Homeward the Seeking Heart

It is the spring of 1890.Three eight-year-old girls leave overcrowded, bleak Greystone orphanage near Boston and set out together on the “Orphan Train” heading West to adoptive homes. Along the way, the little girls – shy, delicate Laurel, vivacious, mischievous Toddy, and kind, scholarly Kit – make a vow to be “forever friends”. At journey’s end, they go to live with separate families in the town of Meadowridge. As the years go by, each of the girls encounters challenges and discovers love as she pursues her dream of a home of their own.

Homeward the Seeking Heart is Toddy’s story – the precious gift of hope. Left at Greystone by her actress mother, exuberant Toddy joins the household of Octavia Hale, a wealthy, reserved widow who seeks a companion for her invalid granddaughter, Helene. Before long, Toddy wins their hearts and transforms their gloomy home with her bright optimism. As the years pass, Toddy proves to be a godsend for Helene and also brings much joy to Mrs. Hale. Yet happiness eludes Toddy. Vindictive words spoken long ago by Mrs. Hale’s brusque maid still echo in her mind: “Just becuz Miss Helene took a fancy to you don’t mean you’re special, cause you ain’t … If anything happens to her, you’d be out on your ear, quicker’n you can say Jack Robinson!”

Is Toddy’s yearning for a place to belong only an elusive dream?