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. ( )

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.

( )

I enjoy historical fiction and this wasn't an exception. It certainly tugs at your heartstrings when you read about what the children had to go through in being placed in homes from what they knew, good or bad. I think I got a little tired of the kissing scenes, but was glad that it was just kissing. I'm looking forward to the next one. ( )

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." ( )

I am thoroughly enjoying the Orphan Train series by Jody Hedlund. Each book can be read as a stand alone book but I found that reading the books as a series makes each one that much more enjoyable to read.

Together Forever is a touching, well written story where two agents of the Children's Aide Society travel from town to town placing children in homes and stopping back to check on them. Of course there is a lot more to it than just that - add in scared and lonely children, wild and woolly older children, a bit of romance along with a very unsuspected (for me) turn of events and this boook is a winner!

I loved every page of this story and I am not ashamed to say my heart ached and I shed tears at the plight of these children as well as rooted for the budding romance in this novel. I can't wait till the third book comes out out on December 4, 2018!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Hedlund, Bethany House Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. ( )