Literary Pursuits

Review: Inventions of the Heart

Today I’m sharing a book review for Inventions of the Heart, a historical romance novel by Mary Connealy. It is Book 2 of The Lumber Baron’s Daughters series published by Bethany House. 

Disclosure: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author as part of JustRead publicity tours. All views expressed are my own. This post includes Amazon affiliate links.

My Review

Inventions of the Heart book cover

Inventions of the Heart is an exciting take on the typical western/historical romance. The heroine, and her sisters, are strong women with skills that weren’t typical for females of that era. And as would be expected, they run into some resistance. That’s what makes the story interesting.

I also find the “fugitive in hiding” trope intriguing, and in this case, there was a little different spin in that the sisters are hiding from an “evil stepfather” who is trying to marry them off to his cronies.

I have not read Book 1 in this series, The Element of Love, so I felt I was missing some back story. However, it did still work as a stand-alone novel. It’s the kind that makes you want to back and read the first book to get all the details.

From the Publisher

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.

Instagram Giveaway

Inventions of the Heart book and candle giveaway

One winner will receive a print copy of the book and The Old Forest candle. Click through to my post on Instagram to enter.

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