More Than a Pretty Face (a Harvey House Brides Novella)

I tend to be a bit hard on novellas. Often times, the plots are too grand, and the author is left to tie up all the loose ends too quickly for my satisfaction. Happily, that is not the case with More Than a Pretty Face.

As a big history lovin’ nerd girl, I was tickled pink to learn this plot featured a Harvey Girl. I’d first heard about Harvey Girls on a vacation through Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado a few years ago. Fred Harvey was an American entrepreneur who opened a series of cafes and restaurants aligned with railroad stations in the western United States. He provided high quality food in a timely manner. Train travelers knew to expect great food and excellent service in any of his establishments. Harvey Girls were the women who provided that outstanding service. Each one had to be single and of impeccable character. Housing was provided above the restaurants for these women who were not allowed to fraternize with the customers, at least not in the cafes themselves. Once a woman was engaged, her employment would be terminated.

There is so much to love about this story — the railway setting, life as a Harvey Girl, captivating characters, and a swoon-worthy hero all mixed with a dash of adventure to leave this historical romance junkie’s heart satiated. Rosalind, the heroine, is running from a mistake in her past, something we can all relate to. When it blows up BIG in her face, her sweetheart, friends, and co-workers all rally behind her, and Witemeyer weaves in a beautiful lesson about the power of forgiveness and the desire we all have to create a future not defined by past transgressions.

This is a wonderfully charming novella. You’ll not only be “served up love,” but plenty of faith, humor, and warm fuzzies on the side.

I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House on behalf of the authors and was under no obligation to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Awesome! This novella ties up the story of More Than Words Can Say with Abigail’s sister. (Sigh)

Ok so first of all, you should definitely read the full length novels in the patchwork family series before you read this novella. The back story especially in More Than Words Can Say, are important to being able to fully appreciate this story. It was great getting to read what happens with Rosalind and Caleb is perfect for her. I just wish Zach had been able to make more of an appearance, as it would have been fun. The fact that he didn’t, didn’t take away from the story at all though.
It was a perfect combination of history, romance, and the importance of not judging people based on what you think you know about them.

How is it possible for an author to write such an emotionally gripping story in such a short amount of words? I was so excited to read more about Rosalind, who we met as Abigail’s sister in More Than Words Can Say. She has made past mistakes but has matured into a wonderful young lady. She is poised and pretty but also has gumption and strength that is admirable. There are spiritual themes of forgiveness and mercy that are relatable and applicable to any reader. I really liked the historical aspect of the story and learning more about the Harvey Houses. I also found myself connecting with the characters almost immediately and definitely cried a time or two for Rosalind as she struggled and grew throughout the story. I really, really enjoyed this novella and highly recommend it! The author has penned another winner!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I loved watching the Harvey Girls movie with Judy Garland when I was a child and remember reading several adventurous stories about these young ladies clad in black and white. When Karen announced on her Posse Facebook group that she would be releasing a novella about a Harvey Girl, I knew I didn’t want to miss it.

The Characters:

If you read Karen Witemeyer’s More Than Words Can Say, you will have already met the heroine, Rosalind. I enjoyed reading about the life she built for herself after she left Abby and Zach and headed west. I believe we also met the leading man, Caleb Durrington, in that novel, too, but it’s been a while, and my short-term memory isn’t the best. Caleb’s father built a legacy as a cattleman, but Caleb has followed his own calling as a western lawyer. This novella also offers a supportive cast of lovable characters, including a French chef!

The Plot:

Caleb is learning to forge his own path and make his own decisions out from under the pressure of his loving, but overbearing mother, who knows precisely the type of woman he should marry–one that would complement the godly reputation he has made for himself. He, on the other hand, has his sights set on Rosalind, who was assigned to the Harvey House close to her home, despite running from a mistake in her past for the last several years (readers of MTWCS will remember what this is).

The Romance:

I enjoyed how this novella made more of the hero and heroine’s compatibility in personality, intelligence, and faith than simple physical attraction. And I appreciate that the novella doesn’t completely leave out the latter, which I think lends a realistic aspect to the story. Given the plot and tones of the novella, this focus on the inner person feels appropriate. I did feel there was a slight lack of description for the characters other than eye color and her naturally curly blond hair, but with novellas, wordcount has to be considered, and I understand if some descriptions were left out in favor of character development.

The Spiritual Thread:

The subjects dealt with in this novella revolve around forgiveness and moving into a future that is not defined by another person’s opinion but by God’s calling on a person’s life. These truths are portrayed with grace and easily translated into our modern world.

I enjoyed this novella very much and look forward to “At Love’s Command,” the first novel in Karen’s new series called Hanger’s Horsemen!

* I received a copy of this book from the publisher and have stated my own honest opinion in this review.