Unexpected Lady for a Grumpy Blacksmith

by Harley Bloom

After losing her only brother, Sadie's life descends further into chaos when his will mandates that to inherit the family business, she must journey to the Wild West with Jared, a rugged blacksmith tasked with finding her a husband.

Reluctantly, they embark on a perilous wagon journey to Colorado after Sadie’s failed escape attempt causes them to miss their train west.

Jared's gruff demeanor clashes with Sadie's headstrong attitude, but as they endure hardships and unsettling encounters with unsavory countrymen, their initial friction gives way to grudging respect and unexpected attraction.

Jared discovers Sadie is much more resilient than the spoiled city girl he met in New York.
However, when they reach Colorado, new challenges arise as Jared's daughter, Rose,openly resents her presence.

Sadie, who has grown to love Jared's strength and kindness, struggles to fit in as a frontier woman, unaware of a hidden truth hindering her efforts.

In a story of determination and surprising romance, Sadie and Jared must choose between revealing their true emotions or risk losing their chance at happiness.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2024

Reviews

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Think You Know Better

Sadie had no clue what life was really about until her brother died. Jared after losing his wife in death couldn't think about looking for or at another woman since he loved Ida so deeply. It wasn't until his closest and dearest friend ask to see him on his death bed that he met up with his best friends sister and the fireworks went off for both, only to find out it was planned. One of the best books I've read this year.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her brother has die and he has left a will telling her to inherit she will need to find a husband. She needs to go with him and she tries to escape but he gets her back. They miss the connection and they need to find an other way to get there. They will get closer and closer but when they get to the end, his daughter does not like her. Will they try anyway? See how it will all go

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie was a feisty, privileged young woman who loved horses. Jared was a widower with a young daughter, and his deceased wife’s friend, Molly, as his housekeeper.

Sadie was promised to her father’s friend, but she was not at all intending to marry the older man. He was cruel and wanted to “tame” her. He only wanted to marry her to get access to daddy’s fortune.

Jared receives a letter from his best friend, Benjamin, who apparently is dying. Benjamin asks Jared to come to him in NYC and help Sadie find a good husband. Little did Jared know that this would not come about as he had planned! Everything that could go wrong, went wrong.

Several typos were a bit distracting, but otherwise, the story was very good and hard to put down.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Sadie has to adjust to a life with Jared out west. He feels bound to his friend Benjamin's request. Sadie is determined not to leave her beloved town. Loved the story and how things turn out for them both.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Long running friendships that are strong enough to ask for one to take care of his younger sister upon his death, are unusual and to valued. I can’t say this book is unpredictable, but I can say that in some ways it is. Jared has the patience of a saint, Sadie is hard headed and very smart. We get romance, humor, conflicts, danger and a few twists and turns. Enjoy.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Harley Bloom and this does not disappoint!! Jared is a widower with an eight year old daughter Rose. They live in Dawson Colorado, and he has his own blacksmith shop. Jared receives a letter from his best friend Benjamin who lives in New York City. He writes that he is dying and wishes to see him before he does. Jared drops everything and hops the train hoping to get there in time. By the time he gets there, Benjamin has already died and was buried. Jared goes to Benjamin's house to see his sister Sadie; she is heart broken and overwhelmed. Now she has no family; Benjamin said he would always take care of her. Jared said he would be back the next day to talk. When he shows up the next day, the lawyer was there. In the will, it names Jared as Sadie's guardian. He is to take her to Dawson Colorado and find her a husband. If she doesn't do this, she will not get any of her inheritance from when her parents died. Sadie wants to stay in New York City, that is all she knows. Sadie agrees to go with Jared, but she has some surprises in store. Do they make it to Dawson Colorado? If so how does Sadie make out? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Harley Bloom!!!

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet off limits, enemies to lovers romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like ----- "I'm not a wildflower, Papa, I'm a mountain rose, strong and fierce!" ----- She laughed, the sound ringing through the quiet forest. It felt good to laugh and to find joy in the simple things. ----- “I’m seeing now that money isn’t everything. I had everything I needed, but my parents were never really there" ----- “Despite your... your modest status, you still make time for your daughter. That’s commendable.” ----- She had to show them that she wasn't just a helpless city girl floundering in the wilderness. She was adaptable, resourceful, and determined to learn. She had survived wolves, coyotes, treacherous terrains, and the gruff exterior of her guardian. Surely, a bad apple tree wouldn't get the best of her. -----
Is Mabel friend or foe? Why doesn't Rose like Sadie?
These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Sadie and Jared's story and highly recommended it. I received a free ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Earlene Click · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jared,Rose and Sadie

This is a tale that begins with the death of a best friend, Benjamin and his will asking Jared to find his sister, Sadie a good and loving husband. Jared takes Sadie back to his home in the west. After Sadie tries to escape and run away. Jared is forced to take Sadie by wagon to the west. They encounter several obstacles along their trip. They each feel the beginnings of a loving feeling on that trip, even though they both try to push it to the side. You will enjoy discovering how the find their happily ever after.

[diane crile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of the friendship of two men and the trust that is put on one of them, when the other dies from illness! Taking care of the sister he loved so dearly! This is a must read if you are a true love story person! I was given the chance to read Unexpected Lady for a Grumpy Blacksmith by Harley Bloom but was not required to leave a review!

[MileHighSunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

The characters meshed so well together and the surprises all throughout the book just made the story wonderful. The way the scenery was described really helped you feel like you were there!! I can’t wait to read more books by this author.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guardian

A cute story that is easy to read. Characters were shown in a plot with a different. Hope you enjoy it .

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I loved this book. I was hooked from the first sentence. I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book.