More Than Words Can Say, (Paperback)

Abigail Kemp is an excellent baker but she can't have her own business because of a city council ruling that says that only a man can own a business in Honey Grove, Texas in 1896. She realizes that the only solution is to find a husband and she finds the perfect candidate. Marriage is the farthest thing from her perfect candidate's mind but suddenly, Zacharias Hamilton finds himself married to Abigail Kemp! As we read Abby and Zach's story we see how their initial liking of each other turns to something more and we see how their individual faith offers them an amazing chance to share a Christian walk together. Zach is such a special person and I loved how he continually encourages Abby. She doesn't believe that she is attractive but Zach convinces her that she is very attractive indeed. Abby truly loves running a business and as she thinks about being married she doesn't see why she can't do both. It is after reading the story of Mary and Martha in the New Testament that Abigail realizes that she is "a Martha" and that she has allowed her work to take precedence over family matters. In a tender and poignant moment Zach reassures her with his advice. "We can't change the past," he said, stroking the side of her face. "All we can do is strive not to make the same mistakes in the future." And, by the way, did I mention the incredible chemistry between the two of them? You can just feel Abigail's struggle as she considers if this marriage could be so much more than just a marriage of convenience and you can imagine Zach's frustration as he shares a platonic relationship with such a beautiful woman! I appreciate it when an author can subtly share the message of God's love and mercy in an enjoyable story and this is exactly what happens in More Than Words Can Say. Abby's tells Zach that "None of us deserve absolution, Zach. It is a gift freely given. A gift that is waiting for you. All you have to do is accept it." Her comment is a reminder that forgiveness is a key factor in any successful relationship and that we all must be willing to extend forgiveness to others just as God has extended forgiveness to each of us. Author Karen Witemeyer has written a historical romance story filled with humor and faith and she has succeeded in making me want to read the next book in the Patchwork Family series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and I have chosen to share my own opinions in this review.

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. Abigail Kemp has the need for a certain someone to help her business and she has the ingenuity and grit to make it happen. Karen Witemeyer's heroes have their own struggles which make you root for them as well. Zacharias Hamilton has baggage he needs to discard and through a series of events, this swoon-worthy character comes to peace with them. 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.

More Than Words Can Say is a complete work of joy. From the adorable front cover to the witty, charming and sweet romance inside, it is completely irresistible. There aren't many books that make me laugh out loud, but I confess to getting more than a few sideways glances from my coworkers as I read a few pages on my breaks. (Especially when Abby and Zach are discussing their business proposition.) This book will steal your attention from the first chapter as you get to know Abby's oversized heart. And while the grumpy, introvert called Zacharias Hamilton may not seem a good match for the bubbly and optimistic Abigail, their unconventional marriage is full of enough respect and honor to make you sigh. Oh, and there will be sparks--and not just from the Fourth of July celebration. The only disappointment is I reached the end, but I'm looking forward to reading Rosalind's story in the next book in the series! I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 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

More Than Words Can Say continues the Patchwork Family series by Karen Witemeyer. What a fun, delightful and entertaining story. I loved Abby and Zach and loved how they came together. I believe More Than Words Can Say is among my favorites I have read this year. I would give it 100 stars if I could. I highly recommend it for readers who love clean and sweet historical fiction with sprinkles of humor. This one is most definitely not one to be missed! I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

This book had me glued to it since it arrived. I couldn't put it down and when I did I kept turning and looking at it thinking if I had time to sneak a few chapters between errands. This is the story of a young baker girl named Abigail and a young man Zacharias, with dark blue eyes that said it all with one look. Is funny, witty, clean romance scenes, and somewhat of a hint of mystery as each page you turned something unexpected happened. Abigail trying to save her bakery after her father's death she takes over in a town that forbids women from holding a business unless there was a man's name on the deed. She finds herself thinking she is in need of a husband. Someone that will giver her his name but not have nothing to do with her bakery. And that's when she finds herself making a Marriage Contract. In which she has 3 man lined up only to go for her third choice first. Zach is a quiet man that doesn't say much but what when he gives his word he keeps it. He has a past that haunts him everyday. And when he starts visiting the bakery every morning for his 2 sticky buns and coffee he finds his attention on the baker girl with the dimples. Thinking that marrying to add a man's name to her deed would solve her problems, the bakery is faced with more dangers and her sister is shattered by a secret she has hidden. This is a story of Faith and Trust in God as well as Forgiveness and Family Unity. It teaches us through each line of flirty eyes, silly comments, and fun moments that despite our troubles and thinking we can do things on our own, God is always there to stretch his hand to us and overcome anything. This book had me giggling and feeling like a young school girl all over again. You will enjoy this book cover to cover. Is one of my favorite stories that I am happy to add to my library. I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed. One of my favorites lines that captured me and left me smiling even after the story is done.... "Choosing a husband was much like choosing a baguette." ~Karen Witemeyer Author. "If I am the cornerstone, whatever you build will stand firm" ~ Karen Witemeyer Author I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House and the Author for my honest review of the story. Thank you.

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.

This is an entertaining story of a young couple who marry because of Abby's unusual business situation. Zach and Abby have been attracted to each other for some time. However, it's not until Abby asks Zach to marry her to save her family business that they acknowledge, even to themselves, that attraction. Giving up their individual independence to marry was a big consideration, but Zach and Abby want to make their marriage work. Before they marry, Zach tells Abby that he does not want a marriage-in-name-only, but a “real” marriage in every respect. Abby agrees, and Zach's efforts to court Abby after they are married do not always go as planned. This storyline features the importance of taking care of family; helping your community; and taking care of those in need. Zach and Abby find that although they each have heartache in their past, God's faithfulness and forgiveness will show them a future brighter than anything they could have imagined. One note about the story: Because Zach and Abby's marriage begins as a marriage of convenience, there is part of the storyline that follows Abby's indecision as to stop sharing a room with her sister and move into Zach's room with him after they are married and having their marriage become “real” in every respect. There's nothing inappropriate in this, and all scenes in the book are clean and sweet. I'm only mentioning this in case you are a reader that would be uncomfortable with that part of the story. It still fits well into the guidelines of Christian fiction. The faith aspect of trusting God to provide all needs was the part of the story I enjoyed the most and is the major theme of this book. I always enjoy reading Karen Witemeyer's stories and I'm already looking forward to her next book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

“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.

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