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Brides of Cedar Falls #4
Rescuing the Blacksmith
When Cedar Falls’ most eligible bachelor decides to pursue the only woman in town who’s NOT trying to capture his attention…
After the tragic loss of her fiancé, Laura Bennett can’t imagine risking her heart a second time, so she devotes herself to charitable causes instead. She soon becomes known for her inability to turn away a stray animal, including the rider-less horse that wanders her way with a broken horseshoe on Christmas Eve. She pays an emergency visit to the blacksmith, doubting she’ll find the handsome bachelor at home. To her surprise, he’s hard at work at his forge.
Wyatt James wishes he could skip the holidays, since all they do is dredge up past heartache for him. When the shy and lovely Laura Bennett barrels into his workshop, however, he experiences his first spark of holiday cheer in a long time — a spark that’s laced with a dose of good old-fashioned attraction to the one woman in town who’s made it clear she’s not in the market for a husband. He decides on the spot that he’ll just have to find a way to change her mind!
This book was previously part of the Christmas Rescue Series and has since been rewritten and re-edited to be part of the BRIDES OF CEDAR FALLS — uplifting historical romance stories full of faith, hope, love, and cowboys!
After the tragic loss of her fiancé, Laura Bennett can’t imagine risking her heart a second time, so she devotes herself to charitable causes instead. She soon becomes known for her inability to turn away a stray animal, including the rider-less horse that wanders her way with a broken horseshoe on Christmas Eve. She pays an emergency visit to the blacksmith, doubting she’ll find the handsome bachelor at home. To her surprise, he’s hard at work at his forge.
Wyatt James wishes he could skip the holidays, since all they do is dredge up past heartache for him. When the shy and lovely Laura Bennett barrels into his workshop, however, he experiences his first spark of holiday cheer in a long time — a spark that’s laced with a dose of good old-fashioned attraction to the one woman in town who’s made it clear she’s not in the market for a husband. He decides on the spot that he’ll just have to find a way to change her mind!
This book was previously part of the Christmas Rescue Series and has since been rewritten and re-edited to be part of the BRIDES OF CEDAR FALLS — uplifting historical romance stories full of faith, hope, love, and cowboys!
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2020
202 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Jo Grafford
168 books672 followersJo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 8, 2020
Combine one lonely blacksmith, roped into being mayor, and one "spinster", who finagles him into doing the town Christmas Party for the orphanage, and you have an amazing story to warm the heart!
James, the town blacksmith, had been in mourning for a few years due to the loss of his love, when he was younger. Laura Bennett had been the same, after having lost her beau in the war. But she keeps herself busy volunteering at the orphanage and helping her aunt with animals they rescue.
When these two meet, it seems there might be hope they can both find happiness. But can they let go of old attachments? Loved this sweet story!!
James, the town blacksmith, had been in mourning for a few years due to the loss of his love, when he was younger. Laura Bennett had been the same, after having lost her beau in the war. But she keeps herself busy volunteering at the orphanage and helping her aunt with animals they rescue.
When these two meet, it seems there might be hope they can both find happiness. But can they let go of old attachments? Loved this sweet story!!
December 6, 2020
Rescuing the Blacksmith by Jo Grafford is Book 16 of Christmas Rescue Series. This is the story of Wyatt James the town blacksmith and who seems to be need by the town to step in as Mayor. Laura Bennett who quietly volunteers and is in mourning four years catches the eye and heart of Wyatt. Wyatt and Laura have both suffered a loss of their special someone and have been in mourning. Wyatt is steady and slow in his courting and Laura's heart thaws and the fog goes away. Jo Grafford gives her charters details and a warmth that makes them feel like you know them. This is a heartwarming story full of hope and the Christmas Spirit.
April 10, 2024
Wyatt and Laura have had so many losses, but through hope and faith they get their happily ever after. This is a really sweet, clean romance.
April 8, 2021
Rescuing The Blacksmith is a story of two people mourning their loss of the one they thought they would marry. Laura lost her fiancee in the war and Wyatt lost his due to the fever. When Wyatt is put in the mayor's office he meets Laura as she was asking for him to wear the Santa suit for the Christmas party at the orphanage. She had a soft spot for the children and had planned them a party. Wyatt agrees go play Santa as part of his mayoral duty, or so he wanted it to look like. Wyatt could see the beauty underneath the black clothes and over the next few days he offers his time to drive her through the snow to and from the orphanage to care for a crying infant. When the local debutant shows up at Wyatt's office to flirt, he sees through her plan. Instead of helping Laura with the Christmas party she took it over bragging all the time of her work. Laura loved the children and allowed her to do the party to see if Wyatt flirts with her. Could Laura coming out of mourning and falling for Wyatt be for nothing?
December 6, 2020
When Wyatt woke up that late November morning he had no idea he was about to be the mayor of Hollyville, responsible for the sheriff’s office, volunteer fire department, the annual Christmas tree lighting and it seems the saving of the Orphan’s Home Christmas party. That party caused him to meet Laura Bennett. Therein lies the tale. Laura Bennett has hidden away with her great aunt mourning the loss of her fiancé during the War. Wyatt also lost a fiancé to fever. Both have been gone four years. Jo Grafford brings us a sweet story of the slow awakening of love. I enjoyed this book.
December 7, 2020
Enjoyed Wyatt and Laura's story. They both had lost their loves and had been mourning for many years. Wyatt had opened his on Blacksmith shop and Laura was taking care of injured animals and volunteering at the orphanage. After they finally opened their heart again, love bloomed between them. I read this in a 24 hour period. If you like clean sweet stories, you can't go wrong with 'Rescuing the Blacksmith'. I highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
February 24, 2026
This was a wonderful story of loyalty and God's love. Laura and Wyatt have lost their fiances and have been in an extended period of mourning for four years, when Wyatt accepts a temporary position as a City Councilman their paths cross and something of a friendship is sparked. God works in their lives to resolve guilt issues over moving on and the story is very heartwarming. The characters are well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them. Jovie Grace is an excellent author who never fails to capture my attention and touch my heart with her stories.
December 16, 2020
Loved Wyatt and Laura's story!!! Wyatt is "tricked" into becoming mayor. After he is, he meets Laura, and falls head over heals!! Laura feels the same, though she's hidden herself away for a few years and given up on truly living. Wyatt changes that, which in turns changes everything for both Laura and her aunt. This is a great read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
June 24, 2025
Mourning has broken
Wyatt and Laura have been in a four year grief over lost fiancés. Her grandparents let her handle her grief and almost let the mansion go to ruin. But Laura finds and adopts stray animals and recognizes Wyatt’s grief as being similar to her own.
What follows is a quiet wooing that leads to a courtship. His activity on the town council also helps along the way.
Wyatt and Laura have been in a four year grief over lost fiancés. Her grandparents let her handle her grief and almost let the mansion go to ruin. But Laura finds and adopts stray animals and recognizes Wyatt’s grief as being similar to her own.
What follows is a quiet wooing that leads to a courtship. His activity on the town council also helps along the way.
December 4, 2020
Time to love again
Once again love may enter your life, but it has taken time. This wonderful story of new beginnings and love brings two people together with the holiday spirit. Who says if we are ready to start again. I truly enjoyed this book. The reasons things may have been and the wants to change theme carries throughout to the end. Excellent read.
Once again love may enter your life, but it has taken time. This wonderful story of new beginnings and love brings two people together with the holiday spirit. Who says if we are ready to start again. I truly enjoyed this book. The reasons things may have been and the wants to change theme carries throughout to the end. Excellent read.
October 24, 2025
This is the third book I have read from the Brides of Cedar Falls. Wyatt and Laura find their own way, on their own time, each helping their community and finding each other in the process. A gentle romance for all ages, a warm hug, and colorful characters. Bravo!
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2020
Enjoyable
What a great read for Christmas. Love the main characters, they sound like people you would like to befriend. Enjoyed the 'turn around' when "her niece is returned unto her". What a loving thing to do, to walk through someone's grief with them. Really liked it.
What a great read for Christmas. Love the main characters, they sound like people you would like to befriend. Enjoyed the 'turn around' when "her niece is returned unto her". What a loving thing to do, to walk through someone's grief with them. Really liked it.
December 5, 2020
A good read.
Wyatt- Blacksmith made temporary mayor.
Laura- spinster on a 4 yr mourning period living with a rich aunt.
I enjoyed reading this sweet story that is well written with lovable characters. Their story has a sweet HEA but not a totally complete ending.
Wyatt- Blacksmith made temporary mayor.
Laura- spinster on a 4 yr mourning period living with a rich aunt.
I enjoyed reading this sweet story that is well written with lovable characters. Their story has a sweet HEA but not a totally complete ending.
December 7, 2020
This is such a cute book! I love how Laura and Wyatt take time to get to know each other as friends before they figure out that they are perfect for each other. I love the little surprises in the book. This is a fantastic book and you will fall quickly in love with the wonderful characters!
December 8, 2020
Blacksmith and the beautiful widow
This is a sweet and loving story written by Jo Grafford. She has provided lots of adventure and excitement and done a great job with the plot and the characters. You will enjoy discovering how they discover their happily ever after.
This is a sweet and loving story written by Jo Grafford. She has provided lots of adventure and excitement and done a great job with the plot and the characters. You will enjoy discovering how they discover their happily ever after.
December 10, 2020
A sweet story of second chances. Laura was prepared to be a spinster . When the blacksmith becomes the interim mayor, she realizes that maybe she's not prepared to become a spinster. How can she trust him with her heart? This was a quick read.
June 15, 2024
A masterpiece.
This is a marvelous read of the 4th book in this fantastic series. I just love this read of Laura's and Wyatt's love story. The storyline is inspiring along with increditable and believeable characters.
This is a marvelous read of the 4th book in this fantastic series. I just love this read of Laura's and Wyatt's love story. The storyline is inspiring along with increditable and believeable characters.
December 22, 2025
Sweet and clean historical western story about two grieving souls who meet when the blacksmith arrives in town for a new job. Finding one another, sparks fly despite having to let go of the past and live for the present. Entertaining story for a good bedtime read for those who enjoy this genre.
January 6, 2026
sweet simple story
When Laura and Wyatt meet and become friends they help each other get past years of crushing grief. Then they let the friendship deepen with Laura’s grandparents approval.
When Laura and Wyatt meet and become friends they help each other get past years of crushing grief. Then they let the friendship deepen with Laura’s grandparents approval.
December 6, 2020
Wonderful book. The characters and their relationships are real. Easily visualize the scenes. Fun HEA.
December 9, 2020
A cute, sweet, clean read.
Blacksmith Wyatt is surprised when the town asked him to fill-in as Mayor. But he's happy to help, especially once he meets one of the town's spinsters.
Blacksmith Wyatt is surprised when the town asked him to fill-in as Mayor. But he's happy to help, especially once he meets one of the town's spinsters.
December 14, 2020
A horseshoe forever
A sweet, sweet tale of lost and found love. Two lost, sad souls find each other in time for Holiday magic to happen.
A sweet, sweet tale of lost and found love. Two lost, sad souls find each other in time for Holiday magic to happen.
November 27, 2021
A good read
It's a quick read set at Christmas time in a small town, long ago. With strong characters and an interesting story. Great for a dark stormy afternoon.
It's a quick read set at Christmas time in a small town, long ago. With strong characters and an interesting story. Great for a dark stormy afternoon.
June 7, 2024
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. It was very sweet. I love that it had a happily ever after. I recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very sweet. I love that it had a happily ever after. I recommend this book.
January 1, 2026
Rescuing the Blacksmith is a short but sweet story for Christmas Season. I highly recommend this story.
January 4, 2026
A Sweet Rescue
I totally enjoyed this book. I liked the story and the characters were realistic and believable. I will happily recommend it.
I totally enjoyed this book. I liked the story and the characters were realistic and believable. I will happily recommend it.
December 9, 2020
Great Story.
Thank you , Jo Grafford, I enjoyed Wyatt and Laura Story, it was sweet, exciting and very interesting. Really a good read.
Thank you , Jo Grafford, I enjoyed Wyatt and Laura Story, it was sweet, exciting and very interesting. Really a good read.
May 14, 2024
Such a sweet historical romance. Wyatt and Laura captured my heart from the beginning of the book. Wyatt’s gentle pursuit of Laura is absolutely a delight to read. Bring your tissues, this one has all the happy tears.
Thanks to the author for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to the author for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 12, 2024
This was a sweet, clean, Regency romance with a happy ending.
Laura and Wyatt have both lost loved ones tragically and didn't think they would ever find love again. Four years later as they met and worked together on a charity project and other connections, they discover that a second chance to find love might just be possible for both of them.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Laura and Wyatt have both lost loved ones tragically and didn't think they would ever find love again. Four years later as they met and worked together on a charity project and other connections, they discover that a second chance to find love might just be possible for both of them.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
February 23, 2026
I did not realize that it was a Christian historical romance.
The plot was a traditionally simple one and easily predictable.
The plot was a traditionally simple one and easily predictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews