Hearts Are Forged by the Flames of Gentle Love in 4 Historical Stories Worth Fighting For (1774–Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) by Pegg Thomas Talk of war has surrounded Meg McCracken, including her father and four brothers. Alexander Ogilvie doesn’t care about the coming war; his plans are to head west. When Meg comes to his smithy, sparks fly off more than the forge. But can they build anything … the forge. But can they build anything during unstable times?
Forging Forever (1798–Cornwall, England) by Amanda Barratt
When the actions of Elowyn Brody’s father force her into a marriage of convenience with blacksmith Josiah Hendrick, she consigns love to a bygone dream. But as Elowyn comes to know her new husband, her flame of hope begins to burn again. Until heartache threatens to sever the future forged between them.
A Tempered Heart (1861–Charlottesville, Virginia) By Angela K. Couch
Buried under a debt that is not his own, Thomas Flynn’s only focus is gaining his freedom. He has learned to keep his head low and not pay attention to the troubles of others, until a peculiar boy and his widowed mother show him how empty his life has become. After years of protecting her son from slights and neglect of the people closest them, Esther Mathews is not sure how to trust the local blacksmith with her child…or her heart.
A Malleable Heart (California–1870) by Jennifer Uhlarik
A hard-hearted blacksmith finds acceptance with the town laundress. But when his past comes to call, will he resist love’s softening or allow God to hammer his ruined life into something of worth?
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I won this book in a giveaway, but I was familiar with all of the authors, so I was excited for a chance to read their novellas. I’ve read a few collections before (lighthouse romances, Christmas romances, multi-generational romances), but this is the first collection where enjoyed ALL of the stories! There’s usually one or two that I don’t care for (or only one or two that I DO care for), but I loved reading each one of these novellas.
Each story included rough, but soft-centered men and female characters who — despite their circumstances — were strong enough to make the most of their often difficult lives (though some of their circumstances were harder than others). For some reason I expected all the stories to be Western historicals, but each had a unique setting that helped create a memorable story.
Overall, this was a fun read. I stayed up too late reading (or read when I should have been working) — I love those kinds of books. I’ll definitely keep this book around so I can re-read these sweet romances when I need a pick-me-up.
PG for thematic elements.
4 women unexpectedly find love in a forge…
I’ve long enjoyed Barbour’s novella collections, I think I may have read my first one nearly 20 years ago, and when you toss in the talents of authors Pegg Thomas, Amanda Barratt, Angela K. Couch, and Jennifer Uhlarik it was a no brainer to pick up The Blacksmith Brides.
I enjoyed the variety of eras, there is 100 year difference between the oldest and newest, though I think my favorite might have been the Revolutionary War. Each novella brings its author’s own style though tied together by the common thread of blacksmith heroes and the ladies who come to love them.
One of the best things about these novella collections is that you can pretty much read a complete story in a single sitting. You finish a story in much less time but still feel like you’ve accomplished something. So, if this sounds like fun, and it is, why not check out The Blacksmith Brides for yourself? You’ll definitely enjoy these novellas from Pegg Thomas, Amanda Barratt, Angela K. Couch, and Jennifer Uhlarik.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
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.
If you’re looking for an engrossing read that gives you the chance to sample different author styles, “The Blacksmith Brides” collection is for you! Each story is written by a talented author, interwoven with a message of hope as well as some insight into life centuries before.
“Worth Fighting For” and “A Tempered Heart” were two standouts to me, but honestly, all the stories are amazing. I love the chance to read a collection like this when time is short, as I feel like I won’t miss out if I have to take a break.
Great world building, powerful themes of grace and hope for restoration are found in “The Blacksmith Brides” collection. I think this book would be a wonderful gift for any reader, as they’re bound to find at least one story they connect with.
I was an early reader, thanks to Barbour Books Publishing. All opinions are my own.
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.
“Had she truly flirted with the blacksmith?” She’d never flirted with anyone before. Never wanted to, even if her brothers would have allowed it.” – Worth Fighting For by Pegg Thomas
“She’d agreed to wed a stranger because he owned a cottage with a roof that didn’t leak.” – Forging Forever by Amanda Barratt
“A laborer doused with sweat? Or a man with the power to wield iron into something of worth? Able to be something of worth.” – A Tempered Heart by Angela K. Couch
“Trust doesn’t come easy for me. Anyone I’ve ever trusted has died . . . or turned on me.” – A Malleable Heart by Jennifer Uhlarik
As you can see, these four notable novellas are filled with a wide range of emotions; their heroines certainly second guessing themselves more than once. Thankfully, laugher is good medicine when it comes to dealing with big, bold, strong, sweaty men who who handle tools of steel, but possess hearts of gold.
What a great collection!
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 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.
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.)