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Orphan Train #1
An Unexpected Family
This novella is the first of a new series based on a group of children from the Children’s Aid Society, a New York orphanage who travel on an orphan train to Texas. Each story will feature some of the children and what happens to them as children and adults, while throwing a little sweet and inspirational romance into the mix.
In this first story, Craig Parker,a local farmer, has been asking widowed Amanda Drake for over a year to marry him, to which Amanda has refused each time. They hear about a train full of orphans coming to their town in Texas and both want to adopt a child as a single parent. When meeting with the Town Council, they are both individually given permission to adopt.
Complications arise as Amanda must make a decision that will affect her future and the future of her crippled adopted daughter. Will a marriage of convenience to Craig be the right step to take or should she stay single and raise her daughter on her own? Will she find an unexpected family?
In this first story, Craig Parker,a local farmer, has been asking widowed Amanda Drake for over a year to marry him, to which Amanda has refused each time. They hear about a train full of orphans coming to their town in Texas and both want to adopt a child as a single parent. When meeting with the Town Council, they are both individually given permission to adopt.
Complications arise as Amanda must make a decision that will affect her future and the future of her crippled adopted daughter. Will a marriage of convenience to Craig be the right step to take or should she stay single and raise her daughter on her own? Will she find an unexpected family?
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
February 18, 2019
I love history and really enjoy reading about the Orphan Trains, so I was excited to read this book.
While it was clean, it was also historically inaccurate and frankly, quite dull. It was pretty much a told story and I never felt like I was with the characters or could picture things that well. I could have overlooked the writing style, which wasn't interesting, if things had been accurate. As it was, it felt like someone trying to write historical fiction without any research. Here are just a few of the inaccuracies I saw:
Calling parents "mom and dad" and then "ma and pa" was so mixed up! And they didn't use terms like "mom and dad" commonly back then.
Saying they needed to take their newly adopted children to the doctor for a "checkup." Huh?
Having a "sewing shop" and wanting to teach her daughter how to sew clothes so she could "contribute to society" is a bit modern in terms of thinking and speaking.
The "Children's Aid Society" was not an orphanage. It was a society to help orphans. They took children from many orphanages and from the streets to send them out west.
In all my reading about the Orphan Trains, I've never heard that the children were "allowed to decide if they wanted to go with a family or not." If they got chosen, they had no say in the matter. Siblings were often separated, and no one came to "check up on the children during the year to see if they liked it." It was not likely that all 18 children from the train would be taken in one town.
I could go on, but I won't.
I wish I could have given this book a higher rating, but I can't. The idea was good, but the execution of it was poor.
While it was clean, it was also historically inaccurate and frankly, quite dull. It was pretty much a told story and I never felt like I was with the characters or could picture things that well. I could have overlooked the writing style, which wasn't interesting, if things had been accurate. As it was, it felt like someone trying to write historical fiction without any research. Here are just a few of the inaccuracies I saw:
Calling parents "mom and dad" and then "ma and pa" was so mixed up! And they didn't use terms like "mom and dad" commonly back then.
Saying they needed to take their newly adopted children to the doctor for a "checkup." Huh?
Having a "sewing shop" and wanting to teach her daughter how to sew clothes so she could "contribute to society" is a bit modern in terms of thinking and speaking.
The "Children's Aid Society" was not an orphanage. It was a society to help orphans. They took children from many orphanages and from the streets to send them out west.
In all my reading about the Orphan Trains, I've never heard that the children were "allowed to decide if they wanted to go with a family or not." If they got chosen, they had no say in the matter. Siblings were often separated, and no one came to "check up on the children during the year to see if they liked it." It was not likely that all 18 children from the train would be taken in one town.
I could go on, but I won't.
I wish I could have given this book a higher rating, but I can't. The idea was good, but the execution of it was poor.
July 21, 2023
2.5 stars
Fast, easy, light read. Sweet historical romance.
Fast, easy, light read. Sweet historical romance.
January 18, 2018
This "author" needs to take eighth-grade English, concentrating on misplaced modifiers, or hire a very good editor.
July 20, 2025
An Orphan Train comes to the small town of Maple Grove, Texas, forever changing the lives of seamstress Amanda Drake and rancher Craig Parker! I totally enjoyed their heartwarming story! A well-paced plot, memorable characters, an authentic old west setting, and sweet romance combine to make this a touching, entertaining historical romance novella. The sneak peek at the second book in The Orphan Train Romance series is a pleasing bonus. I recommend it as a quick, satisfying read.
July 26, 2023
Nice story
I would have given this story five stars if there had been more to the ending. It felt a little abrupt.
The character development and storyline were good. I loved the lack of bad language and immodesty.
I will certainly read more of Ms. Matthews' stories😊
I would have given this story five stars if there had been more to the ending. It felt a little abrupt.
The character development and storyline were good. I loved the lack of bad language and immodesty.
I will certainly read more of Ms. Matthews' stories😊
August 26, 2014
I believe this story had a lot going for it. I also believe it could have been deeper and richer in characters and plot. I hope the rest of this series has a more robust characterization. The stories are certainly worth telling!
January 23, 2019
I liked the idea of the story. It would have been much stronger had it been shown rather than told.
Craig did annoy me, especially concerning the storyline around Grace.
Craig did annoy me, especially concerning the storyline around Grace.
August 5, 2025
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This novella is part of the orphan Train series. It can be read as a standalone.
The book highlights the orphan train program that really existed. Orphans from New York were taken out west and placed with families. I thought that was interesting. The rest of the story was not worth it and, in many ways, was not the point of the novella.
Amanda is a widow that does not expect to fall in love again. She does not have children. When she hears about the orphan train, she decides to adopt a child. She runs a dress shop and has money that her first husband left her. She was an independent spirit which I appreciated.
Craig has been attracted to Amanda and has been proposing to her whenever he sees her over the last year. He has not courted her in any way, simply asking her to marry him every time he sees her. I did not like that he shared this and other things in front of other people. He decides to adopt a child from the orphan train as well.
When the orphans come, a brother and sister are included in the group, and they do not want to be separated. The little girl has a damaged leg and requires extra care. Amanda decides to adopt the little girl and to accept Craig’s proposal to keep the kids together.
Amanda wants to immediately have the little girl see the doctor so that they can determine if anything can be done about her leg. When she finds out something is possible, she wants to act immediately and can use her money to do so.
Craig has a bit of a fit and says that they can only get the medical procedure when HE can pay for it and the little girl will just have to wait. I could not believe his selfishness in making this decision. I did not like him for talking about private business in front of others and I did not like this decision either.
In addition, he does not want Amanda to work as he feels it is his job to support the family. Amanda likes the work she does and says she wants to continue to do so. A few pages later, she changes her mind and there seemed to be no reason for her to do that. Magically, the author creates a young woman who works with her that can take care of the business.
When they first get married, Amanda wants to have a platonic relationship because they do not know each other well. Craig asks that they share a bedroom. Spoiler...a few minutes later, she decides to have s*x.
I gave the novella 2 stars because it highlighted the history of the orphan trains. Otherwise, I would have given the book 1 star because of the male main character's selfishness. I do not recommend this novella.
This novella is part of the orphan Train series. It can be read as a standalone.
The book highlights the orphan train program that really existed. Orphans from New York were taken out west and placed with families. I thought that was interesting. The rest of the story was not worth it and, in many ways, was not the point of the novella.
Amanda is a widow that does not expect to fall in love again. She does not have children. When she hears about the orphan train, she decides to adopt a child. She runs a dress shop and has money that her first husband left her. She was an independent spirit which I appreciated.
Craig has been attracted to Amanda and has been proposing to her whenever he sees her over the last year. He has not courted her in any way, simply asking her to marry him every time he sees her. I did not like that he shared this and other things in front of other people. He decides to adopt a child from the orphan train as well.
When the orphans come, a brother and sister are included in the group, and they do not want to be separated. The little girl has a damaged leg and requires extra care. Amanda decides to adopt the little girl and to accept Craig’s proposal to keep the kids together.
Amanda wants to immediately have the little girl see the doctor so that they can determine if anything can be done about her leg. When she finds out something is possible, she wants to act immediately and can use her money to do so.
Craig has a bit of a fit and says that they can only get the medical procedure when HE can pay for it and the little girl will just have to wait. I could not believe his selfishness in making this decision. I did not like him for talking about private business in front of others and I did not like this decision either.
In addition, he does not want Amanda to work as he feels it is his job to support the family. Amanda likes the work she does and says she wants to continue to do so. A few pages later, she changes her mind and there seemed to be no reason for her to do that. Magically, the author creates a young woman who works with her that can take care of the business.
When they first get married, Amanda wants to have a platonic relationship because they do not know each other well. Craig asks that they share a bedroom. Spoiler...a few minutes later, she decides to have s*x.
I gave the novella 2 stars because it highlighted the history of the orphan trains. Otherwise, I would have given the book 1 star because of the male main character's selfishness. I do not recommend this novella.
April 18, 2024
History is so amazing, no matter the time era. In a small town, in Texas, a gentleman has been proposing to a widow for about one year. Amanda has been refusing his proposals in hopes Craig will give up. And orphan train will be arriving in town and both of them want to adopt a child, wanting so much to have a family. Both were approved to adopt a child when the train came to town.
The children are arriving by train from so very far away. The Children's Aid Society is hoping to place 18 children in this town. When it comes time for the children to be welcomed in their new families, it seems Craig and Amanda's new child are a brother and sister. The brother does not want to be adopted, as he wants to live with his sister.
In the end, you will enjoy how they become one happy family. Quite a change in lifestyle for the children. Craig and Amanda adore their new son and daughter. And Zoe Matthews, I want to thank you for writing this book, which I enjoyed so very much
The children are arriving by train from so very far away. The Children's Aid Society is hoping to place 18 children in this town. When it comes time for the children to be welcomed in their new families, it seems Craig and Amanda's new child are a brother and sister. The brother does not want to be adopted, as he wants to live with his sister.
In the end, you will enjoy how they become one happy family. Quite a change in lifestyle for the children. Craig and Amanda adore their new son and daughter. And Zoe Matthews, I want to thank you for writing this book, which I enjoyed so very much
June 21, 2019
An Unexpected Family
Amanda was married to David, he was a wealthy man and practiced law. He died when he fell from a horse hitting his head on a rock. She opened a dress shop and makes dresses for people in town.
Craig noticed Amanda a year ago and every sense he has asked her to marry him. She keeps refusing him.
Grace and Jeremy’s parents were killed when a wagon turned over injuring the children. Jeremy had a cut on his head and lost concusses. Grace was caught up under the wagon and broke her leg. Someone saved them but the doctor didn’t treat them well. He just used bandages for both of them.
The town is informed that a train is coming in with children who are orphans.
They set up for the children to be adopted by people in town.
What a great story, I enjoyed reading this book
Amanda was married to David, he was a wealthy man and practiced law. He died when he fell from a horse hitting his head on a rock. She opened a dress shop and makes dresses for people in town.
Craig noticed Amanda a year ago and every sense he has asked her to marry him. She keeps refusing him.
Grace and Jeremy’s parents were killed when a wagon turned over injuring the children. Jeremy had a cut on his head and lost concusses. Grace was caught up under the wagon and broke her leg. Someone saved them but the doctor didn’t treat them well. He just used bandages for both of them.
The town is informed that a train is coming in with children who are orphans.
They set up for the children to be adopted by people in town.
What a great story, I enjoyed reading this book
November 12, 2017
I really loved the idea of this book. An orphan train, a widow, and a rancher what's not to love...right? Except Craig is an ass. At first he comes across as a stalker, apparently asking Amanda to marry him several times over a year and following her around even when she has told him no.
Then when they do marry, he insists on waiting on an operation for his adopted daughter, because he didn't want Amanda to pay for it from the money her first husband has left her. He's going to let a child needlessly suffer for the sake of his male pride???? I wanted more from this story. I wanted to know these people better. I wanted the author to let me read about them and what happens instead of being told what happen. This could have been a really good book.
Then when they do marry, he insists on waiting on an operation for his adopted daughter, because he didn't want Amanda to pay for it from the money her first husband has left her. He's going to let a child needlessly suffer for the sake of his male pride???? I wanted more from this story. I wanted to know these people better. I wanted the author to let me read about them and what happens instead of being told what happen. This could have been a really good book.
February 6, 2020
I like anything dealing with History. This story is about the Children's Aid Society orphan train. During 1850-1930 around 250,000 orphans traveled from city to city on a train in the hopes of finding new homes.
This story is set in that time period. A widowed woman who runs a dress shop, a bachelor farmer who keeps asking to marry him, and an inbound train with orphans. It was a quick read, less than 100 pages. It was a cute story and I would like to see more. But it had the potential of being a great story and much longer. The characters nor the story was really well developed. We did not get many insights into the characters themselves and instead what the author told us.
This story is set in that time period. A widowed woman who runs a dress shop, a bachelor farmer who keeps asking to marry him, and an inbound train with orphans. It was a quick read, less than 100 pages. It was a cute story and I would like to see more. But it had the potential of being a great story and much longer. The characters nor the story was really well developed. We did not get many insights into the characters themselves and instead what the author told us.
September 27, 2021
Orphans Find a Family!
Craig, a farmer, and Amanda, a dressmaker, have known each other for a while. He had been asking her to marry him frequently, but she always declined. He came to her dress maker shop telling her that an orphan train was coming to town and he wanted to adopt a boy to help him on his farm. That got Amanda's attention. She would like to adopt a little girl and make her dresses. When Craig and Amanda learned that only married couples could adopt, they decided to get married.
Will they live a life of wedded bliss? Will the children adapt to their new home? Will Craig and Amanda, as newlyweds, successfully blend their family? Read this book to find out.
Craig, a farmer, and Amanda, a dressmaker, have known each other for a while. He had been asking her to marry him frequently, but she always declined. He came to her dress maker shop telling her that an orphan train was coming to town and he wanted to adopt a boy to help him on his farm. That got Amanda's attention. She would like to adopt a little girl and make her dresses. When Craig and Amanda learned that only married couples could adopt, they decided to get married.
Will they live a life of wedded bliss? Will the children adapt to their new home? Will Craig and Amanda, as newlyweds, successfully blend their family? Read this book to find out.
November 6, 2017
Amanda is a widow with no intention of ever marrying again. Craig is an area farmer who is pursuing Amanda and wants to marry her. When the Orphan train comes to town Both Amanda and Craig decide they want to adopt one of the children. When it is their turn to choose there is a boy and girl with a twisted leg that are brother and sister left to adopt. They do not want to be separated so Amanda accepts Craig's marriage proposal and the children and adopted. This is a wonderful 1st book in the orphan train series. and I enjoyed learning a little about the history of the Orphan trains.
March 24, 2018
Sweet story. I enjoyed it, despite a few errors in the historical research behind the story. For example, the Children's Aid Society was not an orphanage itself, but a private child welfare nonprofit. Amanda thought she would never remarry after her husband's death, but Craig no sooner saw her than he began asking her to marry him. Over and over again, she refused. But when the orphan children they were each adopting didn't want to be separated, Amanda knew the solution was to agree to the marriage. But would they ever truly become a family?
March 6, 2020
A short story without much depth
This story was shorter than I expected and it seemed to come to an abrupt ending. It really didn’t have a lot to it and the author seemed to skip through parts that might have added to the story. Overall I enjoyed reading it, but there to be some more depth to the story. Every conflict was easily and quickly resolved, and took away from what could have been a better story.
This story was shorter than I expected and it seemed to come to an abrupt ending. It really didn’t have a lot to it and the author seemed to skip through parts that might have added to the story. Overall I enjoyed reading it, but there to be some more depth to the story. Every conflict was easily and quickly resolved, and took away from what could have been a better story.
September 22, 2020
This Orphan train adventure novella had a unique plot, however could have been expanded into a full-length story. Somewhat simplistic straight-forth presentation that more 'told' the story, leaving some of the character's involvement somewhat wanting. However, sweet and clean and acceptable for all ages. Could use one more re-edit as the commas seemed to pop up in unusual places. Otherwise, a quick, easy and entertaining read.
February 10, 2023
Great
Amanda was a widow, who had made a life for herself as a seamstress. Craig noticed her from afar and fell in love. He asked her often to marry him. She refused at first.. Some orphaned children were brought to their town to hopefully be adopted. Since they both wanted children, They decided to marry, adopt and become a family. A few problems, but overcome with love and devotion..
Amanda was a widow, who had made a life for herself as a seamstress. Craig noticed her from afar and fell in love. He asked her often to marry him. She refused at first.. Some orphaned children were brought to their town to hopefully be adopted. Since they both wanted children, They decided to marry, adopt and become a family. A few problems, but overcome with love and devotion..
June 11, 2023
Hope and Love
This was a very short clean romance. Even with it being a short read it made me want to read more of Zoe Matthews books, so that's my next step.
Amanda is a widow, who owns little shop and Craig is the pursuer of her heart. Will Amanda choose to let her heart love again, will the chance of adopting a child be the thing that changes her mind... Check it out and read for yourself.
This was a very short clean romance. Even with it being a short read it made me want to read more of Zoe Matthews books, so that's my next step.
Amanda is a widow, who owns little shop and Craig is the pursuer of her heart. Will Amanda choose to let her heart love again, will the chance of adopting a child be the thing that changes her mind... Check it out and read for yourself.
January 10, 2017
Review for An Unexpected Family
This is a sweet, short read, short enough to be read in one sitting. There have been many horrific tales of the street children in NYC who were taken on The Orphan Train to the western states in hopes of finding good homes for them. In this story. Amanda, a widow and dress shop owner, had a great interest in adopting a young girl. After her marriage of 8 years had produced no children she often felt lonely since her David was killed. On the outskirts of town, Craig, single, new owner of a farm, was also lonely and quite smitten with Amanda. He had prayed about adopting a boy. When all the children of Maple Grove were placed with the exception of a little girl, Grace, who had a handicap and her brother, Jetemy, who refused to be parted from his sister. Could Craig and Amanda come to an agreement? He had asked her to marry him for a year. Would she change her mind for the sake of the children?
This is a sweet, short read, short enough to be read in one sitting. There have been many horrific tales of the street children in NYC who were taken on The Orphan Train to the western states in hopes of finding good homes for them. In this story. Amanda, a widow and dress shop owner, had a great interest in adopting a young girl. After her marriage of 8 years had produced no children she often felt lonely since her David was killed. On the outskirts of town, Craig, single, new owner of a farm, was also lonely and quite smitten with Amanda. He had prayed about adopting a boy. When all the children of Maple Grove were placed with the exception of a little girl, Grace, who had a handicap and her brother, Jetemy, who refused to be parted from his sister. Could Craig and Amanda come to an agreement? He had asked her to marry him for a year. Would she change her mind for the sake of the children?
September 9, 2017
An idea that shown in graceful light.
This clean HEA standalone has communication, pride and assuming challenges in its story line. A part of America history's westward movement besides mail order brides was the Orphan train. This story shines a happy light on it but hints a the possible darker or less shining movements . Enjoyed relaxing this book.
This clean HEA standalone has communication, pride and assuming challenges in its story line. A part of America history's westward movement besides mail order brides was the Orphan train. This story shines a happy light on it but hints a the possible darker or less shining movements . Enjoyed relaxing this book.
October 24, 2020
An Unexpected Family (Orphan Train Romance Series, Book 1)
This was a comfortable, predictable story of a widow and a cowboy whose lives intersect with a brother and sister sent out west on the Orphan Train. Long on whimsy but a little short on character development, I would recommend this book to anyone with a taste for nostalgia and a desire for a clean, quick read.
This was a comfortable, predictable story of a widow and a cowboy whose lives intersect with a brother and sister sent out west on the Orphan Train. Long on whimsy but a little short on character development, I would recommend this book to anyone with a taste for nostalgia and a desire for a clean, quick read.
March 13, 2021
Great clean historical romance
I loved this story. The setting, story line, characters and writing style were refreshing. The author made this time period come to life in my mind's eye. I thoroughly enjoyed thus and will love reading mire stories in the series. The only down side was that it wasn't long enough and was finished before I wanted to stop reading!!!
I loved this story. The setting, story line, characters and writing style were refreshing. The author made this time period come to life in my mind's eye. I thoroughly enjoyed thus and will love reading mire stories in the series. The only down side was that it wasn't long enough and was finished before I wanted to stop reading!!!
April 17, 2021
Nice story
Very nice story but it needed some good editing. The dialogue was modern not 19th Century. Parents were called mama and papa in those days. Also there was some bad grammar. Annoying to educated readers. The basic premise of the plot was good. So was the 19th Century mind set. An enjoyable read all in all.
Very nice story but it needed some good editing. The dialogue was modern not 19th Century. Parents were called mama and papa in those days. Also there was some bad grammar. Annoying to educated readers. The basic premise of the plot was good. So was the 19th Century mind set. An enjoyable read all in all.
May 12, 2021
Listen, I never have not finished a book, and I've never given a one-star review, but oh my. I'm trying to figure out how to say this nicely, but I'm really not sure how this got published. The writing is very choppy, and there are so many grammatical errors it was completely distracting.
I tried really hard to keep reading because it had a cute storyline, but I just couldn't.
I tried really hard to keep reading because it had a cute storyline, but I just couldn't.
August 2, 2021
A Fine Novel
This book is easily read and so packed with references to having their life led by The Lord. Their lives are shaped by becoming what the Lord wishes them to be.
This is how all lives should be, and I thank Zoe Matthews for having the forethought and creativity and pure stamina it takes to write such a book!
This book is easily read and so packed with references to having their life led by The Lord. Their lives are shaped by becoming what the Lord wishes them to be.
This is how all lives should be, and I thank Zoe Matthews for having the forethought and creativity and pure stamina it takes to write such a book!
October 19, 2021
Amanda and Craig
Amanda is a widow and a dressmaker. Craig is a local farmer, and interested in making Amanda his wife. The Orphan train is coming with 18 kids to find homes. Craig and Amanda both apply to get kids. But there is only a brother and sister left, and they want to stay together.
Amanda is a widow and a dressmaker. Craig is a local farmer, and interested in making Amanda his wife. The Orphan train is coming with 18 kids to find homes. Craig and Amanda both apply to get kids. But there is only a brother and sister left, and they want to stay together.
March 23, 2022
One of the best books I have written.
I really enjoyed this book. I have read about the orphan trains and realised they were necessary. This book held my attention until the very end. I could not believe how fast it went until I was at the end. The author has a compelling way with words, makes you feel you are there.
I really enjoyed this book. I have read about the orphan trains and realised they were necessary. This book held my attention until the very end. I could not believe how fast it went until I was at the end. The author has a compelling way with words, makes you feel you are there.
July 27, 2022
Plenty of love to go around
Since Amanda had refused his many proposals, Craig was both surprised and happy when she finally agreed to marry him. I won't give the story away, but I assure you that you will become engulfed in the story as it begins to unfold before you. Relax and enjoy this clean story. There's plenty of love to go around.
Since Amanda had refused his many proposals, Craig was both surprised and happy when she finally agreed to marry him. I won't give the story away, but I assure you that you will become engulfed in the story as it begins to unfold before you. Relax and enjoy this clean story. There's plenty of love to go around.
August 21, 2017
Nice short story. Amanda is a childless widow, Craig has asked her to marry him for several years. When an orphan train comes through their town, will they take a chance on each other and a pair of orphans? I would read another book by this author.
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