Wow! This has been such an enjoyable story I’m sad that it has ended. I do love a good western themed book complete with outlaws, robbery, danger and characters who make me feel part of the story. The author captures the time period perfectly with talk about women’s suffrage, the beautiful backdrop of mountains in Wyoming and men who are fiercely protective of their town and families. The research in the book adds authenticity to the story. I loved how the author incorporated jobs for women such as a blacksmith that showed they were capable of doing jobs most thought were for men only.

Mariah is one feisty woman who endured a horrible stage coach accident where a gang had robbed it and thought they had left everyone dead. Little did they know that Mariah had survived and now must try to recover from her injuries. She doesn’t remember anything from the robbery but people who care about her think she is still in a lot of danger. If the gang finds out she is alive, they won’t hesitate to kill her.

Clint is a hero in my books. This man takes on the responsibility of caring for Mariah as she heals and decides that he will guard her until her safety is not an issue anymore. I loved that he owned a diner and was an amazing cook. He has been determined to prove that he can make delicious meals that the town will rave about. I liked learning about the animals he raised along with vegetables and herbs to enhance his skills. He is a very hardworking man who wants to be able to provide for a wife someday.

The danger soon starts up again when several unexplained accidents almost kill Mariah. It is evident someone is after her. Her dear friends along with Clint and the sheriff step up to guard her around the clock. Somewhere out there is a man who has evil on his mind. I loved how the town pulled together to surround Mariah and let her know she was loved.

I have to mention another very important hero in the book. I absolutely love dogs and Brutus in my eyes gets a hero award for his quick action and loyalty to protect Mariah. He never hesitates to put himself in danger to keep Mariah safe. I loved how obedient he is and his understanding of what his duties were. He adds to the story by showing that he will protect those he loves. Great job Brutus.

The story does have quite a bit of danger going on, but don’t miss the sweet romance developing between Clint and Mariah. They are smitten with each other and I loved how they wanted to honor God as they confessed their love for each other. Clint is very patient and understanding and helps Mariah feel comfortable around him. Get ready for a woman blacksmith, a chef, gangs that rob stagecoaches and danger when one person seeks revenge. I am more that excited to read the next in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Forged in Love has a western backdrop which is fun and fresh for me, since I don’t normally read stories with this setting. With kidnappings, stagecoach robberies, and even murder, the tension is well done.

I do have to admit I had a bit of trouble connecting with Mariah, although I felt her tension and danger. I also like that she filled a non-traditional role as a female blacksmith. My connection with Clint was much stronger, and of course, Brutus (the guard dog.)

The dangerous story plot is balanced with elements of humor and a slow-burning romance. And I look forward to future stories in this western historical series involving Mariah’s friends Becky, and Nell.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

I loved this book by Mary Connealy. I thought this was a great start to a new series by this author. I always really enjoy Mary Connealy’s books and this book was no exception. I loved the adventure and romance. I love how we still don’t know who all is a part of the Deadeye gang but we know more about the kind people in the town that will look out for their own. I loved watching the romance develop between Clint and Mariah. I loved how Clint showed her his love by being there for her and by supporting her in her wanting to continue her father’s work as a blacksmith. I look forward to the other books in this series and seeing how things turn out for all these characters that we have meet.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Mary Connealy has once again delivered on a historical romance. Set in Pine Valley, Wyoming, a state where women have the right to vote in 1870, Forged in Love is Book 1 in the series, Wyoming Sunrise.
The story opens with a stagecoach robbery. The stage held Mariah Stover, her father and brother and two other gentlemen. Mariah happened to see the face of one of the robbers when he shot the two gentlemen that sat across from her. The stagecoach flips and she ends up under the coach with a bullet wound. Her saving grace was the fact that the stage was expected in town and that the horses came in without the stage. Several from town responded, suspecting that this was the works of the Dead Eye gang. This was a gang that had a reputation of not leaving behind any witnesses.
The responders were surprised that Mariah was still alive. Clint Roberts quickly rushed her back to town, only to be told by the doctor that she had died. This was a ploy devised by the sheriff and doctor so that she could heal. Finally, Clint and her best friend, Nell were let in on the secret. Because the gang had a reputation of no witnesses, Mariah was kept hidden even though she had no memory of the incident or day of the accident. After a few weeks of recovery, she was allowed to appear to the town. Meanwhile, Clint continued to create his delectable, unusually named, dishes for the town at his diner. Moriah gradually went back to work as the blacksmith of the town since the town need one and both her father and brother were no longer alive.
It turns out that she was not entirely safe. Several incidents occurred that made the sheriff, Nell and Clint suspect the gang was still around. Conneally weaved a historical story that was totally mesmerizing and kept me turning the page. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #ForgedInLove #MaryConnealy #WyomingSunrise

This is book one in the Wyoming Sunrise series, so what a great place to start. I love the writing style of Mary Connealy. Her books are always full of laughter, sparks, history, romance and so much more. Mariah Stover is forced to grieve, remember and try to stay alive all while trusting her friend Clint Roberts. With a female blacksmith and a male cook things are already unique in this Wyoming town. This book is full of friendship, mystery, romance and more. I look forward to reading more in this series. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

4.5 stars
A fascinating beginning and a thrilling end, this book brings everything to the table and ensures the reader has a satisfying experience. Mariah is a tough woman who wants to prove that she can live and earn her keep working the forge. Love and romance are nearly as threatening to her as the gang who wants her dead. Both could take her away from the life she loves. I loved the pacing of Forged in Love. It's like taking a stroll with friends while simultaneously wondering what might be around the next bend in the road. Clint and Mariah's interactions are everything I've come to expect from Mary Connealy. Wit and banter, and a side of cocoa chicken from Clint. I loved this story.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Wow! What an amazing book! The imagery in the book brought the setting of Wyoming 1870 to life! The story line is unique and engaging! This book has it all- suspense, intrigue, murder and love. The author did an excellent job bringing the story together! The characters are wonderful! Mariah is a strong, determined young woman who has lost those she loves. Clint is amazing! A chef who loves to cook tantalizing recipes! My mouth was watering half the time! The love story is sweet and romantic. The ending was a complete surprise! A definite must read!
I was provided an ARC copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

loved how well-researched it was--clearly a craft of love, and defies a lot of expectations of women in the "wild west." It felt like reading a grown-up Little House on the Prairie, in the best way. Romance could have been better developed and the pacing felt a bit off, but the characters were great.

I have always loved Mary Connealy's books and this is no exception. Actually this is one of her better ones. Clint is chef who opens a diner in western Wyoming. Mariah is left for dead after her father and brother are killed in a stage coach robbery. She wakes up with amnesia and can't remember anything about the robbery. The stage coach robbers never leave anybody behind to identify them. Clint is afraid her life is in danger. He makes it his priority to keep her safe. Mariah takes over the blacksmith shop. There are several attempts on her life.

I recommend this book. It kept me reading when I should have gone to bed.

I received this books from Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Forged in Love is another winner by Mary Connealy. Mariah is left for dead after an attack, but this strong young woman blacksmith will survive. There's only one problem, she can't remember what happened and why someone keeps laying snares in her way as she recovers. Her friends will stand by her side as she tries to figure how to survive without her father and brother. A city chef turned small town restaurant cook will offer her protection, but will she take it. I enjoyed reading this book filled with suspense. and romance. I highly recommend this as a great story that will keep you turning pages.

Mariah, her father & brother are ambushed in the stagecoach while heading home. The ambushing gang usually leaves no witnesses so Mariah must be on guard at all times.
I liked Mariah and her friends, all strong women. It’s a nice romance too. I don’t usually read too many westerns but this didn’t really feel like one. It just takes place out west.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

1870 Pine Valley, Wyoming

I loved both main characters in this start of the Wyoming Sunrise Series. Mariah is a rare female blacksmith having learned at the hands of her father. After a stagecoach robbery leaves her near death, she reevaluates what's important. Restaurant owner Clint has been in love with her for two years and Mariah has no idea.

This novel didn't have Connealy's trademark humor, however, the tale was engaging and kept my interest from beginning to end.

Good women's suffrage history included in the pages. I look forward to continuing the series and learning more about Mariah's best friends Nell and Becky. All three support themselves through their occupations.

A female blacksmith? A male gourmet chef? A guard dog named Brutus? A gang of stagecoach robbers who never leave a witness alive? Women’s rights? Plus swoony romance and delightfully dry humor? Well, of course… this is a Mary Connealy story, after all!

Mariah and Clint may be prime examples of successful role reversal in fiction, but they are also charming characters outside of their chosen careers. Right from the beginning, you’ll be rooting for Mariah to survive, for Clint to declare his feelings, and for them to live happily ever after. There are, of course, some obstacles to all of those things, and Connealy handles them with witty aplomb, revealing deeper layers to these two protagonists in the process as well as setting the stage for future books. The star of Forged in Love for me, though, is Brutus – the ‘on loan’ guard dog who proves himself a hero as well as an old softie more than once. I loved the way the author captured his personality and made this sweet-and-ferocious beast almost human while still being very much a dog.

Bottom Line: Forged in Love by Mary Connealy made me grin and swoon and grin some more as Mariah & Clint’s story came alive on the pages of this western romance. The author’s trademark dry humor drew several chuckles from me (particularly when it came to Mariah’s puzzlement over all the fancy names Clint gave his food … sauce from Holland, cocoa chicken, and more LOL), and the sweet romance is *chef’s kiss*. I’m also intrigued by Mariah’s best friends & I look forward to reading their stories as the series progresses.

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)

One of my favorite things about this story was how Clint “was educating their palates, only with a lot more stealth” (location 3429). He would make french dishes and the locals couldn’t figure out why he’d call it coq au vin instead of chicken stew. It was humorous seeing Mariah trying to figure the dishes out.

I appreciated that Mariah was able to take over the blacksmith forge after the accident and that people still supported her as a businesswoman. While proving herself in a typically male job, she isn’t afraid to accept help. She’s a practical, strong heroine. I liked her friends and hope they’re the focus in the next book.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

3 stars after I used a bit of white out.

This book had some good quotes and interesting elements but unfortunately was not a closed door romance.

Things I liked about this story-
-a capable female blacksmith who learned the trade from her father and brother
-funny side characters
-a female leatherworker who enjoys making dresses for the other ladies (and herself) in town
-a loyal dog with fierce protective instincts
-the western small town setting

Things I didn't like-

-The open door, fade-to black romance in this book, and the 2 intimate bedroom scenes (yes, the couple was married, but no I don't want to read about it! It's so awkward and inappropriate to be in a book even if it isn't detailed.)
This took this book down to three stars, but as I mentioned, it's totally fixable with white-out.

-feministic ideology thrown in that doesn't fit the story at all and is just distracting and unnecessary I think.

I recieved a complimentary paperback from the publisher through both Interviews & Reviews and LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program. This is a first lol!
I also received a complimentary e-book from Netgalley for my review.

Mariah Stover loses her brother and father in a terrible stagecoach robbery, but being the lone survivor puts her in the sights of the Dead Eye Gang that killed her family.

Mariah is an independent heroine, facing terrible danger and almost insurmountable heartache. I liked that Clint steps up offering his help. He is a gifted cook, and I liked the way that he adjusts to living in a simple Wyoming town, and taking joy in what he does. He is a gentleman, with noble intentions. I liked that he was patient with Mariah, giving her space to mourn and figure things out. It was nice to see them bonding over their faith as well.

This was a fast paced romantic adventure, set on the Wyoming plain. I liked getting to know the townsfolk, as well as the humor, and romance. A great introduction to a new series, with strong admirable characters in an adventure filled romance! I'm excited to read the rest of the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Forged in Love is the first book in Mary Connealy’s new historical romance Wyoming Sunrise Series. Get whisked away to the wild frontier of Wyoming territory where danger lurks and women’s independence is on the rise.

Here is what I love about this book:
🏔️ Idyllic Setting
🏔️ He falls ❤️ first
🏔️ Occupation Role Reversal
🏔️ The friendships between the women
🏔️ Brutus 😍
🏔️ The food Clint makes

This is my first book by Mary Connealy and I enjoyed her writing style. I was immediately drawn into this story with the danger and rescue Mariah goes thru and the fun role reversal for the MC’s.

Mariah Stover takes over her father’s blacksmith forge after the Deadeye Gang robbed the stage coach killing her father and brother and leaving her for dead. The gang never leaves behind survivors, which places Mariah in danger if they learn she survived.

Clint Roberts came out west to escape painful memories of losing his family. Trained as a chef out east he opened the Le Grande Restaurante creating exquisite dishes. I loved reading about what Clint had whipped up in the kitchen. He and Mariah connect over their shared losses. In this sweet romance it’s the guy who fell first and needs to get the girls attention.

The suspense in this story was enough to keep the story moving along without weighing it down or making it a heavy read. I love the friendship between Mariah, Becky and Nell and look forward to the their stories to come in this series.

Thank you @bethanyhousefiction for the gifted copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Forged in Love by Mary Connealy begins her new Wyoming Sunrise. Although I haven't been keeping in tune with Ms. Connealy's latest works, I truly enjoyed Forged in Love and the mix of adventure, romance, humor, and faith. I appreciated Ms. Connealy's explosive beginning to the book, a stagecoach robbery and wild west gunfight. I was hooked from the first page and I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Connealy's fast-paced writing. The characters were hilarious, relatable, and also very sweet. I enjoyed the setting and beauty of nature described in this book with the majestic mountains as well as the beauty and danger of that beautiful nature.

Mariah Stover wakes up with no memory of what has happened to her, but soon finds out that her father and brother have been killed by the Deadeye Gang in a stagecoach robbery. To make matters worse, Mariah was on that same stagecoach and now is a witness to the merciless gang that is famed to leave no witnesses behind. Reeling from not only her physical injuries and inability to remember the attack, Mariah now must fend for herself in a tough environment. Can she maintain her father's blacksmith shop on her own? Will she be able to survive the threats of the Deadeye Gang and make a way on her own? Mariah has friends and people watching out for her in her small community, including a handsome chef, Clint Roberts. While Clint brings a high-class culinary experience to the small town of Pine Valley, Wyoming that they have never before experienced, he is healing from his past and seeking a fresh start in the west. Clint is determined to protect Mariah as she faces the mounting challenges and threats. But can Clint protect her and protect his own heart from heartbreak? I enjoyed the unique relationship that Mariah and Clint shared. Although Mariah was a tough woman of the west, stubbornly determined to take care of herself, she leaned on Clint for support. "Just because a woman could stand on her own two legs didn't mean it wasn't helpful to lean on another. Nice for her and nice for the man she leaned on." (2023 Connealy)Read Forged in Love to discover for yourself. Happy readings!

Disclaimer: Bethany House Publishers graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

Humm...what a fence sitter this one is.

I liked the story, the backstories and the future stories (that appear to be developing) in this book. I liked the characters and hope to see them again in another in a series (this is labeled one so I hope there is a two).

I enjoyed the read but it didn't draw me in. ?? I don't know, I love Mary Connealy stories so it could just be winter blaahs!

I received an ARC from Netgalley to help me prepare my honest review.

What a fabulous start to a new series! An innocent trip to a family funeral becomes a memory that Mariah cannot, and prefers not to, remember. The Deadeye gang attacking the stagecoach in which they were riding results in the death of all traveling except for herself. For this gang, a survivor meant death or at least jail time. What would happen to her if she remembered anything?

With wonderful detail, the author introduces us to Pine Valley, Wyoming in 1870. A lovely, small town, surrounded by high peaks, Cirque of the Towers, which brought a sense of safety to those living there. Clint, a chef from New York, has determined this is the place to broaden the palates of those living there. I loved the details of how he would make these incredible meals that would be referred to by the locals with the most ordinary names.

There is plenty of excitement in this first book in the Wyoming Sunrise series. An early copy was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.