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The Lumber Baron's Daughters #2
Inventions of the Heart
Her heart seeks safety. But will trouble find her even here?
After her sister's marriage, Michelle Stiles is left hiding at Two Harts Ranch with the handsome but stubborn Zane Hart. She's managed to stay one step ahead of her stepfather and his devious plans, but if he finds her, she will no longer be safe.
Zane has problems of his own. Having discovered a gold mine on his property, he must figure out how to harvest it without kicking off a gold rush. Michelle, educated and trained to run her father's business, wants to manage all aspects of the mine, but Zane thinks for a person so smart she can have some misguided ideas. Running the mining operation will be a dangerous job, and he can't risk putting her in harm's way.
But danger finds Michelle anyway when she's suddenly attacked. If they go to the sheriff, they'll reveal her location, but if they do nothing . . . their troubles have only just begun
After her sister's marriage, Michelle Stiles is left hiding at Two Harts Ranch with the handsome but stubborn Zane Hart. She's managed to stay one step ahead of her stepfather and his devious plans, but if he finds her, she will no longer be safe.
Zane has problems of his own. Having discovered a gold mine on his property, he must figure out how to harvest it without kicking off a gold rush. Michelle, educated and trained to run her father's business, wants to manage all aspects of the mine, but Zane thinks for a person so smart she can have some misguided ideas. Running the mining operation will be a dangerous job, and he can't risk putting her in harm's way.
But danger finds Michelle anyway when she's suddenly attacked. If they go to the sheriff, they'll reveal her location, but if they do nothing . . . their troubles have only just begun
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2022
71 people are currently reading
2255 people want to read
About the author
Mary Connealy
116 books2,533 followersMary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist.
She is the bestselling author of 65 books and novellas.
Her most recent three book series are: Braced for Love, A Man with a Past and Love on the Range for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers.
Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper.
Find Mary online at:
Seekerville
Petticoats & Pistols
My Website
She is the bestselling author of 65 books and novellas.
Her most recent three book series are: Braced for Love, A Man with a Past and Love on the Range for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers.
Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper.
Find Mary online at:
Seekerville
Petticoats & Pistols
My Website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
April 17, 2022
4.5/5 again.
The writing didn't improve from the last book, nor did the development that much, but I do feel like it was a slightly tighter story. Michelle seemed more developed than Laura to me - though I was a bit confused about how she feels about the company?
I mean, to be fair, there were probably quite a few points I was confused because I started skim-reading because I really just am interested in the plot and characters, and you can get that without ... reading. If you're a homeschooler who has learned to work smart and not hard, anywho.
I do love Zane still. And his sisters are honestly pretty cute, too. (Michelle, you're lucky because Zane is <3 <3 <3 #mangoals)
Like I said, it does take away my eagerness to share this story that it's not super developed, and it all just reads as one continued story, so reading individual volumes is not going to work, in my opinion.
And now I'm so curious about Jilly. I have an idea, but ... I also have an idea that this genre isn't necessarily going to ... do that idea? That would be super heavy. How could they take that on in one book? Anyways, we'll see, because let me tell you, I cannot not finish this story.
The writing didn't improve from the last book, nor did the development that much, but I do feel like it was a slightly tighter story. Michelle seemed more developed than Laura to me - though I was a bit confused about how she feels about the company?
I mean, to be fair, there were probably quite a few points I was confused because I started skim-reading because I really just am interested in the plot and characters, and you can get that without ... reading. If you're a homeschooler who has learned to work smart and not hard, anywho.
I do love Zane still. And his sisters are honestly pretty cute, too. (Michelle, you're lucky because Zane is <3 <3 <3 #mangoals)
Like I said, it does take away my eagerness to share this story that it's not super developed, and it all just reads as one continued story, so reading individual volumes is not going to work, in my opinion.
And now I'm so curious about Jilly. I have an idea, but ... I also have an idea that this genre isn't necessarily going to ... do that idea? That would be super heavy. How could they take that on in one book? Anyways, we'll see, because let me tell you, I cannot not finish this story.
April 16, 2022
3.75 ⭐️
Set in 1872 on a California ranch, Inventions of the Heart follows the story of Michelle Stiles and Zane Hart. After circumstances force Michelle and her sister to go into hiding, Zane takes both of them under his roof at Two Harts Ranch. When Zane finds a gold mine on his property, Michelle steps in to help, but Zane declines her job. After all, gold mining is a dangerous business. When misguided intentions and an attack on Michelle collide, the gold mining operation and the lives of Michelle and her sister are at risk. So is something else—Zane’s growing feelings for Michelle. Want to know how this story pans out? You’ll have to read for yourself!
There are a few things I appreciated about this book.
First, the biblically-grounded perspective when it comes to finding yourself in a place where someone who was supposed to love and protect you turned on you and harmed you instead. Something one of the characters said in the story stood out to me so much, I can’t help but share this quote here in my review:
“You can forgive without trusting. I don’t believe God asks us to trust someone who has hurt us and clearly intends to do it again. Trust has to be earned through true signs of regret and a change of behavior.”
I couldn’t echo this truth more! I so appreciated the inclusion of this line in the book—it’s sorely needed in the broken world we live in. There were several other lines relating to truths like this scattered throughout the book, and you’d better believe I highlighted all of them!
Second, the POVs provided in the story. I really enjoy reading books that provide multiple perspectives. It really allows each character to become more personable to me because I get to hear their thoughts and read the events being narrated through their perspective, rather than just following along with one character. The multiple perspectives kept me engaged and offered differing viewpoints on everything taking place, which I appreciated.
Some things that kept me from giving this book a higher rating:
First, I felt like I fully didn’t understand the point of the plot, to be honest. I felt like resolution was lacking. When I read a book, I want to be able to go, “Oh, that’s why the author wrote the book!” through the plot, characters, and scenes taking place. There needs a clear purpose to the story and I don’t have to wonder what it was. I felt like this book fell short for me in that sense. Of course, this book is part of a series, so that be the reason and there will be more of a resolution in the following book.
Second, the relationship between Michelle and Zane. I don’t know—this may just be my opinion, but I felt like there wasn’t enough of a buildup between before they were married to when they suddenly were. Yes, both of them didn’t mind marrying the other, and Zane was more than willing to do so to keep Michelle safe, but they didn’t have that deep-rooted love for each other before they dove head-first into marriage and all the things that follow it. (Also, a small content warning: There are some ‘bed scenes’ mentioned about Michelle and Zane several times through the book, but nothing specific or explicit is there, of course. I just wanted to mention it for those of you who prefer not to read books that include that topic.) This is just a personal preference of mine, but I wished there were more scenes where the characters learned what they loved about each other before they showed it through romance and intimacy.
As always, please don’t let my review keep you from reading this book. The only reason I gave this book a lower rating was because of my personal dislikes, and nothing against the content itself. What may have been an almost four-star read for me may be a five-star read for someone else!
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of Inventions of the Heart. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.
Set in 1872 on a California ranch, Inventions of the Heart follows the story of Michelle Stiles and Zane Hart. After circumstances force Michelle and her sister to go into hiding, Zane takes both of them under his roof at Two Harts Ranch. When Zane finds a gold mine on his property, Michelle steps in to help, but Zane declines her job. After all, gold mining is a dangerous business. When misguided intentions and an attack on Michelle collide, the gold mining operation and the lives of Michelle and her sister are at risk. So is something else—Zane’s growing feelings for Michelle. Want to know how this story pans out? You’ll have to read for yourself!
There are a few things I appreciated about this book.
First, the biblically-grounded perspective when it comes to finding yourself in a place where someone who was supposed to love and protect you turned on you and harmed you instead. Something one of the characters said in the story stood out to me so much, I can’t help but share this quote here in my review:
“You can forgive without trusting. I don’t believe God asks us to trust someone who has hurt us and clearly intends to do it again. Trust has to be earned through true signs of regret and a change of behavior.”
I couldn’t echo this truth more! I so appreciated the inclusion of this line in the book—it’s sorely needed in the broken world we live in. There were several other lines relating to truths like this scattered throughout the book, and you’d better believe I highlighted all of them!
Second, the POVs provided in the story. I really enjoy reading books that provide multiple perspectives. It really allows each character to become more personable to me because I get to hear their thoughts and read the events being narrated through their perspective, rather than just following along with one character. The multiple perspectives kept me engaged and offered differing viewpoints on everything taking place, which I appreciated.
Some things that kept me from giving this book a higher rating:
First, I felt like I fully didn’t understand the point of the plot, to be honest. I felt like resolution was lacking. When I read a book, I want to be able to go, “Oh, that’s why the author wrote the book!” through the plot, characters, and scenes taking place. There needs a clear purpose to the story and I don’t have to wonder what it was. I felt like this book fell short for me in that sense. Of course, this book is part of a series, so that be the reason and there will be more of a resolution in the following book.
Second, the relationship between Michelle and Zane. I don’t know—this may just be my opinion, but I felt like there wasn’t enough of a buildup between before they were married to when they suddenly were. Yes, both of them didn’t mind marrying the other, and Zane was more than willing to do so to keep Michelle safe, but they didn’t have that deep-rooted love for each other before they dove head-first into marriage and all the things that follow it. (Also, a small content warning: There are some ‘bed scenes’ mentioned about Michelle and Zane several times through the book, but nothing specific or explicit is there, of course. I just wanted to mention it for those of you who prefer not to read books that include that topic.) This is just a personal preference of mine, but I wished there were more scenes where the characters learned what they loved about each other before they showed it through romance and intimacy.
As always, please don’t let my review keep you from reading this book. The only reason I gave this book a lower rating was because of my personal dislikes, and nothing against the content itself. What may have been an almost four-star read for me may be a five-star read for someone else!
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of Inventions of the Heart. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.
April 24, 2022
Oh, I enjoyed this one. Loving this series with the right mix of romance, family, and mystery. Michelle is the oldest sister with clear ideas of what her life will look like and living on a ranch does not fit. Zane is annoyed by all these people who keep showing up needing his help, yet he finds himself protecting them. Theirs is a romantic dance driven by danger and the need to protect others. What could be a marriage of convenience quickly becomes more. A very enjoyable read and I can't wait for the last book in this series.
July 29, 2022
A sprightly, spunky story, just like I expect from Mary Connealy! She manages to keep her signature western flavor in her books but constantly tosses new and varied adventures to her heroes and heroines. This one is very much tied in with what happened in book 1 and it adds a few new crimes to the record of the villain and his friends.
I loved Zane and Michelle’s relationship from their first meeting in the previous book. They are so clearly meant for each other and very well matched. This one builds on it, introducing Zane’s siblings and letting us hear more of Michelle’s family along the way. Both families are almost as spitfire as Zane and Michelle are!
I am very eager to get book three and see how they get rid of the bad guy!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
I loved Zane and Michelle’s relationship from their first meeting in the previous book. They are so clearly meant for each other and very well matched. This one builds on it, introducing Zane’s siblings and letting us hear more of Michelle’s family along the way. Both families are almost as spitfire as Zane and Michelle are!
I am very eager to get book three and see how they get rid of the bad guy!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
April 5, 2024
1872 California
Wonderful cast of characters in this series. Love that the female main characters are intelligent and inventive. Michelle is an engineer and happiest designing and making the world around her a better place. Jilly is an architect and I can't wait for her story in book three.
Wonderful cast of characters in this series. Love that the female main characters are intelligent and inventive. Michelle is an engineer and happiest designing and making the world around her a better place. Jilly is an architect and I can't wait for her story in book three.
July 26, 2022
Ooh, I can hardly wait to read the final book in this scrumptious trilogy!
I love that this series is completely intertwined. Each book builds upon the previous one, and each features all three sisters, though one takes the lead every time. It’s wonderful to see such intelligent sisters learning to rely not only upon themselves but on men (and, more importantly, God) for protection and assistance. So far, this has been on beautiful display, and I’m eager to see how it plays out in the next book.
This book, like its predecessor, was loaded with family, faith, adventure, and danger. And I loved every second of it! Between the family issues and the gold find, there were lots of things to enjoy. I especially enjoyed that the leading lady was a scientist putting her hands to inventions. How this was presented was lovely and consistently pushed the story forward. I liked the nuggets of mathematics in one of her sisters. I’m hoping that comes into play even more in book three.
The danger and adventure in this one were spectacular. Attacks, kidnappings, an almost-gold rush… My, my, it was quite difficult to catch my breath at times! That is not a complaint, because I loved every inch of adventure that caused the breathlessness.
The ranch was a beautiful setting, and I also enjoyed the scenes in the city. Each new scene built wonderfully to create a memorable adventure that I’m hoping to revisit many times in the coming years.
Content: alcohol
I love that this series is completely intertwined. Each book builds upon the previous one, and each features all three sisters, though one takes the lead every time. It’s wonderful to see such intelligent sisters learning to rely not only upon themselves but on men (and, more importantly, God) for protection and assistance. So far, this has been on beautiful display, and I’m eager to see how it plays out in the next book.
This book, like its predecessor, was loaded with family, faith, adventure, and danger. And I loved every second of it! Between the family issues and the gold find, there were lots of things to enjoy. I especially enjoyed that the leading lady was a scientist putting her hands to inventions. How this was presented was lovely and consistently pushed the story forward. I liked the nuggets of mathematics in one of her sisters. I’m hoping that comes into play even more in book three.
The danger and adventure in this one were spectacular. Attacks, kidnappings, an almost-gold rush… My, my, it was quite difficult to catch my breath at times! That is not a complaint, because I loved every inch of adventure that caused the breathlessness.
The ranch was a beautiful setting, and I also enjoyed the scenes in the city. Each new scene built wonderfully to create a memorable adventure that I’m hoping to revisit many times in the coming years.
Content: alcohol
July 5, 2022
Mary Connealy has been a favorite of mine for many years. Her cowboy comedies are hilarious and I know I am in for a great good time when I read one of her books. This series is really good. An evil stepfather sells his wife's daughters to men who really are creepy just so he can gain complete control over their dead father's business and fortune. Only these girls, educated and super smart, are having none of it! Here is Michelle's story and it's a good one, too! The first daughter is married, then Michelle marries Zane, but the bad guys keep coming. Tune in to find out. It's good! I promise.
My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.
My thanks to Bethany House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.
August 28, 2022
Mary Connealy is an author who has a talent for presenting a wonderful historical/ western based novel and intertwine it with a fair amount of adventure, comedy, romance, and very touching passages.
Inventions of the Heart is another fabulous book that keeps you turning pages to find out what is going to happen.
Michelle and Zane are thrown together by different problems, but they find their strengths can help each other, after a few rough patches that is. But these two character work well together and I enjoyed how their stories played out.
This was a great continuation of the Lumber Baron’s series. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to JustRead Publicity Tours, I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Inventions of the Heart is another fabulous book that keeps you turning pages to find out what is going to happen.
Michelle and Zane are thrown together by different problems, but they find their strengths can help each other, after a few rough patches that is. But these two character work well together and I enjoyed how their stories played out.
This was a great continuation of the Lumber Baron’s series. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to JustRead Publicity Tours, I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2022
A tale of post-Gold Rush California filled with love, loyalty, family, danger, and overcoming obstacles . . .
I have read several of this author's previous books, and I always look forward to her well-crafted, historically accurate stories which are filled with romance as well as details about the day-to-day life in the West. A hallmark of this author's stories is humor—the type of humor that gives me good belly laughs!
I have not yet read the first book in this series, but Ms. Connealy drew me in with her subtle review of the events in the first book and an introduction to the main and supporting characters.
This book is set in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California in the summer of 1872. Michelle Stiles and her sister, Jilly, are secretly living at Zane Hart's Two Hearts Ranch after their villainous step-father, Edgar, initiated a mission to marry off the two young women to the men of his choice.
Michelle is a brilliant inventor and engineer, and Jilly loves building things. Both women are highly-educated and independent. The inventions Michelle put together over the course of the story were fascinating to me.
Their unique personalities lead to many humorous situations involving ranchers and cowboys who initially under estimate the intelligence and skills of the sisters. There is a stable full of villains in this story—really bad men who will do whatever is necessary to get what they want, so there is a lot of physical violence and danger a reader might expect to find in a story in this genre and in this time period.
The romance between the two lead characters is sweet and realistic. The faith thread is woven throughout the dialogue and narrative of this satisfying read. The story is completely clean in language and content.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
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I have read several of this author's previous books, and I always look forward to her well-crafted, historically accurate stories which are filled with romance as well as details about the day-to-day life in the West. A hallmark of this author's stories is humor—the type of humor that gives me good belly laughs!
I have not yet read the first book in this series, but Ms. Connealy drew me in with her subtle review of the events in the first book and an introduction to the main and supporting characters.
This book is set in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California in the summer of 1872. Michelle Stiles and her sister, Jilly, are secretly living at Zane Hart's Two Hearts Ranch after their villainous step-father, Edgar, initiated a mission to marry off the two young women to the men of his choice.
Michelle is a brilliant inventor and engineer, and Jilly loves building things. Both women are highly-educated and independent. The inventions Michelle put together over the course of the story were fascinating to me.
Their unique personalities lead to many humorous situations involving ranchers and cowboys who initially under estimate the intelligence and skills of the sisters. There is a stable full of villains in this story—really bad men who will do whatever is necessary to get what they want, so there is a lot of physical violence and danger a reader might expect to find in a story in this genre and in this time period.
The romance between the two lead characters is sweet and realistic. The faith thread is woven throughout the dialogue and narrative of this satisfying read. The story is completely clean in language and content.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.
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June 24, 2022
This second book of the series was a delight.
Meanwhile... back at the ranch, things and marriages are being sorted out.
Meanwhile... back on the mountain, the take-back of the lumber business has begun.
Villainy abounds and this evil mastermind has tentacles everywhere. But the guys and gals have God on their side. “God always says what most needs saying before we even think to need it.”
While all does not go smoothly, Zane and Caleb do all they can to fiercely protect their wives and their property. The threat of danger keeps all of them on their toes.
The three Stiles sisters cannot keep from inventing, planning and organizing. They are my favorite characters, with their brains and wit. The romance, even though the marriages were rushed, is sweet and swoony.
Even though not everything is resolved, there is another whole book to get that done and see Jilly wed. Ms. Connealy gives us some fascinating facts about waterwheels and engines in early California history. The story is sprinkled liberally with her characteristic humor. I cannot wait to see how the story ends and who gets to persuade Jilly into marriage.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Meanwhile... back at the ranch, things and marriages are being sorted out.
Meanwhile... back on the mountain, the take-back of the lumber business has begun.
Villainy abounds and this evil mastermind has tentacles everywhere. But the guys and gals have God on their side. “God always says what most needs saying before we even think to need it.”
While all does not go smoothly, Zane and Caleb do all they can to fiercely protect their wives and their property. The threat of danger keeps all of them on their toes.
The three Stiles sisters cannot keep from inventing, planning and organizing. They are my favorite characters, with their brains and wit. The romance, even though the marriages were rushed, is sweet and swoony.
Even though not everything is resolved, there is another whole book to get that done and see Jilly wed. Ms. Connealy gives us some fascinating facts about waterwheels and engines in early California history. The story is sprinkled liberally with her characteristic humor. I cannot wait to see how the story ends and who gets to persuade Jilly into marriage.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
July 7, 2022
Danger and adventure in the 1870s! A threat of drought, the discovery of gold, strong heroes, and truly evil villains---Inventions of the Heart has everything that I love in a western story! This is the second book of the Lumber Baron's Daughters series and author Mary Connealy has created some extraordinary heroines. Laura, Michelle, and Jilly Stiles are beautiful, rich, and extremely intelligent but they still need trustworthy men to help them along the way. They're trying to stop their stepfather in his plan to handpick their husbands and gain control of their late father's fortune. Laura is married but at least one more sister needs to find a husband to stop his evil plan. Rancher Zane Hart is willing to marry Michelle but will this work? Is it possible that their marriage of convenience could turn into something more?
Reading this story gave me all of the emotions that I've come to love in Connealy's books. She provided romantic moments that made me swoon, hilarious antics that left me laughing out loud, and nuggets of inspiration that fed my soul. Inventions of the Heart is fantastic reading and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
Reading this story gave me all of the emotions that I've come to love in Connealy's books. She provided romantic moments that made me swoon, hilarious antics that left me laughing out loud, and nuggets of inspiration that fed my soul. Inventions of the Heart is fantastic reading and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
August 1, 2022
I enjoyed this continuation of the Lumber Baron's Daughters series with Michelle and Zane's story. It was so fun to see the way her inventor's mind works and all the ideas for improvement she has. She and Zane have good chemistry despite their bickering, and he feels protective of these heiress sisters who have landed on his ranch through interesting circumstances. Naturally there is danger around every corner and plenty of adventure as the sisters fight the hold their wicked stepfather has on the family along with the honorable men who are devoted to them. Even though Zane is tied to his ranch and the struggles there, Michelle's future becomes his own and I loved the way she became just as invested in the ranch as the lumber business. We also see the perspective of their mother on the mountain as Laura and Caleb return and the overturning of power begins. This series has the author's trademark humor, action, and faith woven together with vibrant characters and interesting plots.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
April 23, 2022
4.5 stars
I was excited to read this book and it was a fun addition to the series. Inventions of the Heart is the second book in Mary Connealy’s The Lumber Baron’s Daughters. I always look forward to reading the next books in a series and this was definitely a cute one.
Oh my, I loved Zane. He was just perfect and so fun. He had his hands full trying to care for Michelle. I loved how patient he was with her and how he encouraged her to use her skills to create things. Zane was also a tad bit overprotective but he was just trying to protect those he loved. It was fun to read more about Zane and even meet his family. But Zane would have to learn how to protect Michelle and care for his family.
Michelle was complicated but she was definitely interesting to read about. I loved how all of the sisters are unique and they have their own special set of skills. Michelle is definitely the leader, planner type. Michelle had to learn to let Zane lead and trust God to protect her family. I liked reading about Michelle growing and learning more skills throughout the book. She was willing to work hard even though she did not always enjoy it. Michelle had to learn to step back and rest in God’s hands.
Michelle and Zane were so cute together! I loved their interactions and reading about them getting to know each other. They were perfect for each other and balanced each other out. The other characters were also fun and I am excited to see who Jilly will end up with.
The plot was very interesting and this was an easy book to read. I liked the characters and the story and I was engaged the whole time. I would recommend Inventions of the Heart to those who enjoy historical Christian romances. However it is best read as part of the series. Inventions of the Heart is a clean Christian historical romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
I was excited to read this book and it was a fun addition to the series. Inventions of the Heart is the second book in Mary Connealy’s The Lumber Baron’s Daughters. I always look forward to reading the next books in a series and this was definitely a cute one.
Oh my, I loved Zane. He was just perfect and so fun. He had his hands full trying to care for Michelle. I loved how patient he was with her and how he encouraged her to use her skills to create things. Zane was also a tad bit overprotective but he was just trying to protect those he loved. It was fun to read more about Zane and even meet his family. But Zane would have to learn how to protect Michelle and care for his family.
Michelle was complicated but she was definitely interesting to read about. I loved how all of the sisters are unique and they have their own special set of skills. Michelle is definitely the leader, planner type. Michelle had to learn to let Zane lead and trust God to protect her family. I liked reading about Michelle growing and learning more skills throughout the book. She was willing to work hard even though she did not always enjoy it. Michelle had to learn to step back and rest in God’s hands.
Michelle and Zane were so cute together! I loved their interactions and reading about them getting to know each other. They were perfect for each other and balanced each other out. The other characters were also fun and I am excited to see who Jilly will end up with.
The plot was very interesting and this was an easy book to read. I liked the characters and the story and I was engaged the whole time. I would recommend Inventions of the Heart to those who enjoy historical Christian romances. However it is best read as part of the series. Inventions of the Heart is a clean Christian historical romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
April 9, 2022
Inventions of the Heart is the second book in the Lumber Baron’s Daughters series and it continues on right where book one finished, so I’d recommend this historical novel to those who have already started to read this series.
We met the three Stiles sisters in book one, The Element of Love, and book two continues to show the determination and intelligence of these three young women. While Laura is now married and safe from the clutches of her evil stepfather, Jilly and Michelle must still secure a husband to fully claim ownership of their company and ensure they don’t have to marry the men their stepfather has picked out for them. Good fortune lead the sisters to Zane Hart’s ranch and now they find safety there while Laura and her husband work to take ownership of Laura’s claim in the company. But when danger find Michelle at the ranch, she and Zane know they must act quickly to outsmart the people who wish to hurt them and their family.
I love that Inventions of the Heart, book two in the series, is being published so soon after the release of book one, July and March 2022, as I think most readers will want to continue the story of these sisters as soon as they begin it. I know I did. While the plot is very dramatic (maybe even overly so) it’s still a fun read and there is certainly no shortage of excitement, if you don’t mind putting aside what would be realistic and just going along for the ride. There certainly is a lot for these characters to face in their fight for freedom and safety
This historical romance series is an excellent escape read.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
We met the three Stiles sisters in book one, The Element of Love, and book two continues to show the determination and intelligence of these three young women. While Laura is now married and safe from the clutches of her evil stepfather, Jilly and Michelle must still secure a husband to fully claim ownership of their company and ensure they don’t have to marry the men their stepfather has picked out for them. Good fortune lead the sisters to Zane Hart’s ranch and now they find safety there while Laura and her husband work to take ownership of Laura’s claim in the company. But when danger find Michelle at the ranch, she and Zane know they must act quickly to outsmart the people who wish to hurt them and their family.
I love that Inventions of the Heart, book two in the series, is being published so soon after the release of book one, July and March 2022, as I think most readers will want to continue the story of these sisters as soon as they begin it. I know I did. While the plot is very dramatic (maybe even overly so) it’s still a fun read and there is certainly no shortage of excitement, if you don’t mind putting aside what would be realistic and just going along for the ride. There certainly is a lot for these characters to face in their fight for freedom and safety
This historical romance series is an excellent escape read.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
June 13, 2022
Picking up right where the previous book left off Inventions of the Heart follows the three Stiles sisters as they continue to evade their stepfather's nefarious plans for their inheritance.
Michelle has been feeling at loose ends since her sister Laura's marriage. She likes to stay busy and offers to help Zane extract the gold from his property, using her mechanical mind to develop efficient ways to speed the process. Michelle is intelligent, but at times insecure about her homemaking skills, I love how she uses her strengths to help Zane manage his property and mine. Zane a dashing cowboy hero, he's never thought much about marriage before meeting Michelle, and I like how he comes to appreciate her more and more as he get's to know her.
A great installment to a wonderful series, there is a lot going on and definitely will be important to have already read the first book in the series. I liked the action, humor, and strong themes of trusting God's plan. I liked the interaction between Michelle and Zane, as well as the close bond between the sisters. A satisfying adventure and romance, definitely recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Michelle has been feeling at loose ends since her sister Laura's marriage. She likes to stay busy and offers to help Zane extract the gold from his property, using her mechanical mind to develop efficient ways to speed the process. Michelle is intelligent, but at times insecure about her homemaking skills, I love how she uses her strengths to help Zane manage his property and mine. Zane a dashing cowboy hero, he's never thought much about marriage before meeting Michelle, and I like how he comes to appreciate her more and more as he get's to know her.
A great installment to a wonderful series, there is a lot going on and definitely will be important to have already read the first book in the series. I liked the action, humor, and strong themes of trusting God's plan. I liked the interaction between Michelle and Zane, as well as the close bond between the sisters. A satisfying adventure and romance, definitely recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 28, 2022
NOT FOR ME. I kept pushing myself through the 1st several chapters, wanting to give up as I was not enjoying it.
Book gives new meaning to the phrase "spaghetti western". It's a jumbled mess of characters and situations, like a plate full of twisted spaghetti noodles. 🤦🏻♀️
I have enjoyed this author in the past, but after finishing it, this one just did not fit the bill I'm sad to say. This is my opinion alone, so please judge for yourself.
Thanks for an early eBook from Netgalley and the Publisher.
Book gives new meaning to the phrase "spaghetti western". It's a jumbled mess of characters and situations, like a plate full of twisted spaghetti noodles. 🤦🏻♀️
I have enjoyed this author in the past, but after finishing it, this one just did not fit the bill I'm sad to say. This is my opinion alone, so please judge for yourself.
Thanks for an early eBook from Netgalley and the Publisher.
August 26, 2022
First Initial Thoughts
First off this book starts off right from the first one. So if you haven’t read the first book it can be kind of confusing but the author does catch you up real quick.
We start off the book with Michelle at a ranch with a man named Zane. She and her sister has escaped her father’s plans. Which were kind of cruel and shocking to be honest, that a parent would consider doing such a thing. Her sister recently married and she is happy that her sister is at least safe. Michelle and Zane in the beginning I felt like they did like each other but it was more of an attraction I would say. Then they came up with the brilliant plan of getting married. I think Zane did this to protect Michelle. It was kind of sweet I have to say.
Zane is thrilled to have his own ranch. Then he discovered that there is gold on his land. He wants to keep quiet about it though because he knows that people will just flock to his land looking for money. He does eventually open the mining operation and recruits Michelle to be his accountant. Will word of mouth about the mine get into the wrong hands? Will Michelle be safe?
Setting
Being set out in the west Mary definitely brings you back to a period when it was a challenge to survive. I couldn’t imagine living out in the middle of nowhere managing a mine. I love how Mary always immerses you in the story and you also learn so much about that time and period.
Final Thoughts
The relationship between Michelle and Zane was interesting, to say the least. I do think they really truly cared for each other but I found that they rushed into the marriage in the story too quickly. I do understand why it had to be done though. The marriage part of the story was sweet. I found them to be really cute together and Zane was an absolute gentleman. I do have one gripe though. I found that Mary focused too much on the romantic aspect of the marriage, and not on the other important parts of the marriage, like communication, etc.
Michelle definitely suffered from some kind of trauma from her past with her father. What her father did was something that would be honestly hard to forgive. Especially when that person is your own parent. I love that Mary definitely wanted the reader to understand that we need to forgive. We live in such a broken world and that we all are in need of healing.
This story did kind of end suddenly, however, there is a third book coming out in the series so I am sure things will be wrapped up nicely.
Would I Recommend?
Yes! Fans of western historical fiction will most likely enjoy reading this story and the series as well.
Note - I was sent a copy of this book from the publisher to review. All opinions are my own.
First off this book starts off right from the first one. So if you haven’t read the first book it can be kind of confusing but the author does catch you up real quick.
We start off the book with Michelle at a ranch with a man named Zane. She and her sister has escaped her father’s plans. Which were kind of cruel and shocking to be honest, that a parent would consider doing such a thing. Her sister recently married and she is happy that her sister is at least safe. Michelle and Zane in the beginning I felt like they did like each other but it was more of an attraction I would say. Then they came up with the brilliant plan of getting married. I think Zane did this to protect Michelle. It was kind of sweet I have to say.
Zane is thrilled to have his own ranch. Then he discovered that there is gold on his land. He wants to keep quiet about it though because he knows that people will just flock to his land looking for money. He does eventually open the mining operation and recruits Michelle to be his accountant. Will word of mouth about the mine get into the wrong hands? Will Michelle be safe?
Setting
Being set out in the west Mary definitely brings you back to a period when it was a challenge to survive. I couldn’t imagine living out in the middle of nowhere managing a mine. I love how Mary always immerses you in the story and you also learn so much about that time and period.
Final Thoughts
The relationship between Michelle and Zane was interesting, to say the least. I do think they really truly cared for each other but I found that they rushed into the marriage in the story too quickly. I do understand why it had to be done though. The marriage part of the story was sweet. I found them to be really cute together and Zane was an absolute gentleman. I do have one gripe though. I found that Mary focused too much on the romantic aspect of the marriage, and not on the other important parts of the marriage, like communication, etc.
Michelle definitely suffered from some kind of trauma from her past with her father. What her father did was something that would be honestly hard to forgive. Especially when that person is your own parent. I love that Mary definitely wanted the reader to understand that we need to forgive. We live in such a broken world and that we all are in need of healing.
This story did kind of end suddenly, however, there is a third book coming out in the series so I am sure things will be wrapped up nicely.
Would I Recommend?
Yes! Fans of western historical fiction will most likely enjoy reading this story and the series as well.
Note - I was sent a copy of this book from the publisher to review. All opinions are my own.
July 25, 2022
Another great read by this author reminding me why she is one of my favorite non-suspense authors. This second book featured the second sister, and was filled with a lot of action, suspense....and of course romance. Both main characters were very likable, and it was no surprise that Zane became part of the family.
Looking forward to #3
Looking forward to #3
June 28, 2022
Hiding out has its perks, but can be rather tough after a while. Now that Laura is married, she can go home, but that leaves Michelle and Jilly at Two Harts Ranch. How long will they have to remain away from mother and home? Will that sinister step-father continue to try to marry them off?
Book 2 in the Lumber Baron’s Daughters will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is murder, assault and kidnapping just to mention a few of the unexpected happenings. Add the discovery of gold to the mix, and just wait to see what is next! Michelle’s time-saving inventions are a treat to read about, adding to the excitement of ranching in California.
An early copy was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Book 2 in the Lumber Baron’s Daughters will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is murder, assault and kidnapping just to mention a few of the unexpected happenings. Add the discovery of gold to the mix, and just wait to see what is next! Michelle’s time-saving inventions are a treat to read about, adding to the excitement of ranching in California.
An early copy was received through Bethany House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
August 4, 2022
Looking for a Western Adventure? Inventions of the Heart by Mary Connealy is full of adventure, romance and a gold mine to keep safe.
Michelle Stiles is hiding at Two Harts Ranch, owned by Zane Hart--along with her sister, Jilly, after their other sister gets married and goes back to their home that they ran away from since their Stepfather was evil in his ways and actions. Zane is a good guy with a lot to figure out--what should he do with the gold he found? What about his attraction to Michelle? How can he take care of his sisters?
Inventions of the Heart is an interesting book with strong female leads. Overall I enjoyed the book but sometimes it got a little old listening to how smart the sisters were. I am not sure that really needed to be stated in those ways. There is a bit of romance and some mystery entwined in the story, along with adventure in the West. If you like clean reads and Western fiction, you'll want to check out Inventions of the Heart. It does not have to be read in order, although reading the series is usually best. It could be read as a stand-alone because Connealy does a good job of filling the reader in on what has gone on in the first book. Honestly, I like the reminder information as it has been a few books since I did read the first one.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Tours. All opinions within this review are my own.
Michelle Stiles is hiding at Two Harts Ranch, owned by Zane Hart--along with her sister, Jilly, after their other sister gets married and goes back to their home that they ran away from since their Stepfather was evil in his ways and actions. Zane is a good guy with a lot to figure out--what should he do with the gold he found? What about his attraction to Michelle? How can he take care of his sisters?
Inventions of the Heart is an interesting book with strong female leads. Overall I enjoyed the book but sometimes it got a little old listening to how smart the sisters were. I am not sure that really needed to be stated in those ways. There is a bit of romance and some mystery entwined in the story, along with adventure in the West. If you like clean reads and Western fiction, you'll want to check out Inventions of the Heart. It does not have to be read in order, although reading the series is usually best. It could be read as a stand-alone because Connealy does a good job of filling the reader in on what has gone on in the first book. Honestly, I like the reminder information as it has been a few books since I did read the first one.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through JustRead Tours. All opinions within this review are my own.
August 8, 2022
Full disclosure I am an avid Mary Connealy fan (because 1.her sense of humor is bar-none; and 2. her biblical integration is fantastic in its simplicity).
I truly adored Inventions of the Heart. It is book two in The Lumber Baron's Daughters series and I really have enjoyed getting to know the characters and the different setting of this story. The way Mary Connealy chose to develop and shape the characters (Michelle and Zane) is remarkably interesting, they are a great play on each other, and I liked how they banter.
The overall, storyline was compelling, and it took some different twists and turns than I had originally anticipated. Now, I am left in anticipation of book three 😊
I give it 4 stars for the very intriguing plot, the humorous situations, and for the creative characters.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback.
I truly adored Inventions of the Heart. It is book two in The Lumber Baron's Daughters series and I really have enjoyed getting to know the characters and the different setting of this story. The way Mary Connealy chose to develop and shape the characters (Michelle and Zane) is remarkably interesting, they are a great play on each other, and I liked how they banter.
The overall, storyline was compelling, and it took some different twists and turns than I had originally anticipated. Now, I am left in anticipation of book three 😊
I give it 4 stars for the very intriguing plot, the humorous situations, and for the creative characters.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback.
reviewed
August 6, 2022“Her heart seeks safety. But will trouble find her even here?” The adventure and trouble of the The Lumber Baron's Daughters series (from Mary Connealy and Bethany House) continue with Inventions Of The Heart. With one of my favorite romance tropes—marriage of convenience—Michelle Stiles and Zane Hart work to thwart the ill intentions of her stepfather. Their story has no shortage of surprises and danger, but it wouldn’t be one from Mary Connealy without plenty of humor, faith, and sweet moments, too. It was a wild, fun ride of a read and definitely left me eager for the third book to release.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.)
(I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.)
August 1, 2022
Inventions of the Heart by Mary Connealy is the second book in her The Lumber Baron’s Daughters historical romance series.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series! Michelle and her sisters have such strong STEM skills, I love reading about the inventions and buildings they hope to construct. Zane is a perfect counterbalance to Michelle, with his easy going, protective ways. And there was a lot of danger in this book, so the plot get me turning the pages.
To fully appreciate Inventions of the Heart, I recommend reading The Element of Love first. I loved that story, too, in fact, I have plans, after the third book releases, to re-read the whole series all together.
If you love historical romance, with a side of humor and suspense, then definitely grab a copy of Inventions of the Heart. It’s a great read!
—
I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series! Michelle and her sisters have such strong STEM skills, I love reading about the inventions and buildings they hope to construct. Zane is a perfect counterbalance to Michelle, with his easy going, protective ways. And there was a lot of danger in this book, so the plot get me turning the pages.
To fully appreciate Inventions of the Heart, I recommend reading The Element of Love first. I loved that story, too, in fact, I have plans, after the third book releases, to re-read the whole series all together.
If you love historical romance, with a side of humor and suspense, then definitely grab a copy of Inventions of the Heart. It’s a great read!
—
I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
August 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this next installment from Mary Connealy series the Lumber Baron's Daughter. It was great to come back to Two Harts Ranch and get a step closer to seeing the sisters not only settled but finally getting rid of their step father. In this story we follow the second sister Michelle who is now needing to get married so she an also take control of some of her fathers business. Zane owns Two Harts ranch and seems like there is a heap of trouble heading his way.
The storyline is definitely a lot stronger than the first book but I still felt like it was a bit choppy. I felt like there was a lot going on and some things didn't really felt resolved. I know its a series and I am sure everything will be wrapped up nicely in the last book but I feel like there could've been a bit more. I am all about the marriage of convenience but this one seems so rushed it was hard to fall in love with the characters.
One thing that I do appreciate and love about this author is that her stories are interwoven with a very strong biblical perspective and that is definitely something I look for in books. Despite my thoughts I still would recommend this read but definitely start at the beginning. This is one of those series that must be read in order for you to follow along and understand the characters and storyline.
I received a copy of this book through Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The storyline is definitely a lot stronger than the first book but I still felt like it was a bit choppy. I felt like there was a lot going on and some things didn't really felt resolved. I know its a series and I am sure everything will be wrapped up nicely in the last book but I feel like there could've been a bit more. I am all about the marriage of convenience but this one seems so rushed it was hard to fall in love with the characters.
One thing that I do appreciate and love about this author is that her stories are interwoven with a very strong biblical perspective and that is definitely something I look for in books. Despite my thoughts I still would recommend this read but definitely start at the beginning. This is one of those series that must be read in order for you to follow along and understand the characters and storyline.
I received a copy of this book through Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
March 29, 2022
First sentence: "At least you know you can trust me." Michelle Stiles slashed a hand about an inch from Zane Hart's face.
Premise/plot: The Element of Love introduced readers to the plight of the Stiles sisters--Laura, Michelle, and Jilly. These three are on the run from their stepfather. Each sister is seeking to find a good man to marry as quickly as possible. Well, with the exception of Jilly who emphatically states time and time and time again that she will never, ever, ever, ever marry anyone ever. The sisters are still juggling about twelve dangers collectively. The second book, Inventions of the Heart, stars Michelle. She is living with Zane Hart on his ranch--along with half a dozen other people. She's still got her heart set on inventions and mechanics. She's also possibly maybe falling hard for Zane too.
My thoughts: I think authors have three possible speeds--realistic, dramatic, and melodramatic. Mary Connealy almost always packs her "romantic comedies" with melodrama. The problem is that more isn't always better. Sometimes less is better. Especially when it comes to close calls, near misses, and tight squeezes. After about the millionth "dangerous" moment, you start rolling your eyes. Okay, maybe it doesn't take a million close-calls. I feel her books could benefit from a little less conflict. Dial it down a bit. Yes, almost all books require conflict--but it doesn't have to be taken to an extreme so that everything becomes a caricature. Perhaps the melodrama is supposed to be funny???
I find it hard to care about characters when everything is much too much. Characters are what matter most to me when I'm reading. With so much melodrama thrown in "for good measure" I suppose, the characters get buried in the mix.
Premise/plot: The Element of Love introduced readers to the plight of the Stiles sisters--Laura, Michelle, and Jilly. These three are on the run from their stepfather. Each sister is seeking to find a good man to marry as quickly as possible. Well, with the exception of Jilly who emphatically states time and time and time again that she will never, ever, ever, ever marry anyone ever. The sisters are still juggling about twelve dangers collectively. The second book, Inventions of the Heart, stars Michelle. She is living with Zane Hart on his ranch--along with half a dozen other people. She's still got her heart set on inventions and mechanics. She's also possibly maybe falling hard for Zane too.
My thoughts: I think authors have three possible speeds--realistic, dramatic, and melodramatic. Mary Connealy almost always packs her "romantic comedies" with melodrama. The problem is that more isn't always better. Sometimes less is better. Especially when it comes to close calls, near misses, and tight squeezes. After about the millionth "dangerous" moment, you start rolling your eyes. Okay, maybe it doesn't take a million close-calls. I feel her books could benefit from a little less conflict. Dial it down a bit. Yes, almost all books require conflict--but it doesn't have to be taken to an extreme so that everything becomes a caricature. Perhaps the melodrama is supposed to be funny???
I find it hard to care about characters when everything is much too much. Characters are what matter most to me when I'm reading. With so much melodrama thrown in "for good measure" I suppose, the characters get buried in the mix.
August 3, 2022
If you are new to reading books written by Mary Connealy, there are a few things you need to know. First, you will get the most out of the series if you read them in order. Each book in the series builds upon the previous one(s) until all comes together in the end. And, you are in for a seriously good time with tension, some comedy, and romance.
Inventions of the Heart is book two in The Lumber Baron’s Daughters series and mostly focuses on Michelle (but Laura and Jilly also play their parts). These three sisters are intelligent when it comes to architecture, business, chemistry, and more cerebral areas. They aren’t so well versed on the day-to-day domestic chores, though.
Connealy does such a good job of drawing readers into her stories. I always look forward to them because I know they are going to be quick reads because of the action with a few laughs thrown in the mix. I’m enjoying the whip-smart sisters as they thwart their ruthless stepfather and getting to know the men who admire them but don’t let the ladies bulldoze them. I look forward to Jilly’s story as there’s a secret hinted at throughout the first couple books I haven’t uncovered yet.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
Inventions of the Heart is book two in The Lumber Baron’s Daughters series and mostly focuses on Michelle (but Laura and Jilly also play their parts). These three sisters are intelligent when it comes to architecture, business, chemistry, and more cerebral areas. They aren’t so well versed on the day-to-day domestic chores, though.
Connealy does such a good job of drawing readers into her stories. I always look forward to them because I know they are going to be quick reads because of the action with a few laughs thrown in the mix. I’m enjoying the whip-smart sisters as they thwart their ruthless stepfather and getting to know the men who admire them but don’t let the ladies bulldoze them. I look forward to Jilly’s story as there’s a secret hinted at throughout the first couple books I haven’t uncovered yet.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
April 25, 2022
Inventions of the Heart is the second of three books, and a great continuation of the story! It will make best sense if you have read Element of Love first, since a lot of the book refers to the first. The story is fantastic, though. Michelle and her sister, Jilly, are staying with a nearby rancher, Zane. Zane seems like a nice guy, a bachelor that isn't used to living with anyone, but he allows Michelle and Jilly to stay with him when the missionary group has been broken up, along with two spinster sisters from the group. Soon, his sister, her husband and his niece are there, and his brother in law dies from gunshot wounds. So now Zane has a house full of people to contend with, quite different from what he is used to. With people looking for Michelle and Jilly, it is safer if those two are married. So Zane marries Michelle, which changes everything for Zane. The person responsible for shooting his brother in law is the same man that Michelle's stepfather has lined up to marry Michelle, a terrible man that has already outlived three wives. A great story with a lot of action! So exciting I can't wait for Model of Devotion to be released!
February 15, 2024
1 star
This is the second time I have read this book, and I am sad to say that this time I noticed more things wrong with this book that keep it from being a good book to read then the first time I read it.
Negative Content, Trigger Warnings and Violence.
Someone performs surgery on a gunshot victim, and there is a mention of blood that nearly boiled out of the wound(the victim later dies).
Someone calls a bad guy a fool (the person's stepfather).
A man keeps a mistress the whole time he is courting another woman.
A mention of a woman giving a man a very sassy glance.
A woman says that her and her sisters should always get their own way, saying we're very smart.
Someone thought that if a man did not hear her or her sister cries for help, he would hear this fool(the man attacking them).
A woman mentioned that a man was lecherous and cruel, and that if her daughters married him or other men like him, it would be a living death, a nightmare.
Someone say that men have their own claims, but they're poor yielding things, so they sign on with the mining businesses and make a decent living, if they aren't fools with their money.
A woman wonders how she(her self) could have been such a fool to marry him (a bad man).
A man wondered if he'd even manage to get his wife to share a room with him (he had just married her that day), and if she wasn't in the mood for, or if he decided he didn't dare be...distracted...he might find himself sleeping on the cold floor of the hotel hallway, his body stretched across his wife's door, and he thought it would be a disappointing way to spend a wedding night.
A woman says when she remarried, she let her new husband "have a husband's . . . prerogatives, but she felt like it betrayed her late husband." Then a vivid pink blush bloomed on her face to speak of such intimacies.
A man thinks that he had his work cut out for him if he wanted to be the favorite son-in-law. He later thinks that if he could do it without risking anyone's safety, he'd sure enough like to get his wife alone (they had just gotten married).
A woman feels nervous about her wedding night, and her husband tells her he's not going to put any pressure on her to "do . . . wifely things with me tonight."
She then thinks that the heat in her face went up a few degrees.
Shocked that he'd speak of such intimacies. But relieved, too, that he didn't expect anything of her.
A husband tells his wife that he did like the idea of spending time alone with her, "time to talk and . . . well, I'd like to hold you in the night, just hold you. Sleep next to you. I would never ask for more until you're fully willing. But maybe a good-night kiss wouldn't be amiss under the circumstances."
His wife managed to grin, saying "thank you... I admit I've worried you, that is that we, uh, might . . . might . . ." Then het husband teasingly say "You really aren't finishing your sentences at all well"
The husband later leaves the room to talk to a man about if he should stand guard for the night, and the wife then remembers she has to put her nightgown on and stay in the same room as that man(her husband). Granted he was her husband, but it was still a shocking business, and her smile was nowhere to be found.
In her nightgown, she was covered in white cotten from neck to wrist to toe, and still she felt ridiculously . . . unclothed.
The husband later slipped back into their room, not wanting to chance anyone getting a look at his wife... The woman he was going to share a room with a bed with for as long as they both shall live.
He(the husband), was innocent of women, having lived his life in a mostly male world. He rarely saw them and didn't spend his time thinking about them . . . well, not much time. Once in a while a man had himself some thoughts.
Frozen just inside the door, he studied his wife, lying on the far side of the bed, on her side, facing away from him. Her whole body rigid as if she were a small creature hoping she didn't draw the attention of the big bad wolf.
A mention of the husband changing into his nightshirt, and then slipping into bed with a "living, breathing wife."
A mention of him resting his palm on the graceful curve of her shoulder, and told her "good-night, sweet wife", and asked for a good-night kiss.
A mention of his arm coming around her waist and pulling her close, and she curled her hand behind his neck.
The kiss was perfect the husband thought. The woman was perfect. Then what was sweet and warm caught fire. He wrenched away from her. Their eyes met and held.
With a startling suddenness, his wife dove back toward his lips and kissed him with an enthusiasm that woke up all sorts of ideas in the husbands muddled head.
Before long, the husband had another way to define perfection.
And his willing wife hadn't hesitated over the intimacies for one heartbeat. Being married was the best thing that had ever happened to him.
The next day, the wife was talking to others about what they had got done while in town, and that they were gains, then she glanced at her husband and felt the blush when his eyes met hers, and looked away. She wasn't about to discuss anything else that had been gained.
The husband later thinks that it was good to be home. That it had been a long ride, and he had not slept much last night. A thought that put a smile on his face.
That night, the wife into bed exhausted, and when her husband came into the room, she thought that she had sort of forgotten about him, and that he was looking right at her as a husband might, and when she saw him reach for the front buttons of his shirt she quickly rolled to her side away from him. Silly after last night she thought, but she reacted first and thought about it second.
The wife thinks of her husband's shoulders as bare as a baby's backside.
A mention of a husband smiling at the idea of being tempted by his wife, then him reaching around her waist and pulling her to lie on her side facing him. Then he lowered his head and tasted her.
A man swears to a mother that no harm will come to her daughters.
A wife, thinking about herself and her husband, thinks, as for me and my husband . . . love, well, there were sparks between her and her husband, no denying it.
White hot sparks.
But love?
A mention of a man's glasses not disguising the blaze of hunger in them when they locked on the eyes of a woman.
A mention of three men looking at a woman with hungry rage, and a mention of them studying her wolfishly. Like they refused to be denied her or one of her sisters now that they had their hands on her.
A mention that a wife noticed that her husband tended to fall asleep quickly after they'd spent some time doing married things in the night. She did too.
A mention of a "very warm and friendly" husband kissing his wife while in bed, and the wife thought that she had pleased him, and that it surprised her how much she enjoyed doing that. She then wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight to the man she was choosing over her childhood home, her mother, her dreams of how she'd live her life. That was all as God commanded, and it pleased her that God's way suited her.
A mention of a wife thinking that she had just thought of another way to show her husband she loved him. Smiling, she led the way to their bedroom.
A mention of a husband's heart seeming overly warm as he thought how his wife came into his arms at night.
A lawman calls a bad guy a fool.
A bad guy tells lawmen "Back up, or I swear I'll kill him".
A husband presses his hand to his unconscious wife's chest to make sure she was still breathing and felt her chest rise and fall.
A mention of a husband having kissed his wife on the neck.
A male doctor inspected a woman's belly by unbuttoning the fewest possible buttons on her shirtwaist, say, "Nothing seems to be injured internally, though your stomach is bruised."
A mention of a woman unbuttoning the top button of her shirtwaist due to the heat in the workshop she was working in.
A mention of a bad guy grabbing the front of a woman's shirtwaist and dragging her onto her toes, and the bad guy tightens his fist on her dress until she could hardly breathe.
A mention of a bad guy screaming terrible, ugly words, and spewing profanity, and filthy language.(said, not written).
My favorite part in the book is where a husband threatens a man in jail who beat up his wife, snaking his hand through the bars of his cell and grabbing the front of his shirt and yanked him hard, his head striking the bars with a dull thud.
Then his wife took the opportunity of his being so close to punch him in the eye.
When the bad guy started to howl, the husband and wife stepped back, and the lawmen looked up at the noise, then went back to reading.
The husband wasn't one bit convinced that these two savvy men hadn't noticed the little exchange between them and the bad guy.
This book had a lot of good and funny parts in it and even some faith content. But with all the innuendos and implied bedroom scenes, I can not recommended this book for anyone to read.
Some of the things in this book are normal and natural in real life once a man and woman are married, but they are meant to be kept private between a husband and his wife, not openly talked about to others or written about in books.
And while it never described in detail what they did in bed besides kiss and embrace, it was still to much to be appropriate, and I have burned my copy.
I was not required to write a review for this book, I just felt the need to write one.
This is the second time I have read this book, and I am sad to say that this time I noticed more things wrong with this book that keep it from being a good book to read then the first time I read it.
Negative Content, Trigger Warnings and Violence.
Someone performs surgery on a gunshot victim, and there is a mention of blood that nearly boiled out of the wound(the victim later dies).
Someone calls a bad guy a fool (the person's stepfather).
A man keeps a mistress the whole time he is courting another woman.
A mention of a woman giving a man a very sassy glance.
A woman says that her and her sisters should always get their own way, saying we're very smart.
Someone thought that if a man did not hear her or her sister cries for help, he would hear this fool(the man attacking them).
A woman mentioned that a man was lecherous and cruel, and that if her daughters married him or other men like him, it would be a living death, a nightmare.
Someone say that men have their own claims, but they're poor yielding things, so they sign on with the mining businesses and make a decent living, if they aren't fools with their money.
A woman wonders how she(her self) could have been such a fool to marry him (a bad man).
A man wondered if he'd even manage to get his wife to share a room with him (he had just married her that day), and if she wasn't in the mood for, or if he decided he didn't dare be...distracted...he might find himself sleeping on the cold floor of the hotel hallway, his body stretched across his wife's door, and he thought it would be a disappointing way to spend a wedding night.
A woman says when she remarried, she let her new husband "have a husband's . . . prerogatives, but she felt like it betrayed her late husband." Then a vivid pink blush bloomed on her face to speak of such intimacies.
A man thinks that he had his work cut out for him if he wanted to be the favorite son-in-law. He later thinks that if he could do it without risking anyone's safety, he'd sure enough like to get his wife alone (they had just gotten married).
A woman feels nervous about her wedding night, and her husband tells her he's not going to put any pressure on her to "do . . . wifely things with me tonight."
She then thinks that the heat in her face went up a few degrees.
Shocked that he'd speak of such intimacies. But relieved, too, that he didn't expect anything of her.
A husband tells his wife that he did like the idea of spending time alone with her, "time to talk and . . . well, I'd like to hold you in the night, just hold you. Sleep next to you. I would never ask for more until you're fully willing. But maybe a good-night kiss wouldn't be amiss under the circumstances."
His wife managed to grin, saying "thank you... I admit I've worried you, that is that we, uh, might . . . might . . ." Then het husband teasingly say "You really aren't finishing your sentences at all well"
The husband later leaves the room to talk to a man about if he should stand guard for the night, and the wife then remembers she has to put her nightgown on and stay in the same room as that man(her husband). Granted he was her husband, but it was still a shocking business, and her smile was nowhere to be found.
In her nightgown, she was covered in white cotten from neck to wrist to toe, and still she felt ridiculously . . . unclothed.
The husband later slipped back into their room, not wanting to chance anyone getting a look at his wife... The woman he was going to share a room with a bed with for as long as they both shall live.
He(the husband), was innocent of women, having lived his life in a mostly male world. He rarely saw them and didn't spend his time thinking about them . . . well, not much time. Once in a while a man had himself some thoughts.
Frozen just inside the door, he studied his wife, lying on the far side of the bed, on her side, facing away from him. Her whole body rigid as if she were a small creature hoping she didn't draw the attention of the big bad wolf.
A mention of the husband changing into his nightshirt, and then slipping into bed with a "living, breathing wife."
A mention of him resting his palm on the graceful curve of her shoulder, and told her "good-night, sweet wife", and asked for a good-night kiss.
A mention of his arm coming around her waist and pulling her close, and she curled her hand behind his neck.
The kiss was perfect the husband thought. The woman was perfect. Then what was sweet and warm caught fire. He wrenched away from her. Their eyes met and held.
With a startling suddenness, his wife dove back toward his lips and kissed him with an enthusiasm that woke up all sorts of ideas in the husbands muddled head.
Before long, the husband had another way to define perfection.
And his willing wife hadn't hesitated over the intimacies for one heartbeat. Being married was the best thing that had ever happened to him.
The next day, the wife was talking to others about what they had got done while in town, and that they were gains, then she glanced at her husband and felt the blush when his eyes met hers, and looked away. She wasn't about to discuss anything else that had been gained.
The husband later thinks that it was good to be home. That it had been a long ride, and he had not slept much last night. A thought that put a smile on his face.
That night, the wife into bed exhausted, and when her husband came into the room, she thought that she had sort of forgotten about him, and that he was looking right at her as a husband might, and when she saw him reach for the front buttons of his shirt she quickly rolled to her side away from him. Silly after last night she thought, but she reacted first and thought about it second.
The wife thinks of her husband's shoulders as bare as a baby's backside.
A mention of a husband smiling at the idea of being tempted by his wife, then him reaching around her waist and pulling her to lie on her side facing him. Then he lowered his head and tasted her.
A man swears to a mother that no harm will come to her daughters.
A wife, thinking about herself and her husband, thinks, as for me and my husband . . . love, well, there were sparks between her and her husband, no denying it.
White hot sparks.
But love?
A mention of a man's glasses not disguising the blaze of hunger in them when they locked on the eyes of a woman.
A mention of three men looking at a woman with hungry rage, and a mention of them studying her wolfishly. Like they refused to be denied her or one of her sisters now that they had their hands on her.
A mention that a wife noticed that her husband tended to fall asleep quickly after they'd spent some time doing married things in the night. She did too.
A mention of a "very warm and friendly" husband kissing his wife while in bed, and the wife thought that she had pleased him, and that it surprised her how much she enjoyed doing that. She then wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight to the man she was choosing over her childhood home, her mother, her dreams of how she'd live her life. That was all as God commanded, and it pleased her that God's way suited her.
A mention of a wife thinking that she had just thought of another way to show her husband she loved him. Smiling, she led the way to their bedroom.
A mention of a husband's heart seeming overly warm as he thought how his wife came into his arms at night.
A lawman calls a bad guy a fool.
A bad guy tells lawmen "Back up, or I swear I'll kill him".
A husband presses his hand to his unconscious wife's chest to make sure she was still breathing and felt her chest rise and fall.
A mention of a husband having kissed his wife on the neck.
A male doctor inspected a woman's belly by unbuttoning the fewest possible buttons on her shirtwaist, say, "Nothing seems to be injured internally, though your stomach is bruised."
A mention of a woman unbuttoning the top button of her shirtwaist due to the heat in the workshop she was working in.
A mention of a bad guy grabbing the front of a woman's shirtwaist and dragging her onto her toes, and the bad guy tightens his fist on her dress until she could hardly breathe.
A mention of a bad guy screaming terrible, ugly words, and spewing profanity, and filthy language.(said, not written).
My favorite part in the book is where a husband threatens a man in jail who beat up his wife, snaking his hand through the bars of his cell and grabbing the front of his shirt and yanked him hard, his head striking the bars with a dull thud.
Then his wife took the opportunity of his being so close to punch him in the eye.
When the bad guy started to howl, the husband and wife stepped back, and the lawmen looked up at the noise, then went back to reading.
The husband wasn't one bit convinced that these two savvy men hadn't noticed the little exchange between them and the bad guy.
This book had a lot of good and funny parts in it and even some faith content. But with all the innuendos and implied bedroom scenes, I can not recommended this book for anyone to read.
Some of the things in this book are normal and natural in real life once a man and woman are married, but they are meant to be kept private between a husband and his wife, not openly talked about to others or written about in books.
And while it never described in detail what they did in bed besides kiss and embrace, it was still to much to be appropriate, and I have burned my copy.
I was not required to write a review for this book, I just felt the need to write one.
June 29, 2022
Filled with colorful and captivating characters, unusual and creative settings, and her hilarious sense of humor, Mary Connealy’s newest series stars three unusual sisters running for their lives. Laura, Michelle, and Jilly Stiles are highly intelligent and educated in engineering, mathematics, and scientific fields but must escape their evil stepfather’s plans to marry them off to his lecherous friends and gain control of the girls’ lumber empire.
With Laura married off in book one, this book opens with Michelle hiding out at Zane’s ranch and pestering him to let her manage the gold mine the girls found on his ranch.
“But honestly, I want to manage everything. The whole world would run better if they put me in charge.”
“Life on a ranch wasn’t as exciting as blowing up mountains.”
Zane is a fantastic hero, and I loved seeing his relationship with Michelle change and grow. I loved his sense of honor and his love of family. I chuckled and laughed out loud at some of his thoughts and ideas.
“Except for taking care of three babies, Michelle wasn’t doing anything.”
Mary Connealy’s sense of humor just tickles me, and I found myself loving this book just as much or more than the first one in the series. I can always count on her books for some good laughs.
“Don’t talk too much about being kind to the cows you’re planning to eat. It doesn’t exactly ring true.”
With plenty of action, adventure, suspense, humor, and sprinkles of romance and inspiration, this book is a fun addition to this creative series. I can’t wait for Jillly’s story coming up this fall. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.
With Laura married off in book one, this book opens with Michelle hiding out at Zane’s ranch and pestering him to let her manage the gold mine the girls found on his ranch.
“But honestly, I want to manage everything. The whole world would run better if they put me in charge.”
“Life on a ranch wasn’t as exciting as blowing up mountains.”
Zane is a fantastic hero, and I loved seeing his relationship with Michelle change and grow. I loved his sense of honor and his love of family. I chuckled and laughed out loud at some of his thoughts and ideas.
“Except for taking care of three babies, Michelle wasn’t doing anything.”
Mary Connealy’s sense of humor just tickles me, and I found myself loving this book just as much or more than the first one in the series. I can always count on her books for some good laughs.
“Don’t talk too much about being kind to the cows you’re planning to eat. It doesn’t exactly ring true.”
With plenty of action, adventure, suspense, humor, and sprinkles of romance and inspiration, this book is a fun addition to this creative series. I can’t wait for Jillly’s story coming up this fall. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.
August 5, 2022
Inventions of the Heart
The Lumber Baron’s Daughters #2
By Mary Connealy
The Stiles sisters have managed to elude their stepfather and his plans for their futures. But with Laura married and on her way home with her new husband, Michelle and Jilly know that he will redouble his efforts to bend them to his will. Edgar will lose any chance of controlling their late father's lumber empire if they marry men of their choosing.
The Two Harts Ranch has become their place of refuge, and Michelle could see Zane Hart as a potential husband. And his ranch offers her a chance to put her inventive skills to good use. And the fact gold has been discovered in a hidden section of his ranch is just tempting her, not with its promise of wealth, but for the challenge it presents.
Zane Hart has been content with his life as a rancher, but Michelle Stiles has a way of disrupting everything. Her mind is constantly planning, looking at ways to make improvements. And with drought threatening Zane's cattle, she has the perfect solution.
When an attack threatens everything, Michelle and Jilly are ready to again run. If they do the right thing and testify against the man who attacked them, their identities and location will surely get back to their stepfather. And the trouble he'll send their way could prove deadly for anyone who stands in Edgar's way!
Inventions of the Heart (IOTH) is the second book in the Lumber Baron's Daughters series, and you need to read the first book (Elements of the Heart) before reading this book. Yes, you can read and enjoy IOTH, but you will be left in the dark as to what has already happened. This is a book about family and expectations. Michelle, Jilly, and Laura were raised and trained to be smarter than everyone else, and they had the expectations of running an empire placed upon their shoulders at a young age. The three are not that old - twenty-five years is still a ways off, so I can see that the future set before them is more than a little daunting. This is a good book, and one I would recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.
The Lumber Baron’s Daughters #2
By Mary Connealy
The Stiles sisters have managed to elude their stepfather and his plans for their futures. But with Laura married and on her way home with her new husband, Michelle and Jilly know that he will redouble his efforts to bend them to his will. Edgar will lose any chance of controlling their late father's lumber empire if they marry men of their choosing.
The Two Harts Ranch has become their place of refuge, and Michelle could see Zane Hart as a potential husband. And his ranch offers her a chance to put her inventive skills to good use. And the fact gold has been discovered in a hidden section of his ranch is just tempting her, not with its promise of wealth, but for the challenge it presents.
Zane Hart has been content with his life as a rancher, but Michelle Stiles has a way of disrupting everything. Her mind is constantly planning, looking at ways to make improvements. And with drought threatening Zane's cattle, she has the perfect solution.
When an attack threatens everything, Michelle and Jilly are ready to again run. If they do the right thing and testify against the man who attacked them, their identities and location will surely get back to their stepfather. And the trouble he'll send their way could prove deadly for anyone who stands in Edgar's way!
Inventions of the Heart (IOTH) is the second book in the Lumber Baron's Daughters series, and you need to read the first book (Elements of the Heart) before reading this book. Yes, you can read and enjoy IOTH, but you will be left in the dark as to what has already happened. This is a book about family and expectations. Michelle, Jilly, and Laura were raised and trained to be smarter than everyone else, and they had the expectations of running an empire placed upon their shoulders at a young age. The three are not that old - twenty-five years is still a ways off, so I can see that the future set before them is more than a little daunting. This is a good book, and one I would recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.
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