New York Orphan

by Rosemary J. Kind

From fleeing the Irish Potato Famine, to losing his parents on the ship to New York, seven-year-old Daniel Flynn knows about adversity. As Daniel sings the songs of home to earn pennies for food, pick-pocket Thomas Reilly becomes his ally and friend, until he too is cast out onto the street.
A destitute refugee in a foreign land, Daniel, together with Thomas and his sister Molly, are swept up by the Orphan Train Movement to find better lives with families across America. For Daniel will the dream prove elusive?

How strong are bonds of loyalty when everything is at stake?

Based on real history, the strength of the characters in New York Orphan will move you with their desperate plight to survive. A gripping story of love, loss, betrayal and bonds of kinship.

Genres: Historical Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

Published October 23, 2017

About the author

Rosemary J Kind writes because she has to. You could take almost anything away from her except her pen and paper. Failing to stop after the book that everyone has in them, she has gone on to publish books in both non-fiction and fiction, the latter including novels, humour, short stories and poetry. She also regularly produces magazine articles in a number of areas and writes regularly for the dog press.

As a child she was desolate when at the age of 10 her then teacher would not believe that her poem based on ‘Stig in the Dump’ was her own work and she stopped writing poetry for several years as a result. She was persuaded to continue by the invitation to earn a little extra pocket money by ‘assisting’ others to produce the required poems for English homework!

Always one to spot an opportunity, she started school newspapers and went on to begin providing paid copy to her local newspaper at the age of 16.

For twenty years she followed a traditional business career, before seeing the error of her ways and leaving it all behind to pursue her writing full-time.

She spends her life discussing her plots with the characters in her head and her faithful dogs, who always put the opposing arguments when there are choices to be made.

Always willing to take on challenges that sensible people regard as impossible, she set up the short story download site Alfie Dog Fiction in 2012. During the six years the site ran, she built it to be one of the largest such sites in the world.

Her hobby is developing the Entlebucher Mountain Dog in the UK and when she brought her beloved Alfie back from Belgium he was only the tenth in the country.

She started writing Alfie’s Diary as an internet blog the day Alfie arrived to live with her, intending to continue for a year or two. It has now run for over fifteen years and is repeatedly named as one of the top ten pet blogs in the UK. You can read Alfie’s Diary at www.alfiedog.me.uk

She now lives in Warwickshire with her husband and dogs Alfie, Shadow, Wilma and Aristotle, the latter being Shadow’s wayward son.

She hopes you will enjoy reading her work.

Reviews

[D.A. Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I defy anyone to read New York Orphan and not be moved. I was moved. Daniel's story of great adversity, of being knocked down again and again, yet rising to fight on is inspirational. His friendships with Thomas and Molly are the heart of this well researched and beautifully written work of dramatic historical fiction. All the virtue and vice of humanity is on display. I was cheering for Daniel all he way through. I laughed and celebrated with him, and I suffered with him through cruelty, disappointment and injustice.

What I particularly liked about New York Orphan was the author's efficiency. Every line, every conversation, every scene built the narrative and more importantly built the characters. I've read a lot of books which are replete with 'filler' material, but Kind manages successfully to craft a story in which every word counts. In my book, (pardon the pun), that makes for great writing. I look forward to reading more from Rosemary J. Kind.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that NEW YORK ORPHAN by Rosemary J. Kind is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Virginia Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow. This book was just so good! This series has to be one of my top favorite in historical fiction. If I had a list (which I don't but should) it would totally be in the top ten. Why, you may ask?

1) THE CHARACTERS! You've got Daniel, the timid and shy kid who just wants to belong. He seems to get all of life's hard knocks. He's an underdog the reader can really get behind. Then there's Molly. I wouldn't exactly call her spunky. She's resourceful, brave and has a tender heart. Idk, maybe I would call her spunky. And Tom. Now there's a complex hot mess of emotion. If you read any of my status updates for this book then you know I'm not Tom's number one fan. He's a jerk. He's self-centered. I mean he abandoned Daniel and did everything in his power to cut all ties with HIS OWN SISTER. Then there was the situation with Briggs. Ugh. To some degree I can kinda see where Tom (Not William. He'll always be Tom to me) wanted to forget his past and move on. I get that. But MOLLY? However, I will say by the end he made up for his jerkiness so I've got to give him some credit there. The characters made this book and I couldn't get enough of them.

2) Literally everything else. The flow. The historical aspects. The writing style. The cover. Flawless. Not once did the story lag for me. It was really neat watching the M.C'S grow up over the years. Great themes of family, legacy, and forgiveness. Did I mention there were hints of newsies? An automatic plus for me :) I loved the references to characters from The Blight and the Blarney - Part 1 - The Story. Some Christian content, praying and mention of the prodigal son. There was a handful of Catholic references which I get to a degree since the main characters are Irish.

There was only one thing that really didn't set right and that was some brief, very brief, language. Take that out and I'd give this a full five stars. I'm giving it a 4.5.

I totally recommend this series for fans of historical fiction, New York in the 1800's, orphans trains, character-driven stories and happy endings. I suggest starting with The Blight and the Blarney - Part 1 - The Story. If you do, it'll be bittersweet and who doesn't enjoy that? I'm definitely going to continue the series.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story drew me in from the beginning. A young boy of seven, Daniel Flynn, traveling with his parents from Ireland to America loses his parents during the travels. Once in America, he was lucky enough to run into Thomas Reilly who took him home to his ill mother and his sister, Molly. When Thomas and Molly's mother passes, they find themselves with no place to go and end up on an orphan train.

It was very interesting to see where these three young children ended up. Each living a different type of life. After being betrayed by Thomas, Daniel's life is full of difficulties. Molly, not knowing where the two boys are, goes in search of them with the help of her adoptive mother. Thomas, now an attorneys son, has changed his name to William and wants nothing to do with Molly or Daniel. With Daniel in jail, William has a change of heart. William, along with his father, comes to Daniels rescue and once again the three are reunited.

Rosemary J. Kind did a wonderful job in developing these characters and bringing strong emotions to her writing. While this is Book 1, it is also a good stand-alone book. Although the ending is predictable, it was very satisfying. I look forward to the next book.

[A. White · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a great job in telling an intense account of a period in American history when orphans, parentless children were often placed in indenture servant to farms or factories through orphanages and adoption agencies. They were shipped from where ever they should be found via train to the farms or factories usually for employers whom predating 1863 couldn't afford to purchase a slave. A practice that took longer to abolish than often told. The children of Irish and Scottish Immigrants were not the only children who fell prey to this practice. The typical guardian was more like Daniel's than Molly or Tom's.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If Dickens was writing today, he would have a worthy competitor in Rosemary Kind"

#DDRevs - Historical Fiction Reviews
(Founder, Helen Hollick )

[Carol Cloninger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series

Very much enjoying this series of books. I find stories about the orphan trains intrigueing. Looking forward to the next book.

[Cynthia S Major · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hardships

Such a heart warming story of ways of living before and during the war. Great deliverance of how growing up in early new York was and just mentioning the love and difficult times they faced made me realize my life was easy.

[Lana Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and brought characters to life. You could feel both pain and joy. I hardly ever give a five but this story was just that great. I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Katrina Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review Of New York Orphan by Rosemary J. Kind

New York Orphan is one of my favourite audible books of this year. The narrator was nice to listen to. I thought Daniel Flynn, Thomas Reilly, and Molly were interesting characters with emotional stories in this audible book. Daniel Flynn has such a poetic and beautiful voice and the author does a great job at helping the listener to imagine him, lonely, lost and with the voice of an angel. I felt for him deep in my heart as his journey was full of heartbreaks, pain and a little hope from those who touched his life. This book should be read with a warm drink and some tissues to dry your eyes.

The story itself follows Daniel Flynn after he loses his parents and become a street boy with only his voice and singing with him. He’s left in a world he’s never experienced before and despite meeting Thomas who tries to guide him the best he can, he’s left in the open for the horrors in people to change his life forever. Will Daniel find someone kind enough to take care of him? Or will he be used and left in the cold for the rest of his life? Read this very moving book to find out.

I thought the author did a great job of helping the reader picture each character and their struggles. I really did feel listening to this audible book that I was right there with Daniel Flynn and his new friend. I could feel their distress and moments of little joys while listening.

I also loved Molly’s character as you could tell she cared for the ones she loves. Within her own tragedy, she brought someone else joy in their lives, and I think that was a beautiful sentiment that there are some good people in the world.

I loved the end of this book it will bring you to tears and make you smile at the same time. This moving audible book is about characters in search of a better life, about characters full of strength, charm and the will to survive hoping to find the life their families dream about. Don’t miss on this one!

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

•audiobook•
4.75 Stars

Before the age of medicine, civil rights laws, and technology, families were all one had. When you lost your family, it was really, truly hardship and no one to turn to for help.

Daniel Flynn stumbles from one unfortunate and heartbreak to another. His rock becomes Tom and Molly Reilly. They have a children’s bond reminiscent of children’s books I read when I was their age. A fierce loyalty of right and wrong and survival instincts to fight to live.

Outbreaks of disease and war, the children are separated when the siblings lose their mom. Mostly beyond their control, they are all separated. Two have a happier life.

Information is scarce and communication is near impossible. But they don’t forget one another as they make attempts to move on. Life is cruel, but you do what you can just to live.

It’s a moving, heartfelt and heartbreaking story.

As important as the court scene was, it didn’t seem plausible in this era. I don’t know how factual it was, but I didn’t like it; moreso because it didn’t blend with the tale. I would have preferred a more subtle conclusion.

The last chapters felt rushed. I didn’t feel the new growing relationship blooming between the two characters. I didn’t like that now that they had reconnected, they didn’t continue to nurture their long lost relationships (with William).

I liked that an important secondary character was mentioned but not brought back. It seemed to fit this time period.

This will evoke several emotions. Highly recommended.

Lee Brophy provided an award winning performance.

[Lori Mohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you start New York Orphan, you won't want to stop. It's a poignant coming-of-age story that chronicles of one of the least known movements in our country's history. The setting feels authentic: Immigrant families have arrived in New York City in droves, fleeing the Great Potato Famine in Ireland. The Children's Aid Society is forced to address bulging orphanages as parents die or can no longer care for their children.

Told in heart wrenching detail through the eyes of three orphans, Kind structures the story in rotating chapters, alternating among the three. We get to know Molly, Tom, and Daniel in depth as the story weaves its way across time and geography. Against the historical backdrop of the Civil War, Kind deftly raises parallels between slavery and the forced labor the children are consigned to, as well as ownership of wives by husbands. A strong woman character reflects the early movement that will bring women the right to vote 50 years later.

The fate of each child makes for a compelling read, and Kind weaves it all together at the end. It's a story of love, friendship, faith, and ultimately resilience. New York Orphan holds a mirror up to current times as the issue of immigration once again demands decisions. It's hard not to think of all the Mollys, Toms, and Daniels seeking refuge, and pray for a humane solution.

Orphan is an emotionally satisfying read.

[Beverly J McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a a great one

This one held my interest from the first page to the last. Hard to put down. A great historical fiction.

[Jared · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lee Brophy was a great choice to narrate the audiobook version of New York Orphan.

I thoroughly enjoyed the second and third acts of this book. In the first, we are introduced to each of the three main characters and quickly barrel through two major events (the founding of Thomas and Daniel's friendship and loss of 'their' mother) both are not paid nearly the attention deserved. I would have appreciated much more time dedicated to New York, developing the relationships we are intended to care about for the rest of the novel.

Kind does a great job of weaving three storylines together and the conclusion is gratifying and actually makes sense. The writing style is very easy to follow and pacing beyond the first act is well done. Only after a considerable portion of the novel did I realize this takes place around the Civil War, besides a few opportunities to move the plot forward you will forget this detail and the historical setting could be removed entirely. P.S. We all know Molly is the actual protagonist. I recommend.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Barbara Lee Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I CRY FOR MOTHER IRELAND

All I can say is how sad the lives of these poor children who were left to fend for themselves. Now these children are were labeled"Train Orphans. " How sad it is to be mistreated because of your ethnic background, but that's nothing new for "America Land Of The Free" and the names your called. Life is already kicked them in the stomach and now it's worse.
I found it very condescending and racist that these Irish folks referred to their Mothers as
"Mammy" what's that about, CAN'T get any racist than that. The name was used during Slavery times and still used to denigrate Afro-American Mothers, not good at all, it's ugly, ugly.
Other than taking a deep sigh, this is another sad era of the American Dream.

[Leanne Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow start with poor development of the relationships... didn't feel like there was much history to the setting despite being set in the past. It was ok...

[Sarah B White · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's A Hard Knock Life--Until Things All Come Together for the Best

What a wonderful book. My attention was captured by children living in a New York City tenement trying to provide food and a place to stay for their sick mother and even though they had so little, they invited a child living on the streets to join them. The children collected rags, washed and sold them, to provide rent money. The mother was very sick and when she died, the children hid the fact as long as possible so as to be able to remain in the tenement where they lived. They were tossed out on the streets when they were caught.

The children went on an orphan train to the midwest. They were adopted by different families in different locations. One family was upper class and the child had all the things a boy could dream of. The other boy was taken in by a farmer and slept in the bunkhouse with the men working the farm, was denied the education that was required by the orphan train guidelines, and was beaten until he was left bleeding and scarred for any infraction of the standards. In spite of all this, the children grew up to be productive citizens.

I will be looking for more books by Rosemary Kind.

[Steph Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much an Oliver Twist story in parts, New York Orphan actually tells the story of three orphans – the main character, Irish immigrant to America, Daniel, and the siblings who take him in as family once he gets there, only to hit hard times themselves.

The story isn’t easy reading emotionally, as the three children form an immediately close bond, only to be ripped apart via the ‘Orphan Train’ and farmed out to three different future paths. While two of the children manage to land somewhat on their feet, one is less lucky and finds themself trapped in an abusive, exploitative situation which leads them into greater trouble and even darker hardships.

Throughout the children’s struggles, we see their resilience and how their enduring friendships help them to survive what life throws at them, even when they are apart.

There are a couple of unlikely coincidences (in the great Dickens’ tradition!), but overall this is a fascinating glimpse into the historical hardships of an orphan immigrant, and I was rooting for Tom, Molly and Daniel throughout, to survive and succeed against the odds.


Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

New York Orphan
: Rosemary J. Kind


This is a historical fiction, that follows three New York orphan children. They end up on orphan trains. Each one is dropped into different situations. Some are luckier than others. The story is well told. I found it difficult to stop listening. I found myself needing to know what was going to happen! This is book 1. I'm looking forward to a second book.




The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Lee Brophy gave each character their own personality with voice.



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This trio of characters are strong and well drawn, but a picture of day-to-day life for them is not so fully developed. Still, the story is engaging and poignant.

Lee Brophy's performance is satisfactory with just a hint of the Irish apparent at times. He mispronounces a word here and there, but nothing overly distracting. His character voicing is distinctive enough to follow dialog successfully.

NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Deedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible:This was a wonderful story of family being torn apart,new family formed and the search for closure. So many children went on the orphan trains and this book tells only three of their stories,though fictional they are powerful. The songs of Daniel were so joyful and heartwrenching. Lee Brophy was a wonderful narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.

[Blair H. Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, telling of difficult times and lives. Satifying to follow to its conclusion. Too many clichés, though, both in the language used and in the characters presented, and fraught with unbelievable moments (such as when Daniel's friend's dog recognizes Molly, whom he has never met, on the basis of her singing). I was happy to read this to the end, but won't look for others in the series.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a decent story, somewhat predictable, but nicely told. I liked the use of the three children to illustrate different possibilities for the orphaned children who were relocated during that period of history, and that the author tied them back together in the way readers, or at least this reader, expected, and wanted the story to wrap up.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What an incredible read. Character development was flawless. The storyline was intensely riveting. The detail says a lot about the level of research Rosemary Kind must have done to produce this quality of workmanship. She even got the "adoption trauma" right. This book was absolutely brilliant. I can't wait to read the next book...

[sunshine6 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the stories & history of ORPHAN TRAINS!!

There is so much to learn from this period of time in American history. All of the characters were so real as I empathy with each one. Appreciate no foul language. A great read!

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Musings

What an absorbing book with compelling characters and an emotionally charged plot. A beautifully written tale that touched my heart. I am so glad I found this one on Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!

[Carole Sellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

New York Orphan

Exciting, scary, heartwarming, nerve wracking tale of three orphans who formed their own family on the streets of New York. Circumstances sent them flying down the train tracks to wildly uncertain and different futures. Would they ever meet again?

[Lucretia Yager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Written

I loved this book. Every character was vividly illustrated. It broke my heart, made me cry and gave me joy. It was a beautifully written saga that pulled at every heartstring.

[Janet Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Kept my interest throughout the book. Well developed characters, and you can’t help feeling empathy for them. I’ll be reading the other books written about these characters!

[Patricia M Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Didn’t want to put it down. Great tension and page turner.