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Orphan Train #0.5
An Awakened Heart
Longing to do more with her privileged life, Christine Pendelton begins volunteering at Centre Street Chapel. There she meets Guy Bedell, a pastor who shares her heart for the less fortunate. When Christine challenges Guy’s methods of helping, can they find a new way to reach out to the poor—and to connect with each other?
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2017
754 people are currently reading
1900 people want to read
About the author
Jody Hedlund
104 books4,710 followersJody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
May 1, 2017
Available for Free on Kindle right now!
Pure Hedlund Magic! Jody Hedlund immerses reader's into the world of 1850's New York City while also confronting the conditions of the city's immigrant population. We have German-American sisters, Elise, Marianne, and Sophie, orphaned by the recent deaths of both parents and trying to escape life on the streets. Other characters are spinster, Christine Pendleton and a widowed Reverend, who want to help women end their dependence on prostitution. Although a novella, I felt that Jody Hedlund gave me enough details to feel like this was a full feature story.
I cannot wait to dive into this series!
Pure Hedlund Magic! Jody Hedlund immerses reader's into the world of 1850's New York City while also confronting the conditions of the city's immigrant population. We have German-American sisters, Elise, Marianne, and Sophie, orphaned by the recent deaths of both parents and trying to escape life on the streets. Other characters are spinster, Christine Pendleton and a widowed Reverend, who want to help women end their dependence on prostitution. Although a novella, I felt that Jody Hedlund gave me enough details to feel like this was a full feature story.
I cannot wait to dive into this series!
April 25, 2017
I loved this novella! Such a good introduction to the characters that will be in the author's new Orphan Train series. There is a sweet romance in this story with Christine and Guy who are amazing characters, which made the novella feel complete, while at the same time introducing us to the sisters and children who will become part of their lives. I seriously cannot wait to read the first full-length book in the series, With You Always.
April 5, 2017
I can not wait to read book 1. I really enjoyed this one!
May 9, 2017
A very good introduction to Jody Hedlund's newest series, Orphan Train. I loved reading Guy and Christine's story and getting acquainted with the Neumann sisters. The novella is about a dozen chapters and includes the first five chapters of book 1.
June 1, 2017
A nice start to the Orphan Train Series. Readers get a glimpse at how children became orphans in late 1800s New York City. I look forward to seeing what happens to Elise and her small "family".
May 10, 2018
I enjoyed this quick novella! Novellas in general tend to feel rushed, but I found this one to be endearing and a great start to Hedlund's new series. This is definitely meant to give readers a peek into the full series, including characters with stories that still need resolution. The main characters of the novella, however, have a complete story, and for such a short space, this one is told well. I also appreciated the realistic look at the bleak life of those living in poverty in New York City in the late 1850's and the desire of people like Christine to move beyond words and put them into action. I'm eager for the Orphan Train series and to see these characters again.
May 26, 2017
I had just finished a book where the author chose to use an unfortunate way of expressing romance...by thought bubbles pointing out the other's body parts, or what they want to do with said body parts. Ugh.
Now, in this book An Awakened Heart there was mention of noticing broad shoulders, for instance, but they always chastised themselves for thinking those thoughts, or turned those attractive parts into how they minister to her or others. This.... this shows the difference between titillating wording or true heartfelt consideration...
Quote from An Awakened Heart:
"However, as he began his prayer, she couldn’t think about anything but the warm pressure of his hands against hers. His fingers were strong but also contained a tenderness she’d grown to appreciate about him. In fact, there were many things she’d learned about him that she liked. He was humble, open to her ideas, and yet he wasn’t a pushover. He always had insightful suggestions and advice to add to her plans. He was also diligent and hardworking. He arrived at the chapel before her every day and left later. He was kind and merciful to all those he came into contact with, yet he hadn’t hesitated to confront a couple of drunken men who’d disrupted the worship service. He was tough and intimidating when he needd to be.
"She peeked up at him, taking a few seconds to study his features as he prayed. She liked the square solidness of his chin, the smile lines next to his eyes, and the peaceful look on his face. She found herself captivated by his mouth and and the purposefulness of each word he spoke. Suddenly his lips stopped moving, and she saw that he had one eye half open and was peeking back at her. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I was just . . . just . . .”
“You were just praying with your eyes open?”....
You see how much romance is shown without the in-your-face litany of mouth-watering body parts? One goes beyond the surface into the strength and heart of the other person.
Okay, stepping off soapbox. My style, my sort of aaaah factor.
I'm a Jody Hedlund fan. I've heard some aren't as fond of her serious writing, but I find it fascinating. In this book Christine is encouraged by the minister from the Centre Street Chapel, (Guy) who encourages the flock to minister to the immigrants of New York City, whose lives are sinful by choice, or, as in the case of the prostitutes, by little choice, from which they experience crowding, extreme struggles, sadness, filth, and/or starvation.
The question is, do you help them out (better jobs, food, money) and lead them to the Lord by love, or do you show them the error of their ways and tell them of the love of God who can help them live better? Both Guy and Christine have opposite views on this, but Ladies Home Missionary Society has tied Guys hands with regard to what he's allowed to do for them.
Love the growing attraction between them as they struggle the issues together, she being a 30 year old spinster who feels unattractive and unworthy, he, a 40 year old widower with little income. I also love the cause they both feel passionate about.
How any of this relates to the orphan train is never mentioned...so I'll have to look at the following books.
Loved this book!
Now, in this book An Awakened Heart there was mention of noticing broad shoulders, for instance, but they always chastised themselves for thinking those thoughts, or turned those attractive parts into how they minister to her or others. This.... this shows the difference between titillating wording or true heartfelt consideration...
Quote from An Awakened Heart:
"However, as he began his prayer, she couldn’t think about anything but the warm pressure of his hands against hers. His fingers were strong but also contained a tenderness she’d grown to appreciate about him. In fact, there were many things she’d learned about him that she liked. He was humble, open to her ideas, and yet he wasn’t a pushover. He always had insightful suggestions and advice to add to her plans. He was also diligent and hardworking. He arrived at the chapel before her every day and left later. He was kind and merciful to all those he came into contact with, yet he hadn’t hesitated to confront a couple of drunken men who’d disrupted the worship service. He was tough and intimidating when he needd to be.
"She peeked up at him, taking a few seconds to study his features as he prayed. She liked the square solidness of his chin, the smile lines next to his eyes, and the peaceful look on his face. She found herself captivated by his mouth and and the purposefulness of each word he spoke. Suddenly his lips stopped moving, and she saw that he had one eye half open and was peeking back at her. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I was just . . . just . . .”
“You were just praying with your eyes open?”....
You see how much romance is shown without the in-your-face litany of mouth-watering body parts? One goes beyond the surface into the strength and heart of the other person.
Okay, stepping off soapbox. My style, my sort of aaaah factor.
I'm a Jody Hedlund fan. I've heard some aren't as fond of her serious writing, but I find it fascinating. In this book Christine is encouraged by the minister from the Centre Street Chapel, (Guy) who encourages the flock to minister to the immigrants of New York City, whose lives are sinful by choice, or, as in the case of the prostitutes, by little choice, from which they experience crowding, extreme struggles, sadness, filth, and/or starvation.
The question is, do you help them out (better jobs, food, money) and lead them to the Lord by love, or do you show them the error of their ways and tell them of the love of God who can help them live better? Both Guy and Christine have opposite views on this, but Ladies Home Missionary Society has tied Guys hands with regard to what he's allowed to do for them.
Love the growing attraction between them as they struggle the issues together, she being a 30 year old spinster who feels unattractive and unworthy, he, a 40 year old widower with little income. I also love the cause they both feel passionate about.
How any of this relates to the orphan train is never mentioned...so I'll have to look at the following books.
Loved this book!
July 27, 2017
This story has some very beautiful moments. I greatly admired how Christine stepped out in faith to follow where God was calling her. I really liked Elise and her sisters, in fact I hadn't been planning to read With You Always, but now after meeting Elise in this story I kind of want to read her story at some point! This book was a good one time read.
June 12, 2017
Jody Hedlund's historical fiction is always wonderful and never disappoints. This novella introduces her Orphan Train series and definitely left me wanting to see what would happen next. Even though a novella, the characters had depth, and the plot line led beautifully into the next book in the series.
There were so many wonderful characters in this novel. The growth in Rev. Bedell through Christine's pointing out that just directing the poor and downtrodden to faith wasn't enough forced him to take a look at himself. He learned to walk the walk and not just talk the talk as Christine walked the walk as she developed plans to help the women in the slums of New York City lift themselves to a better life along with their children. Christine had such strong faith. She never let setbacks stop her as she along with her cherished jack-of-all trades Ridley discovered other ways to assist these downtrodden women. Sisters, Marianne, Elise, and Sophie, along with the two orphaned children they cared for, had strength they all didn't even know existed as they fought to stay together through despicable acts foisted on them by their drunken uncle and a male border. All of these characters added a richness to this novella, and I can't wait to see what happens to them next.
There were so many wonderful characters in this novel. The growth in Rev. Bedell through Christine's pointing out that just directing the poor and downtrodden to faith wasn't enough forced him to take a look at himself. He learned to walk the walk and not just talk the talk as Christine walked the walk as she developed plans to help the women in the slums of New York City lift themselves to a better life along with their children. Christine had such strong faith. She never let setbacks stop her as she along with her cherished jack-of-all trades Ridley discovered other ways to assist these downtrodden women. Sisters, Marianne, Elise, and Sophie, along with the two orphaned children they cared for, had strength they all didn't even know existed as they fought to stay together through despicable acts foisted on them by their drunken uncle and a male border. All of these characters added a richness to this novella, and I can't wait to see what happens to them next.
June 8, 2017
Wonderful novella! I highly recommend it!
June 30, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
This series was a highly anticipated one for me. However, it fell short of my expectations.
What I liked:
The theme of discovering and then pursuing God's calling on one's life was beautifully depicted.
Elise was incredibly protective of her sisters and two orphaned children. This mothering spirit is a precious thing, and it was sweetly written.
The heroism a side character showed toward Elise was breathtaking.
What I disliked and content advisory:
The use of an analogy of a drunken man by a Christian character seemed inappropriate to me. Alcohol use and drunks were present in several scenes.
Prostitution was a large theme, though it was handled fairly well. What was hard to swallow about it, though, was that one character told his young niece she should "go sell [herself] like all the other girls" were doing. This was quite appalling behavior.
There was an awkward moment when two people were supposed to be praying over their God-ordained mission. Instead of communing with God about the mission's concerns and future, the lady ogled the man. The man caught her doing this and made the moment even more awkward by quizzing her about it. This was incredibly disrespectful of God, particularly since both characters had seemed to be trying their best to follow God's call and be devoted to His work prior to this moment. It was also disrespectful to the lady (by the man), because he put her in a very awkward situation by asking her if she wanted to kiss him. That seemed really strange for the moment and the era to me. It seemed really inconsistent with the goals of both characters as well, and it was a pivotal moment that switched the focus of the story from following God's call on one's life to pursuing romance before God's call. The shift in perspective did not change back for me from this point forward.
Two extended and passionate kissing scenes disrupted the flow for me. These were also a main reason why the shift in focus seemed to stick around for me.
There was a lewd scene that included the groping of a woman and a subsequent groin shot in self-defense. I found these things unnecessary and inappropriate.
There was a threat of "hacking off" someone's fingers.
There was a mention of the "hardness" of a man's muscles.
Two expletive phrases were used.
What disappointed me the most was that this book had nothing to do with an orphan train. It did not seem to be placed in the correct series since it did not introduce the idea of an orphan train. I can see how the mission work the leads were doing could possibly eventually lead to the creation of an orphan train, but that possibility had to be completely conjured up in my own imagination, because it was not even hinted at during any of the scenes. I was puzzled as to how it would fit into the series since it didn't seem to be connected other than possibly giving background information on some of the characters that will appear in the first full-length book in the series.
In summary:
Though there were things that hampered my enjoyment of this book, there were reasons to appreciate it as well. I liked the deep faith thread through the first eight or nine chapters. The compassion in the leading lady was wonderful also. I hope others enjoy this book much more than I was able to.
I was not compensated for my honest review.
This series was a highly anticipated one for me. However, it fell short of my expectations.
What I liked:
The theme of discovering and then pursuing God's calling on one's life was beautifully depicted.
Elise was incredibly protective of her sisters and two orphaned children. This mothering spirit is a precious thing, and it was sweetly written.
The heroism a side character showed toward Elise was breathtaking.
What I disliked and content advisory:
The use of an analogy of a drunken man by a Christian character seemed inappropriate to me. Alcohol use and drunks were present in several scenes.
Prostitution was a large theme, though it was handled fairly well. What was hard to swallow about it, though, was that one character told his young niece she should "go sell [herself] like all the other girls" were doing. This was quite appalling behavior.
There was an awkward moment when two people were supposed to be praying over their God-ordained mission. Instead of communing with God about the mission's concerns and future, the lady ogled the man. The man caught her doing this and made the moment even more awkward by quizzing her about it. This was incredibly disrespectful of God, particularly since both characters had seemed to be trying their best to follow God's call and be devoted to His work prior to this moment. It was also disrespectful to the lady (by the man), because he put her in a very awkward situation by asking her if she wanted to kiss him. That seemed really strange for the moment and the era to me. It seemed really inconsistent with the goals of both characters as well, and it was a pivotal moment that switched the focus of the story from following God's call on one's life to pursuing romance before God's call. The shift in perspective did not change back for me from this point forward.
Two extended and passionate kissing scenes disrupted the flow for me. These were also a main reason why the shift in focus seemed to stick around for me.
There was a lewd scene that included the groping of a woman and a subsequent groin shot in self-defense. I found these things unnecessary and inappropriate.
There was a threat of "hacking off" someone's fingers.
There was a mention of the "hardness" of a man's muscles.
Two expletive phrases were used.
What disappointed me the most was that this book had nothing to do with an orphan train. It did not seem to be placed in the correct series since it did not introduce the idea of an orphan train. I can see how the mission work the leads were doing could possibly eventually lead to the creation of an orphan train, but that possibility had to be completely conjured up in my own imagination, because it was not even hinted at during any of the scenes. I was puzzled as to how it would fit into the series since it didn't seem to be connected other than possibly giving background information on some of the characters that will appear in the first full-length book in the series.
In summary:
Though there were things that hampered my enjoyment of this book, there were reasons to appreciate it as well. I liked the deep faith thread through the first eight or nine chapters. The compassion in the leading lady was wonderful also. I hope others enjoy this book much more than I was able to.
I was not compensated for my honest review.
February 14, 2019
3.5
Reading Challenge Categories:
-February Bookish Bingo: A novella
-Romance Novel Bookish Bingo: Novella
Reading Challenge Categories:
-February Bookish Bingo: A novella
-Romance Novel Bookish Bingo: Novella
April 12, 2017
A page turner for sure, and then a cliff hanger, but then this is a prequel, and it sure did get my interest, and yes I will be reading With You Always, to be published on June 6, 2017.
This story brings to light the conditions of our immigrants in the tenements in New York City, a small community in a jungle of so many. We see the deplorable conditions, and things look so bleak for these people, especially the children. There are so many with no food or housing, and the life on the streets is horrible.
The story focuses on Elise Neumann, a German immigrant who has the responsibility of her younger sisters, as they are orphans. We see the working conditions in what is really small sweatshops set up in people’s homes. Deplorable.
Here is the link it is a free read, you don’t want to miss!
https://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Heart...
This story brings to light the conditions of our immigrants in the tenements in New York City, a small community in a jungle of so many. We see the deplorable conditions, and things look so bleak for these people, especially the children. There are so many with no food or housing, and the life on the streets is horrible.
The story focuses on Elise Neumann, a German immigrant who has the responsibility of her younger sisters, as they are orphans. We see the working conditions in what is really small sweatshops set up in people’s homes. Deplorable.
Here is the link it is a free read, you don’t want to miss!
https://www.amazon.com/Awakened-Heart...
October 9, 2017
Darn teaser novellas making me want to read the series. 😄
April 11, 2017
" . . . . .what we thought as failure was really God moving us on to what He had planned all along."
What exactly has God planned for Christine Pendleton and the Reverend Guy Bedell? A lonely young heiress intent on serving God with her life; an impassioned pastor who feels blocked in his efforts to move his ministry to the impoverished immigrants of New York City even one tiny step forward.
Elise Neumann carries the burden of one much older than her nineteen years, as she tries to care for her younger siblings after the death of their mother. Working tirelessly in her uncle's sweat shop, her circumstances become much more perilous after unscrupulous advances. Where will they go and what will they do, without shelter or employment?
Join Jody Hedlund as she skillfully weaves God's calling and the desperate cry of a young woman into a tapestry of faith, showcasing God's ability to do beyond what we could ask or think. It's an intriguing prequel to her forthcoming release, "Orphan Train".
What exactly has God planned for Christine Pendleton and the Reverend Guy Bedell? A lonely young heiress intent on serving God with her life; an impassioned pastor who feels blocked in his efforts to move his ministry to the impoverished immigrants of New York City even one tiny step forward.
Elise Neumann carries the burden of one much older than her nineteen years, as she tries to care for her younger siblings after the death of their mother. Working tirelessly in her uncle's sweat shop, her circumstances become much more perilous after unscrupulous advances. Where will they go and what will they do, without shelter or employment?
Join Jody Hedlund as she skillfully weaves God's calling and the desperate cry of a young woman into a tapestry of faith, showcasing God's ability to do beyond what we could ask or think. It's an intriguing prequel to her forthcoming release, "Orphan Train".
June 8, 2017
This free ebook novella was such a nice way to introduce the Orphan Train series. The plot and characters were very nicely developed and I easily connected with them. There are actually two storylines going on in this book and both are very good. An Awakened Heart follows the story of a man and woman who are working to reach out to the destitute in their city, but it also introduces the reader to a poor immigrant family who is struggling to survive. It is a very moving tale and really sets the stage for the next book in the series.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
July 19, 2017
Simple introduction novella to Jody's "Orphan Train" series.
This story focuses mostly on Christine and her genuine heart for helping the less fortunate. Elise (With You Always) also plays an important role in the story which is a nice segway into her full-length story. (Plus, it helps us understand the danger of Elise and her sister's circumstances, and the friendship Elise has with her neighbor. A plot that is further explored in 'Always.')
Though not necessary to enjoy With You Always, 'Heart' does add context to what comes.
This story focuses mostly on Christine and her genuine heart for helping the less fortunate. Elise (With You Always) also plays an important role in the story which is a nice segway into her full-length story. (Plus, it helps us understand the danger of Elise and her sister's circumstances, and the friendship Elise has with her neighbor. A plot that is further explored in 'Always.')
Though not necessary to enjoy With You Always, 'Heart' does add context to what comes.
July 3, 2017
I read this after reading With You Always. I'm not a fan of novellas so I didn't read this before the first book in this series. I kind of wish I had now. It gives s good foundation for the series and the following book.
It also is a heart touching story on its own...yes, even though it's a novella. I highly recommend reading this before the series if you get the chance.
It also is a heart touching story on its own...yes, even though it's a novella. I highly recommend reading this before the series if you get the chance.
June 11, 2018
2.5 stars. A nice introduction to the series. This was heavy on the Message and will seem too preachy for non-believers. However, I liked it. I do wish there was a bit more character development, but it was decent for a novella. I hope to see the MCs again in the subsequent books of this series.
March 21, 2020
A good opener to the Orphan Train series. I enjoyed the story and meeting the characters that we will get to know as the series progresses. Looking forward to the rest of the set!
March 26, 2020
Great introduction to a series I'm looking forward to reading !
May 13, 2017
Loved it!.
An Awakened Heart is a beautiful story of a young woman who has a strong desire to do Gods will in helping the immigrants in New York. She is wealthy woman who has felt unloved her whole life and considers herself a spinster for life. That is, until a handsome widower, who is a missionary takes an interest in her and what God is calling them to do. The attraction between these two was so romantic.
This was a beautiful story of being the hands and feet of Jesus. I highly recommend it.
An Awakened Heart is a beautiful story of a young woman who has a strong desire to do Gods will in helping the immigrants in New York. She is wealthy woman who has felt unloved her whole life and considers herself a spinster for life. That is, until a handsome widower, who is a missionary takes an interest in her and what God is calling them to do. The attraction between these two was so romantic.
This was a beautiful story of being the hands and feet of Jesus. I highly recommend it.
April 25, 2017
I can't wait to read this series.
March 4, 2018
An Awakened Heart by Jody Hedlund is the most delightful Christian historical novella. It is the prequel to the Orphan Train series.
The story is set in 1857 and concerns the plight of the poor in New York City. Packed into overcrowded tenements, the poor did what they had to to feed their families. "Immigrant women should have more choices than prostitution or death." Their 'choices' were forced on them by circumstances.
Churches seemed more concerned with "feeding their souls while allowing their bodies to languish." However God had other plans.
God's plans are so much greater than ours. He opens hearts and minds, bringing people together who can orchestrate His vision. When He places a dream in your heart, it cannot fail no matter what men say.
How big is your God? Do we dream big? Or do we limit the size of God? Do not put God in a box.
God sees the desires of our heart. It is never too late to realise those dreams.
The novel is concerned with taking care of widows and orphans. He sees everyone. Not a sparrow falls that God does not see. No matter how dark your life, keep focused on God. "No matter how lost you feel... keep His light burning bright inside you."
The miracle working God of the Bible is still in the same business today.
We need faith and good works. A fact that is clearly shown in the novel. It is the dawn of philanthropy that works perfectly in partnership with God.
An Awakened Heart is a quick but powerful and delightful read. Jody Hedlund's characters weave their way into the hearts of the readers. I cannot wait to continue the story.
An absolute delight displaying the mighty power of God working through His people.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The story is set in 1857 and concerns the plight of the poor in New York City. Packed into overcrowded tenements, the poor did what they had to to feed their families. "Immigrant women should have more choices than prostitution or death." Their 'choices' were forced on them by circumstances.
Churches seemed more concerned with "feeding their souls while allowing their bodies to languish." However God had other plans.
God's plans are so much greater than ours. He opens hearts and minds, bringing people together who can orchestrate His vision. When He places a dream in your heart, it cannot fail no matter what men say.
How big is your God? Do we dream big? Or do we limit the size of God? Do not put God in a box.
God sees the desires of our heart. It is never too late to realise those dreams.
The novel is concerned with taking care of widows and orphans. He sees everyone. Not a sparrow falls that God does not see. No matter how dark your life, keep focused on God. "No matter how lost you feel... keep His light burning bright inside you."
The miracle working God of the Bible is still in the same business today.
We need faith and good works. A fact that is clearly shown in the novel. It is the dawn of philanthropy that works perfectly in partnership with God.
An Awakened Heart is a quick but powerful and delightful read. Jody Hedlund's characters weave their way into the hearts of the readers. I cannot wait to continue the story.
An absolute delight displaying the mighty power of God working through His people.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
August 15, 2024
This novella was amazing! I am intrigued and I can't wait to read more in the series!
May 24, 2018
4.5 stats
I really loved this novella, it's so warm and brutal at the same time, I LOVED Christine and her determination to help .. and Guy was the perfect partner for that, I'm really interested in Elise and what will happen to her that I might read the series.. very good novella
I really loved this novella, it's so warm and brutal at the same time, I LOVED Christine and her determination to help .. and Guy was the perfect partner for that, I'm really interested in Elise and what will happen to her that I might read the series.. very good novella
May 3, 2021
I enjoyed this introduction to The Orphan Train series. I enjoyed the freshness, honesty and courage Christine's character brought to the story and how she challenged Guy Bedell to not only preach Jesus but be Jesus.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the Neumann sisters will overcome their losses and challenges in this series.
This is free on Kindle.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the Neumann sisters will overcome their losses and challenges in this series.
This is free on Kindle.
July 4, 2020
A quick read that takes you into the heart of America where poverty and survival were and everyday occurrence. Heartfelt, this story definitely tugged on the heartstrings. Only faith could help them make a stand. Really a great read.
June 22, 2017
This is a free novella published to point the reader to Jody Hedlund's novel "With You Always." It's a promotional book, a tease to buy the novel. It's good to understand that before reading, so the reader isn't disappointed by the ending. It doesn't end so much as it just stops. The reader can assume that the story will pick up again in the novel.
This story is an eye-opening look into the tenements of New York during the mid-1800s. The poverty, the squalor, the desperation, and degradation. A stark look into a time of change and growth for a country absorbing more people than it would handle. But God placed people in the midst who cared and who worked to make a difference.
Worth reading, whether you continue on to read the novel or not.
This story is an eye-opening look into the tenements of New York during the mid-1800s. The poverty, the squalor, the desperation, and degradation. A stark look into a time of change and growth for a country absorbing more people than it would handle. But God placed people in the midst who cared and who worked to make a difference.
Worth reading, whether you continue on to read the novel or not.
October 29, 2017
Featured on FaithfullyBookish.com 4/14/17
Every time I read a Jody Hedlund book, I realize it has been way too long since I last read a Jody Hedlund book! I love the way she weaves history and fiction together.
An Awakened Heart takes readers through the streets of the poorest immigrant neighborhoods and into the lives of those called to minister to them. I adore this story and I'm especially excited to find out where the orphan train series is going to take us!
Every time I read a Jody Hedlund book, I realize it has been way too long since I last read a Jody Hedlund book! I love the way she weaves history and fiction together.
An Awakened Heart takes readers through the streets of the poorest immigrant neighborhoods and into the lives of those called to minister to them. I adore this story and I'm especially excited to find out where the orphan train series is going to take us!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews