Enter
INTERVIEWS & REVIEWS
  • Home
    • About >
      • Mission Statement
      • FAQ'S
      • Review Us!
    • Contact
  • For Writers
    • Resources
  • Interviews
    • Interview Submissions
  • Reviews
    • Book Submissions
    • Become a Reviewer >
      • Book Reviewer Guidelines
  • Team Members Only
    • Contemporary Fiction
    • Dual-Time Fiction
    • Fantasy/Sci-Fi
    • Historical Fiction
    • Mystery/Suspense
  • Book of the Month
    • January Nominations
    • February Nominations
    • March Nominations
  • 2022 Book of the Year
    • 2022 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2021 Book of the Year
    • 2021 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2020 Book of the Year
    • 2020 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2019 Book of the Year
  • 2018 Book of the Year
    • 2018 Finalists
  • Our Reviewers
    • Marta Aldrighetti
    • Karen Baney >
      • Anna Bottoms
      • Ezara Boyce-Swann
      • Kassidi Brewer
      • Sandra Broome
      • Thomas Brown
      • Carolyn Bryant
    • Laura J. Davis >
      • Jeanette Durkin
    • Marie Edwards
    • Susan Feaster
    • Kristina Hall >
      • Joy Hannabass
      • Abigail Harder
      • Adriann Harris
      • Charity Henico
      • Mindy Houng
      • Monica Huyser
    • Christy Janes >
      • Heather L. Jones
    • Raechel Kelly >
      • Linda Klager
    • Beverly Laude >
      • Cassandra Lee
      • Tammy Lunsford
    • Kevin Maltsberger >
      • Rebecca Maney
      • Lisa McGuire
      • Jane Mouttet
    • Lauren Nel >
      • Rick Norris
    • Lori Parrish >
      • Deanne Patterson
      • Susan Poll
      • Mary Polyakov
    • Kathryn Sadakierski >
      • Kimberlee Sams
      • Connie Porter Saunders
      • Rob Seabrook
      • Erin Stevenson
      • Emily Stephens
      • Katelyn Sponaugle
      • Sarah Speck
      • Amy Smelser
      • Paula Shreckhise
      • Nora St. Laurent
    • Laura Thomas >
      • Winnie Thomas
    • Billi Varela >
      • Diana Varela
      • Elisha Varela
      • Juanita Varela
    • Nikita Wells >
      • Tina Williams
      • Ewurabena Wilson
      • Conny Withay
      • Cheryl Wood
  • Home
    • About >
      • Mission Statement
      • FAQ'S
      • Review Us!
    • Contact
  • For Writers
    • Resources
  • Interviews
    • Interview Submissions
  • Reviews
    • Book Submissions
    • Become a Reviewer >
      • Book Reviewer Guidelines
  • Team Members Only
    • Contemporary Fiction
    • Dual-Time Fiction
    • Fantasy/Sci-Fi
    • Historical Fiction
    • Mystery/Suspense
  • Book of the Month
    • January Nominations
    • February Nominations
    • March Nominations
  • 2022 Book of the Year
    • 2022 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2021 Book of the Year
    • 2021 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2020 Book of the Year
    • 2020 Book of the Year Finalists
  • 2019 Book of the Year
  • 2018 Book of the Year
    • 2018 Finalists
  • Our Reviewers
    • Marta Aldrighetti
    • Karen Baney >
      • Anna Bottoms
      • Ezara Boyce-Swann
      • Kassidi Brewer
      • Sandra Broome
      • Thomas Brown
      • Carolyn Bryant
    • Laura J. Davis >
      • Jeanette Durkin
    • Marie Edwards
    • Susan Feaster
    • Kristina Hall >
      • Joy Hannabass
      • Abigail Harder
      • Adriann Harris
      • Charity Henico
      • Mindy Houng
      • Monica Huyser
    • Christy Janes >
      • Heather L. Jones
    • Raechel Kelly >
      • Linda Klager
    • Beverly Laude >
      • Cassandra Lee
      • Tammy Lunsford
    • Kevin Maltsberger >
      • Rebecca Maney
      • Lisa McGuire
      • Jane Mouttet
    • Lauren Nel >
      • Rick Norris
    • Lori Parrish >
      • Deanne Patterson
      • Susan Poll
      • Mary Polyakov
    • Kathryn Sadakierski >
      • Kimberlee Sams
      • Connie Porter Saunders
      • Rob Seabrook
      • Erin Stevenson
      • Emily Stephens
      • Katelyn Sponaugle
      • Sarah Speck
      • Amy Smelser
      • Paula Shreckhise
      • Nora St. Laurent
    • Laura Thomas >
      • Winnie Thomas
    • Billi Varela >
      • Diana Varela
      • Elisha Varela
      • Juanita Varela
    • Nikita Wells >
      • Tina Williams
      • Ewurabena Wilson
      • Conny Withay
      • Cheryl Wood

Book Reviews​

5/22/2019

0 Comments

More Than Words Can Say

 
Picture
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: A Patchwork Family #2
Release Date: June 4, 2019


After fulfilling a pledge to a dying friend, Zacharias Hamilton is finally free. No family entanglements. No disappointing those around him. Just the quiet bachelor existence he's always craved. Until fate snatches his freedom away when the baker of his favorite breakfast bun is railroaded by the city council. Despite not wanting to get involved, he can't turn a blind eye to her predicament . . . or her adorable dimples.

Abigail Kemp needs a man's name on her bakery's deed. A marriage of convenience seems the best solution . . . if it involves a man she can control. That person definitely isn't the stoic lumberman who oozes silent confidence whenever he enters her shop. Control Zacharias Hamilton? She can't even control her pulse when she's around him.

When vows are spoken, Abigail's troubles should be over. Yet threats to the bakery worsen, and darker dangers hound her sister. Can she put ever more trust in Zach without losing her dreams of independence?

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer is the second book in The Patchwork Family series. It takes place in 1896 in Honey Grove, Texas.

This book is scrumptious and delectable— but what would you expect in a story about a baker and penned by Karen Witemeyer?
 

Abigail Kemp is fit to be tied. The town council won’t allow a female owner of a business so she must find a male backer or sell the bakery she has inherited from her father. Abby comes up with a third option. She just has to find an eligible bachelor to marry! Abby is a strong willed woman who knows what she wants and goes after it, but is surprised when her best laid plans for a marriage of convenience turn into something much more. 

Ms. Witemeyer has couched Abby’s thoughts in bakery terms:
“Choosing a husband was much like choosing a good baguette. One looked for a strong outer shell, a tender interior, and most importantly, a tractability of dough to hold whatever shape the baker deemed appropriate.”

Abby’s musings as she considers her options from the bachelor customers that frequent her bakery:

“Bachelor Number One sat by the window. Bran muffin and tea with sugar. Man and muffin shared a remarkable resemblance— both a bit squatty and thick around the middle with smooth, round tops. Abigail forced a quirking smile back into a straight line. ‘Be kind Abby. You might end up married to that muffin man.’”

Abby is not the typical female lead character. She is big boned and sees herself as plump. She is keeping a secret and running from guilt. 

The winning bachelor, Zach Hamilton, is part owner of a lumber company and has a secret of his own that is hampering him. But Zach is kind, thoughtful and lets his actions speak of the growing affection he has for his wife.
 

This story is sweet, saucy and a bit awkward as Zach and Abby take steps toward being a real husband and wife team. This one kept me chuckling but Ms. Witemeyer keeps it interesting by including a suspense thread that draws the characters closer and shows their true motives. 

I was glad to read this second book because the first one More Than Meets the Eye was a delight. The third one should be just as grand because it hints that it will be about Abby’s sister Rosiland. 

Recommended for fans of lighthearted Historical Christian fiction by a very adept author. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.


Picture
Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

It was so refreshing to read a book about a heroine with a less than perfect figure. Abigail Kemp had always been self-conscious about her looks, and I was cheering for her when she landed a gem of a husband, even though it was a marriage of convenience. Both Abigail and Zacharias were hurting and unsure they were worthy to be loved by someone else, but they were so perfect for each other. I loved Zach’s heart for helping others and caring for their welfare, and I was happy for him to have a chance at love and happiness. Karen Witemeyer is a pro at creating imperfect, but loveable, characters and plopping them down in a unique setting and situation. The main characters are endearing, and the cast of secondary characters are colorful and well-drawn. The author’s wit and sense of humor shine through the story to make it a fun read.

Tender messages of forgiveness of self and others are woven through the story, along with themes of faith and trust. There was also a strong thread of the importance of family, whether it be a natural family or a “patchwork” one. More Than Words Can Say is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone book. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical romance with a twist of wit and fun.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.


Picture
Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

I loved, loved, loved this book! I didn't even know it was the second in a series, so it was great as a standalone. But, knowing it is part of a series, I will now go and buy the first book which is called More Than Meets the Eye.

The main characters are Abigail Kemp and Zacharias Hamilton. Zacharias' story is developed in the first book, but you get enough background in this one that you don't feel lost. Abigail is a woman with lots of gumption and with an enemy that wants to see her destroyed. When she is faced with a ridiculous antiquated law that prevents her from owning the bakery her father left to her, she sets out to find a husband who will give her his name and not take responsibility for the shop. Enter Zach, a true hero if ever there was one. 

I loved both of these characters and how they grew to love each other despite unusual circumstances. The theme of not holding on to past mistakes (or our past in general) was well developed. Both characters had pasts they regretted and both learned to let go and trust God.

The ending was beautiful and I can't wait to read book three. This is a great series to invest in. Pre-order your copy now! It comes out June 4th!

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed


    Categories

    All
    Action/Adventure
    Amish Fiction
    Anthology
    Bible Study
    Biblical Fiction
    Children
    Christian Living
    Christmas
    Church History
    Contemporary Fiction
    Contemporary Romance
    Cookbook
    Devotionals
    Dual Time
    Dual-Time
    Fantasy
    Fiction
    Historical Fiction
    Historical Romance
    Inspirational Fiction
    Marketing
    Marriage
    Memoir
    Missions
    Mystery/Suspense
    Poetry
    Prophecy
    Regency Romance
    Romantic Suspense
    Science Fiction
    Self Help
    Self-Help
    Social Issues
    Spiritual Growth
    Spiritual Warfare
    Theology
    Thriller/Suspense
    Time Travel Romance
    Women's Issues
    Young Adult

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016

    We are listed in The Book Reviewers Directory!

Services

Interviews
​Interview Submissions
Reviews
Our Reviewers
Advertise
For Writers
Book Submissions

Support

Contact


© COPYRIGHT 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Disclaimer
FTC DISCLAIMER: All the books reviewed on this site are given to us for the express purpose of review. They are provided by publishers, publicists, authors and agents. None of our reviewers were required to write positive reviews and none of them were paid monetarily. All opinions are those of each individual reviewer. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”