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American Mail-Order Brides #19
India: Bride of Indiana
India, Bride of Indiana, is 19th in the unprecedented 50-book American Mail-Order Brides series.
A heart-warming, holiday historical romance loosely inspired by the Beauty and the Beast fairytale.
After losing her job in a textile factory in Lawrence, along with a hundred or so other women, including her sister, India Mitchell has resigned herself to answering an ad to be a mail-order bride .India Mitchell's sister Beth, and her mother have already moved west, and now it's India's turn.
The only ad that appealed to her was from a man in South Bend, Indiana. Richard Blake is a widower with two young children. He stated in the ad that he lost his wife in a fire and was badly burned. Because of this, he doesn't expect to find love again. But his children need a mother and for their sake, he agrees to place an ad for a mail order bride. He makes it clear though that he is not looking for a true wife. There will be no romance in this relationship, he is simply looking for someone to care for his home and children and in return, he can offer financial security.
Everyone in South Bend gives India a warm welcome, except for Richard's mother, Kay, who was hoping to match him with her best friend's annoying daughter, Olivia. Olivia isn't letting a little thing like a marriage get in her way either. She's not ready to give up on marrying Richard either!
As India gets to know the quiet man who is now her husband, she sees beyond his scars to the beautiful man within. Richard inspires her with his giving nature and India looks for a way to give back to her community as well.
A heart-warming, holiday historical romance loosely inspired by the Beauty and the Beast fairytale.
After losing her job in a textile factory in Lawrence, along with a hundred or so other women, including her sister, India Mitchell has resigned herself to answering an ad to be a mail-order bride .India Mitchell's sister Beth, and her mother have already moved west, and now it's India's turn.
The only ad that appealed to her was from a man in South Bend, Indiana. Richard Blake is a widower with two young children. He stated in the ad that he lost his wife in a fire and was badly burned. Because of this, he doesn't expect to find love again. But his children need a mother and for their sake, he agrees to place an ad for a mail order bride. He makes it clear though that he is not looking for a true wife. There will be no romance in this relationship, he is simply looking for someone to care for his home and children and in return, he can offer financial security.
Everyone in South Bend gives India a warm welcome, except for Richard's mother, Kay, who was hoping to match him with her best friend's annoying daughter, Olivia. Olivia isn't letting a little thing like a marriage get in her way either. She's not ready to give up on marrying Richard either!
As India gets to know the quiet man who is now her husband, she sees beyond his scars to the beautiful man within. Richard inspires her with his giving nature and India looks for a way to give back to her community as well.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2015
284 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 19, 2016
I was in the mood for something short and fluffy, this popped up with Beauty and The Beast theme in the description so I decided to give it a shot... I really need to cut down on my over-enthusiasm to read all stories marked "BaB retellings".
This book was so sweet it gave me diabetes, the setting and language were also poorly used as I had to keep reminding myself that the events were happening in the 1890s and not 1990s, but it was a tough task especially when the little boy wanted "a toy truck for Christmas"!
PS: Typos...typos every-freaking-where..
This book was so sweet it gave me diabetes, the setting and language were also poorly used as I had to keep reminding myself that the events were happening in the 1890s and not 1990s, but it was a tough task especially when the little boy wanted "a toy truck for Christmas"!
PS: Typos...typos every-freaking-where..
March 25, 2017
Sweet and low energy, low angst MOC, mail order bride novella.
October 1, 2020
Need to stick with the correct time period. Too often I was pulled up short by things that were so wrong.
December 8, 2015
This was just okay for me.
India agrees to a marriage of convenience. Richard lost his wife in a fire six months before and wants a new wife to help take care of his two kids. He isn't interested in a romantic relationship at all.
I guess I felt it was a little rushed. Would he really be looking for a new wife so soon after loosing his first wife? A wife he had known since childhood and claimed to love very much? Six months just seemed so soon to me. I also found the relationship between Richard and India very lacking, we never really get to see them together, any time together is kind of glossed over. No chemistry or tension. I didn't see them fall in love at all, so when they suddenly claim to be in love after only knowing each other a short time I just didn't buy it.
Overall, I enjoyed the setting of the book and did like that the author worked in South Bend, Indiana into the story, but the romance was underwhelming.
India agrees to a marriage of convenience. Richard lost his wife in a fire six months before and wants a new wife to help take care of his two kids. He isn't interested in a romantic relationship at all.
I guess I felt it was a little rushed. Would he really be looking for a new wife so soon after loosing his first wife? A wife he had known since childhood and claimed to love very much? Six months just seemed so soon to me. I also found the relationship between Richard and India very lacking, we never really get to see them together, any time together is kind of glossed over. No chemistry or tension. I didn't see them fall in love at all, so when they suddenly claim to be in love after only knowing each other a short time I just didn't buy it.
Overall, I enjoyed the setting of the book and did like that the author worked in South Bend, Indiana into the story, but the romance was underwhelming.
July 18, 2016
I thought I downloaded Julia, but ended up with India, even though the cover says Julia. I am not sure it would make a lot of difference...
Easy read, predictable, likeable characters, everything works out in the end...
Easy read, predictable, likeable characters, everything works out in the end...
October 23, 2018
Definitely a heartwarming story set around the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. India becomes Richard's mail-0rder bride after his wife died in a fire six months before. He's not looking for love but someone to share his life with and help raise his two young children. They meet in Boston, where she's living to see if they like each other enough to move forward. When they do, they marry and return to South Bend, Indiana where he lives and works.
India and Richard get along well. She makes his house a home once again. I loved their interactions as well as those with his family, his children and the neighbors. Lots of love and friendship and family get togethers as well as helping those in the community who need it. Nice closure with the epilogue but I wished there were more. The story was too short for me.
I look forward to reading more books in this series as well as others by Ms. Merrick, a new to me author.
India and Richard get along well. She makes his house a home once again. I loved their interactions as well as those with his family, his children and the neighbors. Lots of love and friendship and family get togethers as well as helping those in the community who need it. Nice closure with the epilogue but I wished there were more. The story was too short for me.
I look forward to reading more books in this series as well as others by Ms. Merrick, a new to me author.
October 14, 2017
E-Reader. Romance
India Mitchell lives in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The factory she works for burned down. She doesn't have much money.
She answers an ad for mail a order bride from Richard Blake.
He's a widowed man with 7 year old daughter Julia & 3 year son Sammy. Their mother died 6 months ago in a fire. He is scarred from trying to save Amy. They live in South Bend Indiana. He's wealthy and kind man, but wants the marriage to be in name only.
He writes to her that he has business in two weeks and will come by to pick her up. If they agree they'll be married in the morning. Then catch the noon time train to go to South Bend.
There so much more to this story you need to read it. I enjoyed this book very much.
India Mitchell lives in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The factory she works for burned down. She doesn't have much money.
She answers an ad for mail a order bride from Richard Blake.
He's a widowed man with 7 year old daughter Julia & 3 year son Sammy. Their mother died 6 months ago in a fire. He is scarred from trying to save Amy. They live in South Bend Indiana. He's wealthy and kind man, but wants the marriage to be in name only.
He writes to her that he has business in two weeks and will come by to pick her up. If they agree they'll be married in the morning. Then catch the noon time train to go to South Bend.
There so much more to this story you need to read it. I enjoyed this book very much.
February 10, 2018
Beauty is only skin deep! But it may take a while for the scarred person to realize that.
What a good sweet story about people who have all they need and then some and choose to share it with the ones who need help in one way or the other.
India, a mail-order bride-in-name-only/mother for 2 children, meets Richard after answering an ad he put in a magazine for a mother for his 2 children. He has been badly scarred by a fire that killed his young wife and can accept the fact that no one could love him because of his scars and settles for someone to love and care for his kids.
Great story. Great love story.
What a good sweet story about people who have all they need and then some and choose to share it with the ones who need help in one way or the other.
India, a mail-order bride-in-name-only/mother for 2 children, meets Richard after answering an ad he put in a magazine for a mother for his 2 children. He has been badly scarred by a fire that killed his young wife and can accept the fact that no one could love him because of his scars and settles for someone to love and care for his kids.
Great story. Great love story.
October 4, 2018
Well Done Story
This is the 19th book in the American Mail Order Brides series. India, the heroine, was out of work due to the Brown Textile Factory fire. Her sister's story is in book 6 (Beth). Other friend's stories will be told in other books. This story was believable and not overly dramatic. The author has a nice style and nice details. She does have a possible future story based on secondary characters, but I have not confirmed if the author wrote one. I enjoyed reading this book.
This is the 19th book in the American Mail Order Brides series. India, the heroine, was out of work due to the Brown Textile Factory fire. Her sister's story is in book 6 (Beth). Other friend's stories will be told in other books. This story was believable and not overly dramatic. The author has a nice style and nice details. She does have a possible future story based on secondary characters, but I have not confirmed if the author wrote one. I enjoyed reading this book.
June 21, 2017
India: Bride of Indiana (American Mail-Order Brides Series Book 19)
The love story of India and Richard. Richard has just lost his wife and he is looking for a wife to take care of his two children. India has lost he job because of a fire at the planted she work at. India answer his ad for a wife. They like each other and thought they make a good match. Will they find love? A great beach read.
The love story of India and Richard. Richard has just lost his wife and he is looking for a wife to take care of his two children. India has lost he job because of a fire at the planted she work at. India answer his ad for a wife. They like each other and thought they make a good match. Will they find love? A great beach read.
March 20, 2021
It’s a short story of a mail order bride. India is out of work along with over a hundred women after their factory was shut down. The women are becoming mail order brides. India picks a man from Indiana who lost his wife in a fire in which he was severely burned trying to save his wife. Richard is positive that he will never love again and that no woman would love him because of his disfigurement. India can’t believe how great it is to be able to afford to eat again.
March 28, 2023
One of my favorite brides
India is one of my favorite brides so far. I love her sweet demeanor and her generosity and thoughtfulness. Not only was she willing to marry a man to become a mother to his two children without love involved, she quickly develops a heart to give back to her new community. I am thrilled that she eventually finds the love she deserves.
India is one of my favorite brides so far. I love her sweet demeanor and her generosity and thoughtfulness. Not only was she willing to marry a man to become a mother to his two children without love involved, she quickly develops a heart to give back to her new community. I am thrilled that she eventually finds the love she deserves.
June 16, 2017
Play story
This story was a little slow to me. I almost stopped regarding it.I did skip ahead many times. It was a bit boring to me but the couple finally decided they loved each other.
This story was a little slow to me. I almost stopped regarding it.I did skip ahead many times. It was a bit boring to me but the couple finally decided they loved each other.
December 30, 2019
India is blessed
I enjoyed this story very much. India is a special person and shared her love with the entire town. Christian books are a pleasure to read. I look forward to the next mail order book.
I enjoyed this story very much. India is a special person and shared her love with the entire town. Christian books are a pleasure to read. I look forward to the next mail order book.
June 3, 2022
This was a really sweet story!
I enjoyed this one a lot, the children were so cute and I really loved her sisters story which made India's just that much better! Loved the food pantry idea too!
I enjoyed this one a lot, the children were so cute and I really loved her sisters story which made India's just that much better! Loved the food pantry idea too!
June 28, 2017
Nice, short story.
August 29, 2017
Makes me smile
Such a sweet story. Made me smile the whole way through. The ending was very cute. I really enjoyed this book!
Such a sweet story. Made me smile the whole way through. The ending was very cute. I really enjoyed this book!
April 18, 2023
A very sweet love story from beginning to end.
August 5, 2023
The best book
Your store's gave me hope to dream about finding true love someday. So thank you for your books and I enjoyed reading all of the.
Your store's gave me hope to dream about finding true love someday. So thank you for your books and I enjoyed reading all of the.
March 22, 2025
engaging
Very engaging from beginning to end. Truly worth your time. The characters are well described and the story comes alive.
Very engaging from beginning to end. Truly worth your time. The characters are well described and the story comes alive.
March 14, 2017
Ashley Merrick writes a wonderful book again.
I have read many of the other books by Ashley and loved them. But I think it takes great talent to weave a story that pulls you in and keeps your attention when it is a series written by 49 other authors. Excellent book! I highly recommend it.
I have read many of the other books by Ashley and loved them. But I think it takes great talent to weave a story that pulls you in and keeps your attention when it is a series written by 49 other authors. Excellent book! I highly recommend it.
September 22, 2016
This was a quick read! I read it in a few hours but mostly cause I couldn't put it down! It is a sweet romance about giving of your time and resources as well as loving yourself before you can truly let others love you! I can't wait to read her other mail order bride series!
January 22, 2016
India: Bride of Indiana (American Mail-Order Bride #19)
By: Ashley Merrick
4/5 stars
In this Beauty and the Beast sorts of retelling, India agrees to meet and possibly marry a businessman from Indiana. But she was told not to expect love, because he had previously loved his wife, whom he was unable to save in a house fire and suffered burns while rescuing his children. So he thinks that he’s too ugly to find love again, even if he was ready to move on.
India likes Richard and doesn’t even seem to notice his burn scars so much, even though there are some on one side of his face. In agreeing to marry him, she became an instant mother and a part of his large family. She was warmly welcomed by his entire family, except his mother, who had wanted him to marry the daughter of a friend. Now, her major obstacle is that she has fallen for her husband, who doesn’t want a “real marriage.”
India becomes involved in the ladies society with Richard’s sister, mother & other well-to-do ladies from around town. She enjoys the time putting together a fundraiser to help the needy families and has other ideas of how to help those in need. But India doesn’t just need to be surrounded by a group in order to help, she practices what she preaches.
Richard has concerns about making his marriage real with India, because of his looks, and his inability to save his first wife. But over the course of time, he has fallen for his wife for so many reasons, especially how she loves his kids and is always willing to lend a hand. Richard, being a wealthy businessman can afford to help those in need, but he prefers to do so when no one knows that it was him, and with the holidays around the corner, he enjoys giving even more.
By: Ashley Merrick
4/5 stars
In this Beauty and the Beast sorts of retelling, India agrees to meet and possibly marry a businessman from Indiana. But she was told not to expect love, because he had previously loved his wife, whom he was unable to save in a house fire and suffered burns while rescuing his children. So he thinks that he’s too ugly to find love again, even if he was ready to move on.
India likes Richard and doesn’t even seem to notice his burn scars so much, even though there are some on one side of his face. In agreeing to marry him, she became an instant mother and a part of his large family. She was warmly welcomed by his entire family, except his mother, who had wanted him to marry the daughter of a friend. Now, her major obstacle is that she has fallen for her husband, who doesn’t want a “real marriage.”
India becomes involved in the ladies society with Richard’s sister, mother & other well-to-do ladies from around town. She enjoys the time putting together a fundraiser to help the needy families and has other ideas of how to help those in need. But India doesn’t just need to be surrounded by a group in order to help, she practices what she preaches.
Richard has concerns about making his marriage real with India, because of his looks, and his inability to save his first wife. But over the course of time, he has fallen for his wife for so many reasons, especially how she loves his kids and is always willing to lend a hand. Richard, being a wealthy businessman can afford to help those in need, but he prefers to do so when no one knows that it was him, and with the holidays around the corner, he enjoys giving even more.
July 29, 2016
Positives: OK. The story was sweet. Just sweet. It was like a throwback to the Harlequins of the late 70's...chaste kisses and all. Not a bad read, but nothing that left me wanting to read the other 49 books in the series. I'm not sure who the intended audience for this story is--but probably someone SERIOUSLY conservative. Like a Duggar daughter or an Amish girl. OK. Maybe not an Amish girl.
Negatives: This was a free download from Amazon through Book Hub. The actual title is "India: Bride of Indiana" but the cover and description in the download was "Julia: Mail-order Bride" (same author, same theme--wrong book). Then there were the typos. LOTS of typos. In fact, the amount of typos increased toward the end of the book to the point I felt like whoever was responsible for typesetting this story was in a hurry to go to dinner or something. It started to remind me of my fourth grade students' writing when the bell for recess is about to ring. Rushed.
Negatives: This was a free download from Amazon through Book Hub. The actual title is "India: Bride of Indiana" but the cover and description in the download was "Julia: Mail-order Bride" (same author, same theme--wrong book). Then there were the typos. LOTS of typos. In fact, the amount of typos increased toward the end of the book to the point I felt like whoever was responsible for typesetting this story was in a hurry to go to dinner or something. It started to remind me of my fourth grade students' writing when the bell for recess is about to ring. Rushed.
February 1, 2016
Along way from home
India becomes Richard s mail order bride because they both wanted to just marry as a business proposition. India felt that she would never find a groom in the old way because there are no eligible men in her small town and Richard needs her for a mother for his children. They both find that they really enjoy all their time together and without them realizing it turns into love.
India becomes Richard s mail order bride because they both wanted to just marry as a business proposition. India felt that she would never find a groom in the old way because there are no eligible men in her small town and Richard needs her for a mother for his children. They both find that they really enjoy all their time together and without them realizing it turns into love.
December 9, 2015
A Season of Giving
Short, sweet, and a perfect book to read as we're entering the Christmas season. India and Richard were both good examples of looking outward, and helping others who were in need. I also loved the family dynamics, and the romance.
Content: clean (no language, some kissing, mild religious elements, i.e. church going characters)
Short, sweet, and a perfect book to read as we're entering the Christmas season. India and Richard were both good examples of looking outward, and helping others who were in need. I also loved the family dynamics, and the romance.
Content: clean (no language, some kissing, mild religious elements, i.e. church going characters)
November 17, 2016
Charity and klove
This was a sweet and simple love story in the mail order bride series that joined a kind young out of work woman to a scarred widower with two young children. The acts of charity become the garden for love to bloom between this couple. I love how the heroine starts a community food pantry.
This was a sweet and simple love story in the mail order bride series that joined a kind young out of work woman to a scarred widower with two young children. The acts of charity become the garden for love to bloom between this couple. I love how the heroine starts a community food pantry.
December 12, 2015
Good job Ashley
I do love the way Ashley Merrick puts her words together to make such a fun and inspiring story. The characters literally run the story right to the end and teach us all how to be better people.
I do love the way Ashley Merrick puts her words together to make such a fun and inspiring story. The characters literally run the story right to the end and teach us all how to be better people.
December 29, 2015
Beautiful Story
I loved this story. It was nice to find out about India after meeting her in Beth's book. I liked the generosity of India and Richard's characters. It was an all around feel good story.
I loved this story. It was nice to find out about India after meeting her in Beth's book. I liked the generosity of India and Richard's characters. It was an all around feel good story.
August 23, 2016
India
I loved this story! I could not put it down! I am also disabled and the compassion in this story overwhelmed me! It was so wonderful that she could see beneath the scares to see the beauty of the man.
I loved this story! I could not put it down! I am also disabled and the compassion in this story overwhelmed me! It was so wonderful that she could see beneath the scares to see the beauty of the man.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews