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A Riveting Look at the Orphan Train from Historical Novelist Jody Hedlund

When a financial crisis in 1850s New York leaves three orphaned sisters nearly destitute, the oldest, Elise Neumann, knows she must take action. She s had experience as a seamstress, and the New York Children s Aid Society has established a special service: placing out seamstresses and trade girls. Even though Elise doesn t want to leave her sisters for a job in Illinois, she realizes this may be their last chance.

The son of one of New York City s wealthiest entrepreneurs, Thornton Quincy faces a dilemma. His father is dying, and in order to decide which of his sons will inherit everything, he is requiring them to do two things in six months: build a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad, and get married. Thornton is tired of standing in his twin brother s shadow and is determined to win his father s challenge. He doesn t plan on meeting a feisty young woman on his way west, though.