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    Searching for You
    Searching for You
    Searching for You
    Audiobook10 hours

    Searching for You

    Written by Jody Hedlund

    Narrated by Susan Hanfield

    4.5/5

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    About this audiobook

    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?
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateDec 4, 2018
    ISBN9781977381439
    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 Searching for You

    4.5/5

    68 ratings10 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This is what I would call an excellent written story!
    • 5/5
      Amazing character development! I love Jody Hedlund. I will listen to everything she wrote!
    • 4/5
      In this final book book of the trilogy, readers get an in-depth look at Sophie and the forces that drive her. She wants to do her best for her two young charges, but life is extremely hard. Though not really related, she could not be a more loving mother. However, circumstances force her to give them up, for what she thought was in their own best interests. No one could have predicted what would happen, but unfortunately, it was not the idyllic life she had hoped. Readers will enjoy this satisfying conclusion to the series, as all three sisters finally find all they have been searching for.
    • 4/5
      Searching for You by Jody Hedlund takes readers back to 1859. Sophie Neumann is seventeen years old and has been dating Danny Sullivan, a gang leader in the Bowery. After witnessing a shooting between two rival gangs with her friend Anna, they decide it would be in their best interest to leave town. Sophie has been caring for two orphans, Olivia and Nicholas and she will not abandon them. They head to Children’s Aid Society which has an orphan train heading for Illinois in two days. Sophie is hoping to find a family willing to take her and the children. When the train reaches Mayfield, Sophie is faced with a difficult decision. Reinhold Weiss has purchased a farm near Mayfield and is working hard to have a successful harvest. He is surprised when he goes to the Duff farm and finds Sophie. Reinhold knows that Sophie’s sisters have been diligently searching for her, but Sophie does not wish to be found. As time passes, Reinhold finds himself falling for Sophie. Reinhold, though, does not feel it is the right time to fall in love. But then Sophie needs his assistance and Reinhold cannot refuses her request. Find out how Sophie and Reinhold’s story plays out in Searching for You.Searching for You is the third book in Orphan Train series. I find it beneficial to have read the books in order. Sophie’s story is a little darker than that of her sister’s, but it suits the character. Sophie is trying so hard to make a home for Nicholas and Olivia. Her actions are driven by her love for them as well as the shame she feels. It is this shame that prevents Sophie from reuniting with her older sisters. I thought Searching for You was well-written and it captured my attention. I enjoyed the author’s writing. She has created solid characters that are real. Jody Hedlund provides descriptions, but she is not overly descriptive (we are not bogged down with unnecessary details). You can feel the emotions of the characters. I thought the time period was captured with the attitudes of the people, the clothing, conveyances, the homes, goods available and the descriptions of the towns. Orphan trains were not always welcome and, unfortunately, not every child ended up in a good home. Sophie is high-spirited and determined young woman with a big heart. Euphemia Duff is a delightful character. She is a warm, loving woman with a large family (would love a book with Euphemia’s story). I like that she took Sophie into her home and treated her like a daughter. Some of the Christian elements mentioned are forgiveness of others and oneself, praying to God, and the God loves us and guides us. The Orphan Train series has an ending that will delight readers.
    • 5/5
      When I requested this book, I did not realize it was the final book in a trilogy. That being said, it worked as a standalone, but there were references to the past and the sisters who were the main characters in the first two books are referred to and actually make an appearance in this book. Sophie Neumann is the youngest of the three sisters, and has been separated from them due to a series of unfortunate circumstances and misunderstandings. She has been on the run for two years in New York City with two other young orphans who she takes care of. When she gets in trouble and fears for her life, Sophie, her best friend Anna and Nicholas and Sophie, the young children, head west on the orphan train to get away. Sophie and Anna plan to make a new life in Chicago, but the kids want a mom and dad, so they all disembark in Illinois and are taken in by various families.

      Sophie is a spunky heroine. She is a strong character who has survived much hardship, willing to sacrifice for the two young orphan children she has grown to love. She has to do things that are illegal to survive but draws the line at prostitution or having physical relations with the boys in the gang that protect her. As she matures, she is filled with the burden of guilt, thinking herself unworthy. Reinhold Weiss is a fabulous hero. Reinhold knew Sophie in New York, so it was great for them to meet up again. Both Sophie and Reinhold are flawed characters who need to forgive themselves as God forgives so they can have a second chance. I loved the character of Euphemia Duff. She was able to get Sophie to realize that no matter what she did in her past, that God is there for her. She was also the person who was able to help Sophie see the Reinhold loved her.

      The plot line is entertaining and well-paced. There were many emotions stirred in the book from sadness to extreme happiness. The characters also went through emotional upheaval and physical danger, sometimes because of their own actions, sometimes because of the actions of others. A main premise of the story is how we need to allow God to direct us in our lives and follow what he wants us to do instead of trying to push it into a path that was never meant to be. This message was very clear when it came to Sophie and Reinhold. I have read various stories about the orphan train, and I am pleased with this book. It seems to be historically accurate and I like that she showed both positive and negative results from the placements that were made. I will definitely go back and read the first two books in this series to get the full story of these three sisters. The publisher, Bethany House Publishers, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
    • 5/5
      Finally! Finally I know what happened to Elise and Marianne Neumann’s little sister Sophie and the two children she has vowed to care for. I have loved all the books in the Orphan Train Series, but I have to say that Hedlund saved the best for last. Searching for You exceeded my expectations with its wonderful characters and beautifully expressed truth. If you have been waiting (impatiently) like me, then you are in for a treat. If you haven’t read any of this series, you are in luck because they are all available for binge-worthy reading.Sophie Neumann has been doing just about anything to survive. She loves her adopted children Nicholas and Olivia, but it soon becomes apparent that her life in New York is not the best for them or her. She embarks on an orphan train determined to make a new life for them all. What she finds might just break her heart.Sophie is a wonderfully written character. She has a seed of faith deep down, but life has caused her to make compromises that trigger feelings of guilt and shame. Her determination to clean herself up is realistically portrayed. I’ve often heard those same sentiments (and have even felt the same). Reinhold Weiss is another relatable character. Anger issues keep him from wholly committing to relationships. Both Sophie and Reinhold do a lot of growing in Searching for You — in their relationship with each other and with God. While I loved both of these characters (and their sizzling romance ? ), it was secondary character Euphemia Duff that truly spoke to me. Maybe it’s because I am of an age with Euphemia, but her wit and wisdom was an inspiration. Her transparency about her past failings and God’s grace was beautiful. I loved how Euphemia’s life spoke to both Sophie and Reinhold. Searching for You is an historical novel and Hedlund did a wonderful job of making the time period come alive. From the mean streets of New York to the farmland of Illinois, the reader gets a real feel for what life was like in the mid-19th century. As I stated above there is plenty of romance for those who like swoony heroes and kissing scenes. But this is Christian fiction, so while realistically portrayed, there’s nothing graphic or inappropriate. (Your grandma would approve. LOL!)For those looking for a book to sweep them up, I cannot recommend Searching for You enough. But remember, you really need to read books 1 and 2 first. Well worth it.Highly Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 5/5
      Searching for You is the third book in the Orphan Train Series. While it helps to have read the first two, it is not necessary. Sophie finds herself running again and trying to take care of herself and two children that she thinks of as her own. She joins a train going west and finds her plans changed as she travels away from the city and the life she has there. I was glad to find out more of what has happens with the characters in the book and seeing how they have to work at what is best for what everyone and not just for what they want. I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher, the review is my own.
    • 5/5
      Searching For You is the final installment in Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train series. The novel can be read as a stand alone story, but I recommend reading the books in order as knowing all the backstory makes this final novel so vibrant. Of the prequel novella and three full-length novels, Searching For You is my favorite.Once I started reading Searching For You, I didn't want to put it down. Sophie's short time as a Bowery Girl fascinated me. She was a unique character and the well-written prose made me feel her pain as life changed. Once Sophie and Reinhold met, there was instant attraction, plenty of tension, and sizzling romance. Both characters developed as Sophie and Reinhold wrestled with their own issues and searched for a happy future. In short, the novel captivated me from beginning to end.Undergirding the character development and story line, there were nuggets of spiritual wisdom. Some were forthright statements from the lovable Euphemia. Other lessons slowly appeared as the characters struggled, learned, and made better choices. These spiritual themes enhanced the story and encouraged me personally. I recommend Searching For You by Jody Hedlund to historical romance readers who are looking for a moving tale about faith, love, and family relationships.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
      "We're human. We break things. It's what we do with the brokenness that counts."What an incredible and satisfying conclusion to the Orphan Train series! Though this third book can be read as a stand-alone, reading the first two books would enrich understanding of this story with Sophie and Reinhold's family history and background. The book has all the hallmarks of Jody Hedlund's engaging storytelling - fluid and easy-to-read writing style, well-researched and absorbing plot, unforgettable characters, and over-arching theme of redemption and forgiveness.In this book, the readers finally (finally) meet Sophie, the youngest of the Neumann sisters, who ran away and kept herself well-hidden. Sophie starts out as a loving but selfish and immature young woman who has good intentions without any follow-through. Life on the streets of NYC hardens her tender heart and the descriptions of such life are heart-breaking. Sophie does end up going out west with the two little children in her charge on the Children's Aid Society placement train and finds Reinhold, her childhood neighbor and friend. Through her journey west and finding a new life, Sophie matures into a warm, forgiving, content woman. Reinhold also has had a tough life and can't seem to crawl out from the rage that grips him and the fear that he will become just like his abusive father. Reinhold is a different type of hero from the other two in this series in that he's not privileged or wealthy but must eke his living off the land that he cultivates. Their fears and insecurities stir up quite a bit of trouble for their relationship until they recognize the One who holds their future and forgives their past.I am sad to say good-bye to the Neumann sisters and their worthy heroes. But I can't wait to start the new series with which Jody Hedlund will surely wow us!I was given a copy of the book by the author and Baker Publishing Group and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
    • 5/5
      I have been looking forward to this book for so long, and it sure didn’t disappoint. Now it can be read alone, but I would definitely start with the first one and savor each one, they are so good!This is Sophie Neumann’s story her survival and hopes for a secure home, and you will follow her and the two little ones as she makes another attempt at finding a home.We are also back with some of the other characters that we have come to know and love, and there are some great up-dates, I know this is the last book in this series, but I would love to continue on in their lives.Come and get lost in another great read and a conclusion to a great series.I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.