Forged in Love

Author: Mary Connealy
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Wyoming Sunrise #1
​Pages: 304
Release Date: February 28, 2023
Publisher: Bethany House

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?

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"We're saying she died."

But not really. . . . . . . after barely surviving a horrific stagecoach robbery, Mariah Stover's friends merely considered it prudent to spread the word around that Mariah had succumbed to her injuries. After all, the incident showed every indication that it was the Dead Eye Gang who jumped the stage and killed everyone else, including Mariah's father and brother. The notorious gang never left witnesses, and if they happened to find out that Mariah was alive, she would be "marked for death". . . . not a mark that anyone would want to carry around.

Mariah, on the other hand, after gaining her wits, is convinced that she can remain in Pine Valley and resume her father's blacksmith business. After all, she has no memory of the incident and, therefore, cannot possibly identify any of the gang members. Thankfully, her friends keep their eyes peeled for trouble, especially the town's diner owner, Clint Roberts, whose feelings for Mariah far surpass what he has allowed himself to convey.

A woman blacksmith and an upscale chef . . . . an odd couple if there ever was one . . . caught in a series of . . . "accidents?"

Enjoy the author's trademark wit as Mariah and Clint play a game of tug-of-war between forces both known and unknown. . . . . forging a friendship that is much stronger and sweeter than anything an enemy can destroy . . . . . could it be . . . . love?

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Mary Connealy delivers non-stop danger and suspense in Forged in Love, the first book in her Wyoming Sunrise series. From the opening page, the author masterfully grabs the reader's attention and does not let go until the last page.

Mariah Stover is a no-nonsense young woman whose incredible losses do not deter her. She sets out to honour her father and brother by continuing as the town's blacksmith. Unfortunately, danger seems to be stalking her at every turn. Obviously, someone wants her dead. The only reason can be that she survived a deadly stagecoach attack and was the sole survivor. As her friends try to protect her, it becomes evident that one friend in particular, Clint Roberts, could become something more.

I loved the sweet developing romance of Mariah and Clint and how her friends were so protective of her as she faced one calamity after the other. Nell and Becky were incredible friends to her, and I look forward to hearing more about them in future books. 

If you are looking for a new historical romance series, Forged in Love is a safe bet! 

I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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