The Element of Love by Mary Connealy: Book Review

  **I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own. 

She mixed danger, desperation, and deception together. Love was not the expected outcome.

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 discovered 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.

During their escape, Laura befriends a mission group heading to serve the poor in California. She quickly volunteers herself and her sisters to join their efforts. Despite the settlement being in miserable condition, the sisters are excited by the opportunity to put their skills to good use. Laura also sees potential in Caleb, the mission's parson, to help with gaining her inheritance. But when secrets buried in Caleb's past and in the land around them come to light, it'll take all the smarts the sisters have to keep trouble at bay.

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than half a million books. She is the author of the popular series Brothers in Arms, Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie's Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

When it comes to historical reads--- and more specifically those that take place further back in history, I must admit that there is something that I cannot help but love about strong heroines who are well ahead of their time... and that certainly is the case with The Element of Love. In this story, we meet not one but three sisters who had been trained to take over their father's business and succeed in a male centered arena... with this story focusing on the chemistry loving Laura. 

When their horrible stepfather decides to marry them off instead, they take matters into their own hand, taking off on a grand adventure. This story was such a good blend of humor, faith, and romance with intriguing characters that you could not help but appreciate. It is definitely a good start to the series and keeps you looking forward to see what will happen next with the other sisters. If you enjoy historical reads, this is certainly one to check out.