Review: Forged in Love by Mary Connealy

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

In 1870, Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she's on, killing her father and brother. As she takes over her father's blacksmith business and attempts to move forward, the old-fashioned townspeople meet her new occupation with disdain.

Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to Western Wyoming from the painful memories he left back east. In the hope of a new life, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with a harsh welcome from the townsfolk who prefer to stick to their old ways.

Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the similar trials they face in a new town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?

My Review

I'm always taken back to the vibe of my dad's old Louis L'Amour books when I start a new Western series by Mary Connealy. Granted, I enjoy that her heroines play a more central role and romance is a key component, but the setting, adventure, suspense, dry humor, and strong characters full of grit make these books impossible to resist. I love that Mariah keeps running her father's blacksmith shop, and Clint is a gourmet chef bringing flavor to the small town. There is some unrequited love, some forced proximity, and plenty of intrigue as they try to protect themselves against unknown villains. Not all answers are found, which continues part of the plot throughout the series, connecting the books.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the next books in the Wyoming Sunrise series . . .