Oh how I loved this book! This is the second book in the Patchwork Family series and one of my most anticipated reads of 2019, partly because I have often thought of Zach since meeting him in More Than Meets the Eye and I have been waiting for his story but mainly because I love anything written by Karen Witemeyer.

Abby was instantly likeable and her story made me so glad that I live in a world where it's perfectly acceptable for women to own a business without having a man's name to put on the deed. That's how things were during the 1800's and since her father's death the city council started giving her a hard time. So, what's a single woman who owns and operates a successful bakery to do? Well, she decides to enter into a marriage of convenience which adds several humorous interactions with a couple of the single men in town. My goodness, Abby is determined she is not giving up her bakery and livelihood without a fight and that's when I rooted for her to have the best life had to offer her.

Things didn't get off to a good start as Abby went through the list of suitable men to marry, there were some duds who frequented her bakery but there was that one man she thought would be a good choice. Unfortunately he disagreed much to my disappointment but luckily Abby has a sister who has her back so that was a wonderful surprise when she pays Zach a visit. Zach has changed so much since the first book and the change has been positive making this readers heart so happy. I have admired the sacrifices he made for his Patchwork family and was so happy to reconnect with Evangeline and Seth. I didn't always condone Zach's behavior but knew he had little choice in how he provided for his family.

I think the author strikes the perfect blend of humor, love of family and faith in this wonderful story. This could be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the books in order to fully appreciate the characters and the fantastic writing of Ms. Witemeyer.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley but was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.

This is a great book!

Can i just thank Witemeyer for not having a skinny-twig woman and instead a curvy heroine who is not traditionally pretty and having the hero desire her? Yes thank- you very much!

In order to save her bakery Abby must marry-- as a woman she cannot own her bakery. So she sets out to find a husband. Her first choice is the man who comes in every day and smiles at her: Zach Hamilton.

Zach on the other hand is finally free. He doesn't have family depending on him, he can do anything he wants. Visit the Queen in England if he wanted. So he does NOT want a wife.

These two were really cute and an amazing example of a good positive relationship. Abby learns to trust and improves her self confidence. Zach learns that needing people is the way to happiness, not freedom. A great sequel to the first book.

I look forward to a third book, featuring Abby's sister Rosalind!

I love Karen Witemeyer's books and this one continues my enjoyment of them. It is a sweet romance with some humor and lovable characters. Of course, I already fell in love with Zach from the previous book that introduced the three orphans who became a family. I wished Zach hadn't had to leave Evie and Seth to find his story because I enjoyed their interactions and this book contained very few interactions between the three of them. However, his love for his patchwork family still showed through. Both main characters found redemption from their past mistakes and their guilt and shame that resulted.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is my new favorite Karen Witemeyer book. I loved it. I loved the two main characters, the side characters, the slow-burn romance, the plot and resolution. It was spot on. This is one I will definitely buy for my personal library and will recommend to many.

I loved, loved, loved this book! I didn't even know it was the second in a series, so it was great as a standalone. But, knowing it is part of a series, I will now go and buy the first book which is called More Than Meets the Eye.

The main characters are Abigail Kemp and Zacharias Hamilton. Zacharias' story is developed in the first book, but you get enough background in this one that you don't feel lost. Abigail is a woman with lots of gumption and with an enemy that wants to see her destroyed. When she is faced with a ridiculous antiquated law that prevents her from owning the bakery her father left to her, she sets out to find a husband who will give her his name and not take responsibility for the shop. Enter Zach, a true hero if ever there was one.

I loved both of these characters and how they grew to love each other despite unusual circumstances. The theme of not holding on to past mistakes (or our past in general) was well developed. Both characters had pasts they regretted and both learned to let go and trust God.

The ending was beautiful and I can't wait to read book three. This is a great series to invest in. Pre-order your copy now! It comes out June 4th!

“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.”

Karen Witemeyer is best known for the unconventional & out-of-the-ordinary in her books. In <i> More Than Words Can Say </i> it was the marriage-of-convenience proposal by Abigail. My favorite theme in a book, so I knew I was in for a real treat! She didn't do it for love, but to save ownership of the bakery she inherited after her fathers death. The top three candidates who frequented her bakery every morning were the contenders, but only one could take the prize home. Witemeyers signature wit comes out in the choosing:

“Unfortunately, Mr. Beekman was nearing fifty and had breath that could kill a bread dough's rise at twenty paces.”

Obviously she doesn't choose him, but I just thought Abigial's inner musings about each of the men was hilarious! She's desperate and desperate times often leads to desperate measures.

I missed Zach after he took off on his own at the end of <i> More Than Meets the Eye </i> and I'm so glad Witemeyer gave him his own story! Quiet, contemplative, and a man of few words he shows his feelings more than verbally expresses them. When Abigail presents him with the marriage bargain contract, his plans of bachelorhood go right out the window! She brings out the protective instinct in him and has his heart stuttering with the small amount of attraction for the pretty baker. Though this is a business deal, he finds himself having difficulty keeping his feelings at bay. Can these two form a true partnership both in business and matters of the heart?

With every story Witemeyer pens I find myself saying it's her best yet and this was no exception. Between her wit & humor, the unconventional elements, her characters I come to love, the uplifting spiritual truths, and the story to get lost in, it's the whole package for me. I also love the growth I find in her heroes & heroines...both Zach and Abigial try to hide painful pasts that can affect their relationship. What I really liked about this, is instead of burying them deeper, they eventually talk it out. Circumstances forced them to face them and move on, thus bonding them closer. I also really loved Abigail's sister Rosalind, they had a rock solid relationship that shows in everything. She too, has a past she's ashamed of and once that comes to light, she can finally be free of the regrets she's harbored for too many years. I'm hoping her story comes next because she's a young lady I came to care about.

“I've chosen fear over faith more times than I can count. And every time I did, I ended up with regrets. When I chose faith, I didn't always get the outcome I wanted, but I never regretted my choice, because I felt God beside me, holding my hand and lending me strength”~Abigail

I loved this book for everything mentioned here and more! Witemeyer knows how to engage the reader and keep them turning pages while reminding them of the promises God's given us through her characters lives. I always look forward to her next story.

*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

A new take on the marriage of convenience storyline. And I love it! In this book, Abigail proposes marriage to Zacharias, a man she knows only as a customer of frequents her bakery, in an effort to save her shop. As usual, Karen Witemeyer creates witty characters who you grow to love. Don't skim her books - you will miss out on good writing! Part of the story revolves around the characters growing intimacy leading to consumption of the marriage. It was written very tastefully, but probably not a book for younger readers.

My one complaint is not about the author (because she is amazing) but whoever chose the cover art. It does not match the story at all. Abagail is repeatedly described as fully figured and curvaceous which does not match the tiny lady on the cover. And the "cover" Zacharias is not sporting the muscles he would have from throwing lumber around all day.

More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer is the second book in the Patchwork Family. I was really excited to read this book, after reading the first book, More Than Meets the Eye. I really enjoyed the story of the found family. Zach, Seth and Evie were so cute and they really cared about each other.
In this second book, we follow the events right after the first., Zach has left and come to a new town, where he works as carpenter. Amelia, our new character, is a baker. She runs the bakery with her sister, after the death of her father. Through a law brought up unexpectedly, she must give up her bakery, or join with a male partner. This brings the two together and so begins the story.
I thought that this was a very cute and fun story. Watching Zach and Amelia fall in love and become a family was very sweet. They balanced and supported each other. They bonded through sharing their past stories and seeking to love each other in small ways. I also enjoyed getting to know Amelia’s sister, Rosalind, who we will hopefully get to see more of!
I would recommend this book to those who like romance, it is sweet and easy to read.

“From her place behind the Taste of Heaven Bakery’s counter, Abigail eyed the three matrimonial candidates breakfasting in her small eating area. None of them knew they were matrimonial candidates, of course. If they did, they’d probably knock one another over in a race for the exit. Thankfully, their ignorance was to her advantage” (location 181). The ensuing descriptions of the candidates had me laughing out loud. This book got off to a great start. I was drawn in immediately and loved the witty language and humor.
Witemeyer does a great job with her characters. They are flawed and real. I felt for them as their struggles were revealed and it was so nice to see people respond well to difficult revelations. I appreciated how Abigail and her sister cared for one another and for how Zach takes his responsibilities so seriously right from the start. On the other side, the mayor’s wife ranked high on my “people I’d most like NOT to meet” list. She was truly wicked and meanspirited.
I would highly recommend this book and this series. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Patchwork Family Novels:
Book 1: More Than Meets the Eye
Book 2: More Than Words Can Say

There are a few authors whose books I will pick up every time I see them. Karen Witemeyer is one of those authors. Her newest novel came up on my TBR pile (there is a certain order I read books in, so it was Karen's turn). Karen's characters are real, her settings are key to the plot, and her pacing is absolutely perfect.

Abigail's father has died and the city council has decreed that she sell her bakery, get a partner to put on the deed, or close down the bakery entirely. She's been given a month to fulfill the terms set out before her. She decides to ask a man to marry her in name only. She has three men in mind, including a couple of milquetoasts and a lumber man. Her sister thinks she should go after the lumber man because he's the scariest one of the men.

Abigail has written out a contract detailing what will be the terms of the marriage. Zach Harrison is the lumber man and he reads the terms and adds one of his own. She must give him a goodnight kiss every night.

One of the things going on is a former friend of Abigail's is causing trouble and was trying to close her down. Zach and Abigail make a great team in getting things done and getting the conundrum figured out.

This is a five-star book, with two thumbs up, and a fresh baguette straight from the oven.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the galley I got to read. My thanks goes to them.

A sweet story, well written, engaging and entertaining.
I liked the characters, the plot, and the style of writing.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Set in 1896 Honey Grove, Texas I found this to be a delightful story that held my attention. According to the author’s notes there was such a town and many of the real people and their businesses were portrayed in the story. This makes the fiction more fun and realistic.
Abigail, Rosalind and Zach were fictional characters but were brought to life by the words of Karen Witemeyer. In trying to save her bakery, willed to her by her father, Abigail had to find a husband quickly. City ordinances did not allow a woman to own a business but she could keep the bakery if the deed was in a husband’s name. Of her three candidates Zach seemed the most appealing but she had to convince him to go along with her plan.
There were also secrets alluded to by all three of the main characters that shaped their adult lives. I enjoyed the references to seeking God and his plans for their lives. Heartache can be sometimes avoided if you give God complete control but of course that didn’t happen right away.
Abby had a nemesis in the mayor’s wife Sophia, who spewed gossip and threw obstacles at her. Every great story has to have a token villain and she fit the bill perfectly.
And I found the romance aspect to be so special and tender. The love had to grow over a period of time.
My mouth kept watering for the taste of the baked goods described in the book. It made me want to go and seek out a local bakery and indulge.
I throughly enjoyed devouring the story that was a fast read for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and Netgalley but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

Once again Karen Witemeyer has managed to bring together an unlikely pair that ended up being the perfect match. Despite his flaws, I developed a fondness for Zach in the first book of this series, and that only grew more with this one. As a woman in today's modern age I was intensely angered with the injustice that Abby was handed simply because of her gender. It didn't take me long at all to be rooting for things to work out for this unlikely duo.

The character development overall in this series is nothing short of masterful. The mood and energy of the interactions between the characters (leading or supporting), are easily visualized by the reader's understanding of their personalities and backstories. This is one of those books that is easy to escape into and forget you aren't actually standing in the middle of a bakery with real people. Even when it came to the antagonists in this story, you were still able to develop a level of empathy for them which only draws you deeper into their world.

It was quickly observed that life had dealt Abby a difficult hand. She spent the earlier part of her life trying to prove her worth to her father considering she wasn't the son he'd always wanted. After his passing, she fought to continue to run his bakery and remain profitable, only to be told she wasn't allowed to simply because she was a woman. The injustice is palpable, but the fight in her was strong. The more the story progresses the more you hope for her happiness and a relationship she can find love and security in.

I loved this novel, and highly recommend to historical romance fans. While I believe it could be read as a stand-alone, Zach was a large presence in the first book as well and to grasp the fullness of his character I think it would be helpful to read the books in order.

*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Karen Witemeyer is a witty award winning writer who always delivers an amazingly fun read! More Than Words Can Say is the second book in the Patchwork Family series. It can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first book, More Than Meets The Eye, and I was able to jump right into this book. There is a little bit of backstory mentioned from book 1, but not having read the book did not detract from this book at all. It has been a while since I've read a book by Karen Witemeyer and I was looking forward to reading her signature humor and page turning adventurous romance. More Than Words Can Say did not disappoint. Marriage of Convenience stories are always a wild ride as husband and wife learn to live together and hopefully love one another. In addition to the fun romance there is a powerful message of not believing the negative voices and the lies we tell about ourselves, but instead hearing and seeking out the voice of God who tells us we are created and loved by Him. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy clean romances and light-hearted, fun reading.

More Than Words Can Say will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer on June 4, 2019.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free copy of More Than Words Can Say. The opinions expressed here are my own.

...my thoughts...

More Than Words Can Say, Karen Witemeyer's book #2 in A Patchwork Family Novel series is entertaining, heartwarming and full of surprises. Zach and Abigail are bound to capture your heart. All the foibles they manage to get through make them as believable as your neighbor. There is a depth of character, though, that the reader goes through as the story reveals more of what they have both experienced while growing up.

I found this book is as serious as it is amusing. It shows that life can throw curve balls, but it is how you handle them that either gives you mettle or makes you bitter and withdrawn. When Abigail is faced with trial after trial at the expense of an unforgiving former friend, she relentlessly moves forward as she prays for God's guidance. When she is finally faced with the possibility of losing her business through a long forgotten law, she garners all resources and meets the challenge head on. Only her head is very in touch with her heart, and as the story goes along, her heart warms to the idea that she does not have to take charge of everything on her own. Her resilience, faith and growing love for Zach make this book one that you will want to have in your "To Read" pile.

Many thanks to Bethany House for providing me with an advanced copy of More than Words Can Say, although I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. To learn more about award winning author Karen Witemeyer, check out her website! If you are like me and enjoy reading a series from the beginning, here is a link to my review of Karen's first book in the series: More Than Meets the Eye.

Tender Story of Two Unlikely Characters Perfectly Brought Together

Honey Grove, TX 1896
Abigail Kemp is running a bakery with her pretty younger sister, Rosalind, as she has been doing for quite some time. However, now that her father has passed, “somebody” has dug up an antiquated city ordinance that does not allow women to own a business. “These stuffy male councilmen might want to hold her down, but like a well-made bread dough, she planned to rise to the occasion.”

Zacharias Hamilton is finally free to do as he pleases. He has fulfilled his obligations to his adopted siblings and moved away from near-by Pecan Gap to start fresh. He has carved a niche at the local lumber mill and keeps to himself as much as possible, save for a corner table at the local bakery where he enjoys coffee and sticky buns every morning and the occasional run-in with his boss’s passel of kids. Life is pretty comfortable now. Although his past deeds still haunt his thoughts. When Abigail approaches Zach with a proposition, he nearly chokes over her business plan. But, after some thought, he might consider it, with a few tweaks to her contract.

This was a wonderful, feel-good read. I really enjoyed getting to know Zach more. He is somebody special. He’s a bit gruff, but he feels deeply. He is a champion when needed and fights hard to overcome obstacles, even the unseen ones of foolish female hearts. I appreciated that Abigail was not the typical size 2, but a curvy, kind soul with a lot to offer. Both characters came to know each other and fit so perfectly together, in a way only God could have orchestrated.

I also liked learning about how Davy Crockett was responsible for naming Honey Grove in real life. Apparently, he set up a camp under the trees on his way to the Alamo and enjoying it so much, he carved his name in a tree along with the name Honey Grove, intent on returning there one day. Sadly, he did not survive the Alamo, but a friend, Sam Erwin purchased the land and honored the name.

Humorous Tea Moment: “One sat by the window. Bran muffin and tea with sugar. Man and muffin shared a remarkable resemblance – both a bit squatty and thick around the middle with smooth, round tops.”

I highly recommend this 5-star story and look forward to the next one. Thank you to Bethany House Publishing who sent me a review copy. My opinion is my own without expectation or compensation.

Award-winning & bestselling author Karen Witemeyer “writes historical romances because she believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters”. She is one of the sweetest authors you can connect with! You may do so at: http://www.karenwitemeyer.com/ or at: The Posse FB group fan page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1839437643052460/ where the ladies in the group build community like no other group I have experienced! Truly a blessing.
Patchwork Family Series:
1 - More Than Meets The Eye 6/5/2018 – 5 STARS
2 - More Than Words Can Say 6/4/2019 – 5 STARS
2.5 - Serving Up Love: A Harvey House Brides Collection expected 11/5/2019

True to the late 1800's, this novel tells the life of a young woman about to lose her family business because she's a woman. Abigail enters into a marriage of convenience with Zach to save her bakery. Both have been hurt in the past by their fathers and are leary of marriage. This story shares the historical view of a small town in Texas but greatly emphases the subject of forgiveness. Recommended.

(4.5 stars) - a reminder that love is primarily a verb

A Karen Witemeyer book is always guaranteed to leave me with a smile that won't let go. This one was certainly no exception.

This story is the follow-up on what happened to Zach after the first book about Eva & Logan, "More Than Meets the Eye". Even though I generally hate reading books out of order, this is one that works just fine as a stand-alone.

Abigail & Zach take a while to figure it out, but they are perfect for each other. Zach has been thru a lot of abuse in his younger years to the point that he has been conditioned not to express himself. Abigail has been thru a form of abuse herself from an emotionally unavailable father. She's better able to express herself but the experience helps her to be more sympathetic and open to Zach's efforts.

The two have some difficulty understanding each other, but the key is that they care enough to keep trying - and giving the other room to try, and make mistakes, and to clarify as needed. Because of their efforts, they learn to understand each other better, with and without words.

Most importantly, Zach & Abigail learn to communicate love to each other by their actions. Their marriage of convenience becomes a real marriage.

The story is funny and touching and I became invested in it almost immediately. I fervently hope that the author will be sharing Rosalind's story with us next!

Clean romance level: passionate kissing, some discussion of marital intimacy but nothing graphic

[This is a Christian book with discussion of God, forgiveness, Scripture and prayer. It fits the setting & the context in a natural, non-preachy way]

I was excited for More Than Words Can Say as soon as I finished the first book in the Patchwork Family series by Karen Witemeyer. It is rather unique series in my opinion and I really enjoyed More Than Meets the Eye so I couldn't wait to read the newest book in the series! Here are my thoughts on what was great about this book.

I really enjoyed reading about Zacharias Hamilton's loyalty and service towards those who belong to him. In the first book, he was one of my favorite characters and his character is revealed even more in More Than Words Can Say because the focus of the story is on him.  I loved how he didn't say much (hence the perfect title) yet he showed his love in so many ways.   I also enjoyed the look into what a bakery would be like in the late 1800s. I could smell the scent of freshly baked treats coming from my kindle as I flipped the pages. If you want to grab a cinnamon roll or a slice of freshly baked bread to munch on while you read, I won't blame you! I thought that More Than Words Can Say was a fun, cute romance with the perfect title! 

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romances and marriage of convenience stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

More Than Words Can Say is a cute light romantic read. This is my first read from Karen Witemeyer and I was not disappointed. It is nice to see a heroine who is not perfectly beautiful but gorgeous in her own way.