The Element of Love is the first book in The Lumber Baron’s Daughters series. It is a historical Christian novel written by Mary Connealy set in northern California in the late 19th century.
Three sisters must make an escape from the plans their stepfather has made to marry them off. Through the dark of night, they make their escape with their mother, who feigns an injured ankle and returns to their home and back to her husband. The three continue and with the help of a flume, they make their escape down a mountainside. Laura, Michelle, and Jillian are three highly intelligent girls who were raised to take over their father’s business, but now they must find husbands in order to secure their inheritance. Worried about their mother and her circumstances, they still push forward and join a mission group to hide out. Laura sets her sites on Caleb, the pastor of the group.
I highly recommend this book. Mary Connealy once again delivers on her characters and the history of the area and background scenery. I had a tough time putting the book down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #TheElementOfLove #TheLumberBaron’sDaughters #NetGalley #MaryConnealy

Anyone who knows me personally is quite aware how much of a Mary Connealy fan I am. I've read many many of her novels and loved each one.

This novel, the debut in The Lumber Baron's Daughter's series might be my all-time favorite. Between the intelligence of the witty Stiles sisters who are so worthy of rooting for, to the quiet, faith-filled spirit of Pastor Caleb, it had me hooked.

I don't give anything away in my reviews but like to go with my "heart reaction," this one had mine pitter-pattering at a brisk speed.

Excellent novel, can't wait for more.

I received this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to write nor post a review.

The Element of Love
by Mary Connealy
Pub Date: March 1, 2022
Bethany House
This is the first book in a new series by Connealy. Her books are always requested at our library and I always make sure to order the newest one.
With their sharp engineering minds, Laura Stiles and her two sisters have been able to deal with their mother's unfortunate choice in husband, until they discover his plans to marry each of them off to his lecherous friends. Now they must run away--far and fast--to find better matches to legally claim their portion of their father's lumber dynasty and seize control from their stepfather.
I really enjoyed this book. Thanks to Bethany and NetGalley for the ARC. I will be recommending this book.
5 stars

Three sisters must escape! Their step-father has decided to marry them off for profit. When they join a mission group heading to serve the poor in California they realize how privileged their lives have been, Hardships and mishaps plague them and the three talented sisters quickly become leaders to this mission group. This was so interesting to see how the sisters knowing the only way to save their mother and their inheritance from their conniving step-father was to marry, in the middle of nowhere, just how was it going to happen? Educated women were a shock to some of these rough men of the West and it was fun to see just how these three sisters worked together to solve the many problems in the community. I requested a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. No review was required. My review and opinion are voluntary.

Laura, Michelle and Jill are 3 highly educated sisters, trained to take over their father’s lumbar dynasty after his death. Unfortunately their mother’s new husband turns out to be an abusive swindler who wants to sell the girls in marriage to his despicable cronies. Their only hope is to run away and return with husbands so they can claim their inheritance. After a harrowing escape, they join up with Caleb Tillman, a missionary with a past, and his small group who want to establish a ministry among the poor during the California Gold Rush. There is a lot of drama in this book, so if you’re looking for a gentle, feel good story, this is not it. But if you like intelligent, resourceful and fiercely loyal women and a story with a strong faith element, then check out this first in a series. It’s well written with a lot of character depth and it moves at a quick pace. These men and women show compassion and face danger all while relying on their faith in the Lord.

Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers for the chance to read an ebook via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

With The Element of Love Mary Connealy begins a new series featuring three intelligent sisters who are on the run and on the hunt for husbands. And in true Connealy fashion, there are a few laughs and plenty of conundrums along the way.

My favorite parts in the book are when the sisters are together plotting and planning. You really see the strengths of their personalities shine through. And while the girls are all extremely book smart the life lessons need some honing. I also appreciated that we got some glimpses of Mama Stiles and the sacrifice she made to ensure her daughters’ safety.

While his heart is in the right place in serving the people in the small mining camp, he also has a couple lessons to learn. He and Laura are a good match and Caleb’s strength of mind is match by his physical strength.

This is a series you will definitely want to read in order as we’ve already gotten a few hints as to what comes next for Michelle (and I’m very curious to learn more of Jill’s story), so get an early start and pick up The Element of Love now.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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.

“There was never a good pack of wolves around when you needed them.”

The Element of Love involves all three sisters but features Laura, the youngest, who loves chemistry and blowing things up. When the girls meet parson Caleb Tillman, they join his mission group in the mountains.

“. . . the true right thing for him might be to run for the hills.”

“The meaning is clear as the sky, clear as glass, clear as, as, as . . . carbon monoxide.”

This story conjured up all sorts of comical, hilarious, and entertaining images in my mind. The girls are all so engaging in their efforts to adjust to a far different environment than they were familiar with. I so enjoyed getting to know them and was chuckling and laughing out loud at their antics and adventures.

“She liked decisive people, but she liked them best if they decided to do things exactly as she’d have them done.”

With plenty of action, suspense, adventure, humor, and a dash of romance and inspiration, this book has something for everyone. There’s a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, but it’s nothing too jarring. I’m anxiously awaiting the next two books in the series. Luckily, I won’t have to wait too long. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Element of Love kicks off another exciting series by Mary Connealy.

The last couple of series I’ve read by Mary Connealy have left me feeling a little meh for some reason. It was a bit of a bummer because I’ve loved her books ever since I read Doctor in Petticoats. The Element of Love, however, reminded me why I’ve been such an ardent fan of hers.

The premise itself is interesting but, as usual, the characters are what made me love this book. Each sister had their own talent, which was cool, especially since their talents aren’t normally associated with women. I loved getting a glimpse into each sister, and I especially loved getting a glimpse in Zane’s head. I can’t wait for the next books to see what happens next.

The only moment of annoyance I felt was Laura’s reaction after Caleb’s secret was revealed. But that may just be me. Otherwise, the romance was sweet. I liked that their quick relationship was addressed. It was a bit quick, but I enjoyed Laura and Caleb together so much I almost didn’t care.

The faith arc provided some thought-provoking moments regarding redemption, forgiveness, and God’s plan. And the humor gave much needed comedic relief after delving into some weighty topics. This may very well be Connealy’s best novel yet.

Overall, The Element of Love is an enjoyable historical romance with great characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


A delightful story set in the old west, about three sister who need to find a way to save their mother from a cruel and abusive stepfather, an evil man who intends to marry the girls with other mean men in order to manage the businesse their father has left unfinished after he died. And the only thing they could think of doing that is trying to find a husband for each of them. But, a man honorable, who respect God and women is not that easy to find. Meanwhile they are in this search, Laura, Michelle and Jill are honoring God ith their lives the way it is possible, and they're confident that the Lord is going ahead of them opening doors and making a way where there's an unknown future. I loved the narrative, it has a fast flow, and it's the kind of story that christian fiction readers would like to read. Well done!

This was such a fun story, the Stiles sisters literally flee and fly (down a flume) to escape marriage to the evil men their wicked step-father has plans to marry them off to so he can claim their inheritance. Laura, Jilly, and Michelle were all raised to be mathematical geniuses and to some day run their father's lumber company. They need to find three, hopefully upstanding men of society to marry and bring back to gain control. The Element of Love is Laura's story but all three sisters play a part. They meet Caleb, a preacher taking a mission group to the miners in California. This is another book of Mary's that will not disappoint, full of humor, romance, running for your life, cowboys, ranchers, the usual stuff. I'm looking forward to book two in the series. Oh, and did I mention Laura likes to blow things up?

Can't get better than a new romance novel/series from Connealy. Her trademark humor and love at first sight style is on full display.

"What if God brought me here, right to your side, over hundreds of miles, for just that purpose?" She didn't sound like she considered it absolutely out of the question. And he didn't either. Though neither did he think a woman who wasn't willing to reveal her last name should be proposing on a week's acquaintance.

My only problem with receiving this advanced reader copy via NetGalley? I have to wait for the next book!

Yet another amazing book from this author. This is the first book to a trilogy at 3 sisters who have been raised to take over their fathers business. In the time they are from, women in the logging business, or any business, was unheard of. A must read. Can not wait to see what happens in book 2.

The Element of Love is an exciting beginning of a new series by Mary Conneally! Three sisters have run from home to escape their step father who plans to marry them to the highest bidder of his group of friends. Laura, the youngest, has set her eyes on getting married to the preacher man she meets on the train. What she doesn't know, is that Caleb has a terrible history before he was a minister. They marry, then she learns about his past, and what kind of man he used to be. Terrific story I loved!

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.

Mary Connealy does it again! Here's another reader-grabbing series with realistic, gritty, likeable characters. The trio of gifted, strong sisters drive the plot straight to your senses. The action is heart-pounding and explosive. Connealy plants many life truths within the pages. I immediately want to read the next two books in the saga.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

The Element of Love by Mary Connealy begins her new series The Lumbar Baron's Daughters with an exciting adventure full of adventure, comedy, and romance. I have always enjoyed Mary Connealy's writings and her particular knack for creating wholesome romances full of excellent comedic antics. This work continues Ms. Connealy's love for humor and unique adventurous situations. Although I did enjoy the very exciting plotline, lighthearted humor, and the unique situations, I was slightly disappointed in the unrealistic nature of many of the pieces of the storyline. It seemed to me that the events of the book were far-fetched and underdeveloped, along with many of the characters and their relationships. The romance of the main characters did seem somewhat superficial, although it was a whirlwind romance. All this to be said, I appreciated many aspects of this book and also noticed some particulars of this book that I did not enjoy as much as I usually do of Ms. Connealy's writings. I must add the caveat that this is obviously a book of fiction and many readers will most likely disagree with my critiques.
Laura Stiles is the youngest of three very intellectual sisters, who are focused on escaping some extremely disagreeable arranged marriages. Although wealthy from the lumber dynasty of the Stiles sister's father, due to his death and their mother's unfortunate remarriage to an greedy and evil man their inheritance is unreachable. Laura and her sisters are unable to make any decisions or have any semblance of freedom unless they escape from their evil stepfather. The girls make their escape down the lumber flume, using the river and logs to ferry them to distant cities. In order to have the legal right to control their father's lumbar company, the girls must either turn twenty-five or marry. Due to the girl's youthful ages, they cannot stand to wait several years to remove their stepfather from control and instead determine to find husbands.
After the three sisters surprisingly survive the perilous journey, Laura discovers a small group of mission workers on their way to help those suffering from the poverty of not striking it rich in the California gold mines. Laura and her sisters join this group, hoping to get far from their stepfather's reaches as well as have the opportunity to secure themselves husbands. Once the group arrives at the settlement, they see that the conditions are even worse than what they expected. However, the sisters' unique skills and aptitudes are put to good use as they construct buildings and even defend against some unexpected attacks. There is quite a bit of entertainment to be found in the sisters' struggles to fit in with the mission group as well as in their mission to find themselves husbands. The Element of Love is definitely an entertaining book, although it is somewhat unbelievable and lacking depth of characters. I would recommend this book if the reader is looking for entertainment and nothing past the superficial read. Happy readings!

Disclaimer: Bethany House Publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

What a read!! I had no idea I was on the last few pages of this book, (because I read digitally) until I flipped over and BAM! This book will keep you engrossed until the very end. It is action packed, heart breaking and hope filled all at the same time. I loved the characters and how they all interweaved into each other’s stories. You can bet there will be a “sequel” to this book because the author leaves a lot of plot to unfold.
Definitely a read to recommend to anyone, all ages. I will be on the lookout for the next book in this series from the author!

I was given a free copy in exchange for this review.

The Element of Love is a fabulous start to Mary Connealy's newest series, The Lumber Baron's Daughters. I adored this book. Five stars.

Laura and her sisters are forced to flee the machinations of a wicked step-father. They travel as far away as they are able and end up part of Caleb's mission near the California gold camps. Each one of them is looking for a husband so they can have their inheritance from their father and thwart the evil schemes of their step-father. As always, Mary Connealy's stories do not disappoint. Looking forward to the rest of this series!

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.

4.5 stars
This was a fascinating and engaging book! It took a bit for me to get really engaged, but I ended up really enjoying it. I also love the stories that Connealy writes and this one is no different. The Element of Love is the first book in Mary Connealy’s new series, The Lumber Baron’s Daughters. I love how Connealy usually writes series that feature a family. This series features three sisters on the run from their stepfather, searching for husbands to save their inheritance from their stepfather.
Laura Stiles was such a fascinating character, she was the youngest of the sisters and the main character of the first book. I thought that she was really cool, her father had wanted her and her sisters to have a full education and Laura even knew how to use chemicals to create explosions and such. However she was on the run and just trying to survive. Pastor Caleb Tillman is just trying to follow God’s lead. He felt drawn to the mission field never expecting to meet Laura and get drawn into her world. However both Caleb and Laura have secrets that can affect the future. Will they learn to trust each other?
Laura was different from characters you usually read about in historical romances and I really enjoyed reading about her. Although she was the youngest, she was still strong and stubborn. She was trying to do her part to help her sisters and protect their mother. Laura was trying to find her place in the world and trying to find a husband. She didn’t expect to meet someone so quickly or to find herself drawn to him. But Caleb has secrets of his own, will Caleb and Laura be able to work through their secrets to form a relationship or will it all go up in flames.
I liked Caleb, he was trying his best to follow God’s leadings. He wasn’t a perfect man and he had made mistakes but he was trying to own up to them. I could tell that Caleb cared for the people around him and he wanted to point them towards God. He had his faults, but he was trying to learn from them and grow. It was sweet to read about him falling for Laura. I liked how he saw her for the capable woman that she was. Caleb will have to figure out what it means to care for Laura and follow God’s calling.
This was a fun and exciting book! The characters drew me in and I am excited to read the next books in the series. I have my guess on who it will be about. The plot was also interesting and I was engaged the whole time. The Element of Love is a clean historical Christan romance. I would recommend it to those who like historicals and enjoy a little suspense and action.

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.