The Element of Love (The Lumber Baron's Daughters Book #1)

I love Connealy’s books. She writes with a sense of humor and her characters are always a delight to read about. This makes a fun and exciting read. This series is about three sisters on the run from an abusive step-father who wants to marry them off to some of his cronies. He wants to do this so he can control the logging empire their father created. Their mother has devised a plan for them to escape the cruel man’s intentions. All they have to do is implement it perfectly and they’ll be safe to find husbands of their own. Then they can return home and take their rightful place in the lumber business. This is Laura’s story of how she finds someone and persuades him to marry her. There are many twists and turns before the deed is done with lots of humor and excitement in the acquiring of this husband. As with all of Connealy’s books, this was one you just keep turning pages and reading into the night to see what happens…..I’m looking forward to the next sister and her quest for a husband. Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read and review this interesting book.

The Element of Love The Lumber Baron's Daughters #1 By Mary Connealy The Stiles daughters are unique and unusual for the world they live in. Raised by their parents to inherit and run their father's lumber dynasty, their greatest assets are their minds, and to survive on their own and thwart their stepfather's plans, they will need them. Welcome to 1872 California and the first book in The Lumber Baron's Daughters. In this book, we aren't given a lot of backstory. What we do know is that Michelle, Jilly, and Laura Stiles have to leave in the dead of the night, taking a treacherous and life-threatening path down the mountain that they call home. And to help facilitate their escape, their mother, Margaret, will do what she has to, even if it puts her in danger. More than a year ago, Margaret married Edgar and soon regretted the biggest mistake of her life - marrying a monster in disguise. To rescue their mother and to take control of the dynasty their father built, all three girls must marry to come into their inheritance - one-third share of the business. But can they find men of worth to marry in a hurry? Only time will tell. This book focuses on the youngest daughter Laura and her quest to find a husband, and she seemingly has the least reservations of the three sisters about this plan. And at her urging, the three join up with a mission group seeking to bring aid to the families of those trapped by the lure of gold's tantalizing promises. This in itself proved to be an adventure itself as normal "womanly" tasks hadn't been a part of their upbringing. Overall I found this to be an intriguing and interesting story, and I look forward to seeing exactly what happens next with Michelle and Jilly. And as to what exactly happens with Laura, did she marry? If she did, did she regret her choice as her mother did with Edgar? For those answers, you are going to have to read the book. This book has plenty of moments of intensity that will keep you reading late into the night with the oft thought sentiment, "Just one more chapter," so plan accordingly. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

Search out what lay ahead to follow God’s call and find their way home. What an amazing beginning to The Lumber Baron’s Daughters. From flying down the mountain to blowing up a building, you will laugh, shed a few tears and just thoroughly enjoy the time spent reading. These three sisters are a force to be reckoned with and getting to know them is a treat. Will they safely find their way home? Will their mother be there waiting for them? Michelle is a mechanical engineer, always ready to take charge. Jillian loves math and is analytical, ready to build whatever you need. Laura is a chemist - can she blow something up for you? These three are just the beginning of the wonderful characters the author brings to life. You don’t want to miss this fabulous series! An early copy of this book was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.