With You Always

Author: Jody Hedlund
Genre: Historical Romance

One of the many immigrants struggling to survive in 1850s New York, Elise Neumann knows she must take action to care for her younger sisters. She finds a glimmer of hope when the New York Children's Aid Society starts sending skilled workers to burgeoning towns out west. But the promise of the society's orphan trains is not all that it seems.

Born into elite New York society, Thornton Quincy possesses everything except the ability to step out from his brother's shadow. When their ailing father puts forth a unique challenge to determine who will inherit his railroad-building empire, Thornton finally sees his chance. The conditions to win? Be the first to build a sustainable community along the Illinois Central Railroad and find a suitable wife.

Thrown together against all odds, Elise and Thornton couldn't be from more different worlds. The spark that ignites between them is undeniable, but how can they let it grow when that means forfeiting everything they've been working toward?

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

With You Always by Jody Hedlund is a book you will find hard to put down. I loved the characters of Thornton and Elise. They were a delight to get to know. I loved the way they interacted with each other, using wit and humour to get their points across. The growth of both of these characters was very well done as they each challenged the other on being the best they could be. Even secondary characters showed growth and I especially look forward to seeing more of Fanny and having her story explored.

The story of Elise and her sisters was touching and because of the way the book ended it left you wondering if they will ever be reunited.

I did find it odd on how the book ended in regards to Bradford. I was surprised how easily he accepted everything. It was somewhat anticlimatic. 

As for the faith aspect of this book, it is somewhat lacking - almost thrown in as an afterthought. Thornton doesn't grow and change because of faith in Christ, but because of Elise. Elise decides in a rather unemotional way to give God a chance so that she is no longer bitter, but as I said, it seemed like an afterthought. That said, I still enjoyed the book and found it hard to put down. I look forward to book two.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

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Reviewer: Kelly Potts

“With You Always” is a predictable love story that takes place in the 1850’s about a 19 year old orphaned girl named Elise and her siblings and her plight to sustain them. Along the way she meets handsome and wealthy Thornton who is participating in a challenge his dying father gave him and his brother to see who gets to take ownership of the family business. Elise teaches Thornton about the human side of managing people. The characters are well developed and the book is a smooth enjoyable read. It is listed as a Christian novel but there are minimal plots on salvation or redemption. There is one chapter that has Elise going to church and you get a sense that some of the characters believe in God. After I finished the book I reflected on the appropriateness of the title. In the end, I am not sure who Hedlund was referring to; dead parents, siblings, lovers, friends, God? Though a predictable ending, there was just enough unknown leftover that the author has a framework for Book 2.

​Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

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Reviewer: Becky Hrivnak
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With You Always, written by Jody Hedlund, is book #1 of the Orphan Train series.

What a read.  I loved it.  Hedlund took us on a few train rides from New York to the new town of Quincy, IL.  We follow Elise Newmann and her family through the struggles of their parents dying, being homeless, and then to Elise taking a job in the West in order to support her siblings.  

I loved how Hedlund developed the character of Thornton Quincy.  She took a somewhat self-centered rich New York businessman and made him into a man of integrity.  

I love books where you can read of the redemptive qualities of characters who start out lacking in character. I found the historical aspects to be most interesting; the romance side to be endearing.  There were many times when I caught myself so engrossed in the book I swiped a tear from my cheek or noticed I was holding my breath in anticipation of what was going to happen.  

Beautifully written.  I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

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Reviewer: Sabrina Wade

Wonderful follow up after An Awakened Heart novella. This novel answered all my questions from the novella and filled me up with even more excitement.

With all the heartache, devastation, and grasping for the wind these characters experience, Jody sure did sprinkle hope throughout each chapter. She made these characters come to life in my heart.

Just consider the troubles your state, country, even your miniscule world is struggling with. Even in all that, just as Jody has beautifully written, the Good Lord still walks with us. Half the time He is probably carrying us and orchestrating ways to supply us with our needs.

​Absolutely looking forward to the next novel!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"Are you sure?"

Elise Neumann has not been sure of anything since her parents died, leaving Elise and her two siblings penniless, and in dire need of safe housing and proper employment. Forced to flee a deplorable situation; Elise, her two younger sisters, and two orphans manage to find Seventh Street Mission, where a previous acquaintance offers a providential, albeit temporary, respite from their desperation. When New York City becomes plagued with riots and rampant bankruptcies, Elise makes the bold decision to leave the city for employment further west, determined to send her earnings back home, never imagining that a chance encounter with a handsome stranger would follow her all the way to Illinois. 

Thornton Quincy is in a competition against his twin brother; their dying father having thrown down the gauntlet to determine which of his sons will continue his economic dynasty. Thornton and Bradford have six short months to develop a prosperous community along their west bound rail line; in addition, they must marry for love before Christmas Day. Although sensibly entertained with a beautiful socialite, Thornton finds that his heart is pulling him towards another; one who certainly won't gain him an empire, but who has already made him a better man. 

Jody Hedlund never disappoints, and "With You Always" tenderly unwraps an intriguing portion of our nation's history, carrying a poignant reminder that though we may "walk through the valley of the shadow of death" in this life, our gracious Lord is only a hand hold away.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

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