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.

This were 4 stories that were very informative in how that level of society lived. The blacksmith was not of the gentry or ton, but was not of the lower class either. It was a good job to have but the fathers in the stories did not think that their daughters should marry their blacksmith suitors. Some of the stories were better than others, but for the most part, the heroine characters were strong, noble women who were in circumstances where they fell in love with the blacksmith. The heroes were all portrayed as honest, hardworking men who met and fell in love with their ladies. The stories, for the most part, were slow reading. There was not much action and adventure; they were stories about small town life. Two of the stories were set during unrest, one in the American Revolution and one at the start of the Civil War. The character were very likeable and showed signs of growth. The stories were well written with very few spelling or grammar errors. The stories were a slower read than usual and didn't engage the reader right away. The first two stories were a miss for me. The first was too slow and was hard to.connect with. The second featured a heroine of 18 years old with a heroine of 31 years of age. That is too large of an age difference and I refuse to spend my time reading any book where the heroine is too young to understand all that life is. It feels too much like pedophilia to me. A young, immature female is taken advantage of by an experienced man. No romance, only lust. And these were Christian stories. The story lines seemed slow and drawn out and seemed exaggerated instead of dramatically.
Now the second two stories featured older heroines, who had experienced life and earned their attitudes and tenacity. They were truly enjoyable stories and I don't want to give any more spoilers. I would recommend this book with caution. It meets most of my criteria for the last stories, but I caution the others. 3.5 stars would be my rating.

Four quick read, clean, emotion packed, Christian faith based romantic tales featuring honest to goodness, hard working, good guy heroes who find their soulmate lady loves. That is what you find here, folks. There’s really not a whole lot more to say. As an avid romantic at heart, I’m all about emotional connection. I don’t mind non-steamy reads. Due to how short each novella is, I must admit admissions of deep feelings of love at times felt a tad rushed/stretched. Meaning, I just had to roll with it and take their word for it sometimes. That wasn’t overly hard to overlook though considering the reward of seeing them so happy together.

Just because there isn’t graphic smexy time between the sheets doesn’t mean there isn’t drama and angst. In story #1 you have the scary certainty of impending Civil War, #2 has a hero giving up what he thought he treasured most, but gained something much more valuable, even priceless in return, #3 proves a good guy can finish first and get the girl. #4 Well, the writing style there just didn’t work for me. It all just seemed to be laid on overly thick. I tuned out pretty quickly and couldn’t convince myself it was worth to keep reading. So, I’ll just have to leave it at 3 out of 4 isn’t that bad.

If you are looking for some blacksmith based heroes, you might want to check out this assortment by the various authors listed below. Maybe you’ll come to the same realization as these characters..Life is all about how you choose to live it/make it.

Worth Fighting For - Peg Thomas (1774 - Philadelphia, PA)
Forging Forever - Amanda Barratt (1798 - Cornwall, England)
A Tempered Heart - Angela K. Couch (1861 - Charlottesville, VA)
A Malleable Heart - Jennifer Uhlarik (1870 - California)

Title: Blacksmith Brides: 4 Love Stories Forged by Hard Work, Authors: Amanda Barratt, Angela K. Couch, Pegg Thomas, Jennifer Uhlarik, Pages: 448, Pub. date: 5/1/20, Christian faith based romances, NetGalley ARC review. Rating: 3 - 3.5 stars.

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, or NetGalley.)

This collection of historical stories based on the lives of blacksmiths was a very enjoyable read. There was plenty of history, romance, and conflict relayed in a sweet way that made it a pleasure to read. The novellas were compelling reads that held my attention and tugged at my heart strings. From the old world, where a man could buy a wife at the auction block, to colonial days where it wasn't an easy decision to choose between being loyalist or in rebellion, through Civil War days, to loving someone with a special needs family member, this quartet of tales is an intriguing and wholesome collection, with some unique twists, that I thoroughly enjoyed.

This is another fairly solid anthology from Barbour Publishing. I love that, while they all feature blacksmith heroes, the settings run the gamut from the Revolutionary War to Victorian England to the Civil War to the Western US in the 1870s.
The last story, “A Malleable Heart” by Jennifer Uhlarik, is the most charming, with family at its core as well as romance, with Leah being a parental figure for her younger siblings, while connecting with the reclusive Bo. I also loved “Forgiving Forever” by Amanda Barratt, set in Cornwall, and I enjoyed seeing the Josiah and Elowyn come together and help each other heal. The greatest strength of Pegg Thomas’s “Forging Forever” was its historical detail, including featuring real historical figures, and the way the romance blossoms in the midst of the larger conflict.
I found “A Tempered Heart” by Angela K. Couch a bit questionable, given that the conflict between characters rested on their beliefs concerning slavery, an issue with points as described that may be historically accurate, but I don’t like the idea of a hero who’s not 100% against it in a book published in this day and age.

This was my first “war era” book (I typically stick with Amish fiction) BUT wowza! This was an incredible journey for me with four great stories of love, forgiveness and patience. I absolutely loved each story and have now officially fallen in love with any/all things wartime romance. If I were to say anything at all, it was hard for me to acclimate myself to the language of the time but after a few pages, I was good to go. This is a must read! So good and you will not want to put it down!

#netgalley #blacksmithbrides
What a wonderful collection of romance stories! I loved each one and they were all very intriguing and unique!

I really can't say enough about this format/style of books by Barbour publishing. Whether it's blacksmiths, Regency England or the Oregon Trail - each and every one is the perfect read!!

The novellas are the right size of a complete nightly read or when you have a lot of starts & stops but really want to keep reading. I enjoyed all the novellas in this book. I actually find myself wising each one was a entire book by itself - these stories are exceptional.

I gave a 5 star review because I could read this book again & it would probably be fresh once more.

I did receive an electronic ARK.

I really enjoyed each of these stories, they were all unique in their own way. Inspiring, romantic and beautifully written, these stories are about rugged blacksmiths and the women who capture their hearts. My grandfather was a Blacksmith as his father before him so these were special to me.

I've always been a sucker for a good novella collection, especially historical novellas. The Blacksmith Brides definitely lived up to my expectations! Each story was entertaining and well-written. I loved getting to "know" the different characters throughout the book, and will be adding more books by these authors to my library as soon as possible.

As a collective group, these stories were entertaining, and all of them proved to be quick reads. I appreciated the faith each of the characters in the stories demonstrated, and the way they do try to live to Christ's standard. But individually . . . they each had their strengths and the weaknesses, so how 'bout mini reviews of each book, hmm?

~ Worth Fighting For = 2 stars

This one was set in the times of the Revolutionary war, and as a whole, it was okay. One of those book that you read, and probably won't read again, but it was entertaining, ya know?

There wasn't much wrong with it . . . but there wasn't much that stood out, either. The protective brothers were a hoot, and I enjoyed Meg's escapades with the fish. I mean, that was pretty much hilarious, in a cheesy way. Alexander was about the most believable character, or the youngest brother.

All in all, the romance seemed really rushed and unbelievable. Nothing untoward or inappropriate, just on the sillier, more mushy romantical side of things.

~ Forging Forever = 3 stars

This one was definitely my second favourite in the book. In "Forging Forever", we see a young blacksmith who is a widow purchasing a young girl who's father has sold her. Yes, these things really happened in history, but I haven't read much about it.

Josiah was a sweetheart, a perfect gentleman all the way through. His impromptu purchase of young Elowyn, to save her from a guy who he knows is dangerous, was thoughtful, if a bit brash. Marrying her was perfect. And then reading about how he goes about winning her affection was sweet.

Elowyn was a stronger female character. I *thought* she'd be one of those weak, wishy-washy characters in the beginning, but she turned out all right. She learned NOT to keep secrets from her husband, and the reconciliation of the two was precious.

**There was a mildly detailed almost rape scene. Nothing happened, at all, but there is a description of a woman set upon by a man in a crude way. The woman escapes unscathed, but her clothes are a bit torn up. Also mentions adultery, in a very negative light.

~ A Tempered Heart = 2 stars

This was another of the stories that seemed really unbelievable, as far as romance was concerned. The rich young widower comes home to live in her fathers mansion in the beginning of the War between the States. Because of her son, who has an issue with his heart, she meets the blacksmith.

This haughty woman changes when her son, Charlie, watches Flynn, the blacksmith, who ends up showing him a bit about his trade. This rich young mother begins to fall in love with this tradesman watching him interact with Charlie -- and, I'll admit, the relationship between the two was absolutely sweet.

When Flynn is jailed, because of the debt he owes her father, she releases him from prison and pays off what he owed. And they get married and live happily ever after . . . not a very believable ending for a self respecting young man, but okay.

**There were several mildly detailed kisses in this one.

~ A Malleable Heart = 4 stars

This one was by far my favourite of the four stories in this collection. Leah Guthrie is a strong young lady, who I figured for one of those strong, feminist types . . . but I was wrong. She *is* strong and independent, because she has become father and mother to her orphaned siblings. She tries her best to keep food on the table, while caring for her crippled sister, her wayward brother, and her younger sister.

The blacksmith is a burly and gruff fellow, who has been lied to his whole life. After his initial encounter with Leah, and the trade he strikes with her, he thinks that's all he's going o do with her. Then he ends up on her doorstep, brother in tow, after he captured the boy breaking the windows in his smithy.

He decides to step in and help Leah with this brother, and ends up teaching him smithing, helping him make braces for his crippled sister and falling in love with his oldest sister along the way.

They have twists and turns that they must face, but they work together to overcome them, and get to know the best and worst sides of each other . . . until the feelings they have are more than mere infatuation.

Definitely a favourite of the stories.

I am thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book to read.

Worth Fighting For by Pegg Thomas
A cute historical romance! This story takes place before the Revolution actually began, and it didn’t go very in depth about the causes but it portrayed conflict among citizens well. Historical figures were included and the beginning of the desire to move West was touched upon. It made me giggle a few times, and was cute, but lacked some substance. 3.5/5 stars

Forging Forever by Amanda Barratt
Amanda Barratt is the queen of historical novellas! She is able to weave a beautiful story that lacks nothing a full length novel does (except I never want her stories to end!). This story brings readers to the Cornish coast, and is full of love, faith, and intrigue. I’ll never tire of reading her stories! 4.5/5

A Tempered Heart by Angela K. Couch
It’s rare to see mental illness prominently portrayed in inspirational historical fiction, and this story did it beautifully. Although it was a bit frustrating at times, this story showed the power of love and family. 4/5 stars

A Malleable Heart by Jennifer Uhlarik
I need a full-length novel of this story! It was amazing how much growth and plot Uhlarik was able to show in a novella, making the story absolutely wonderful. This is one of my new favorite novellas! A solid 5/5 stars

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Blacksmith Brides is a collection of four short stories of blacksmiths who are not looking for love but perhaps it will find them.
Worth Fighting For by Pegg Thomas takes us back to 1774 as the colonies begin to prepare for war. Meg’s brothers and father are preparing to serve for the colonies. Alexander is a blacksmith whom Meg visits to order supplies for the men in her family. Will love blossom in this time of uncertainty?
Forging Forever by Amanda Barratt is set in England in the year 1798. Upon his death Josiah’s mentor and friend gifted him with the deed to shares in the copper mine that Josiah’s father had gambled away. He tells him he doesn’t want it to go to his heir, Phineas Trevenick, who would then own a majority share and is not trustworthy. Josiah is in town when a young woman is being sold on the auction block by her father and realizes Phineas is bidding on her. Josiah knows as a blacksmith he doesn’t have the wealth to outbid him. Is there another to win and save her from Phineas?
A Tempered Heart by Angela K. Couch takes place in 1861 in Charlottesville Virginia. Thomas Flynn is a blacksmith struggling to repay heavy debts. Dr. Allerton owns the debt. The doctor’s widowed daughter returns home with her young son who is not in excellent health. When he meets the blacksmith, he attracted to him and they become friends. Will the mother also find an attraction and how will father feel?
A Malleable Heart by Jennifer Uhlarik takes us to 1870 California. Leah Guthrie is caring for her three younger siblings after their parents passed away. Her brother is now 12 and finding trouble comes easily to him. When he is accused of breaking the blacksmiths window, the blacksmith decides he should work for him to pay for it. The blacksmith is not known for his pleasant personality, to put it nicely. Will having Ethan Guthrie and his family around him change his attitude?
I enjoyed all of these stories. The main characters all depend on God and pray and attend church regularly. Each does their best to follow the Bible’s teaching through very difficult times. The characters in each story are very realistic, even those who may be a bit cantankerous at times. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

A well written an entertaining collection of historical novellas. I enjoyed each selection. I have never read stories about blacksmiths before. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

A wonderful collection about hardworking blacksmiths - Forging Forever was the perfect soother now I've just finished Poldark! A lovely read for a Sunday afternoon.

This is the best collection of stories I’ve read in awhile. I love blacksmith stories in general so it was perfect for me. A couple of the stories were good but the other 2 were great. This is one to save and reread when I need an old favorite. Well done.

A wonderful set of all new novellas featuring the hardworking men of the blacksmith trade. This is one of the best collections I have ever read! Every single one was a gem! From the tensions of 1774 Philadelphia, 1798 Cornwall (Poldark fans will love it), 1861 Virginia, to 1870 California, each historical setting played an important part in the story. I loved them all. There were many instances of characters facing opposition and prejudice, and a need to forgive others for deeply hurting them. A thread of faith is present in the stories, but not overdone.
A tender, clean romance caps off each tale with a few sighworthy moments.
Highly recommend to readers who enjoy historical Christian romances. Solid 5 stars!