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The Orphan Train Saga #4
Guardian: Continue The Journey with Franky’s Story!
Taken from his unwed mother immediately after his birth and sent to a New York Children’s Asylum, Franky never questioned his life of sterile walls, strict discipline, and emotionally distant caregivers. That is, until being selected to ride the orphan trains, where he quickly discovers there is more to life than living in an institution. Taken in by a well-educated judge who is looking to save a wayward boy, the man soon turns Franky into a voracious reader who wishes nothing more than to join the Army he spends so much time reading about. The judge succeeds in teaching Franky there is more to life than violence. That is, until the judge’s past threatens Franky’s very survival.Having vowed never to return to the asylum, Franky decides to take his chances on the streets of Detroit. Working under the protection of his uncle Tobias, street name Mouse, a trusted member of the infamous Purple Gang, he gets a new kind of education, one that isn’t taught in books. Will Franky be able to handle the war raging around him, or will the ugliness of life claim another innocent soul?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2020
100 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Sherry A. Burton
50 books185 followersSherry A. Burton is the author of The Orphan Train Saga novels, a planned eighteen book historical fiction saga that revolves around the Orphan Trains. Books in the saga include Discovery, Shameless, Treachery, Guardian, and Loyal.
Ezra’s Story, the first in The Orphan Train Saga spinoff series.
Sherry's fiction titles include Tears of Betrayal, Love in the Bluegrass, Seems Like Yesterday, The King of My Heart, Somewhere in My Dreams, Surviving the Storm, and Always Faithful, a Jerry McNeal Novella.
Born in Kentucky, Sherry and her Retired Navy Veteran husband live in Michigan’s thumb. When not in the writing chair, Sherry travels the country doing book signings and giving lectures on the orphan trains.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 13, 2020
Very good.
October 30, 2020
I received an advance copy of Guardian in exchange for an honest review. Guardian is the fourth book in The Orphan Train Saga. This series centers around the lives of children who rode the orphan trains in search of homes. Each book tells the life of one child and this is Franky’s story. Although the characters are made up, the historical information is not. Historical fiction is the best of both worlds for me, as I am not an avid non-fiction reader.
As with the first three books, Cindy and Linda learn about the orphan trains by delving into journals that were written by men and women who experienced riding them. This particular journal was written by a relative. Franky’s journey was an extraordinary one full of ups and downs. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the behind the scenes lives of the previous books’ characters, which made me see some of them in a different light. As with real people, you can’t always see what goes on inside or what they have experienced.
Sherry’s attention to detail and in depth description made me feel like I was there watching this story happen. I couldn’t put the book down once I started it and now eagerly anticipate the fifth book in this saga. I can tell you that it will be worth the wait!
As with the first three books, Cindy and Linda learn about the orphan trains by delving into journals that were written by men and women who experienced riding them. This particular journal was written by a relative. Franky’s journey was an extraordinary one full of ups and downs. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the behind the scenes lives of the previous books’ characters, which made me see some of them in a different light. As with real people, you can’t always see what goes on inside or what they have experienced.
Sherry’s attention to detail and in depth description made me feel like I was there watching this story happen. I couldn’t put the book down once I started it and now eagerly anticipate the fifth book in this saga. I can tell you that it will be worth the wait!
October 28, 2020
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Awesome continuation of the Orphan Train Saga!! I loved it and couldn't put it down until I finished it. Love, love, loved the characters and their interaction with each other. The story is so well written and I was able to relate this book with the other 3 books. Just when I think I have this a favorite, you come out with a new book. I love this story about Frankie and his journey in this historical Orphan Train Saga. It brought tears to my eyes every time I read about Frankie and his experiences during this time. I love the interaction between Cindy and Linda, I really think this helps to keep me connected to each chapter as I read the book you never know what they are going to do or say next. . Sherry Burton is such an inspired an awesome writer. Thank you so much Sherry for writing these wonderful and inspiring books!! Can't wait for the next book in this saga!!
Awesome continuation of the Orphan Train Saga!! I loved it and couldn't put it down until I finished it. Love, love, loved the characters and their interaction with each other. The story is so well written and I was able to relate this book with the other 3 books. Just when I think I have this a favorite, you come out with a new book. I love this story about Frankie and his journey in this historical Orphan Train Saga. It brought tears to my eyes every time I read about Frankie and his experiences during this time. I love the interaction between Cindy and Linda, I really think this helps to keep me connected to each chapter as I read the book you never know what they are going to do or say next. . Sherry Burton is such an inspired an awesome writer. Thank you so much Sherry for writing these wonderful and inspiring books!! Can't wait for the next book in this saga!!
October 17, 2025
I started the Orphan Train series simply because I’m drawn to historical fiction. Many of the books I’ve read are set in countries other than the USA and address Hitlers atrocities of WWII. Since reading books such as The Children’s Blizzard and Before We Were Yours, I’ve been drawn to books that focus on life as it was in early America. The Orphan Train Series paints a vivid picture of what life was like weaving in well known historical names, places and events, that really bring the stories to life. Using the platform of the stories being told through the personal journals of the characters really creates a personal experience. Until reading this series I had no idea about the existence of the trains even though my mother’s family were Spaniard immigrants living in the city during this period. It’s a story that could well be lost to most if not for this portrayal.
October 31, 2020
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Wow!! I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! Have you ever read a book and just instantly fell in love with a character? Well for me, Frank is my soul character. It kept me engaged and wanting more. It was such a touching story and heart warming. I absolutely loved this book and my soul character Frank. I feel like I always say this is my favorite book, because you always top each one with another amazing story. I think oh yeah this is my favorite book, then you release another, and I’m like, yep now this is my favorite one. And so on and so on! Thank you for always keeping me engaged and transporting me to another time while reading the Orphan Train Saga books! You never disappoint!
Wow!! I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! Have you ever read a book and just instantly fell in love with a character? Well for me, Frank is my soul character. It kept me engaged and wanting more. It was such a touching story and heart warming. I absolutely loved this book and my soul character Frank. I feel like I always say this is my favorite book, because you always top each one with another amazing story. I think oh yeah this is my favorite book, then you release another, and I’m like, yep now this is my favorite one. And so on and so on! Thank you for always keeping me engaged and transporting me to another time while reading the Orphan Train Saga books! You never disappoint!
December 15, 2020
I just finished reading Guardian, and I must say Franky told and amazing story. I had a few questions after reading Discovery. I knew eventually those questions would be answered. Franky however, was not the one I expected to answer them. Franky has been my favorite child by far, since first meeting him in Discovery. Like Mileta/Mrs. Millie/Mildred, he had a lot of loss in his life, and kept many secrets. I'm glad Cindy was able to share her Uncle Frank, that she & Linda were reading his journals, and that Frank was able to let her know her had heard & understood what she said.
Thank you Sherry for giving these children a voice, and helping us understand the times in which these children lived, by including some awesome history.
Thank you Sherry for giving these children a voice, and helping us understand the times in which these children lived, by including some awesome history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2020
I pre-ordered an autograph copy from the author's website.
Guardian, Book 4 of The Orphan Train Saga is my favorite so far out of this historical fiction series. I write this reluctantly because Sherry often surprises me with yet anothe book that I like even more than the previous one. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Franky's story. The Judge, who became Franky's knowledgeable guardian and introduced Franky to the world of books that grew into his love for reading, brought life and meaning to his character. The orphans are all so unique, yet all have that common bond of being all alone at such an impressionable age and searching for the love of a family.
Guardian, Book 4 of The Orphan Train Saga is my favorite so far out of this historical fiction series. I write this reluctantly because Sherry often surprises me with yet anothe book that I like even more than the previous one. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Franky's story. The Judge, who became Franky's knowledgeable guardian and introduced Franky to the world of books that grew into his love for reading, brought life and meaning to his character. The orphans are all so unique, yet all have that common bond of being all alone at such an impressionable age and searching for the love of a family.
October 28, 2020
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. :)
This is another great chapter in the Orphan Train Saga! Sherry does such a wonderful job of bringing us into the lives of her characters, and making us care about them. Uncle Franky is quite an endearing character, probably my favorite to date. Pure of heart, and fiercely loyal; his story is not to be missed! It’s no wonder that Cindy is so fond of Uncle Franky.
This is another great chapter in the Orphan Train Saga! Sherry does such a wonderful job of bringing us into the lives of her characters, and making us care about them. Uncle Franky is quite an endearing character, probably my favorite to date. Pure of heart, and fiercely loyal; his story is not to be missed! It’s no wonder that Cindy is so fond of Uncle Franky.
January 9, 2025
This story is more hopeful as this child had people who cared for him.
Franky's life starts in a home r unwed mothers and since the mother was in the orphanage and a minor herself she is not even allowed to see her new born son. She is told he is already gone to another orphanage than the one she is returned to. Frankly has both good and bad times, but he is smart and gets help along his way.
Franky's life starts in a home r unwed mothers and since the mother was in the orphanage and a minor herself she is not even allowed to see her new born son. She is told he is already gone to another orphanage than the one she is returned to. Frankly has both good and bad times, but he is smart and gets help along his way.
October 30, 2020
This author never let's you down!
I have read this series from the start and I can't wait for the next book! I enjoy how the stories all have true historical story lines. You definitely feel like you know the people personally and can feel their heartache and their happiness. Just download a sample of the book and I will guarantee you will be hooked!!
I have read this series from the start and I can't wait for the next book! I enjoy how the stories all have true historical story lines. You definitely feel like you know the people personally and can feel their heartache and their happiness. Just download a sample of the book and I will guarantee you will be hooked!!
November 10, 2020
Awesome Series
So far have really enjoyed all the books in this series. I'm fascinated by the orphan train movement although I'm not exactly sure why. I love the way she writes in these books you can actually feel what the story is describing. I have laughed so hard on some of the parts but I've also found myself crying over the books.
So far have really enjoyed all the books in this series. I'm fascinated by the orphan train movement although I'm not exactly sure why. I love the way she writes in these books you can actually feel what the story is describing. I have laughed so hard on some of the parts but I've also found myself crying over the books.
January 29, 2023
Another great account of the orphan trains
I liked how this book tells the story if an orphan and his experience in this saga. I like how each character is developed and brings in the connections. I also appreciate that the events are not too brutally graphic on the pages but the most surely were bad but not told to take away from the basic tale.
I liked how this book tells the story if an orphan and his experience in this saga. I like how each character is developed and brings in the connections. I also appreciate that the events are not too brutally graphic on the pages but the most surely were bad but not told to take away from the basic tale.
January 7, 2024
I have enjoyed all the orphan train books so far, and this one may be my favorite. They are all well-written and meticulously researched, with memorable characters and exquisite attention to time-frame correctness.
Ms. Burton recreates a world that seems almost unimaginable today, peoples it with people we feel we could know, and brings the past alive.
Ms. Burton recreates a world that seems almost unimaginable today, peoples it with people we feel we could know, and brings the past alive.
December 5, 2024
Amazing courage of children.
Beaten down, so little to look forward to... these children simply hope. They expected little, therefore were satisfied with whatever came their way. To know so little love... to endure the harshness of so many adults, yet be able to find a positive path... It comes to life.
Beaten down, so little to look forward to... these children simply hope. They expected little, therefore were satisfied with whatever came their way. To know so little love... to endure the harshness of so many adults, yet be able to find a positive path... It comes to life.
August 1, 2022
My Musings
Frank's story is sad, interesting. The judge would have changed the direction of his life in a much more neurons way if he'd been in his life for a longer period. Cindy and Linda are endearing characters. Glad I found this one on Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
Frank's story is sad, interesting. The judge would have changed the direction of his life in a much more neurons way if he'd been in his life for a longer period. Cindy and Linda are endearing characters. Glad I found this one on Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
October 17, 2023
Fantastic!
What a fantastic tale! So far, I think I liked this book best. There was so much being shared by Franky and many of the questions were answered. Many thanks to Ms Burton. Off to the next book.
What a fantastic tale! So far, I think I liked this book best. There was so much being shared by Franky and many of the questions were answered. Many thanks to Ms Burton. Off to the next book.
August 20, 2024
Guardian
I cried, even though Franky is a fictional character, I hoped he had had a family (wife, children, etc). I know he had one in Mouse, Mildred, Howard, Paulie, and others. I guess it was a better life than some had
I cried, even though Franky is a fictional character, I hoped he had had a family (wife, children, etc). I know he had one in Mouse, Mildred, Howard, Paulie, and others. I guess it was a better life than some had
November 4, 2020
I have read every book in this series. This was my favorite by far. Franky lead such a tragic life. Lots of secrets revealed in this book. I cannot wait for Book 5!
April 9, 2021
It is amazing howell Sherry Burton has intertwined the lives of the children. Her historically accurate portrayals of the Orphan Train movement are great reads.
April 16, 2021
Great book. The series leaves you wanting more.
September 14, 2021
History or fiction?
These stories have certainly held my interest. Its a fascinating view of times past that draws a person in. Could not put these books down. A great author.
These stories have certainly held my interest. Its a fascinating view of times past that draws a person in. Could not put these books down. A great author.
September 14, 2022
What a series!
I couldn't help but wish for a perfect romance for Franky, but my goodness what a story! What a storyline that made his life! Great writing!
I couldn't help but wish for a perfect romance for Franky, but my goodness what a story! What a storyline that made his life! Great writing!
September 24, 2022
Best One Yet!
By far the best one in this series. It evolves so wonderfully! It ends . . . well read for yourself! Frankie was totally worth the wait!!!!!!
By far the best one in this series. It evolves so wonderfully! It ends . . . well read for yourself! Frankie was totally worth the wait!!!!!!
December 1, 2022
Excellent
This author is wonderful. She researches her facts and makes you feel the pain! I am very happy I read these.
This author is wonderful. She researches her facts and makes you feel the pain! I am very happy I read these.
December 20, 2022
Excellent series!
March 7, 2024
Great book
Wow that's all I can say. I enjoyed reading Franky's story. It was very heart wrenching. I recommend this book.
Wow that's all I can say. I enjoyed reading Franky's story. It was very heart wrenching. I recommend this book.
May 30, 2024
Franky
I enjoyed each one, but this one I did not feel like it was completely finished. I am not sure what I expected, but. It was a very good book.
I enjoyed each one, but this one I did not feel like it was completely finished. I am not sure what I expected, but. It was a very good book.
July 11, 2024
Franky’s story
Franky’s story was one of my favorites so far!!! I fell in love and wanted to protect him as my motherly instinct kicked in hard!!
Franky’s story was one of my favorites so far!!! I fell in love and wanted to protect him as my motherly instinct kicked in hard!!
April 1, 2025
Another great read. Wish Franky could have seen his mom. Wish he had found true love too.
I found myself looking up some of the people Franky met. Really cool to have them in these books!
I found myself looking up some of the people Franky met. Really cool to have them in these books!
June 6, 2025
I enjoyed this one but it was just okay. it wasn't as good as the others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews