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    With You Always
    With You Always
    With You Always
    Audiobook11 hours

    With You Always

    Written by Jody Hedlund

    Narrated by Susan Hanfield

    4.5/5

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    About this audiobook

    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.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateSep 5, 2017
    ISBN9781541482593
    Author

    Jody Hedlund

    Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of The Doctor’s Lady and The Preacher’s Bride, which won the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award and the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers, and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards.

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    Reviews for With You Always

    4.5/5

    109 ratings15 reviews

    What did you think?

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    • 5/5
      Wonderful! Characters are engaging and have depth. The story moves at a perfect pace, not too slow or too fast, leaving you wanting more. I’m looking forward to starting book 2.
    • 5/5
      What a finely written book showing how ones life can always make changes.
    • 5/5
      Engaging and entertaining. Describes the hardships of that era quite distinctly. Hope, pain, love, humour, victory all in one
    • 5/5
      This was a wonderful book! I thoroughly enjoyed the romantic story. Excellent plot (never predictable) and outstanding acting by the narrator. I look forward to the next one in the series.
    • 5/5
      As the oldest of the Neumann sisters, Elise carries the heavy responsibility of protecting and providing for her siblings as well as the two small children that live with them. Though she is a skilled seamstress, work is hard to find and her pitiful pay fails to provide for basic needs. Convinced that she can earn better wages in the west and send them back to her sisters, Elise joins the New York Children's Aid Society. However, she finds immediately that the pay and work is far worse than promised. Her history with the town's developer, Thornton Quincy, temporarily preserves her. However, Thornton contends with his own issues ? issues that don't include better working conditions and the sparking attraction between him and Elise. With such different life stations, is it possible that Elise and Thornton were brought together for a purpose greater than their own welfare? Read more in With You Always by Jody Hedlund.With You Always is the first full-length novel in Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train series. I highly recommend reading the (currently free) prequel novella, An Awakened Heart. With You Always picks up one day after An Awakened Heart ends and it flows together as one complete story.Simply put, I thought With You Always was excellent. Equal parts romance and fiction, I found the plot unique and captivating. The immigrant plight was thoughtfully presented and the story made me sadder than I expected. The story pulled at my heartstrings, but used the conflict to present hope in God. I recommend With You Always to fans of inspiration historical romance and I'm eager for the next novel in the series.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."
    • 4/5
      Not so much an Orphan Train book, as a railroad baron, historical fiction. Also, a bit of a cliffhanger at the end. Not my thing.
    • 4/5
      With her parents and her siblings dependent on her, Elise has no choice but to head west from New York in order to obtain work. The hardships she encounters, the people she meets along the way, and her perseverance to succeed, no matter how limited that success may be, all combine to make an interesting and enjoyable tale. The characters, the good and the bad, are well defined and developed, and the story well envisioned. This first installment in the series focuses mostly on the eldest sister, and her endeavors.
    • 5/5
      In “An Awakened Heart” we were introduced to the Neumann family where their plight began. “With You Always” is the oldest daughter, Elise’s story, and the sacrifices she makes to keep her and her sisters safe as they try to survive after the loss of their parents. Throughout the story we are witnesses to the hardships of that time in history not only of what the sisters had to endure, but also thousands of others like them, many of whom did not survive. To help the orphan children as well as many who were given up by parents who could not afford to feed them the New York Children's Aid Society starts sending older ones with skills out West along the newly forming railway towns to work. They worked many long hard days receiving nothing more than poorly nutritional meals and a place to sleep. Two brothers are challenged by their dying father to each develop a successful town in Illinois, and when done, marry for love. Who ever triumphs wins the company when he passes. Elise lands in Quincy, Thornton’s town, by his manipulation during the train trip where feeling started to develop between them. Elise challenges Thornton to walk in his worker’s shoes and the story soars after that. Jody Hedlund is by far one of the best Christian historical romance fiction writers we have today. She has out done herself as she draws you into the Orphan Train series with unsurpassed vivid storytelling making you care about the characters and what happens to them. We are all blessed that she shares her gift from God of storytelling with all of us. I borrowed “With You Always “ from my local library and recommend to all who enjoy reading exquisite storytelling to check out this remarkable author.
    • 5/5
      In “An Awakened Heart” we were introduced to the Neumann family where their plight began. “With You Always” is the oldest daughter, Elise’s story, and the sacrifices she makes to keep her and her sisters safe as they try to survive after the loss of their parents. Throughout the story we are witnesses to the hardships of that time in history not only of what the sisters had to endure, but also thousands of others like them, many of whom did not survive. To help the orphan children as well as many who were given up by parents who could not afford to feed them the New York Children's Aid Society starts sending older ones with skills out West along the newly forming railway towns to work. They worked many long hard days receiving nothing more than poorly nutritional meals and a place to sleep. Two brothers are challenged by their dying father to each develop a successful town in Illinois, and when done, marry for love. Who ever triumphs wins the company when he passes. Elise lands in Quincy, Thornton’s town, by his manipulation during the train trip where feeling started to develop between them. Elise challenges Thornton to walk in his worker’s shoes and the story soars after that. Jody Hedlund is by far one of the best Christian historical romance fiction writers we have today. She has out done herself as she draws you into the Orphan Train series with unsurpassed vivid storytelling making you care about the characters and what happens to them. We are all blessed that she shares her gift from God of storytelling with all of us. I borrowed “With You Always “ from my local library and recommend to all who enjoy reading exquisite storytelling to check out this remarkable author.
    • 5/5
      After losing both her parents, German immigrant Elise Neumann, finds herself homeless and sole provider for her 2 younger sisters and 2 motherless orphans. In the late 1850’s life was harsh for women in poverty and alone. She is only 19 years old but very mature and courageous from all the suffering and adversities she has faced in her young life. They find themselves living on the streets and in dire straits. Miss Pendleton, a wealthy, Christian woman who has sold all to open a mission in the slums of lower Manhattan, invites them to live there. While the mission is better than the streets, it has not been renovated yet and is filled with filth and vermin. No matter, Elise and her sisters are grateful.Miss Pendleton’s purpose for her ministry is to help prostitutes get off the streets and earn and honest living. She hires them as seamstresses to do work for local business. This is Elise’s trade and she begins work. Not long after, the city finds itself in severe financial straits and the work ends. With a broken heart she is forced to leave her sisters there while she goes west to work in a new town being developed along the railroad. Little does she know the new town she is going to be employed in is part of a challenge between Thornton Quincey and his twin brother to prove who is worthy to inherit the family business from their dying father. Thornton Quincy, wealthy New York socialite, is completely at the other end of the social scale from Elise. Here their paths cross again (you have to read the book to find out how they met). She was proof you don’t’ have to be wealthy to be confident and he confirmed you don’t have to be poor to be meek. I totally enjoyed their interactions and sense of humor. Despite the vast ocean of class that divides them a seed of romance is planted. The story is a touching example that true love knows no boundaries, and God’s plans are not limited by circumstances. While since her parent’s death and one setback after another, Elise feels God has abandoned her. Through her adversities she grows to see He has always been there. I was reminded of Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”Being a huge fan of historical Christian novels, I appreciated the author’s thorough research. Being based on a true incident, Ms. Hedlund did a skillful job of fleshing out the story and characters. I had heard a lot about the orphan trains but was unaware of plight poverty-stricken women during this era. It shocked me to realize so many had to leave their children to work in the Midwest to provide for them. It seemed they jumped out of the frying pan into the fire as the employers exploited and abused them. I cannot imagine going through what these women did. An outstanding book! Can’t wait for a sequel! I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.
    • 5/5
      Friday, July 21, 2017With You Always by Jody Hedlund, © 2017Orphan Train, Book 1New York City struggled with overcrowding and homelessness in the 1800s, leading to the Orphan Train movementMy Review:Historicals, my very favorites. I am eager to read this orphan train story. So many were taken to fill a work need or replacement ~ so want these to be received with love and anticipation! I always love it when Jody Hedlund's novels say "Book 1." Future stories in the works! There is a free prequel novella available entitled An Awakened Heart giving a back story of the characters. Book one begins in New York City ~ June 1857.Elise Neumann is not eagerly received as the other seamstresses observe her as "special picked" as they knew of other ladies waiting to be chosen for a stitching job. Marks against her already, Elise still is in need of keeping the peace to be able to take care of her siblings. They had been left in poverty, as others, in need of a place of rest and care themselves.Rescued by a gentleman from an encounter on the street, Elise is introduced to Thornton Quincy, and in turn, becomes invaluable in his quest to build a railroad town. Quincy, Illinois, has its beginning!Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,--Deuteronomy 7:9This story is so well developed! I loved the history-in-the-making as Thornton realizes it is the people he will be beholden to, and not the conquest he seeks to build a town. When we are truly ourselves and not trying to replicate another, our beauty shines through. This story is a second-read, indeed! Loved it. So much wisdom and daily application of God's Truth in our involvement with others revealing an individual's character that is received heartily and returned in-kind.***Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for sending a print copy to me. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
    • 5/5
      As the oldest of the Neumann sisters, Elise carries the heavy responsibility of protecting and providing for her siblings as well as the two small children that live with them. Though she is a skilled seamstress, work is hard to find and her pitiful pay fails to provide for basic needs. Convinced that she can earn better wages in the west and send them back to her sisters, Elise joins the New York Children's Aid Society. However, she finds immediately that the pay and work is far worse than promised. Her history with the town's developer, Thornton Quincy, temporarily preserves her. However, Thornton contends with his own issues – issues that don't include better working conditions and the sparking attraction between him and Elise. With such different life stations, is it possible that Elise and Thornton were brought together for a purpose greater than their own welfare? Read more in With You Always by Jody Hedlund.With You Always is the first full-length novel in Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train series. I highly recommend reading the (currently free) prequel novella, An Awakened Heart. With You Always picks up one day after An Awakened Heart ends and it flows together as one complete story.Simply put, I thought With You Always was excellent. Equal parts romance and fiction, I found the plot unique and captivating. The immigrant plight was thoughtfully presented and the story made me sadder than I expected. The story pulled at my heartstrings, but used the conflict to present hope in God. I recommend With You Always to fans of inspiration historical romance and I'm eager for the next novel in the series.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."
    • 5/5
      Jody Hedlund writes excellent historical fiction, and With You Always is no exception. In fact, of all the novels I have read by Hedlund, this one is my favorite. Meticulous research, rich historical detail, complex characterization, and precise plotting make this book a truly exceptional read. I expect this one to go on my best of the best list this year earning it a highly recommended rating from me.Elise Neumann and Thornton Quincy come from two very different worlds. In 1857 America, class distinctions are prevalent with resentments and prejudices on both sides of the divide. Elise is a German immigrant trying to support her siblings in the poorest area of New York City, while Thornton is the son of an ultra-wealthy land developer. The two meet and are immediately drawn to each other, but differences of birth and circumstances, not to mention a conniving twin brother, work to keep the two apart.With You Always is a wonderful historical romance novel. Hedlund brings to life a time in American history I knew little about. The plight of immigrants and the poor are detailed as women travel the route of the orphan trains hoping for a new life. New York City of the 1850s with its disparity between the opulence of the rich and the squalor of the poor is vividly portrayed. Characters of both classes are well-developed and real — no stereotypes in this novel! While I loved Elise and Thornton, many of the secondary characters captured my heart as well, especially Fanny, a woman who had more than her share of heartbreak and abuse. Sadly, many of the accounts in the novel are based on real-life events — the gang riots, prostitution, physical abuse by employers, etc . But Hedlund infused With You Always with a message of hope — hope of God’s power, presence, and protection. As Elise contemplated the hardships she and her family and friends endured she came to believe the truth her mother had shared years before — When she was hurting and crushed by the weight of heartache, was God there holding on to her hand, telling her He’d never let her go? With You Always is rich in history and faith and . . . a very satisfying romance. Elise and Thornton have much to surmount, but a happy ending is definitely in their future.With You Always is the first installment in the Orphan Train series and there are many stories left to tell. I can’t wait to travel along.Highly Recommended.Audience: older teens and adults.(Thanks to Bethany House and the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 4/5
      With You Always by Jody Hedlund is the first book in the author’s new Orphan Train series. The novel starts in 1857 in New York. Elise Neumann and her two sisters were out on the streets until Miss Pendleton discovers them. She persuades them to move into her Seventh Street Mission. Elise works as a seamstress in the workroom on site until the recession hits. Left with no choice, Elise agrees to go west with New York Children’s Aid Society to find work as a seamstress. Marianne and Sophie, Elise’s sisters will stay in New York with Miss Pendleton at the mission along with two young children the Neumann’s took in. Thornton Quincy and his twin, Bradford are given a challenge by their dying father. The son who establishes a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad and marries for love will become the new head of his company (they only have six months). Thornton establishes the town of Quincy, Illinois (want to guess where Elise ends up). Elise and Thornton had met in New York during the gang riots and Elise made an impression upon Thornton. They meet up again on the train and have an instant connection. But Thornton cannot let himself be distracted from his goal of winning the competition. As it turns out, Elise can help Thornton with the town and his life. Can Thornton give Elise up to marry a woman of his class? Which brother will win the competition?With You Always is well-written, has a steady pace and flow, and good characters. I enjoyed the authors descriptive writing which brought the story and characters to life. The characters were lifelike with real life troubles, sorrows, happiness and love. I liked Elise (and her values) and how she influenced Thornton and others. There is a light, Christian theme throughout the book that I appreciated. We see how God is always with us not matter how we feel towards Him. I enjoyed the authors take on the orphan trains. I have read several books about the children sent out west to find homes, but there are very few on the woman that went looking for work. I was drawn into this story and it held my attention until the end. There are several storylines in this novel, but it is easy to keep track of them along with the related characters. Ms. Hedlund did a wonderful job of portraying this time period. She showed the struggles that immigrants, women, and the poor faced in our country and the difficult choices they faced. I give With You Always 4.5 out of 5 stars. At the end of the book, I was left with a couple of unanswered questions. It is frustrating and disappointing when you finish a book and it is incomplete. I hope answers are provided in the next book in the Orphan Train series (which I will be reading).
    • 5/5
      This looks like the start to an interesting series. I always find it interesting to learn about things from the past in the context of a story. It gives me knowledge of how things were without seeming like a history lesson. I knew some about this time period, but enjoyed learning more. I liked how Elise took the initiative to step out and do what needed to be done to help out her family even if it meant leaving them. She had the courage needed to do this and relied on faith to help her out. Thornton was an interesting character as he set out with a motive in mind and soon found himself doing things for different reasons. I liked how he grew as a person. I look forward to more in this series. I received a copy of the book from the author, the review is entirely my own.