A Model of Devotion

Written by Mary Connealy

Narrated by Libby McKnight

She's finally claimed her independence … how far will she go to keep it?

A brilliant engineer, Jilly Stiles has been educated since childhood to help run her father’s lumber dynasty. With the company safe from her stepfather after the marriages of her two sisters, Jilly can now focus on her dream of building a mountaintop railroad—and never marry.

Nick Ryder came into Jilly’s life when he saved her mother from her no-good stepfather, and he’s prepared to protect Jilly from anything that threatens to harm her—as long as he keeps his heart from getting involved.

But when a cruel and powerful man goes to dangerous lengths to make Jilly his own, she must make a decision between her safety and her hard-won independence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705050651

Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy (MaryConnealy.com) writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series Wyoming Sunrise, The Lumber Baron's Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

Reviews for A Model of Devotion

[Nancy Price · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was creepy how much she got inside the perverted head of Carlyle. I understand there is evil in the world but I don't want to feel it quite so deeply.

[lilmiss01 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Although I have not read the first 2 books in this series, I was able to follow what was going on in this book with no problem. The book was hard to put down. I looked forward to reading the next chapters. This is a well-written, overall good book.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[tealadytoo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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