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The Orphan Train Saga
Ezra's Story
Ezra’s story begins in New York City in 1915, a volatile time during which droves of immigrants poured into an overly crowded city looking for housing, jobs, and the American dream.Ezra’s father has lost his job at the docks and starts to drink heavily, which in turn has left the family fearful and hungry.After his parents have a violent argument, Ezra decides to run away and take his brother with him.Prior to their departure, Ezra is confronted by his father, who is very drunk and unable to control his temper. As the skirmish with his father becomes more intense, Ezra sends his little brother into the streets.Ezra follows shortly afterward, only to find himself alone in the crowded city and unable to find his brother.As he frantically searches for his sibling, Ezra makes friends with an Irish immigrant who helps him navigate his new life.His new friend teaches him to open his eyes and his heart to the suffering of others, a lesson that seals his fate when an act of kindness sets him up to be sent west on an orphan train to find the life he thought he’d lost forever.Discover how the kindness of strangers helps one child journey to find the family he longs for.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2021
73 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Sherry A. Burton
58 books177 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 34 reviews
May 9, 2021
I was glad to find out what happened to Ezra in Sherry Burton's Orphan Train series. I was very surprised at the ending!
April 9, 2021
One of my favorites of the Orphan Train series. I had always wondered what happened to Ezra and was thrilled that Sherry Burton wrote this to finish his story. It was exciting that she used the little known family placement program that was an important part of the Orphan Train movement.
September 6, 2021
Very good and interesting.
October 31, 2021
Give me horror, schlock, sexy times, but the one thing that makes me more emotionally wrecked than anything else is starving children and overall food insecurity. Just hoping this little midge can find food and a dry place to sleep than anything else. But he finds support and employment, and eventually a better life, where all it takes is some compassion from others to give this sweet boy a chance. Was endeared to his plight, and hoping for the best for him. Not a typical gripe from me, but I wish for more at the ending. Maybe a few years down the line, how as an adult he passes along kindness and charity. But, it's a satisfying enough ending and a good read.
December 13, 2023
Such a moving series.
I hemmed and hawed about reading this series. For some reason, I had a preconceived notion of what the books were about. I was so wrong! This series is told with heartbreaking but completely engaging historical fiction. The orphan trains were real, and these stories are likely an accurate depiction of what was reality at the time. Each book tells the story in the voice of a different orphan. I won't give away any spoilers, but I will say, please don't waste time getting started like I did. These books just might surprise you by becoming one of your favorite series.
I hemmed and hawed about reading this series. For some reason, I had a preconceived notion of what the books were about. I was so wrong! This series is told with heartbreaking but completely engaging historical fiction. The orphan trains were real, and these stories are likely an accurate depiction of what was reality at the time. Each book tells the story in the voice of a different orphan. I won't give away any spoilers, but I will say, please don't waste time getting started like I did. These books just might surprise you by becoming one of your favorite series.
March 17, 2025
Adventure of a seven-year-old boy living alone on the streets
EZRA'S STORY, Orphan Train Saga Bonus, Sherry Burton, 03/16/2025
Covers Ezra's time on the streets after he saw his mother dead then stabbed his father, lost his 4-year-old brother in their haste to escape the building where they lived. Found by a kindly Irishman who took him in for several years, then Ezra's stint as a doorman for B. Altman, after which his mother found him at the YMCA and they went to Nebraska to join his now-sober father, to live with his grandparents on their farm. Quite a contrast to living alone on the streets of New York City.
EZRA'S STORY, Orphan Train Saga Bonus, Sherry Burton, 03/16/2025
Covers Ezra's time on the streets after he saw his mother dead then stabbed his father, lost his 4-year-old brother in their haste to escape the building where they lived. Found by a kindly Irishman who took him in for several years, then Ezra's stint as a doorman for B. Altman, after which his mother found him at the YMCA and they went to Nebraska to join his now-sober father, to live with his grandparents on their farm. Quite a contrast to living alone on the streets of New York City.
February 18, 2023
Great short story of a boy who thought he had lost his famiky.
I liked this story because it told about the boys experience of trying to live on his own while the goodness in him brought him extra help that many others were privileged to get. I'd recommend this story to someone who is interested in the orphan train stories and a true look at them. I gave this rating because it was very believable.
I liked this story because it told about the boys experience of trying to live on his own while the goodness in him brought him extra help that many others were privileged to get. I'd recommend this story to someone who is interested in the orphan train stories and a true look at them. I gave this rating because it was very believable.
May 2, 2024
Enjoyed Ezra's Story
I have read books 1-3 in the Orphan Train saga when I discovered Ezra's story! It was a really great read. In order to have no spoilers, I won't go into detail but I truly enjoyed it! I think it was better after I had already read the first few books because I had a bit of the background to relate to the book.
I have read books 1-3 in the Orphan Train saga when I discovered Ezra's story! It was a really great read. In order to have no spoilers, I won't go into detail but I truly enjoyed it! I think it was better after I had already read the first few books because I had a bit of the background to relate to the book.
January 12, 2025
Ezra's story started out sad, but tried to do the right things and was treated kindly in return.
Ezra is a kind and thoughtful boy and when he winds up on the streets he wants his mother, in heaven to still be proud of his behavior. Kind people notice that he doesn't steal even when he' hungry and is kind to others and offer him help. This is a very uplifting tale!
Ezra is a kind and thoughtful boy and when he winds up on the streets he wants his mother, in heaven to still be proud of his behavior. Kind people notice that he doesn't steal even when he' hungry and is kind to others and offer him help. This is a very uplifting tale!
February 11, 2025
The Orphan Train Saga
Incredible series in which I shed many tears! Beautifully written! I wonder if the author might consider writing off lives of Linda and Cindy prior to discovering the journals hidden in the attic of Cindy’s grandmother? Anxiously awaiting for Dorthia’s story!
Incredible series in which I shed many tears! Beautifully written! I wonder if the author might consider writing off lives of Linda and Cindy prior to discovering the journals hidden in the attic of Cindy’s grandmother? Anxiously awaiting for Dorthia’s story!
February 2, 2021
Outstanding
Another outstanding story from author Sherry A. Burton. Once again I was amazed at the story being told, this time, by Ezra. About the kindness he was shown by strangers, though they didn't have much to give.
Another outstanding story from author Sherry A. Burton. Once again I was amazed at the story being told, this time, by Ezra. About the kindness he was shown by strangers, though they didn't have much to give.
February 9, 2021
Great story
I loved this book, it answered some of the questions hanging out there with Tobias. Her books make all the characters come to life. Sherry is great always wanting to keep the stories from this series connecting. Can't wait for the next book!
I loved this book, it answered some of the questions hanging out there with Tobias. Her books make all the characters come to life. Sherry is great always wanting to keep the stories from this series connecting. Can't wait for the next book!
August 15, 2022
My Musings
What an absorbing novel, I Ezra was so fortunate to have Angus take him under his wing. It made me sad that Tobias didn't reunite with his parents as Ezra did. Great story. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
What an absorbing novel, I Ezra was so fortunate to have Angus take him under his wing. It made me sad that Tobias didn't reunite with his parents as Ezra did. Great story. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
September 15, 2022
What a emotional story!
After reading the first five books this one left me in tears for the way Tobias ended up! So many if only a slight difference had happened! But so goes a great story as that is what made them so real. Congratulations to the author!
After reading the first five books this one left me in tears for the way Tobias ended up! So many if only a slight difference had happened! But so goes a great story as that is what made them so real. Congratulations to the author!
September 1, 2023
Ezra
A very difficult life for a little boy. But, this one found a way to manage day to day without causing others anquish. And strong men who taught right from wrong. A broken family begins to heal.
A very difficult life for a little boy. But, this one found a way to manage day to day without causing others anquish. And strong men who taught right from wrong. A broken family begins to heal.
November 15, 2024
Ezra’s Story
One seldom knows the difficulties of people they meet but kindness extended often imparts blessings to both. A delightful story, five star really, which I would recommend to anyone wishing a good read.
One seldom knows the difficulties of people they meet but kindness extended often imparts blessings to both. A delightful story, five star really, which I would recommend to anyone wishing a good read.
January 30, 2021
Another great story
This is an update to another character from the Orphan train saga. I strongly recommend this series, it gives a lot of incite about the Orphan trains.
This is an update to another character from the Orphan train saga. I strongly recommend this series, it gives a lot of incite about the Orphan trains.
April 16, 2021
Great short book to know more about the second characters.
July 6, 2021
Ezra
This book was amazing and a great read. The ending was not what I expected but it was happy and great.
This book was amazing and a great read. The ending was not what I expected but it was happy and great.
September 25, 2022
Great and Surprising Read.
Please make sure you read this one! It is a terrific and very surprising read! If you read the others this one is a must! Great read!
Please make sure you read this one! It is a terrific and very surprising read! If you read the others this one is a must! Great read!
February 11, 2023
This is a very sweet, short story, that gives wonderful examples of being kind and helping those around you 😊
June 18, 2023
Thank you
After reading all the others I often wondered about Ezra. Thanks for this I enjoyed it as much as the rest.
After reading all the others I often wondered about Ezra. Thanks for this I enjoyed it as much as the rest.
June 3, 2024
Ezra
Another excellent but short story about Ezra. I want to know about Clara, her head mistress mom, dorthia and the others.
Another excellent but short story about Ezra. I want to know about Clara, her head mistress mom, dorthia and the others.
August 19, 2024
Ezra's Story
I liked this book, and I am glad Ezra found his family. I wish the.others had found some happiness, too.
I liked this book, and I am glad Ezra found his family. I wish the.others had found some happiness, too.
April 7, 2025
Good short story to add to the Orphans Train Saga Collection.
April 11, 2025
Such a good book. So sad how people struggled just to survive another night. Ezra got lucky when he met Angus. He was one of the lucky ones b
October 4, 2025
Read
I definitely enjoyed this book and all of the orphan train books I've read thus far. I would encourage all my friends and other reading enthusiasts to read.
I definitely enjoyed this book and all of the orphan train books I've read thus far. I would encourage all my friends and other reading enthusiasts to read.
December 15, 2025
a beautiful story
So glad the Ezra seems to be making a good life for himself. Hope that jacket continues to serve him well.
So glad the Ezra seems to be making a good life for himself. Hope that jacket continues to serve him well.
February 4, 2021
Ezra’s Story is the first in the Orphan Train Extras Collection. These short stories will come between the longer books in the Orphan Train Series to bring light to some of the characters that have more to say, yet not quite as much as others. I’ve read the first four books in the Orphan Train Series, of which there will be eighteen, so I knew quite a bit about Ezra’s brother and sister, but not much about him. This little man was a perfect choice for book number one in this new collection. The first paragraph will suck you in and you won’t crawl back out until you finish the last page.
Ezra’s Story will break your heart while filling it full of love at the same time. This young boy has the weight of the world on his shoulders. It’s 1915 and Ezra lives in an apartment with his family. His dad is a drunk who beats his mother and gambles the days away. His older sister ran away and he has no idea where she is. There isn’t enough food to fill their bellies, and the boys are perpetually scared of their father. Ezra feels responsible for his mother and younger brother, even though he is just a child.
After an intensive scene at his home, Ezra finds himself alone, still hungry and scared. He has the kindest heart which continues to increase in size when he meets a stranger who takes him under his wing.
I wanted to take him under my wing, the little whipper snapper. So young and going through so much; it brought tears to my eyes more than once. This young man deserved so much more than what he was dealt. Ezra is a tough and persistent lad. He cares deeply for others which helps him make his way through life.
I can’t imagine so many children left on their own, trying to survive without anyone to care for them. Thank goodness the Orphan Trains were there to help some of these lost souls. I am thrilled that Sherry chose to write about Ezra, as he had a story that needed to be told. Such a descriptive and touching look into the lives of New York’s orphans during a time when so many had so little. If you haven’t read the Orphan Train Series, do yourself a favor and dig in. Ezra’s Story can be read alone, but knowing some background beforehand adds to the overall experience. Read more book reviews at latishaslowkeylife.com
Ezra’s Story will break your heart while filling it full of love at the same time. This young boy has the weight of the world on his shoulders. It’s 1915 and Ezra lives in an apartment with his family. His dad is a drunk who beats his mother and gambles the days away. His older sister ran away and he has no idea where she is. There isn’t enough food to fill their bellies, and the boys are perpetually scared of their father. Ezra feels responsible for his mother and younger brother, even though he is just a child.
After an intensive scene at his home, Ezra finds himself alone, still hungry and scared. He has the kindest heart which continues to increase in size when he meets a stranger who takes him under his wing.
I wanted to take him under my wing, the little whipper snapper. So young and going through so much; it brought tears to my eyes more than once. This young man deserved so much more than what he was dealt. Ezra is a tough and persistent lad. He cares deeply for others which helps him make his way through life.
I can’t imagine so many children left on their own, trying to survive without anyone to care for them. Thank goodness the Orphan Trains were there to help some of these lost souls. I am thrilled that Sherry chose to write about Ezra, as he had a story that needed to be told. Such a descriptive and touching look into the lives of New York’s orphans during a time when so many had so little. If you haven’t read the Orphan Train Series, do yourself a favor and dig in. Ezra’s Story can be read alone, but knowing some background beforehand adds to the overall experience. Read more book reviews at latishaslowkeylife.com
January 13, 2021
I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I have read all of the Orphan Train Saga books from Discovery to Guardian. In each one there have been characters whose lives were uncertain and I wondered what may have happened to them. This book covers one such character.
Ezra's fate wasn't anything like I had originally imagined. I am pleased to say that this book was fresh and surprising with an ending that I did not see coming. If you are interested in reading about the Orphan Trains this author's Historical Fiction is worth checking out. The books should be read in order and though Ezra's Story does have some things in it that are in the other books there really aren't any HUGE spoilers in it. Thank you Sherry A. Burton for expanding your Orphan Train universe to include other stories that I wanted to see.
Ezra's fate wasn't anything like I had originally imagined. I am pleased to say that this book was fresh and surprising with an ending that I did not see coming. If you are interested in reading about the Orphan Trains this author's Historical Fiction is worth checking out. The books should be read in order and though Ezra's Story does have some things in it that are in the other books there really aren't any HUGE spoilers in it. Thank you Sherry A. Burton for expanding your Orphan Train universe to include other stories that I wanted to see.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews