MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY is another delightful read from this author and series! Readers will easily fall in love with these characters and cheer them on as they try to find their happily-ever-after.

I just plain adored these characters! Abby is one of those characters that is so easy to relate to. She's hard-working, loyal, sweet, with a heart of gold. Zach is rough around the edges and somewhat gruff, but he also has a soft heart and is fierce in protecting his own. I loved their interactions and I especially loved how Zach didn't let Abby storm off or turn away from him. He stopped and sorted things out right then. I also loved seeing their relationship develop and love grow, leading to plenty of swoon-worthy scenes. The story also has plenty of moments when I wasn't sure how things would turn out, keeping things interesting to the very end.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this from beginning to end. It did have some more mature content as the characters tried to figure out their roles as husband and wife, so I'd recommend it to older readers, but I definitely recommend it!

Content: Some innuendo, content related to marital relations, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the the publisher through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review nor affect my review in any way.

This is the second book in the Patchwork Family series and it can read as a stand-alone novel. That is how I read it and thought that it made good sense. I do think reading them in order might provide a bit more clarity to some of the characters, but I also don't feel like I missed too much in the book either.

It's a fun little historical romance with a strong theme of grace and forgiveness running through it. Sometimes forgiveness is easier to extend to others than to one's self. It's also easy to be blinded by our choices and think that we have only one option when that is not true.

Abigail wants to keep her bakery and Zacharias wants to keep to himself, but a marriage of convenience turns into more, of course. But then there's sabotage and orphans and things like that that get thrown into the mix, creating a fun, but challenging story. How quick am I to extend grace and forgiveness? How quick am I to offer hope to someone who needs it if it is going to inconvenience me and cause me to sacrifice?

I received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I truly enjoyed this book. This is a genre that I tend to really enjoy. I love a good historical romance when the author takes the time to research the time and place to bring as much realism and accuracy as possible to the story and setting. Ms. Witemeyer never disappoints. This author has been one of my favorite authors for her last several books. I find that she improves with every book she writes, and I have found her work very good from the beginning!

Ms. Witemeyer has created a slew of very well developed characters with wonderful depth. She took the time to lay out wonderful back stories for each character. I also loved that even though this book was part of a series that does build from one book to the next, it can easily be read as a single story without the reader being fully lost. This author doesn't go into repeating the entire previous story, but does share just enough to easily understand the history needed for the current story to make total sense. With many authors, either the books have to be read in order in order to not feel totally lost, or every story feels like a replica of the previous with just some new tidbits added here and there. This is not the case in this series.

The editing is very well done. Grammar and punctuation were clearly a priority, as this story was smooth to read from beginning to end. I also was drawn in from the very first page, and found that that story did not feel at all rushed, but also did not drag on at all. There was just enough description of surroundings to bring the reader within the pages to feel like they are within the storyline without feeling so much description that you find yourself bored.

I look forward to reading more stories from this author in the future. I'm grateful to NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review books for them. This is a privilege I greatly value, especially when I get opportunity to read such wonderful work as this one!

Witemeyer has created another amazing 4 star novel! This one, in her trademark fashion, will have you whootin out loud with laughter! From start to finish, the reader is taken to the heart of the historical story and made to feel a part of the fun. Definitely recommend this novel that's full of hope and love, faith and acceptance to all who want to chuckle while they read. Hats of to Witemeyer! Can't wait to read the next!

I think I’ve just read one my favorite marriage of convenience stories ever! Witemeyer grabbed my attention right from the first chapter, with the fiery Abby trying to hold on to what is rightfully hers. I mean, plus the fact that she owns a bakery, and I love baking kind of sealed the deal 😉

Then she brings Zach into the picture. Here’s this sort of quiet, shy, strong man who you can see has a soft side (the scene where he is playing with children – yeah totally liked that). I instantly knew I wanted him and Abby together. What’s great about their love story is that it is not your typical marriage of convenience. First of all, there isn’t this huge awkwardness between Zach and Abby. In my opinion, it’s more of a shyness. However, neither one of them is afraid to ask the hard questions. I mean, Zach comes right out and asks about relations as part of the contract (gasp)! I think I almost fell on the floor when I read that. This open communication continues throughout the entire story. They just easily fell into this rhythm, and I found myself not getting enough of it.

Then there were the smooches. From the very first smooch at the wedding, I knew there were plenty of toe curling moments ahead. What chemistry Zach and Abby had! Again, this was not your normal marriage of convenience story, but I was so happy with the way Witemeyer wrote it. Even more important was that Zach and Abby both had something in their past they were ashamed of. They carried guilt around for years, as a lot of us do with things in our own lives. The power of giving that burden over to the Lord, and the freedom that can come afterwards was such a great lesson in their story.

Historical fans and romance fans alike will devour the latest in the Patchwork Series. I cannot wait to see what story comes next! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a cute story about two sisters that were in between a rock and a hard place.

Abigail had inherited her father’s bakery however women weren’t allowed to own property at that time. She was to either sell the bakery or have it taken from her.

Or, plan c.

Find a husband.

I love Karen Witemeyer for her wit and storytelling… and I love stories of marriages of convenience. All her stories are well written, this one is no exception.

The only trouble is when the couple gets married at the beginning of the book and the story is about them falling in love… well, boundaries ain’t no thang… so that can create a bit of a… blushing reader…if you know what I mean. To be clear, it is a CLEAN read, but I’m not sure some of the topics in this book are really for an unmarried reader. It’s kind of like when certain things are talked about to the entire congregation instead of holding a marriage conference. Do you know what I mean?

I love Karen’s work. I definitely laughed a lot and enjoyed the plot and all that. I don’t want to give a spoiler, but the kids Abigail and Zach helped in-the-end were the cherry on top… that, and the widows in the community who came to Abigail’s rescue. I hope that’s not too spoiler-like for you all.

I give it a four-star – I mean, I am married and found this story very relatable. It might be a good book for a book group for engaged ladies or new brides. 😀

This is book two in the Patchwork Family series. It is sill a stand alone book, however you do miss some history, and a good read, by jumping right into this one. Witemeyer does a great job though of bringing you up to speed, so it is not necessary to read book one (More than Meets the Eye).

Book two we find Zacharias Hamilton is finally free of being a provider. He is loving his new freedom, but when Abigail Kemp is in need of help can Zacks' protective instinct keep him from helping, even if his freedom is now in danger.

Abby is an independent baker, when her livelihood is put to the test she will stop at nothing to keep it.

I love the sparks, mystery, forgiveness and of course romance in this novel and I look forward to book three.

More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer is book 2 in the Patchwork Family series. I am a fan of this author's writing and was excited to pick up this book. A bakery, a marriage of convenience, a possible romance, and a threatening situation-- what more could a novel have? This is the perfect read and I highly recommend it to readers of many backgrounds. You won't regret it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

My Thoughts:
Prepare to time travel. And then prepare to be spellbound in the new time and place you’re in. You may never want to come back to the present day again. I know I didn’t!

Karen Witemeyer writes excellent books. I’ve read some of her series before and was very excited to get to read this book. I made sure to grab a copy of the first book in the series and gave it a fast read before diving into this one. You don’t have to though. I recommend you do because who doesn’t want to read more than one good book? Come on, we all know we’re book-a-holics. That being said you don’t have to read book one to understand and love book two, it just makes it that much better. And I’m sure book three will seal the deal!

When I look at an author and decide if I’ll read another of their books I’m looking to see if they elicited a response from me. Did I laugh? Were there tears in my eyes? Did my kids have to ask me what was making me giggle or wipe tears away? Those are all wonderful things! Really they are. That means the author is simply amazing and I must run out and get more of their books or at the very least request them from the library.

Karen Witemeyer is one of those amazing authors that you just have to read more and more by because she makes you feel like she knows you. You feel like the main character is you at times. It’s not just the fun and the small bits of mystery and romance. Rather, it’s the reminders of God’s love and the assurances of whether we screw up a little or a lot He’s there.

There aren’t a lot of books or authors anymore that I want to keep around for my children to read as they grow older. I have teenage daughters now and one is always asking if she can read the book I just finished. This is actually one book that I’m okay with her reading. Even in the Christian fiction circles there are just some books that I don’t feel comfortable sharing with my daughter. I would share this one. That’s probably the highest praise I can give a book or an author.

I highly recommend this book and all of this author’s wonderful reads. You’ll love them.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Karen Witemeyer is a wonderful author of historical Christian fiction. I have enjoyed every book I have read by her and More Than Words is one of my favorites! Even with the unorthodox beginning, the relationship between Abigail and Zacharias has a beautiful progression. The story moves along steadily with both action and character growth, and it has a satisfying ending. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read!

This was the first book I have read from this author, although I have seen many of her books. I really liked it although it was interesting that the character Abigail, felt she was heavy and yet the cover picture certainly doesn't indicate that.

It was an entertaining read and this marriage of convenience seemed to be a good decision for both as they worked through their pasts and their concerns about them. Each needed to work those things out before their marriage of convenience could go to the next level. There may have been a little too much mention of the "marital relations". Although the book was clean, it seemed to dwell on that a bit more than I would want it to.

But it was a good read, longer than many books I have read lately, but enjoyable.

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Where There’s a Will There’s a Way….

Determined to keep her family business, Abigail Kemp is resorting to a marriage in name only—and she must do the proposing! But someone wants her out of business so badly, even that might not be enough. She must deal with her sister, who inadvertently puts her reputation at stake, an enemy who is set out to ruin Abigail, and a secretive, confirmed bachelor. Despite it all, she doesn’t give up as she faces one roadblock after another.

This is a fun story with lots of predicaments, all told from a Christian point of view. It was refreshing to have the heroine be someone who does not look like a runway model, thank you Ms. Witemeyer! This is a clean story, but there are some mature themes and innuendo when referring to marriage that might make it inappropriate for young readers. This is the second installment of A Patchwork Family Novel series, but this story stands by itself. I recommend this 5-star book to everyone who enjoys light stores of over-comers with a dash of humor and romance!

NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of More Than Words Can Say, for the purpose of review.

Abigail Kemp has kept up the operation of her father's bakery since his death six months ago. More than merely thankful for a way to provide for herself and her younger sister, Abigail loves making delicious recipes and has a good head for running the bakery. Unfortunately, the city council has decided to enforce an archaic law that says no woman can own a business in their town, and Abigail is faced with a choice: close up shop, or find a man willing to accept a proposed marriage of convenience in order to put his name on the deed. With a detailed contract in hand, Abigail begins making the rounds of Honey Grove's eligible bachelors.

Zacharias Hamilton is happy to be his own man after spending his youth raising his siblings. Now that they are grown and on their own, he loves being free from the weight of responsibility. When Abigail approaches him about her need, his first instinct is to run away—no matter how much the pretty young woman and her tasty baked goods have impressed him in the past. But thinking of Abigail having to tie herself to any of the other choices on her list makes him reconsider, especially when he learns that the city council is not the only danger facing the Kemp sisters. With a few adjustments to her thorough contract, Zach agrees to the marriage.

Overjoyed to have saved her bakery, Abigail tries not to let Zach's presence disrupt their daily lives. But, as she muses in Chapter 15, "Marriage to a man with a penchant for kissing was proving to be a trial." She's agreed to being open to a real marriage once they get to know one another better, but she's in no rush. Meanwhile her sister faces some difficulties and her former best friend is set on ruining everything Abigail touches, giving her plenty of things to focus on along with the daily workings of the bakery.

Wooing one's extremely practical but also beautiful and thoughtful wife is taking longer than Zach anticipated. He's up to the challenge, though he'd just as soon keep the shadier parts of his past hidden if he can. Soon all their wits will be required to outsmart those trying to bring them harm, and true intimacy also means being vulnerable with God and each other. Can these two ever find the words to say what's in their heart?

This story is a sweet delight that I thoroughly enjoyed. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, Zach is my favorite kind of hero, and Abigail reminded me of myself, making this a delicious confection for my reading tastes. Although I wouldn't recommend it for young readers, it was perfectly lovely as two broken yet seemingly strong people find their way to each other. This is a story I'll be reading again in the future.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

______________________________________________________________________________
Story Notes

Karen Witemeyer continues the story of the Hamilton family with a story that focuses on Zach and his journey to find love and a forever home.

I was so glad to see that Ms. Witemeyer’s newest book was going to tell her readers of Zach finally finding a place to belong. His story began in More Than Meets the Eye but this book lends its focus to him and his journey of love. The story begins with a young woman named Abigail Kemp, who is the current owner of “Taste of Heaven” bakery. She is in a very unwanted dilemma which requires her to either sell her property to a male investor or find a husband very quickly. Neither appeal to her but a marriage of convenience seems to be the lesser of the two evils she faces. Making a list of the eligible bachelors in town gives her a choice among three candidates who answer her needs. Now she just has to convince one of them to agree to her contracted marriage arrangement. Zach Hamilton is finally free of all his burdens of the past and is enjoying his newfound freedom. He is bound to no one and has no desire to become bound to anyone anytime soon. But when the lovely bakery owner approaches him with an unorthodox arrangement, Zach will have to think long and hard about his decision. Problem is, he doesn’t have long and hard to think if he is going to help Abigail save her bakery. Agreeing very reluctantly, Zach marries Abigail but with the understanding that while their marriage may start out as one of convenience, they will work towards making it a true marriage. Abigail is not adverse to a true marriage but agrees it will take time to get to know each other. As they work together to make the bakery thrive, they also learn ways to help each other thrive. And when the bakery comes under attack, they will both need to accept help to ensure all will be well again in the bakery and in their married life. I love stories like these, that begin with two persons that seem like opposites coming to find they are much more similar than they first believed. I enjoyed the quiet but growing romance between Zach and Abigail. They each had a past that made finding love a gamble but they still held out hope that they would find it. Zach thought he didn’t want responsibility anymore but he discovered that he is his best self when caring for others. Abigail found she did not want to do everything on her own even though she thought that would be best in the beginning. And their coincidental faith journeys allowed them to grow together as they worked to make the bakery flourish again. I will certainly be recommending this book to others as I found it to be very well done. I’m also looking forward to adding a copy of it to my “re-read soon” shelf. Ms. Witemeyer is certainly turning out some really great reads and I’m hopeful the next will be out very soon!

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 for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer is a wonderful, zany, historical romance that includes faith at its core. While it is helpful to read the preceding book in the series, it is not required to enjoy More Than Words Can Say.

Abigail Kemp and Zacharias Hamilton are well-developed, lovable characters that I quickly found myself rooting for. Witemeyer provides likable secondary characters and a villain who, the more I knew, the more I actually hoped for redemption.

It was nice to read about a heroine who was somewhat less than thin. Unfortunately, the picture on the front of the book does not accurately portray the Abby presented inside.

Secrets and shame, guilt from past hold both Abby and Zach back. I feel shades of Les Mis in my mind when Zach cannot release the past, knowing he would repeat the wrong for its benefits. What a conundrum that causes and a stumbling block in his road to total honesty and a relationship with the Father.

Quotables:

“...a wise woman never burned a bridge she might need to cross at a future date.”

”...revenge had a tendency to warp a person’s mind when allowed to fester for a long period of time.”

“These stuffy male councilmen might want to hold her down, but like a well-made bread dough, she planned to rise to the occasion.”

For a fun, faith-filled romance, all well blended, baked, and deliciously served up; I heartily recommend More than Words Can Say. I was gifted a complimentary copy of the book through NetGalley. This in no way influenced my opinions for which I am solely responsible.

Really enjoy reading Karen's books. Her characters are so alive with engery. and excitement. She weaves Christian love throughout her books. Can't wait for the next book of the series.

I was first drawn to this book by the ADORABLE cover! JUST LOOK AT IT: the colors, the baking, the subtle glances, everythingggggg.

The characters are the sweetest: I think my favorite character was Rosie, who wasn't even the main character! I also totally shipped Abigail and Zach: they were SO cute and their chemistry was so good! The story was also SUPER sweet and the character development was so sweet too!

In terms of content, I thought this one was kind of on the heavy side? There were several really sweet kisses, but they were written out in great detail. Also, the symbolic choice for character development in this book seemed the two MCs sleeping together. As someone who is currently in a relationship, I appreciated the sweet kisses and the relationship in general, but even I thought the romantic line was a bit much.

Aside from that, the writing style was phenomenal! I really loved some of the metaphors and imagery that was used, it was witty and sweet and read smoothly and it was just fun. This is my second Witemeyer book, and I remember enjoying the last one like this too!

I haven't read the first book in the series, but I've seen it was about Zach's backstory, and now I'm interested in reading it!

My Rating-
4/5

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.

This review first appeared on: https://losingthebusyness.wordpress.com/2019/05/29/book-revire-more-than-words-can-say-by-karen-witemeyer/

ADORABLE! As I've come to expect from Karen Witemeyer. And full of her signature romance and thoughtfulness.

Zach's story has been long coming and the romance took him by surprise as it did us, readers. But only determined, undaunted Abigail to come to severe-looking Zach with a marriage proposition and thaw his heart during the first days of their "business".

Cheerful ad humorous, this book quickly pulls you into the story. And Witemeyer also wisely thread in themes of forgiveness and sacrifice. Zach always comes out as grave and serious, but we who have read the past books know the big heart that lies within. Abigail won't take long to discover it as well. No, it is actually Zach who needs to acknowledge the goodness received to that absolves any corruption.

"More than Words Can Say" relates the story of a woman who makes a "business arrangement" marriage in order to save her business. Both Abby and her new husband Zach find themselves attracted to each other, and their marriage turns into more than "business."

The setting in a western town provided interest and insight into developing towns and businesses of the American West. The plot moved along quickly and kept my interest throughout. I especially liked both Abby and Zach, who proved to be quite a match for each other, and each feisty in their own right. The Christian message is overt, yet plays an integral role in the story, and is not overdone.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy a quick-paced Christian romance in an interesting setting.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

I was really excited to get a chance to read this book. I loved the cover and the description. I had not read the first book in the series. I did not have any problems following along. The book gives back story so I did not feel like I was missing out on anything. This book is a story of marriage of convience. However, I love the forgiveness theme. No matter what we do, how far we wander God always forgives us. This was a reminder I needed. This author has well written characters, a very amazing storyline, and her writing flowed so clear you felt you were right there watching. I love when books do that! I will be going back to read the first book, and cannot wait until the next book by this author comes out!
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.