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.

Whenever Karen Witemeyer has a new book out, I grab it. And I was super excited about this one because Zach was my favorite character in the first book of this series. My thoughts:

What I liked

Good writing. In spite of the simple premise of the book, it was unputdownable. I read it in hours. Immediately, we’re introduced to Abigail’s problem and her possible solution. You would think that what with everything explained right away that there wouldn’t be much of a story to tell. But you would be wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Zach and Abby learn each other and learn to deal with each other’s problems and concerns.

Theme of family. The whole series is about patchwork families (duh), but I loved that when Zach married Abigail, he made her sister his. And her sister has quite an issue to deal with.

The romance. Anyone who reads my reviews knows I love romances based on friendship. Witemeyer presents us a lovely one. Zach and Abby really take the time to get to know each other. Even though they both have a history, it is fortunately not used as a weapon to wield against one another. Instead, they learn and grow and they work together.

Spiritually, the novel deals with putting your trust in God rather than in yourself or in things…and what that in effect looks like.

What I didn’t like

The only thing that I didn’t like was that Zach kind of didn’t feel like Zach from the first book. He’s still firm and strong, but he lacked that gunslinger-feel from the first book. I get it, he was turning over a new leaf, but I loved the roughness of Zach in the first book and I wish some of it had carried to the second one. The if-you-look-at-me-wrong-I-might-just-shoot-you aura he had. He’s a lot sweeter in this book.

Romantic scale: 7.5

Overall, so cute. I really enjoyed this book and if you want to read a lighthearted western romance, than this is the one for you.

**I received a copy from BethanyHouse through Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**

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.

You may remember Zach from More than Meets the Eye. In that book he was the champion for his adoptive brother Seth and adoptive sister Eva. His champion status continues in Karen Witemeyer’s new book More Than Words can Say. Now he is the champion for the town baker, her sister, and some orphans who remind him of his younger self.

Once again Karen Witemeyer has created characters who are believable and stir emotions. Each of the major characters have a mistake in their past that they regret or a character flaw they can’t seem to get past - making them real people. Three of her characters learn to better rely on and take care of their family members as well as relying on the Lord. Since she chose to set the story in a real place, she did extensive research to make sure she “got it right.” Her author’s note at the end helps readers decipher fact from fiction.

I would not hesitate to place More Than Words Can Say in my k-12 Christian School library.

I want to thank Baker Book House and Celebrate Lit Tours for the complimentary Net Galley e-copy of More Than Words Can Say.

A book by Karen Witemeyer never disappoints. I suppose the nexus of any good story is the protagonists. And Abby and Zach are a couple of mixed confections that are baked just right. Their combination of strengths and weaknesses causes you to love them. Zach is this tower of strength and commitment, yet in his heart he's begging Abby to choose him. Abby is filled with drive, intelligence, and compassion yet she's fearful of being rejected because she doesn't feel she measures up to a visual ideal. How these two hearts connect will give your heart a warm glow. Sweet story!

This book is the second in a series, but could be read as a stand alone novel. Reading the first book, "More Than Meets the Eye," will, however, provide some good background for Zach's character and honestly is a great read so...bonus! I've been a Karen Witemeyer fan for a LONG time, and one reason is that every book feels like a new, sweet surprise. I love the dialogue she creates between the characters, the way she weaves in a faith aspect without it feeling forced, and romantic tension that's real! In this book, there's obviously going to be some tension if two people, who are basically strangers, get married and start living together in the same house. I'm glad the author didn't skirt around that but addressed it throughout the novel...which led to some fun scenes between the two main characters. Loved it!
I also loved the hero, Zacharias. The protector in him, even though he initially resisted a commitment to Abigail, won out. He wasn't afraid to stand up to those who mistreated her and stepped into his role in the story quite well. Abigail was a very likable character. Sweet, kind hearted, and "curvy" were some of the words I would use to describe her. I liked the connection she had with Zach in the story. My only wish for curvy girls in all the novels I read is for there to occasionally be one that is proud and confident in her curviness and not always feeling self conscious because of it. In real life, many girls who are not slim feel like they're not attractive enough to have a handsome guy like them (like Abigail did). I would love to see a heroine who may not fit the mold with her body type and have confidence that goes through the roof ; ). Personal preferences aside, I still loved this story and couldn't put it down. I would certainly recommend it!
Karen Witemeyer was so gracious to be my very first author spotlight....way back in 2012! It's hard to believe it's been that long ago. In the interview I asked Karen what one of her favorite recipes was. Click here to find out! : )

**I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in order to give an honest review, which I did.**

4.5 Stars

Y’all, I loved Zach Hamilton! Despite his insistence he wants his freedom and doesn’t want to be tied down by obligation, he’s a protector at heart. A fact which is proven over and over with his interactions with both his new wife and his new sister-in-law. He’s also an adorably clueless male when it comes to interaction with the fairer sex (although he is one hundred percent male when it comes to marital expectations).

The interactions between Abby and Zach alternate between awkward, tense, and adorable before and after they become husband and wife. Abby might be all goodness and kind-hearted but she’s also fierce about protecting what’s hers. And the bakery, her sister, and even Zach are hers.
The theme of forgiveness is examined from a few different angles—from letting go and letting God to forgiving everyone but yourself and on to the deep-rooted bitterness that occurs when forgiveness is refused to be given.

With an extra dash of humor and a full serving of heart, Karen Witemeyer delivers a story of family, faith, and finding your happily-ever-after when you aren’t even seeking it. More Than Words Can Say is one historical romance you won’t want to miss.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Warning: extreme gushing ahead...

Another top favorite of 2019!!! I absolutely adored every part of this book! While I've enjoyed every book by this author, I have two favorites that I just love to re-read- To Win Her Heart and Short-Straw Bride. More Than Words Can Say has now been added to that elite list- it gave me that special reading experience I crave- great characters and (I don't often use this word) *swoony* romance full of crackling chemistry, romantic tension, and longing for each other.

Zach is a hero that sacrifices for others, he's a protector. He has a troubled past but has redeemed himself, even though he still struggles with forgiving himself. He's a bit like Mr. Darcy in that he's quiet and standoffish, but personable and charming with those closest to him. He and Abby were genuinely adorable when they engage in a little flirting and teasing. I loved seeing them warm up to each other so quickly and the laughter and delight they take in each other. A marriage of convenience that is affectionate from the start, they don't rush their boundaries but also don't keep their growing feelings a secret. Zach shows his love through actions more than words (although the scene where he uses his words is, again- adorable!) and Abigail recognizes that. Abigail also struggles with a trauma in her past and the way her former BFF and current archenemy is still punishing her for it. There is a strong message of forgiveness and healing through relying on faith in God to provide answers to our challenges that they learn together. I loved Abigail's grace and compassion, which make her a perfect match for our sacrificial hero. This is a story I'm already itching to re-read, and I highly recommend it!!! It works perfectly well as a standalone, but if you can, read the first book in the series since Zach is such an important character in that story and it will add to your understanding of him when you read this one.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

This book was an enjoyable read. Not overly cheesy, I appreciate cheesy but some christian authors go overboard for some reason. Not this book. There are quirky misunderstandings and miscommunication and the like without going ridiculously overboard.

Abby goes to Zach with a proposal of marriage of convenience so that she can keep her bakery since there is a town ordinance preventing women from owning businesses.

The plot flows along nicely even setting up the next book (fingers crossed) without breaking stride. The characters are delightful and real if a little comedic. This goes for both the main and secondary characters. The "villain" was believable even though at first I felt that story line was a little petty and implausible but it really doesn't take a lot for some people to hold life-long grudges.

I liked that the author didn't allow too many contrived situations for romance not to happen or be interrupted. This is a romance book and though we are not looking for smut, this is a married couple who have every intention of having a "real" marriage despite their beginning. Affection is allowed and I was glad to have it.

Zach and Abby are adorable and I enjoyed reading their story.

Fans of Karen Witemeyer know that she excels at writing sweet, subtly sexy Western romances which are full of charm and joy. Her genuine, heartwarming stories never fail to bring a smile to my face and her latest book, More Than Words Can Say, completely met that expectation. It’s the second novel in a series but works perfectly as a standalone.

Thanks to her dad, Abigail Kemp has lived a life defined by misogyny. Just when she thought she was past that, the town council delivers a nasty surprise – the bakery she inherited is now in violation of the law because only men are allowed to own businesses within the city limits. Abigail can either sell the business to a man and work for him or find a husband. She’s not pleased about either option but it doesn’t take her long to figure out that a marriage of convenience will be the best solution. The deadline delivered by the mayor gives her only two weeks to pick a suitor in a small town with a serious shortage of bachelors.

Her primary qualification for a husband is “a tractability of dough” that would “hold whatever shape the baker deemed appropriate.” Which leaves her daily customer Zacharias Hamilton out of the running. He might make flutters dance in her chest when they exchange a morning nod over his preferred sticky buns and black coffee order but the man lacks the malleability she’s looking for in a groom. The only problem is, her other choices are a mama’s boy whose mama doesn’t think a baker is good enough for her baby and a church deacon whose breath could “kill a bread dough’s rise at twenty paces.” After some deep deliberation, Abigail musters her courage and proposes to Zach, complete with a contract outlining the benefits of the marriage for each of them.

Zach’s days of involving himself in other people’s troubles are past. He took on the raising of a family at thirteen and has done plenty of things he’s none too proud of in order to keep a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. He’d noticed that Abigail was tense and unhappy recently but had determined to simply appreciate the fact that her personal troubles weren’t interfering with her ability to brew a good cup of coffee or provide delectable baked goods for his morning repast.

He turns down Abigail’s original proposal courteously, but he finds it harder to say no when her younger sister Rosalind corners him later that afternoon and pleads with him to accept it and protect the two ladies from harm. It seems young Rosalind has gotten herself into a spot of trouble, and without the bakery to live in and a strong brother-in-law to protect her, she is confident that trouble will grow until it destroys both her and Abigail. Zach reluctantly takes a second look at Abigail’s contract outlining the terms of their marriage and assures her he will agree to all her terms if she agrees to one of his: marital relations must be part of the deal. Flustered by his physical interest in her but delighted at the chance to save her bakery, Abigail agrees.

There’s nothing better than a typical romance plot done well and that’s exactly what More Than Words Can Say is. Abigail, like many a heroine before her, doesn’t recognize her own beauty or charm even though she’s industrious, kind, and clever. We learn details of her life throughout the novel that show how she has overcome adversity and her own mistakes to be the lovely and caring woman she is. Her surprise at Zach’s amorous interest comes from the fact she sees none of that in herself: she thinks she’s simply a “plain, plump dough slinger” while he’s the ultimate ruggedly handsome, confident cowboy.

What Abigail quickly comes to value more than Zach’s appearance, though, are things I loved about him, too. He has an egalitarian attitude towards their relationship. He never pushes her for more than she is willing to give physically, is helpful but not in the least controlling in terms of her business and shows a respect towards women that Abigail’s father never did. Marrying Abigail is a kindness he doesn’t need to perform but which is totally in keeping with his character. As the novel progresses we watch him help Rosalind and an assortment of other people in need and are reminded of everything he did for his sister Evie, the heroine of More Than Meets the Eye. His compassionate, charitable nature coupled with his good looks, fighting skills and protective instincts make him a hero to die for.

I’ve never read a marriage of convenience plot that I didn’t think required a heaping helping of suspension of disbelief and this one is no different. This trope is a standard of the genre however, and is one I am willing to happily concede reality for. That was especially easy here since having Zach and Abigail married allows the author to build their relationship in historically accurate ways and gives us a chance to really see the hero and heroine pull together to face their difficulties.

Their marriage also allows Witemeyer to do an excellent job of combining her faith filled story with realistic sensuality. While this tale is in no way explicit, the genuine desire felt between a man and woman is expressed. Passages such as the following highlight that Zach has a very typical male attitude towards sex:

“Speaking from a purely practical perspective, Miss Kemp,” he interrupted,”a man can’t be expected to live like a eunuch when the woman he’s married to looks like you.” His gaze scanned her from head to toe, lingering ever so briefly on the places where her curves were most prominent.

The author is firm in her conviction that the only appropriate setting for the fulfillment of such desire is within a marriage but her acknowledgment of those feelings adds a realistic note to the hero and heroine’s interactions.

As I mentioned, this narrative is faith filled. Zach and Abigail speak of their beliefs frequently, spend time in prayer and work through the problems they encounter throughout the book by using biblical principles and relying on scripture for guidance. Their convictions are generic to Christianity and appropriate to the time and place in which they live.

More Than Words Can Say is a lovely story that is a complete pleasure to read. I wish the author had taken a bit more time to deal with Rosalind’s situation but the quick resolution in no way affected my enjoyment of the tale. I think fans of Inspirational romance will find a lot to love here and I urge them to rush out and pick up a copy as soon as possible.

Zu Beginn des Buches wird vom Stadtrat entschieden, dass Abigail Kemp als Frau in der Stadt Honey Grove, Texas die Bäckerei ihres Vaters nicht alleine besitzen und weiterführen darf. Sie will das auf keinen Fall akzeptieren und bekommt noch zwei Wochen Zeit, um eine Lösung zu finden. Abigail beschließt in ihrer starrköpfigen Art kurzerhand, einen Ehemann zu finden. Sie will keine Ansprüche an Äußerlichkeiten stellen, aber formbar wie ein Teig muss er für sie sein, da sie ja weiter die Bäckerei führen will. Sofort geht sie in Gedanken die heiratsfähigen Männer durch. So prüft sie auch Zacharias Hamilton auf Tauglichkeit. Er ist regelmäßiger Gast zum Frühstück, aber sehr verschlossen. Es ist ihr noch nicht gelungen, ihn in ein längeres Gespräch zu verwickeln. Dabei ist er der einzige von den Kandidaten, der ihr Herz schneller schlagen lässt. Formbar ist er vielleicht nicht, aber dafür würde er ihr vielleicht kämpferisch zur Seite stehen können.

Abigail hält sich selbst für unansehnlich, ganz der Gegensatz zu ihrer hübschen jüngeren Schwester Rosalind. Zudem ist sie sehr freiheitsliebend und geschäftstüchtig. Aber sie will auch nicht mit ihrem Aussehen überzeugen, sondern mit ihrem ausgefeilten Angebot. Sie sucht eine geschäftliche Beziehung ohne körperliche Komponente.

Zach arbeitet im örtlichen Sägewerk und will nun mit 30 nur noch seine Freiheit und finanzielle Sicherheit genießen und nicht mehr für Menschen und ihre Probleme Verantwortung übernehmen. Da hat er sein Maß an Pflichten bei der Erziehung von Evie und Seth schon längst erfüllt. Aber sein Geschäftspartner und seine Frau wollen ihn gerne verheiratet sehen.

Es vergehen nicht viele Seiten im Buch, da überrascht Abigail ganz ohne Vorankündigung Zach schnurstracks mit ihrem Angebot...

So entspannen sich amüsante Dialoge und humorvolle Szenen. Die Beziehung zwischen den beiden Protagonisten entwickelt sich dann herzerweichend zaghaft und berührend. Man fiebert mit den Entwicklungen mit und drückt den Hauptfiguren mental die Daumen und wünscht Ihnen nur das Beste, so sympathisch sind sie. Erfreulicherweise tauchen auch Evie und Seth aus dem ersten Teil wieder auf. Mit Abigails Schwester, den Witwen und den anderen Einwohnern hat die Autorin überzeugende Nebenfiguren geschaffen.

Im letzten Drittel entwickelt sich die Geschichte in interessante weitere Richtungen. Sie dreht sich um die Themen Zuneigung, Verantwortung, Respekt und Vergebung. Abigail und Zach wachsen charakterlich aneinander und jeder Leser kann daraus etwas für sich mitnehmen.

Es kommt zu einem herzerwärmenden Ende und es zeigt sich, dass der Titel ausgezeichnet zur Erzählung passt. Jetzt muss ich nur noch ein Rezept für Sticky Buns finden!

Karen has done it again! Karen's books are always at the top of my must read and favorite lists and this one is no exception. I have been eagerly awaiting Zach's story for a year and it did not disappoint in the least. It was going to take a special woman to claim Zach's heart and Karen created a perfect counterpart in Abigail. She is going to be one of my most favorite of Karen's characters, and while Amos is still my favorite of Karen's heroes, Zach is a VERY close second! More Than Words Can Say is full of great characters from Zach and Abigail to a very well crafted villain(who in all honesty, I would love to see her redemption story!) and some adorable kiddos. This book was one I devoured! If you enjoy great historical Christian Fiction with lots of heart and humor and a great faith message, then this is the book for you!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

More Than Words Can Say is the sequel to More Than Meets the Eye. I did not read the first book, but I can honestly say that this works perfectly fine as a stand-alone.

Witemeyer pulls us in with determined, hardworking characters with big hearts for their families. I loved the setting of the bakery, but it was the characters that really caught my attention. I loved the depth of their backstories and the redemption that came about for them. The plot was semi-predictable but it was so cute that I didn’t mind, and I loved all the good lessons it had woven in. The story inside in the book was just as adorable as the cover would make you think! I definitely recommend for anyone looking for a lighthearted (yet deep) summer read.

Thank you to Bethany House publishers and Net Galley for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

I loved this book!
I know I say that often, but since I get to pick and choose what I read I pick mostly books I think I'm going to like. I have never read a Karen Witemeyer book that I didn't love. She is such a talented author.
Her characters are developed so well that everyone falls in love with them from the first page. This book is no exception. Abigail and Zacharias are so cute, delusional, but cute. Both believe lies about themselves that prevent them from envisioning a loving and happy future.
The details of the town of Honey Grove, Texas are sprinkled into the story here and there to give the story that believable, historical feel.
This is the second book in the series, The Patchwork Family Novel. More Than Words Can Say could be read as a stand alone novel and the reader wouldn't feel lost at all. Karen has woven enough of the important details from the previous novel into this story. I hope that you buy the first novel, More Than Meets The Eye, and read it first. It is so much better when you see everything that  Zach, Seth and Eva went through to get to where they are now. It makes you understand why Zach feels the way he does.

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!

If ever asked why Karen Witemeyer is one of my absolute favorite authors, I will hand this book over as proof.

She is a master at creating characters that feel realistically flawed but genuinely lovable. Zach is absolutely swoon-worthy--not because of his oozing charm and ability to say all of the right things, but because he truly has a heart of gold and he shows it in his own way. I loved him in More Than Meets the Eye and I love that readers were able to get a deeper glimpse into what makes him tick.

Because I loved Zach dearly, I knew it would take a special woman to capture his heart. Abigail fit the bill perfectly. I truly appreciated her struggles and insecurities as it often felt that she was voicing thoughts I have had before.

Spiritual truths were sprinkled generously throughout the novel and the romance was masterfully done. I caught myself grinning and sighing on numerous occasions. This was an absolute delight to read. Witemeyer has hit it out of the park again!

{I received a complimentary copy of this book via the publisher and Netgalley. All expressed opinions belong solely to me.}

“The council has denied your appeal, Miss Kemp.” Mayor Longfellow delivered the blow with a finality that threatened to buckle Abigail’s knees.” - Opening line from More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer

After thoroughly enjoying More Than Meets The Eye, I began its sequel by Karen Witemeyer, More Than Words Can Say, excited to see how Zach’s tale would unfold. Abigail is a delight from the first page and a wonderful counterbalance to Zach. To keep control of her bakery she must marry a man who will respect her business savvy (how thankful I am to live in 2019 and not 1896). Attracted to one another, the marriage between Zach and Abigail solves the problem and also offers the opportunity for love to grow.

Beyond the romance, the novel explores how the two come to conquer the challenges of the world together and how Christian forgiveness really works. I so enjoyed how Karen Witemeyer explored forgiveness’ many facets and difficulties.

The writing is beautiful, the characters well thought through and easy to connect with and there is even a little mystery thrown in. Several times I found myself giggling at the adventures Zach and Abigail go on. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it! It’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale!

An archaic law makes this story, but they did really exist, and the author has used this one with in a very clever way!
Now this is the second book in this series, but there are some updates, so you won’t be totally lost, but the first is equally as good!
There are few chuckles here, and some serious sad moments, that lead to a lifelong grudge, but you have to wonder if the evil is about to prevail.
I enjoyed this read, and the pages flew, there was a sense of loss as the last page was turned, I wanted to continue with the lives of these characters!
You don’t want to miss this one!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Is it even possible to say that I liked this book even more than the first?
Yet, it's true. This book had me hooked right from the beginning. I had a sneaking suspicion that I would like this because I read the first book in the series last year, but I did not expect to like this one so much.
First off, Abigail was so relatable. She struggled to find her worth in matters other than baking. She worried about how she looked and how she could support herself.
Zach was back! I have to admit that his story was the one I was really looking forward too. He is so different from his siblings and carries a lot of baggage. Yet, through it all, he is able to learn and work through his issues with the help of God.
To sum it all up, I really enjoyed this novel and fans of historical will devour this story with all of its character development.

Rating: 5 Stars
Content: 2 Stars (kissing)

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.