Orphan Train means different things to different folks

While doing a routine search on the term orphan train, I made an interesting discovery. The term is currently in use today to reflect various charities that deal with orphanages throughout the world.

The term first came into play with a series done by PBS, where they documented the work of Charles Loving Brace and his efforts to lessen the burdens created by homeless children in New York. The series is a wonderful glimpse into the good and bad experiences these poor waifs endured.

Since Charles Loving Brace began the practice of placing orphans in homes far removed from their hometowns, other countries soon followed suit. As the plight of orphans has always captured the hearts of generous, empathetic folks, the term has been assigned to other charitable endeavors. Instead of taking orphans on the train to new places, orphan trains now bring much needed services to needy orphanages. The Rotary Club started an Orphan Train project in which they provide all sorts of services from seeing that children are examined by optometrists and given needed eye ware to providing vocational training.

It amazes me that there are so many good-hearted folks willing to help orphans in far off locations and yet, it's also very sad that these orphans have such a hard life. Kudos to those that make a difference.

Two Great Reviews for Once Jilted

I'm off for the summer. Yay!! Which means writing time. In the meantime, I thought I'd post two more reviews for Once Jilted. The book is doing very well. In fact, I think the entire series promises a lot to historical western fans. I'm looking forward to the last book and the heartfelt reunion these orphans will share.

Once Jilted gets another great review. Lynda of Simply Romance Reviews wrote:

Ms. Gold based Once Jilted on real events and I know without a doubt that person behind this story would be thrilled. Heartwarming, funny and even a little suspenseful this is a great read. The romance is sweet, our heroine strong willed and very feisty and the hero is well…definitely a hunk. Take home Once Jilted today, I don’t think you’ll be sorry you did. Check out the rest of the review here.

Lototy from Coffeetime Romance wrote:

I cannot even imagine how terrified, but secretly hopeful those children must have been on that train. Ms. Gold tells this story with a depth of feeling that is uniquely her. Her characters and their circumstances feel as real as any account told in a non-fiction novel. Shauna and Kane are both wounded souls. Their pain and longing to be loved just comes pouring out, and will make you ache for them. Shauna and Kane are both in need of a family and someone to love; their story is one that you will not want to miss. Read the rest of the review here.

Another excerpt from Once A Rebel

Hello, thought I'd post another excerpt form Once A Rebel:




Galen couldn’t help but admire his determination. His gentle compassion for the horse was an unexpected surprise. She’d never thought to see such genuine concern in a gunslinging rustler, hounds of hell as they all were. “Well, you did a fine job, Mr. Hassett. He’s a beautiful creature. Gentle as the morning sun.”
His smile softened. “Joshua,” he corrected. “And thank you. Horses are hardy animals that thrive easily enough with a little TLC, a sense of security, and trust in their caregiver. Much like people.”
By people he surely referred to men. TLC, security and trust. All basic needs afforded a horse…but not a woman. And definitely not a woman with an ill-reputable past. She may as well cast any flight of fancy out of her mind right now. “Why did you pay Frank for a week of my services?”
“I did not pay Frank for a week of your services. I paid Frank for a week of your companionship.”
She puffed a hostile breath and sent him a twisted glare. “There’s a difference?”
He flashed that sexy smile again and she jerked her head away. “There is.”
“Oh? And what is that? You seem to forget I’m but a mere female, and have a limited knowledge when it comes to the expectations of the all powerful male.”
“C’mon Eve, you don’t honestly believe that? You strike me as an intelligent woman.”
She ignored the question, wanting to get to the heart of the matter at hand. “You’re telling me you don’t expect me to service you for the entire week?”
“I don’t expect anything but your companionship, and perhaps you’ll gift me with a few of your engaging stories.”
“You’re not serious?” She didn’t believe him. It was a trick.
“I’m very serious.” He looked solemn as a stone, the crafty bastard. She couldn’t read his thoughts to save her life.
It was too incredible to be true, wasn’t it? He was a man, after all. Therefore, he lived in an eternal state of needing to be serviced. Had she misread the longing in those glorious dark eyes? Had she failed to please him before? She was dying to know, but far too embarrassed to ask. She turned and started to walk away not wanting him to see the rejection she knew layered her eyes and caught a glimpse of the men that had been following her. She stopped. For whatever reason, the niggling oafs feared the beautiful horse rustler at her side. It might be in her best interest to take Mr. Hassett up on his generous offer. At least until she could figure out a way to escape all three hideous buffoons. “In that case, I’ll do it.”





You can check out a few reviews here:





http://romancereaderatheart.com/pubsandpromos/2008/jan08/OR_AA.html


and here:

http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/Oncearebel.html



and here:


www.enchantingreviews.com/Desiree_4_OnceARebel.html.


...more to come!


Until next time, happy reading!
Angie

http://www.angelaashtonbooks.com/

Once A Rebel by Angela Ashton...available now in both print and ebook via http://www.champagnebooks.com/

ONCE A VAGABOND – is now available!!!!

Summer is in the air and what great way to kick it off then with a stack of books to read!

My third book – ONCE A VAGABOND – is now available!!!! It is the third book in the six book series.

Back cover blurb –

2 vows 1 outcome

Abigail McKee vowed revenge. Ethan O’Conner not only lied to her and broke her ten-year-old heart, but also drugged her and then put her on a horrific orphan train. Since then, her life had been nothing but miserable and at times terrifying.

14-year-old Ethan had vowed to keep Abby safe. And although he feared he would never see her again by putting her on the train, he fought back the tears with the knowledge that he had kept his promise to Abby the only way he knew how.

Now ten years later, Ethan is back in Abby’s life as John Cable, Point Reyes Lighthouse’s new First Assistant, and only he knows about their past. Will Ethan risk losing Abby again with the truth? And if Abby learns the truth, will she have the courage to let go of her past and follow her heart?


Currently it is out in Ebook format, but will soon be release in print too. You can order your copy at -

http://www.champagnebooks.com/

And don’t forget, if you’ve not already, to check out my earlier books – ONE LAST RIDE and ANGELS IN THE WINDOW – available in Ebook format and exclusively in paperback at Champagne Books’ bookstore –

http://www.champagnebooks.com/books/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=38&zenid=56480b79e86e8e2794ad89fe942423d8

Happy reading,

Kim
Incredible stories...Unforgett able characters
http://www.kimleady.com/

Great Review for Once Jilted

Once Jilted got 4.5 hearts from the Romance Studio. Brenda Talley wrote: "The escapades of this strong-minded woman were so intricately written it was impossible to not love Shauna and hope for love and happiness to find her. Her counterpart was an Irishman, Kane McKenna, whose mannerisms made him a stand-out, perfect compliment for Shauna. He obviously was well mannered and hated to be rude and ugly but he was challenged in true Gold style with more than most men could possibly handle.This book was an emotional one for me. I have to admit that I laughed out loud, but I also shed several tears. And the ending—not what I was expecting. I recommend that you read this book. It is well worth your time and you will certainly be glad you took the time. Expect the unexpected, and see for yourself what a Ciara Gold book is like. You will not be disappointed." Check out the rest of the review here.

Once A Vagabond's COVER

The cover is done and what an amazing cover it is!!!! It won’t be long now. If all goes according to plan Once a Vagabond will be released in May.

So get ready to experience an amazing ride with unforgettable characters that will have you crying one moment and laughing the next.

I must say, the waiting is killing me!

Discover how an orphan train survivor overcomes hardship and loss while struggling between letting go of the past, and trusting her heart to the man who not only lied to her but was responsible for her being on the train.

So until next time, happy reading.

Kim Leady
Incredible stories…Unforgettable characters

www.kimleady.com

Home Children

I never gave much thought to the orphan train movement until I wrote Once Jilted. Even then, I only researched America’s Orphan Train movement because our related stories all dealt with children who rode the train in search of new homes across the wide expanse of states.

However, as I was looking for more information, I stumbled across information about other projects similar to the Orphan Train movement. Thousands of homeless waifs were sent from England to Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Orphan boats carried these “home children” from impoverished situations in England to become indentured servants to Canadian farmers or wards of the state in Australia and New Zealand. Many ended up in children’s orphanages abroad only to suffer abuse and mental anguish. In some cases, the children were stolen from their families to be placed in impossible situations. I’m thinking there’s a story here, one involving a hero or heroine with a similar background.

Regardless, I found it interesting to note that America was not the only country involved in this practice and children from all over either prospered or suffered according to the situations they found themselves in.