Sherry A. Burton Books In Order

Publication Order of Jerry McNeal Books

Publication Order of Kentucky Bluegrass Books

Publication Order of Storm Books

Publication Order of The Orphan Train Saga Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Anthologies

Sherry A. Burton is an American author of historical fiction books. She is the author of The Orphan Train Saga novels, a planned 18-novel historical fiction saga that focuses on Orphan Trains. She was born in Kentucky and raised in the small town of Fairdale on the outskirts of Louisville. Sherry embarked on her writing journey with a heartfelt pledge: to craft a story with a happy ending for a dear friend facing tough times. Surprisingly, the story seemed to come to life on its own, a creative force that propelled Sherry onto a path of profound personal transformation.

She openly shares that she’s guided by voices in her storytelling, a quirk she humorously attributes to the strength found in her 43-year marriage to her best friend. This cornerstone, she believes, enriches her ability to weave tales of love and happily ever after. As the celebrated author behind the award-winning Orphan Train Saga and the beloved Jerry McNeal Series, Sherry has made significant contributions to the literary world.

Choosing to settle back in Michigan, the state she and her husband consider home, Sherry finds herself close to family, cherishing time with their children and grandchildren. Her days are predominantly spent in her office. However, she relishes the opportunities to travel, share her works, and deliver lectures on the fascinating history of the Orphan Trains at libraries, schools, and other venues. Sherry’s commitment to historical accuracy in her depiction of the Orphan Trains has garnered recognition and endorsement from the National Orphan Train Complex. In 2022, this commitment was honored with the Charles Loring Brace Award, a testament to her meticulous research and dedication to preserving this important piece of history through her narratives.

Discovery is the first novel in the Orphan Train series by Sherry A. Burton, published in 2018. Cindy has been shouldering the cost of a storage unit for the past two years, a financial burden her mother Linda had managed for five years prior. With summer break from her teaching job ahead, Cindy decides it’s time to tackle the clutter stored away. Linda, still grappling with the grief of losing her husband two years ago, has become reclusive, hardly ever leaving the confines of the home once owned by Mildred, her stern and distant mother-in-law who showed little warmth to Cindy or Linda. Yet, it was Mildred who bequeathed her home and all its possessions to Cindy, among which Cindy discovers an unattractive, rattling doll. Hidden within it, she finds a key…

Thus, the narrative unfolds, tracing back to Mileta’s childhood. Left at an orphanage by her ailing mother, young Mileta was filled with both terror and wonder at the institution the children referred to as an “asylum.” There, she bonds with Mary and other orphans, each with their own story of abandonment. As time marches on to around 1924, several of the orphans, including Mileta, embark on a journey aboard a train bound for Detroit. It’s during this trip that Mileta meets Tobias, who becomes a pivotal figure in her life.

This novel recounts the life of Mileta, who later becomes known as Mildred, Cindy’s grandmother. It navigates through themes of love, loss, fear, and resilience, encapsulating the bittersweet saga of the Orphan Trains—a historical reality often left unspoken by those it affected. Mileta’s story, as told through this book, is a poignant exploration of human endurance in the face of adversity.

Always Faithful is the first novel by Jerry McNeal, published in 2019. Sometimes, it’s a gut feeling, an inexplicable suspicion, or simply an inner voice—whatever you choose to call it, Pennsylvania State Trooper Jerry McNeal refers to it as “that feeling.” It’s an unpredictable sensation that can overwhelm him suddenly, making it hard to catch his breath, or it can be a persistent whisper urging him to act. The specifics of “it” remain elusive until he’s directly confronted with the situation. Yet, upon arrival, Jerry is invariably certain he’s exactly where he needs to be.
Amidst one of the heaviest snowfalls of the season, that familiar sense of unease begins to stir within Trooper McNeal. As the snow continues to blanket everything in sight, the feeling becomes so compelling that Jerry finds himself compelled to navigate the dangerous, snow-covered roads. Driven by a force that seems to clutch at his very essence, he sets out into the blizzard—a night when all logic dictates the streets should be deserted—to rescue a life on the brink of being extinguished.

But this particular night brings a twist; Trooper McNeal won’t be facing the storm’s fury alone…
This tale is a heartwarming journey of emotional fulfillment. Jerry McNeal, with his encounters with the paranormal, and Holly, a single mother whose daughter is battling back from cancer, are characters that radiate warmth and kindness. Their genuine, compassionate natures make them immediately endearing to the reader. Likewise, Dennis and his wife exemplify deep love and commitment, both to each other and to their family, adding another layer of depth to this narrative. This story not only explores the mysterious intuitions that guide us but also celebrates the power of human connection and the unexpected heroes among us.

In Ghostly Guidance, the second novel in the Jerry McNeal series. Jerry McNeal never sought out the extraordinary capabilities that came with his birth—the ability to foresee the future wasn’t on his Wishlist, nor was the company of a ghostly K-9 police dog that seemed less than thrilled with his presence. Nonetheless, in the gripping second installment of The Jerry McNeal Series, Jerry is forced to navigate the complexities of these unasked-for gifts.

As he grapples with the challenges of living alongside a spectral canine partner who barely tolerates him, Jerry is also driven by an internal alarm that signals impending peril. This time, his premonitions lead him toward Savannah, a psychic medium whose good intentions may be her downfall. By opting not to share unfavorable revelations with a client, Savannah inadvertently places herself in danger, and it falls upon Jerry to intervene.

This story not only delves into the supernatural elements that Jerry must contend with but also explores themes of acceptance, the weight of responsibility, and the complex interplay between fate and free will. Jerry’s journey is a testament to the courage it takes to face the unknown and the transformative power of embracing one’s destiny.