Ty Hampton is fourteen when he becomes an orphan in Owensville, Missouri. Adopted, he is used as a slave for the family. At sixteen he leaves his adoptive family to start his own life. Traveling to Junction City, Kansas, Ty uses his older-looking appearance and lies about his age to become a deputy sheriff. Two years after becoming a deputy, Ty witnesses a group of orphans arriving in Junction City via the Orphan Train. Among them is Addison Lane, a spirited thirteen-year-old girl who stands out for her beauty and innocence. Ty observes as Addison is illegally adopted by a known pedophile with the help of a fraudulent judge. Recognizing the danger she faces, Ty kidnaps Addison to save her. While traveling to Texas to escape arrest, Ty leaves Addi with a preacher and his wife. But Addi escapes and wanders the town alone and scared, hoping Ty returns for her, which he does. They make a home in Brady, Texas, living as brother and sister in a platonic relationship. But their relationship is bewildering, as Addi is in love with her knight in shining armor, but Ty feels she is too young for him. Their relationship is tested over the next few years as other women express an interest in Ty and he explores his options. Meanwhile, Addi becomes known as fearless as she attacks outlaws with rocks, escapes kidnapping by ruthless men, and stands next to Ty during gunfights. Lots of action and laughs ensue as the couple claim to be siblings, but a romantic relationship is budding. Take a journey with Ty and Addi as they grow and decide how to handle their relationship and the judgment of others, including the possibility of starting over again. Orphans is a story chock-full of action, humor, and love.
Ty Hampton's world shattered when a devastating fire claimed his parents' lives, leaving the 14-year-old orphaned and alone on their struggling farm. Unable to manage the land by himself, he was placed on an orphan train and adopted by a farmer who treated him more like a laborer than a son. Enduring harsh conditions, Ty grew strong and resilient, biding his time until he could forge his own path.
At 16, muscular and determined, Ty departed with an old horse gifted by the farmer's wife. His journey led him to meet Lance Kain, a seasoned wilderness survivor who became a mentor, teaching Ty essential skills of survival, marksmanship, and sound decision-making.
Reaching Junction City, Ty seized an opportunity by claiming to be older than his years and securing a position as a deputy sheriff. His newfound authority would soon be tested when the orphan train arrived, bringing with it a dangerous situation involving a vulnerable child named Addison. Ty's quick thinking and courage would be crucial in preventing a potential tragedy, setting the stage for an intense and gripping adventure that would challenge everything he had learned.
Ok as much as I'd like to give this book a higher rating for the great plot, I just couldn't do it. I felt like I was reading a grade school story that was borderline x rated. Don't get me wrong I loved the story, just not how it was written! Because I really enjoyed both of these two I'm sure I'll read the next one!
Well told story keeps moving at a good pace and follows the story line throughout. The characters develop and mature with ease , the book was fun to read and I will look for more books by Picky Tucker.
I am a very avid reader. Been reading books for over 50 + years ..... This is the best story I ever read.... Will definitely read the sequel. Looking forward to another book by Mr. Percy Trucker...