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Hearts on the Rails #2
Orphan Train Trials
Bella Jones and Kathleen Collins are as close as sisters and that’s how they want things to stay.
But fate intervenes. Kathleen’s brothers have disappeared, they traveled from New York on the Orphan Train and nobody has heard from them since. She can’t shed her gut feeling something awful has happened to them. She goes looking for them but is she prepared for what she will find?
Twins, Megan and Eileen Doyle have lost so much already. Bella can’t let them travel on the Orphan Train alone. She must confront her fears and deal with her past. Can she keep the girls safe or will they too fall victim to abuse?
Both Bella and Kathleen are tested in ways they never dreamed possible. Will Justice prevail and allow both girls to get their happy ever after? Or is the cost simply too high?
But fate intervenes. Kathleen’s brothers have disappeared, they traveled from New York on the Orphan Train and nobody has heard from them since. She can’t shed her gut feeling something awful has happened to them. She goes looking for them but is she prepared for what she will find?
Twins, Megan and Eileen Doyle have lost so much already. Bella can’t let them travel on the Orphan Train alone. She must confront her fears and deal with her past. Can she keep the girls safe or will they too fall victim to abuse?
Both Bella and Kathleen are tested in ways they never dreamed possible. Will Justice prevail and allow both girls to get their happy ever after? Or is the cost simply too high?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2018
2985 people are currently reading
1212 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Wesson
112 books358 followersRachel 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
November 19, 2018
Another amazing series by Wesson. I love the family of characters that she creates in her books. Looking forward to more in this series.
November 1, 2019
Good Read
The second of a series, this book was suited more for young adults. The author wrote about how some orphans were victimized once they reached their destination via the orphan trains. Remember, these children were orphans without much say about their futures. There were literal trials and trials of the heart for this book's orphans. The organization sending the orphans west erred sometimes in their placements. The agency lacked resources to handle adoptions with emphasis on the best interest of the child. The author's writing mechanics were excellent.
Thank you, Ms. Wesson, for a good read.
The second of a series, this book was suited more for young adults. The author wrote about how some orphans were victimized once they reached their destination via the orphan trains. Remember, these children were orphans without much say about their futures. There were literal trials and trials of the heart for this book's orphans. The organization sending the orphans west erred sometimes in their placements. The agency lacked resources to handle adoptions with emphasis on the best interest of the child. The author's writing mechanics were excellent.
Thank you, Ms. Wesson, for a good read.
February 19, 2019
What happened to children placed in homes after riding the Orphan Trains?
Not all adoptions on the Orphan Trains were happily ever after stories! Some children were placed in loving homes. Some were beaten, forced to live in barns, and slowly starved to death because of starvation diets, denied basic medical care and died of what would have been minor illnesses. Some boys were forced to rustle cattle, a crime punishable by hanging. Some little girls were molested by their adoptive father. Others were also molested by friends of their adoptive father. Some did not face these criminal acts and grew up to be productive citizens.
Not all adoptions on the Orphan Trains were happily ever after stories! Some children were placed in loving homes. Some were beaten, forced to live in barns, and slowly starved to death because of starvation diets, denied basic medical care and died of what would have been minor illnesses. Some boys were forced to rustle cattle, a crime punishable by hanging. Some little girls were molested by their adoptive father. Others were also molested by friends of their adoptive father. Some did not face these criminal acts and grew up to be productive citizens.
May 22, 2019
The book was set up, so the story of two sisters, was usually told one chapter after the other, and later in the book, the chapter stories didn't change for one of two chapters. It was a little confusing for a little while, until i figured out which sister's story was being told. Both sister's had stories of orphans, who were mistreated, and they tried to help the children, who were in bad shape.
February 20, 2020
Answered all of the questions I was left with at the end of Orphan Train Escape. However, this book did not particularly leave me wanting to read the final book in the series.
June 29, 2021
This book takes place right after the Depression and is the 2nd book in the series. I read the 1st book in this series a few years ago so there were some gaps in my memory of who some of the characters are and especially Bella (one of the main characters in this book and a former orphan) and how she came to be part of the story. It's an interesting look at the Orphan Trains and the good/bad they provided. Some predictability in this story and it wraps up rather sweetly.
January 23, 2020
I really enjoyed reading these books on the orphan train children. All the books kept my interest . I'm glad all turned out well for all . Amazing books .
March 23, 2025
Better than the first.
This book had great characters and was action packed. It was even better than the first one in this series! I can't wait to read the next one.
This book had great characters and was action packed. It was even better than the first one in this series! I can't wait to read the next one.
September 18, 2025
Excellent series
January 17, 2026
I love a good historical fiction series! So touching, emotion-filled and so interesting!!
May 6, 2023
Audiobook. Orphan twins and finding brothers that were placed years ago.
April 9, 2022
Such a good sweet read.
March 30, 2020
Another wonderful story and page turner about the Collins family and the Orphan Trains. This one focuses on Kathleen Collins and her friend Bella Jones. The Collins brothers have disappeared and Kathleen knows its time she went to look for them. While Bella needs to help twins Megan and Eileen, as she doesn’t want them to travel the Orphan Train without a protector.
The story follows them both and the rest of the Collins family in this next adventure.
The story follows them both and the rest of the Collins family in this next adventure.
August 25, 2019
More in the same vien
Enjoyed the continuing saga. Again it seems like there is too many characters to follow. What were the rules for adopting in this time period. Someone must check the credentials of prospective parents. Who paid for the agents that went on the trains to towns looking for homes for the children. There was mention that the children had to work for room and board but that seems contrary to the purpose of new homes and mom's and dad's to love them.
Enjoyed the continuing saga. Again it seems like there is too many characters to follow. What were the rules for adopting in this time period. Someone must check the credentials of prospective parents. Who paid for the agents that went on the trains to towns looking for homes for the children. There was mention that the children had to work for room and board but that seems contrary to the purpose of new homes and mom's and dad's to love them.
November 10, 2019
The saga continues
The eldest sister has fled under a cloud, along with a friend & a not-quite-13 year old girl. In the process, one of the quiet girls, with whom the youner sister has bonded, tries.to stop the 3 females from their thievery & escape, & suffers fir her trouble.
The yonger sister & this friend have helped the sanctuary by cutting out the middleman from one of the retailers who buys from them, thus getting.more business.& a better price. Both are excellent seamstresses. They have heard from the older sister about an opportunity to set up as dreasmakers in a growing town in Wyoming, & the 2 plan to go there & go into business together.
But thr younger sister gets word that her 2 teenaged brothers have been taken to Iowa on an orphan train. Sje wants to see them. She decides to go on an orphan train to see them & see hiw they are. She is to assist.a gumpy spinster who seems to hate the children. There is a fire on the train, & while she & the older kids are gettong the younger ones off the train & to safety, the older woman onsists on getting her baggage. As she struggles out the door, a stray spark hits her voluminous skirt & it catches on fire.. Despite her deplorable treatment of a 16 yr old orphan, when he sees her on fire, he tackles her & beats out the flames, burning his hands rather badly. There is a doctor on board who helps the teen's burns.l after the fire isnout. Meanwhile, the woman whose life he saved is accusing him of roughing her up , of being a thug. & is demanding he be put in irons for the rrst of the journey, then jailed. The doctor goes to see if she is OK, & upon hearing her account, calls her out for her ingratitude to the one who saved her life. The doctor keeps the teen safe.
The younger sister finds her brothers...in jail for murder & having shown signs of severe long term physical abuse. With a crooked sheriff & a crooked town, the question is whether or not the truth will come out.
Meanwhile, the older sister & her husband are getting the help of the younger sister's friend, who is on her way to the town the older sister recommended. At one stop, the sheriff vouches for 2 families who claim to be related & have families & each want to take 1 of a set of twins. All their promises con the older sister's husband - the older sister herself has taken ill - & convinced the young woman's misgivings are related to her horrors feom her own time on the orphan train, ignores her feeling. There was a couple who wanted to adopt bith girls.but were unable to support 2. They write to the newly settled in young woman to tell her that her instincts were spot on in.her assessment of the real treatment the twins will receive. Another crooked sheriff with a crooked powerful few will make a resuce difficult. They set out to see if they can save the twins & the other kids.
You'll have to rhe rest of the story to find out what happens other than this. Too many spoilers asnit is.
The eldest sister has fled under a cloud, along with a friend & a not-quite-13 year old girl. In the process, one of the quiet girls, with whom the youner sister has bonded, tries.to stop the 3 females from their thievery & escape, & suffers fir her trouble.
The yonger sister & this friend have helped the sanctuary by cutting out the middleman from one of the retailers who buys from them, thus getting.more business.& a better price. Both are excellent seamstresses. They have heard from the older sister about an opportunity to set up as dreasmakers in a growing town in Wyoming, & the 2 plan to go there & go into business together.
But thr younger sister gets word that her 2 teenaged brothers have been taken to Iowa on an orphan train. Sje wants to see them. She decides to go on an orphan train to see them & see hiw they are. She is to assist.a gumpy spinster who seems to hate the children. There is a fire on the train, & while she & the older kids are gettong the younger ones off the train & to safety, the older woman onsists on getting her baggage. As she struggles out the door, a stray spark hits her voluminous skirt & it catches on fire.. Despite her deplorable treatment of a 16 yr old orphan, when he sees her on fire, he tackles her & beats out the flames, burning his hands rather badly. There is a doctor on board who helps the teen's burns.l after the fire isnout. Meanwhile, the woman whose life he saved is accusing him of roughing her up , of being a thug. & is demanding he be put in irons for the rrst of the journey, then jailed. The doctor goes to see if she is OK, & upon hearing her account, calls her out for her ingratitude to the one who saved her life. The doctor keeps the teen safe.
The younger sister finds her brothers...in jail for murder & having shown signs of severe long term physical abuse. With a crooked sheriff & a crooked town, the question is whether or not the truth will come out.
Meanwhile, the older sister & her husband are getting the help of the younger sister's friend, who is on her way to the town the older sister recommended. At one stop, the sheriff vouches for 2 families who claim to be related & have families & each want to take 1 of a set of twins. All their promises con the older sister's husband - the older sister herself has taken ill - & convinced the young woman's misgivings are related to her horrors feom her own time on the orphan train, ignores her feeling. There was a couple who wanted to adopt bith girls.but were unable to support 2. They write to the newly settled in young woman to tell her that her instincts were spot on in.her assessment of the real treatment the twins will receive. Another crooked sheriff with a crooked powerful few will make a resuce difficult. They set out to see if they can save the twins & the other kids.
You'll have to rhe rest of the story to find out what happens other than this. Too many spoilers asnit is.
September 14, 2020
This is the second book I have read of the Orphan Train. In this one they find her two brothers who are beat up and in jail.. Bella & Kathleen were close and Bella had to give up the twins as a pair on a trip to find families to adopt the children. A towns family took them but she didnt feel comfortable letting them there. Bella met a man Brian who was to have married Bridget another one on the Orphan Train but she married another one who worked on it. So he was free to marry Bella when she was of age. Bella feared the twin girls were been abused and beaten . She had a hard time proving it because the towns sheriff was a mean man and didnt believe her.But they ended up fighting the horrible people who had them and got them away from them. One of the brothers went to jail for a few years and the other went with Brian and Bella for them to raise him properly, This story telld of children who parents died or couldnt afford to raise them or other type family situations. The train run from town to town trying to find families to adopt the children. Heartbreaking the things they had to endure in their young lives.
December 9, 2020
The second book the "Hearts on the Rails" series, *Orphan Train Trail* follows the first installments secondary characters Kathleen Collins and Bella Jones, as they search for pairs of children adopted off the orphan trains. While living in the women's sanctuary, Kathleen and Bella, have become like family, and together, they plan to start a new life out west. But first, Kathleen needs to tracks down her brothers. Bella forges ahead, charged with facing her orphan train trauma and the outplacement of two vulnerable children.
This installment attempts to deal with the less-than-happier-ever-after aspects of outplacement - abuse, neglect, and corruption - but it still does so in an off-the-page, light and sentimental romance style. Parts of the plot and narrative were repetitive (especially after having read the first book) and others predictable. Yet the varied character storylines were engaging enough to keep me reading. In the series thus far, there are anachronisms in the characters' dialogue and being self-published, there are copy errors (though less profuse than in the first book). Overall, a decent choice when you are looking for a light historical fiction romance.
This installment attempts to deal with the less-than-happier-ever-after aspects of outplacement - abuse, neglect, and corruption - but it still does so in an off-the-page, light and sentimental romance style. Parts of the plot and narrative were repetitive (especially after having read the first book) and others predictable. Yet the varied character storylines were engaging enough to keep me reading. In the series thus far, there are anachronisms in the characters' dialogue and being self-published, there are copy errors (though less profuse than in the first book). Overall, a decent choice when you are looking for a light historical fiction romance.
July 28, 2020
Well this is a second book of this series that I have read (rather listened to the audio book). That says something as I went and found the sequel to the first and listened to that one also.
The book is fine. The characters are fairly well developed. The goodness of a lot of the people was evident and touching - even when difficulties came around. The responsibility the main female characters took on was amazing. (I couldn't see similar things happening today but much of that was the point of the story.) Some things in the story were quite predictable - even the ending was not one of those surprise endings. The limits of communications didn't seem to be much of a problem although I would have thought they truly could have been quite a problem in that time period.
I will say I did enjoy the book. It didn't take a lot of concentration to follow and was an easy to listen to narration. I am sure more stories in this series would be just as enjoyable but I think I will not continue with them. At least i will not continue with them at this time (too many other books on my list!)
The book is fine. The characters are fairly well developed. The goodness of a lot of the people was evident and touching - even when difficulties came around. The responsibility the main female characters took on was amazing. (I couldn't see similar things happening today but much of that was the point of the story.) Some things in the story were quite predictable - even the ending was not one of those surprise endings. The limits of communications didn't seem to be much of a problem although I would have thought they truly could have been quite a problem in that time period.
I will say I did enjoy the book. It didn't take a lot of concentration to follow and was an easy to listen to narration. I am sure more stories in this series would be just as enjoyable but I think I will not continue with them. At least i will not continue with them at this time (too many other books on my list!)
September 6, 2020
Great read!
This is a good story with a great ending. While reading about the orphans being put on the train to try to find a family and a home, it is sad and made me realize how lucky we are in this era to not have the problems they faced.
That said, it was a very interesting story with lots of good ,and a few not so good ,people involved in the mass undertaking of moving the orphans to homes across the west. It brought me out of the world were in now problems, seeing the things going on then, they dealt with many things with no mass communication. It held my interest and wanted to cheer at the end of both trials.
This is a good story with a great ending. While reading about the orphans being put on the train to try to find a family and a home, it is sad and made me realize how lucky we are in this era to not have the problems they faced.
That said, it was a very interesting story with lots of good ,and a few not so good ,people involved in the mass undertaking of moving the orphans to homes across the west. It brought me out of the world were in now problems, seeing the things going on then, they dealt with many things with no mass communication. It held my interest and wanted to cheer at the end of both trials.
January 25, 2021
I'm enjoying this series because it explores the society that led to the need for the Orphan trains. The author shows us families that suffer from family violence. We learn about the need for a Sanctuary for families (and that the need overwhelmed what was available.) We see how easily the youngest children are abandoned, the older kids became targets for the bullies/criminals, and the young adults are helpless to do all that needs to be done (turning to alcohol/drugs or traveling to be a mail-order bride).
I liked the glimpse into the adopting process from the Orphan Train and the emptiness (but lack of resources) at the end of the track in Wyoming.
I liked the glimpse into the adopting process from the Orphan Train and the emptiness (but lack of resources) at the end of the track in Wyoming.
February 2, 2021
Second book in the Hearts on the Rails series.
This one just didn’t seem to be as well written as book one, and slightly far-fetched, the stories within it we’re pretty good.
The focus was on two 17-year-olds, Bella and Kathleen, both from New York, both orphans. Kathleen was the younger sister of the main character in a book one, Bridgette. Bella was a friend Kathleen made at the sanctuary where they both lived. Both had plans to go to Riverside Springs, Woming to open a seamstress shop. But along the way two life altering events happened.
Although I didn’t care for this one nearly as much as the first, I still intend to read the rest of the series.
This one just didn’t seem to be as well written as book one, and slightly far-fetched, the stories within it we’re pretty good.
The focus was on two 17-year-olds, Bella and Kathleen, both from New York, both orphans. Kathleen was the younger sister of the main character in a book one, Bridgette. Bella was a friend Kathleen made at the sanctuary where they both lived. Both had plans to go to Riverside Springs, Woming to open a seamstress shop. But along the way two life altering events happened.
Although I didn’t care for this one nearly as much as the first, I still intend to read the rest of the series.
March 9, 2021
I am enjoying this series termindiously
Book 2 of 6 takes you through the trials of Kathleen and her friend Bella as they both ride the orphan train.
Kathleen in search of her missing brothers and Bella some peace from her past.
Along the way they both have to fight for justice and deal with heartach, but can they find happiness too?
Kathleen is a lot like her sister Bridget. Bella on the other had I feel a real connection to for she feels some of what I feel in real life.
I have no doubt that this is a series that I will finish in no time, because I can't not know how my girls are doing.
Book 2 of 6 takes you through the trials of Kathleen and her friend Bella as they both ride the orphan train.
Kathleen in search of her missing brothers and Bella some peace from her past.
Along the way they both have to fight for justice and deal with heartach, but can they find happiness too?
Kathleen is a lot like her sister Bridget. Bella on the other had I feel a real connection to for she feels some of what I feel in real life.
I have no doubt that this is a series that I will finish in no time, because I can't not know how my girls are doing.
September 14, 2019
Using Faith
Once orphans were looked down upon and often were victims of abuse. When orphan trains were organized to take orphans living on the street to new homes in the West, some orphans went to good homes and some went into worse situations than living on the street. Meet some of these orphans and find out how some of them flourished because of kind people who, using faith, took some sad situations and turned them into dreams of finding loving homes in spite of some daunting challenges.
Once orphans were looked down upon and often were victims of abuse. When orphan trains were organized to take orphans living on the street to new homes in the West, some orphans went to good homes and some went into worse situations than living on the street. Meet some of these orphans and find out how some of them flourished because of kind people who, using faith, took some sad situations and turned them into dreams of finding loving homes in spite of some daunting challenges.
December 27, 2020
Interesting topic and continuation of the first book. I was looking for a Christmas story and the next book in this series is a Christmas tale, but thought I should read this one first. This story is more about the adults than the children. However, as the adults were orphans themselves, the happy endings they achieve give hope that the young children will eventually find their happiness too. The orphan train period of history needs to be told and it's good that several writers have taken on the task of telling the world about it through historical fiction.
May 31, 2022
4.75 stars rounded up.
Another excellent story in this series. The characters are written with love and compassion, and you feel the sadness for Bella when she leaves the twins in Mud Butte. The setting descriptions put you right there with the characters. Two minor problems I had were getting Kathleen and Bella mixed up, and the truth about Bella's experience took too long to be told. I read the last 200+ pages in one sitting. That is how much I loved this book.
I look forward to the further adventures of the Collins family and their friends.
Another excellent story in this series. The characters are written with love and compassion, and you feel the sadness for Bella when she leaves the twins in Mud Butte. The setting descriptions put you right there with the characters. Two minor problems I had were getting Kathleen and Bella mixed up, and the truth about Bella's experience took too long to be told. I read the last 200+ pages in one sitting. That is how much I loved this book.
I look forward to the further adventures of the Collins family and their friends.
May 7, 2019
Love and family
Kathleen finds her brothers but goes through a horrible trial as they are accused of murder. Bella and Brian along with others have to rescue the twins Megan and Eileen from a bad placement home. Bridget finds out she has a heart condition and Lilly has twin boys. Love is in the air for Bella and Brian and Richard and Kathleen. Great story, now on to book 3 to finish the story.
Kathleen finds her brothers but goes through a horrible trial as they are accused of murder. Bella and Brian along with others have to rescue the twins Megan and Eileen from a bad placement home. Bridget finds out she has a heart condition and Lilly has twin boys. Love is in the air for Bella and Brian and Richard and Kathleen. Great story, now on to book 3 to finish the story.
December 14, 2019
Orphans tragedies and triumphs
Orphans were put on trains until 1929, and given to people in towns along the way. Many became indentured servants with difficult lives. Some were adopted for the right reasons, and treated well. This story is set in the time before the Great Depression which further complicates their lives. Friends in high places help a few out of terrible circumstances.
Orphans were put on trains until 1929, and given to people in towns along the way. Many became indentured servants with difficult lives. Some were adopted for the right reasons, and treated well. This story is set in the time before the Great Depression which further complicates their lives. Friends in high places help a few out of terrible circumstances.
March 31, 2020
Great book in the series of orphan trains.The system of the trains was used to the disadvantage of some of the children and others found a place of family. This book have me an insight into another idea of the outcome of this movement. Please read.more to fill in the blanks about the orphan trains.
Story line believable. Thoughtful and entertaining. Truly an education in family and the solutions to poverty in the inner city.
Story line believable. Thoughtful and entertaining. Truly an education in family and the solutions to poverty in the inner city.
April 17, 2020
I love historical fiction books. This one gave me a better perspective of what life was like for the orphans who traveled from NYC to the west. Their life in the big city was most difficult. Catholic charities tried to help the orphans by putting them on a train to find a better life out west. Some of the children were mistreated, while others found a successful life. This book shared heart ache, but also love of family and its successes.
May 26, 2020
Very good! A continuation or the first Orphan Train book, it shows the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of the the Orphan Train. I felt like I was there, hoping against all odds that ALL adoptions had happy endings. This books follows another group of orphans who aren’t always treated well by the people escorting them across the country as well as those chosen to give them a better life.
Makes me happy that I live in this day and age and that my adoptive children didn’t have to go on the Orphan Train.
Makes me happy that I live in this day and age and that my adoptive children didn’t have to go on the Orphan Train.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews