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Where We Belong: An Orphan Train Novel
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26Four lives from Kansas and New York cross paths in a joyful novel of love, determination, and the unbreakable bonds of family—from the beloved and bestselling author of Hope's Enduring Echo.
The life of Hester Haak, a widow with no children of her own, takes an unexpected turn when she opens her Kansas home to children from the bustling streets of New York City. The orphan asylum has entrusted her with two sisters and a young boy, and Hester is determined to provide a safe and loving environment for them. Despite the looming uncertainty of their stay, she rises to the challenge, embracing the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.
Meanwhile, Callum Holbrook is grappling with the loss of his wife and the despair that followed. Unable to provide for his family, he made the heart-wrenching decision to place his daughters in an orphanage, promising it was only temporary. Now, with a stable job and a renewed sense of purpose, Callum is horrified to learn that his daughters have been sent halfway across the country. Fueled by determination and love, he embarks on the difficult journey to bring them back.
Through their struggles and triumphs, Hester and Callum discover that family and love can be found in the most surprising places—and that the journey home is paved with hope.
The life of Hester Haak, a widow with no children of her own, takes an unexpected turn when she opens her Kansas home to children from the bustling streets of New York City. The orphan asylum has entrusted her with two sisters and a young boy, and Hester is determined to provide a safe and loving environment for them. Despite the looming uncertainty of their stay, she rises to the challenge, embracing the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.
Meanwhile, Callum Holbrook is grappling with the loss of his wife and the despair that followed. Unable to provide for his family, he made the heart-wrenching decision to place his daughters in an orphanage, promising it was only temporary. Now, with a stable job and a renewed sense of purpose, Callum is horrified to learn that his daughters have been sent halfway across the country. Fueled by determination and love, he embarks on the difficult journey to bring them back.
Through their struggles and triumphs, Hester and Callum discover that family and love can be found in the most surprising places—and that the journey home is paved with hope.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 21, 2026
5 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Kim Vogel Sawyer
80 books1,209 followersAward-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in the library. The little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Kim's titles now exceed 1.5 million copies and are available in six different languages. A former elementary school teacher, she now enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim's passion lies in writing stories that point the reader to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When Kim isn't writing, you'll find her traveling with her retired military hubby, spoiling her granddarlings, petting the cats, quilting, or--as time allows--participating in community theater. You can learn more about Kim's writing and speaking ministries at her website, KimVogelSawyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 11, 2025
Within a few pages, I knew that I held a masterpiece in my hands. Not only was the narrative captivating and propulsive, but the characters were endearing and life-like, and the writing style was inviting. I found it difficult to set this book down. In fact, this is one for the forever shelf.
New-to-me author Kim Vogel Sawyer writes to highlight the power of love, to remind us that God doesn’t always answer in the way we think He will, that He often puts people in our lives to help guide us in His will, and that roadblocks can be God’s means of redirection. Sawyer’s faith thread is gentle yet impactful.
Sawyer’s character development is absolutely AMAZING. Seven-year-old Marion Guy Sadler won my heart with his mispronunciations (Flippastines) and his soft heart. I was impressed with Callum and his 12-year-old daughter, Evelyn’s, transformations, which reminded me of the power of love. Hester Haak is a wonderful soul, and I hope we get to read more about her in future books.
I’m so glad I took a chance on this powerful story, as it will rank up there with my favourites of 2025.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
New-to-me author Kim Vogel Sawyer writes to highlight the power of love, to remind us that God doesn’t always answer in the way we think He will, that He often puts people in our lives to help guide us in His will, and that roadblocks can be God’s means of redirection. Sawyer’s faith thread is gentle yet impactful.
Sawyer’s character development is absolutely AMAZING. Seven-year-old Marion Guy Sadler won my heart with his mispronunciations (Flippastines) and his soft heart. I was impressed with Callum and his 12-year-old daughter, Evelyn’s, transformations, which reminded me of the power of love. Hester Haak is a wonderful soul, and I hope we get to read more about her in future books.
I’m so glad I took a chance on this powerful story, as it will rank up there with my favourites of 2025.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Currently reading
December 12, 2025Just got approved for the arc! So excited to read this one. 🤭
November 22, 2025
A wonderful heartfelt story set mainly in 1931, Kansas.
During the early days of the Depression, a younger childless widow feels led to adopt a child from the last Orphan Train out of New York City. Her life is about to change in more ways than she could ever imagine.
An absolutely heart tugging story with an array of characters who come together because of their love for children who need a home. The writing draws in multiple perspectives, with their colliding paths causing an ethical dilemma. There is a solid Christian message woven in that is an important redemptive theme in the end. I couldn't read it fast enough to see what happened.
Hester is an amazing person, living out her faith with kindness, patience, love and tender care, taking in children who bring many new challenges into her quiet life. Any new mom will relate to her struggles to manage a business and home life with not just one, but multiple children. She is inspiring in her devotion to help them, and rises to the challenge, even when faced with the possibility of losing them. I loved her sweet persevering nature, and her fun relationship with 'Uncle Scotty'.
Highly recommend this to fans of historical Christian fiction who love a good character driven story. A new one to add to my favorites list. Terrific! 5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)
During the early days of the Depression, a younger childless widow feels led to adopt a child from the last Orphan Train out of New York City. Her life is about to change in more ways than she could ever imagine.
An absolutely heart tugging story with an array of characters who come together because of their love for children who need a home. The writing draws in multiple perspectives, with their colliding paths causing an ethical dilemma. There is a solid Christian message woven in that is an important redemptive theme in the end. I couldn't read it fast enough to see what happened.
Hester is an amazing person, living out her faith with kindness, patience, love and tender care, taking in children who bring many new challenges into her quiet life. Any new mom will relate to her struggles to manage a business and home life with not just one, but multiple children. She is inspiring in her devotion to help them, and rises to the challenge, even when faced with the possibility of losing them. I loved her sweet persevering nature, and her fun relationship with 'Uncle Scotty'.
Highly recommend this to fans of historical Christian fiction who love a good character driven story. A new one to add to my favorites list. Terrific! 5 stars
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.)
November 25, 2025
As soon as I saw the words "Orphan train" I knew I wanted a chance to read this book. I have a special love for the history of the orphan trains--but that's a story for another day.
This is a rich a beautiful story about the power of a mother's love. There are four (if I remember right) POV: Hester Haak (our 38ish widow), Callum Holbrook (40ish widower), a 14 yearold girl, and Uncle Scotty (old bachelor).
I simply loved Hester's heart. She had a passion for children and believed that with her love paired with God's help--she could move mountains. I love how she fought hard for the children and left everything in God's hands in how it was all going to work. The way she loved the oldest girl through her difficulty. <3
Callum was so passionate in feeling he knew what was best for his girls and seeing him fight for them--yet still arguing with God...and then seeing his growth. It was great.
Uncle Scotty was my favorite. The sweet man. <3
Lots of lessons about how With God All things are Possible, as well as his promises that He has a future and hope for us all.
5 STars because I really didn't want to ever put it down.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.
This is a rich a beautiful story about the power of a mother's love. There are four (if I remember right) POV: Hester Haak (our 38ish widow), Callum Holbrook (40ish widower), a 14 yearold girl, and Uncle Scotty (old bachelor).
I simply loved Hester's heart. She had a passion for children and believed that with her love paired with God's help--she could move mountains. I love how she fought hard for the children and left everything in God's hands in how it was all going to work. The way she loved the oldest girl through her difficulty. <3
Callum was so passionate in feeling he knew what was best for his girls and seeing him fight for them--yet still arguing with God...and then seeing his growth. It was great.
Uncle Scotty was my favorite. The sweet man. <3
Lots of lessons about how With God All things are Possible, as well as his promises that He has a future and hope for us all.
5 STars because I really didn't want to ever put it down.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.
December 8, 2025
Where We Belong by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Its March 1931, Hesta Haak has always wanted a child but since her husband, Dale passed away she thought there was no hope of her ever being a mother. Then she found out the last Orphan Train was coming and Kansas where she lives will be the last stop. Hesta asks Scotty to watch the store while she goes to meet the train and she takes in not one but three orphans; two sisters Evelyn (Evvie) fourteen years of age, Edwina (Winnie) four years of age and a little boy, Guy who is eight years of age.
Evvie can not believe The Mission Church Home in New York City put her and her little sister Winnie on the Orphan train, they were not orphans. Their mother passed away while giving birth to Winnie and their dad placed them in the Mission Church Home for Orphans just until he gets back on his feet then he will be collecting them. Now her mission is to save up enough money to take a train back to New York City with Winnie to find her dad and finally be reunited with him. After all who does Hesta think she is taking them in.
Callum is so excited he can now collect his two girls, Evvie and Winnie. He finally has a good job and a furnished apartment for them to live in but as he walks in to the Mission Church Home for Orphans in New York City all his hopes are dashed. The home is closing; there are no children there at all, they have put his girls on the Orphan train. Now he must take time off from his job and take a train to Kansas to pick up his girls and bring them back but it may seem like a simple mission nothing goes to plan.
This book is written from Hesta’s, Evvie’s and Callum’s points of view.
A wonderful book that portrays that Gods plans are infinitely better than anything we may have planned and that God’s Love for us is everlasting.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing / WaterBrook Publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Its March 1931, Hesta Haak has always wanted a child but since her husband, Dale passed away she thought there was no hope of her ever being a mother. Then she found out the last Orphan Train was coming and Kansas where she lives will be the last stop. Hesta asks Scotty to watch the store while she goes to meet the train and she takes in not one but three orphans; two sisters Evelyn (Evvie) fourteen years of age, Edwina (Winnie) four years of age and a little boy, Guy who is eight years of age.
Evvie can not believe The Mission Church Home in New York City put her and her little sister Winnie on the Orphan train, they were not orphans. Their mother passed away while giving birth to Winnie and their dad placed them in the Mission Church Home for Orphans just until he gets back on his feet then he will be collecting them. Now her mission is to save up enough money to take a train back to New York City with Winnie to find her dad and finally be reunited with him. After all who does Hesta think she is taking them in.
Callum is so excited he can now collect his two girls, Evvie and Winnie. He finally has a good job and a furnished apartment for them to live in but as he walks in to the Mission Church Home for Orphans in New York City all his hopes are dashed. The home is closing; there are no children there at all, they have put his girls on the Orphan train. Now he must take time off from his job and take a train to Kansas to pick up his girls and bring them back but it may seem like a simple mission nothing goes to plan.
This book is written from Hesta’s, Evvie’s and Callum’s points of view.
A wonderful book that portrays that Gods plans are infinitely better than anything we may have planned and that God’s Love for us is everlasting.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing / WaterBrook Publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨📖 ARC Review: Where We Belong
by Kim Vogel Sawyer 💛🏡
Where We Belong is a tender, heart-deep story about love found through loss, courage born from grief, and the beautiful, unexpected ways family can take shape. Kim Vogel Sawyer once again delivers a story that feels gentle yet powerful, wrapping the reader in hope from the very first page.
Hester Haak is a quietly strong heroine—a widow whose lonely Kansas home is suddenly filled with life when she opens her doors to children from New York City. Watching her step into motherhood with grace, faith, and determination was incredibly moving. Her willingness to love deeply despite uncertainty is the emotional heartbeat of this novel. 💕🌾
On the other side of the story, Callum Holbrook’s journey is equally compelling. His anguish over being separated from his daughters is palpable, and his determination to bring them home makes for an emotionally charged, page-turning arc. The parallel journeys of Hester and Callum beautifully highlight themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of family. 👨👧👧✨
This novel shines in its quiet moments—the small acts of kindness, the steady growth of trust, and the reminder that “home” isn’t always a place, but the people who love us. With its faith-forward themes and deeply human characters, Where We Belong is both comforting and inspiring.
🌟 Perfect for readers who love:
Historical fiction with heart
Found family & second chances
Faith-centered stories of hope
Emotionally rich, character-driven novels
Thank you to Kim Vogel Sawyer for this beautiful, soul-stirring story. Where We Belong truly lives up to its title—this one will stay with you long after the final page. 💛📚
by Kim Vogel Sawyer 💛🏡
Where We Belong is a tender, heart-deep story about love found through loss, courage born from grief, and the beautiful, unexpected ways family can take shape. Kim Vogel Sawyer once again delivers a story that feels gentle yet powerful, wrapping the reader in hope from the very first page.
Hester Haak is a quietly strong heroine—a widow whose lonely Kansas home is suddenly filled with life when she opens her doors to children from New York City. Watching her step into motherhood with grace, faith, and determination was incredibly moving. Her willingness to love deeply despite uncertainty is the emotional heartbeat of this novel. 💕🌾
On the other side of the story, Callum Holbrook’s journey is equally compelling. His anguish over being separated from his daughters is palpable, and his determination to bring them home makes for an emotionally charged, page-turning arc. The parallel journeys of Hester and Callum beautifully highlight themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of family. 👨👧👧✨
This novel shines in its quiet moments—the small acts of kindness, the steady growth of trust, and the reminder that “home” isn’t always a place, but the people who love us. With its faith-forward themes and deeply human characters, Where We Belong is both comforting and inspiring.
🌟 Perfect for readers who love:
Historical fiction with heart
Found family & second chances
Faith-centered stories of hope
Emotionally rich, character-driven novels
Thank you to Kim Vogel Sawyer for this beautiful, soul-stirring story. Where We Belong truly lives up to its title—this one will stay with you long after the final page. 💛📚
November 12, 2025
Another favorite from one 9f my favorite authors. When I saw this I knew I had to have this story.
One of my favorite historical themes is the orphan trains that were sent West to find children new homes. Some homes worked and some didn't.
This is the story of the last orphan train ride that was sent West. A story that I dearly loved and couldn't put down.
For someone who is given the opportunity to have a home to come to Evelyn didn't appreciate it nor did I like her for that reason.
My favorite part was to read about how these characters grew and became the people they were meant to be.
Sawyer has done well with this story of finding one's place in this big old world.
This one will be placed on my shelf of favorites.
She's my auto go to buy and read.! I can't wait for more by her!
5 stars for keeping my interest all the way through and for showing us that family isn't always blood.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I loved every minute of it. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine
One of my favorite historical themes is the orphan trains that were sent West to find children new homes. Some homes worked and some didn't.
This is the story of the last orphan train ride that was sent West. A story that I dearly loved and couldn't put down.
For someone who is given the opportunity to have a home to come to Evelyn didn't appreciate it nor did I like her for that reason.
My favorite part was to read about how these characters grew and became the people they were meant to be.
Sawyer has done well with this story of finding one's place in this big old world.
This one will be placed on my shelf of favorites.
She's my auto go to buy and read.! I can't wait for more by her!
5 stars for keeping my interest all the way through and for showing us that family isn't always blood.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I loved every minute of it. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is such a warmhearted read, from beginning to end I was page turning for answers!
With the last orphan train coming, widow Haak decides she would like to adopt a daughter. We are with her as she arrives and their are three children left a boy, and two girls. There is a problem, she is single and they would rather the children go to the Poor Farm. Rules are rules, and with the orphanage closing in NYC, they let her take the children, all three, but will let her know.
The girls are four and thirteen, and what a handful the thirteen year old is, but is she wrong, she knows the truth!
The cast of characters here are so inspirational, they all rally to help, and are a bit not happy when the girls father, Callum arrives to take his girls.
I loved how this story evolved, and wish I could have continued here with this faith based book!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Penguin Random House Christian Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
With the last orphan train coming, widow Haak decides she would like to adopt a daughter. We are with her as she arrives and their are three children left a boy, and two girls. There is a problem, she is single and they would rather the children go to the Poor Farm. Rules are rules, and with the orphanage closing in NYC, they let her take the children, all three, but will let her know.
The girls are four and thirteen, and what a handful the thirteen year old is, but is she wrong, she knows the truth!
The cast of characters here are so inspirational, they all rally to help, and are a bit not happy when the girls father, Callum arrives to take his girls.
I loved how this story evolved, and wish I could have continued here with this faith based book!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Penguin Random House Christian Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.
November 12, 2025
A beautiful heartwarming story set in the early Great Depression. What a joy it was to read a story with such a wonderful perspective of raising children in a dark time. Loved the plot and how the storyline played out, with a hint of a romantic twist. The characters are so well written.
I definitely also felt that the topic of grief and faith was so well done and was incredibly inspiring.
The book was interestingly life giving in a way fiction books not often are. I shed a few tears and smiled many a smile as I read this book.
What a refreshing book in that it was an unpredictable and unique story in the genre of Christian historical fiction.
Picked it up and finished it in one sitting!
Advanced copy provided by NetGalley. Opinions are entirely my own.
I definitely also felt that the topic of grief and faith was so well done and was incredibly inspiring.
The book was interestingly life giving in a way fiction books not often are. I shed a few tears and smiled many a smile as I read this book.
What a refreshing book in that it was an unpredictable and unique story in the genre of Christian historical fiction.
Picked it up and finished it in one sitting!
Advanced copy provided by NetGalley. Opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing for this ARC! All thoughts are my own!
Ok, soooo I must make a confession.... I read over half of this book and then decided to DNF it. I just can't force myself right now! I'm just so not into straight historical fiction. It just does not excite me at all. I'm so sorry!
What I can say though to the positive is that this author is a skilled writer. I love how she phrases things and she clearly has a great eye for details and understands her characters well. This is a good book. It is just not for me personally. If you are someone who enjoy Christian historical fiction this is the book for you! I'm just not the right audience for this book unfortunately.
Thank you all for reading!
🤍🤍🤍
Ok, soooo I must make a confession.... I read over half of this book and then decided to DNF it. I just can't force myself right now! I'm just so not into straight historical fiction. It just does not excite me at all. I'm so sorry!
What I can say though to the positive is that this author is a skilled writer. I love how she phrases things and she clearly has a great eye for details and understands her characters well. This is a good book. It is just not for me personally. If you are someone who enjoy Christian historical fiction this is the book for you! I'm just not the right audience for this book unfortunately.
Thank you all for reading!
🤍🤍🤍
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
1931 Kansas
The orphan trains that traveled from the east coast to the Midwest are so fascinating. Hester and her husband weren't able to have children and then he tragically passed away. Hester's greatest desire is to become a mother. When she shows up at the last stop for the orphan train, the coordinators agree to give her temporary custody.
Meanwhile, back in New York, the father of the children she's just been granted temporary custody of has secured a way to care for them again. Heartache is surely ahead, but in Kim Vogel Sawyer fashion, hearts are warmed as well.
My gratitude to publisher Waterbrook for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
The orphan trains that traveled from the east coast to the Midwest are so fascinating. Hester and her husband weren't able to have children and then he tragically passed away. Hester's greatest desire is to become a mother. When she shows up at the last stop for the orphan train, the coordinators agree to give her temporary custody.
Meanwhile, back in New York, the father of the children she's just been granted temporary custody of has secured a way to care for them again. Heartache is surely ahead, but in Kim Vogel Sawyer fashion, hearts are warmed as well.
My gratitude to publisher Waterbrook for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Where We Belong by Kim Vogel Sawyer, is set in 1931 Kansas, early in the Great Depression. Widowed Hester Haak decides to adopt a child from the last Orphan train. She gets more than she bargained for with taking in 3 of the remaining children. Widower Callum put his girls into the asylum because he was unable to take care of them. Chance happenings are most of the time God’s plan and direction for your life. This book was full of Faith and chosen family. A wonderful read. Thank you to #NetGalley and #PenguinRandomHiuseChristian for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases April 21, 2026
November 16, 2025
This was a story that pulled at your heartstrings. Orphans from New York are now in Kansas. Hester Haak has a heart of gold and offers them a home. A father is attempting to find his two daughters, who were placed in an orphanage until he could find a place to raise them.
The author did a fantastic job on this book, but then I am never disappointed in her writing. I did not want the story to end, and I know this story will stay with me for a very long time. It will be a story I would not mind reading again and again. I loved the characters.
The author did a fantastic job on this book, but then I am never disappointed in her writing. I did not want the story to end, and I know this story will stay with me for a very long time. It will be a story I would not mind reading again and again. I loved the characters.
November 6, 2025
This is a heart-warming and poignant novel about love and family, keeping promises and trusting God. The characters are very easy to love, and Sawyer has just the right amount of tension as the story unfolds. I enjoyed reading it very much. Keep your tissues handy!
“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #WhereWeBelong #NetGalley
“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." #WhereWeBelong #NetGalley
December 5, 2025
Thanks to the Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I wasn't sure if I would like this, thought it might be a little slow, but I loved it. Such a tender heartwarming read with wonderful characters. The children were very sweet and Hester was so patient and kind. Callendum was great and Uncle Scotty was a hoot. Highly recommend
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved reading the inspirational and engaging story. When Hester adopts three children, two girls who are sisters and a boy, she is blessed and thrilled to be a mother, but Callum is determined to get his two daughters back. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story by the phenomenal author, Kim Vogel Sawyer.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews