Orphan Train Escape

Hearts on the Rails #1

by Rachel Wesson

Bridget Collins is in dire straits - she needs to get out of New York, fast. With two young siblings under her wing, her options are limited.Her priest sends her as an outplacement agent on the orphan trains that run from New York to out west. With almost forty orphans under her care, she's relieved, fellow and more experienced outplacement agent, Carl Watson, is there to guide her.But Carl is dealing with his own trauma and finds it difficult to handle the pain the orphans are dealing with.Through tears and laughter, everyone on the orphan train has a lesson to teach about love, life and loyalty. And Bridget finds a new, unexpected calling. Every child deserves a happy home and Bridget is determined to do whatever it takes to ensure that happens. No matter what the cost…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Amazon, Christian Fiction, Christian

452 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2018

About the author

Rachel Wesson was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital, Dublin as that's where she spent most of her life. Her dad brought Rachel and her two sisters out every Saturday to give their mother a break. He took them to the library and for ice-cream after. It took a long time for her sisters to forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!
She grew up driving everyone nuts asking them questions about what they did during the War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc. Finally her Granny told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading them. In fact what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel was busy writing!
When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was reading. Her report cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should have been learning. Seems you can't read Great Expectations in Maths. After a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of years. (There is a reason she doesn't write romance!). She never intended staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something was missing. Working in the City is great but it's a young person's dream. Having three children you never see isn't good for anyone. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and rewarding than any other.
Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When not reading, writing or watching films for "research" purposes, Rachel likes to hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home - in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.

Reviews

[Valjean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read several books about the Orphan Train. This author has chosen to add romance to the story of which I didn't like. I felt it was out of place. The book was a bit fluffy for me.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had recently read another young adult book about the orphan trains and was interested enough I wanted to learn more. My local library didn't have the other series so I thought I would give this one a try. Set in America shortly before the beginning of the civil war it gives an interesting look at how people found themselves on the orphan trains and how no matter how well intended they might be, the placements of the children didn't always work out well.

There is a quite a strong element of Christian faith in the novel which will be a plus for some and less so for others. For me it wasn't an issue. I felt I was getting to know the different characters fairly well and was intrigued enough with the story that I got the second book in the series and also have the third waiting in kindle app for me to read. These are not heavy books in terms of literary style and would be well suited for young adults readers.

[Kbee · Rating 2 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK: Read 4th April 2019 😒Have returned it
5hrs 58min

Narrator: Ruth Urquhart Does a good enough job.
Maybe good for some who have not yet heard about these orphan trains.
The story line was good but this was very drab...Thought it would be a lot better. To much wishy washy at the end.

[Ellie Midwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartbreaking, but such a sweet and inspiring story! At the turn of the century, New York is a divided city with mansions of the haves and the crowded and filthy tenement buildings of the have-nots. Women and immigrants have virtually no rights and have to rely on their employers’ goodwill. However, when Bridget refuses to become her employer’s newest plaything and slashes his face in order to protect herself from the assault, she finds herself in a desperate position with no one to turn to. Fortunately, Lily, the benefactress of a shelter for women like Bridget, offers her a solution that will soon change Bridget’s entire life.

“Orphan Train Escape” is not an easy read by any means; you’ll have tears in your eyes at the descriptions of children’s auctions and at the injustice of many policies of that time. But you’ll also feel hope ignite once again when you come across characters who decide to do whatever it takes to change the unfortunates’ lives for the better. Thoroughly researched and written with heart and passion, “Orphan Train Escape” will stay with you long after you close the book. Highly recommended!

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover and the title of this book are a bit deceptive. It looks like two tiny children escaping. This is not the case. The one escaping was Bridget Collins, taking four of her six siblings with her to a shelter assisted by her Catholic priest, Father Nelson.

The director of "Carmel's Mission", Lily, was a kind woman who took them in, eventually helping Bridget leave New York to marry a man who needed a wife for his farm in Wyoming.

The Outplacement Society would pay her way on the orphan train to her destination if she’d assist with the children which were in director's care. Bridget took her two youngest siblings (probably the ones on the cover) hoping the farmer would take them all in.

Things didn’t exactly turn out as she expected.

Some hardships the characters endured were at times uncomfortable to read, nonetheless realistic.

I really enjoyed this book, so much so that I plan on reading the rest in the series

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Read

I was not moved by this book. The author did make me think, and thinking led me to my own historical research about orphan trains. When an author makes a reader think beyond the scope of a book, it is a good thing.

Thank you, Ms. Wesson, for the read.

[May · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book: a quick, easy read. The story is engaging; the characters are enjoyable (other than the villain, of course); the history of the Orphan Trains well depicted.

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the series name; Hearts on the rails. It is a fitting name and a story that is worthy of attention.
It is written with so much care that I could not help but pink away a few tears in the first book. The lives of the Collins family well described that I got lost in the pages.
The author knows the subject well and has addressed the orphan plight exceptionally. The story goes back in time when there were no firm rules about adoption and the neglect and abuse evident in many cases. The hurt and pain it had left caused for heartfelt stories.
Bridget and her four siblings were living in unnatural circumstances but with the help of caring people, they were able to rise from the tenements of New York to a new life.
The vivid storytelling took you from the rat-infested streets to the heart of Wyoming. You experience the pain and heartache with them while you meet wonderful people on the way.
Truly a gripping story of hope, patients and determination that captures the imagination.

[Susan E Ballard · Rating 1 out of 5]

This self-published disaster is a bad rip off of 'The Orphan Train' by Christina Baker Kline. I'm more than halfway through and struggling to stay with it. So childish and boring. Was this book written for junior high students? It reads like something written by a pre-teen girl. The characters are all either really-really good, or really-really bad. And of course the heroine of the story is extra super-duper good. And beautiful, and smart, and spunky, and hardworking, and brave, and caring, and devoted, and loyal, and virginal, and on, and on, to the point where I've actually groaned a few times while reading. The plot is so lame and the writing is so bad, I don't know how much more I can take. I hate to give up on a book, but finishing this one would take an hour out of my life that I'd never get back. I'm glad I got this one for free and the only thing I've wasted on it is my time. Don't waste yours.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series and was a very emotional read. The author did an excellent job in portraying the trip on the orphan train. It was evident that she had done extensive research on the subject.

The main character, Bridget, was a loving and caring young woman who took her job seriously as a placement officer. Carl, the man she worked with on the train, seemed to care but also seemed to be hiding something.

You will want to keep a lot of tissues handy. Lots of heartwrenching moments, as well as, happy ones. I can't wait to read book 2.

[Patricia S Winchel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Different Type of Western Romance

I enjoyed reading this book although way too many things "just happened" to fall perfectly into place. It was far from realistic but enjoyable reading. Another criticism is that the author needs to use pronouns correctly. No writer should be ignorant of the proper usage of myself, himself, herself.

[Ellie Carlisle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read books about the orphan trains which are worthy of your time. This just wasn’t one of them! Insipid and boring plus an ill-conceived romance. I don’t give up on books but was glad when I was done with this one. The storyline was ok but was not a well-written one. Characters were either good or bad. Don’t know how it got to be an almost 5 star book.

[Pooja Peravali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly feel-good book with a Christian bent. I suspect those who have read more orphan train books would enjoy it less than I did. The story is well-written but the characters do not have much depth and the plot was thin. The romance felt like an afterthought as well. Despite all this the author kept me engaged and made me empathize with the characters, which elevates my rating.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotionally charged romantic adventure of the best sort! Rachel, you just tore my heart out and stomped it flat! This very thrilled and satisfied can hardly wait to read the next installment! Two thumbs-up for sure.

[Eddi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subject of orphans in an interesting one, but this particular novel is not the same quality of book as The Orphan Train Christina Baker Kline. This book is quite simplistic, with characters being syrupy sweet, or horribly evil. The story was predictable with a happily ever after ending. It seemed to be targeted at a middle school grade reader. I would definitely recommend Kline’s book instead.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This grew on me the more I read - the heartbreaking story of orphans or children separated from parents in New York and sent west on the 'orphan train' to find new lives.

[Renita Cohill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Well Put Together

I have often heard of orphan trains (i remember watching an episode on Unsolved Mysteries regarding a man wanting to find his sister, they were separated and he was on the train.)

This book gives you a fictional perspective on the situation! I really loved reading it. I will say it gave me some insight on the matter and put a bit of romance in there. In my opinion I feel the book made this more of a happy story, then the more severe aspects of the sorrow, pain these children truly endured.

Overall, it was still a good book!

[Wendy Bowersox · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was painful to listen too. The dialog was juvenile. The main character was so altruistic that it was fake and unbelievable. Dont waste your time.

[Rebecca]

Free on Kindle

[Cindy B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought it might be a children’s book, no problem but it is for adults, as well. A historical mystery romance (clean) it’s a fun, informative, and entertaining read with a pleasant narration.

[Doris Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book as it gave me insight into the orphan trains. I was left with several questions at the end of the book and will read the second one in the series.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if I read this years ago or if I watched a movie w the same plot, but it was wonderful! Such a great sweet read! ❤️

[JenV · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has an interesting subject matter, but flat characters and predictable plot. The writing style is rather basic and not very well structured. At one point, a 4-year-old was giving insight into 2 adults looking at each other as if they liked each other. Not very believable. It wasn’t bad for a free book, but I doubt I’ll purchase the rest of this series.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great page turner about a family in danger who are helped by their priest. The story focuses on Bridget Collins who has taken charge of her siblings and their predicament. In order to keep Bridget safe her priest sends her and 2 of her siblings on the Orphan Train, with Bridget acting as an outplacement agent. This journey will change all their lives and help Bridget find love and an unexpected calling.
A lovely heart wrenching and heart warming story.

[Stephen Simpson-Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction Comes to Life

I had never heard of the orphan trains before reading this book. As a foster parent and adoptive parent I found this book to be an interesting read. While reading this book, I couldn’t help but to make parallels between the orphan trains of the past and the current foster care system in the USA. I experienced firsthand the child welfare system while fostering several young children and adopting two of them. We have certainly come a long way from the orphan train days, but unfortunately the foster care system is still plagued by unscrupulous people who abuse and mistreat children already damaged by trauma inflicted by their birth parents. This book reminded me that there are good people in the world that are trying to do the right thing amidst the evil that exists in society.

[Beth Kaminske · Rating 2 out of 5]

The orphan train

I had a hard time reading this book. I liked some of it and the General plot about the orphan train, but so much felt absurd. Like the ages of the siblings, and the ending,especially the ending. It is like the author got tired of writing the book and gave it the happiest ending possible as quickly as possible. Also who would possibly address a letter to Ms. Collins in the 1890's? And what about doing everything possible to keep the family together. And I don’t even know why the author kept mentioning the brothers and yet never including them in the story. It wasn't a very cohesive story.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very touching story

I really enjoyed this story of a 19 year old girl along with 2 of her siblings travel on an orphan train from New York City to Wyoming. She is helping an experienced man place the orphans on the train in safe homes along the way and going to be a mail order bride to a man in Wyoming. The experiences along the way reveal the type of families they have to deal with to find loving families for the orphans and how their relationship changes during the journey. I won't tell how the book ends but hope to read more by this author.

[Judy G Spivey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of the Orphan Trains of the West. The good and the bad.

Get prepared to read through and go to the next book, with a box of tissue at your side. The story of a family of Iris immigrants, who through circumstances nd up in the ghettos of New York. A time when women and children had no voice, and we're held responsible for being poor. Mrs. Lily has started a mission for young women to teach them a trade,and this old a a door for Kathleen and her family to become involved with the Orphan Trains. A book you willneverforget.

[Genevieve Montcombroux · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy to read heart-wrenching story. For all the children in the care of Bridget on the train there is a happy ending. But there are enough tales from grown-ups former orphans whose outcomes had not been so happy to balance the sweetness of this particular train.

It is an emotional read. I recommend it.