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.

I requested Karen Witemeyer’s latest book, More Than Words Can Say. I do not typically read Amish fiction; however, this tale provided an interesting tale!

This is a fun, and yes, slightly humorous historical romance. It involves a marriage of convenience. (I find these always to be intriguing, because whoever does this in real life??!!)

Abby is a fun heroine. She feels forced into marriage in order to save her bakery--the one that's been in her family and belongs to her! So, she proposes to Zach. Although he's unsure about it at first, it's interesting to see how quickly this all changes.

A few twists and turns, as the characters get to know each other better. I especially liked the details about Abby's "Taste of Heaven" bakery, and would have enjoyed sampling her wares.

Their town sounded quite typical of small towns in those days...close-knit, and yet some strife when people don't always get along.

Abby had to face some hard things from her past in order to move forward into her future.

All in all, a great read.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I’m loving this series. The main thing I love is that Karen doesn’t have perfect looking heroines. In the first book Evie had mismatched eyes, which isn’t a big deal now days but apparently back “then” it was a big deal.

In this book Abby is a big more round then your typical character, again this is true to life and how many women are built and feel self-conscious about.

I knew this romance would be hot and it was. Our two characters are thrown together but the romance builds slowly.

There is also a mystery hanging in the air that we know nothing about for a quite awhile, well, you know it exists but we have no idea what it is.

Karen Witemeyer fans will not be disappoint in this latest book and other readers will love discovering a new author.


A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

Let me preface this by saying I absolutely LOVE the cover. It is so cute! I also love the attraction between Abigail and Zach and his matchmaking friends. I also love Ms. Witemeyer's voice. I're read some of her novellas before but this is the first full-length novel I've read by her.

MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY is a cute retelling of the tried and true marriage of convenience plot line in romances. Instant sexual tension. And, of course, both parties bit off more than they bargained for. Abigail is strong-willed and wants what she wants and Zach isn't the silent pushover she'd hoped for. No way. He is very much a man's man.

Add a light mystery, stir well, and you end up with a delicious historical romance with fun flavored additions. You won't want to miss MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY. Grab a copy while it's hot.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

There are times when a marriage of convenience goes in all the wrong directions, and there are times when it’s done with a linear path and a single goal. Abby is a woman with one goal: Save her bakery. But that goal has conditions. She refuses to sell, and won’t allow anyone to become a partner because then they’d be able to control the bakery. Her solution comes in the form of tall, dark, and handsome, Zacharias Hamilton.

In small-town Honey Grove, Zach is one of only a few eligible bachelors, and he’s by far the best choice.

Que romance music every time Zach walks into a scene. He’s the answer to all Abby’s problems, some problems she didn’t even know she had. And best of all, Abby is the answer to breaking through Zach’s determination to set himself apart from love.

Abby and Zach have a painful past they don’t reveal to each other until after the wedding vows. Although, I think they could have been friends even without the ‘I do’ if Abby’s circumstances hadn’t been needing such a quick fix.

For me, there’s a bit of a conundrum with the arranged marriage. Abby is a devout Christian. Zach is not. Oh, he goes to church, but he’ll admit he’s on shaky ground with God. Shaky as in, he has no foundation to stand on. So, I know Abby needs to save the bakery, but I never read where she prayed about what to do. Then there’s the whole ‘unevenly yoked’ thing where believers are not supposed to marry unbelievers. I’m not going there, I don’t have the right since I broke that one myself…just saying it’s there.

But, this is fiction, and I can’t give spoilers. So, you’re just gonna have to read it for yourself and see if everything works out.

Back to Zach and Abby. It felt like a wonderful relationship between them, despite the short notice. Abby is relatable on so many levels. She thinks she’s fat and interjects her lack of self-worth at least a dozen times into conversations with Zach. Zach is having none of it and always tells her how beautiful and wonderful she is. Talk about multiple awwww moments.

Overall, I thought More Than Words Can Say was a wonderful Historical Christian Fiction. And I should definitely go read book one.

I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I always love Karen Witemeyer books and this one is one of my favorite. I could not put this book down. I loved the characters of Abby, Zach and Rosalind. They had an interesting start to the beginning of their family. Both Abigail and Zach needed to let some past transgressions go so they could start their own lives. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

"More Than Words Can Say" by Karen Witemeyer
I loved this story. I also requested the opportunity to receive an ARC of this story, and yes, it was granted by the publisher via NetGalley. This is a wonderful historic romance story set in America in the late 1800's. What I loved? It was a clean romance that made me chuckle and made me cry, and made me ever so glad to spend my time with these characters in the town of Honey Grove, Texas. Love and Faith can change your world. And when you read this story, be sure to read the author's notes at the end. Happy Reading !!

Wowsa! This book totally knocked it out of the park for me!

It’s been a little while since I’ve read a 1800’s Western Historical, but with this book, Karen Witemeyer helped me remember why I fell in love with the genre in the first place.

I like to talk about my favorite characters in my book reviews, and y’all. The characters in this book were awesome!!

Abigail—Ohmygoodness, can I just say how amazing it is that Abby is a plus-sized heroine? She was also so very relatable—she struggled with so many things that so many of us do as well—guilt, feeling less-than, self-recrimination, doubt, etc... But she was an amazing character that fought back, and chose hope. Chose love and trust instead of letting fear and guilt bind her.

Also, Zacharias (I 😍 his name!). He was so sweet!! He was quiet and kind of lonely—but very content to stay that way, until Abby burst onto the scene and turned his world upside down! 😉 His fierce protection of his family was so touching, and the way he championed Abby and her sister was awesome!!

I think one of my favorite aspects of this book, was when the main characters were having struggles with misunderstandings, etc... they refused to just back down and turn silently away from the issues they were having—especially Zach! As quiet as he was, I am so impressed with the fact that he stood up to and for Abby time and again, and proved his love, steadfastly and honorably.

Another amazing aspect of this book was the rich themes of hope and forgiveness found in God alone—only he can take two lives broken and shaped by so much shame and tragedy, mold them together, and create something so beautiful!


Witty, sincere, relatable, hilarious, and touching—this book was fantastic, and you totally need to give it a try! 😉 And I am so excited to find out what comes next in this “Patchwork Family” series! Amazing job, Ms. Witemeyer!

I received a copy of this book for FREE, and a positive review was not required.

Note: This book might be better for a slightly more mature audience, as it about a marriage of convenience, and some topics may be a tad TMI. 😉

I am always ready to read any book by Karen Witemeyer because I find them to be the perfect blend of historical romance, humor, and faith, not necessarily in that order. After reading More Than Meets the Eye, it was a must to read Zach’s story to find out how his life turned out. More Than Words Can Say definitely lived up to its promise.

I can truthfully state that Zach certainly met his match in Abigail. She threw his carefully made plans out the door with her sensible proposal to save her bakery. His overactive sense of protection wouldn’t allow him to let her sacrifice herself to another man who might take advantage of the situation.

It was fun catching up with Zach and meeting Abigail for the first time. Friends and family from the previous novel made an appearance or two that added to my enjoyment. Zach and Abigail’s interactions had a bit more sizzle to them than usual yet the story pretty much remained squeaky clean. Hard feelings from a former friend and escalating threats against the bakery brought added drama and danger to the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed More Than Words Can Say and loved how both Zach and Abigail learned to place their trust in God. It was so encouraging to see how the community came together to help those in need and also the powerful effect the act of forgiveness can have on a person’s life.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

More Than Words Can Say is the first book I have read by author, Karen Witemeyer, but it definitely won't be the last. I really enjoyed this story and read it quite quickly, totally caught up in Abby's and Zach's story. What started as a marriage of convenience for Abby was always more to Zach. Watching them dance around their feelings for one another and not wanting to upset or scare off the other, allowed them to get to know what a truly wonderful person their spouse was and I loved watching them fall in love.

This is a story of love, taking care of your family both financially and emotionally, faith, trusting God and forgiveness. Being unable to forgive themselves and others caused characters in the story to hurt themselves by making the wrong decisions as well as hurting others. I did not like Sophia very much in this story due to her despicable actions towards Abby. Unable to forgive Abby for an accident many years before had her doing whatever she could to make Abby's life miserable, eventually causing her husband to make some serious decisions. Rosie, Abby's sister, also had to learn from a major mistake in her life. The support of both Abby and Zach helps her to move on. There are so many characters in the book to love from Zach's partner and his family to the widows who Abby sends her leftovers to at the end of the day, the town is full of wonderful characters. Abby's love of her Lord is evident, and when she finally gives it up to God, she is at peace that whatever he has in mind for her, it will be what she needs. A great story, with great characters, and a wonderful message. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

4.5 stars

Author Karen Withemeyer writes historical romance because she believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She wraps her stories with humor, but the underlying spiritual themes have her stories rise above many that saturate the market. Witemeyer's love for her home state of Texas is apparent in her flawless research and vivid descriptions of life in Honey Grove, Texas.

"When had a practical solution for saving her bakery turned into an emotional campaign for a love match?"

Abigail Kemp needs a man's name on her bakery deed to retain ownership of her family business. The search for a solution brings Abigail Kemp and Zach Hamilton into an unconventional alliance. This story is filled with humor and the chemistry between the two practically sizzles as each realize they may want more than just a business arrangement. But each hides secrets and guilt from the past that keeps each from experiencing peace and the ability to look ahead. Their personal struggles touched my heart.
One of my favorite quotes:" 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."

I found this story to be delightful. While the happily-ever-after is not a surprise, the journey as Abigail and Zach find the courage to open the hearts to each other will bring a happy sigh to readers. I look forward to reading more stories of this charming Patchwork Family in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

"More Than Words Can Say" is the second book in Karen Witemeyer's A Family Patchwork series and it is so good! Seriously, I read the first book and loved it, but I love this one even more! I really liked all 3 of the Hamilton siblings, but Zach really tugged at my heart, especially at the end of the book in "More Than Meets the Eye," and now after reading this book and it being his story he is definitely my favorite of the siblings! Zach feels free to live his life now that his two siblings are married; he is not responsible to take care of and provide for them anymore. Now, Zach is working at a sawmill as he never wants to farm again and he is in a set routine as a bachelor. However, a part of his routine is breakfast at the local bakery every morning, two sticky buns and a coffee, delivered to him by Abby whom runs the bakery. Abby understands him, she delivers his breakfast to his table with little to no words; they have an understanding. When Abby has a proposition for him, his immediate response is no; however the more time that passes and the more involvement there is, he knows he cannot say no.
Zach grows so much as a character and yet the strength, and kindness as well as such a huge heart has been there all along. Abby is a wonderful main character as well and she just became so real in the pages of the book as does her sister Rosalind (whom I hope book #3 focuses on!). This book has it all - mystery, romance, healing, forgiveness and hope. I love how the characters come to life and they are so easy to like and relate to. I cannot say enough about this book, it is just so good!

Zacharias Hamilton might be the single most impressively kind, gruff, generous, selfless, handsome teddy bear and hero in Christian fiction! I absolutely loved his character. His past is flawed, sure, with previous choices outside of God’s plan, but with the help of the spunky and wonderful Abigail, he comes to realize that God’s way is truly the best way. I enjoyed relating to the characters, which was easy to do in this story. The baking puns, quirky characters, and seamless writing style make the book well rounded and complete. I did not want to put the book down! And the romance was sweet and spicy, with a realistic progression of their feelings. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more by this author!

I confess, I haven’t been keeping up with Karen Witemeyer’s books like I had been. Not because I wasn’t enjoying them, just that life got busy and my reading time reduced drastically. I’m definitely a sucker for marriage of convenience tales, though, and when I saw the cover for this one, I knew I had to read it! Especially after reading the first book, “More Than Meet the Eye” and getting just a small glimpse into Zacharias Hamilton and his quiet, stoic ways. Like its predecessor, this book was a quick, thought-provoking, entertaining read that I would happily pick up again!
What makes or breaks any story for me is the characters and I definitely enjoyed getting to know these new additions! Mrs. Witemeyer has a knack for creating intriguing characters that wrap around your heart and draw you into their story. I was super excited that this book would be Zacharias’ story and was curious to see where it would go. I was immediately drawn in from the very first page and didn’t want to put it down! (unfortunately, real life tends to intrude) He’s a character not particularly known for effusive ways and is running from a past he can’t erase. I always so appreciate the spiritual truths this author shares and the encouragement found within her books. This one focuses on trusting God and finding His forgiveness is always there, waiting for us to accept it. I found Abby to be an excellent counterpart for him, with her no-nonsense ways and independent streak. I loved that he saw her beauty, when she wasn’t so sure. And the kisses! There’s definitely quite a bit of sparks and flirting, which I adored! I also loved getting to know Rosalind and am really hoping the next book is hers! My only mild negative is that I found part of the story to be a bit anti-climatic. And felt something of it was left unfinished. Though if the next book follows the character I’m hoping it will, then I’m assuming that will be cleared up in it.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book and would have raced through it in one sitting, given the chance!

*My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

I am so glad that Zacharias Hamilton got his own story! And Abigail was the best match for him. They have a business arrangement to save her bakery. A marriage of convenience. Zach has found 2 more people to protect. This a very sweet story in more than just the bakery sense! You’ll find yourself wanting a sweet roll and staying up late to finish this one! There are some great secondary characters that I hope to see in future books as well. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated are my own.

Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite authors, she never fails to delight me page by page, and novel by novel.

Her heroines are smart, witty, industrious and flawed, imperfection makes them more realistic. In this novel, Abigail Kemp owns a bakery in Honey Grove, Texas and has the need for a certain someone to help her business and she has the ingenuity and grit to make it happen. She's smart as she chooses a begrudging, but loveable man, Zacharias Hamilton, to aide her with her plan.

Speaking of Zach, Zacharias Hamilton has emotional baggage he needs to discard, and through a series of events, this swoon-worthy character comes to peace with them with a little help from Abigail.

If you've read Karen Witemeyer's books about the Archer Family, you know how these strong characters make for a great novel. In my opinion, Zach's heart, and mettle toward anyone going against his family makes him a stand-out in this novel.

More Than Words Can Say is the second in A Patchwork Family series, it can be read in order or as a stand-alone. It is a wonderful book of overcoming obstacles to find love, a stronger faith, and families facing adversity together. I was sad when this book ended, but I'll try to be patient until this talented author's next book is published.

I received this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to post a review or write a blog post.

Karen Witemeyer is one of the most gifted authors of historical Christian Fiction romance in today’s market. She writes with a flair that snares my interest within the first page or two. Her style is natural and easy. Nothing seems forced. Everything flows along in an even pace.

“More Than Words Can Say” is part of a series, but I had no trouble following it. It can easily be read as a stand alone. However, now I want to go back and read the others because it was so good!

There are many themes in this delightfully executed tale. Forgiveness, secrets, grudges, honesty, hope, family, love, past mistakes, and marriage are all tackled in a Christian perspective. Returning to and trusting in God is beautifully woven into this story, too.

The author has done a marvelous job with providing a wide array of believable characters. With both attributes and flaws they are well rounded and easy to imagine and relatable. I immediately loved Abigail (Abby) and felt what she felt. Zach was a swoon worthy leading man in looks and deeds.

The chemistry between this couple was explosive. I loved reading about the attraction between a husband and wife. It was never over the line and very tastefully presented.

There were just a couple of disappointments. A book set in a bakery is perfect for recipes and more detailed offerings by the shop. Sigh. There were none. Discussion Questions were absent, too. I still loved this quirky romance with its life lessons, mysteries, twists, and turns, and faith-filled story.

I highly recommend this book. It is a page-turner that caught my attention within the first few pages and swept me away. This would make a great Hallmark movie. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars.

I finished More than Meets the Eye late last week and dove straight into More than Words Can Say...finishing it in two days. These are both such engaging reads. The first book introduces a family of orphans who have survived together for the last 15 years. Zach is the oldest, followed by Seth and Evie. It’s a family that Evie would do anything to keep together even if it means giving up the man she loves. More than Words can Say is Zach’s story: a marriage of convenience that becomes something more precious than either character ever imagined. I enjoyed both of these books for the strong, spirited female leads, the equally strong male leads and the message of hope, forgiveness and reliance on God.

Wow! I think what I felt when I finished this book would totally honor this book’s title. I’m at loss at words!
But I will try to express my feelings in this review. Unlike Zach, I think I can manage it easier, even if I’m not accurate in my praise for this book. Words are always limited, by the way, and sometimes affection and feelings go much deeper.
First, I have to say I fell in love with the “Hamilton” siblings in “More than Meets the Eye”. I had to wait a year of earnest to get Zach’s story in my hands and devour it. I have a weakness and that is that I fall in love with the book characters and they feel as if they were really related to me. Sometimes I see family members of friends reflected in their characters, or my own.
Zach’s story touched me from the first book, even if he wasn’t the main character. A boy of thirteen, son of one the most famous gambler, that had ssuffered and had been mistreated by his grandfather, was suddenly turned into a man, when life (better said God) makes him head of a misfit adopted family. After Evie’s brother, Hamilton, saved his life by giving his in a train wreck, he pledges him that he’ll protect his four year old sister as if she were his. So he vows he’ll take care of Evie and Seth, a frail young boy sick from asthma who, as Evie, was rejected from possible adoptive families. Evie because of her mismatched eyes, and Seth because of his weak health. So he turns himself into older sibling, provider and head of this unique family. And he’s nothing if loyal and protective to the bone. He’s had his share of suffering and he wants his siblings to have a better opportunity at life. He loves them, but he doesn’t know how to express his love, so he does it the only way he knows, with his actions, by providing and protecting. He may be rugged and rough on the outside, but with a heart of gold and a fierce protectiveness for his family and needy souls. So when surviving and providing a healthy home to his siblings seems impossible, he grabs an opportunity of doing what he knows he’s good at, what his father taught him, even if his conscience tugs at him, he sees no other option, and he cheats a man from his home on a bet. So, blinded by need, and with a justified cause in his eyes, he doesn’t give a second thought to the other man’s fate, and wins the deed of the property that will guarantee that his siblings will have a healthy and stable place to live and food in their bellies.
But the consequences of his wrong -albeit for an honorable cause- choices come back to haunt him in the first book. I don’t want to throw spoilers, but on top of his guilt, now he has to live with knowing the real consequences of that misguided choice. But wasn’t Evie and Seth’s safety worth it? Would he have done it again given the chance?
So, when Evie and Seth settle down, and he’s no longer the provider, he decides to leave and find his own way, free to do as he wishes without duty dictating him what to do next. That’s how he ends up in Honey Grove, and starts working in the lumberyard, and then Reuben, the owner, and later his best friend, makes him his associate.
His life seems satisfying and he’s not interested in the women that pursue him, but deep down he knows there’s something he’s missing, starting with his relationship with the Allmighty.
But things change and rattle him to the core when Abigail, the town’s bakery owner and most talented baker shows at his work with a marriage business proposition. The city council has ensued a law that prohibit a woman to own a business, and after her father’s passing they are pressuring her to sell the bakery or to find a financial partner. But Abby doesn’t want a man controlling her business so she proposes Zach a contract in which he has no control over the bakery, nor responsibility, but if he becomes the owner, he will benefit from lodging and pastries with no end. Abby doesn’t expect him to fall for her, plain and curvy as she is, but she needs the bakery to provide for her sister and her, and she would do just anything, honorable of course, so they can keep it in her family.
After an initial rejection, and coaxed by Abby’s sister telling him they need a protector, and his surprising attraction to Abby, Zach agrees, but only if she’s open to make it a real marriage some day when she feels ready. He’s already planning to woo her, but he’s not much of a charmer, how will he ever succeed when his few words always get, either stuck in his mouth, or in the way.
So they make their vows and start a new life full of adventures, secrets, town gossip and betrayal, sweet wooing, getting to know each other and protecting the bonds that circumstances can only deepen. Will this business have a chance of becoming the real thing? Can Abby overcome her fears of ending up as a means to an end like her mother? Will Zach open up and trust Abby with his past? Abby seems to carry a baggage too and guilt is no stranger to her either. Will their past break their fragile union or will it help them heal each other’s wounds?
This was a wonderful story and I just can praise it enough! I loved that the main theme is forgiveness, redemption and trusting God when your life seems to be in a dark tunnel with no light at the end. I think this is a theme we can all relate to, there is always a time when life takes strong turns and it’s not easy to trust that God never forsakes us, and that only Him can bring good from a bad or impossible situation.
I was wondering how Zach was going to completely redeem himself in this book. He had already started, but his faith in God was still lacking. He knew he had done wrong, but he felt he HAD to do it, given the circumstances. Abby was a wonderful character and she too learns and grows through out the story. Enough to discover that nothing, even a thriving business, is more important than honoring God, family and loving others. I loved the way she loved Zach, being patient with him at expressing his feelings. And how she put his spiritual welfare above other things, even securing a future.
There is so much to be learned from this book. It really inspired me to the core. It showed me what real love is, and that sacrificing for others is the most satisfying endeavor one can pursue.
Two of my favorite quotes:
“Therefore we should count our blessings and remember that the best way to take our minds of our own troubles is to help someone else with theirs”.
“The future is in God’s hands Zach. Not yours, and not mine. Trusting Him to bring what is best is the only choice we need to make”.

Thank you Karen for another wonderful story and for unforgettable characters. I even loved the secondary characters: Reuben and Audrey, Rosalind, the widows... I’m hoping Rosalind’s story will be the next book coming. I loved her and her relationship with Abby that was rock solid. And I hope I get to know more of this unique Patchwork family in further stories.
This is a must read and one that will inspire and uplift you wanting to be a better person along the way. Sweet, heartwarming, endearing characters, and unique sense of humor. A true gem!
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Netgalley. I wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is totally my honest and unbiased opinion.