1872 California. A continuation and second in a series about three sisters, daughters of the owners of a huge logging company. When their father died, their mother married again, to a man who turned out to be a monster. Since he was about to marry them off to other monsters, the sisters escaped but were always in danger of being found. All three are brilliant in their own way. It's interesting to see each one's strengths put to use. Their journey progressed in many ways at their home and at Zane's ranch where the girls had taken refuge. This book is concentrated more on Michelle and her new husband, who were hastily wed. They have to get to know each other, trust one another, learn each other's strengths. It's an entertaining story to read, would make a fabulous mini series. Nominate!

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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Book 2 of 3

Must read in order. Daughter #2 is on a ranch. Her cruel husband to be may have discovered her location. ( )

DNF this book. 😭 Unfortunately, when I requested an advanced copy of this book, I didn't realize that it was the second book in a series. It may be a stand alone, but I honestly just couldn't get into it because I felt lost. Besides that, the writing style is wonderful! The first part had me crying, touching my heart in every way. That's why I have given it 5 stars. I feel like it is a book I'd really enjoy if it wasn't for my lack of knowledge. All the characters with merely small explanations was confusing my poor brain. :(

I highly encourage anybody wanting to read this book to read the first book first. I think it would make it a lot better.

My sincerest apology to the author and publisher for not being able to finish it. ❤️ ( )

Inventions of the Heart by Mary Connealy is book two in The Lumber Baron’s Daughters series. This story takes over where the first in the series ends, so it is best to read this series in order. In this story we visit Michelle as she is staying at Zane’s ranch. While he has a working ranch, Michelle is full of ideas to make it better.

I so enjoyed this story, it has wonderful, caring characters. I especially enjoyed the knowledge the sisters have about designing and building. I enjoy the imagination the girls have and the dedication to their father’s plans. Once two of the girls are married, they have control over their father’s business and can remove their evil step-father. It was interesting to read the different steps that were needed for this to happen. I enjoyed reading of how Zane’s family come together. This story also has humor written into it with the amount of people who are forced to stay at Zane’s home for various reasons.

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

Hiding Out!

Join three sisters on the run from their stepfather. Until a few years ago, the girls lived a wonderful life with their mother and father. Their father's unfortunate death changed everything.

Their mother married a mean man who was after their money. He made the girls and their mother virtual prisoners while he auctioned off the girl's hands in marriage to the three highest bidders. These were unscrupulous men whose only interest in them was their big inheritance.

The girl's made a dangerous escape, and Laura has already married, so is no longer subject to their stepfather's plans. Michelle and Jilly have been hiding out with Zane Hart on his prosperous ranch. Even though Michelle and Zane are attracted to each other, Zane has no intention of leaving his ranch to lives miles away at Michelle's home.

While the two work on not being attracted to each other, they face problems, starting with the discovery of gold on Zane's property. Zane's sister also shows up seeking safety from serious troubles of her own. Danger even shows up on the ranch itself.

Will Michelle ever find a husband and free herself from her stepfather's plans? Can things work out well if Jilly never marries since the idea is so repulsive to her?

This five-star story contains lots of ups and downs, with serious situations along with humorous ones. This book will be enjoyed by fans of westerns, family stories, or well-written tales!

NetGalley has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Inventions of the Heart, for the purpose of review. ( )