More Than Words Can Say

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?

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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.

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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.

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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!

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