With You Always, Orphan Train Series by Jody Hedlund and published by Bethany House Publications.
In the financial crisis of the 1850’s, Elise Neumann is the older of her two orphaned sisters and finds she must provide for her sisters. She leaves New York and takes a job as a seamstress in Illinois. The father of Thornton Quincy and his brother, challenges them to build a sustainable railroad and get married. The first son to win the challenge inherits their fathers’ wealth. If only the feisty Elise would stay out of his way.