I have loved EVERYTHING I've read by Karen Witemeyer--she writes historical romance with a touch of humor.  She begins her newest book with an orphan train trip trying to place the last four orphans on the train.  When the train derails, and Evangeline's brother dies in the accident protecting her from injury.  There were two other boys on the train who were not chosen and Hamilton makes them promise to take care of Evangeline.  They all decide to take Hamilton's name as their family name.


Fast forward a few years, Evangeline, Seth, and Zach, and they are living in a nice house with a good sized farm.  Logan Fowler buys the plot of land next to their farm with the hope of getting the Hamilton's home back.  It was the home Logan grew up in. 

Evangeline meets Logan when she is out on a jaunt and sees a man throwing a burlap wrapped bundle into the river.  She and Logan rescue the bundle and find Christy, a deaf woman who knows too much.

Karen has wrapped this family's life into a mystery that isn't so mysterious, but she works in the healing between the two families and brings such a satisfying conclusion to the book.  I love the way she writes, it always captures my attention and keeps me involved in the book to the very end.  In fact, this book is More Than Meets the Eye.  I loved Evangeline from the very beginning because of her eye color.  My son's eyes are not the same color and while his eyes don't vary as much as Evangeline's, it is noticeable when he wears certain colors.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and eye catching eyes. 

Bethany House provided the galley I read through NetGalley with no obligation on my part except to share my honest opinions.  I appreciate it.

More Than Meets The Eye is a story of overcoming.  Overcoming the circumstances of a harsh world.  Overcoming prejudice. And most of all, overcoming our own flawed perspectives, because when it comes to our perspectives there is often much more going on than meets the eye.

I always appreciate that Witemeyer’s characters are real down to earth people with a mix of flaws, complicated motives and true desires.  I loved Evangeline’s character.  I loved the loyalty of the siblings.  I loved the comic relief and the unconventional romance(s).  This was an all around fun read that possessed depth along with a sense of hope.

Karen, this was a fabulous story and one that will leave thinking about it long after the last page is turned!!
However;  I didn't really care for the cover. Maybe its that I'm not used to split covers or something! 
I did giggle throughout the story and I laughed out right so much that my husband asked me what I was laughing about.
I think it's amazing how God can turn our lives around and take the bad and then turn it to good! 
I also enjoyed the little Bible verses that was scattered throughout the book. It made me stop and think about the many blessings that God has given me throughout my lifetime. 
I like that Eva knocked some sense into Logan even if she had to it the hard way! 
I could actually picture Eva doing that in my mind and that made me laugh harder. 
Men!!! Sometimes they're sure dunces!!! 
I loved this story!! This is definitely the best by Karen Whitmeyer! 
I received this book for free. All opinions are my own!!

While I have always enjoyed Karen Witemeyer's novels, this one didn't make quite the same impression on me. It is a slower story without much action, and I had difficulty connecting to the characters, especially the hero. Still, I enjoyed the concept of three orphans creating their own family, and look forward to the next book in this series.

Started out slow but picked up speed and really got intense toward the end of the book. Five people's lives were in danger.  I loved how Logan turned his life around. He started out wanting to seek revenge for a wrong done to his father but eventually leaned to let go of bitterness and follow God's plan. Evangeline was just a sweetheart. Her adopted brothers Seth and Zach just wanted to protect her. A few of the people in town think she is bewitched just because she has two different eye colors. They don't see the beauty that is within in.  Loved the romance between Evangeline and Logan and the other romance that developed. This is first in the Patchwork family series. I'm hoping that Zach will find love next!

This book will be released on June 5, 2018. Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for providing me a copy of this book to review. My opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

4.5 stars. More Than Meets The Eye is a delightful historical Christian romance, with a touch of mystery, plenty of suspense, and a warm heart that celebrates family and belonging. From the gorgeous cover to the heartwarming story where family is the people you choose, More Than Meets The Eye was wonderful from start to finish.

Evangeline Hamilton knows the cost of heartbreak. Yet she chooses to remain optimistic, celebrating the family God gave her and the simply joys in life. When a stranger purchases the land adjoining her brothers’ land, she intends to discover his true intentions, and if she shows him a little happiness and kindness along the way, all the better. Logan never intended to entwine Evie in his quest for revenge on her brother, but the Hamilton family is not what he expected. Evie and Logan must face the truth of the past and the dangers and mystery of the present if they are to have a future together. 

Karen Witemeyer writes such excellent romance, and More Than Meets The Eye was certainly no exception. Logan and Evie’s connection is undeniable, tangible and so much fun to revel in. But Logan’s secrets and his plan for justice threaten the foundation of their growing friendship and romance. 

Evie is a strong, stubborn and resilient character. Her joy seeps from the page - no wonder Logan falls under her spell so quickly. From the prologue, it is clear that Evie has faced many challenges in her life. But she, Seth and Zach forged together a wonderful little family. Their bonds, gentle teasing, and genuine sibling banter are such a delightful part of this book. 

Along with romance and family bonds, More Than Meets The Eye also contains mystery and suspense, both in Logan’s quest and an unrelated mystery that falls into  their laps. Shoot-out, ambushes, fights, and clues that need to be uncovered all add  drama and excitement to the story, as well as an extra romance plot line, which is very sweet.

I thoroughly enjoyed More Than Meets The Eye. This book is the first instalment in the Patchwork Family series, which means there will be a sequel!!!! I cannot wait to read Zach’s story. My heart broke for his grief, the burdens he carries and the kindness and love he shows Evie and Seth, in his own reserved way. I just know that his story will be as wonderful as More Than Meets The Eye.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Interesting twist on three orphans creating their own family.  Three orphans band together to protect and care for one another as they grow into adulthood.  The book includes unpredictable twists and turns as the main characters grow and begin to experience love outside of the walls of their created home.

Ellie Blackmore is making a name for herself as a house flipper. But when her sister Mackenzie disappears, Ellie can’t focus on anything but uncovering what happened. Her only clue is the bloodstain on the deck of Mackenzie’s boat. Ellie knows her sister isn’t on the best of terms with her ex-husband, Jason, but he wouldn’t kill her—would he?

Coast Guard intelligence officer Grayson Bradshaw believes Mackenzie faked her own death after stealing a seized cocaine shipment. The problem is convincing Ellie, who seems to view him as the true enemy.

Both Ellie and Grayson want truth, but truth—and family—is often more complex than it first appears. From international terrorism to the peaceful lavender fields of Puget Sound, The House at Saltwater Point is a thrilling race to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

Another great book by Ms. Coble.  A lot of twist and turns that I didn't expect.  I wouldn't say this was an edge of your seat book.  But it sure kept me interested. 

Ellie carries around guilt from her sisters death that she just can't seem to let go of.  This colors her life if about every way.  Grayson finds out he's adopted and this throws him for a loop.  His familiy dynamics starts to make since to him now.  So them dealing with these issues and then throw in terrorism it make for a great read.  I would highly recommend this book.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.

I have read a few of Karen Witemeyer's novels, not all of them. I do enjoy how she creates realistic characters who are unique and struggle on the frontier. More Than Meets the Eye is a different type of story. With a historical romance, I expect to be taken for a ride in a world that I'm not familiar with and clothes I can't imagine wearing. 
Witemeyer does a good job at being descriptive in her writing. The words flew off the page, allowing me to picture and feel the countryside in Texas. With each new chapter, she grabbed my attention as she allowed me to follow Evangeline and Logan through the struggles, romantic and personal. I loved how Witemeyer showcased the struggle inside Logan. It felt realistic. 
The plot. It was different, and I enjoyed that. I heard about the Orphan Trains when I read one of Jody Hedlund's Orphan Train books, so I was familiar with the concept. But Witemeyer went a different direction with Evangeline's character and made her completely different than every other character. Right away, I am introduced to Evangeline and her two different color eyes, but as the story progresses, I forget that she has two different eyes and see her as a normal character. As for the ending, there is a mystery element to the story, which sparked my attention. The only problem I had with the plot is that Witemeyer summed up everyone's lives in a matter of pages to end the story. I really wanted Seth and Christine to have their own story, not be told what happened to them. 
The romance didn't rush by, but it did take a while for Logan to trust Evangeline and fall in love with him. Their budding romance wasn't on the top of romances I will remember, but I enjoyed the plot. 
Overall, More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer is a thrilling story with a lesson on how to see people for who they really are. The plot kept my attention, and I can't wait to see what else Witemeyer has up her sleeve for these siblings. I believe fans of Witemeyer's writings or Mary Connealy and Regina Jennings would enjoy this novel. 

I received a complimentary copy of More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all  my own.

Evangeline has one blue eye and one brown eye. She discovered as a child that people were spooked by her eyes and has learnt to live a secluded life with her brothers. So when she meets Logan who is not bothered by her eyes, she wants to know more about him.
Now, Logan has plenty to hide because he is in town to seek revenge on Evangeline's brother Zach. So what is Logan to do when he finds himself drawn to his enemy's sister?
This is a story of people learning to live with what they have got whether it be physical disabilities, medical disorders or a pair of mismatched eyes. It is about abuse. More than that it is about love and forgiveness. And then there is the healing forgiveness brings.
I found myself attached to Zach for his sacrificial heart and sturdiness that I could not help asking Karen if she would write his story and she says she is currently working on it. Yes!

Evangeline Hamilton, or “Evie” has grown up as somewhat of a social outcast, with one brown eye and one blue, some say she is cursed.  Life has been difficult for her in more then one way but with the love of her patchwork family she is full of hope and joy. Once orphans with nothing Evie, Zach and Seth came together and made a family. They have worked hard to create a life for themselves.

Logan Fowler is back in town for one reason. To bring justice to the man who stole his fathers farm and destroyed his family.  Logan is surprised to find that Zach Hamilton, the gambler and cold blooded loner he imagined, is actually a young man around his own age, with a good work ethic and an interesting family. Every encounter Logan has with Evangeline surprises him, she spreads joy wherever she goes. With him falling for Zach’s sister his plans seem impossible. Can Logan and Evie ever have a future with his desire for justice?

This book was so good! I love Karen Witemeyer’s books and this one was one of my favorites. Evie, was so lovable and the plot was unique. I didn’t predict exactly how everything would work out, I was constantly surprised by the turns in the story.  Logan and Evie have a sweet romance, I liked how honest they tried to be with each other. It is annoying to me when most of the drama and plot of a book is because the characters are lying, that is not the case in this book.  The plot moved forward at a good pace and there was nothing drawn out to make the story longer. The story drew me in and I couldn’t put the book down until it was finished. This book is a start to a new series. I give it 5 stars!

Not her usual style but still enjoyable. Witemeyer tends to write com-coms, and this is a bit grittier. Clean romance, but deals with abuse, orphans, and family ties. A good read, but not a fluff, beach read.