a few cracks and flaws, but God loves cracked pots. It says so in His Bible!

For sure, I will miss my time with Elise, Marianne, and Sophie. All three characters endeared themselves to my heart. If you are looking for an excellently written and well-crafted series with heart, action, and timely messages then Jody Hedlund’s Orphan Train series is the series for you. I highly recommend all three novels in this series. When Searching For You releases on December 4th, I recommend running to your nearest bookstore and picking up a copy of this excellent book. You will not be disappointed that you did.

We are introduced to Sophie and Reinhold in the two previous novels which form part of this captivating series by Jody Hedlund. Whilst knowing their background is helpful, you can read Searching For You as a stand-alone. Sophie is equal measures of endearing and frustrating. I love her passion for caring for two small children, Olivia and Nicholas, but she resists any help so stringently, it hampers them and her. Her pride stops her reaching out to her two sisters. They have no idea where she has run to and are desperately looking for her.

Her journey is full of missteps but by God’s grace she lands in a small town where a family friend, Reinhold, is running his farm with his brother. Along with a lovely Scottish family, they work to rebuild Sophie’s trust in a world which has been so cruel to her.

Jody Hedlund doesn’t shy away from the brutalities and cruelties of life in this era especially for orphans and the risks the children on the Orphan Trains took to find a happy and safe home. It didn’t always turn out the way those involved hoped but when it did, it gave the children a new lease on life! I found the history incorporated into this novel fascinating.

Each character, big or small, is carefully crafted and beautifully written. At times, the story is heartbreakingly sad. I wanted to pick up all the children and bring them home! The ending is wonderfully done! These are characters I’ll miss now that the series is wrapped up! I highly recommend this one and give it five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.

My favourite line “We’re human. We break things. It’s what we do with the brokenness that counts”.

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.

I really enjoyed this book.
Jody is an exceptional writer.  Her writing has a way of making you feel like you're in the story with the characters and feel what they are feeling.
I admire Sophie for trying to do right by Nicholas and Olivia. 
Everyone has dirty laundry and Sophie is no different. She's stubborn and strong and always wants to everything all on her own! Wow! Watching her change was a real treat.
I really admired her for that reason alone because she finally did what was right.
Reinhold is a favorite too. He has demons from his past that he needed to deal with and I really admired him and also enjoyed watching him change.
I guess what im trying to say is that we can't do it alone. 
I feel that without Jesus I am nothing! My life would certainly feel very empty. People need the Lord. I just wish they'd open their eyes and look to Him.
Grace is offered through Jesus. 
Euphemia is certainly a blessing . I loved the way that the Lord was using her. She's definitely my favorite person. I wished my mom was more like her.
I will be looking forward to reading more from this author
I strongly recommend this book and I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own

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.

Searching for You is book three in the Orphan Train series. This book focuses on little sister, Sophia Neumann that is living in New York and trying her best to care for the two small orphans that have been in her care since their mother died when they were infants. When Sophia witnesses a murder, she feels her only option to keep her and the children safe is to leave New York. So Sophia and her friend take the children and to the Children's Aid Society and they board an orphan train headed to Illinois. She originally plans to take the kids and continue to run with them surviving the best they can on the streets but as Reverend Poole, who is overseeing the adoptions for the orphans, tells of what they can expect from the families they are meeting, Sophia realizes this might be the only chance for them to have a home. As the orphans stand before the community and are up for adoption, Sophia's only concern it that her children, as she considers them, not be separated. She is pleased when they are adopted together. Sophia is also adopted by the delightful Dunn family. 

Reinhold Weiss is making a living on his own farm in Illinois. His brother, Jakob, also lives with him. Reinhold is rebuilding his life after having been rejected by both of Sophia's sisters. His life is not fancy but he is making due. He is close to the Dunn family and lived with them for a time and returns for occasional family dinners. The Dunn family is a large family with a larger farm that they tend to, but they are kind people, especially Euphemia, the mother of the family. 

Reinhold is taken aback when he comes to dinner at the Dunn's and sees Euphemia has adopted Sophia, who is the sister that has been missing. Reinhold is surprised when he sees that Sophia is not longer the young girl he used to know. She is a strikingly beautiful woman and he is shocked at his physical reaction to her. Sophia is happy to see Reinhold but makes him promise not to contact her sisters and tell them where she is yet. Sophia is overcome with guilt at the life she has lived. She feels like a failure. 

In Searching for You, Sophia realizes she is not a failure and her and Reinhold enter into a marriage of convenience so that she can get her two orphans back home with her. But that marriage forces both Sophia and Reinhold to deal with the hurts in their pasts. The advice from Euphemia and Euphemia's testimony is powerful and changes the way Sophia sees herself. Is it possible that God could forgive her and see past her failures. 

Searching for You is powerful and captures you from page one right up to the amazing ending. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest feedback.