The element of love
(Book)

Laura Stiles and her two sisters discover their stepfather's plans to marry each of them off to his lecherous friends. They need to find better matches to legally claim their portion of their father's lumber dynasty and seize control from their stepfather. When Laura befriends a mission group heading to serve the poor in California, she volunteers herself and her sisters to join their efforts. The settlement is in miserable condition, but the sisters are excited by the opportunity to put their skills to good use. Laura sees potential in Caleb, the local minister, to help with gaining her inheritance. When secrets buried in Caleb's past and in the land around them come to light, will the sisters be able to keep trouble at bay? -- adapted from back cover