Mail Order Mayhem is a short novella set in New England in 1883. At 80% of the ebook, the story was over and the rest was an excerpt from Osbourne's other books.As a reader, the storyline of a mail order bride was pretty typical. I agree with other reviewers that Maude was courageous to leave her family and home and do what she did. Osbourne obviously new about the orphan situation of the time period as well. It was a short clean read, but certainly not a sweet romance.As an author myself, that was one of the things that bothered me about this novella. Sweet romance does not contain bedroom scenes, whereas clean romance can contain bedroom scenes between married couples. Sweet romance is a genre of romance with rules and not just a term used to describe the story.This is the first book I've read by this author, but it appeared to me that Osbourne didn't do thorough research. Having grown up on a farm, I'm fairly certain you don't go out and "weed" the wheat fields. Farmers plow, plant, and even irrigate where and when possible, but usually just pray for rain. Most grain crops are called "dry farming." Alfalfa needs water and if the Farmer's Almanac predicted a dry season then they planted grain crops. I'm not a historical author, but Osbourne's details of the time period weren't as realistic as I would expect them to be. It made me wonder about her other reads set in this time period. Still, it didn't stop me from continuing to read.Osbourne also did a lot of head-hopping (jumping from one character's point of view to another in the same scene) and even did omniscient point of view in places.Overall, this book is a satisfying read, if you were expecting bedroom scenes. This book was a charming love story.A few people who were those seeking "clean" Christian books (one reviewer went so far as to instruct the author to seek the Good Lord's forgiveness - that made me chuckle) did have problems with the wedding night scene. It's not a bodice ripper, no crude scenes, however, there is a marital bedroom scene. It's steamy and sensual rather than explicit.The characters were enjoyable (not melodramatic, flighty or annoying types). No one dimensional types - just wholesome. Maude - 19 years old, genteel lady, pretty but not flighty or silly.John - mid-twenties, farmer, nice guy (not the wealthy, tall, dark and handsome cliche).There's a good plot and there's a HEA. It is a short story - hence there isn't pages of detail. ========================================================Synopsis/ plot: Maude is a 19 year old genteel lady (private school, piano playing, well dressed and educated) young lady. She's an only child who volunteers at an orphanage (basically very good heroine material). It's at the orphanage that she learns to cook and clean and other such chores (making her domestically self-sufficient to a degree otherwise at home there is a maid). However, there is an old creepy pervert who's had a nefarious interest in Maude since she turned 14, who also happens to be her fathers boss at the bank. When Maude is coerced by her parents to marry him - she panics until she notices a young genteel woman (Mrs Harriet Long) discuss arranging Mail Order Brides for single men based in the West (where there is a shortage of women).Maude sees this as an escape route and there begins her journey.
What do You think about Mail Order Mayhem (2012)?
Fun little short read, but I hate when the cover of a book doesn't represent the book!
—cassiecash
Just a simple love story with values. What a nice morning read!
—armywife70634
Nothing special but yet an easy reading ;-)
—jazzy
