Searching For You

(Orphan Train #3)

by Jody Hedlund

Description

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?

Biography

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

My Perspective ~

Searching For You is my favorite book in this fabulous series. Connecting with Sophie again and following her path through this last book of the series is a sweet and poignant journey.  It's an education into the lives of countless orphans transported out of New York City during the 1850s. This is a coming of age so to speak, as Sophie grows as an individual seeking a better life for herself and her little charges, Olivia and Nicholas. Disappointment, heartache and challenges are encountered countless times, but Sophie's love and devotion to "her" children keep her moving forward. 

Bad choices begin to change to better choices along the journey to a stronger and healthier life, but until Sophie surrenders to God her life remains somewhat chaotic. Human connections eventually touch Sophie's heart, and hope, faith and trust begin to take place. Although this is the last book of a series, it could easily stand on its own, but by all means read the entire series.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.