The Blacksmith Brides includes 4 wonderful historical fiction stories in one.  I didn’t make it through Forging Forever because I found the main plot too disturbing.  This has nothing against the author and I’m sure other will love it.  I found Worth Fighting For a non-stop read of drama and romance.  I found A Tempered Heart to be a wonderful read set in a wonderful time period.  And for Malleable Heart what a great premise for another charming story.  Overall, I enjoyed this book.  
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


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I always enjoy Barbour's novella collections. Four authors provided the readers with lovely stories that was unique and held my attention.

I received an ARC from Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. This review is my opinion.

I must say that I was truly surprised by this collection, so far my favorite of this year. Each story is better than the other one. Well written, great characters, descriptions, and what I like the most was the main theme. On the first story Worth fighting for by Pegg Thomas she set her story on Philadelphia, 1774. I like that we have two characters that came from Irish immigrants. However, Meg McCracken her father who is an architect and also has four brothers wants to find a love that lasts. The war is no longer a rumor, but a reality and so her father took a brave decision along with his three eldest sons to join the cause. Amid this preparation, Meg needs to order a kit for his family and so she meets Alexander Ogilvie, he is a blacksmith in town who also the youngest one and has a dream of going out and make his own legacy out west. What I like is that although short, the author did a great job.

 On the second story Amanda Barratt ( I truly like her story) 
In Forging Forever, we go to Cornwall, 1798. From that first moment, you want to learn more about the couple form due to unusual circumstances. I like this is not the typical love story, and we have two main characters with two relatable situations. Josiah, on one hand, has been badly betrayed and he has this hurt deep on his heart and we have Elowyn's own hard life and the view she has on herself. I must say what I like the most of this story is the importance of forgiving and let go and how our value comes from being children of God. In the third story A Tempered Heart by Angela K Couch, set on Charlottesville on 1861, we have Esther who is coming back home after her husband died to live close to her with her beloved son Charlie who is different and for her, that has to be a struggle the rejection her son has received, and we also have Thomas who is the blacksmith through the story we learn more of him. What I like the most about this story is how each character together forms a beautiful picture.  Thanks to the author for the epilogue (I love those) I think it gives a better end to the story. And finally, we have A Malleable Heart by Jennifer Uhlarick (So far my favorite story of her) Elverton, 1870.  Leah who is raising her brothers and sisters has many trials and needs to work, meet Bo who is the blacksmith of town, and people are afraid of him. What I like about this story is that its full redemption, a beautiful second chance of family and faith.

This collection is a must-read if you like historical Christian fiction as I say before. Well written, faith, great characters, descriptions. This book will make you think and go deeper into your relationship with God.

I really enjoy reading Barbour's novella collections. Each one focuses on a certain subject along with a faith filled messages in each story. This one is about Blacksmiths in the late 1700's and the 1800's.
We find these blacksmiths in areas such as Pennsylvania,Cornwall,England,Virginia and California.
Yes these are primitive times and there are hardships. But we as humans have the capability to overcome hardships with faith and perseverance we can overcome. Faith filled messages are encouraging in these romantic reads.

Pub Date 01 May 2020
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Unlikely matches prove to be perfect, well orchestrated designs from God. 
Worth Saving
hiladelphia 1774 as the Revolutionary War was building to start. Redheaded Meg met Alexander as she is looking for soldiers kits for her brothers and father when they will go off to war. He is taken with her right away. Events bring them together as the story develops. He is determined to go West and not fight. Daniel Boone hears about him and asks him to join their group going to Kentucky. So well written! I'd love to read a continuation of the story,!
Forging Forever
England 1778
Josiah meets Elowyn at an auction, an auction of her as her father puts her up for sale. 
A Tempered Heart
Virginia 1861 After the death of her husband, Esther returns home with her special needs son and meets Thomas, the only one who took to her Charlie. Thomas was made an indentured servant when he was a boy, then took on a debt that wasn't his. 
A Malleable Heart
California 1870
Bo was sold into service, Leah was taking care of he brother and sisters.  They both feel ostracized and unworthy, but find they make a good fit, and their lives are all improved by being together. Some trouble happens and they find how much they've changed. 
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#BlacksmithBrides #NetGalley

What a lovely way to spend a few hours! This wonderful collection by four well-known authors was very educational to read. I certainly never knew much about the job of a blacksmith, obviously imagining they did more than make horse shoes, but never realizing how important this work was to the town. 

Worth Fighting For by Pegg Thomas
Philadelphia 1774 found the blacksmith in high demand as soldiers’ kits were becoming more and more important. The threat of war was no longer a threat. Did this mean that dreams and plans were no longer important?

Forging Forever by Amanda Barratt
Cornwall, England 1798
It’s not a question of your worthinesss or unworthiness - none of us are truly deserving, yet the Lord grants us mercy - Josiah. Make it count was the motto he received from his mentor. After receiving an expected inheritance, this young blacksmith sets out to change the life of at least one person. Would she find herself worthy?

A Tempered Heart by Angela K. Couch
Charlottesville, Virginia 1861
Thomas Flynn learned his trade from a hard taskmaster. In spite of being expected to repay all the many debts of his dead master, Thomas is a gentle soul who goes out of his way to help the grandson of his new master. Debtor's prison was a horrible place to be - would the choices of his former master follow him the rest of his life?

A Malleable Heart by Jennifer Uhlarik
Elverton, California 1870
Anyone I’ve ever trusted has died..or turned on me - Bo
Bo Allen has had a very tough life, one that has left him gruff and basically unfriendly. He is, however, the only blacksmith in town. Is it possible that he can learn to believe that not everyone has it out for him - that people truly want to get to know him better and be his friend?

This superb compilation of books was received through NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

My husband is a hobby blacksmith, which made reading these stories even better, since I can picture him as a blacksmith back in the day hammering our a living at his anvil. The four stories in this collection were very well written and engaging. I also really enjoyed the characters of each story. I will definitely be checking out other works by these authors.

Blacksmith Brides is a collection of four stories. These stories include: 
Worth Fighting For (1774—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) by Pegg Thomas
Forging Forever (1798—Cornwall, England) by Amanda Barratt
A Tempered Heart (1861—Charlottesville, Virginia) By Angela K. Couch
A Malleable Heart (California—1870) by Jennifer Uhlarik
I enjoyed all four of the stories. My favorite of the four was Angela K Couch's A Tempered Heart. I give the collection four and a half stars.

These stories were so engaging you can’t help but read them in one sitting.  Each story was unique with memorable characters. Very good!
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review of Forging Forever (1798—Cornwall, England) by Amanda Barratt: Wow, for as short as this story is it sure is powerful! A lovely story with a lesson in love.

Worth Fighting For, by Peg Thomas is a true inspiring story of family, protecting your land and being free. Meg and her brothers along with their parents fought hard to survive in the new colony of Philadelphia. Meg meets up with Alexander, whose family struggles with the same issues as Megs. Alexander and Meg Romance blooms in all this madness that happens around them. This story was very informative, with true details of how things where back then. The book was easy to read. The story didn’t seem dry at all. The story was told like a casual conversation. To keep the book going, supplying the facts in a way to keeps the readers interest helped this book.
Forging Forever, by Amanda Barratt is a story that tells the truth of how families suffered during hard times in the western world. Amanda tells this story of Charles and Elowyn. Their love grows as both try to cope with having luxuries given to them when both came from having nothing. Elowyn has to cope with the shame of her father auctioning her for money. Charles had to sale some of his land to a deceitful man to keep him from trying to buy Elowyn at the auction.
A Tempered Heart, by Angela Couch is a true romantic story. Angela, writing pulled the reader in the romance between Thomas Flynn
The story is written like a care and kindness. The details and visualization between scenes played out in your mind as read through the story. The storyline and plot is perfect for the telling of the story of this romance.
Malleable Heart, by Jennifer Uhlarik is a sweet love story. Leah and Bowdrie seems like a spit fire couple whose romance blossoms with entertainment at every turn. The story is soft and written with care. The reader will definitely get caught up in the story of survival. Their faith in God gets them through the hard troubles that they faces.
A Tempered Heart, by Angela Couch is a true romantic story. Angela, writing pulled the reader in the romance between Thomas Flynn I voluntary reviewed this ARC  after receiving  a free gifted copy.
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Blacksmith Brides is an excellent collection of four stories by different authors that all center on blacksmiths and their new brides.  Each story was well written and a pleasure to read.  They are all set in the 1700 and 1800’s.  The stories were intriguing, and held love, suspense, humor and surprises.  It was enjoyable to read this collection of short stories by these authors.  I recommend it to all. Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion.

I love reading Christian Fiction especially when set in these eras, 1700’s to 1800’s We have four great authors penning a story centered around a blacksmith who does not want to be a blacksmith. Each has longings for another way of life and their intentions to move on with his searching. Such interesting stories of how the women who chanced to come into their lives made such a difference. Christian Fiction at it’s finest with romance in each one and God and faith at the center. Loved them….. I received an e-book copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley,  this is my honest review.

Blacksmith Brides is a compilation of 4 historical fictions stories. All focus on a blacksmith, his background and those he helps.
Worth Fighting For, by Pegg Thomas takes place in 1774 in Philadelphia. The McCracken men are planning to joint he war. Needing supplies, daughter, Meg, is sent to the local blacksmith. They develop a relationship, but he is turned away by Meg's father. 
Forging Forever by Amanda Baratt takes place in 1798 in Cornwall, England. Elowyn's father has her auctioned off. Josiah is determined to not let her be sold to someone who will not treat her nice and sells a deed to a mine he treasures to have money to purchase her.
A Tempered Heart by Angela K Couch takes place in 1861 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Thomas has taken over the Blacksmith shop along with the past bills associate with it when his employer dies. His lender's daughter comes home after the death of her husband, alone with her son with special needs. Her son quickly forms an attachment to Thomas, which her father dis-approves of.
A Malleable Heart by Jennifer Uhlarik takes place in 1870 in California. Bo lost his parent when he was very young. He was cared for by an abusive man who left him with scars. He is a blacksmith that has a reputation. Leah also lost both her parents and she is now trying to keep her family together. Circumstances put them together where she does not tolerate his rude behavior.
I really enjoyed reading this book. This is a great historical Christian book to read. Each of the stories shows how a person's past can affect how they move forward with their lives. Each of the stories give a good message of forgiveness and faith. The stories are each the perfect length to read in an evening. The authors are fairly new to me but each of them writes a story that just draws the reader in. 
I received a copy of this e-book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Blacksmith Brides: 4 Love Stories Forged by Hard Work

I love reading Christian historical fiction and this book offers four wonderful stories by four gifted authors with their own unique writing styles.  Set in varies locations between 1774-1870.  Each story centers around a blacksmith and the women they meet.  Their romance is not smooth by any means. They face challenges and prejudices that they must overcome, surprising twists and turns, forgiveness and faith.  All are heartwarming stories. 

1. Worth Fighting For by Pegg Thomas
1774 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2. Forging Forever by Amanda Barratt
1798 Cornwall, England 

3. A Tempered Heart by Angela K. Couch
1861 Charlottesville, Virginia

4. A Malleable Heart by Jennifer Uhlarik 
1870 Elverton, California

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

Blacksmith Brides, a new novella collection from Barbour, is an exciting new set of 4 stories set in the 17 and 1800s about 4 Smithy's and their new brides.  Each one is full of surprises, suspense, and loves worth taking the time to read!

I particularly enjoyed Forging Forever by Amanda Barratt.  It is the tender story of emotionally wounded yet kind Elowyn and her groom Josiah who pays a high price to rescue her.  Elowyn begins to slowly understand how much she is valued not only by Josiah but more so by the Lord because of his great love for her.

For those who enjoy romantic historical fiction novellas, these should suit memorably.  I am grateful to Barbour and NetGalley for furnishing me with an ARC for this my honest review.

Blacksmith Brides is anthology of four novellas revolving around blacksmiths from various times in history and the women with whom they fall in love. Authors Pegg Thomas, Amanda Barratt, Angela K. Couch, and Jennifer Uhlarik combine to bring us this wonderful collection of romantic stories.

While I love history and novellas, the concept of blacksmiths is what drew me to this book. I was curious how the authors would create the relationships around that particular profession. We can jump to the stereotype of muscled men swinging their hammer beside a glowing forge. However, that stereotype is accurate because that’s precisely what it takes to do what they do and the authors of Blacksmith Brides breathed freshness into it.

Over the hundred or so years covered in Blacksmith Brides, blacksmithing didn’t seem to change much. All four men were hard working, willing to bare the heat and dirt to craft beautiful and necessary items from common metal. But individually they saw the world very differently. Perhaps hardened because of their circumstances, or fiercely protective of the vulnerable, or wishing for a new life, to be more than just a blacksmith.

The women who fell in love with these men were all strong, capable women. Well matched to the blacksmiths’ strengths. They came from a variety of stations and responsibilities. But much rested on their shoulders. As they came to see the heart behind their blacksmith, each woman had to decide whether to accept a partner to share their load. But what was equally true is how each held a key to unlocking their blacksmith’s best self.

I admired how the authors did not shy away from difficult topics, even in such short stories. Abuse, slavery, and war were all common themes. Throughout the stories, the characters’ relationship – or lack of relationship – with God is woven in without being obnoxious. What struck me most, however, was how lasting the stories felt. After I finished reading each one, I found myself thinking about it long afterward.

On that note alone I would recommend reading these stories. But if you also love history, romance, and a fascinating profession, then definitely pick up a copy of Blacksmith Brides.

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I received this book free from NetGalley and Barbour Books in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A charming collection of stories by some fantastic writers. Each story is very unique and fun to read. Each story focuses on a less than ideal but very necessary occupation in its day - blacksmithing and the hardworking men behind the forge. I enjoyed each of these charming stories.

Worth Fighting For

OH I loved this one. Combine blacksmith, Scottish and history and of course your going to get a good book. Meg was a spitfire that had hair to match. She was all girl but also all tomboy. She could keep up with the boys. Alexander was a gentleman that worked as a blacksmith. I loved how they both craved adventure and found it together. Their story will definitely keep you reading. This book was well written!

Forging Forever

I was whisked away to beautiful Cornwall in this beautiful story! This story kept me captivated from beginning to end. Elowyn was hurt time and time again and yet she stayed kind. Josiah learned how to let go of the past and hand it over to God. I could see every seen in my mind as I read it was so beautiful.

A Tempered Heart

The Civil War era is one of my favorites. This story just caused my heart to melt! 
I loved how little Charlie loved everyone, he had the biggest heart! I wanted to hug him so badly!
Esther was such a lady ahead of her time. She wouldn't let anyone dictate how she was going to raise her son. She loved him so much and would come after anyone who mistreated him. Flynn had to learn to let go and trust others. He was such a kind hearted man and I loved his friendship with Charlie.

A Malleable Heart

I was so caught up in this story! Bo was so angry over the things that had happened in his life and you understand why too. But he finds a friend in Leah and everything changes. Leah is just trying to make ends meet for her and her younger siblings and then she runs into Bo and all her hopes come alive.

This was such a cute story of love, forgiveness and family. Definitely a must read!

Fun stories
A great collection based on the very necessary, but not always lucrative job of blacksmith.   They all have an underlining message of understanding. 

Worth Fighting For – Pegg Thomas
A good alternate title could have been “Pick your Battles”.   Set just before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, the battle lines have been drawn and a side must be chosen.   Alexander chose a 3rd path and picked an almost impossible choice for a wife.   I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I sincerely hope we might get to learn more about the fate of Meg’s brothers. 
Forging Forever -Amanda Barratt
An unbelievably cruel  father, a greedy villain and a hero who gives more than could be expected, this story compels you to keep reading hoping for a happy ending.   Josiah pays an unbelievably high price for Elowyn, a young woman he does not know.  Amanda Barratt, thank you for this story. 
Tempered Heart – Angela K. Couch
Angela K. Couch gives new meaning to the power of love, the love between a big strong blacksmith and a young mentally and physically challenged boy.    Add in a mother’s love for that boy and you have the basis for this story.  I enjoyed this story. 
Malleable Heart – Jennifer Uhlarik
It would be nice if we could make ourselves feel good to think it was only in the1800’s that those that were different were outcasts and talked about, but we know that isn’t true.  Jennifer Uhlarik gives us interesting characters and situations that while set in the past could also be set today.     She shows the importance of treating everyone with respect.   This is a good addition to this collection.