Searching for You

Searching for You by Jody Hedlund takes readers back to 1859. Sophie Neumann is seventeen years old and has been dating Danny Sullivan, a gang leader in the Bowery. After witnessing a shooting between two rival gangs with her friend Anna, they decide it would be in their best interest to leave town. Sophie has been caring for two orphans, Olivia and Nicholas and she will not abandon them. They head to Children’s Aid Society which has an orphan train heading for Illinois in two days. Sophie is hoping to find a family willing to take her and the children. When the train reaches Mayfield, Sophie is faced with a difficult decision. Reinhold Weiss has purchased a farm near Mayfield and is working hard to have a successful harvest. He is surprised when he goes to the Duff farm and finds Sophie. Reinhold knows that Sophie’s sisters have been diligently searching for her, but Sophie does not wish to be found. As time passes, Reinhold finds himself falling for Sophie. Reinhold, though, does not feel it is the right time to fall in love. But then Sophie needs his assistance and Reinhold cannot refuses her request. Find out how Sophie and Reinhold’s story plays out in Searching for You. Searching for You is the third book in Orphan Train series. I find it beneficial to have read the books in order. Sophie’s story is a little darker than that of her sister’s, but it suits the character. Sophie is trying so hard to make a home for Nicholas and Olivia. Her actions are driven by her love for them as well as the shame she feels. It is this shame that prevents Sophie from reuniting with her older sisters. I thought Searching for You was well-written and it captured my attention. I enjoyed the author’s writing. She has created solid characters that are real. Jody Hedlund provides descriptions, but she is not overly descriptive (we are not bogged down with unnecessary details). You can feel the emotions of the characters. I thought the time period was captured with the attitudes of the people, the clothing, conveyances, the homes, goods available and the descriptions of the towns. Orphan trains were not always welcome and, unfortunately, not every child ended up in a good home. Sophie is high-spirited and determined young woman with a big heart. Euphemia Duff is a delightful character. She is a warm, loving woman with a large family (would love a book with Euphemia’s story). I like that she took Sophie into her home and treated her like a daughter. Some of the Christian elements mentioned are forgiveness of others and oneself, praying to God, and the God loves us and guides us. The Orphan Train series has an ending that will delight readers.

A captivating, realistic, inspirational and dramatic read mixed with the elements of romance. This story starts in the New York following the 1800’s financial crises. It starts as several orphans decide to leave New York City. They are escaping from the gangs and authorities after witnessing killings. Sophie Neumann takes the two child she has cared for years and her friend, Anna to the Children’s Aid Society in order to board the “ Orphan Train “. The concept behind the train was developed to help keep children clothed and feed plus housed in return for their labor out West. Her train ride will result in a lot of surprising happenings. This is a fast moving story that contains a lot of harsh reality. Amidst all the real conditions during the time period, the fictional characters still bring romance into the story. God’s light shines on His steady followers allowing relief to burst forth. The characters are artfully drawn, realistic and well developed. You will be able to relate to them in their surroundings. The description is deftly woven thought-out The story placing the reader along side each character. The author incorporates historical fiction details into a gripping, interesting, intriguing and extremely well researched storyline. A Highly Recommended Read!! I volunteered to read Searching for You. Thanks to the Influencer, the author and Net Gallery for the opportunity. My opinion is my own