What do you think?
Rate this book
The Orphan Train Saga #2
Shameless
As The Orphan Train Saga continues, Cindy and her mother continue to uncover the secrets in the journals that are hidden in her grandmother’s attic.
The story resumes in 1914, as young Tobias is forced onto the streets of New York City. Like so many other orphans of the era, he learns to lie, cheat, and steal just to survive. Armed with a silver tongue and his wits, Tobias soon finds himself headed west on one of the orphan trains. When that placement doesn’t work, Tobias is returned to NYC and back on the streets he once called home. Slightly older and much wiser, Tobias thrives in his new setting. That is, until he becomes obsessed with Mileta and finds himself on yet another orphan train headed west and adopted into the infamous Purple Gang Society.
Will this gang, with its emphasis on criminal activity at any cost, claim what is left of the young man’s soul?
The story resumes in 1914, as young Tobias is forced onto the streets of New York City. Like so many other orphans of the era, he learns to lie, cheat, and steal just to survive. Armed with a silver tongue and his wits, Tobias soon finds himself headed west on one of the orphan trains. When that placement doesn’t work, Tobias is returned to NYC and back on the streets he once called home. Slightly older and much wiser, Tobias thrives in his new setting. That is, until he becomes obsessed with Mileta and finds himself on yet another orphan train headed west and adopted into the infamous Purple Gang Society.
Will this gang, with its emphasis on criminal activity at any cost, claim what is left of the young man’s soul?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2019
202 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Sherry A. Burton
58 books178 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 3, 2026
Enjoy read Tobias side of what happened.
I understand what the author is trying to convey but again it's a story , not journaling as most people would think. Having orphan train cousins ( brother and sister) in my family I understand somewhat these children felt . Not knowing what was going to happen. My cousin were very much wanted children. Their mother was unable to carry a child to term. She meant to only adopt one but when she realized they were siblings she took both home much to her husband's delight. They both were loved and considered a deep blessing.
I get very little out of the mother and Cindy's part in this story. I get they are interested in the story . I sense they feel they are not as connected as I was when I was read my own orphan cousin story.
I understand what the author is trying to convey but again it's a story , not journaling as most people would think. Having orphan train cousins ( brother and sister) in my family I understand somewhat these children felt . Not knowing what was going to happen. My cousin were very much wanted children. Their mother was unable to carry a child to term. She meant to only adopt one but when she realized they were siblings she took both home much to her husband's delight. They both were loved and considered a deep blessing.
I get very little out of the mother and Cindy's part in this story. I get they are interested in the story . I sense they feel they are not as connected as I was when I was read my own orphan cousin story.
September 24, 2019
Shameless (The Orphan Train Saga Book 2) by Sherry A. Burton was just as good as the first book and kept me reading.
The second book in this fresh original series once again takes us back to a time long gone, and on an adventure that is both heart breaking, nerve wrecking and touching. I fell right into the easy writing style and the details of the era that this book takes place in. You can tell care and research went into making this book not only engaging and picturesque but, it makes this book a portal that hooked you, puling you in, making you almost apart of this story.
Overall this book is worth your time and energy. As this is part of a series, I highly suggest reading the first book, as you will miss backstory, and important details that will make this book confusing otherwise. So please take my super high recommendation and my golden stamp of approval, that you will not be able to put this series, nor this book down.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
The second book in this fresh original series once again takes us back to a time long gone, and on an adventure that is both heart breaking, nerve wrecking and touching. I fell right into the easy writing style and the details of the era that this book takes place in. You can tell care and research went into making this book not only engaging and picturesque but, it makes this book a portal that hooked you, puling you in, making you almost apart of this story.
Overall this book is worth your time and energy. As this is part of a series, I highly suggest reading the first book, as you will miss backstory, and important details that will make this book confusing otherwise. So please take my super high recommendation and my golden stamp of approval, that you will not be able to put this series, nor this book down.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
September 17, 2019
Shameless (The Orphan Train Saga Book 2) by Sherry A. Burton is a continuation of the first book but is the telling of another of the characters. This tale is just as sad and made worse by the fact that there is truth behind the fiction. The history behind the Orphan Train is sad as it is fascinating. Whilst the characters are not real the children and their lives is very much so. Sherry has done a great job of incorporating it into a story that needed to be told.
Tobias, is only 5 years old when he was thrust into a strange and desolate lifestyle and had to endure hardships that only one can guess at. It is a story of his life and what made him, him. It is a story of abuse and suffering, neglect and sadness, fear and famish.
Just to warn you emotions run high when reading this story but it is not one that should be missed. Even in the darkness of life there can be some good.
Tobias, is only 5 years old when he was thrust into a strange and desolate lifestyle and had to endure hardships that only one can guess at. It is a story of his life and what made him, him. It is a story of abuse and suffering, neglect and sadness, fear and famish.
Just to warn you emotions run high when reading this story but it is not one that should be missed. Even in the darkness of life there can be some good.
September 14, 2019
4 Stars
Shameless is the second book in The Orphan Train Saga by Sherry A. Burton. This book is a continuation of the story we began back in “Discovery” (Book #1). This story follows Tobias, who we ‘met’ in the previous book. He is only young but has endured more hardship than anyone deserves to- suffering abuse and neglect due to the family’s impoverished existence- and soon found himself on the streets. But this is not where his story ends. We discover his connection/s to the Orphan Train and what becomes of him, and what he has to do to survive.
Another emotive story woven around this intriguing piece of history. As with the first book, this is a mixture of history, drama, fact, and fiction. While all the characters and situations in the story are fictional, the ‘Orphan Trains’ and the situations that brought them about, are quite factual.
An emotive journey of discovery!
Thank you, Sherry A. Burton!
Shameless is the second book in The Orphan Train Saga by Sherry A. Burton. This book is a continuation of the story we began back in “Discovery” (Book #1). This story follows Tobias, who we ‘met’ in the previous book. He is only young but has endured more hardship than anyone deserves to- suffering abuse and neglect due to the family’s impoverished existence- and soon found himself on the streets. But this is not where his story ends. We discover his connection/s to the Orphan Train and what becomes of him, and what he has to do to survive.
Another emotive story woven around this intriguing piece of history. As with the first book, this is a mixture of history, drama, fact, and fiction. While all the characters and situations in the story are fictional, the ‘Orphan Trains’ and the situations that brought them about, are quite factual.
An emotive journey of discovery!
Thank you, Sherry A. Burton!
February 5, 2025
I had started this series in order so this was the second book of The Orphan Train Saga that I devoured. I loved the references to historical Detroit and the Purple Gang, but also felt that it packed no mystery. The reader knows what happened to Tobias (Mouse) from the first book. This simply gives his view of events.
December 3, 2020
Fantastic!
December 9, 2025
Tobias'Story
In the saga/series of the children of the Orphan Trains we have the story of Tobias, who became Mileta's first husband. Orphaned and on the streets at age 5, Tobias is a scrapper and a survivor, excelling in the trades of the streets, pickpocketing, fighting, conning, and sleeping with one eye open, always. It's hard to believe that a child that young could be capable or of this and survive even a day. But my research told me there were millions of homeless children in NYC at that time. They slept on the city grates to keep warm, begged for food, and came to be loathed and largely ignored by most the population. I'm not sure how the author came up with the narrative and plot, and filled in with details that include actual events of the times in the areas where most of the story takes place. For this one, it was NYC, to Detroit, and a little time in Chicago and Noblesville, Indiana. It was rather sensational, but believable. Also very sad.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Something I still don't understand: Why did Tobias not see to Millie's safety and care while he was in hiding? He came back 3 months later with money to leave her, and to pay the landlord. Why was he unable to keep her from having to sell her quilts and be unable to keep the heat on in the apartment? I read over it again and it just doesn't say. He was always able to keep her safe before, and he still had say-so on the streets. Yet he went into hiding to keep from being arrested, and seemed to have just left her to struggle on her own. Maybe it will come out in the other books, perhaps I missed something.
This book follows the same time line as Millie's story in book 1, it's just told from Tobias' perspective. It was quite cool how .scenes expanded for the reader when a different POV gave just a little more information.
The next in the series is Anastasia's story. She is Tobias' older sister, and she lived and worked at the asylum (orphanage) where Mileta lived for a time.
In the saga/series of the children of the Orphan Trains we have the story of Tobias, who became Mileta's first husband. Orphaned and on the streets at age 5, Tobias is a scrapper and a survivor, excelling in the trades of the streets, pickpocketing, fighting, conning, and sleeping with one eye open, always. It's hard to believe that a child that young could be capable or of this and survive even a day. But my research told me there were millions of homeless children in NYC at that time. They slept on the city grates to keep warm, begged for food, and came to be loathed and largely ignored by most the population. I'm not sure how the author came up with the narrative and plot, and filled in with details that include actual events of the times in the areas where most of the story takes place. For this one, it was NYC, to Detroit, and a little time in Chicago and Noblesville, Indiana. It was rather sensational, but believable. Also very sad.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Something I still don't understand: Why did Tobias not see to Millie's safety and care while he was in hiding? He came back 3 months later with money to leave her, and to pay the landlord. Why was he unable to keep her from having to sell her quilts and be unable to keep the heat on in the apartment? I read over it again and it just doesn't say. He was always able to keep her safe before, and he still had say-so on the streets. Yet he went into hiding to keep from being arrested, and seemed to have just left her to struggle on her own. Maybe it will come out in the other books, perhaps I missed something.
This book follows the same time line as Millie's story in book 1, it's just told from Tobias' perspective. It was quite cool how .scenes expanded for the reader when a different POV gave just a little more information.
The next in the series is Anastasia's story. She is Tobias' older sister, and she lived and worked at the asylum (orphanage) where Mileta lived for a time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2019
Shameless by Sherry A. Burton a four-star read that will take you back. This is the second story in the Orphan Train Saga and the story and characters may be fictional they history behind it is real, it was something I had never heard of before starting this series but the more I look into it, the more it surprises me with its depth of history. I would definitely recommend you read the saga in order as the story does progress through. We get to hear more about Tobias in this story, from his hard start, to even harder journey. It will break your heart reading about his struggles. But the author does a great job of sucking it in and giving you a positive side as well, even in all the darkness.
January 8, 2025
Shameless book review
These books could be made into a.wonderful Netflix series. Thank you for writing such a vivid book on this.
I was half orphaned when my mother left me and my sister in 1955. My dad was in the navy and we where circulated through our aunts. I had no idea about these trains. You have opened your readers up to something that should never be forgotten. Thank you Sherry💗
Burton
These books could be made into a.wonderful Netflix series. Thank you for writing such a vivid book on this.
I was half orphaned when my mother left me and my sister in 1955. My dad was in the navy and we where circulated through our aunts. I had no idea about these trains. You have opened your readers up to something that should never be forgotten. Thank you Sherry💗
Burton
July 22, 2023
heartbreaking
It is a must to read these books in order so read book 1 first. Going into this one I mistakenly thought that it would be a quick read because the content would be repetitive but from a different point of view. It was so much more. We’re told repeatedly that we always have a choice in life but this book questions that philosophy. The few glimpses of good this child found in two adult women along the way after a horrendous start in life is stolen by a husband of one and well meaning but shortsighted townsmen of the other. Can’t wait to read Paddy’s and Frankie’s stories, oh and Anastasia’s too!
It is a must to read these books in order so read book 1 first. Going into this one I mistakenly thought that it would be a quick read because the content would be repetitive but from a different point of view. It was so much more. We’re told repeatedly that we always have a choice in life but this book questions that philosophy. The few glimpses of good this child found in two adult women along the way after a horrendous start in life is stolen by a husband of one and well meaning but shortsighted townsmen of the other. Can’t wait to read Paddy’s and Frankie’s stories, oh and Anastasia’s too!
December 31, 2023
Continuing this series, I am struck by the quality of research invested in every story. I am inclined to look up events, places, and individuals that catch my attention and every time I have done so while reading these books, I find that they are historically accurate. They are also very detailed with the circumstances of day-to-day like of the time period. Having grown up with grandparents who weathered the Great Depression, reading these stories gave me much insight into their lives. Like many others, I wish I had paid more attention to their stories. 10 out of ten for this book and all the others.
January 7, 2025
This is a heart breaking story of a boy who became a street urchin at very young age.
The story follows five year old Tobias as he flees home after his father kills his mother in a drunken rage and his older brother kills his father. The story then follows his development as an excellent pick pocket, conman and never of a street gang in New York and finally a criminal gang in Detroit during Prohibition. During all this time he is trying to protect a girl he heard playing the piano. He had a good heart, but very little opportunity to nurture it.
The story follows five year old Tobias as he flees home after his father kills his mother in a drunken rage and his older brother kills his father. The story then follows his development as an excellent pick pocket, conman and never of a street gang in New York and finally a criminal gang in Detroit during Prohibition. During all this time he is trying to protect a girl he heard playing the piano. He had a good heart, but very little opportunity to nurture it.
January 20, 2024
Orphan train saga
This series is addicting to say the least. Getting ready to start the 3rd book but like Cindy and her mother I must take a small break between the stories. The characters in these books have become ingrained in my heart and feel like family. The writing has put me at the heart of the story and I feel like I have experienced each event. Highly recommend this series
This series is addicting to say the least. Getting ready to start the 3rd book but like Cindy and her mother I must take a small break between the stories. The characters in these books have become ingrained in my heart and feel like family. The writing has put me at the heart of the story and I feel like I have experienced each event. Highly recommend this series
September 10, 2022
Kudos To The Author
I was apprehensive reading this book after reading book 1. If you thought the same don't!!! The author kept my interest right to the last word. Kudos and I hope the same applies to book 3! Great read and educational without trying to be. Book 3 and Anastasia here I come.
I was apprehensive reading this book after reading book 1. If you thought the same don't!!! The author kept my interest right to the last word. Kudos and I hope the same applies to book 3! Great read and educational without trying to be. Book 3 and Anastasia here I come.
October 11, 2023
Wonderful!
What a wonderful story. It does have its troubling moments, but it was good to see the story from Tobias' point of view. It was a shame that for how smart he was, he didn't realize he could die from the infection from the injury to his arm. Thanks again to the author, and I can't wait to read the next book.
What a wonderful story. It does have its troubling moments, but it was good to see the story from Tobias' point of view. It was a shame that for how smart he was, he didn't realize he could die from the infection from the injury to his arm. Thanks again to the author, and I can't wait to read the next book.
April 9, 2021
Another incredible Orphan Train novel! In my work at the National Orphan Train Complex, it is always a treat to find books that accurately portray the movement. Sherry Burton's books never disappoint!
July 30, 2022
My Musings
Stark and real. Agonizing to read at times. Tobias lost his one chance when they took him from Frannie and sent him back to New York. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
Stark and real. Agonizing to read at times. Tobias lost his one chance when they took him from Frannie and sent him back to New York. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
September 13, 2022
What a storyline!
Wow! The author did a amazing job with this series! I sat on the edge of my seat, even dreaming of this series and yes, I shed a few tears in too many places! On to the next book!
Wow! The author did a amazing job with this series! I sat on the edge of my seat, even dreaming of this series and yes, I shed a few tears in too many places! On to the next book!
January 22, 2023
Another story told of survival
I enjoyed tis story of another character in this experience. I feel like this story is quite a true account of what happened. I gave this high rating because it held my interest and makes me want to hear of the next child's story.
I enjoyed tis story of another character in this experience. I feel like this story is quite a true account of what happened. I gave this high rating because it held my interest and makes me want to hear of the next child's story.
August 21, 2023
Tobias
A crime final not really by choice but because he needed to survive and never really found the home he could have thrived in. Instead he set out to protect her and then little ones who were being victimized. He had a good heart but a vicious life.
A crime final not really by choice but because he needed to survive and never really found the home he could have thrived in. Instead he set out to protect her and then little ones who were being victimized. He had a good heart but a vicious life.
August 17, 2024
Shameless
I liked this book, even though I didn't like some of the things Tobias did. I had hoped he would have found a family, but we all make choices that are not always good ones
I liked this book, even though I didn't like some of the things Tobias did. I had hoped he would have found a family, but we all make choices that are not always good ones
October 5, 2024
I truly enjoy this serious. It’s very interesting to see the different sides to each one’s stories and the entanglement into our actual historical events. After doing some genealogical research, I found a relative who had given up his daughters to a “home” in Ohio, so I wonder……
November 26, 2024
Heartwrenching in the details.
Survival...the only way he could see. Loving and protecting in a world full of greed, yet helpless to go against the pull of what he thought was his only choice. Tears fall as we know what's coming, even as we hope for a different ending.
Survival...the only way he could see. Loving and protecting in a world full of greed, yet helpless to go against the pull of what he thought was his only choice. Tears fall as we know what's coming, even as we hope for a different ending.
February 20, 2025
Shameless
Book 1 was so void of emotion I almost didn't read Book 2. Book 2 was better and the characters more realistic. The first half of the book was a good read but I skimmed the last half as it was basically of repeat of the first book.
Book 1 was so void of emotion I almost didn't read Book 2. Book 2 was better and the characters more realistic. The first half of the book was a good read but I skimmed the last half as it was basically of repeat of the first book.
December 30, 2025
what a life!
Fiction intertwined with history to show us the lives we never knew of.
I can only say that I had enough time lapse between books a little more information of the prior book would have been helpful. I have enjoyed the books and will continue on.
Fiction intertwined with history to show us the lives we never knew of.
I can only say that I had enough time lapse between books a little more information of the prior book would have been helpful. I have enjoyed the books and will continue on.
November 28, 2022
Excellent
I love this series. It is so well written and creative! I strongly suggest anyone read these! I love them!
I love this series. It is so well written and creative! I strongly suggest anyone read these! I love them!
December 20, 2022
Excellent series!
February 16, 2023
Very good read
She takes you in a journey with these children. You can't help but get wrapped up in the story. I had a hard time putting this book down.
She takes you in a journey with these children. You can't help but get wrapped up in the story. I had a hard time putting this book down.
December 20, 2023
The book keep me engaged
January 11, 2024
What we do!
If on street what will you do? If no food what would you do? How do you do! Trains are to ride?
If on street what will you do? If no food what would you do? How do you do! Trains are to ride?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews