This was not exactly what I was expecting but I was very pleased with it. Each story focused on a different time period and even different countries and cultures. I enjoyed reading this very much. Perfect for a lazy rainy day.

Blacksmith Brides
by Amanda Barratt, Angela K Couch, Pegg Thomas, Jennifer Uhlarik
Now, this is what a collection of novellas should look like! These were well written cohesive stories that had depth and felt complete rather than shallow and rushed. I enjoyed each of the stories and wished there were more when the book was finished.
Well done!
Here are some quotes I enjoyed:
(Prayer) “I cannot forgive Trevenick in my own strength, but I believe You can help me to find a way to do so in Yours. Help me to see him as You do.”
“No one inside that building (referring to church) is perfect, so don’t think you’re unwelcome here because you’ve had some hardships in your life.”

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

Four novellas all involving a blacksmith. This book is well written by talented authors. Each story has wonderful characters you fall in love with. I enjoyed each one of them. Its a book I could not put down. Each story draws you in and want more. I love novellas like this and this was entertaining and a fun read. I received a copy from NetGalley for a honest review.

Very enjoyable novellas!
1) I loved "Worth Fighting For" by Pegg Thomas set in Philadelphia in 1774. The test for me with a novella is how quickly I can get into the story. Let me tell you, I liked it so much, I think the author could write a series based on this novella. I want to hear more about Alexander and Meg and Daniel Boone and their journey west over the mountains, and I'd love to hear more about Meg's family in Philadelphia and the upcoming war. I even made that suggestion to the publisher!

2) "Forging Forever" by Amanda Barratt takes place in Cornwall, England is a sweet tale of Elowyn and Josiah, an honorable and kind man who rescues her from an awful fate. Both face unresolved past hurts and learn to rely on God to help with forgiveness. The characters are well developed and I found myself rooting for them early on. In the author note at the end, I liked that she "hopes this journey has encouraged you as you dwell in the love of a heavenly Father who calls you His. Because you are His, you are worthy".

3) "A Tempered Heart" by Angela K. Couch takes place in Charlottesville, VA in 1861. Can wealthy Esther Matthews and her son Charlie cross social and cultural divides to find love and a life together with blacksmith Thomas Flynn? I think you need to read this satisfying story to find out! The people who understand what's important have a heart for Charlie and his physical limitations.

4) "A Malleable Heart" by Jennifer Uhlarik takes place in California in 1870 and is a very enjoyable read! I enjoyed meeting Leah, Mae, Hope, Ethan, Bo, and Jess. Bo keeps everyone at a distance, then Leah (who became ma and Pa to her siblings at a young age) gets under his skin. Sweet western romance with two people who had many hardships in their lives with a few more challenges to face.

The description "Hearts are forged by the flames of gentle love in 4 historical stories" is a perfect portrayal of this book. I enjoyed these four historical novellas, and I highly recommend them!

This was nice. Not a favorite or even one that will stick with me long. But it was enjoyable. The stories were different enough, not just the same formulaic novellas.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise.

I don't typically like the story collection type books, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Each story was well written and made me want more! Each one had blacksmiths, but they were so different it was very entertaining to read each one! I really wanted the stories to be longer so I could enjoy it longer! Great stories!

I loved this book! I love anthologies and series of books. These stories were so well written and provided the reader with such an historical view. The characters were down to earth and each one touches you as you read their stories. There is Alexander, a blacksmith, who wants to move to the mountains and make his own way. He meets Meg whose father and brothers are going to war. It is troubling times, but sometimes trouble brings people together. Then there is Elowyn who is forced to marry Josiah. Can they find happiness out of heartache or are some aches too big to heal? There is Flynn with his run-down shop and heavy debt. He meets Esther, a widow, and her son, Charlie, who has asthma. Can Charlie bring Flynn and Esther closer together? And Lastly there is Bowdrie, a grouchy, hard-hearted, ornery cuss of a man, that is until he meets Leah. This book will make you laugh, cry and even get a little upset. I would definitely recommend it.

Blacksmith Brides is an entertaining, inspiring collection of easy-to-read novellas written by four skilled authors. The heroes are hard-working, strong but gentle blacksmiths who despite various barriers and adverse circumstances including pending war, betrayal, misconceptions, painful pasts, abandonment, class distinctions, and demanding family obligations find lasting love. Set in diverse locations in the 1700s and 1800s, these stories captured and kept my attention from the start. The characters are well-crafted and memorable. The plots are well-developed and emotionally rich. The faith element is excellently infused into each story. I love reading anthologies, and I must say that this is the best I have ever read. Each story was a blessing and even evoked a few tears! I highly recommend this book!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful book. All the novellas are well written and hold your attention. They have action, suspense, drama and romance. The stories are brought to life with the authors words, you can see the scenery and feel all the emotions. If you like historical christian romance you will love this book. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this wonderful book. All opinions expressed are my own.