I love reading historical fiction, and this one is a perfect one. Abigail is trying to save her bakery. She has to have a man’s name on the deed. So she and Zach decide for a marriage of convenience.

The author has to do a lot of research in writing historical fiction. I admire the hard work that the author puts into writing the book. Even though the characters are fiction, the town was an actual place.

I loved Abigail and Zach so much. Also, there is Rosalind who is Abigail sister. They all have things from their past to work out. The characters were so real to me. Definitely would make a good movie for TV.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. This review is my own opinion.

I have enjoyed many of Karen Witemeyer’s books—wonderful, creative stories of historical fiction. This novel is no exception. She weaves an intriguing tale with interesting characters and frustrating dilemmas. Not only do they face challenges that test them, the details are far from boring and typical, but unique ones that draw you in. I don’t know how she comes up with the situations, but they make for great reading. Pick up any of her novels and settle down to enjoy her gift of storytelling, but More Than Words Can Say may be one of her best. Watching the main characters develop and mature in life and faith offers a rewarding experience. This book deals with a woman who owns a bakery she may not be able to keep. How she lands a husband and manages to keep her business going makes for a satisfying story. Some characters from the previous book in the series appear in this one, but you don’t have to read Than Meets the Eye to enjoy this (although it will add depth to this drama). I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this sweet romance but I think it's bull crap that a woman couldn't own a business in the community she was in.

Absolutely beautiful. Over the past few years Karen Witemeyer has quickly become one of my most favorite authors. I loved the vulnerability of both characters and it was just a genuinely good read start to finish. I loved it!

This book is definitely on my best of 2019 books. I couldn't get enough of the characters and how easy it was to relate to them. The author has charmed me with her attention to details and historical facts scattered throughout the book. It is a book about forgiveness, secrets, pride and humbleness.

Abigail was a delight to read about. Being the oldest daughter she took her role of taking care of her younger sister seriously after both parents passed away. I loved reading about the bakery she ran and could smell the delicious aromas filtering out into the street. Abigail is not very confident in her looks and I could understand her insecurity. I think a lot of women, me included have issues with out looks. The author examines this as she gently leads the character to overcome her insecurity and understand that God made her in His perfect image.

Zach is my favorite character. He is strong, independent and fiercely protective of his siblings. It was interesting to hear about his childhood and how responsible he has become. I could picture him as a tall and strong man who may intimidate people, but was really a big teddy bear. How him and Abigail become married is funny but necessary. There is no way that Abigail is going to lose her bakery and Zach is the answer to saving it.

The story has several lessons in it that I didn't overlook. Each character had a secret from their past that prevented them from forgiving themselves . This hindrance has caused them to stray away from relationships and more importantly, forgive themselves. As I read the book, I thought about the title. It reminds me of the saying, "Actions speak louder than words." In this book that saying is perfect as Zach and Abigail learn to trust each other by their actions rather than words. A simple act of bringing coffee to her husband, brought a deep sense of love to Zach. His commitment to always stand beside Abigail brings her to realize just how much he cares.

There is one character I \can't forget to mention which is Rosalind. Being the pretty sister as Abigail sees her, also brings with it danger of being taken advantage of by others. What I love about Rosalind is how little she thinks of her looks and how encouraging she is to see her sister happy. She is always there to lend a hand to her sister and only wants the best for her.

It is a tug of war between love, respect and forgiveness in this wonderful story. I liked how the author took the relationship of Abigail and Zach slowly and peeled away the scabs that had never healed from their past. The author fills the story with God's wisdom and as I finished the book, I immediately took a look at my life. How many times have I been discouraged by my looks? Have I really allowed God to be first in my life? Am I thankful for a husband who loves me unconditionally? I am thankful for an author that writes stories that not only entertain but gives us words of compassion and love through stories that highlight God and His infinite love.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

As I've mentioned before, I love marriage of convenience stories because I love seeing love develop and deepen within a context of commitment. I was also really looking forward to this book from Karen Witemeyer after getting to know Zacharias in More Than Meets the Eye, which I loved! I'm happy to say that I also really enjoyed this book. It was fun to get inside stoic Zach's head and see how his ever-practical, ever-protective personality fell in love. I also really enjoyed the Texas setting of this book and look forward to spending more time in this community in further books soon!

This book made me laugh. This book made me cry. I love that Abby is not your usual heroine in the physical sense. As a “woman of substance” myself, I relate to her feelings of inadequacy and self-deprecation. The affirmation Zach gave her warmed my heart and reminded me of my own husband who loves me despite the extra weight that I carry.
I found so many quotes that I wanted to share, so in the end, all I can say is read this book! You will enjoy watching Abby and Zach fall in love and watching both take their burdens to Christ and let go of the past that hinders their marriage.
Abby and Zach are perfect for each other as you will see. It’s a beautiful love story reminding us of all that God can do to bring the right people into our lives when we need them most.
It was lots of fun revisiting with Evie, Seth, and Logan from More Than Meets the Eye. If you have not read that one, I strongly recommend it, but if you haven’t, it will not dampen your enjoyment of More Than Words Can Say.
I do feel that some of the subject matter (relating to marital intimacies) is not appropriate for young adult readers. There was also the matter of one character carrying a secret about sitting for inappropriate photos and those photos leading to suggestive remarks. Parental discretion is advised.

I was dying for this book to be released! I first met Zach in More Than Meets the Eye, and easily fell in love with him, obviously I could not wait to see him get his happy ending. What I did not expect was to love his love interest as much as I did. You know we girls aren’t big about sharing. Abigail was delightful. She was so unique as a heroine and I enjoyed every moment I got to spend in her company. Being a woman in times where our rights were so different would be no easy task. When forced to find a way to keep her bakery, Abigail knows she must find a husband. Unfortunately there are only a few options in her small town. The one that interests her the most doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who will completely agree to her plan.

Whenever I pick up a book from Karen Witemeyer I know I am in for a treat. More Than Words Can Say is one of those treats. I couldn’t stop reading and found that several of the chores I planned to get done were pushed to the back burner. There was just the right amount of suspense mixed in, and I loved every moment of it. Zach is the perfect hero and I only grew to love him more. I loved seeing the spunky side of him when it came to Abigail and wished for even more when the book was over. Both of the books in A Patchwork Family Series belong on a re-read shelf right along the other books by Karen Witemeyer. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another delightful romance by Witemeyer, this time a marriage of convenience. This one is a bit different than most marriages of this nature, in that the bride is the one negotiating the union. Abby needs a man on the deed to her bakery or she will be forced to shut it down. She cannot do this as it is her and her sister’s source of income. Although the lady needs “rescuing,” she proposes to her chosen rescuer. As there are only three prospects in the whole town, she picks the most handsome and the one that causes her heart to flutter. She fully expects to be turned down but……..This book is full of hope and love and giving and forgiving. If you’ve enjoyed Witemeyer’s other books then you will love this one……I was given a e-copy from the publisher and I am very pleased to leave a review.

“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. Abigail needed a good baguette by the end of the week.”

Such a fabulous, fun, clever book with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments! I can’t believe this is the first full-length novel by Karen Witemeyer I have read! She has definitely moved into my “must-read historical romance” list. The author’s fluid and easy-to-read writing style effortlessly creates a cozy small town atmosphere of Honey Grove, TX in 1896 as Abigail fights to keep her bakery and her father’s legacy alive in the midst of stiff opposition. There is delightful dialogue and great humor as the passionate, astute and stubborn Abigail forges a marriage of convenience with the reticent, loyal, grudgingly compassionate and hard-working Zacharias as a last ditch effort to keep her bakery in business.
The entertaining plot is girded by beautifully complex and real characters in Abby and Zach. Despite his reluctance at first to the proposed marriage, Zach becomes the protector who “might not understand what was going on in her head, but a mighty squall was battering her hull, and if he couldn’t figure out how to shelter her from it, he aimed to be her anchor until it passed.” Both have wounds from their past - Zach’s more upfront and Abby’s somewhat surprising when it’s revealed - and they both need to let God heal those wounds so that they can move on to live life fully.
This is book 2 in the Patchwork Family series but can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. I didn’t read More Than Meets the Eye (book 1) prior to reading this book and didn’t feel that I missed anything. This book is a must-read for all fans of historical romance. I’m hoping there will be a third book in the series about Abby’s younger sister Rosie. And I’m definitely going back to read the first book about Zach’s adoptive younger sister Evie.

I received a copy of the book from Bethany House via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Oh my goodness, where to start! This book is captivating. I love the cover. It just looks like it’s going to be a super cute story. And it is! I connected with this story immediately when I saw that it centers around a bakery. I’m a baker myself so this was a huge connection point for me. The words flow so nicely. I flew threw the pages. It’s definitely a book where you find yourself saying late into the night, “Just one more chapter!” The story progresses at a great speed. Not too fast not too slow. The details are interesting and pertinent. The main characters are great, the other characters make you like the main characters better and make you root for them. I love how the story opened like a flower. A little bit more revealed as the story progressed until you know the characters deeply. The chemistry between Abigail and Zach is so well written. It makes your heart pound and you smile a little to yourself. I love how Zach stands up for her. This story made me laugh. It made me smile. It made me grit my teeth. It made me frustrated at people’s vindictiveness. The whole gamete of emotion is contained within this story. This is my first experience with Karen Witemeyer’s work. It will not be the last. I’m intrigued by her writing. Well done! I give this book 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from CelebrateLit. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42075360-more-than-words-can-say" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="More Than Words Can Say (Patchwork Family, #2)" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1539121838m/42075360.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42075360-more-than-words-can-say">More Than Words Can Say</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3114906.Karen_Witemeyer">Karen Witemeyer</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2864702405">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3114906.Karen_Witemeyer" title="Karen Witemeyer" rel="nofollow">Karen Witemeyer</a> has been a favorite of mine for quite some time how. She hasn't disappointed in this novel either!<br /><br />Abby owns a bakery and has run it since her father fell ill and subsequently passed away. With the help of her sister, Rosalind, Abby and Taste of Heaven are a hit in town. Well, that is until the day that an outdated city ordinance is resurrected that states that businesses are not to be run by female business owners. Not one to back to down to anyone, Abby develops a plan. <br /><br />Zach Hamilton has had his share of woes. He's grown up on the streets and even took in two kids and raised them after a tragic situation. Zach works for Reuben at the local lumbar mill and has no plans of ever settling down. He's running from his past and not wanting to have anymore responsibilities than he currently has. <br /><br />Every morning at breakfast, Abby has the pleasure of serving the town her famous hot breads, other sweets, and coffee. Zach comes in every day. Could he help her save her bakery? If not him, maybe the church deacon or the mama's boy would be willing to sign her business agreement? <br /><br />Never underestimate the power of a woman on a mission as she will succeed. Abby succeeds in her quest for a partner but he can win his mission as well? <br /><br />I loved this book and found it hard to put down! There is a lot of sensuality with Abby and her chosen as they go from business arrangement to falling in love. It's all very sweet and satisfying to see how together, they win may battles that they are faced with. I do hope that this story will continue as I feel that it easily might. I'd love to know more about Nate and Ida Mae!! <br /><br />Thank you for another great read, Karen!
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/736648-julie">View all my reviews</a>

1896 - Honey Grove, TX Christian Historical Romance
"Satan is the one who wants to increase our burden, to weigh us down with shame and despair, to steal our joy and the strength of the Lord that goes with it. Believing his lies instead of God’s truth makes us weak."

Two young people of few words unexpectedly come together. Now that her father has died, Abigail owns their bakery, and the Mayors wife wants to punish her. Abby is told that she must sell the store because no single women are allowed to own a business in town. She turns to Zach, her first choice, to marry her. Zach carries over from the last book (not necessary to enjoy this). Marriage, a threat to his valuable freedom, was not on his horizon. This is a situation that neither of them would choose, yet since it's done with prayer, we see that God's plan is always the best. The story unfolds as they grow together, learn more about one another, find how much alike they are, and help each other to cope with their own trials and learn to love. Excellent unfolding of characters and depth of story. Now we need to know what happens to the other characters. You'll want to read the first book if you haven't already, just because I'm sure you'll enjoy that too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#MoreThanWordsCanSay #KarenWitemeyer #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

This book is now my favorite Karen Witemeyer book. This one is a marriage of convenience (favorite) and it really touched me how the hero Zacharias (Zach) wooed and pursued his wife Abigail (Abby).
Abby has father issues and feels she never measured up to her father who always wanted a boy heir to take over his bakery. Out of the children that survived, only Abby and her younger sister Rosalind are left after her father’s untimely death. And due to an archaic city ordinance, neither of them is allowed to own the bakery without support of a man.
Zach too has father issues and believes he has finally received what he has always wanted. Freedom. Until Abby concocts a plan to save her bakery by offering a partnership by marriage, one that would keep her in charge of her own business.
There was already an attraction between these two and the time table pushed Abby to pursue a more unconventional means. The push and pull these two gave was enjoyable to watch. I also liked their growth as individuals, a married couple, and a family. This was a story that didn’t let any misunderstandings derail the relationship. That was refreshing. Zach was so intent on loving his wife he wouldn’t let that happen. And I liked watching Abby grow into her own confident woman with a good man always behind her.
This story is one not to be missed. I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I received this in the mail and was very excited to get into the world of Abigail. The cover was just delicious as well as the baked goods she produces.

Abigail was a woman with gumption. She was in a predicament and didn't wait around to solve it. She knew what she needed to do. Zach thought he was free but was he really? Zach and Abigail had a valuable lesson to learn on their own and together.

GOD doesn't mess around. He knows what is best. He knows what Abigail and Zach need.

I really enjoyed the book. It was entertaining and delightful. It clearly pointed out that turning to our Heavenly Father in times of trouble, in times of worry and in times of being thankful is the answer. It is the solution to every need.

I received this free from Celebrate Lit to review.

‘If I am the cornerstone, whatever you build on it will stand firm.’

It’s 1896 in the sweet little town of Honey Grove, TX. Abigail Kemp owns and runs the local bakery after inheriting it from her father. Unfortunately there is a law in this small town, that states a woman cannot own a business without a man as partner. Following is a simply lovely story of how a marriage of convenience leads to a husband and family that should hopefully result in love — but will it or is her need for independence more important? Between unfortunate choices made, long buried hurts brought to light and payback that affects more people than expected I didn’t stop reading until the book was finished. While this book is obviously part of a series of books, I had no trouble following the story without having read the first one, something I certainly want to do. I highly recommend this book and look forward to learning more about these wonderful characters.

An ARC of this book was given by Baker Publishing Group, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions and opinions are my own.

Ms. Witemeyer has done it again - given life to characters that you quickly fall in love with and don’t want to say goodbye to. After meeting Zach in ‘More Than Meets the Eye’ I was anxious to get my hands on this book and discover his story and I was not disappointed.

I found myself immersed in the story right from page one. How dare the town council tell Abigail what she can and can’t do with her bakery. She works hard and is dedicated to her sister, but she is in threat of losing everything all because she is not married. Abigail comes up with a plan that will enable her to keep her business and provide for her sister but it does require her to sacrifice some of her dreams, however she is willing to accept those consequences.

Zach is reluctant to accept Abigail’s proposal at first, but thanks to her sisters meddling he accepts. He can’t turn his back on a women in need (and his attraction to her makes it harder.) I really enjoyed how these two respected and treated one another. Zach was honorable and treated Abigail well and looked out for her sister, just like a brother would. In addition to providing for Zach’s physical needs (feeding him) Abigail supported him and helped him deal with scars from his childhood. It doesn’t take long for feelings stronger than friendship to develop but will they act on them and risk the arrangement? I was cheering for them to realize how much more fulfilling life could be if they would risk their hearts.

I cringed each time Sophia ran into Abigail, she was so mean and rude to her. It pained me to see Abigail treated this way, but she quietly accepted it and tried not to let it bother her. When she did finally stand up to Sophia she went about it with grace and kindness. I was so proud of her.

I really loved this book and hope that Ms. Witemeyer plans on writing a story for Rosalind.

Zach is one of my favorite heroes. He developed such a protective and noble character despite the circumstances of his upbringing. Yet he was filled with grief and guilt over his past, things he did to survive and to ensure his adopted sister and brother survived. Mostly for them. He was also a confirmed bachelor, figuring he was no catch – who would want him after what he had done?

Abby was such a complex character. Her larger size and the way her father made it so clear he was disappointed she wasn't a boy combined to make her feel insignificant and yet she was confident in her abilities as a baker and had a great strength of character. I loved her generous heart and even the way she treated Sophia with kindness despite the vitriol aimed Abby's way whenever this former friend was around.

One of the things I appreciated the most about Abby's size is how the author showed how Zach was attracted to her. Not despite her appearance, and not just because of it. His words to reassure her that he wouldn't have married just anyone to help them were some of the sweetest!

I thoroughly enjoy marriage of convenience stories. The situation driving Abby to propose to Zach was one I've not seen used before. And I liked that even though Zach turned her down initially, he fathom the idea of Abby marrying anyone else. That they had a slight relationship prior to the marriage and that they had been attracted to one another was also very sweet.

The title ties into several themes. One being that Zach wasn't much of a communicator, sometimes speaking more eloquently with grunts than words. Another being the need for words to be shared between the two regarding their pasts - each harbored secret shame that they dreaded having to reveal yet knew they needed to. Words and openness were also needed when gossips took an innocent situation and blew it out of proportion, preying on Abby's self-consciousness and insecurities.

An enemy seeking to harm her, secrets from her sister's past, and the awkwardness of being married to an- almost stranger all combined to make an interesting story with sweet spiritual encouragement throughout.

I do feel it necessary to mention that the author doesn't hide the fact that Zach and Abby are physically attracted to one another. This ended up being a subject woven throughout the story as they determined not to consummate their relationship until they knew each other better. This was tastefully handled yet I mention it for the frequency in which it occurs. For this reason, I do not recommend it to younger teen readers.

More Than Words Can Say is a delightful story that lovers of historical Christian romance with a touch of intrigue will enjoy.

The city council has told Abby that women can not own a business, only men. Wow! She refuses to take their suggestions and takes matters in her own hands by arranging a marriage to her terms. Her first choice for the behind the scenes and not in control is a fellow who is a favorite visitor to her bakery. Quiet, strong and a hard worker. A marriage of convenience? Well, I think they both got a surprise. I loved how this played out!

The second book in the Patchwork Family series, I’m so glad author Karen Witemeyer gave us Zach’s story! Quiet and seemingly grumpy, Zach is a great protector and has a heart of gold. Someone just needs to go mining for it. And Abigail will do what it takes to see her dreams come true while supporting her family. Great characters that you will love!

Through the story we read about hurtful pasts causing challenges in the present, but we are reminded that God has a path for each of us to walk, and that path includes forgiveness and redemption. We also see God putting families together in unique ways, because He is all about family; whatever that looks like to you.

A rough hero, a heroine with a less than perfect body shape, and a wonderful small town full of real people make for a great, unconventional read. I highly recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.