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One preacher. One teacher. Three orphans. Can they become a family?

Stepping off the train, Mia Bradley, orphan and teacher, has now become a mail-order bride. She has a new home, a new Choctaw-Creek husband, and new children of her very own. Will the scars of her past ready her for the difficult life on Indian territory?

Josiah West has scars of his own. The handsome preacher must battle his demons to provide for his new family. Will his past and local outlaws destroy his plans for love, family, and happiness? 

The preacher and the orphan. Nothing in common but pain, loneliness, and hope. Will that be enough?

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 13, 2019

256 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Heidi Vanlandingham

54 books289 followers
**Join my Reader List for new releases: http://tiny.cc/MainNLPG **

Whether writing epic fantasy/paranormal, WWII, or historical western romance, Heidi Vanlandingham’s books are sweet, where characters are inspired to overcome life’s hardships and loving families build strong communities.

Heidi's words:
I grew up near the panhandle of Oklahoma—what I claim is the “treeless armpit” of the state. While I dream of pines and mountains, my love of family keeps me here. My favorite things in life are laughter, in-depth talks with my son, fantasy-paranormal/western romance, music, and road trips.

You can also visit me at:
www.facebook.com/heidi.vanlandingham....
https://www.instagram.com/heidivanlan...

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5 stars
187 (68%)
4 stars
61 (22%)
3 stars
17 (6%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
March 8, 2019
Reviewed at Historically Romantic

MIA’S MISFITS is rich in all those small details that will make a world come alive for me and draw me deeper into the story. Mia’s youngest years will be remembered only in night terrors, yet what she experienced was far more common than anyone would like to acknowledge – even today. While her beginning was heartbreaking to read it also set the pace for a story that isn’t afraid to look at the realities of the times, at human frailties and, also, at pure evil. Watching Josiah and Mia go from strangers to a married couple learning to live together, forging a relationship, earning respect and the beginnings of a tender love was an amazing journey.

I greatly enjoyed learning more of the various Native Americans’ culture and also grew deeply ashamed of what the white government and settlers did to the tribes whose land was stolen right out from under them repeatedly. MIA’S MISFITS brings us a couple who will survive danger and mishap, three children that no one wanted to take a chance on becoming loved sons and daughter and a community that will pull together when things are rough and help is needed. I fell into this story and loved every moment of my time spent here. It truly is amazing just how vile a human being can be, and so uplifting to see humans shine with love and compassion. I was entertained, learned a bit of history, and discovered a community that I’d like to learn more about… so yes, I’d definitely recommend this story to any Western Historical Romance reader.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,770 reviews7 followers
January 17, 2019
My favorite in this series so far!!!

Josiah- jobless preacher turned rancher And Mia- her brothers left her at the foundling home when she was 5 to protect her from their father.
I immensely enjoyed reading this mesmerizing, heart wretching story that had a intrigue, suspense, betrayal, danger, self discoveries, family bonding/loyalty, acceptance and love. The story is fascinating written with unforgettable and inspiring characters. Their story has an amazing HEA. Loved it!!

I enjoyed the blurb at the end explaining the historical events and accuracy. I felt I learned something new about Bass Reeves.
56 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2020
I think I have found a new favorite writer: This was a well written book by a writer who does her research and writes well. The characters are well-developed, and interesting and the main ones all likable. This is definitely not one of those writers who sound as if they would not know the difference between a lariat and a cinch. The young women are not silly twits who tell the men they want things one way and then are mad when the men do exactly what they asked for, and the men are stalwart. The author creates a means of holding your interest by what is going on in the life around them, not drama queen baggage, between them and they are there for each other. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Heidi V.- I am now off to read another! I don't give a 5 star unless I feel the story and the writing deserve it
Profile Image for Theresa.
319 reviews
March 21, 2021
Lots of history

I lived reading about the history of this era in Oklahoma. His didn't realize that she was marrying a mixed breed when she arrived in Oklahoma of that she would become an instant mother to two and eventually to three orphaned children. Josiah was such a caring person that it was very easy to fail in lived with him. He was a rancher, but sometimes he was asked to help the law find outlaws. He was gone helping the posse when the bandits doubled back and kidnapped Mia and the boys. Summer was in the barn and heard what was happening so she took off to find the posse. This story is full of the history of black people, organs and mixed breeds, along with some mystery and suspense. It's a great mixture and I loved reading it.
Profile Image for Nethanja.
844 reviews9 followers
January 13, 2019
As one of the orphans who needs to get married Mia agrees to marry Josiah. When she arrives she not only become a wife but also the adopted mother of 3 abandoned children. Can these misfits with all different backgrounds become a happy family? When danger appears can they help each other to be safe?
A strong woman, a protective man and 3 courageous children makes this a great story. Love, family, outlaws and surprises, this story has it all.
I received this book from the author, this review is my honest opinion.
2,619 reviews16 followers
January 19, 2019
Josiah and Mia

Josiah was of mixed Indian and white blood and lo ed in Indian Teritory. He needed and wanted a wife. He requested a .com order bride from Wigg Orphanage and School. Mia was his choice and she accepted his offer of marriage. This story has a great deal of excitement, adventure, a little humor and lots of love and trust. You will score this story and it has a very happy ending.
268 reviews
January 31, 2019
Alphabet Mail-Order Brides

A brilliantly told story bringing one of the alphabet brides to Eufaula Indian territory her groom to be Josiah part Choctaw Creek and part German. Mia and Josiah find themselves looking after three children the story is intriguing heartwarming and brings us wonderful characters whom you can't help but love there is lots of bonding with the children and you watch them grow together as a family as the story unfolds.

1,382 reviews3 followers
March 19, 2019
Great Historical Novel of the Creek Indians.

I Love historical books. This is the first book I have read by Heidi Vanlandingham. It will not be my last. The story is of two people that fall in Love although they are from different cultures and backgrounds. They eventually find each other because of mail order brides. The two become a family when they take in children that are orphaned and needing Love.
207 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2019
Now's Misfits

Absolutely loved the storyline & the three young people who came into Mia's world & the way they came into it, The good Pastor couldn't help but connect the dots to believe a higher power was at work with a higher power than his. I think the kids, in their innocence, certainly knew who was in charge of their day to day lives.

It's a good book for a great plan to work; the Lord's plan. Enjoy your read.
Profile Image for Sydnee Walsh.
1,277 reviews30 followers
January 22, 2020
Mia comes from a horrible backstory. She is taken by her two brothers from home to the local orphanage. She grows up to be a teacher there. Then she starts a new journey as a mail order bride. Her husband to be Josiah is from a mixed background. A week before Mia is to arrive he finds two orphans Summer and her cousin Billy. Then comes Elias to their mixed family.
Add some bad guys and a Christmas surprise and this book is great.
Profile Image for Sandra White.
196 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2019
A family of orphans!

This glorious story is all about building a family from the riff-raff of society.

Mia was abandoned for her own safety. Josiah lost his parents to an Indian battle. Together, they stumble across three young orphans who need love. Throw in ruthless outlaws and the heroic Bass Reeves and you have one wonderfully told story!
Profile Image for Sandra Newton.
504 reviews9 followers
January 18, 2019
Wonderful read

A very creative and entertaining story. Multiple authors came together to create this series using the alphabet to name their character and tell their stories. Mia's story is heartbreaking, heartwarming and packed with action. I highly recommend you read this story and the others in this series.
Profile Image for Eileen.
107 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2019
Excellent A Must Read

Well written story of family made of people who choose to love each other and not by blood. Mia’s beginnings in life were heart wrenching and her brothers did the best they could for her. Josiah’s loss shaped him into the man he became. Together they are a force of love and caring. Loved this story.
175 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2019
Romance

I love all these stories I'm up to 13 now halfway there and they're clean their Christian and they're exceptionally well-written I will be continue reading them all and all the other books that you write I have a very eclectic genre of reading from sci-fi to Western mail order brides to archaeology to history your books are great continue please writing them
457 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2019
Lots of excitement and action

Mia is such a sweetheart. You fall in love and can't help but notice her strength. She accepts all thrown at her and goes with her big heart. Josiah is a very sweet man full of goodness but a past of loss of his parents. He and Mia were both orphaned . This is a great story in the series.
Profile Image for Cindy Edwards.
324 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2019
Mia and her mom both lived at the Wigg school since Mia was 10. She answers an ad to go to Indian territory. When she gets there she finds out her husband is 75% Indian. Right before she arrives he took in 2 Indian orphans. Will she accept having a mixed family, especially when the children bring home a negro boy? Or will she go back to NYC?
Profile Image for Marie.
5,183 reviews52 followers
October 15, 2020
So many tears!

This is a truly beautiful book, Mia and Josiah are good, loving, open people who take Wiggie's ideas of inclusion for all children to the extreme.
It is sad, but it is also hopeful, loving, giving and heartwarming, I enjoyed every page. This is a new author for me but I will be looking for more, especially as this was available on Kindle Unlimited.
152 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2019
Mia's Mifits (Alphabet Mail Order Brides)

Anyone who enjoys learning about the diverse Indian tribes/nations will relate to this book. Mia and Josiah 's big heart and kindness show through when they take on the three orphans. Add a surprise at the end for a great read.
Profile Image for Dawn Baffa.
371 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2019
First read from this Author

What an amazing storyline. To have 2 brothers step up and do something in the best interest of their sister? Truly amazing. So much love and acceptance in this story., the hero said it best "a family of misfits".
150 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2019
Preacher

As I read this book it was like I was their. I liver close to the town's in the book. Your going to love this book of you love history and Oklahoma . I would give it a 10 state of I could.
Profile Image for Babs Wenk.
1,035 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2019
Mia and Josiah

Mia arrives at the orphanage at 5 years old because her brothers wanted her safe from their drunk father. When it is time to be a mail order bride she goes to Indian territory. - Babs
Profile Image for Jan Craig.
170 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2019
Loved it

So many of these books have the sugary sweet happy endings. I enjoy them but, this one really grabbed me with it's accuracy in regards to some of the context. Thank you for that! Definitely my favorite so far.
Profile Image for caroljordan.
191 reviews
December 3, 2019
A perfect fit

I enjoyed this book very much. These children were misfits until they got into the right family situation. They just needed love to be able to come together and finally make a loving family.
454 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2020
She was left in a basket at a founding home

She became a mail order bride and a mother to 3 mix breed children when she married a indian like the way the story brought them all together.
Profile Image for Cindy.
2,010 reviews39 followers
January 7, 2019
A group of ladies raised in an orphanage in New York are sent out in the world to marry and start schools in small western towns.
Profile Image for Anita Rohn.
1,964 reviews9 followers
January 14, 2019
#13

Awesome filled with historical tidbits and Native American culture it was a pleasure to read and follow Mia`s adventures from New York to the west.
800 reviews6 followers
January 15, 2019
Misfits... Maybe

But this group of people is what a family truly is. Each individual and yet as a collective, family. Wonderful story of heartbreak and love.
39 reviews
January 15, 2019
WOW my favorite so far

I love the research this author put into her story, i actiactually cried twice in this book, which is major for me. Wonderful job.
Profile Image for Kathy Brickert.
3,478 reviews17 followers
January 16, 2019
Lovely

Another wonderful tale in a great series!! This one really keeps you into the story! I couldn't put it down! Great read!!
2,788 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2019
Engrossing story

Heart breaking beginnings bring this group of misfits together to find and form a living family who face struggles united.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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