I enjoyed this book! It was great to read a story about a character with something different about her triumph through her trials. I liked the banter between the characters and enjoyed the romance. I enjoy novels by this author and look forward to reading more by her!

This novel opens with heartbreak, turmoil and then more heartbreak. 15 years later, we find out what has been going on. This book will make you laugh and dig deep in your heart. Wonderfully written, it will suck you in and not let you go even after it's over. A girl with 2 different colored eyes is truly unique and terrorized for something she has no control over. Her best friend is a pig until one day a stranger thinks the pig is trying to attack her and tries to kill him. From the moment she meets her handsome new neighbor, who has a vendetta against her brother, this action packed historical romance will leave you breathless.

I really didn't know what to expect when we meet a pig wearing a bow and a girl with two differently colored eyes all in the first few pages, but I was gripped from the start all the way to the finish. I really enjoyed getting to know the clearly drawn characters and learning about their backgrounds as three, four and eventually five worlds collided. I thought I had it all figured out and was pretty smug, but then I had forgotten who the author was and sure enough, along came a couple of great twists that took the story to another level.

This book and I got off on the wrong foot. I started it right before bed, intending to read just one or two chapters of what I expected to be the sweet beginning of love story, to give me pleasant things to dwell on as I fell asleep. *SPOILER* Instead what I got was a very intense, emotional scene culminating in the graphic death of a child, ultimately leaving a four-year-old girl all alone in the world and at the mercy of strangers (and I was wrecked and ugly crying). With such a beginning, it took me a while to pick it up again and really get into it.

Despite such a start, this is not the emotional climate surrounding the rest of the book; don’t let the prologue scare you off.

There is plenty to enjoy in this novel. I liked the relationship among the "patchwork" siblings, the way their strengths offset each other's weaknesses. I liked how they really became siblings and truly lived a "family first" mentality. It surprised me to read about the superstition surrounding Evangeline‘s unique eyes and I thought that was an interesting thread woven into the story. On the same track, it was interesting to read about how things like deafness or asthma would have affected daily life back then.

I didn't like the all-around instant coupling. It probably wasn't unlikely, since their family lived such isolated lives, but everything happened super fast. And I just didn't feel it. It also makes me a little confused for future books in the series- How much more is there to tell?

I loved the way Evangeline dealt with the information when she finally got the truth regarding Logan, the things she said to him, and the way he processed her reactions and ultimately changed his heart. He grew through the situation and I respect that. I thought the confrontation between Logan and Zach was well done, especially putting aside personal things in order to deal with bigger, more pressing problems at hand.

*SPOILERS* My biggest issue was toward the end, Logan has to take the gun and shoot because Evangeline can’t. This didn’t sit well with me. She was in a situation where not only was it his life or hers, but if her attacker escaped, a number of other people would would likely be killed as well. I wanted to see her be fierce, independent, courageous and do what was necessary for the safety and protection of others. Instead she fell to pieces and let the strong man save her. Ugh.

A small thing that I think would’ve made the story stronger, was if Logan had a reaction similar to everyone else regarding Evangeline’s mismatched eyes and overcame this. But then, I supposed I can’t judge his characterization too harshly because he overcomes prejudice in other ways. I just prefer a love story where the problems they have to deal with are not just external, but also with each other.

On the whole, I would recommend this book. It has some unique elements and a family you want to see heal and thrive.

Karen Witemeyer has become one of my must-read authors, there is not one of her books that I have not liked. However, her latest, "More Than Meets the Eye," is one of my top favorites of her books! The cover art is just amazing as well, look that detail!



Evangeline, Zach and Seth created their own family after being carted around as orphans and put on display for prospective families only to be turned away from and after a tragedy struck for them once again. These 3 have done well for themselves over the years; however now they are being threatened. Evangeline has always been rejected by those who come into contact with her or ridiculed or people believe she is cursed and honestly she has had a tough life and one would think she would be bitter and miserable. Logan Fowler quickly realizes that Evangeline is anything but that. Logan has arrived in town hoping to avenge his father's death and he is trying to find Zach whom he believes is responsible for his father's death. When Logan actually meets the Hamilton family he is confused and intrigued.

This is such a well-written story filled with so many poignant moments and lines throughout it. There is also humor sprinkled throughout as well as moments that will tug at your heart. The characters are ones that are easy for the reader to connect with and relate to and I found myself immediately feeling sorry for them, but also admiring their strength and determination. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for those whom enjoy historical romance fiction!

Der Prolog beginnt im Jahr 1879 in Texas, Fannin County. Nach dem Tod ihrer Eltern begeben sich die beiden Waisen Evangeline (4) Hamilton Pearson (9) mit ihren Betreuerinnen auf dem Weg in den Westen, um eine neue Familie zu finden. Evie hat große Sorgen, dass sie wegen ihrer verschiedenfarbigen Augen nicht genommen werden, aber ihr großer Bruder schafft es wie immer sie zu trösten und sie aufzumuntern. Mit einem Trick können sie es gerade eben noch verhindern, dass sie getrennt werden. Auf dem Rückweg nach New York kommt es zu einem schrecklichen Bahnunglück und Hamilton wird tödlich verletzt, als er dem 13-jährigen Zach das Leben rettet. Er nimmt aber diesem Waisen noch das Versprechen ab, sich um Evie zu kümmern. Der clevere, aufmüpfige und ebenfalls unvermittelbare Junge beschließt mit ihr und Seth, einem weiteren Waisenjungen, der seit Kindesbeinen an Asthma leidet, zu flüchten. In New York würde sie nur ein Leben in Armut erwarten.

Die eigentliche Geschichte beginnt dann in Texas, Pecan Gap im Juli 1894.
Logan Fowler will sich für seine Mutter an Zach Hamilton rächen. Vor sieben Jahren verlor seinetwegen seinen Vater und die Farm. Er sucht den bekannten Spieler, Betrüger und Revolverhelden namens Zach, aber so ein Mann ist den Einheimischen unter diesem Namen nicht bekannt, was ihm schon seltsam vorkommt... Man berichtet ihm von den drei Hamilton Geschwistern, die sich kein bisschen ähnlich sehen. Die junge Frau halten sie wegen ihrer Augen für eine Hexe. Er beschließt sich weiter umzuhören und die Farm auszuspionieren, um seine Rache genau planen zu können.

Zach hat die drei Waisen nach dem Unglück mit allen möglichen Jobs durchgebracht während Seth auf Evie aufgepasst hat. Sie leben mit einem zahmen Wildschwein auf einer abgelegenen Farm. Evie hat in den letzten Tagen Spuren eines Camps an den Grenzen ihrer Ländereien entdeckt und möchte mehr herausfinden, da sie Rätsel und Geheimnisse liebt. Logan wiederum spioniert ihr hinterher, um mehr über ihre Familie herauszufinden. Spontan rettet er sie dabei vor dem Angriff eines vermeintlichen Wildschweins, obwohl sie die Schwester seines Feindes Zach ist.

Es kommt zu einem witzigen ersten Zusammentreffen und einem spritzigen Schlagabtausch zwischen den beiden. Die Autorin schafft es definitiv mit ihrer Darstellung den Leser zum Lächeln zu bringen. Logan findet Evie widerwillig spontan sympathisch und anziehend, freundlich und positiv eingestellt. Wogegen sie bemerkt, dass er dem zurückhaltenden, sturen und misstrauischen Zach sehr ähnelt. Sie versucht ihn auszufragen, stuft ihn dabei schnell als vertrauenswürdig ein, obwohl ihm ja klar ist, dass er selber nichts Gutes im Schilde führt und sie mit seiner Rache an Zach sicher auch verletzten wird.

Er hat den benachbarten Grund gekauft und sie beschließt ihn näher kennenzulernen, da er vor ihren Augen gar nicht zurückschreckt. Sie erkennt, dass er mit seiner Narbe wohl auch Vorurteile, Anfeindungen und Ausgrenzung kennt. Sie bekommt das Gefühl, dass er sie lieber abschrecken und vor sich selber warnen möchte. Auch wenn Logan von ihr verzaubert ist, plant er über sie an seine Rache zu kommen. Er denkt sogar, dass seine traurige Geschichte sie gegen ihren Bruder einnehmen könnte und sie Logans Seite beziehen würde. Ihre Flirterei ist erfrischend und überzeugend.

Auch wenn sie ein ähnliches Schicksal teilen hat sie sich im Gegensatz zu Logan nicht unterkriegen lassen und ist ganz anders als er frohgemut und positiv geblieben.  Durch einige Zufälle und dramatisch Ereignisse verstrickt sich Logan immer mehr mit Evie und ihren Brüdern, statt mit seinen Racheplänen weiter zu kommen. Es folgt ein sehr spannendes letzten Drittel, kriminelle Aktivitäten werden aufgedeckt. Es kommt zu einer fesselnden Verfolgungsjagd und einem packenden Showdown, gefolgt von einem überzeugenden Ende.

Man kann der fesselnden Erzählung gut folgen. Das Buch brilliert auch durch eine schöne zweite Romanze und starke sympathische Frauenfiguren. Logans Meinungsumschwung ist nachvollziehbar, geht aber vielleicht etwas schnell, obwohl manchmal hat man ja auch plötzlich Erkenntnisse...

Wie jeder christliche Liebesroman, enthält auch „More than meets the Eye“ eine Moral, die aber nicht übermächtig daher kommt. Das Thema Glaube kommt hier nicht aufdringlich, sondern ganz normal und alltäglich vor. Die Romanze steht definitiv im Vordergrund dieses tollen Romans.

4,5 von 5 Punkten

A delightful romp but with lots of heart and depth. I adored the heroine. And the hero grew into the man she thought he could be. The development of the story and characters was so enjoyable.

Logan Fowler has come to town with one thing and one thing only on his mind: VENGEANCE. When he was a boy, his father gambled away their house and land. As if that wasn't bad enough, his father in despair or depression decided to end his life. Logan's mother was the one who found him. She'd been broken from that moment on. Logan had to grow up way too fast. And though he's not responsible for the daily needs of seeing to his mother, he's responsible for her financial needs. (But is he responsible for her mental and emotional needs? Is it up to him to fix her? How do you even go about fixing someone's mental health?)

What Logan did not plan on was falling for an unusual one-of-a-kind woman named Eva Hamilton. With one blue eye and one brown eye her look is unforgettable. For Logan he wouldn't want it any other way. For the other folks in town, well, some think it's unnatural. And for a few unnatural is only a tiny step away from demonic. Poor Eva has been facing this kind of talk since she can remember. But she's strong and feisty when she needs to be.

Eva certainly did not plan on meeting Logan either. Their first meeting was....something. He tried to rescue her from her pet pig! As if she was in any danger. Still. She knows what it's like to feel lonesome, so she's kind and gentle with him no matter how manly-man he is. She knows that this friendship--if it blossoms--will take time and effort. Her brothers are protective of her, so she'll have to work out how to best deal with them too. Her brothers are Seth and Zach. All they've ever had is each other...

Eva may not have needed rescuing from a pig. But there is one lady in town who did need to be actually rescued. It's a good thing Eva and Logan were walking home from church services together in her hour of need....

My thoughts: What an enjoyable read! I love Karen Witemeyer's books. I do. She's one of my favorite, favorite authors. I loved this one because I absolutely loved Eva. I enjoyed spending time with her, getting to know her two brothers, and then there was Logan. Seeing Logan transform throughout the course of the book was great!

Quotes:
Well, she was no stranger to loss, to hurt feelings, to prejudice. But she'd decided long ago not to let pain dictate her life. (64)

Isn't this the cutest cover ever? I just loved the premise to More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer. Three orphaned children build themselves a little family. We meet them as adults, Eva, Seth, and Zach. Except, Logan Fowler is seeking justice. But, guess who he falls for? Right, mismatched eyes Eva. I hated how no one was nice to Eva, and so did Logan! Eva is kind and sweet to Logan. They have immediate chemistry that intrigues Eva, but Logan keeps trying to push it away because she's "the enemy."

More Than Meets the Eye has great character development, a nice plot that arcs at just the right point, and a subplot that keeps the pages turning. I'd have to say one of my favorite parts is that Eva has that pet pig, and dresses her up!

I highly recommend Karen Witemeyer's latest novel, More Than Meets the Eye.

4.5 out of 5 stars! When Evangeline (Evie/Eva) was four years old, a tragic event happened while she was on board an orphan train that had changed her life drastically. Now at nineteen she has done her best to find the good in any situation and the people around her. She’s needed to do that especially because of how everyone treats her differently because of her mismatched eyes. Yet when she meets her new neighbor, she finds herself in new situations all together and things could definitely be moving in the right direction for her family. Is it all too good to be true though or is it truly everything she has secretly wanted?

Wow! This novel had me crying and hooked into Evangeline’s tale from the start. This is a grippingly fun read with surprising twists with mysterious circumstances thrown in. Though I really liked how the plot and subplots played out and wrapped up, it was really Evangeline that made me laugh and enjoy this novel the whole way through. Her gumption and cheery disposition had me rooting for her. Whether it be about winning over her “love interest,” hoping her adoptive brothers would be able to overcome their own troublesome pasts, or just going along for the ride as Evangeline tries to get to the truth of the matter in any situation, just made me enjoy this novel even more.

Though it is not just Evangeline that won me over, her neighbor and “love interest,” Logan did too. He's rugged and sweet … one who looked out for those he cared about but was still “growing up” in his own way throughout this novel too. It was how Logan grew throughout the novel that endeared me to him even more. Together Evangeline and Logan made a charming pair. I liked how they strengthened each other from their first meeting and took each other’s hopes and dreams into consideration even when things were stacked against them.

In addition, I enjoyed how this Christian Fiction got to the heart of the matter without being preachy or overbearing. It was perfect for these multilayered plots. This novel, also, left me intrigued with how it is going to continue with its series. I’ll definitely be picking the next one up when it comes out.

The only reason this didn’t get 5 stars from me was because of how the “big reveal” played out between Logan and Evangeline, as I think it could’ve definitely been handled better. Yet as this was a fast-paced read, my own feelings of how it was handled quickly died as the next scene had taken place. Well done!

I HIGHLY recommend this novel to anyone looking for a suspenseful Christian historical romance.

Title: More than Meets the Eye

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Pages: 354

Series: Patchwork Family book 1

Genre: Christian Historical Romance Christian Historical fiction

Rating: 3 stars

More than Meets the Eye is the first book in the Patchwork Family series by Karen Witemeyer, and I have to say the name of the series fits. The Hamilton's the family that Karen writes about isn't your typical family. Evangeline, Seth, and Zach aren’t related to each by blood instead they are a patchwork family stitched together my necessity as children after an orphan train wreck. They have become their own version of family.

Zach as the oldest will do whatever it takes to protect his younger siblings Seth and Evangeline. Seth has Asthma and Evangeline has one brown eye and one blue leaving the town of Pecan Gap, Texas to believe that she's cursed. Then stranger Logan Fowler comes to town bent on getting revenge on Zach for what he believes to be past wrongs. The one thing that Logan didn't plan on was falling for Evangeline.

Karen's books here lately have been hit or miss for me, but I didn't enjoy this story. Evangeline's strong faith despite the town's treatment of her showed what it means to turn the other cheek. I loved how protective of his siblings Zach was. However as an asthmatic myself I'm not conceived that by eating fish Seth was able to keep his symptoms at bay nor would coffee help. I guess I'll have to read up on asthma treatments in the 1800s. Though keeping away from dust and the like does help I'll give her that one.

But all in all I did enjoy the story though the ending did feel a little rushed. I do hope that the next book in this series is Zach's story I do feel like he deserves a happily ever after.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Karen Witemeyer has quickly become one of my favorite authors. As expected, this book did not disappoint. I absolutely adored this book. I was riveted from page one and read it straight through into the night because I HAD TO KNOW HOW IT ENDED. :) Beautiful, loving, and shows just how much the family your choose can mean to a person. Everyone should read this book!

More than Meets the Eye is a cute and yet still convicting novel that delves into what it means to truly look beyond one's outer appearance and see the person that God created them to be and who they truly are. I enjoyed seeing Eva and Logan learn to look past their differences, their failings, and their carefully constructed facades to grow and to become people willing to trust in one another and God. I thought the storyline had an enjoyable mix of romance, danger, and suspense, and I look forward to hopefully reading a story about Zach sometime in the future!

I received this book from Netgalley (and Bethany House) in exchange for an honest review.

More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer is the first book in the Patchwork Family series. Oh, my goodness. Where do I start? This story grabbed you from page one and didn’t let go even after the last page was read. Evangeline Hamilton was orphaned at a young age. Raised by her two adopted brothers, also orphans, she knows what heartache is. But, she doesn’t let it get her down. Considered cursed because of her mis-matched eyes, she still goes through her day with a spring in her step, a song on her lips and her pet pig by her side. What an example. When her family is threatened she doesn’t give in to getting even. Evie sets out to show God’s love and restoring power. I started this book and stayed up way too late reading. It was just impossible to put down. I can’t wait for the next installment. If you don’t read another book this summer, you have to make time to read More Than Meets the Eye.



I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

“She still had a few tender places that ached when prodded, but Zack and Seth had loved and accepted her into a place where past hurts mattered less than present blessings. Maybe God had brought her into this stranger's life to do the same for him.” ~pg. 59

This is one of those stories to bask in for a few days after reading it just to absorb everything about it! After recovering from the heart-wrenching prologue, Witemeyer promises to soften the blow with her trademark humor and she does so beautifully! I think that's always my favorite things after reading a book written by this talented author; her infectious humor and big belly laugh-out-loud moments. You can't go wrong when you pick up one of her stories.

I'm also hoping she has more in this series because the ending was just the beginning for me. Especially for big brother Zack...and that's all I gotta say about that! Evie is a favorite of mine, she doesn't let what people say about her ruin her sense of well-being and upbeat personality. She has a tender heart when it comes to the misfits of the world, even so far as animals go as evidenced by her friendship with Hezekiah the wild pig. Well not so wild maybe because he's treated like one of the family, at least by Evie. What a spoiled rotten but lovable creature who adds his own personality to the mix! Then along comes Logan, as much of a mystery man as can be. He has revenge on his mind and a devious way to enforce it, that is until a wood sprite named Evie traipses into his life & property. He didn't count on getting emotionally attached to her and the way she makes him open up to things he'd rather see stayed buried! These two have opposite views when it comes to things in life and causes a few sparks. They are fun to watch and even more fun to see fall in love. Seth & Zack add to the strong family dynamics. This mixed family has so much to offer a reader; three people whose past circumstances mesh them together by tragedy, heartache and a bond that surpasses all understanding. There's lots to discover in this action-packed adventure, even a little bit of suspense and mystery going on and infused with plenty of faith. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll sigh satisfactorily at the end!

*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers on behalf of the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. *

More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Karen Witemeyer’s latest book brings the beginning of a new series that will tell the stories of a family that is created by choice rather than birth – a true “Patchwork Family”.

Karen Witemeyer’s trademark humor is delightfully evident in her first book in her new series but I had a little trouble connecting with all of the characters. I know the problems that affected one of her main characters Evangeline Hamilton came from superstitions and just plain meanness, which I can understand totally, but when it came to Logan Fowler, I had a hard time really believing in his angst. Ms. Witemeyer begins her story several years before the bulk of the plot with three orphan children who have not been selected by families at any town along the railroad line. Afraid they will be separated if they behave properly, Evangeline, Zach and Seth strive to make themselves unlikable. When the train that is taking them from place to place derails and injures many, the children take the opportunity to get away from their guardians and make their own way in life. Fast forward several years and the three siblings have a home and property to care for and are doing well in their endeavors. They only go to town rarely since the townsfolk view Eva as cursed and treat her badly (due to her different colored eyes) but they are all fine with the arrangement. Eva has known her whole life that no one wants a child or wife with such unusual eyes, and she is content to live with her brothers the rest of her life. She has all she ever wanted as a child and has come to accept that God doesn’t have marriage in store for one such as her. That is until the arrival of Logan Fowler, the new owner of the property next door and a man with an unusual desire to get to know the Hamiltons. Logan is on the hunt for the man who stole his childhood home from his father in a card game. He has tracked Zach Hamilton to the farm and is determined to find a way to get it back. He didn’t count on Zach’s sister being the first family member he would meet and his attraction to her is quick if unwanted. But as Logan gets to know the Hamiltons, especially Eva, he will learn that although the farm was won unfairly it has become the haven the unwanted children needed so desperately. It will also become home to another young woman whom Logan and Eva rescue from death by purposeful drowning. As Logan struggles to hold onto his anger and bitterness in the face of the kindness and love that Eva gives to all, he will have to make the hardest decision of his life – and on it hangs any future he might have with Eva. I love the way in which Ms. Witemeyer showed that family is what you make it to be. It is not always possible to have one or both parents to care for a child and it was so good to see that in spite of their hurts these three children banded together to become the family they always wanted. And for Eva to have come through everything with such a joyful, loving attitude was a perfect foil for Logan, who had both parents until one decided to take their own life and yet carried such bitter resentment. I completely believed that Eva could be this way given her brother’s care and protection but I really had a hard time connecting with Logan. Logan seemed to be so childishly defiant against the idea that his father had any fault in the loss of his family’s fortunes. But I also felt it was like he wanted someone to prove him wrong, and it wouldn’t take much to do so. He just seemed a little flat when it came to his “need for revenge” that I basically ignored that part of the story and moved on to the better parts. It was too distracting to try to reconcile the two side of Logan that I chose to focus more on his kindness to Eva rather than his apparent revenge plot. It would have been better to make him more angry and resentful if Ms. Witemeyer intended him to convey the true since of loss that he was to have experienced. I also felt that the spiritual parts of the story had elements of excellence but were a bit lacking in the usual punch that Ms. Witemeyer delivered with her past stories. Also, Eva seemed to have been very well developed but the other characters were a bit one dimensional in their makeup – a bit off-putting when it comes to enjoying a story. I am hopeful that the next stories in the series will be better as there were some really interesting secondary characters introduced in this story. Ms. Witemeyer has long been a favorite of mine and I know she will bring out another book that is much better soon. I will recommend this book as an okay read but it will not be one that will be added to my shelves. On to the next read!!

I received this E-book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

This story starts with tragedy. One brought upon a little girl shunned by society because of mismatched eyes. Amidst heartbreak and trauma, Evangeline finds a balm for her soul in the set of most unexpected people who are willing to call her theirs. And so she grows lavished with love, though still secluded from society. She also grows determined never let a creature, human or animal, ever feel the aching pain of disapproval.

Logan Fowler is thirsty for vengeance against the man who tore his family apart. He has a carefully calculated plan and is sure nothing can come in the way. Until the most unexpected an encounter with a mismatched eye girl has him second guessing all he's come to know about himself and his family.

As more danger and animosity appear around them, Logan will have to chose who he's going to chose to protect, because there is no way he can pick both his family and the girl who is bringing sunshine into his life. Or can there? Can forgiveness and grace be such that justice is profoundly served and history. Can love grow in the darkest places to the point that every hurt is washed away and just a tickle in the past that doesn't have a say anymore?

I've read many of Karen Witemeyer's books but for some reason I've only come to realize with this one how her characters are always bringing the best of each other. They work to serve each other and point out the best, alongside hope and deepest acceptance.

Evangeline knows her share of heartache. Orphaned as a child she has been raised by her two "brothers." Zach and Seth are very protective of Evangeline. Outsiders have never understood her unusual eyes. One brown and one blue. Evangeline usually tries to hide her eyes from people so she doesn't scare them and they won't have a reason to torment her.

Logan is a man bent on "justice" and will stop at nothing to make things right for his mother. Logan knows that Zach cheated Logan's father out of his farm and Logan is determined to use any means possible to get it back, including befriending Evangeline in order to find out Zach's weaknesses. What Logan doesn't bargain for is his attraction to Evangeline, but he can't let that stop him from his purpose.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I loved Evangeline's character. She was honest, she was pure, she was happy and she was carefree. Even after all that life had thrown at her and her brothers. People were cruel to her and yet she still found a way to forgive them and be a happy person. I love the life that her brothers had made for themselves in order to protect Evangeline. Zach was a crusty, cantankerous soul, but he softened whenever Evangeline was around. Seth was just as protective even though his health was limiting. I love how the whole family and Logan stepped in to help another person in need too! And Logan! Oh man! I loved his character! I love the fact that he wasn't startled by the unusualness of Evangeline's eyes. He definitely had a skewed idea of justice, but it all worked out in the end. Karen Witemeyer is always a must read for me, but out of all of her books this one reminded me a bit of author Lori Wick. I loved the innocence of Evangeline and the chivalry of the boys wanting to protect her from the world. I love stories like that and I'm so glad that they are still being written! And since I am a suspense/romance fan I love how Karen Witemeyer adds a bit of suspense to her stories to spice things up. I love old-timey/prairie romances and this one fit the bill perfectly!

Karen Witemeyer's historical romances are light, fun and simply well done; she's incredibly consistent. More Than Meets the Eye is no exception.

Eva is a sweet, innocent, and resilient heroine. Logan is a loyal, upstanding heroine. Their romance is rounded out by a delightful cast, including Eva's brothers and Christie, whom they adopt into the fold. Add a little danger and intrigue, and you've got yourself a great story.

The theme of forgiveness is well done, with enough well-placed spirituality to make it real without being preachy.

I quite enjoyed the first book of a new series (Patchwork Family) by Karen Witemeyer. The opening scene starts with action and deep emotion as we find four children left on an orphan train returning with Children’s Aid as no one wanted them. A ruffian, an asthmatic child, a young girl with two different eye colours and her older brother who promised never to leave her. This unlikely group form a strong bond and become family to each other when tragedy strikes their young lives.
The story touches on the challenges of being “different”, given labels just because of the way one looks. There’s heartfelt emotion, and quite a bit of adventure and action throughout the entire book. There’s attempted murder, and fraudulent activities requiring swift justice and captured offenders. There are secrets to be confessed, and pasts that need forgiving. And of course, there are romances that need to find their happily ever afters.
The underlying message is that we all have scars and marks in our lives but God still has plans for each of us, and can use us to accomplish big things. It’s a story of surrendering hurt and revenge to God; of how strong the bond of family is (even in families that aren’t biologically related); and of how God’s love conquers all.
More Than Meets the Eye is a light and enjoyable summer read.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.