Mary Connealy is tops at creating fantastic stories with fascinating, engaging, and fun characters. She plops them down in crazy, perilous situations, then proceeds to bring them out the other side victorious and changed for the better. With plenty of wit, humor, and laugh-out-loud moments, A Model of Devotion wraps up The Lumber Baron’s Daughters series. I’ve loved the tales of the three Stiles sisters—Michelle, Jilly, and Laura—and their pursuit of loving husbands to protect them from their evil stepfather and his schemes to take over the family lumber dynasty.

Jilly and Nick are such fun, endearing characters. Their witty banter tickled me, and I adored the way Nick appreciated Jilly’s intellect and engineering knowledge and let her talents shine but still was protective of her and her family members. Nick is a terrific hero and one of my favorites.

With plenty of action, suspense, humor, a big dose of romance, and dashes of inspiration, this story has something for everyone. I recommend this series to those who enjoy clean and wholesome historical fiction. I would suggest that you read the books in this series in order, as there is quite a bit of background given in the first one that you won’t want to miss. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.

Mary Connealy's Model of Devotion is a fun and adventurous story. It has a strong woman character, who can build innovative bridges and survive dangerous attempts on the lives of those she has grown to care about. Her devoted hero will help of course but it will be up to the intelligent heroine to save the day. Mary has a delightful sense of humor and it shows in all of her books, without exception. This book is the last one in a trilogy about women who have studied science and technology and know how to use those skills. Her love story for the final Lumber Baron's Daughter is fun and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend the series and this final chapter in their tale of overcoming an evil plot by a wicked step-father.

Mary Connealy always has interesting characters that include strong, smart women and their manIy, supportive men. Her books contain the perfect blend of humor and romance, with characters you root for. I have loved Nick’s character in this series so far, have been rooting for him to get his chance with Jilly, and I’m so glad they ended up together! My only criticism is that this book got a little technical at times, but that’s a testament to how much research Mary Connealy does. It was truly impressive and taught me a lot about engineering and architecture of this time period. I enjoyed getting to see the characters from the rest of the series in this book, for them to resolve all loose ends, and I especially enjoyed the baby news! This was a fun and entertaining series, and I’m sorry it’s over!

This is a very entertaining historical novel. The heroine, Jilly, is the third of three remarkable sisters (well, the third to get a book. The middle sister in age). She is a gifted architect/engineer, working to build out a rail line to the family lumber operation that her late father started. All sorts of nefarious types are out to get her family, and Jilly in particular. But Nick Ryder takes a personal interest in thwarting them.

I wish that I had read the first two novels ahead of this one, but Ms. Connealy does a good job of filling in the background so that I wasn't really lost. I wouldn't call it exactly realistic, but there are plenty of good buys, bad guys, suspense, romance and derring-do. It's a breathtaking ride.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book number three by Connealy has us visiting all three sisters once again. Although the book centers on the youngest sister, Jilly. Who has sworn that she will never marry trusting that her Mother and two brother-in-laws can keep her evil step father away from them and the business. This brilliant lovely red head has built a railroad down the mountain including trestles and bridges. She accomplished this through much opposition and treachery. Jilly has learned to trust Nick the self appointed man who guards her mother. Can she learn to do more than just trust him for her mother or can he be more than just her friend? After all she is able to take care of herself and tells herself she has need of no man. A powerful, adventurous finale marks the end of the trilogy…….
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher without obligation. This review is in my own words.

A Model of Devotion, by Mary Connealy is the third book in The Lumber Baron’s Daughters series. This book takes over where the first one ends so it is best to read them in order. With this story Jilly is home and working on building the train tracks down the mountain. Some one is out to sabotage the tracks and Jilly is forced to find out who.

I really enjoyed this story. It is well written and easy to read. Along with the mystery, suspense and romance, there is also humor. I enjoyed how the sisters worked together to help their mother and each other. I especially enjoyed the character of Nick Ryder. When he first heard of the danger the girls’ mother was in, he left everything and went to her aid. He was so devoted to keeping her safe.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

Mary Connealy has done it again!

In A Model of Devotion, her root for 'em characters, twisting and turning plot, and excellent story kept my attention glued to the e-reader.

What a dynamic conclusion to The Lumber Baron's Daughters series. Make sure to read all three novels, every Stiles family member is an absolute delight, and the clean, feel-good romance captured in each story is the proverbial, "cherry on top of the sundae!"

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

JIlly Stiles is the youngest of the Stiles sisters and has no intention of getting married. Nick Ryder a former employee of the Stiles Lumber Company has taken it upon himself to protect the Stiles women against their evil step-father. This is the conclusion to the adventures the girls get themselves into as they each find husbands and continue to build the lumber dynasty their father envisioned. Full of laugh out loud moments, inspiration, plenty of action, great western scenery, and some romance. Another enjoyable read.

Jilly Stiles is a brilliant engineer and is building a railroad. What's amazing about this is that this in the 1800's when it was unheard of for women to even think about such things. Her sister Laura like to play with explosives and her sister Michelle invents things. They are all three brilliant.

Jilly's stepfather has made a bargain with very evil men for the hand in marriage for his 3 stepdaughters. They ran away rather than marry against their wills. The first two books in the series are about Laura and Michelle. This book focuses on Jilly. The man Jilly was supposed to marry is still after her. He wants her and revenge and will go to any lengths to get her.

This is a fast-paced book with lots action. I highly recommend that the first two book in the series be read before this book. They are both just as good as this book. I had trouble putting this book down.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

I absolutely loved this book! Even though I didn’t read the first and second book in this series because of the authors writing style I was able to get a picture of what was going on.

Jilly was frantically working on her railroad project to save the family business. In the meantime Edgar and Carlisle were thwarting her every effort.

That brings us to Nick who has sworn to protect the Stiles women. Nick knows exactly how to help her with the railroad and just maybe find out what is causing her nightmares.

A fast paced thrilling read. Great faith content also!

A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart - Goethe

This is a wonderful conclusion to a fabulous series about three brilliant young ladies that were far ahead of their time. After all, who would ever think this lovely red haired young lady would have the knowledge to build a railroad down the mountain including trestles and bridges. Jilly was just a treat to read about. She has enough personality to overwhelm the rest of the characters, and is mostly self assured but so very ready to accept their help when needed. She and the others in this lovely family tale finally begin to realize that the battle for Stiles Lumber is really a battle of letting God take charge - then they will become a family to be proud of, full of love. A family that is a model of devotion.

This early copy of The Lumber Baron’s Daughters #3 was received through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for a gifted copy of A Model of Devotion by Mary Connealy. All opinions are my own.

A Model of Devotion is the third book in the Lumber Baron's Daughter series. This is the Jilly's story. She is determined not to marry and wants nothing more than to work in the family business. I don't want to give anything away that would spoil the first two books.

This was a nice conclusion for the series. I recommend this trilogy for an enjoyable Christian read. The three sisters are all very different but still sisters and very loyal to each other.

Christian
Historical Fiction
Romance
Release Date: October 11, 2022

This is the 3rd book in a series. You don’t have to read the previous 2 but I recommend it. I definitely enjoyed this book much better than book 2. I thought it was more interesting. I really like Jilly’s character and also Nick’s. Jilly has nightmares that involve her stepfather(somewhat “violent” with threats some people might not like) and she won’t tell anyone what happened in real life. Nick is such a great protector. He protects all of the Stiles women. Loved the development of Nick and Jilly’s relationship. There is a villain in this story and he is pure evil. (Some things he says and how he acts might be too much for some. Possibly too graphic. Examples being about murdering people or hurting people.) He wants to sabotage Jilly’s railroad building project because she was promised to him by her stepfather and he is not taking “no” for an answer. A little bit of cheesiness with the drama but I LOVED it 😂. Overall great read and definitely recommend!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The final book in this series tells Jilly Stiles the middle sisters story. Jilly has moved back home to start the building of the railroad track that will increase productivity in their lumber business. Jilly is here to run the lumber dynasty left to her and her sisters with no interest in marriage. However things don’t go smoothly as the man that her stepfather tried to marry her off to is not ready to let Jilly go. He is willing to do anything to have her as his own including sabotaging her railroad. Nick who has worked for the Stiles and been protecting the girls mother from their abusive second husband has now switched his attention to protecting and helping Jilly with her railroad. Nick’s constant care and help begin to soften Jilly’s heart somewhat toward marriage. Finally after seeing that her jilted suitor will stop at nothing she agrees to a marriage to Nick. Can Jilly over come her past fears to truly love Nick? Can they both work to end the sabotage before it’s too late? You’ll have to read for yourself to find out!

I received this book from NetGalley but was not required to leave this review. This review is my own opinion and view of the story.

A powerful, adventurous finale marks the end of the trilogy. Stiles family members and employees fight hidden danger and dark forces threatening them all. The running theme is the struggle for control and self-sufficiency versus interdependence and individuality for the sisters. Mary Connealy pulls out all stops as events escalate to the final page of historical fiction goodness.

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

I’ve been waiting a while for Jilly and Nate’s story, especially since I wanted to confirm my suspicions about why Jilly objected so to marriage. Their romance is sweet, especially the way Nate treats Jilly. Though they challenge each other often, they both show respect for one another, which I always appreciate in a romance.

Connealy provides plenty of twists and turns throughout the story, and I couldn’t help but become engrossed in the novel. Though this installment is not my favorite of the series (I have to give that honor to Michelle’s story), A Model of Devotion wrapped up the series nicely. Not only is the trouble with Silas and the unhappy suitors resolved, but Connealy also provides some closure to Laura and Caleb’s story as well as Michelle and Zane’s, giving us a glimpse into what they have in store for the future.

Overall, A Model of Devotion is a sweet western romance with plenty of action.

This is book three in The Lumber Baron's Daughters Series, even though you could read it as a stand alone, I feel you need to read the series in order to fully enjoy the Stiles sisters. Plus they are all great reads. So if you enjoy books in a series all three books are now out so you don't even have to wait on the next one to read it. I enjoy the writing style of Mary Connealy, her books are always full of fun, spunky, independent characters who always bring a smile to my face and they are great historical romance books as well.
This one we follow Jilly Stiles and Nick Ryder. Both are hardworking, independent people. Nick has such a protective instinct, Jilly knows she can trust him, even if some of her experience with men is not so trustworthy. I loved the twist and turns and so much more in this book. I love how the characters were first introduced to us in book one, The Element of Love and they continue to develop. If you enjoy reading historical romance with some laughter, love, family and more you will love this book and the entire series.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

This is a fun loving series written by my favorite author! I really enjoyed her humorous trademark. My favorite thing about these sisters? Was hoe they stuck together and looked out for each other no matter what! They were ahead of their time in my opinion. This is Jilly and Nick's story. My favorite of the three books. I'm glad I got to know them better and even found myself rooting for them. There are some heart stopping moments and some beautiful Christian messages interwoven through the novel. The heart stopping moments and my favorite author are what kept me turning the pages. I was NOT disappointed in the least! I loved every minute of this fast paced novel. A book that you'll not want to put down until you've devoured it. 5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend it! My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own!

Finishing the trilogy with a high note, "A model of devotion" makes a great conclusion for the STiles' sisters journey, along with their men and their brave momma. I Wa excited to see How Jilly was going to deal with marrying Nick, and their challenging to fall in love with each other, while dealing with Edgar's danger around the Family company. This three boks were my first touch with Mary Conneally's titles and I couldn't be more grateful for this oppportunity given to me from Netgalley. Thank You so much!

I enjoyed reading this book. Ms. Connealy crafted a set of strong heroines who were accomplishing great things which was admirable.

The love and connection between Jilly and her family was evident from the first chapter and you get the sense that they will always be there for each other. The romantic elements were mild but the reader will believe that Nick was someone Jilly could trust and depend on.

Readers will be reminded that no matter how strong we are, our strength is nothing compared to God's. We should learn to lean on Him in our difficulties and trials.

A Model of Devotion is the third book in The Lumber Baron's Daughters series but can be read as a standalone. I received an advanced reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.