The Blacksmith's Songbird

By Kimberly Burkhardt

Description:

She longs for freedom. He offers hope.

Beneath the glow of the gaslight lamps and smoky haze of the Big Blue Saloon, nineteen-year-old Laura Shining feels like a songbird trapped in a cage. She longs for freedom, a life away from the leering eyes of the drunken cowhands and controlling saloon owners. As Laura dares to imagine a life beyond the saloon, a surprising source of strength arises from a group of faithful women in the town’s sewing circle. Through their wisdom and friendship, Laura begins to see her true worth.

Josiah Crawford took the job as blacksmith in Cooperton to help his family and to get away from the guilt of a friend’s death. He enjoys forging iron and is content spending his days shaping steel. It isn’t until a chance run-in with a spirited young saloon singer that he begins to question his decision to stay a bachelor. A growing friendship blossoms, and Josiah soon finds himself wanting more than just a friendship.

When one of the saloon owner’s simmering jealousy turns violent, Laura must rely on courage, friendship, and the love of a man who has forged his way into her heart, to escape the saloon life. Will she be able to break free from her cage and finally sing the song that has been on her heart all along?