MY REVIEW:
The heroines in Mary Connealy’s books have always been unique in their own ways but I am really enjoying the heroines from her last few series who have especially unexpected gifts and/or occupations. Forged in Love continues in that vein with none other than a female blacksmith. How unexpected it that? Of course motherless Mariah Stover has grown up in the smithy run by her father and has learned everything he could teach her about the art. When he and her brother are killed by an outlaw gang, Mariah is determined to continue to run his business despite those who doubt that she can.
Although Mariah was the only survivor of the stage ambush, she remembers absolutely nothing about the event. Her friends attempt to protect her from the outlaws by making sure everyone knows she can not remember what happened or who was involved. Clint Baker was especially determined to keep Mariah safe and did so with the aid of her two best friends, strong women in their own right.
I loved the reversal of roles in Forged in Love – Clint as a gourmet cook with his own restaurant and Mariah working as a blacksmith. The relationships between the friends was especially touching and I can’t wait to read about the romance the other two women will encounter.
As I always expect, this was another book by Mary Connealy that I found difficult to put down once I opened it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When sparks begin to fly, can a friendship cast in iron be shaped into something more?
Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she’s riding in, killing both her father and brother. As she takes over her father’s blacksmith shop and tries to move forward, she soon finds herself in jeopardy and wondering–does someone know she witnessed the robbery and is still alive?
Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to western Wyoming, leaving his painful memories behind. Hoping for a fresh start, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with harsh resistance from the townsfolk, who prefer to stick to their old ways.
Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the trials they face in town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books. She is the author of the popular series Brothers in Arms, Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, The Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
