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American Mail-Order Brides #17
Isabella: Bride of Ohio
Isabella: Bride of Ohio is book 17 in the unprecedented 50-book American Mail-Order Brides series.
Isabella, newly arrived in America from Sweden, first loses her parents and then her job at the factory after it burns down. Nothing in American seems to last but she hopes her mail order bride marriage to the handsome and wealthy Donald Jenks will. But as her grandmother always said, trouble comes in threes and there is danger standing between her and her happy ever after with her true love.
Tom, a Pinkerton agent, is on the case of disappearing women is traveling on the same train as Isabella when she is selected as the next victim. Will he save her in time for her to marry Donald? And will she have the happy ever after she has dreamed of?
Isabella, newly arrived in America from Sweden, first loses her parents and then her job at the factory after it burns down. Nothing in American seems to last but she hopes her mail order bride marriage to the handsome and wealthy Donald Jenks will. But as her grandmother always said, trouble comes in threes and there is danger standing between her and her happy ever after with her true love.
Tom, a Pinkerton agent, is on the case of disappearing women is traveling on the same train as Isabella when she is selected as the next victim. Will he save her in time for her to marry Donald? And will she have the happy ever after she has dreamed of?
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2015
34 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Debra Parmley
53 books1,147 followersDebra Parmley is an adventurous, multi-genre author and world traveler who, after living for 23 years just outside Memphis, in Bartlett, suggested to her husband that they not wait for his retirement to follow one of their dreams. In 2020, they sold their house and moved into a 43-foot motorhome full-time to travel the U.S.
Published since 2008, this bestselling, award-winning author has more than 50 books listed here on Goodreads.
A Gemini, born June 7th, and sharing a birthday with Prince, Debra loves purple, polka dots, imagining stories, and playing with words.
Debra married her high school sweetheart, whom she asked out on a five-dollar bet. She has been married to her Air Force veteran husband for 44 years. Debra enjoys writing military romantic suspense and making sure her veteran heroes have a happy ever after that will last.
She also writes historical romance, contemporary romance, dystopian romance, romantasy, fairytale romance, holiday romance, poetry, and nonfiction.
Being an adventurous author and world traveler, Debra has visited over 13 countries and even escorted a bus full of clients through Scotland when she worked as a travel agent.
She has swum with dolphins off the island of Moorea in French Polynesia, walked the plank of a pirate ship off the island of Grand Cayman, sailed the seas on many cruises, ridden the cog train to the top of Pike’s Peak, and lived in their motorhome on the sandbar known as Hatteras Island, NC.
She likes to climb lighthouses because she is afraid of heights, and she is always determined to try.
In June 2023, Debra was faced with new challenges after a blood clot in her brain disabled her. In the summer of 2024, she moved near Chapel Hill, NC, to receive neural PT at UNC and became a North Carolina author. She continues to write and travel.
You will find danger, action and adventure, and romance in her stories, backed by the belief that “Every day we are alive is a beautiful day,” which is a part of everything she does with her writing and her life.
As Debra Bishop, her maiden name, she writes fairytales and children’s stories.
CONNECT WITH DEBRA:
➜ WEBSITE: https://debraparmley.com/
➜NEWSLETTER sign up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
➜ DEBRA's VIP READER GROUP ON DISCORD: by invitation only - contact Debra
➜ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/debraparmley/
➜ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@authordebrapa...
➜ PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/debraparmley/
➜ BEAUTIFUL DAY TRAVELER BLOG: https://beautifuldaytraveler.wordpres...
➜ BEAUTIFUL DAY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC27h...
Published since 2008, this bestselling, award-winning author has more than 50 books listed here on Goodreads.
A Gemini, born June 7th, and sharing a birthday with Prince, Debra loves purple, polka dots, imagining stories, and playing with words.
Debra married her high school sweetheart, whom she asked out on a five-dollar bet. She has been married to her Air Force veteran husband for 44 years. Debra enjoys writing military romantic suspense and making sure her veteran heroes have a happy ever after that will last.
She also writes historical romance, contemporary romance, dystopian romance, romantasy, fairytale romance, holiday romance, poetry, and nonfiction.
Being an adventurous author and world traveler, Debra has visited over 13 countries and even escorted a bus full of clients through Scotland when she worked as a travel agent.
She has swum with dolphins off the island of Moorea in French Polynesia, walked the plank of a pirate ship off the island of Grand Cayman, sailed the seas on many cruises, ridden the cog train to the top of Pike’s Peak, and lived in their motorhome on the sandbar known as Hatteras Island, NC.
She likes to climb lighthouses because she is afraid of heights, and she is always determined to try.
In June 2023, Debra was faced with new challenges after a blood clot in her brain disabled her. In the summer of 2024, she moved near Chapel Hill, NC, to receive neural PT at UNC and became a North Carolina author. She continues to write and travel.
You will find danger, action and adventure, and romance in her stories, backed by the belief that “Every day we are alive is a beautiful day,” which is a part of everything she does with her writing and her life.
As Debra Bishop, her maiden name, she writes fairytales and children’s stories.
CONNECT WITH DEBRA:
➜ WEBSITE: https://debraparmley.com/
➜NEWSLETTER sign up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
➜ DEBRA's VIP READER GROUP ON DISCORD: by invitation only - contact Debra
➜ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/debraparmley/
➜ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@authordebrapa...
➜ PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/debraparmley/
➜ BEAUTIFUL DAY TRAVELER BLOG: https://beautifuldaytraveler.wordpres...
➜ BEAUTIFUL DAY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC27h...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 16, 2017
ISABELLA: BRIDE OF OHIO (American Mail-Order Brides Series, #17) by Debra Parmley is part of an interesting writing project. Fifty authors are writing a fifty book American Mail-Order Bride series that releases one book a day for fifty days.
Isabella Britta Stolt arrives from Sweden with her parents only to have them quarantined on Ellis Island and die. On her own at seventeen, she hears of work in a factory in Massachusetts. It is long and tiring work, but she has a roommate from Sweden and a few friends. Then the factory burns down. Luckily Isabella and her friends make it out alive, but now they must all make decisions for their futures.
A mail-order bride paper is passed around the factory girls and they decide to try their luck with the gentlemen they find to write to. Isabella writes to Donald Jenks, who seems to be a successful accountant in Yellow Springs, OH looking for a wife. His description of his home and life is everything a future bride would want, so she begins her journey to Ohio.
On the train to Ohio, Isabella meets two men; one who will try to kidnap her and one who will save her more than once. Thomas “Tom” Allenby is an undercover Pinkerton man working a case of missing women from the train. He is instantly taken with Isabella and comes to her rescue. He knows she is taken, but he will cross paths with her again in her future home.
This is not the typical mail-order bride romance where they live happily ever after. This groom is not who he seems and the story takes a major twist. There is a forced sex scene, but it is mostly described and not played out in present time description. Isabella is a woman of her time with few choices, but she has the resilience and strength to always move forward. I loved Isabella and was so glad she got the HEA she deserved in the end.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.com.
Isabella Britta Stolt arrives from Sweden with her parents only to have them quarantined on Ellis Island and die. On her own at seventeen, she hears of work in a factory in Massachusetts. It is long and tiring work, but she has a roommate from Sweden and a few friends. Then the factory burns down. Luckily Isabella and her friends make it out alive, but now they must all make decisions for their futures.
A mail-order bride paper is passed around the factory girls and they decide to try their luck with the gentlemen they find to write to. Isabella writes to Donald Jenks, who seems to be a successful accountant in Yellow Springs, OH looking for a wife. His description of his home and life is everything a future bride would want, so she begins her journey to Ohio.
On the train to Ohio, Isabella meets two men; one who will try to kidnap her and one who will save her more than once. Thomas “Tom” Allenby is an undercover Pinkerton man working a case of missing women from the train. He is instantly taken with Isabella and comes to her rescue. He knows she is taken, but he will cross paths with her again in her future home.
This is not the typical mail-order bride romance where they live happily ever after. This groom is not who he seems and the story takes a major twist. There is a forced sex scene, but it is mostly described and not played out in present time description. Isabella is a woman of her time with few choices, but she has the resilience and strength to always move forward. I loved Isabella and was so glad she got the HEA she deserved in the end.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.com.
March 18, 2017
This is the first "mail order bride" book that I have read. I found it to be interesting and informative. This book takes place in the 19th century and is filled with historical references. It has suspense, romance and insight into the past.
The characters and the plot are well developed . There are a few suspenseful scenes where Isabella is is danger. This also shows how dangerous things could be when our country was developing. It also tells you to follow your instincts and your heart!
I enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. I highly recommend it if you want a clean story with a great plot and characters.
The characters and the plot are well developed . There are a few suspenseful scenes where Isabella is is danger. This also shows how dangerous things could be when our country was developing. It also tells you to follow your instincts and your heart!
I enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. I highly recommend it if you want a clean story with a great plot and characters.
December 5, 2015
Bride of Ohio: Isabella's and Tom's story
Book 17 in an unprecedented series of 50 books which will represent 50 mail-order brides going to one of the 50 states in order. One book will be released every day for 50 straight days. Isabella came from Sweden to New York (where she lost both parents to illness) and then traveled to Massachusetts to work in a textile mill. The place then burns down in a suspicious manner. Isabella decides to become a mail-order bride to a man in Ohio. During the train ride Isabella is almost kidnapped but Tom (a Pinkerton agent) saves her. Isabella arrives in Ohio without any further problems. Donald Jenks is overly anxious to get married, but he won't let Isabella plan anything. He becomes someone completely different after their wedding. He plots to have her killed but Tom again steps in and saves her. This is a very good read.
Book 17 in an unprecedented series of 50 books which will represent 50 mail-order brides going to one of the 50 states in order. One book will be released every day for 50 straight days. Isabella came from Sweden to New York (where she lost both parents to illness) and then traveled to Massachusetts to work in a textile mill. The place then burns down in a suspicious manner. Isabella decides to become a mail-order bride to a man in Ohio. During the train ride Isabella is almost kidnapped but Tom (a Pinkerton agent) saves her. Isabella arrives in Ohio without any further problems. Donald Jenks is overly anxious to get married, but he won't let Isabella plan anything. He becomes someone completely different after their wedding. He plots to have her killed but Tom again steps in and saves her. This is a very good read.
March 21, 2017
An informative, quick read. The author has written a tale of the Mail-Order Bride with a different twist that I have read before. Isabella travels to Ohio thinking that this is the beginning of her happy ever after. Turns out it Donald is not what he portrays but she makes the effort to put away the past and move into the future. But trouble comes in threes, as her grandmother always told her, and it soon finds her. Filled with suspense and romance. Plot includes how back in that time mail-order brides did face danger at many different levels. Vivid descriptions. Found exciting to read with unexpected surprises
January 15, 2016
I ENJOYED THIS BOOK. IT HAS QUITE A TABOO SUBJECT WITH THE MAIL ORDER BRIDES BUT BECAUSE OF THE ERA YOU UNDERSTAND WHY SOME OF THE BRIDES FELT THEY HAD NO OTHER WAY OF SUPPORTING THEMSELVES WITHOUT MEETING SOMEONE TO MARRY. I LOVED TOM'S CHARACTER AND WAS GLAD HE CAME TO ISABELLAS RESCUE. THE SAME AS ISABELLA I BELIEVE EVERYTHING COMES IN THREES SHAME THE SAME DIDNT HAPPEN TO HER HUSBAND. LOVELY STORY WAS EXCITED TO SEE THERE WAS ANOTHER 40+ BOOKS TO READ IN THIS SERIES :)
December 5, 2015
Great Read!!!
Great book I really enjoyed it with being the first book by Debra Parmley and Robert Arrow that I have read.. looking forward to reading more by them...
Great book I really enjoyed it with being the first book by Debra Parmley and Robert Arrow that I have read.. looking forward to reading more by them...
January 18, 2016
This book is from the unprecedented 50-book American Mail-Order Bride Series and is labeled and book # 17.
Isabella is from Sweden, and she has lost her parents , and even a job where she had been working, because the factory had burnt down.
She had decided to become a mail-order bride, hoping maybe this was something she may be successful at. In doing so, she finds the handsome Donald Jenks, and he is wealthy.
The problem here, one of my favorites. We all know- trouble always comes in threes. And the three in this case-is going to be the number in the way of her happiness.
But now that Isabella thinks she has perfection, she has to have it. She doesn’t want to let anything ruin her chances at having it, and having the perfect dream.
Unfortunately, Isabella ends up being a victim on a train. Tom is the agent investigating her disappearance. Worried to death , all Isabella can think about is Donald and having their beautiful wedding and her happily ever after.
This is why I mention threes. Isabella’s disappearance is her third straw with bad luck. Will she be found? Where is she, why was she taken? And will she get her happily ever after?
To get these answers and more, you must read this five star book: “Isabella Bride from Ohio” and find out for yourself. This book is romantic, and enchanting, and will pull at your heart strings. You too will want to help Isabella and Donald, and even Agent Tom find her.
I even glanced at the other “Mail-Order Bride Series” books, and these books are very detailed and interesting. I think it is a totally clever idea to represent our fifty states like this! Kudos to whoever thought of this!
By the way, I met Debra in one of the Facebook parties, and I wanted to review this book, because I am originally from Ohio. That however, did not prejudice my review in any way shape or form.
Isabella is from Sweden, and she has lost her parents , and even a job where she had been working, because the factory had burnt down.
She had decided to become a mail-order bride, hoping maybe this was something she may be successful at. In doing so, she finds the handsome Donald Jenks, and he is wealthy.
The problem here, one of my favorites. We all know- trouble always comes in threes. And the three in this case-is going to be the number in the way of her happiness.
But now that Isabella thinks she has perfection, she has to have it. She doesn’t want to let anything ruin her chances at having it, and having the perfect dream.
Unfortunately, Isabella ends up being a victim on a train. Tom is the agent investigating her disappearance. Worried to death , all Isabella can think about is Donald and having their beautiful wedding and her happily ever after.
This is why I mention threes. Isabella’s disappearance is her third straw with bad luck. Will she be found? Where is she, why was she taken? And will she get her happily ever after?
To get these answers and more, you must read this five star book: “Isabella Bride from Ohio” and find out for yourself. This book is romantic, and enchanting, and will pull at your heart strings. You too will want to help Isabella and Donald, and even Agent Tom find her.
I even glanced at the other “Mail-Order Bride Series” books, and these books are very detailed and interesting. I think it is a totally clever idea to represent our fifty states like this! Kudos to whoever thought of this!
By the way, I met Debra in one of the Facebook parties, and I wanted to review this book, because I am originally from Ohio. That however, did not prejudice my review in any way shape or form.
August 21, 2018
Isabella: Bride Of Ohio by Debra Parmley and Robert Arrow is a fantastic historical romance. This is a well-written book, and while there is a bit of spice, it is still appropriate for most ages. The characters in Isabella, you will either love, or love to hate. The writers did an excellent job creating the cast for this book. Isabella came to America from Sweden with her parents. Her parents got sick on the voyage and died shortly after arriving at Ellis Island. When Isabella needs a new job because the factory she was working in burned down, she and her friends decide to become mail-order husbands. Isabella meets Tom on her way to her future husband. Tom rescues Isabella from an abduction attempt. Isabella goes on to marry Donald. There is plenty of drama, bits of humor, action and suspense in this book. I enjoyed reading Isabella: Bride Of Ohio and look forward to reading more from Debra Parmley in the future. This story will hook you and keep you reading. Isabella: Bride Of Ohio is part of the American Mail-Order Brides Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 13, 2016
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
Isabaella is part of a series of girls who become mail order brides.
Isabella comes to America from Sweden, when the factory she works for burns down she doesn't know what she is going to do. She then finds out about being a mail order bride. She starts writing letters to Donald from Ohio and when she goes to visit him things happen so fast and they get married.
Tom is a PI that meets Isabella on the train he ends up becoming her knight in shining armor throughout the book.
At first the book was a little slow but as you start reading and you realize there is a mystery inside the story it becomes better. In the end I feel this was a good read.
Isabaella is part of a series of girls who become mail order brides.
Isabella comes to America from Sweden, when the factory she works for burns down she doesn't know what she is going to do. She then finds out about being a mail order bride. She starts writing letters to Donald from Ohio and when she goes to visit him things happen so fast and they get married.
Tom is a PI that meets Isabella on the train he ends up becoming her knight in shining armor throughout the book.
At first the book was a little slow but as you start reading and you realize there is a mystery inside the story it becomes better. In the end I feel this was a good read.
December 28, 2017
Book 17 in the American Mail-Order Brides Series. Isabella comes from Sweden with her parents. Sickness on the boat claims her parents. She goes to work in a factory. The factory fire causes her to answer an ad to be a mail order bride. Donald Jenks, from Ohio, seems like the kind of man that interests her. She write to him and they agree to meet. Trouble, from the start on the train, leads her to meeting a handsome guy named Tom. Arriving in Ohio, she meets Donald. She somewhat thinks that she shouldn't marry him. Kudos to the authors who put a wild spin on this story. This is not your typical mail order romance.
December 28, 2015
Intriguing Read
Great story! Isabella was willing to go to Ohio to start her new life after the fire. Donald sounded like a dream come true. He had money, a home with a garden in a small village and he was anxious to meet her. After nearly getting kidnapped from the train, she was so glad to meet her intended. She slowly discovered all was not as it appeared. This book has mystery and love.
Great story! Isabella was willing to go to Ohio to start her new life after the fire. Donald sounded like a dream come true. He had money, a home with a garden in a small village and he was anxious to meet her. After nearly getting kidnapped from the train, she was so glad to meet her intended. She slowly discovered all was not as it appeared. This book has mystery and love.
March 18, 2017
Great read - Couldn't put down
This was was a really great book. I normally don't read these types of stories, but I'm glad that I read this one. It was was a really interesting look into they sorts of things that could have happened during the settling of America and mail order brides. It was a really quick read for me that I really didn't want to put down. There may be a slight trigger warning for those sensitive to rape it is a very mild scene in my opinion.
This was was a really great book. I normally don't read these types of stories, but I'm glad that I read this one. It was was a really interesting look into they sorts of things that could have happened during the settling of America and mail order brides. It was a really quick read for me that I really didn't want to put down. There may be a slight trigger warning for those sensitive to rape it is a very mild scene in my opinion.
August 20, 2017
Isabella!
First time reading a book by Debra Parmley and I enjoyed it. Not all mail order bride's marriages turn out to be what the bride wishes for. But luckily, there is a good, strong and compassionate man in the background waiting to become a hero. Strong characters, wonderful story line with a little suspense, kept me contented as I read this book. Another enjoyable book in the American Mail-Order Brides Series. Will be checking out this Author for other books. JudyE
First time reading a book by Debra Parmley and I enjoyed it. Not all mail order bride's marriages turn out to be what the bride wishes for. But luckily, there is a good, strong and compassionate man in the background waiting to become a hero. Strong characters, wonderful story line with a little suspense, kept me contented as I read this book. Another enjoyable book in the American Mail-Order Brides Series. Will be checking out this Author for other books. JudyE
June 18, 2018
Be careful what you wish for when you answer an ad to be a mail-order bride. Those should have been the first words of warning from Isabella's friends when she corresponds with Donald Jenks of Yellow Springs, Ohio in 1890. A romance with some nasty twists, this tale will have you rooting for Isabella.
Similar to a Harlequin Romance, Parmley crafts a charming tale of dastardly deeds in the old northwest.
Look for a longer review in the Ohioana Quarterly Newsletter http://www.ohioana.org
Similar to a Harlequin Romance, Parmley crafts a charming tale of dastardly deeds in the old northwest.
Look for a longer review in the Ohioana Quarterly Newsletter http://www.ohioana.org
February 9, 2016
This young Swedish immigrant has come to America only to lose her parents and her job in a very short span of time. She is hopeful that her luck well change as she travels tho Ohio as a mail order bride. Danger follows her, but also brings into her life a handsome detective. Together they unravel the lies that surround Isabella and her new groom and eventually find their own happily ever after.
December 11, 2015
Great story!
I really enjoyed the story along with the history that has been woven into the book. There were many twists that I never saw coming, they just made the story better every time I picked it up to read more!
I really enjoyed the story along with the history that has been woven into the book. There were many twists that I never saw coming, they just made the story better every time I picked it up to read more!
January 31, 2016
Enjoyed reading this book. Doesn't have the typical groom is so wonderful and it's a fairy tale story. Would have liked more of the end of the story after Isabella and Tom get together. Also, thought it was a little weird she wanted to stay in the house where her husband had mistreated her.
January 5, 2018
Are you ever afraid of what could happen to a mail order bride? This story describes one of the worst possible situations a young mail order bride can find herself in yet it still has a happy ending! Great read!
April 13, 2016
Isabella is sweet and although she plays the damsel in distress far too often she is still very likable.
Read full review in the 2016 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 8, 2017
This series was my first experience with multiple authors working together to write a series on a large scale. I enjoyed every book in the series and found several new authors that I hadn't read before.
April 7, 2020
Isabella Bride of Ohio (American Mail-Order Brides Series Book 17) by Debra Parmley
Isabella lives with 3 other women and they work at the mill til one night it burns to the ground. I am familiar with the location and have mills nearby that are still used, not as their original purpose.
They find out about a newspaper where men have asked for women to be their brides with just a bit about themselves. Over the next weeks they write to one another and she also gets a job tending to young children.
When Donald has written to her and sent money to visit with her in Ohio she heads there and there are men on the train that want to cause trouble as they travel by themselves.
Tomlin and his partner want her to plan to kidnap her at the next stop. This sounds SO scary for me as she's very naive. Like her background and hearing what she is looking forward to in Ohio with Donald.
A man, Tom steps in to rescue her and she's back on her way to Ohio to get married. Things seem to be going moving forward and she almost says no to getting married. Hate to hear how she's treated over time but things happen in 3s like her grandmother always told her.
Trouble, problems happen in 3's and til the third thing happens she didn't piece them all together. Twists and turns that I could not have imagined happening, whoa!
I had forgotten about Pinkerton' in this era!
action, adventure, travel, romance, mystery, money and so much more make up this exc read!
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Isabella lives with 3 other women and they work at the mill til one night it burns to the ground. I am familiar with the location and have mills nearby that are still used, not as their original purpose.
They find out about a newspaper where men have asked for women to be their brides with just a bit about themselves. Over the next weeks they write to one another and she also gets a job tending to young children.
When Donald has written to her and sent money to visit with her in Ohio she heads there and there are men on the train that want to cause trouble as they travel by themselves.
Tomlin and his partner want her to plan to kidnap her at the next stop. This sounds SO scary for me as she's very naive. Like her background and hearing what she is looking forward to in Ohio with Donald.
A man, Tom steps in to rescue her and she's back on her way to Ohio to get married. Things seem to be going moving forward and she almost says no to getting married. Hate to hear how she's treated over time but things happen in 3s like her grandmother always told her.
Trouble, problems happen in 3's and til the third thing happens she didn't piece them all together. Twists and turns that I could not have imagined happening, whoa!
I had forgotten about Pinkerton' in this era!
action, adventure, travel, romance, mystery, money and so much more make up this exc read!
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
December 29, 2015
Isabella: Bride of Ohio (American Mail-Order Bride #17)
By: Debra Parmley
4/5 stars
Isabella is a Swedish immigrant, who upon arrival in the States was separated from her parents who were quarantined because of their illness. Her parents later died while in quarantine, leaving Isabella with only a few items from them and her memories. She later went to work at the textile mill and met another Swedish immigrant, who became like her sister. The factory burned down, with no other jobs to be found, and no family to turn to, Isabella became a mail-order bride.
Isabella had a crazy train ride to Ohio, where she had to be saved by Tom, a Pinkerton detective. When she arrives, her possible husband, Donald appears to be a kind and patient man. After an outing she agrees to marry him and small things begin happening that make her wonder if Donald is as true as he made himself out to be. But at the same time, she doesn’t have much of any other choice than to marry if she can’t find other employment. And what about the connection that she forges with Tom?
By: Debra Parmley
4/5 stars
Isabella is a Swedish immigrant, who upon arrival in the States was separated from her parents who were quarantined because of their illness. Her parents later died while in quarantine, leaving Isabella with only a few items from them and her memories. She later went to work at the textile mill and met another Swedish immigrant, who became like her sister. The factory burned down, with no other jobs to be found, and no family to turn to, Isabella became a mail-order bride.
Isabella had a crazy train ride to Ohio, where she had to be saved by Tom, a Pinkerton detective. When she arrives, her possible husband, Donald appears to be a kind and patient man. After an outing she agrees to marry him and small things begin happening that make her wonder if Donald is as true as he made himself out to be. But at the same time, she doesn’t have much of any other choice than to marry if she can’t find other employment. And what about the connection that she forges with Tom?
June 17, 2022
3.5 stars
Debra’s story is one of many in the American Mail Order Bride series. Isabella Bride of Ohio is not your typical mail order bride romance. It is an historical romance suspense story with a twist. There is drama and angst, mystery and intrigue, fear and danger and assault. This quick read gives us insight into the choices or should I say non choices that a lot of single women had to face back in the late 1800s. It also details historical facts for that time which was interesting. The characters are likeable, well most of them as there where a few I wanted to do physical bodily harm to but I needed something more. I did feel that the chemistry could have been fleshed out a bit more but all in all it was an interesting read.
She has gone from being taken and abused to an arranged marriage with a man who shows his true colours to be an abusive man. Will she get her HEA?
If you like historical romance give this one a go.
Debra’s story is one of many in the American Mail Order Bride series. Isabella Bride of Ohio is not your typical mail order bride romance. It is an historical romance suspense story with a twist. There is drama and angst, mystery and intrigue, fear and danger and assault. This quick read gives us insight into the choices or should I say non choices that a lot of single women had to face back in the late 1800s. It also details historical facts for that time which was interesting. The characters are likeable, well most of them as there where a few I wanted to do physical bodily harm to but I needed something more. I did feel that the chemistry could have been fleshed out a bit more but all in all it was an interesting read.
She has gone from being taken and abused to an arranged marriage with a man who shows his true colours to be an abusive man. Will she get her HEA?
If you like historical romance give this one a go.
September 24, 2018
Interesting Twists and Turns
This story of American Mail Order Bride, Isabella, who lost her job in the Brown Textile Factory fire. Most of the book focuses on her point of view. Initially, it seems both men she thinks about are good, it turns out one is rotten. It's compelling and believable and enjoyable.
This story of American Mail Order Bride, Isabella, who lost her job in the Brown Textile Factory fire. Most of the book focuses on her point of view. Initially, it seems both men she thinks about are good, it turns out one is rotten. It's compelling and believable and enjoyable.
December 23, 2015
Isabella Bride of Ohio
Excellent story. One mistake. There was no United Methodist Church in 1890, until 1969 it was just the Methodist Church.
Excellent story. One mistake. There was no United Methodist Church in 1890, until 1969 it was just the Methodist Church.
January 12, 2016
Adventures galore for Isabella! And who wouldn't want a handsome man to rescue you? A sweet romance.
rom-historical
March 31, 2016For a star rating and complete review, visit InD'tale Magazine online April 2016 issue. http://indtale.com/reviews/historical...
June 22, 2022
Isabella: Bride of Ohio, American Mail Order Bride
By Debra Parmley
5*
This is a very well written historical fiction novel. Isabella is a new immigrant to America from Sweden and sadness is all she knows in this new world. She arrived at Ellis Island with her parents, who were struck with an illness and had to quarantine upon their arrival. Unfortunately, they never made it off Ellis Island. She obtained work in a factory, however, it soon burned down and she was without a job. She finds a job as a housemaid when a friend brings her a mail order bride magazine, filled with notes from prospective men who are looking for brides. She begins to correspond with Mr. Jenks, a man from Ohio who promises her the life she has always dreamed of. She is promised a big house, with beautiful gardens and a white picket fence. He is saying all the right things and she is excited to travel to Ohio to meet him. He sends her the money to travel to Ohio to meet.
While on the train, Isabella is nearly abducted by men who wish to traffick her. A man she met on the train comes to her rescue. He says that he is not quite a constable, but he works with them. The chemistry she felt with him was undeniable and she cannot help but keep wishing that he had swept her of her feet and kissed her after rescuing her. She keeps finding herself daydreaming about him. However, she can’t stay focused on him long, as she has promised herself to Mr. Jenks and he is waiting for her when she gets to Ohio.
When she meets Mr. Jenks, she is overwhelmed by the urgency in his presence. He cares all about what she looks like and how she presents herself to his world. She finds herself agreeing to marry him and married all within the first week of meeting him. She feels that Mr. Jenks never heard her concerns or what she wanted. She was disappointed that she was unable to wear her mothers wedding gown as this is all she has ever dreamed off. And she was not allowed to carry her fathers Bible as it was deemed as too old looking.
Soon, Isabella feels that Mr. Jenks is changing before her eyes. He is becoming angry and quick to dismiss her. This isn’t the marriage she had dreamed of when she responded to his advertisement. She also can’t tell if she is beginning to imagine his coldness toward her. No one, not even Isabella could ever imagine what the future holds, however.
The relationship between Mr. Jenks and Isabella is the focus of this book. I have to say this book was very good. It did a great job portraying what I imagine the emotions are in being a mail order bride. It also did a really good job exploring complex relationships. I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book!
By Debra Parmley
5*
This is a very well written historical fiction novel. Isabella is a new immigrant to America from Sweden and sadness is all she knows in this new world. She arrived at Ellis Island with her parents, who were struck with an illness and had to quarantine upon their arrival. Unfortunately, they never made it off Ellis Island. She obtained work in a factory, however, it soon burned down and she was without a job. She finds a job as a housemaid when a friend brings her a mail order bride magazine, filled with notes from prospective men who are looking for brides. She begins to correspond with Mr. Jenks, a man from Ohio who promises her the life she has always dreamed of. She is promised a big house, with beautiful gardens and a white picket fence. He is saying all the right things and she is excited to travel to Ohio to meet him. He sends her the money to travel to Ohio to meet.
While on the train, Isabella is nearly abducted by men who wish to traffick her. A man she met on the train comes to her rescue. He says that he is not quite a constable, but he works with them. The chemistry she felt with him was undeniable and she cannot help but keep wishing that he had swept her of her feet and kissed her after rescuing her. She keeps finding herself daydreaming about him. However, she can’t stay focused on him long, as she has promised herself to Mr. Jenks and he is waiting for her when she gets to Ohio.
When she meets Mr. Jenks, she is overwhelmed by the urgency in his presence. He cares all about what she looks like and how she presents herself to his world. She finds herself agreeing to marry him and married all within the first week of meeting him. She feels that Mr. Jenks never heard her concerns or what she wanted. She was disappointed that she was unable to wear her mothers wedding gown as this is all she has ever dreamed off. And she was not allowed to carry her fathers Bible as it was deemed as too old looking.
Soon, Isabella feels that Mr. Jenks is changing before her eyes. He is becoming angry and quick to dismiss her. This isn’t the marriage she had dreamed of when she responded to his advertisement. She also can’t tell if she is beginning to imagine his coldness toward her. No one, not even Isabella could ever imagine what the future holds, however.
The relationship between Mr. Jenks and Isabella is the focus of this book. I have to say this book was very good. It did a great job portraying what I imagine the emotions are in being a mail order bride. It also did a really good job exploring complex relationships. I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book!
June 17, 2022
Isabella, Bride of Ohio is a historical fiction story of a Swedish girl who recently moved to America. Her family moved in hopes of improving their life. The trip to the U.S. was a hard one and sickness took Isabella’s family and left her on her own. Just as she started to get back on her feet events once again changed everything for her and left her struggling to find a living and yearning for something that will last. The answer to her problems? A mail order bride advertisement. In hopes of finding a little home in the country and something of permanence to build her life on, she signs up to be a mail order bride and soon finds a man that seems to have everything she hopes for. A stable position and a nice house in the country where she can take walks and enjoy the garden. Isabella strikes out on her own once again to meet the man and see if they build a life together.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great story and it kept you guessing. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, the story took another turn. I am a big fan of historical fiction and have read many mail order bride stories. I can usually guess what is coming long before it happens, but this story took some turns that had me pleasantly surprised.
The only thing I didn’t like, and my reason for taking away a star, is that while the book is supposed to take place in the 1800s, there were little things that didn’t follow that timeline. Part of the enjoyment of a historical fiction book is seeing the difference in how they had to do things before they had the luxuries that we have. This story has the main character tum rning on the faucet to run a hot bath as if it was the norm, but indoor plumbing, while it did exist, was not common practice until around 1920.
Other than my nit picking about these little things, this story was fantastic and I would definitely recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great story and it kept you guessing. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, the story took another turn. I am a big fan of historical fiction and have read many mail order bride stories. I can usually guess what is coming long before it happens, but this story took some turns that had me pleasantly surprised.
The only thing I didn’t like, and my reason for taking away a star, is that while the book is supposed to take place in the 1800s, there were little things that didn’t follow that timeline. Part of the enjoyment of a historical fiction book is seeing the difference in how they had to do things before they had the luxuries that we have. This story has the main character tum rning on the faucet to run a hot bath as if it was the norm, but indoor plumbing, while it did exist, was not common practice until around 1920.
Other than my nit picking about these little things, this story was fantastic and I would definitely recommend it.
June 30, 2022
An enjoyable and engaging historical romance, which had me hooked from start to finish. Although becoming a mail-order bride can be a dangerous thing for a woman to do, it’s the only option left for Isabella. Who having arrived in America from Sweden, suffers the death of her parents and then looses her job when the factory burns down. Isabella starts to communicate by letter with Donald Jenks, a wealthy man from Yellow Springs Ohio who wants a wife. Donald describes Isabella’s dream home, and he appears to be a perfect husband for her. However, she has to reach Ohio safely before she can even meet Donald, and with white slavers abducting females from the train this puts her in danger. On the train she meets ‘Tom’, a Pinkerton agent, who is on the case of the disappearing women, and he’s Isabella’s only hope when she’s selected to be the next victim.
Even if Isabella is saved by Tom, it’s not guaranteed that she will get her HEA with Donald, as Isabella starts to wonder why such a successful and handsome businessman would need a mail-order bride. After all, he could have had his pick of the young ladies near Yellow Springs. This is a romance with plenty of drama and suspense, and the plot had many twists in it that kept me both gripped and guessing as to Isabella’s outcome. The descriptive narrative and added historical details brought both the setting and era vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. The characters were well described and I felt engaged with Isabella and her plight, and was hoping that she would get her HEA. An entertaining read and one which I definitely recommend.
Even if Isabella is saved by Tom, it’s not guaranteed that she will get her HEA with Donald, as Isabella starts to wonder why such a successful and handsome businessman would need a mail-order bride. After all, he could have had his pick of the young ladies near Yellow Springs. This is a romance with plenty of drama and suspense, and the plot had many twists in it that kept me both gripped and guessing as to Isabella’s outcome. The descriptive narrative and added historical details brought both the setting and era vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. The characters were well described and I felt engaged with Isabella and her plight, and was hoping that she would get her HEA. An entertaining read and one which I definitely recommend.
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