Together Forever



"Together Forever" by Jody Hedlund is the second book in her Orphan Train series and it was the first book in the series I had read. The book revolves around a young woman named Marianne Neumann who is working as a placing agent for the Children's Aid Society in 1858. She ends up traveling west on her first placing trip with a fellow agent who is a young, dashing man, named Andrew Brady. As the trip progresses and Marianne gets attached to the children she will, inevitably, have to let go, we see that Andrew and Marianne are both filled with a guilt that can't be shaken, and their individual problems start to come between their budding, passionate romance. An even greater tragedy ends up happening on their trip and it will be Marianne and Andrew's biggest test of faith, trust, and love yet.

I loved the setting of this book. I have never read a historical fiction book that revolved so heavily around the orphan trains, and now I know I will have to read more, starting with the first book in this series, which follows Marianne's older sister, Elise. The book was not weighed heavily down by historical facts, but I did love Hedlund's "Author's Note" at the back of the book that gave a bit of historical insight into the time period, the orphan trains, and the real life woman who was the inspiration for Marianne.

At times the book was heartbreaking. Especially learning some of these childrens stories and watching the tragedy unfold on the trip. Their is tragedy and sadness in this book, but the author made sure to make sure we felt joy and laughter as well.

The romance between Andrew and Marianne was wonderful. I loved seeing some passionate, and sometimes comical, "Why are you eating, Ms. Neumann?" moments. It was very passionate, but classy, so thank you Jody Hedlund for writing their romance that way.

I honestly do not have anything bad to say about, "Together Forever". I will definitely keep up with this series, because I don't think I have quite gotten enough of Marianne and her sisters, and I am eagerly awaiting to see Reinhold get his happy ending, along with the youngest Ms. Neumann, Sophie. Hopefully we will be able to read a few more happy endings in the next book!

*I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishing, but my opinion is all my own.

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