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    Together Forever
    Together Forever
    Together Forever
    Audiobook10 hours

    Together Forever

    Written by Jody Hedlund

    Narrated by Susan Hanfield

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Marianne Neumann has one goal in life: to find her lost younger sister, Sophie. When Marianne takes a job as a placing agent with the Children's Aid Society in 1858 New York, she not only hopes to give children a better life but seeks to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train.

    Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with the children-firm but tender and funny. Underneath his handsome charm, though, seems to linger a grief that won't go away-and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden. As the two team up placing orphans amid small railroad towns in Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateMay 1, 2018
    ISBN9781977372383
    Together Forever
    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 Together Forever

    4.5/5

    82 ratings15 reviews

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    • 5/5
      A very touching story giving a realistic view of a time in our history.
    • 5/5
      This is another wonderful book of tenderness, mercy & lessons learned.
    • 5/5
      Per her usual, Jody Hedlund has created a love story that will tug at your heart strings and encourage you at the same time!
    • 4/5
      This second installment of the series focuses on Marianne, the middle sister. When Elise failed to send money back in time to help the sisters find lodging, Marianne, desperate and panicked, resorts to lies and deceptions to help her family. But she is soon found out, and the situation, already bad, becomes worse. This tale is rich in the descriptions and emotions of that time, and filled with the helplessness that people experienced. The family becomes separated, and though heartbroken, Marianne continues her search as best she can. Some aspects as this story are predictable, but it doesn’t lessen the enjoyment of reading about Marianne and her plight to reunite her family.
    • 5/5
      This is definitely a book that you will not put down! The author has done her extensive research and has brought fiction and history together in an incredible novel. Jody Hedlund has a knack for developing the characters so that you can truly interact with them and feel the emotions and the empathy, that these agents must have felt. As the reader, I felt that I really bonded with the characters, I felt love for little Jethro and wanted to ease the fear of the other children. The author makes the reader feel as if they are a part of the story. This storyline also has a theme of love, forgiveness, restoration and letting the past go and being free to move on to the future. A truly enjoyable book!


      This story was full of laughter, fun, romance, anticipation and mystery. It's a novel that everyone will enjoy.


      I rate this one 5 stars.

    • 5/5
      Marianne Neumann's job as a placing agent for the Children's Aid Society affords her a measure of independence and the opportunity to covertly search for her missing sister. On the eve of her first placing out trip, Marianne is caught snooping for information by Andrew (Drew) Brady, a handsome man who happens to be her fellow agent for the trip. Between her instant attraction to him and his propensity for flirting, she finds herself strongly drawn to him. However, both Marianne and Drew harbor painful secrets. When a tragedy renews a painful past and separates them, their fledging relationship is unexpectedly tested. Will Drew and Marianne learn the ways of a love that is sacrificial, yet steadfast? Read more in Together Forever by Jody Hedlund.Together Forever is the second novel in Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train series. Although this novel can work as a stand-alone story, I strongly recommend reading the series in order (including the prequel). Reading Together Forever by Jody Hedlund was a treat. The opening scene hooked my attention and the story held my interest until the end. The novel is well-written and the unfamiliar setting of an orphan train intrigued to me. Themes such as sacrificial love, personal responsibility, and the importance of family feature prominently through the novel. Drew Brady was the perfect combination of thoughtfulness, humor, and flirtation. I enjoyed observing Drew and Marianne's sweet, flirty relationship develop into something much deeper and steadfast. Overall, I found this novel to be immensely satisfying and I expect to read it again in the future.I recommend Together Forever by Jody Hedlund to fans of Christian romance. If you liked With You Always (Orphan Train #1), you will likely enjoy Together Forever (Orphan Train #2).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
      Together Forever (Orphan Train, #2) by Jody Hedlund is a powerful and historically based inspirational Historical Romance set in 1858 New York. While book 2 in the "Ophan Train", it can be read as a stand alone. Marianne Neumann and Andrew Brady are agents for the Children's Aid Society. Powerfully and well written with memorable characters and a fascinating story. A very satisfying and enjoyable read. I look forward to the next book in this powerful and compelling series."I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however,  these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
    • 5/5
      Sometimes there are stories that tug at your heart in a way that makes you fall to your knees in tears. This story was one of them. From the beginning as I became acquainted with Marianne, I felt a bond to her. She is looking for her sister, but also takes a position with the Children's Aid Society. I didn't realize that in the late 1850s there were so many children in need of a safe place to live. I cringed when I read about the abuse some had endured. My heart went out to them as I know first hand what it is like to be abused as a child. Why would a society think that children who begged to stay alive belonged in asylum? Did it have to do with money for the places the children were at?When Marianne meets Drew I was hopeful they could find safe passage for the children. Their journey will be met with danger, tragedy and secrets. What was it like to travel with a group of children on a train for days? The adults seemed to be able to entertain them for the most part. I loved the race that Marianne and Drew had. I wonder who won? The story made me wonder why Drew was so driven to help the children? Was it something from his past that fed his desire to help them? The author does a great job of expressing how the children felt as they realized they were going to new homes. I don't really like change and it's hard for me to adjust to it. Some of the children were having a difficult time and wanted to go home. I think the unknown is what can cause us to be fearful. When they reached their destination I found it hard to see how the children seemed to be on display for people. Can you imagine being looked at as someone decides if they want you or not? I fear that some of the people there were looking for children who could do chores for them and no intention of showing them compassion. What a difficult situation it was for Marianne to watch as children were picked to go with a new family. Will the children be treated well at their new home? The horrible statement the sheriff makes about the children being garbage and stinking up the town was devastating . I think I would have to let the sheriff know that his judgment of the children were uncalled for. When tragedy strikes one of the children chaos ensues. I thought it was strange that instantly fingers pointed to Drew. Why are so many people turning against Drew? The story takes on a plan that I wasn't quite in agreement with. Marriage is a very important commitment and I have to question if the two people involved are doing it for the right reason. Is Drew willing to sacrifice his freedom and happiness because of guilt? I did enjoy the intrigue the author included in the story. It made it a bit more interesting and focused on trusting and forgiveness. Drew has much to forgive himself for, but his pride and guilt won't let him. The author does a great job of allowing Drew to believe he is guilty of a crime because the townspeople said he was. What must Marianne think when she finds out about his past? I liked the ending even though it seemed a bit rushed and tied up neatly in a bow. I did enjoy learning about children who became orphans and wanted someone to love them. I would have liked to see more of the background of the Children's Aid Society and how much they do to help children find a forever home. It would be great to see a follow up story and revisit some of the children in their new homes.I received a copy of this book for free from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
    • 5/5
      I have enjoyed reading to the next installment of the Orphan Train series. I can imagine the guild that Marianne feels as she takes on her job caring for the children on the orphan train. She has to make sure they stay safe and go to a good home while also trying to figure out what happened to her younger sister and two other children from her earlier life. This book really gave insight as to what it was like for the children on the train and made you happy when you felt they were getting a good life and suspicious of some of the families as well. I look forward to seeing what is in store next for the series. I received a copy of the book from the author, the review is my own.
    • 5/5
      Make sure you have Kleenex ready for the end of this book because you will need them. This was a wonderful book with a fantastic ending. I loved Marianne and Andrew. They both learn many lessons. It was fascinating to learn about the orphan train and what they thought they were trying to accomplish. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
    • 5/5
      I loved this book as much as I did the first one in this series, a part of American history, and we get to see it first-hand.This is the second Neumann sister’s story, Marianne, and we get to walk in her shoes as she travels with the orphans to find them new homes in Illinois. You watch her do what she isn’t supposed to do, become attached to these precious children, and become attracted to her fellow agent Andrew, another no no.I really found myself page turning, and not wanting to put the book down, I had to know how things turned out. With some chuckles, some heart break, and life struggles, this story has it all.Now I can’t wait for the next book for the lost sister Sophie, and maybe the lost orphans, and I still don’t like Rheinhold’s aunt and what she did!I received this book through Celebrate Lit Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 4/5
      I asked for and received an advanced readers copy to read and review. This is the second book in the series. It is easy enough to read out of sequence, but it would be nicer if you read the first book first. The characters in this book are well thought-out and full of life. The author painted a nice word picture in describing them and giving them their personalities.The story kept me interested from cover to cover. There were a couple of places that got a bit too wordy for me and I skimmed through, but not enough to dislike the book at all. This was an advanced copy and not the final edit. So, with that said, hopefully, the very few errors I noticed while reading will be addressed and corrected in the final review.This is a Christian book but not preachy. It shows the love of God in a nice way.I would recommend this book to any who like Christian books, clean books. It is also a good book for any who like historical fiction.
    • 4/5
      ogether Forever returns the reader to Jody Hedlund’s excellent Orphan Train series. This second novel featuring Marianne Neumann is my favorite so far. The characters are realistic in their struggles with guilt, self-worth, and forgiveness. Marianne, Drew, and the orphans they accompany to a new life must face the past while looking to a hopeful future. The historical setting of America in 1858 was vividly drawn. I could feel the sway of the train cars and experience small town land farm life in the newly settled West. And the story kept me turning the pages. There was adventure, mystery, suspense, history, and romance plenty — something for everyone! And the romance, well it is sizzling sweet — fans will revel in Marianne and Drew’s journey towards happiness. As always, Hedlund weaves a faith thread throughout Together Forever. Acceptance, peace and provision are God’s gifts to the characters (and to readers!).I loved Together Forever and am impatiently waiting on the third installment, Searching for You, which will focus on the third Neumann sister.Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 5/5
      In “Together Forever” we join the middle Neumann sister Marianne, who has lost her way with God, and considers herself unworthy for loosing her little sister. She takes a job with the Children's Aid Society as a placer to try and find her sister Sophie, and the little charges that were in her care after her older sister Elise left for the West. Her fellow placer on her first trip is Andrew Brady who captures her heart but is just as broken as she is. Orphan placing was not all sunshine and roses and I am glad that Jody showed a little of the dark side as well. The goal of the Children's Aid Society was to place the children in Christian homes where they would be loved and cared for, but many were treated as indentured servants performing backbreaking work from dawn to dusk living in not any better conditions than they left. Also record keeping was not a priority and prospective families were not even screened at all like they are today. Plus many of the towns people were not welcoming to the idea and many of the orphans were met with rejection and bitterness upon arrival. As Marianne and Andrew traveled via train with the children Jody’s sensational pictorial art of writing pulls the reader in so completely you not only feel, but also hear and smell the journey. Jody’s prose and characters are so intense and memorable, as is each and every scene throughout the story. The way she melds fact and fiction is exquisite and her research of the era was flawless, but most of all the emotions she draws out in her audience leaves me speechless. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Celebrate Lit book tour via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
    • 5/5
      In “Together Forever” we join the middle Neumann sister Marianne, who has lost her way with God, and considers herself unworthy for loosing her little sister. She takes a job with the Children's Aid Society as a placer to try and find her sister Sophie, and the little charges that were in her care after her older sister Elise left for the West. Her fellow placer on her first trip is Andrew Brady who captures her heart but is just as broken as she is. Orphan placing was not all sunshine and roses and I am glad that Jody showed a little of the dark side as well. The goal of the Children's Aid Society was to place the children in Christian homes where they would be loved and cared for, but many were treated as indentured servants performing backbreaking work from dawn to dusk living in not any better conditions than they left. Also record keeping was not a priority and prospective families were not even screened at all like they are today. Plus many of the towns people were not welcoming to the idea and many of the orphans were met with rejection and bitterness upon arrival. As Marianne and Andrew traveled via train with the children Jody’s sensational pictorial art of writing pulls the reader in so completely you not only feel, but also hear and smell the journey. Jody’s prose and characters are so intense and memorable, as is each and every scene throughout the story. The way she melds fact and fiction is exquisite and her research of the era was flawless, but most of all the emotions she draws out in her audience leaves me speechless. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Celebrate Lit book tour via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.