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When Julia unexpectedly loses the accounting job she loves, and is unable to find another position doing anything in Boston, she decides to take her best friend Emma up on her offer to come to Montana. Emma’s husband Ethan has eight brothers and one of them, Liam, has his sights set on Julia. Liam seems almost too perfect, but then Julia discovers the secret that he struggles with. Will she stick with him?
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 21, 2019
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In this installment, the reader is introduced to Julia, who is employed as an accountant. Her employer is elderly, sickly, and is pressured by his wife to sell the business. The new owners refuse to keep her on, claiming they have more capable male employees on staff, who have families to support.
In this second volume entitled 'Julia', the reader is presented with a clean and wholesome story. There are about eight women living in Boston, who are still friends after having graduated from the local orphanage at age 18. During this era, single women without families have slim pickings for job opportunities, which included duties such as Nannies, kitchen duties, and maids. They recently discovered that their former mistress at the orphanage has a mail-order business now. The thought intrigued the girls, but also frightened them as well, even though their friend Emma had successfully found a husband in Montana through her.
Emma's predicament moves her to seek refuge by agreeing to join her friend, Emma, in Bozeman, Montana. Two of Emma's brothers-in-law are interested in courting her in hopes of marriage. So, off she heads to Montana. Will a courtship lead to the marriage they hope for?
So far, this series is interesting but not as captivating as I had hoped. Although there were minimal grammatical errors, there were some era anomalies. Other reviewers have already depicted most, if not all in detail already. This book is able to stand on its own, but it appears that each book will work off the introductory installment and so it is recommended that you read them in order to obtain the full effect of the journey these people took on their paths to a H.E.A.
April 3, 2017
Another freebie. It was meh. Just ok.
Not sure why this is considered a mail order bride book, since Julia was not a mail order bride.
There was no build up to the romance and the pace was entirely too fast.
There was little conflict and what little there was was easily resolved. I usually don't mind this as long as there is some sweet romance, but here it was just attraction then a quick marriage. No build up to the love. Very little inner thoughts, so we don't know why they fell in love with each other.
The hero comes off as suspicious, wanting to get married so fast. I think it was the authors attempt at making an alpha hero, but it just failed.
Oh and the H's big secret
At first I was thinking his secret was that he goes to whores, or had a child..I'm glad it wasn't. Still it made reading this a bit nerve wracking for someone who has trigger issues.
There is no detailed sex, but it is implied..off camera.
It was ok. 100% safety gang safe
Not sure why this is considered a mail order bride book, since Julia was not a mail order bride.
There was no build up to the romance and the pace was entirely too fast.
There was little conflict and what little there was was easily resolved. I usually don't mind this as long as there is some sweet romance, but here it was just attraction then a quick marriage. No build up to the love. Very little inner thoughts, so we don't know why they fell in love with each other.
The hero comes off as suspicious, wanting to get married so fast. I think it was the authors attempt at making an alpha hero, but it just failed.
Oh and the H's big secret
At first I was thinking his secret was that he goes to whores, or had a child..I'm glad it wasn't. Still it made reading this a bit nerve wracking for someone who has trigger issues.
There is no detailed sex, but it is implied..off camera.
It was ok. 100% safety gang safe
June 29, 2015
Warning: shallow depths ahead. I chose this because I was interested to see how the author would deal with the complicated subject of depression in this time period (1896). First I'll tackle the way the book handles the depression angle and then I'll tell you my take on the book. Spoilers ahead.
The depression: This book reads like an after school special about depression. (Does that show my age a bit much?) Ms Merrick seems to have written the book solely to educate us on the subject. It is the only plot point. I understand that everyone experiences depression differently, but the author doesn't show that she understands depression. Let me explain. The hero is portrayed as being wonderful, if a bit tired, until suddenly he doesn't get out of bed for a week. We get nothing from his POV during his depression and then after his miraculous recovery, he merely apologizes and then feels embarrassed that he showed weakness. If we are meant to learn about depression, let us experience it with him. Let us feel the despair, the darkness, the futility; how sometimes it sneaks in slowly and sometimes ambushes you. Anything.
Also, depression was not well understood in this time period. It took me all of five seconds to find this page covering the history of what was called melancholia at the time: http://www.gulfbend.org/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=12996&cn=5 No one had even heard the term "moderate to severe depression." Check the link for some really interesting treatments that they had for it. Boy, am I glad those are gone! I will give a pass to the author for the Native American intervention since I'm too lazy to look up whether St John's Wort had even spread to the US by that time. The characters all consider depression to be a perfectly normal thing, a minor inconvenience that doesn't really affect them. But at the time, melancholia was NOT talked about. It would have been a shameful thing and not understood at all by an uneducated orphan girl. But after a two sentence explanation from dear ol' M-I-L, Julia is perfectly okay with everything. No questions.
So to conclude our after school special, the Hero learns his lesson and vows to always take his medicine, no matter what. Then it is never mentioned again, and nobody ever has to worry about it during their happily ever after. (Hint: depression like this is never cured, only treated, and is dealt with every day by people who take their medicine and still fight the darkness.)
The book: Unfortunately, the book suffers from shallow water syndrome. Everything is skimmed over; we never get to see or feel any real emotion. It's a short book and we just flit from one scene to the next like a dragonfly. There's no pain from childbirth, no panic about a husband who can't get out of bed, no fear of the bad guy, and definitely no love between the H and h. I don't need a sex scene or kissing to show me the love between characters, but I would appreciate some actual love between the characters. Some books are accused of telling and not involving us in a love story. This one doesn't even tell. It all happens in between scenes. Please give me some romance in my romance.
The verdict: It was a short, sweet little book. If not getting too involved in the characters is your thing, then you'll probably love it. But for me it was too short, too shallow, and too inaccurate. Also, multiple editing errors.
The depression: This book reads like an after school special about depression. (Does that show my age a bit much?) Ms Merrick seems to have written the book solely to educate us on the subject. It is the only plot point. I understand that everyone experiences depression differently, but the author doesn't show that she understands depression. Let me explain. The hero is portrayed as being wonderful, if a bit tired, until suddenly he doesn't get out of bed for a week. We get nothing from his POV during his depression and then after his miraculous recovery, he merely apologizes and then feels embarrassed that he showed weakness. If we are meant to learn about depression, let us experience it with him. Let us feel the despair, the darkness, the futility; how sometimes it sneaks in slowly and sometimes ambushes you. Anything.
Also, depression was not well understood in this time period. It took me all of five seconds to find this page covering the history of what was called melancholia at the time: http://www.gulfbend.org/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=12996&cn=5 No one had even heard the term "moderate to severe depression." Check the link for some really interesting treatments that they had for it. Boy, am I glad those are gone! I will give a pass to the author for the Native American intervention since I'm too lazy to look up whether St John's Wort had even spread to the US by that time. The characters all consider depression to be a perfectly normal thing, a minor inconvenience that doesn't really affect them. But at the time, melancholia was NOT talked about. It would have been a shameful thing and not understood at all by an uneducated orphan girl. But after a two sentence explanation from dear ol' M-I-L, Julia is perfectly okay with everything. No questions.
So to conclude our after school special, the Hero learns his lesson and vows to always take his medicine, no matter what. Then it is never mentioned again, and nobody ever has to worry about it during their happily ever after. (Hint: depression like this is never cured, only treated, and is dealt with every day by people who take their medicine and still fight the darkness.)
The book: Unfortunately, the book suffers from shallow water syndrome. Everything is skimmed over; we never get to see or feel any real emotion. It's a short book and we just flit from one scene to the next like a dragonfly. There's no pain from childbirth, no panic about a husband who can't get out of bed, no fear of the bad guy, and definitely no love between the H and h. I don't need a sex scene or kissing to show me the love between characters, but I would appreciate some actual love between the characters. Some books are accused of telling and not involving us in a love story. This one doesn't even tell. It all happens in between scenes. Please give me some romance in my romance.
The verdict: It was a short, sweet little book. If not getting too involved in the characters is your thing, then you'll probably love it. But for me it was too short, too shallow, and too inaccurate. Also, multiple editing errors.
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July 18, 2016Well I am totally and utterly confused. I downloaded this book having read the following blurb on Amazon:
When Julia unexpectedly loses the accounting job she loves, and is unable to find another position doing anything in Boston, she decides to take her best friend Emma up on her offer to come to Montana. Emma’s husband Ethan has eight brothers and one of them, Liam, has his sights set on Julia. Liam seems almost too perfect, but then Julia discovers the secret that he struggles with. Will she stick with him?
But the story I read was about Richard Blake!! And it was set in Indiana?? And the only Julia in the story was Richard's daughter. The mail order bride was called India!!!
And yes, I checked the cover and the blurb in the actual download. Exactly the same blurb! Exactly the same cover complete with title - Julia!
(by this time I was waiting for the men in white coats to arrive...)
Anyway - My review is about MY copy of "Julia" - starring Richard Blake (aka in another Kindle universe as Liam) and also starring India Michel (aka in the same alternate universe as Julia)
It's the usual predictable sickly sweet pap. No tension, no plot, no insight into any character. Even the children were barely noticeable. It was all hunky-dory and twee and improbable.
One star for the India Mitchell/Richard Blake story - of course the 'real' novel starring Julia and Liam may well be a Booker Prize winner in some distant far away alternate Earth - but somehow I doubt it.
Oh.. and just in case you think I am mistaken: Julia
Chapter 1
South Bend Indiana 1890
Richard Blake woke to the sound of crying again. He waited for a moment to see if the sound would subside, but it grew louder instead. ....
Oh dear god. The Amazon version THAT I PURCHASED YESTERDAY - July 17th!!!!!!! is now the 'proper' one. My 'alternate universe' bride story (according to the title page which I hadn't checked until now) is:
'India. Bride of Indiana.' (with the same 'Julia' cover and blurb)
WTF????
I even had to get my spousal unit to confirm the difference between the two stories!
This sort of thing is really not helpful to someone with OCD ;) They're coming to take me away.......
ETA: Cancel the straightjacket - The author posted on Amazon that, yes, the wrong book was uploaded by mistake for a brief time yesterday, and offers readers the 'proper' Julia book. I am going to 'unrate' my review because my rating was skewed as a result.
When Julia unexpectedly loses the accounting job she loves, and is unable to find another position doing anything in Boston, she decides to take her best friend Emma up on her offer to come to Montana. Emma’s husband Ethan has eight brothers and one of them, Liam, has his sights set on Julia. Liam seems almost too perfect, but then Julia discovers the secret that he struggles with. Will she stick with him?
But the story I read was about Richard Blake!! And it was set in Indiana?? And the only Julia in the story was Richard's daughter. The mail order bride was called India!!!
And yes, I checked the cover and the blurb in the actual download. Exactly the same blurb! Exactly the same cover complete with title - Julia!
(by this time I was waiting for the men in white coats to arrive...)
Anyway - My review is about MY copy of "Julia" - starring Richard Blake (aka in another Kindle universe as Liam) and also starring India Michel (aka in the same alternate universe as Julia)
It's the usual predictable sickly sweet pap. No tension, no plot, no insight into any character. Even the children were barely noticeable. It was all hunky-dory and twee and improbable.
One star for the India Mitchell/Richard Blake story - of course the 'real' novel starring Julia and Liam may well be a Booker Prize winner in some distant far away alternate Earth - but somehow I doubt it.
Oh.. and just in case you think I am mistaken: Julia
Chapter 1
South Bend Indiana 1890
Richard Blake woke to the sound of crying again. He waited for a moment to see if the sound would subside, but it grew louder instead. ....
Oh dear god. The Amazon version THAT I PURCHASED YESTERDAY - July 17th!!!!!!! is now the 'proper' one. My 'alternate universe' bride story (according to the title page which I hadn't checked until now) is:
'India. Bride of Indiana.' (with the same 'Julia' cover and blurb)
WTF????
I even had to get my spousal unit to confirm the difference between the two stories!
This sort of thing is really not helpful to someone with OCD ;) They're coming to take me away.......
ETA: Cancel the straightjacket - The author posted on Amazon that, yes, the wrong book was uploaded by mistake for a brief time yesterday, and offers readers the 'proper' Julia book. I am going to 'unrate' my review because my rating was skewed as a result.
January 7, 2017
Sweet story.
This was a nice romance. It wasn't sexy or erotic, just sweet and nice. The author made it easy to identify with both the protagonists; they both have suffered setbacks in their lives, but they each can still see the goodness in the other. I did have a difficult time believing that India would let Olivia get away with her behavior toward Richard, but it was necessary to ensure they would all live happily ever after.
This was a nice romance. It wasn't sexy or erotic, just sweet and nice. The author made it easy to identify with both the protagonists; they both have suffered setbacks in their lives, but they each can still see the goodness in the other. I did have a difficult time believing that India would let Olivia get away with her behavior toward Richard, but it was necessary to ensure they would all live happily ever after.
January 15, 2017
A sweet and clean historical bride short story about how Julie and Liam met and became a married couple. This was a meeting arranged by Julia's friend and has whispers of the Mail Order Bride theme.
I loved the trust that built up between these two characters and altogether it was a lovely book. Hope you enjoy it.
I loved the trust that built up between these two characters and altogether it was a lovely book. Hope you enjoy it.
June 24, 2021
Almost good
When I read reviews I want this list of questions answered so that I can know if a book should be to my liking. Since these questions aren’t usually answered in reviews I figure it’s my job to do so.
Happily Ever After? Yes
Does the hero treat the heroine badly in the beginning? No
Does the heroine treat the hero badly in the beginning? No
If the answers for 2 or 3 are yes, then do they make appropriate amends for their bad behavior?
Is this book Christian? No
Are there sex scenes in this book? No
If there is sex, are the sex scenes explicit? No
Is the heroine a virgin? Yes
Is the heroine sexually assaulted? No
Is the hero a virgin? Unknown
Is there non-romantic drama (as in a kidnapping, murder, feud, or other intrigue that isn’t centered on romance)? Yes but mildly
Is the end satisfying? Yes-ish
Is the book “icky” to modern ideals or sensibilities? (As in, a 15 year old marrying a 30 year old was acceptable in 1815 but might make a modern reader uncomfortable) No
*Just like with the first book in this series it needs another 100 pages for them to properly fall in love and we need more of the hero’s point of view. That would take this decent novella and make it a good book.
SPOILER (mild)
The handling of depression in this story was very lackluster. It’s very much a “drink tea and have no depression” deal which feels very inauthentic.
When I read reviews I want this list of questions answered so that I can know if a book should be to my liking. Since these questions aren’t usually answered in reviews I figure it’s my job to do so.
Happily Ever After? Yes
Does the hero treat the heroine badly in the beginning? No
Does the heroine treat the hero badly in the beginning? No
If the answers for 2 or 3 are yes, then do they make appropriate amends for their bad behavior?
Is this book Christian? No
Are there sex scenes in this book? No
If there is sex, are the sex scenes explicit? No
Is the heroine a virgin? Yes
Is the heroine sexually assaulted? No
Is the hero a virgin? Unknown
Is there non-romantic drama (as in a kidnapping, murder, feud, or other intrigue that isn’t centered on romance)? Yes but mildly
Is the end satisfying? Yes-ish
Is the book “icky” to modern ideals or sensibilities? (As in, a 15 year old marrying a 30 year old was acceptable in 1815 but might make a modern reader uncomfortable) No
*Just like with the first book in this series it needs another 100 pages for them to properly fall in love and we need more of the hero’s point of view. That would take this decent novella and make it a good book.
SPOILER (mild)
The handling of depression in this story was very lackluster. It’s very much a “drink tea and have no depression” deal which feels very inauthentic.
February 24, 2023
Julia by Ashley Merrick
This story starts in 1896 and Julia works as a bookkeeper for a local company til her boss notifies her he sold the business as his health is not too well and the new owners can not use her services.
She has enough money to hold her over at the boarding house that she went to after she aged out of the orphanage 6 years prior. She plans to head to Montana where she will aid her friend Emma in a birth and tend to the other child in the family.
Emma' brother in law is keen on meeting her as she talked about her to Liam often.
They get along well and just the concept of having a family is overwhelming to her.
Twists and turns and things are dire as Liam is taken ill, too ill to work and she paid attention to how he did his job, so she takes over.
Problem is there are threats that she knows nothing of and other helpers discuss some matters with her.
His mother sheds light on the matter. Love hearing how this book takes place in western wilderness state and how Julia has other plans for her future friends still back in Boston...
Such a fun read and informative. Love learning about the candy at Christmas and even looked it up online.
Received this review copy via Hannah Bryon from the authors collaboration with others in free monthly reads and this is my honest opinion.
This story starts in 1896 and Julia works as a bookkeeper for a local company til her boss notifies her he sold the business as his health is not too well and the new owners can not use her services.
She has enough money to hold her over at the boarding house that she went to after she aged out of the orphanage 6 years prior. She plans to head to Montana where she will aid her friend Emma in a birth and tend to the other child in the family.
Emma' brother in law is keen on meeting her as she talked about her to Liam often.
They get along well and just the concept of having a family is overwhelming to her.
Twists and turns and things are dire as Liam is taken ill, too ill to work and she paid attention to how he did his job, so she takes over.
Problem is there are threats that she knows nothing of and other helpers discuss some matters with her.
His mother sheds light on the matter. Love hearing how this book takes place in western wilderness state and how Julia has other plans for her future friends still back in Boston...
Such a fun read and informative. Love learning about the candy at Christmas and even looked it up online.
Received this review copy via Hannah Bryon from the authors collaboration with others in free monthly reads and this is my honest opinion.
November 10, 2020
I don't even remember why oh why did I download this book. Probably because it was free. I decided to read this finally while waiting for my books from the library. It took me less than 1 hour to read. Honestly there is not much to talk about. First of all deal with the fact this was 1896. But then seriously what is on with the main character? She seems to be a very independent woman who can stand on her own but there she goes to a completely different city and within a week of meeting the guy who she is attracted to a little bit goes and straightaway marries him?? As some other reviewers have pointed out clearly it does seem fishy a bit when the guy is hell bent on marrying after just say two meetings or more. And there was no buildup, no deep diving into each other's characters no effort to research even a little bit about that era and people's perspectives on different topics (being mentioned or discussed in the book)
February 26, 2018
This is a romance novella. As such there is an expectation of HEA. This story gives a unique twist on the genre in that the happy couple get married before they begin the courtship and go to separate rooms after a chaste kiss on the night of their wedding. I suppose I’m somewhat unfamiliar with the concept of mail order brides. When the marriage hasn’t been consummated 2/3rds of the way through the book matters appear to have reached their crisis point.
November 11, 2020
Julia and Liam 💞
Another sweet story. Julia comes from Boston to stay with Emma and Ethan after losing her job in Boston. She's agreed to meet Liam and see how things go.
Liam is taken with Julia almost immediately. After a month or so, they agree to marry in name only so they can get to know each other better. Liam has a secret that Julia doesn't know about yet. Will she be able to handle it?
Another sweet story. Julia comes from Boston to stay with Emma and Ethan after losing her job in Boston. She's agreed to meet Liam and see how things go.
Liam is taken with Julia almost immediately. After a month or so, they agree to marry in name only so they can get to know each other better. Liam has a secret that Julia doesn't know about yet. Will she be able to handle it?
April 8, 2021
Not for me
This might appeal to younger readers but it wasn't for me. The writing style is very simplistic with modern language, even in the characters speech. Their phrasing just didn't come across as 1896 to me. Although it is a very short book I felt that it could have had the storyline expanded more. I just felt as if I was reading a list of things the main character did each day.
This might appeal to younger readers but it wasn't for me. The writing style is very simplistic with modern language, even in the characters speech. Their phrasing just didn't come across as 1896 to me. Although it is a very short book I felt that it could have had the storyline expanded more. I just felt as if I was reading a list of things the main character did each day.
February 21, 2017
Short and sweet. New beginnings, new romance.
Fast marriage with a slow getting to know you phase. Heroine uses her accounting background to help husband in his dining establishment. Conflicts arise with hero's illness and sabotage to the dining establishment. I enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading about the other brothers romance's.
Fast marriage with a slow getting to know you phase. Heroine uses her accounting background to help husband in his dining establishment. Conflicts arise with hero's illness and sabotage to the dining establishment. I enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading about the other brothers romance's.
June 19, 2017
Julia: A Sweet Wester Historical Romance (Mail-Order Club Book 2)
The love story of Liam and Julia. Julia is an accounted and she has just lost her job because her employer has retired. After a month of trying to not finding job, she give up and go out west to became a mail order bridal to Liam. And fun began. Great story.
The love story of Liam and Julia. Julia is an accounted and she has just lost her job because her employer has retired. After a month of trying to not finding job, she give up and go out west to became a mail order bridal to Liam. And fun began. Great story.
February 6, 2018
When Julia's boss retires and his business changes hands, she finds herself without a job. After looking for a job in accounting with no results, she decides to take up an offer made by her friend who was a mail-order bride, and go west. She meets her friends brother-in-law and her life changes.
Looking forward to reading more in this series.
Looking forward to reading more in this series.
February 20, 2017
A little bit of a different story of the brave women who set out to change their lives by moving out West. I liked how this story dealt with an issue we don't often think about when we are thinking about how the frontier life was really lived.
March 2, 2017
I remembered enjoying the first book, but I read that a few years ago. My taste must have changed because I couldn't get past a few chapters in this book. The conversations seemed forced to me and not natural.
March 16, 2017
Good read
Good read and well written. Enjoyed a glimpse into an older time when it was not always easy to meet potential spouses. A sweet story where a couple learns to support each other and falls in love.
Good read and well written. Enjoyed a glimpse into an older time when it was not always easy to meet potential spouses. A sweet story where a couple learns to support each other and falls in love.
June 15, 2017
Sweet Surprise
Liam heard a great del about his sister in law's dear friends in Boston. Having met, Julia, one such friend, Liam was hooked. But will Julia feel the same. Fast paced and predictable but also uplifting. Sweet and enjoyable.
Liam heard a great del about his sister in law's dear friends in Boston. Having met, Julia, one such friend, Liam was hooked. But will Julia feel the same. Fast paced and predictable but also uplifting. Sweet and enjoyable.
August 11, 2017
A good read..
This is a mail order bride story that while it still follows the normal story line for this type of book, has a little bit more intricate plot and slightly deeper characters. All in all this book makes for a nice piece of mind candy!
This is a mail order bride story that while it still follows the normal story line for this type of book, has a little bit more intricate plot and slightly deeper characters. All in all this book makes for a nice piece of mind candy!
October 16, 2017
Julia.....a better storyline
I liked this, book two better than book one. The storyline was stronger and covered more. A few mistakes found. Overall I will read book three, Colleen next.....
I liked this, book two better than book one. The storyline was stronger and covered more. A few mistakes found. Overall I will read book three, Colleen next.....
October 19, 2017
I liked this book. I am not sure that it encourages me to read other books in the series. I feel that it could have been better. And, I didn't quite understand about the depression episode that Liam had fits into this story. Its almost as if it was filler to make the book a little longer.
February 14, 2018
Sorry I’m being generous with a 2 star rating. The writing is bland with no depth in characters or story. Julia is not a mail order bride and this is the cleanest of clean romance that I have ever read.
December 29, 2020
Julia
this was a very sweet and entertaining story, I look forward to reading Colleen. I would recommend this book for someone who's looking for a little shorter read that you can enjoy in a day or combine a couple of the stories if you want a little more. It still has about 10 to 12 chapters ..
this was a very sweet and entertaining story, I look forward to reading Colleen. I would recommend this book for someone who's looking for a little shorter read that you can enjoy in a day or combine a couple of the stories if you want a little more. It still has about 10 to 12 chapters ..
February 21, 2023
An interesting read. Enjoyed how Julia had talents and skills she utilized, despite being unconventional in those days. Interesting information on depression as well. A nice clean read with a good ending.
February 22, 2017
Julie
This issue a very touching love story a fast read, very interesting for any age,I love it from start to finish
This issue a very touching love story a fast read, very interesting for any age,I love it from start to finish
March 5, 2017
Very easy, quick read. Cute
January 10, 2018
I got this ebook from ebook Discovery in exchange for an honest review. aIt was a sweet mail-order bride story . A little tepid, but a nice story line.
August 27, 2018
Clean, romantic and the plot is good. But the writing style lacked some depth and maturity, and was a little bit shallow.
December 5, 2018
The second book in this series and it was as enjoyable as the first.
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