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The Orphan Train Saga Collection Volume 1: The Orphan Train Saga books 1-3 Discovery - Shameless - Treachery
This three-book collection includes books one through three of The Orphan Train Saga.
Discovery, The Orphan Train Saga, Book One - Mileta’s Story
Shameless, The Orphan Train Saga, Book Two - Tobias’ Story
Treachery, The Orphan Train Saga, Book Three - Anastasia’s Story
Discovery
While most use their summer breaks for pleasure, third grade teacher Cindy Moore is using her summer vacation to tie up some loose ends concerning her grandmother’s estate.
When Cindy enters the storage unit that holds her grandmother’s belongings, she is merely looking for items she can sell to recoup some of the rental fees she’s spent paying for the unit.
Instead, what she finds are secrets her grandmother has taken to the grave with her. The more Cindy uncovers, the more she wants to know. Why was her grandmother abandoned by her own mother? Why hadn’t she told Cindy she’d lived in an orphanage? And how come her grandmother never mentioned she’d made history as one of the children who rode the Orphan Trains?
Join Cindy as she uncovers her grandmother’s hidden past and discovers the life that stole her grandmother’s love.
Shameless
As The Orphan Train Saga continues, Cindy and her mother continue to uncover the secrets in the journals that are hidden in her grandmother’s attic. The story resumes in 1914, as young Tobias is forced onto the streets of New York City. Like so many other orphans of the era, he learns to lie, cheat, and steal just to survive.
Armed with a silver tongue and his wits, Tobias soon finds himself headed west on one of the orphan trains. When that placement doesn’t work, Tobias is returned to NYC and back on the streets he once called home. Slightly older and much wiser, Tobias thrives in his new setting. That is, until he becomes obsessed with Mileta and finds himself on yet another orphan train headed west and adopted into the infamous Purple Gang Society.
Will this gang, with its emphasis on criminal activity at any cost, claim what is left of the young man’s soul?
Treachery
The Orphan Train Saga continues with Treachery, Book Three, Anastasia’s story.
After an arduous childhood, fraught with poverty and a contentious relationship with her parents, Anastasia finds herself thrust out of her home and living on the streets of New York City. Not wishing to be listed among the city’s ever-growing homeless children population, Anastasia lies her way into being sent out on an orphan train, a trip that will set her on a turbulent path few would be able to recover from.
Will Anastasia find the happiness she so desperately seeks?
Or will she be forced to accept the dark cloud that has shrouded her childhood?
Discovery, The Orphan Train Saga, Book One - Mileta’s Story
Shameless, The Orphan Train Saga, Book Two - Tobias’ Story
Treachery, The Orphan Train Saga, Book Three - Anastasia’s Story
Discovery
While most use their summer breaks for pleasure, third grade teacher Cindy Moore is using her summer vacation to tie up some loose ends concerning her grandmother’s estate.
When Cindy enters the storage unit that holds her grandmother’s belongings, she is merely looking for items she can sell to recoup some of the rental fees she’s spent paying for the unit.
Instead, what she finds are secrets her grandmother has taken to the grave with her. The more Cindy uncovers, the more she wants to know. Why was her grandmother abandoned by her own mother? Why hadn’t she told Cindy she’d lived in an orphanage? And how come her grandmother never mentioned she’d made history as one of the children who rode the Orphan Trains?
Join Cindy as she uncovers her grandmother’s hidden past and discovers the life that stole her grandmother’s love.
Shameless
As The Orphan Train Saga continues, Cindy and her mother continue to uncover the secrets in the journals that are hidden in her grandmother’s attic. The story resumes in 1914, as young Tobias is forced onto the streets of New York City. Like so many other orphans of the era, he learns to lie, cheat, and steal just to survive.
Armed with a silver tongue and his wits, Tobias soon finds himself headed west on one of the orphan trains. When that placement doesn’t work, Tobias is returned to NYC and back on the streets he once called home. Slightly older and much wiser, Tobias thrives in his new setting. That is, until he becomes obsessed with Mileta and finds himself on yet another orphan train headed west and adopted into the infamous Purple Gang Society.
Will this gang, with its emphasis on criminal activity at any cost, claim what is left of the young man’s soul?
Treachery
The Orphan Train Saga continues with Treachery, Book Three, Anastasia’s story.
After an arduous childhood, fraught with poverty and a contentious relationship with her parents, Anastasia finds herself thrust out of her home and living on the streets of New York City. Not wishing to be listed among the city’s ever-growing homeless children population, Anastasia lies her way into being sent out on an orphan train, a trip that will set her on a turbulent path few would be able to recover from.
Will Anastasia find the happiness she so desperately seeks?
Or will she be forced to accept the dark cloud that has shrouded her childhood?
993 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2024
208 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Sherry A. Burton
58 books176 followersSherry A. Burton is the author of The Orphan Train Saga novels, a planned eighteen book historical fiction saga that revolves around the Orphan Trains. Books in the saga include Discovery, Shameless, Treachery, Guardian, and Loyal.
Ezra’s Story, the first in The Orphan Train Saga spinoff series.
Sherry's fiction titles include Tears of Betrayal, Love in the Bluegrass, Seems Like Yesterday, The King of My Heart, Somewhere in My Dreams, Surviving the Storm, and Always Faithful, a Jerry McNeal Novella.
Born in Kentucky, Sherry and her Retired Navy Veteran husband live in Michigan’s thumb. When not in the writing chair, Sherry travels the country doing book signings and giving lectures on the orphan trains.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 1, 2024
Very interesting stories
Reading stories of kids from the Orphan Trains (even though these are fiction) is very interesting. This first set of stories was very hard to put down. I feel like I know them, like they are here with me. A story that does that for you is one worth reading!
Reading stories of kids from the Orphan Trains (even though these are fiction) is very interesting. This first set of stories was very hard to put down. I feel like I know them, like they are here with me. A story that does that for you is one worth reading!
September 9, 2024
It was a change from my normal cozy mysteries and a big reality check. While certain events were repeated with each character the author presented it from different perspectives. Although the characters were fictional the historical events were not and definitely gave me food for thought. I plan to purchase the set as Christmas gift.
March 15, 2024
orphan train saga
I’ve read other orphan train stories but this one is the best. It kept me reading and I’m eager to read the next ones. What a great idea to use journals to tell the stories!
I’ve read other orphan train stories but this one is the best. It kept me reading and I’m eager to read the next ones. What a great idea to use journals to tell the stories!
May 18, 2024
History
Loved The Orphan Train! This was a historical reenactment of very difficult times in history. The characters were fascinating and interesting. Would recommend to family and friends.
Loved The Orphan Train! This was a historical reenactment of very difficult times in history. The characters were fascinating and interesting. Would recommend to family and friends.
May 31, 2024
Couldn’t stop reading these amazing stories of the orphans in the early 1900s. Historical fiction at its best. These stories would make a great series on Prime or Hulu. The writing was so good I could visualize all of it. Already started the next three books.
June 13, 2024
Exceptional
While most people have heard about the orphan trains, this brings the picture into greater focus. A thrilling mystery with roots in a flawed history of our nation this series does not disappoint. I'm looking forward to the next 3 volumes!
While most people have heard about the orphan trains, this brings the picture into greater focus. A thrilling mystery with roots in a flawed history of our nation this series does not disappoint. I'm looking forward to the next 3 volumes!
May 20, 2024
amazing read
Sherry Burton has a page turner in the Orphan Train Saga. I just finished the first three volumes and am eager to start Volume 4.
Sherry Burton has a page turner in the Orphan Train Saga. I just finished the first three volumes and am eager to start Volume 4.
July 28, 2024
Wow!
I've been having a hard time putting this down. I remember reading about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. I didn't realize or think that it would have orphaned children.
I've been having a hard time putting this down. I remember reading about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. I didn't realize or think that it would have orphaned children.
March 16, 2025
Educational and entertaining
DISCOVERY, Orphan Train Saga Book One, Sherry Burton, 03/07/2025 -
Granddaughter Cindy inherited a small storage unit full of her grandmother's things: lots of quilts one of which is very old and tattered; a child-size doll dressed in very old clothing; a box of souvenir items including a ticket to a Houdini performance and a tarnished iced tea spoon; living room furniture, with end tables and an unusual pink glass lamp... nothing Cindy wants to keep except for a few items which can be sold on eBay to help defray the cost of the storage unit she has been paying for two years. Clues strategically placed by deceased grandmother lead Cindy to journals documenting her grandmother's life. In this Orphan Train Saga, Book One, granddaughter is spellbound (as is the reader) of the enthralling account of the lives of New York City orphans who were herded onto trains and at stops along the way, were given to people without regard to the adults' suitability. Grandmother kept meticulous journals, and now after her death, the granddaughter who was the sole heir, learned in detail FCabout her grandmother... giving explanation as to why the grandmother had been aloof and unaffectionate. Descriptions are colorful and animated, for the people, places, and situations. I feel I lived it. Quite a riveting story! Until the Orphan Train Saga DISCOVERY, I had read Ms Burton's fascinating Jerry McNeil Series, which I absolutely love. And now I find that her amazing imagination extends beyond the paranormal, and the endearing ghost K-9, Gunter. Ms Burton's brilliance is evident in the research and writing of the Orphan Train Saga.
NOTE: Granddaughter Cindy hurriedly sorts grandmother's treasures into stacks of keep, sell, and trash but leaves them in the unit until she can transfer to the dumpster. In the ensuing days, she finds and reads her grandmother's journals, and in horror, realizes what she almost threw away. Here is the poignant quote from the book:
SHAMELESS, Orphan Train Saga Book 2, Sherry Burton, 03/11/2025
Each book in this series highlights a different child introduced in the introductory book, DISCOVERY. Book 2 details the life of Tobias, brother of Ezra & Anastasia, and uncle to Franky & Paulie. He is a product of the streets of New York City in a time when homeless children were proliferant, living like urchins, beggars and theives. Tobias, street name Mouse, is a miniature thug, which brings to mind the movie BUGSY MALONE, which was a cast of children performing the roles and dialogue of tough-talking mobsters. The reader just has to go with the author's absurd portrayal. Like an unaccompanied six-year-old going to a tailor shop to be fitted for a suit, and when the tailor begins to take measurement of the inseam, the child makes a fist and says, "Hey! No funny business!" Much of this book is laughable, only because the author did not stick to believable situations and dialogue. It could have been an excellent series... Ms Burton is capable of better.
TREACHERY, Orphan Train Saga Book 3, Sherry Burton, 03/16/2025
Each book in this series highlights a different child involved in the introductory book, DISCOVERY. Book 3 is the detailed life of Anastasia, sister to Tobias & Ezra, and mother of Franky & Paulie. The unlucky girl was born under a cloud and never found a moment of peace or happiness, moving from one misfortune to the next. Tough reading, but probably very representative of life during the 1920s and 30s.
DISCOVERY, Orphan Train Saga Book One, Sherry Burton, 03/07/2025 -
Granddaughter Cindy inherited a small storage unit full of her grandmother's things: lots of quilts one of which is very old and tattered; a child-size doll dressed in very old clothing; a box of souvenir items including a ticket to a Houdini performance and a tarnished iced tea spoon; living room furniture, with end tables and an unusual pink glass lamp... nothing Cindy wants to keep except for a few items which can be sold on eBay to help defray the cost of the storage unit she has been paying for two years. Clues strategically placed by deceased grandmother lead Cindy to journals documenting her grandmother's life. In this Orphan Train Saga, Book One, granddaughter is spellbound (as is the reader) of the enthralling account of the lives of New York City orphans who were herded onto trains and at stops along the way, were given to people without regard to the adults' suitability. Grandmother kept meticulous journals, and now after her death, the granddaughter who was the sole heir, learned in detail FCabout her grandmother... giving explanation as to why the grandmother had been aloof and unaffectionate. Descriptions are colorful and animated, for the people, places, and situations. I feel I lived it. Quite a riveting story! Until the Orphan Train Saga DISCOVERY, I had read Ms Burton's fascinating Jerry McNeil Series, which I absolutely love. And now I find that her amazing imagination extends beyond the paranormal, and the endearing ghost K-9, Gunter. Ms Burton's brilliance is evident in the research and writing of the Orphan Train Saga.
NOTE: Granddaughter Cindy hurriedly sorts grandmother's treasures into stacks of keep, sell, and trash but leaves them in the unit until she can transfer to the dumpster. In the ensuing days, she finds and reads her grandmother's journals, and in horror, realizes what she almost threw away. Here is the poignant quote from the book:
SHAMELESS, Orphan Train Saga Book 2, Sherry Burton, 03/11/2025
Each book in this series highlights a different child introduced in the introductory book, DISCOVERY. Book 2 details the life of Tobias, brother of Ezra & Anastasia, and uncle to Franky & Paulie. He is a product of the streets of New York City in a time when homeless children were proliferant, living like urchins, beggars and theives. Tobias, street name Mouse, is a miniature thug, which brings to mind the movie BUGSY MALONE, which was a cast of children performing the roles and dialogue of tough-talking mobsters. The reader just has to go with the author's absurd portrayal. Like an unaccompanied six-year-old going to a tailor shop to be fitted for a suit, and when the tailor begins to take measurement of the inseam, the child makes a fist and says, "Hey! No funny business!" Much of this book is laughable, only because the author did not stick to believable situations and dialogue. It could have been an excellent series... Ms Burton is capable of better.
TREACHERY, Orphan Train Saga Book 3, Sherry Burton, 03/16/2025
Each book in this series highlights a different child involved in the introductory book, DISCOVERY. Book 3 is the detailed life of Anastasia, sister to Tobias & Ezra, and mother of Franky & Paulie. The unlucky girl was born under a cloud and never found a moment of peace or happiness, moving from one misfortune to the next. Tough reading, but probably very representative of life during the 1920s and 30s.
December 27, 2025
totally remarkable
This is like the 3rd time I’ve read these books. As with the Jerry MacNeal series (which I have read/listened to at least 12 times, every time I read them I find something I dedicate the last time I read it. That just shows what an amazing author Ms Burton is. To find the story amazing the first time is awesome. But to find something new, each time you read it is truly unremarkable.
This is like the 3rd time I’ve read these books. As with the Jerry MacNeal series (which I have read/listened to at least 12 times, every time I read them I find something I dedicate the last time I read it. That just shows what an amazing author Ms Burton is. To find the story amazing the first time is awesome. But to find something new, each time you read it is truly unremarkable.
January 12, 2025
Outstanding! I can't say enough how much I am enjoying this series.
Wonderfully authentic characters and a compelling story based on a long
sad perod of history. So real, I am right there with them.
Wonderfully authentic characters and a compelling story based on a long
sad perod of history. So real, I am right there with them.
October 2, 2025
Couldn't put this down!
What a great read! The characters are all unique to themselves. An easy read with many moving parts. I thoroughly enjoyed Volume 1 and just downloaded volume 2. Let the story continue.
What a great read! The characters are all unique to themselves. An easy read with many moving parts. I thoroughly enjoyed Volume 1 and just downloaded volume 2. Let the story continue.
September 12, 2025
amazing stories
These books were amazing to read. Filled with history. I never knew about the Orphan Trains. Such great stories to read.
These books were amazing to read. Filled with history. I never knew about the Orphan Trains. Such great stories to read.
December 23, 2025
Frustrating!!!
I wrote a.long review on these 3 stories, and lost it to cyberspace! No heart to write it again...
I wrote a.long review on these 3 stories, and lost it to cyberspace! No heart to write it again...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews