The Heart's Lonely Secret (Orphan Train West, Book 1)

The Story

Ivy Austin dreams of what it will be like to be set free from the drudgery of the orphanage. But even after she is adopted, Ivy finds herself part of a plan to take orphaned and abandoned children by train to new families in the Midwest. On board the Orphan Train, Ivy befriends Allison, whose angelic features and charming attire will almost certainly win her a new home. Ivy worries that she herself will be looked over by prospective parents. Not willing to be left behind, the lonely, frightened little girl acts impulsively to secure herself a stable future. As Ivy and Allison grow up together in the pastoral town of Brookdale they can't shake their past identities as insecure orphans despite the nurturing of their adoptive families. Their special friendship is a safe retreat as they encounter struggles and joys. But is their unique bond strong enough to withstand the truth? Ivy's secret impacts the course of their lives.