Forged in Love by Mary Connealy Book Review
Forged in Love is the first book in a new series by Mary Connealy about Mariah, a blacksmith in the late 1800s who’s trying to overcome tragedy.
With a deadly gang trying to make Mariah disappear, Clint, the town’s restaurant owner, is determined to protect Mariah and finally reveal his feelings for her.
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Forged in Love
Author: Mary Connealy
Publishing Date: February 28, 2023
Series: book 1 of the Wyoming Sunrise series
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Pages: 304
Rating: 3/5 stars
Content Warnings: robbery, gun violence, murder, blood, animal attack, injury, medical scene, fire, animal injury, & kidnapping
Synopsis:
In 1870, Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she’s on, killing her father and brother. As she takes over her father’s blacksmith business and attempts to move forward, the old-fashioned townspeople meet her new occupation with disdain.
Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to Western Wyoming from the painful memories he left back east. In the hope of a new life, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with a harsh welcome from the townsfolk who prefer to stick to their old ways.
Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the similar trials they face in a new 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?
Spoiler-Free Book Review
This was a cute story with elements of danger and friendship. While there were a lot of parts that I enjoyed, there were also moments that were more forgettable. I would still recommend giving this book a try though since historical fiction is not the genre I read the most.
What I Liked
- The unexpected start to the story that made me want to continue reading
- The protective nature of Clint towards Mariah
- Mariah and her strong friend group of women living outside of society’s expectations
- Multiple point of views
- Christian faith elements
What I Didn’t Like
- Inconsistencies within the plot
- The lack of romance or chemistry between Clint and Mariah
- The way the ending played out
- The pacing
Where to Purchase
You can purchase a copy of this book at the following retailers:
Bethany House Publishers (if you want to buy directly from the publisher)
Bookshop.org (supports independent book stores) [affiliate link]
Books a Million (BAM) [affiliate link]
Have you read Forged in Love or any other books by Mary Connealy?
I would love to hear your thoughts! Comment down below.