More Than Words Can Say

After viewing the cover, more than one person asked me if this was an Amish book. It is not. But the heroine, Abigail, is a successful baker and businesswoman, who is fighting to save her bakery while some unknown person seems to be planning her downfall. With Abigail and Zacharias, a lumberman and son of a famous Mississippi River gambler, Karen brings us a unique story full of hope, humor, sweet moments, and lessons learned. The food-lover in me enjoyed all the bakery references and metaphors--and the fact that Abigail isn't your run-of-the-mill "thin and delicate" heroine. The story of Zacharias, the quietest Hamilton and the last to wed, tugs at the heartstrings, especially of readers who know his backstory from page one. The Romance: I enjoyed watching these characters learn how to communicate with each other and work through hard times together. The use of love languages brought interesting facets to their relationship, and the heroine's insecurities about her body type and the circumstances of the marriage underscore the attraction with realistic conflict. I liked how Zacharias initiated open communication in their marriage from the start, leading the way to a clearer understanding between them. Prior to their wedding, they discussed everything except their compatibility in matters of faith, which serves as the main conflict in their marriage for the second half of the story. I come from a different background than either of these characters, but seems that's the first thing I would have settled when considering marriage, no matter the circumstances. Overall, Zacharias' quiet protectiveness and Abigail's supportive encouragement turn this marriage of convenience into a love match where both want to honor the other and the Lord, which makes for a great story if you ask me. The Pace: The book keeps a pull-you-along pace and was hard to put down once I started reading. I love how Karen gives introspection and character insight without slowing the story too much. The Faith Element: With her husband's gentle leadership, Abigail grows from a place of insecurity into a woman who can focus on joyfully helping others, even while facing hard times of her own. She learns to appreciate Zach, even with all his gruff ways. Zacharias has to come to the place where he sees his sin as God sees it, no excuses, and learns to put family responsibility above his own quest for footloose "freedom." As a whole, I enjoyed the way these threads wrapped up and brought cohesion to the story. The More Factor: I've heard tell that Abigail's sister, Rosalind, will be featured in her own story, a Harvey House tale in the upcoming novella collection, Serving Up Love (Bethany House Publishers, November 2019). Can't wait to read her story, More than Just a Pretty Face. *I received a copy of this book from the publisher and have voluntarily provided my honest opinion in this review.

More Than Words Can Say, by Karen Witemeyer, is the second book in her Patchwork Family series but can easily be read as a stand-alone story. This book is engaging right from the beginning where readers find the heroine, Abigail, in a heap of trouble in small-town Texas during the late 1890s. She’s about to lose her bakery unless she can get a man to sign the deed. But it has to be a man she can control and will a bribe of a lifetime supply of sticky buns and a place to live be enough? Marriage-of-convenience stories like this are one of my favorites and More Than Words Can Say does not disappoint. The characters are vibrant and likable—or not—, each of their poignant histories is filled with regrets and the author expertly reveals them layer by layer, keeping interest high. The characters have depth and reality and their emotions, strengths, and foibles resonate well with readers. And what a lovely romance…reluctant at first but oh, that first kiss! The story moves quickly and I felt like I was right there in the story as the author has a delightful way with words—an easy flow of dialog, descriptive details and just the right amount of humor. I hope there is another book or two in the series. This is one book readers who love charming historical romance stories will not want to miss. I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

If I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about it. If I wasn't thinking about it, I was reading it. I found every chance I could to continue reading about Abigail and Zacharias. However, I also tried to pace myself so I wouldn't read the whole book in one day. Even so, my family commented more than once about my finishing it in two days (a record for this slow reader). While the cover of the book does not adequately represent the shape and form of Abigail described within the pages of the story, I loved reading about a heroine that lacked a tiny waste and curvy figure. I also enjoyed the comfortable silence between the two main characters. Both Zach and Abby have a past that has effected who they are and Karen Witemeyer does a great job of weaving their experiences into their current identity of themselves. With realistic characters and a story line full of twists and turns, this book is a great start to a summer of reading. Just when I thought I knew what was coming, there would be an unexpected twist that deepened my attention. I loved every second I got to spend inside the pages of this book. I can't wait for Karen Witemeyer's next release. **I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House and Karen Witemeyer. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own words.**

More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer is the second book in her Patchwork Family series. “Then a gentle whisper echoed above the storm. If I am the cornerstone, whatever you build will stand firm.” This is the kind of faith that Abigail Kemp has. Even when threatened with the closure of her bakery she clings to God. T save her bakery she has to have a man’s name on the deed. So, settling for a marriage of convenience; she asks Zach Hamilton, a daily customer, if he will marry her. As their hearts grow closer to each other the threats to the bakery escalate. Will Zach be able to protect his new family from this unseen danger? What an awesome story! Zach was such a sweetheart and Abby always had just the right words to say in any situation. I love how she encouraged Zach and how patient he was with her. Sometimes the right thing to say is nothing at all. Zach knew this from experience. If only we could do the same. I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.