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Homespun #1
Mail Order Millie
George has a hard time dealing with his farm and his four children after the death of his wife. When the ladies at his church raise money for a mail order bride for him, he doesn't argue with them. He needs a caretaker for his family. Millie has a short time to find her own way in the world before she is kicked out of the orphanage where she was raised. George's letter about his requirements for a bride fit in all ways but one. Will her lie keep them apart even after they're married?
83 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2012
303 people are currently reading
927 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
June 12, 2013
Mail Order Millie is one of those stories with an immense possibility, and the skeleton of those possibilities is all laid out, but unfortunately, what the reader gets sounds more like a 10th grade book report of the story than the story itself.
It's too preachy, without enough of the reasoning behind the preaching, so it comes across as a bad tale of wifely subservience rather than Christian faith.
With all of that, you can't help but LIKE the characters, but it's like they were all killed in a fatal collision between the author and reader instead. When you finish the very short book, you don't have a burning desire to pick up another one, but almost feel an urge to sing a dirge and prepare for a funeral for the whole family instead.
It's too bad the story died so young...it had so much to live for!
It's too preachy, without enough of the reasoning behind the preaching, so it comes across as a bad tale of wifely subservience rather than Christian faith.
With all of that, you can't help but LIKE the characters, but it's like they were all killed in a fatal collision between the author and reader instead. When you finish the very short book, you don't have a burning desire to pick up another one, but almost feel an urge to sing a dirge and prepare for a funeral for the whole family instead.
It's too bad the story died so young...it had so much to live for!
December 5, 2013
One minute, the baby's name is Grace, then they're getting off the wagon and she's called Hope. The oldest daughter's name is Patience. Then, they're washing dishes in Chapter Two, and she's Grace. What the heck?! I really, really wanted to like this book. With the guidance of a good editor, it could probably be readable, but simple errors like getting your characters' names wrong is just more than I can take.
June 20, 2013
1.5 -
To be honest, I thought this was a little cheesy. Not a lot of meat to it, not a lot of character development. I didn't believe the chemistry between them at all. I thought George was rude, and Millie let him walk all over her. And then poof, they are in love. Didn't buy it. Very little romance...mainly a book about what Millie decided to cook for her new family.
To be honest, I thought this was a little cheesy. Not a lot of meat to it, not a lot of character development. I didn't believe the chemistry between them at all. I thought George was rude, and Millie let him walk all over her. And then poof, they are in love. Didn't buy it. Very little romance...mainly a book about what Millie decided to cook for her new family.
April 6, 2020
Meh..
Felt like I was reading a novella written by my teenager.
Felt like I was reading a novella written by my teenager.
October 14, 2018
False pretenses are not the best way to answer a mail order bride letter. But lessons were learned and a family formed.
Reading level is for grades 5 or 6.
Reading level is for grades 5 or 6.
March 16, 2014
This was the first book by Crabapple I have read. It was an short read about a widow with four children who was pushed into placing an ad for a mail order bride.
I typically enjoy reading Mail Order Bride romances and did enjoy this one. Millie being an orphan gave it a unique spin.
That said, I found Crabapple's writing to be one of two things. One, it was targeted for a young teen audience or two, she did not have confidence in her writing or her audience as she repeated or over explained mundane facts. This was especially true of Millie's household duties. It is one thing to give the reader insight to the challenges she met in keeping a home. But to give so many meal plans, chore lists, left me feeling the book had already been digested for me.
While the spiritual focus was a great plus and certainly an encouragement to see in a story, it to was over done. Or perhaps oversimplified. And the unbending nature George displayed our such mattera did not reflect well on Christ's lovs for the church.
I thought Crabapple was excellent in her portrayal.of the children at the ages indicated. Patience stool my heart as soon as she was introduced.
I typically enjoy reading Mail Order Bride romances and did enjoy this one. Millie being an orphan gave it a unique spin.
That said, I found Crabapple's writing to be one of two things. One, it was targeted for a young teen audience or two, she did not have confidence in her writing or her audience as she repeated or over explained mundane facts. This was especially true of Millie's household duties. It is one thing to give the reader insight to the challenges she met in keeping a home. But to give so many meal plans, chore lists, left me feeling the book had already been digested for me.
While the spiritual focus was a great plus and certainly an encouragement to see in a story, it to was over done. Or perhaps oversimplified. And the unbending nature George displayed our such mattera did not reflect well on Christ's lovs for the church.
I thought Crabapple was excellent in her portrayal.of the children at the ages indicated. Patience stool my heart as soon as she was introduced.
October 3, 2013
I really like historical romances unless they don't stick true to the time period.
George is very judgmental and Millie is very young.
I was confused by her upset to not being able to buy dresses for the girls when she had cloth in her bag the whole time. Also she should have used the older kids clothes to make something for the younger kids. Seemed the author has a shaky impression on the time period.
Also showing her age, Millie has some mighty misguided ideas about mail order brides and moving west. She did have sone schooling right? So why did she fancy herself moving to a nice big house with servants and a husband who would instantly adore her?
Then the best part POOF we love each other.
George is very judgmental and Millie is very young.
I was confused by her upset to not being able to buy dresses for the girls when she had cloth in her bag the whole time. Also she should have used the older kids clothes to make something for the younger kids. Seemed the author has a shaky impression on the time period.
Also showing her age, Millie has some mighty misguided ideas about mail order brides and moving west. She did have sone schooling right? So why did she fancy herself moving to a nice big house with servants and a husband who would instantly adore her?
Then the best part POOF we love each other.
February 19, 2014
This book was okay. I didn't love it or hate it. There were a lot of inconsistencies throughout the novel. I also found a lot of things weren't historically accurate. But the main problem I had was that a majority of the book was spent discussing Millie taking care of the children and doing household chores. This is a large part of being a wife at the time, but I felt the author could have added more excitement. Hoping the stew is edible is about as exciting as this novel gets. Also, I got this free on my Nook. I'm not sure if that makes a difference.
August 24, 2014
I've always enjoyed the occasional Christian romance, the comfortable stories and the sweet Christian message, but this book was a bit extreme. Instead of being a sweet romance with a Christian background, it was mire like a sermon on how a woman needs to put the needs of a man first and foremost, even when she hardly knows him. This book was full of flat characters with an overly preachy backdrop. I personally did not care for it, but I can see it being desirable for extremely strict Christians.
October 7, 2014
Parable or no?
I honestly didn't like or dislike the book. it's kind of like reading a parable, not exciting, but a good way to get a lesson across. as far as Christian fiction goes, this was one of the not so great ones. I'm my opinion the author failed to develop the characters. I kept waiting to see personality and got a few glimpses but basically it is a bland book.
I honestly didn't like or dislike the book. it's kind of like reading a parable, not exciting, but a good way to get a lesson across. as far as Christian fiction goes, this was one of the not so great ones. I'm my opinion the author failed to develop the characters. I kept waiting to see personality and got a few glimpses but basically it is a bland book.
December 31, 2015
This was a cute story. The way Millie remained so upbeat and positive about everything was refreshing and if it wasn't for some of her thoughts and one point where she felt hurt and anger, I would have thought her to be too perfect.
Beautiful message about having a relationship with God vs just going to Church.
Beautiful message about having a relationship with God vs just going to Church.
February 24, 2015
Mail Order Millie was a cute story, but it felt a little lacking to me. It was hard to pin point exactly what was missing. Certain things in the story felt rushed and shallow. The story has potential, but needs to be developed a little deeper. It was a quick read and certainly not a waste of my afternoon! :)
June 5, 2014
Not a romance
it's a good enough story but somehow winds up being about God and a good Christian which I am just not all that interested in. not bad/not good it was kind of just blah.
it's a good enough story but somehow winds up being about God and a good Christian which I am just not all that interested in. not bad/not good it was kind of just blah.
June 20, 2014
not a fan. the story seemed unrealistic and rushed. And there were lots of errors that the editor should have caught - calling the baby by the wrong name, referring to breakfast as lunch, etc. I didn't even like Millie.
July 13, 2014
Not exciting
if you like mail order bride books, this one will disappoint.
I found it to be boring, nothing terribly fine or exciting happened, there was no under current of romance or feelings groaning...it was all a bit dull
if you like mail order bride books, this one will disappoint.
I found it to be boring, nothing terribly fine or exciting happened, there was no under current of romance or feelings groaning...it was all a bit dull
July 13, 2014
A novella
I chose a one star rating because I found the dialogue to be rather stilted and contrived.The characters were poorly developed and there was very little story. As a whole it seemed very amateurish.
Crissy
I chose a one star rating because I found the dialogue to be rather stilted and contrived.The characters were poorly developed and there was very little story. As a whole it seemed very amateurish.
Crissy
March 30, 2014
Eh, you get what you pay for. Pretty uninspiring typical Christian romance novel. Unfortunately, the characters were pretty flat and it was short and to the point.
May 13, 2014
Cute, clean story, but a little heavy handed on the preaching. Very short. Too much narration and not enough conversation, though.
June 15, 2014
a very simple read. more for high school age readers but it was a clean book and that's always a plus for me.
July 30, 2014
I liked this book. I was wanting it to go on longer.
It is a really good christian historical romance.
Millie is a mail order bride who goes to Minnesota to marry a farmer.
It is a really good christian historical romance.
Millie is a mail order bride who goes to Minnesota to marry a farmer.
October 18, 2014
Cheesy...
I just found this book incredibly cheesy and didn't like either character. I am so glad I got it for free...
I just found this book incredibly cheesy and didn't like either character. I am so glad I got it for free...
October 12, 2019
Becoming a Family
George needed a mother for his children- 2 boys and 2 girls. Their mother had died and his oldest child, a daughter, had to try to do more than she was capable of doing. When Millie arrived as a mail-order bride, George was disappointed. She was barely 18 years old and he thought she was just too young. He was upset if meals were not ready when he came in from the fields, but Millie worked hard to improve. She got better at meeting his expectations and they began to form a happy family.
George needed a mother for his children- 2 boys and 2 girls. Their mother had died and his oldest child, a daughter, had to try to do more than she was capable of doing. When Millie arrived as a mail-order bride, George was disappointed. She was barely 18 years old and he thought she was just too young. He was upset if meals were not ready when he came in from the fields, but Millie worked hard to improve. She got better at meeting his expectations and they began to form a happy family.
August 5, 2024
A Home for Mil!ie
A wonderful book and message for anyone who wishes to become closer to our heavenly father A meaningful and easy story to follow and understand for a!I Christians regardless of their age. A great read for young teenagers too. Loved how the teachings of the Bible intertwine with the two main characters of the book. Simple and direct and I loved how Millie embraced her faith and how she loved this new family, not an easy thing to do when your life was spent in an orphanage even though it was a kind one.
A wonderful book and message for anyone who wishes to become closer to our heavenly father A meaningful and easy story to follow and understand for a!I Christians regardless of their age. A great read for young teenagers too. Loved how the teachings of the Bible intertwine with the two main characters of the book. Simple and direct and I loved how Millie embraced her faith and how she loved this new family, not an easy thing to do when your life was spent in an orphanage even though it was a kind one.
November 7, 2025
Sweet story of Millie, a male order bride who leaves Boston to start a new life in Minnesota. When George’s wife Martha passed away he was at a loss as to how to care for his children and his farm. The church ladies in the town had a big sale and pulled their money together to bring a male order bride to their small Minnesota Tower. Millie aims to become a good Christian wife to GEORGE and mother to his four children. After a while, their love for one another spring forward and is the book ends. Millie is expecting a baby. The children are happy GEORGE is happy and Millie is happy.Four stars
March 20, 2020
Orphan
This was a good book written by Katie Crabapple and I enjoyed reading it. Orphan, a young woman, eighteen and leaving, mail order bride, a farmer, four children, lied to, cleaning, Church and God, will this be a happy ever after? I would recommend this book to everyone. Buy the book and enjoy reading it.
This was a good book written by Katie Crabapple and I enjoyed reading it. Orphan, a young woman, eighteen and leaving, mail order bride, a farmer, four children, lied to, cleaning, Church and God, will this be a happy ever after? I would recommend this book to everyone. Buy the book and enjoy reading it.
February 6, 2018
Eh, it was alright. A bit preachy, especially at the end. It really bothered me that George couldn’t love her unconditionally, that she had to become a “real Christian” for him to love her. It just rubbed me the wrong way.
3 stars.
3 stars.
June 2, 2018
Wonderful book!
This is a book about a young girl. Going from an orphanage to being a mail order bride. She learns what she needs to do to be a Christian and run a household. While doing all this, she and her husband fall in love. A well written book!
This is a book about a young girl. Going from an orphanage to being a mail order bride. She learns what she needs to do to be a Christian and run a household. While doing all this, she and her husband fall in love. A well written book!
June 30, 2018
This book just couldn't work for me. I got too annoyed with George, (something about him just rubbed me the wrong way) and the half ass writing. The Two stars are for the author effort. Would I recommend? Sorry but no.
February 5, 2021
Gods goodness
I fully enjoyed this book. I needed it at this time with so many things happening in our nation and world! It gave me a time to reflect on God's goodness and an escape from the news too!
I fully enjoyed this book. I needed it at this time with so many things happening in our nation and world! It gave me a time to reflect on God's goodness and an escape from the news too!
June 14, 2021
Christian historical novel
I enjoyed this mail order bride story, it was easy to connect
to the characters. Thank you for no sexual content and cursing. I recommend the author and the book.
I enjoyed this mail order bride story, it was easy to connect
to the characters. Thank you for no sexual content and cursing. I recommend the author and the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews