The Blacksmith

Men of the West, Book 1

By: Barbara Goss

Narrated by: Jay Ryan

Deceit is like a spider’s web; it may trap others, but eventually, it entangles the deceiver.

Idella Brooks, a mail-order bride, finds her husband-to-be a deal-breaker.

Wyatt is not the man she thought he was, and she doesn’t know how to break the relationship. She finds herself with no choice but to tell Wyatt she can’t marry him, but he won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. However, another man in town does catch her attention.

Even if she manages to rid herself of Wyatt, how does she get closer to his business associate, the blacksmith? Will she lose her chance with the man that makes her heart beat faster?

©2024 Barbara Goss (P)2024 Barbara Goss

The Blacksmith

I enjoyed this story the characters and their tale was interesting and the world they inhabited was intriguing.

The narration was good,

Love!!!

Another fabulous book by one of my favorite authors. Always look forward to her wonderful twists, turns, and surprises before the happy ending.

Love this fabulous story!

Barbara Goss always hits my heart in the best way. I couldn't wait to dig in and give this one a listen. Idella has chosen to go meet her new husband to be. Wyatt seemed good on paper, but she was still hesitant about her decision, so despite his want to get married right away, she told him they needed to make sure they were a match. Carson, the town blacksmith saw the new beauty when she came into town, and he was immediately smitten and when meeting her, he knew she was the one for him. But promised to another who Idella knows isn't her heart, how will she choose? I loved this for so many reasons. I love mail order brides. Never easy, but usually able to adjust, Idella was not going to settle. Her heart and moral values were guiding her, and I enjoyed her journey to her decision. It's a fantastic listen!

Jay Ryan is new to me with the perfect voice for historical romance. He has a great voice for both men and women, and he gives a lot of personality and emotion to his characters. It's easy to know who is speaking and he made the time fly by. A great performance!

The best mail-order bride book I’ve read!

Barb Goss has done an excellent job on this one. This is one of the very best mail-order brides books I’ve read/listened to. It’s the story of Wyatt in Kansas, sending a ticket to Idella in Pennsylvania, to come out and marry him. When Idella met Wyatt and ate dinner with him the night she arrived, she soon realized he was not the person his letters lead her to believe he was. Idella told Wyatt she was not going to marry, until they got to know each other better. Actions speak louder than words and Idella was wise in waiting. Idella really liked this new town and decided to get a job since her funds were running out. If she decided Wyatt is not the one for her, she also wanted to pay him back for her ticket. She met a lot of new friends, while getting to know Wyatt better. Does she marry Wyatt, or go back to Pennsylvania, or did she meet someone else? You will need to read or listen to this wonderful clean book to find out. Barb’s narrator, Jay Ryan, is great. I received a free audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sweet Clean Story

Barbara has touched my heart with this adventure. Women had a hard life back in the day. Ray did a great job narrating it. He brought it to life.