Book Summary (Amazon): When a financial crisis in 1850s New York leaves three orphaned sisters nearly destitute, the oldest, Elise Neumann, knows she must take action. She's had experience as a seamstress, and the New York Children's Aid Society has established a special service: placing out seamstresses and trade girls. Even though Elise doesn't want to leave her sisters for a job in Illinois, she realizes this may be their last chance.
The son of one of New York City's wealthiest entrepreneurs, Thornton Quincy faces a dilemma. His father is dying, and in order to decide which of his sons will inherit everything, he is requiring them to do two things in six months: build a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad, and get married. Thornton is tired of standing in his twin brother's shadow and is determined to win his father's challenge. He doesn't plan on meeting a feisty young woman on his way west, though.
The son of one of New York City's wealthiest entrepreneurs, Thornton Quincy faces a dilemma. His father is dying, and in order to decide which of his sons will inherit everything, he is requiring them to do two things in six months: build a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad, and get married. Thornton is tired of standing in his twin brother's shadow and is determined to win his father's challenge. He doesn't plan on meeting a feisty young woman on his way west, though.
My thoughts...
Before you read With You Always, I would highly recommend reading the novella An Awakened Heart, which is the prequel to this novel. This novella tells the story of other characters, but it also gives some important backstory of Elise and her family. It also paints a realistic picture of the suffering and hardships of 1850s New York.
I am a big fan of Jody Hedlund, and once reason is because she can write romantic tension like no one else! While With You Always did have some romantic tension, it had a different tone than many of her other historic novels. The plight of those trying to survive a very difficult time in history, the contrast between the wealthy and the poor, and the sacrifices families had to make in order to survive were the central themes of this novel. My heart was wrenched as Elise had to make hard choices, faced starvation, and fought to provide for the family she had to leave behind. Thorton came from a wealthy family but he was a man of character who wanted to provide jobs and a safe place for those working for him. As he and Elise cross paths and interact with each other, a relationship blossoms. I would characterize this as stronger in the historical aspect than the romantic aspect, but the plot was interesting, it evoked a wide range of emotions, and is a series I would be interested in reading more of.
**I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, to share my personal opinions, which I did.**
Before you read With You Always, I would highly recommend reading the novella An Awakened Heart, which is the prequel to this novel. This novella tells the story of other characters, but it also gives some important backstory of Elise and her family. It also paints a realistic picture of the suffering and hardships of 1850s New York.
I am a big fan of Jody Hedlund, and once reason is because she can write romantic tension like no one else! While With You Always did have some romantic tension, it had a different tone than many of her other historic novels. The plight of those trying to survive a very difficult time in history, the contrast between the wealthy and the poor, and the sacrifices families had to make in order to survive were the central themes of this novel. My heart was wrenched as Elise had to make hard choices, faced starvation, and fought to provide for the family she had to leave behind. Thorton came from a wealthy family but he was a man of character who wanted to provide jobs and a safe place for those working for him. As he and Elise cross paths and interact with each other, a relationship blossoms. I would characterize this as stronger in the historical aspect than the romantic aspect, but the plot was interesting, it evoked a wide range of emotions, and is a series I would be interested in reading more of.
**I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, to share my personal opinions, which I did.**
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