I requested this book from NetGalley on a whim, as it has been many a year since I last read a historical western. Set in 1870s Wyoming, Mariah is the main character, a woman doing a man's job in a time when women get the vote. When she is left for dead in a stage coach robbery that killed her father and brother, Mariah takes the helm at her father's job of the town's blacksmith. While she has no memory of the robbery, the Deadeye gang is known to leave no survivors. Strange accidents keep happening, and Clint, the owner of the town's Diner, acts as her unofficial bodyguard. Watching their relationship develop, as well as the historical backdrop and a strong female character, made this one a very interesting read. Can't wait for more books in the series to be released.

Forged in Love #1 Wyoming Sunrise by Mary Connealy

Pine Valley, Wyoming 1870.
Mariah Stover is a strong woman and faces danger head-on. I like that she is a blacksmith, which was not something women of that day would even consider. She may be small, but she can swing that sledge hammer with a mighty blow. Her life is in danger when she survives a stagecoach robbery without remembering any of the details. The Deadeye gang never leaves witnesses. I love the on-loan guard dog, Brutus. He is sweet but ferocious when needed and a hero.

Clint Roberts is the owner and chef of the local diner. He cooks up some creative dishes the townsfolk enjoy despite the strange names he gives his dishes. Can a man who creates such delicious meals and a woman blacksmith forge a bond of love together?

This is a delightful story. Full of humor and fun banter, faith, villains and danger, and love.

~I bought a copy of this book and received an e-book copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

Another solidly enjoyable story from one of my favorite authors. Mary Connealy's stories always have a perfect mix of a great storyline with a mystery element, likable characters and lots of her trademark humor. This opener to her new Wyoming Sunrise series is an exciting story that has me firmly invested in the rest of the series. Mariah is fantastic with her unusual livelihood for a woman-a blacksmith. Clint and his fancy cooking along with Mariah make for super characters. Really enjoyed this one!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

FORGED IN LOVE is a story about an independent woman who tries to find her place and safety after losing her family in a stage coach robbery and a man who wants to love and protect her. Set in a small town with some memorable friends, humorous moments and suspense. An overall enjoyable read.

I've read almost all of this author's books and have come to expect unique characters and situations as well as sparks of the romantic and dangerous variety. This story wasn't quite as humorous or as snappy in the dialogue as I'm used to, making it a bit of a slower read for me. The characters were great although I wanted them a bit more fleshed out. The romance quickly developed while also being very sweet while the heroine tried to stay safe and true to herself. There were three very strong women who were best friends in this story with an aspect of this story talking about changing women's rights. The inspirational aspect was weaved through well, making these characters' faith feel natural and genuine. The feeling of danger subtly grew towards the end.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable, steadily-paced read with likeable characters, sweet romance, inspirational moments and suspense. There were plenty of openings for further books in the series and I'm looking forward to reading the next story.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Celebrate Lit/NetGalley, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Forged in Love, by Mary Connealy, is book one in the Wyoming Sunrise series. This is a Christian Historical Fiction story that is set Pine Valley, Wyoming in 187o. Mariah, her father and brother are on their way home when the stage coach they are ride is attacked by the Deadeye Gang. The stage tips, Mariah is thrown out an presumed dead. Clint rides out to check and finds the coach with everyone by Mariah dead, she however has no memory of what happened. Mariah takes over her family’s blacksmith business.When the gang members realize she survived, they make many attempts on her life. Together with her friends, Becky and Nell, Clint tries to keep her safe while keeping his diner and farm going.

This is a fun, easy to read story. It is descriptive and easy to envision. It has nice, strong characters. Mariah has so much strength to keep and work the business with all the attacks on her. There are so many, they could only happen in a book. And Clint, oh my, a man who can not only raise his food, but make such delicious meals as well. I found my self getting hungry just reading about it. I enjoyed the modern touches in this story with the jobs Clint and Mariah had as well as accepting women working after marriage.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

In this imaginative Western historical novel, we find an amazing woman pursuing her own way—working as a blacksmith, standing up for women’s suffrage, and determined to survive in a man’s world. She must overcome fearsome obstacles, such as avoiding the deadly gang who robbed the stagecoach she rode in, a gang that usually leaves no survivors. Her bravery and determination impressed me. What a hard worker too. Readers can’t help but admire Mariah Stover. And Clint Roberts, the man who comes to her rescue more than once and proves to be a true friend, also tugs at the heartstrings. The fast-paced plot and Mariah’s supportive friends make the story one you’re unlikely to forget. The characters all seem real and well-developed, even the dog. I learned a lot about the blacksmith trade too. This would make a fun read for a book club to discuss. I received a copy from from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #ForgedinLove #NetGalley

If she remembers will it cost them their lives...?

Whenever it's been awhile since the last time I read a Mary Connealy novel I always wonder why I waited. Of course, this time around was no exception. As always, Forged In Love was another fun and entertaining read. I enjoyed my first visit into the Wyoming Sunrise series with it Western setting and often amusing characters.

Forged In Love isn't all fun and games, though. In this first Wyoming Sunrise novel Mary Connealy also delivers shootouts, deadly critters, and a gang bent on silencing their only witness. You know, all the stuff that belongs in a good Western...

Long before reading Forged In Love I was aware of Wyoming's pioneering decision to give women the right to vote, I did not, however, know that they also gave women the right to do things like hold public office. I love history so I knew that the first county coroner where I live was a woman but I must say that our heroine's profession, blacksmith, in Wyoming Sunrise book 1 was unusual and quite interesting – and I enjoyed reading about it.

Mary Connealy has once again done a great job entertaining me and getting me hooked on a new series. Of course, that also means that I am now impatient to get my hands on book 2 when it comes out...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

First, I LOVE the cover! It is absolutely gorgeous. I love how strong and confident Mariah (the main character) looks. Second, Mary Connealy is a go-to author for me because I love the humor she adds to her books and how most of the time, there is even a dash of suspense and this book didn't disappoint me. From the moment you start the story, you are thrown into a stagecoach robbery and you can feel the despair Mariah felt during the robbery and the anguish and then joy that Clint felt when he found Mariah still alive. From there, you walk with these characters as they try to get on with life after tragedy, being drawn together by these events that have plagued the town - all while dodging the ever growing danger for Mariah, because the Dead Eye Gang never leaves a witness alive.
This is definitely one of the best books she's written and that is hard to say, because I LOVE all of her books, but I really liked the characters in this story - how strong Mariah was, even when life was hard for her(especially being a blacksmith when it was a man's profession) and how Clint was a French Chief in the middle of a western town (which is hilarious reading about how he works so hard on a dish called Soupe De Poulet and the town's people are like... why can't you just call it chicken soup??) . Overall, I rate it 5 stars and I want to stress that this is one adventure you aren't going to want to miss! Can't wait for book two in the series!!

I really enjoyed this! It was sweet with a typical Christian feel at times, but I thought that the suspense of Mariah’s safety and who was after her added a really nice element to the story. I can’t wait to read the next one!

3.5 ⭐️ I typically love westerns although I did struggle with this one a bit but I think it’s just a me thing. There were aspects of the story I truly loved and my mom adored it, giving it 5 stars!

Things I loved:
* Frontier setting
* Strong female characters
* The suspense/mystery aspect
* friendship
* Faith and goodness emphasis

For me I just think the writing style was a struggle. I didn’t connect to the chemistry of the characters and felt the story lacked a stronger plot. Some things needed to be elaborated more and given a bit more depth. The dialogue felt forced and I missed the love story given some more strength.

I think those who like a faith driven frontier story will enjoy this book. It’s sweet yet still shows the hardships of early American settler towns.

Mariah is a survivor. There is no other way to explain how she escaped death on numerous occasions. It took awhile for her to realize that someone wants her dead.

She always felt she had to prove herself. She ignored her desires and interests to please her father.

Mariah liked Clint but kept him at a distance. Clint was quite interested in Mariah but fear stopped him from making any moves.

GOD doesn't need you to impress him. HE tells you not to be afraid. Mariah and Clint need to trust that GOD loved them just as they are.

Forged in Love takes tells the story of an unusual job for a woman to have back in 1870, and that was blacksmithing. But Mariah Stove has learned the job from her father along with her brother after her late mother's death. Now, Mariah is looking at life alone and running the business also alone after the shocking attack and murder of her family, that left her almost dead. Well, that is the way her friends and the sheriff want everyone to think. In fact, they want everyone to believe she is dead. Why? Because the gang that murdered her father and brother, have a reputation for leaving no witnesses behind.

However, Mariah doesn't want to leave town and her home. She loves it in Wyoming and besides, she doesn't remember anything about the robbery anyway. So, against everyone else's advice, she stays. Chef and diner owner Clint Roberts will do anything to protect her, so he basically becomes her bodyguard. He has cared for her for a long time, and he hopes and intends to marry her someday.

Will Mariah losing her memory be enough for the gang to leave her alone or will they come after her anyway? And what about all the accidents that keep happening? If that is what they even are? This was a great start to a new series with woman in unusual jobs in the late 1800's and this one was how Mariah and Clint forged their love together through thick and thin.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

The book begins with excitement as the stage coach Mariah is riding in is under attack from robbers. Mariah is the only one that survives but faces the possibility of being a target since the Deadeye Gang doesn’t leave any witnesses. Clint has always had his eye out for Mariah so it only seems natural that he does his best to protect her now that her family is gone. Will she be able to return back to a regular life now that everything has changed and she is now a target?

The book was an easy and quick read. I have been in the area where the book takes place, so it made me feel like I was back there. The story line kept the reader’s interest to find out what was to happen to Mariah. I am anxious to read more in the series to learn more about Becky and Nell. There are definitely more stories to come from Wyoming.

I would definitely recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

Forged in Love is proof that Connealy’s name will be indelibly written across the field of Christian fiction. I love the way that she dips her pen into the ink well of her humor and her heart and she spells out such captivating characters forged in love. The story of Clint and Mariah are prime examples of the romance that Connealy writes about. You’ll be rooting for Mariah to survive from the horrible stagecoach accident and for Clint to declare his love for her. Also you will love the other hero Brutus the dog, for his quick action and loyalty to protect Mariah……thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read and review this most interesting book

Forged in Love by amazing storyteller Mary Connealy is Book One in her Wyoming Sunrise Series. This historical Christian fiction is wonderful. It offers so much that readers will be turning page after page to see what happens next. I certainly did!

Set in 1870 Western Wyoming, this novel begins with action. It is the story of Mariah, a feisty young woman that has been in a stagecoach robbery in the opening of this novel. Her family (father, brother, and even herself) has the local blacksmith shop. I learned some things about that just by reading this book.

It only took a few pages to become invested in the story and characters. Clint is probably one of my favorite characters ever. What a hero! He is the chef and owner of the town’s diner. The things he cooks are amazing. He has a farm and large garden to keep his restaurant well stocked in fresh foods.

The author has done extensive research for this unique story. The characters are realistic and have multilayers. Conversations sound appropriate for the time and location. There are so many brilliant characters. Most are ones that I wanted to keep as friends, but there were some others that were ornery and mean. There is a magnificent dog that steals the scenes. There are twists and turns, giggle worthy moments, and a nail biting scene or two. This book has danger, intrigue, adventure, humor, romance, and lessons of faith.

I highly recommend it. Anyone that loves historical or western fiction will adore this gem. It is a page turner. I am excited to see what the rest of the series will be. It gets a well earned 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit via Net Galley, but these are my honest words.

Whenever I pick up a book written by Mary Connealy, I know I am getting a lighter story (a nice palate cleanser read after I read something that drains my emotions) with great characters, an entertaining plotline, and a few laughable moments. Forged in Love met every one of those expectations.

Mariah and Clint don’t meet the status quo of their time. Mariah pursues working at the town’s blacksmith while Clint runs an upscale restaurant in a tiny Wyoming town. Despite the book blurb, I didn’t read much of the town’s disdain. The men folk seemed to have no problem going to Mariah for their blacksmithing needs, and everyone enjoyed Clint’s cooking.

Both characters had some growing to do, and Connealy lets readers join them as they learn more about themselves and each other. The author also introduces us to two of Mariah’s friends who will get their own stories, which I look forward to.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

Forged in Love is a wonderful historical fiction novel that takes place out in Wyoming and gives you an unlikely female character!

I have to say that I have enjoyed this author for several years. She always has the best novels. They’re funny, hilarious even, and yet they have some mystery and suspense as well as romance and good values. If you want a good read for yourself or one of your teens I can tell you hers will be amazing. I’m quickly checking off reading every book she’s written taking breaks to add in the new ones too.

THIS IS AN AMAZING NEW ONE!
It’s unconventional too! Our female lead character is a blacksmith. Yeap, you read that right. She’s a blacksmith. It’s not like that was her life’s goal though. No, she took on the role after her father and brother were killed. She was left alive but what if the robbers think she saw them or knows something? She lives with that bit of fear and looking over her shoulder.

Add in our male lead and he owns a diner. Not only does he own it but he creates amazing and delicious dishes. He’s a trained chef from New York! Lands! Who would have thought?

Put the two of them together as they’re both a bit of pariah and outcasts because they’re unconventional. Add in the danger that Mariah faces and you’ve got a fast reading amazing book! Oh, and did I mention I have a Mariah? She’s 16 and I think she’ll really love reading this book too!

I simply cannot wait for the rest of the series! The author has hinted that there are going to be two more with females that are just as unconventional! I’ll let you know when they’re out and I’ve read them!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Forged in Love is written by Mary Connealy. This book kicks off a new series, Wyoming Sunrise. The author always does such a great job with her research to bring her stories to life. In this story we meet Mariah Stover. Mariah was riding in a stage coach with her dad and brother when it is attacked by the Deadeye gang. She is left for dead and thankfully she is found before she perishes. The sheriff and family friend, Clint Roberts try and convince her to leave town before the gang finds out she is still alive. However, Mariah has no recollection of the attack and makes it known.

Mariah wants to continue being the town blacksmith. Her father has taught her so much and the town of Pine Valley depends on her trade. Clint has tasked himself along with two of Mariah's friends in trying to keep her safe. However, the Deadeye gang has never left any witnesses. Will they come back and try and finish the job.

I loved that the author chose to make her female character a blacksmith and the male as a chef. I loved seeing the role reversal. The author did great with her descriptions. I cannot wait until the next book in the series. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

A great Western set in 1870 Wyoming. Mariah's entire family were blacksmiths. On a stagecoach riding home, they were robbed, everyone shot, left for dead. Only Mariah survived. From a gang who never left any survivors - and wouldn't once they learn that she is alive. Clint is a gourmet chef who delights in running a diner where people love his food. He's been waiting for Mariah. Their lives take on a new twist as time moves forward, Mariah's two best friends as well. Keeps you turning the pages! As always, an excellent read.

I received this book free from the NetGalley, author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#ForgedInLove #MaryConnealy #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarNovel #CelebrateLit

Wow! This has been such an enjoyable story I’m sad that it has ended. I do love a good western themed book complete with outlaws, robbery, danger and characters who make me feel part of the story. The author captures the time period perfectly with talk about women’s suffrage, the beautiful backdrop of mountains in Wyoming and men who are fiercely protective of their town and families. The research in the book adds authenticity to the story. I loved how the author incorporated jobs for women such as a blacksmith that showed they were capable of doing jobs most thought were for men only.

Mariah is one feisty woman who endured a horrible stage coach accident where a gang had robbed it and thought they had left everyone dead. Little did they know that Mariah had survived and now must try to recover from her injuries. She doesn’t remember anything from the robbery but people who care about her think she is still in a lot of danger. If the gang finds out she is alive, they won’t hesitate to kill her.

Clint is a hero in my books. This man takes on the responsibility of caring for Mariah as she heals and decides that he will guard her until her safety is not an issue anymore. I loved that he owned a diner and was an amazing cook. He has been determined to prove that he can make delicious meals that the town will rave about. I liked learning about the animals he raised along with vegetables and herbs to enhance his skills. He is a very hardworking man who wants to be able to provide for a wife someday.

The danger soon starts up again when several unexplained accidents almost kill Mariah. It is evident someone is after her. Her dear friends along with Clint and the sheriff step up to guard her around the clock. Somewhere out there is a man who has evil on his mind. I loved how the town pulled together to surround Mariah and let her know she was loved.

I have to mention another very important hero in the book. I absolutely love dogs and Brutus in my eyes gets a hero award for his quick action and loyalty to protect Mariah. He never hesitates to put himself in danger to keep Mariah safe. I loved how obedient he is and his understanding of what his duties were. He adds to the story by showing that he will protect those he loves. Great job Brutus.

The story does have quite a bit of danger going on, but don’t miss the sweet romance developing between Clint and Mariah. They are smitten with each other and I loved how they wanted to honor God as they confessed their love for each other. Clint is very patient and understanding and helps Mariah feel comfortable around him. Get ready for a woman blacksmith, a chef, gangs that rob stagecoaches and danger when one person seeks revenge. I am more that excited to read the next in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.