A Model of Devotion - (The Lumber Baron's Daughters) by Mary Connealy (Paperback)

This book is a fantastic way to wrap up The Lumber Baron's Daughters series! The Stiles sisters and their mother finally get a resolution for a major problem, and we're given a glimpse of Jilly's secret dilemma that's remained a mystery since book one. Jilly takes center stage as she encounters major hurdles while trying to build a railroad. Nick Ryder, in true Mary Connealy fashion, proves to be the best kind of hero. He's willing to help and protect Jilly but he also knows when to let her have her say!! Nick's been a part of this series from the beginning, and I love that he finally gets this chance to shine! I truly enjoy Connealy's books. She makes me laugh out loud and she shares beautiful gems of inspiration, but she doesn't overlook the romance! Swoon-worthy, clean romance that convinces us that a happy ending is possible! Add the western settings that I've always loved and realistic characters that are good, bad, or a little of both, and I'm kept fully engaged! Connealy's a master in writing wonderful historical Christian novels and A Model of Devotion is a perfect example! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review, and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.

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.

3.5 stars "Tell me about the dream, Jilly." "Jilly Stiles always came back to the mansion on Nob Hill. She was alone, and that never happened . . . When had she ever been alone in her life? . . . In the black hour before dawn, walking through the upstairs hallway with a burning candle . . . fear wound tightly in her chest. . . . " It had happened over and over again, that particular dream. Sadly, her mother's life depended on Jilly keeping the details to herself, or so she had been convinced by the one who stalked those recollections, making her photographic memory a curse rather than a blessing. But Jilly had bigger fish to fry, she had a railroad to build, and build it she would. There was just one little problem, actually one big problem; the project was being sabotaged. Would Jilly really have to get married in order to save her family's lumber business? Nick Ryder thought Jilly Stiles was just about the prettiest woman he had ever seen, if he was noticing, which he shouldn't have been since she was technically his boss lady. But it was hard to ignore anything about Jilly. Protecting her, her mother, and her sisters ( who now had very capable husbands to fill that position) against continual threats from their ex-stepfather and husband had been Nick's overriding goal, until one day his mouth worked way ahead of his head, causing him to blurt out a proposal that sounded an awful lot like, "I think we should get married, Jilly". It wasn't a bad idea, not a bad idea at all. . . . . if the lady would agree. "She didn't slap him." That was good. What a laugh-out-loud, silent gasp, fist pump, kind of story! All of Jilly's awkward antics and brilliant brain games are on full display, which means that Nick has to work over time to love every curl on the top of her engineering head, while racing to thwart a very evil man with the worst of intentions. Readers will love this ride to the finish line of an entertaining series. I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing Company through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

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.