Mary Connealy continues The Lumber Baron’s Daughters series with Inventions of the Heart.
Book Blurb
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
My Thoughts
Connealy opens the book with explosive action that sucked me in immediately. Zane and Michelle were just as I remembered them from the first book, both stubborn with hearts of gold. Though there’s plenty of action throughout the book, Connealy balances it with plenty of heartwarming moments between Zane and Michelle.
Inventions of the Heart could work as a standalone, but I highly recommend you read The Element of Love first. Connealy takes the reader to visit Laura and Caleb often, and reading the first book helps keep up with what’s going on. All the different perspectives did throw me off a bit, but for the most part, Connealy handles these characters well.
The characters discuss faith and salvation often, especially in terms of reaching to the lost. And there’s also a discussion about the Bible’s view on wealth. None of this felt preachy but rather leaves something for the reader to think about.
Overall, Inventions of the Heart is a sweet western romance with humor and suspense. Historical romance fans don’t want to miss out on this new release.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Further Information
Click the book cover image above to order a copy from Mary Connealy’s website or visit your favorite book retailer.
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(Check out my reviews for other Mary Connealy books: Aiming for Love, Woman of Sunlight, Her Secret Song, The Accidental Guardian, and The Unexpected Champion.)
