What do you think?
Rate this book
Hearts on the Rails #1-3
Orphan Train: Collection One
Three books in one boxset:
Orphan Train Escape
1893 New York: A tragedy means Bridget Collins has to save her family but she can't do that by keeping them together. She reluctantly joins an orphan train on a voyage of hope, despair and the search for a home. Not just for her siblings but for almost forty other orphans desperate for a future.
Orphan Train Trials
Bella Jones and Kathleen Collins are as close as sisters and want to stay together. But their pasts come back to haunt them. A past Orphan Train survivor, can Bella save young twins, Megan and Eileen from a fate worse than the one Bella survived? Kathleen can't help, she has her own problems with missing brothers. Can she save them from the hangman's noose?
Orphan Train Christmas
Kenny Clark wants a family for Christmas. Kathleen is working hard to secure the best outcomes for all the orphans but what of her chance of happiness?
Orphan Train Escape
1893 New York: A tragedy means Bridget Collins has to save her family but she can't do that by keeping them together. She reluctantly joins an orphan train on a voyage of hope, despair and the search for a home. Not just for her siblings but for almost forty other orphans desperate for a future.
Orphan Train Trials
Bella Jones and Kathleen Collins are as close as sisters and want to stay together. But their pasts come back to haunt them. A past Orphan Train survivor, can Bella save young twins, Megan and Eileen from a fate worse than the one Bella survived? Kathleen can't help, she has her own problems with missing brothers. Can she save them from the hangman's noose?
Orphan Train Christmas
Kenny Clark wants a family for Christmas. Kathleen is working hard to secure the best outcomes for all the orphans but what of her chance of happiness?
596 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2021
405 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Wesson
120 books363 followersRachel Wesson was born in Kilkenny, Ireland but considers herself to be from the capital, Dublin as that's where she spent most of her life. Her dad brought Rachel and her two sisters out every Saturday to give their mother a break. He took them to the library and for ice-cream after. It took a long time for her sisters to forgive her for the hours she spent choosing her books!
She grew up driving everyone nuts asking them questions about what they did during the War or what side they were on in the 1916 rising etc. Finally her Granny told her to write her stories down so people would get the pleasure of reading them. In fact what Granny meant was everyone would get some peace while Rachel was busy writing!
When not writing, or annoying relatives, Rachel was reading. Her report cards from school commented on her love of reading especially when she should have been learning. Seems you can't read Great Expectations in Maths. After a doomed love affair and an unpleasant bank raid during which she defended herself with a tea tray, she headed to London for a couple of years. (There is a reason she doesn't write romance!). She never intended staying but a chance meeting with the man of her dreams put paid to any return to Ireland. Having spent most of her career in the City, she decided something was missing. Working in the City is great but it's a young person's dream. Having three children you never see isn't good for anyone. So she packed in the job and started writing. Thanks to her amazing readers, that writing turned into a career far more exciting and rewarding than any other.
Rachel lives in Surrey with her husband and three children, two boys and a girl. When not reading, writing or watching films for "research" purposes, Rachel likes to hang out with her family. She also travels regularly back home - in fact she should have shares in BA and Aerlingus.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 4, 2021
While on Bookbub, I noticed this collection of books. I immediately wanted to write a review of these stories. I’ve read and re-read these great adventures and highly recommend the books as being part of our history. Little children, stranded in New York with no parents, left on streets and orphanages, then had a chance for a new life. Was that life always grand; absolutely not! Was it better than before on the street; maybe! Were many of the orphans treated as family and given a wonderful life with two parents; yes many times. This is part of our American heritage, history and lifeline and I think everyone should read about it in this collection.
December 10, 2021
This series is touching to read at any time, and especially during a holiday season. It captures the lives of very benevolent people and their caring and work they do to help the orphaned children in NYC as well as those who are needy of basic items to lead better day-to-day lives. The caregivers, many who were orphaned themselves, give their selfless time, heroic actions and risks as they take in and nurture these orphans at a local location near a parish. They then take them, via train, out west to to nicer areas to give them good homes in western states. They find families who are willing to adopt them. Their dedication is heartwarming as they show their caring and concerns for these children and do their best to ensure that they find reputable couples and families wishing to adopt these children and provide love and better environments to them in their towns and homes. I highly recommend Rachel Wesson's books as readers will also appreciate these books and their messages conveyed.
February 26, 2021
Orphan Train Escape
Such an emotional book! I loved this story of Bridget and her family, as they suffer like many in this time did in NYC! But there's a new hope as well as tragedy on the orphan train! Come and follow this new series by the incredible Rachel Wesson!
Orphan Train Trials
This amazing book had me on the edge of my seat! There are both tons of sweet romance as well as terrifying and horrific situations to overcome. These trials try to break the families and communities apart, but the support of good men and dedicated women lead to a hope and a future for the orphans and families!
Rachel's books just keep getting better and better!
Orphan Train Christmas
Another beautifully written story of love and family! It's a whirlwind of activity as Christmas approaches, but not everything brings joy! Follow the ladies and children of Carmel's Sanctuary as they fight, fear, hatred, anger, pain, death, and loss and welcome, hope, love, peace, family and friends!
Such an emotional book! I loved this story of Bridget and her family, as they suffer like many in this time did in NYC! But there's a new hope as well as tragedy on the orphan train! Come and follow this new series by the incredible Rachel Wesson!
Orphan Train Trials
This amazing book had me on the edge of my seat! There are both tons of sweet romance as well as terrifying and horrific situations to overcome. These trials try to break the families and communities apart, but the support of good men and dedicated women lead to a hope and a future for the orphans and families!
Rachel's books just keep getting better and better!
Orphan Train Christmas
Another beautifully written story of love and family! It's a whirlwind of activity as Christmas approaches, but not everything brings joy! Follow the ladies and children of Carmel's Sanctuary as they fight, fear, hatred, anger, pain, death, and loss and welcome, hope, love, peace, family and friends!
August 22, 2021
These books have you wanting more
This was a !overly collection of books telling a story from beginning to end. It opened up my eyes to how children were found families for
adopted children back then . If we look back in history this was very common not only in America . children being sent to Australia and Canada from England. The Jewish children sent to England and America in world war 2 and now children being sent from war torn countries on their own for their own safety.
This was a !overly collection of books telling a story from beginning to end. It opened up my eyes to how children were found families for
adopted children back then . If we look back in history this was very common not only in America . children being sent to Australia and Canada from England. The Jewish children sent to England and America in world war 2 and now children being sent from war torn countries on their own for their own safety.
December 4, 2021
A story of tragedy and survival in the streets of New York City. I had no idea how the orphans were found, rescued, transported on the Orphan Train and new families found. This process is filled with tragedy and sadness, but also love and joy. Very informative - I learned how the gangs would recruit the orphans, that all the “new families” weren’t good, that some were abusive, and some just wanted free farm labor.
This trilogy is a start to finish look at the Orphan Train and the people who stepped up to help these children. Highly recommend reading this!
This trilogy is a start to finish look at the Orphan Train and the people who stepped up to help these children. Highly recommend reading this!
January 10, 2023
Orphan Train
I don’t usually read historical romances but saw this set as a freebie. I am so glad I got it because it was fantastic! The author really has a way with words, drawing you into every storyline. She wrote incredibly heart wrenching stories that I know will pull on your heart strings and even though this set is a work of fiction, it is based on real life. It really makes you think about and appreciate life more. I would recommend this set and can’t wait to read the rest in the series.
I don’t usually read historical romances but saw this set as a freebie. I am so glad I got it because it was fantastic! The author really has a way with words, drawing you into every storyline. She wrote incredibly heart wrenching stories that I know will pull on your heart strings and even though this set is a work of fiction, it is based on real life. It really makes you think about and appreciate life more. I would recommend this set and can’t wait to read the rest in the series.
December 7, 2021
Struggle and Triumph
I was not aware of the history included in this series, and found it to be both sad and inspiring. Life can be unbelievably difficult, but at the same time beautiful. I am glad I read these books. They encouraged me to keep trying despite daunting challenges.
I was not aware of the history included in this series, and found it to be both sad and inspiring. Life can be unbelievably difficult, but at the same time beautiful. I am glad I read these books. They encouraged me to keep trying despite daunting challenges.
February 16, 2024
I read all three books in a week. I have to admit that I cried more than once. The female characters were very strong women. And under the circumstances the children were resilient. The conditions the families lived in were horrible. I was surprised to read that the stories were based on real life conditions in that time frame. The author did a great job in shedding light on that time frame.
November 17, 2021
Interesting stories of orphan train
Such an amazing stories and all the lives that were touch. It was hard to lay the book down as one thing occurred after another. Very talented author to pull all this together, must read book.
Such an amazing stories and all the lives that were touch. It was hard to lay the book down as one thing occurred after another. Very talented author to pull all this together, must read book.
December 13, 2021
Exceptional
The stories one hears of the Orphan Train children are mixed. These books tell both the good and the bad. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters. Good books!
The stories one hears of the Orphan Train children are mixed. These books tell both the good and the bad. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters. Good books!
January 15, 2022
The story could be very interesting but for the immature overly simplistic use of language. The dialogue doesn’t flow between the characters and all seems stinted and overly “sunshine and rainbows”, completely unbelievable characters. Many very good reviews so perhaps just not my style.
October 8, 2022
This trio of book kept me interested right up to the end. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen something would happen and change all the dynamics and I just had to read that "little bit more" before I went to sleep. It's a real family saga that is hard to put down.
November 7, 2022
Excellent
Carefully crafted story about a lesser known part of history.. Though written as a fictional story it contains a lot of truth. Once you start reading you won't want to stop.
Carefully crafted story about a lesser known part of history.. Though written as a fictional story it contains a lot of truth. Once you start reading you won't want to stop.
December 14, 2022
A good, heartwarming story
I really liked the writing in this book. It has some history mixed in with the lives of several characters.
The characters in this story also have a little romance in store for them.
I really liked the writing in this book. It has some history mixed in with the lives of several characters.
The characters in this story also have a little romance in store for them.
March 31, 2024
Wonderful series
I thoroughly enjoyed the 1st three books. I loved the characters and the storylines. The third book was very different with the gangs and such, but they were related to the storyline. It was a wonderful happy ending.
I thoroughly enjoyed the 1st three books. I loved the characters and the storylines. The third book was very different with the gangs and such, but they were related to the storyline. It was a wonderful happy ending.
November 11, 2024
Fast paced and interesting
This is definitely a good series with lots of interesting characters. The storyline itself lets you glimpse what these orphan trains were like, the good and the bad.
This is definitely a good series with lots of interesting characters. The storyline itself lets you glimpse what these orphan trains were like, the good and the bad.
added-it
November 1, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/1/2021)! 🎁
December 10, 2021
Great book
October 28, 2022
Great stories
I enjoyed all 3 of these books. So hard to believe these things actually happened. Loved all the characters. I read all 3 in less than a week. A page turned.
I enjoyed all 3 of these books. So hard to believe these things actually happened. Loved all the characters. I read all 3 in less than a week. A page turned.
November 4, 2022
Wonderfully entertaining
This series (3 books), is an amazing story! I loved every word. All the characters, this was so true and believable. I wanted to join the family!
This series (3 books), is an amazing story! I loved every word. All the characters, this was so true and believable. I wanted to join the family!
November 11, 2022
I loved this book!
This book kept me up too late every night because I had to find out what would happen next. It was excellent from start to fin.
This book kept me up too late every night because I had to find out what would happen next. It was excellent from start to fin.
March 14, 2023
epic
One of the best reads. I cried and smiled with a fabulous group of characters. I cannot wait to read the second collection.
One of the best reads. I cried and smiled with a fabulous group of characters. I cannot wait to read the second collection.
April 10, 2023
Great books
This boxed set was the best I've read in awhile. I liked all the characters stories. I'm glad most of the children found happy homes. I recommend these books.
This boxed set was the best I've read in awhile. I liked all the characters stories. I'm glad most of the children found happy homes. I recommend these books.
April 9, 2025
orphan triangle, book 1
Greatly written , sad in places very happy in others couldn’t put it down , would recommend this book to anyone
Greatly written , sad in places very happy in others couldn’t put it down , would recommend this book to anyone
May 29, 2025
Good
I just finished all three books in the series. New characters added as I read and almost too many by the end. Plots were good. Took a while to get into the writing style.
I just finished all three books in the series. New characters added as I read and almost too many by the end. Plots were good. Took a while to get into the writing style.
July 5, 2022
A history of heroes
This is a great story of how ordinary people can step into the gap for others in very challenging circumstances. These stories are fictionalied accounts of a real time in American history when creative measures were taken to help desperate orphans in need of a home. The characters are easy to imagine as real people dealing with some very dangerous situations at times.
This is a great story of how ordinary people can step into the gap for others in very challenging circumstances. These stories are fictionalied accounts of a real time in American history when creative measures were taken to help desperate orphans in need of a home. The characters are easy to imagine as real people dealing with some very dangerous situations at times.
July 26, 2023
This series deals with a time in history about which I knew little. I found the novel to really depicted many of the issues people in NYC faced in the late 1890s. The turmoil people endured and the difficulty in raising families was tragic. The decision to send children to other families was heartbreaking as were conditions these “orphans” faced/endured.
March 27, 2023
Very good series!
Well written and found it hard to put down. I recommend this series to anyone that enjoys books from that era!
Well written and found it hard to put down. I recommend this series to anyone that enjoys books from that era!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews