Together Forever: Orphan Train Book 2 By Jody Hedlund

I received this book from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own. 

Book Description: 

Will the mistakes of their past cost them a chance at love?

Determined to find her lost younger sister, Marianne Neumann takes a job as a placing agent with the Children's Aid Society in 1858 New York. She not only hopes to offer children a better life, but prays she'll be able to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train so they can finally be reunited.

Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing-out trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with children, firm but tender and friendly. Underneath his charm and handsome looks, 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 in the small railroad towns of Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever.

My Thoughts: 

Together Forever is the second book of Jody Hedlund\s series, Orphan Train, and it is great! As a fan of Christian Historical Fiction and Jody Hedlund, I couldn't wait to read this book.  Jody Hedlund writes with authority on The United States during 1858 especially New York and Illinois, Children's Aid Society, The Orphan Train, and the connection between these adults to the orphan children. I love learning new things and Jody Hedlund didn't disappoint. I had heard of the Orphan Trains but learned so much more about it after reading this book. I also learned so much more about the US during 1858. I found myself researching more to learn more. One of the many reasons I love Jody Hedlund's books. The characters in this book are well written and very real. I found myself drawn to Marianne. She is such a well rounded character. Her perseverance in finding her sister and love for children are admirable. I love her personality and how she deals with everything.  Jody Hedlund's style of writing truly put me there right in the story, going on these journeys with Marianne and Andrew. I have not read the first book of this series yet and it definitely can be read as a stand alone. I could NOT put this book down, from start to finish kept me guessing until the end. I highly recommend this book and author to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS. 

I would like to apologize to Jody Hedlund and Celebrate Lit for the lateness of this review. I had some personal things that prevented me from posting this review.