Friday, June 16, 2017

With You Always

GIVEAWAY

HEDLUND, JODY
WITH YOU ALWAYS

Could following the opportunity of a lifetime cost them the love of their lives?

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, 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 in undeniable, but how can they let it grow when that means forfeiting everything they've been working toward?

My Review:

One of the things I absolutely love about Jody Hedlund's novels is the way she brings to life some of the lesser known aspects in history -- particularly issues that affected women. And that's exactly what she delivers in With You Always. Of course, I've heard of the Orphan Trains but I had no idea that women were also sent west with that program. Or that it broke up families and left desperate women torn between staying with their children or finding work far away in order to keep their children alive.

And that's the predicament Elise finds herself in. After her parents death, she struggles to keep what's left of the family together. Heartache and sorrow dog her heels as she tries to make a life in the crowded, impoverished slums of New York City. Until the day fate throws Thornton Quincy into her path.

He comes from a life of privilege and, while he's kind and compassionate, he can't grasp the harsh circumstances the immigrants endure. Or how his business endeavors can help or harm hundreds of desperate workers. This contrast between these two lifestyles is sheer brilliance and makes for a riveting read.,,and a complicated romance!

Though Elise isn't his social equal, she's not cowed by Thornton's power and wealth. And she's not afraid to speak her mind and challenge his preconceived ideas. She's good for him and he knows it. He just isn't sure what to do with that knowledge. There's angst and confusion and a piercing sweetness as an impossible love begins to flourish.

A plot filled with the unexpected -- even a hint of intrigue -- and the freeing hope that comes from placing your trust in Jesus even in the most difficult times, makes this first book in the Orphan Train series a stunning success.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of With You Always leave a comment below or send me an email at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to your comment remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and .to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your email. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 18 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

72 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great book Kav. Thank you for the review and the chance to win a copy.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.
    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

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  2. I've been wanting to read this! Thanks for giveaway.

    mindyhoung AT msn DOT con

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    1. It's well worth the read, Mindy. Good luck.

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  3. Jody is such a wonderful writer. This book sounds like another winner!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  4. I love Jody's books! I have not read this one yet. LattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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    1. I do too and this novel is spectacular. Good luck, Susan.

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  5. That's what I love to about these novels. History comes alive! Would love to read this one. becci43 atgmaildotcom

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  6. Plots with the unexpected are always a treat!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. I love it when a book takes me on a surprise journey and this one definitely did. Good luck, rubynreba.

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  7. I love this cover and a book written by Jody has got to be a great one! Thank you for the chance to win a copy of "With You Always" it has been on my wish list since the first time I saw it.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. Isn't it a striking cover? It really sets the mood. Good luck, Wendy.

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  8. I love Jody's books and this sounds wonderful.

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    1. I think it's one not to be missed. Good luck, Karen.

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  9. I can't wait to start Jody's new series! I don't know much ablut the orphan trains, but I'm curious to learn more about how they worked and what caused people to settle in certain places out west. mylittlebirdie (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. It's riveting stuff, Karen. Boggles the mind! Good luck.

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  10. One of my favorite authors, this is on my wish list! Jody always writes such thought provoking historical accounts, and who doesn't love the little romance thrown in? Thanks for the opportunity to win!

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    1. Oops! LLWALTZ [at] gmail [dot] com

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    2. Yes -- love the mix of historical and romance and Jody Hedlund does it so well.

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  11. Sounds like an awesome book. Would love to win. Tkayroseatyahoodotcom

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  12. Thank you for the very interesting review. My prior exposure to adult women involved with the orphan trains was them in the position of "guardian" or "supervisor" of the children during transit and "adoption". I am understanding you to say that some, (and were these usually young women I guess?), in effect, were sent west as orphans or homeless-in-need, too. I greatly enjoyed Jody's last series and am very much looking forward to this new release. dixiedobie at yahoo dot com

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    1. The Children's Aid Society interviewed women for jobs along the railroad line as new towns were being built -- like laundress, cook, seamstress, maid etc. Interesting, eh? Took a lot of guts to trust in a future like that. Good luck, CC.

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  13. I love Jody's books and try to read all of them! This one is at the top of my list! Thanks for the review and giveaway, Kav!
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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    1. Me too! She knows how to catch and hold my interest. Good luck, Jackie.

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  14. SQUEEEEE!!! I LOVE Jody's books! KAV, thank you for the chance!
    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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    1. Yes, definitely something to SQUEEEEE about!! Good luck, Caryl.

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  17. Third times a charm they say...lol!

    Being on Judy's street team I had opportunity to read this. Too bad you don't read ebooks Kav, because she has a wonderful free prequel novella (An Awakened Heart) that introduces the reader to both the story and Miss Pendelton & Pastor Guy Bedell's love story! I loved it, but then again I love Hedlunds writing anyway!

    If anyone is interested in the free ebook, just go to Amazon and look under Jody's name for it entitled "An Awakened Heart" It really adds a great backstory to the full length novel :-)

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    1. OOoohh, I wondered about their story. Sigh, I wish I read ebooks sometimes. But thanks for the info about the prequel, Trixi.

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  18. I am so looking forward to reading this book. Thanks so much for the review and the chance to win a copy. Also, thanks to Trixi I'll be heading over to Amazon for the prequel.
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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    1. Yes -- nice to have friends who share. And now you'll be all set to read With You Always. Good luck, Pam.

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  19. I can't wait to read this book and to learn more about the Orphan Train, Elise and Thornton. I appreciate the chance to win a copy for my personal library, Kav. Thanks.

    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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    1. It belongs in everyone's personal library -- at least I think so. :-) Good luck, Diane.

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  20. oh this sounds like one of those I cant put this book down reads. making a note of the book. thanks for this give a way.
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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    1. Yep -- it's really hard to put down. You just want to keep on reading! Good luck, Lori.

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  21. I'm reading Newton and Polly right now! I love Jody's writing. I would love to win this one. Thanks. paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

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    1. She's such a versatile author! Good luck, Paula.

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  22. Yeeks! I'm so excited for this one. I'm always amazed at the quality and speed at which Jody Hedlund publishes her books. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. And how versatile! Historical, YA, Fictional Biography...and yes -- how does she manage to write them so fast???? I'm sure glad she does though. Good luck, Terrill.

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  23. I always love Jody Hedlund's books. This looks like a great beginning to her new series. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Yes, I'm excited to read the next books in this series now! Good luck, Pam.

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  24. My goodness, that is a stunning cover.
    Dianna (dedezoomsalot at yahoo dot com)

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  25. Jody Hedlund is such a great author and this new series really sound amazing!

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

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    1. You can't go wrong with one of her books, can you? Good luck, Samantha.

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  26. Looks Great Thanks for sharing with us
    iamabho (at) gmail (dot) com

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  27. Ahhh! Another Jody Hedlund!?!? I'm SOOO dying to read this!
    Elly -Indiana-

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  28. Sounds enthralling. Definitely one I'd love to read!
    Thanks for your review.
    Lydia
    LittlemisslydiaATgmailDOTcom

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    1. It's one for the keeper shelf for sure. Good luck, Lydia.

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  29. I haven't read them all, but I've been joyed each of Jody's historical fiction novels that I've read!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. She's an awesome author. Good luck, Patty.

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  30. Sounds like a must read. Count me in!

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

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  31. I have heard of the orphan trains but don't know much about them. I love this cover and the sound of this story! I'm adding it to my must read stack. Thanks for the review and giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  32. Years ago I read a series about the orphan trains by Al Lacy. It was teriffic and I have been looking for more orphan train books since then and there is not really a lot out there. Then Jody Hedlund comes along with her series. I read the prequel and I am so excited to have a chance to read it. This book I must read, lol. Thank you for the giveaway chance :)

    Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

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    1. And she finds a unique twist on the Orphan trains. You'll love the story -- the whole series, I bet. Good luck, Deanne.

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  33. I love Jody Hedlund! And her newer books with different publishers have gone from rich to epic.
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

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    1. She's one talented and prolific author. Good luck, Nicole.

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  34. I want to read this so much. Thank you for the chance.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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  35. Kav, I almost missed seeing this and have been wanting to read it so much. Hope I made it in the draw! :) Thanks!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  36. Want to read this!

    Misshoneybee at gmail dot com

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