Whispers in the Wind

The Orphan Trains Trilogy #3

by Al Lacy, JoAnna Lacy

Where will the wind blow next?

New York City, 1871. Fourteen-year-old Dane Weston comes home to an empty apartment. A gang of teenage boys has murdered his family, shattering his dream of becoming a doctor. Driven to the streets with other homeless waifs, Dane’s new occupation is begging for food. Worse things await—misunderstandings, imprisonment, and separation from his pretty orphan friend, Tharyn. The gentle breezes of the country seem worlds away, but still they sigh the poor boy’s name. . .

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian, New York, Historical, Young Adult

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Al Lacy has written more than ninety novels, including the Angel of Mercy, Battles of Destiny, and Journeys of the Stranger series. He and his wife, JoAnna Lacy, are coauthors of the Mail Order Bride, Hannah of Fort Bridger, and Shadow of Liberty series. The Lacys make their home in the Colorado Rockies.

Reviews

[Della Tingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all three of these books in The Orphan Trains Trilogy! Everyone is so good and kind and mature and happy with impeccable manners! So, not like real life in the least! 🤣 They make me feel happy, though, and make my heart joyful!

These poor orphan children could not go to school. You could only attend school if you had at least one parent or guardian and lived in their home; it was the law (41-42)! And when children became orphans, it stunned me that NO ONE took them in! I think if you wanted to take a child in to keep him or her off of the streets, you would find a way. Course in one of these books, children whose homes were full were sent away! I cannot imagine sending my children away to live on the streets!!!!!!

In every book in the trilogy, some good parents die!!!! But don’t worry! Everything turns out ok in the end!

I really like Dane Weston so much! I want to read the next trilogy, which includes Dane, titled Frontier Doctor.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orphan Train trilogy

AL and Joanna Lacy are authors of this, the third book in the orphan train trilogy. Whispers in the Wind details the tragic events that leave children orphaned with nowhere to go except the alleys of NYC, as well as their triumphs in life later on. Good read.

[Katie Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saddest parts were when Dane’s parents were killed, when Dane was put in jail, and when Dane and Tharyn were separated.

[Kathie Elledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing again keeps you so interested that you can't put it down.

[Michelle Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have preferred that this be the 1st book instead of the last. It is the backstory to book one.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

15 year old Dane a street wharf has a terrible injustice done to him. Will he be able to overcome it

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Al and Joanna Lacy write wonderful historical novels. This is book 3 from a trilogy; even though I haven't read the prior 2 books, I love the series already. Set in Manhattan, New York during the late 1870s, it is a snapshot picture of the plight of orphans on the streets. The book doesn't dwell on the most horrible situations of the street life - it does pick up a string of hope for a small group of orphans and follows through on their lives. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the sequel in the next trilogy of Frontier Doctors. While many may think it is "smaltsie" and unrealistic, I liked the positive wholesomeness of the book and the message of Christian salvation.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Orphan Train Trilogy. This book was a little different than the first two. The story focused more on the orphans and their lives on the streets where the first two focused more on the lives of the orphans as they boarded the train and found new families. Book 3 is mostly about a boy named Dane whose family is murdered and he is forced to the streets. Along the way he meets some wonderful people, finds a new faith and puts that faith to a test. This book is a great lead in to another trilogy: Frontier Doctor. I definitely have to know what happens to Dane and Tharyn!

[Karla M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite of the Al Lacy Orphan Trains Series. There are messages of caring for others, holding out hope when the future looks bleak and acknowledging that all things happen because a loving God allowed it. I pre-read this for my son's unit study on American history. It is also good as a read aloud.

[celtic cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good book for young adults that would like to learn about the living conditions during the turn of the 19th century. The harsh conditions in which the orphans of New York had to endure are very moving. I must say that I am not a religous person, but the christian values that the founders of the Children's Aid Society showed in trying to help the orphans is inspiring.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as good as the prior two. A bit cheesy and cliche in parts but overall an awesome read! I love this historical period and the not as well known story about the Orphan Trains started by Charles Loring Brace. I was a bit disappointing that the book was finished until I read the authors note: "The story continues in the author's next trilogy, 'Frontier Docter'"
YUS!

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Least favorite of the series, although I still enjoyed parts of it. One thing to clear up: Girls were not called girlfriends in the 1800s. I liked when all the orphan children were trying to live it out on the streets. I still recommend this book series to people, but I wouldn't say they are my favorite books in the world. They are nice and have good parts to them...but somewhat lacking.

[(Jen) The Artist Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, this was read over three years ago, so I don't remember much from it ... other than wanting to read more about what happened to orphans Dane and Tharyn, but the library didn't have "The Frontier Doctor" books that followed ...

[Jane Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a amazing book! It's a real page turner and an easy read. It has a sad, happy and surprising plot. I recommend this as a read for a vacation or just to pass time. It really teaches you to value life and family. You should really read this book!

[Leigh Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've liked everything I've read written by these authors, but the Orphan train series was my all time favorite of the Lacy's. An interesting look at a sad time in history.

[Barbara kuhn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very simple story - for younger readers

[Sher Gresham · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series on the orphan/ and foster care.

[Denise Bucklew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have definitely enjoyed the Orphan Train Series!!! This was a good read!!!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, the orphaned boy finds a family & a home