Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes–one bright blue, the other dark brown–Eva has fought to find her way in a world that constantly rejects her. Yet the support of even one person can help overcome the world’s judgments, and Eva has two–Seth and Zach, two former orphans she now counts as brothers.Seeking justice against the … against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880s Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront Zach Hamilton, the hardened criminal responsible for his father’s death. Only instead of finding a solitary ruthless gambler, he discovers a man not much older than himself with an unusual family. When Zach’s sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time their paths cross, Logan finds his quest completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?
more
Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite authors and this is another fantastic book of hers! I fell in love with these characters early and loved every minute of their story. I highly recommend!
If you love Western Romance, you can’t go wrong with Karen Witemeyer!
I enjoyed every moment of this story. From the heart-wrenching prologue to the very last scene the characters come to life and lived in my imagination. Reading this story is like watching the movie play out in your mind.
Lively, witty conversations, exciting adventure and mystery, tender heartfelt moments of family love and a sweet budding friendship that grows into love. This story has it all!
Each character is endearing and unique. They all have their own hardships and burdens they carry. The Heroine Evangeline (Evie) may have two different colored eyes, and she may be considered an outcast by the society standards, but she doesn’t let that drag her down. She is a ray of sunshine and has a tender heart for those who are hurting. She is a champion of the underdog.
A story about true beauty as well as about loving others just as they are. Offering forgiveness, even when it’s not asked for. I simply didn’t want to see this wonderful story end. I give this story 5-stars and am eagerly looking forward to the next story from Karen!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
“Vengeance doesn’t heal pain, Logan. Love heals pain. Where is the love in what you are doing?”
Three orphans have decided to strike out on their own rather than wait for someone to adopt them off the orphan train. They become each other’s family. Evangeline Hamilton, however, is considered cursed by many because of two different colored eyes. She and her brothers Zach and Seth have lived on a farm outside town and rarely see others. She is mocked and humiliated because of her eyes. But they have love.
Logan Fowler comes to town and buys the parcel of land next to the Hamiltons, seeking revenge against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family. That man is Zach Hamilton. However, Logan meets Evangeline first and falls in love with her and she with him. Zach Hamilton doesn’t seem like a cheat and liar, either. But Zach is bent on revenge. Evangeline is a ray of sunshine in Logan’s life and he forgets for a time that he must satisfy his desire for vengeance.
I think this is Karen Witemeyer’s best book yet! I loved every single minute. She has created a cast of characters sure to win her readers’ hearts. Except the bad guys, of course, and there are a few here. There is danger afoot and she throws even more into the mix as the tale goes on. I was barely unable to put the book down when life intervened. Highly recommended. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
*My thanks to the publishers for a copy of this book. The opinions here are entirely my own.
That’s it. One book and now I’m a forever fan. I love her characters and writing style. It’s been a while since I’ve laughed out loud multiple times in one book. I’m moving to the second in the series today!
More Than Meets the Eye (2018) by Karen Witemeyer is the first book in her Patchwork Family series. This book recently published on June 5th by Bethany House Publishers, and can be purchased wherever books are sold. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is 352 pages in length. With a full-time job and quite the rambunctious six-year old at home, More Than Meets the Eye took me three days to read. I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give More Than Meets the Eye 5+++++ STARS. This story is a Christian Historical Romance.
More Than Meets the Eye is an AMAZING story. I loved every minute of this book. From the heartbreaking prologue to the final paragraph of the epilogue, I was completely hooked. The storytelling in this book is stellar. There’s a debt that needs paying, an attempted murder, a mystery to be solved, creepy villains, and a friendship that blossoms into a very sweet romance. This book has everything a reader could want in a great book!
Evangeline Hamilton is the main character, and she is excellent. I adore her personality, and wish I could be more like her. She is like sunshine, and it’s consistent. She is always able to see the best in people, and she never judges others. Because of her mismatched eyes, the people in her community treat her like she is a leper. At best, many ignore her as if she doesn’t exist. At worst, some say really awful and hurtful things about her just loud enough so she can hear. They accuse Evangeline of being a witch. They call her names. They are just plain awful. BUT, she never lets it get her down. Yes, this treatment pains her deeply, and she is so lonely being an outcast, but Evangeline never lets the meanness make her dark or blacken her soul. I found Evangeline’s character refreshing, and a great model for how a Christian should behave especially in the rougher times.
Another aspect I especially love about this book is when Logan realizes God’s Truth. There is a fabulous “unveiling” moment when the scales fall from Logan’s eyes. I promise not to spoil a single thing — suffice it to say, it’s a really significant moment and one of the best parts of the story. Witemeyer is able to perfectly capture that moment when one is at his/her weakest and lowest point — that pivotal moment when God reaches into our hearts and we finally realize His Truth. This scene is a great reminder of what Paul discusses in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (ESV):
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But He said to me, ‘My grade is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
It is at our weakest moments that we are actually our strongest IF we go to God. When we go to God, we have God’s power and presence surrounding us. There is no safer or stronger place to be than with God. And, that is exactly what Logan does. Once he realizes his grave error, Logan turns to God. He asks for forgiveness and help. And, wouldn’t you know it, God totally delivers! It’s a fantastic moment in the book, and it’s a great reminder for me.
More Than Meets the Eye is a great read. I enjoyed every moment of this story, and I am really sad my time with Evangeline and Logan is over. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series. If you are looking for a highly engaging, fast-paced novel filled with excellent characters, a fantastic story line, and very timely lessons than this book is definitely the one for you!
“She still had a few tender places that ached when prodded, but Zack and Seth had loved and accepted her into a place where past hurts mattered less than present blessings. Maybe God had brought her into this stranger’s life to do the same for him.” ~pg. 59
This is one of those stories to bask in for a few days after reading it just to absorb everything about it! After recovering from the heart-wrenching prologue, Witemeyer promises to soften the blow with her trademark humor and she does so beautifully! I think that’s always my favorite things after reading a book written by this talented author; her infectious humor and big belly laugh-out-loud moments. You can’t go wrong when you pick up one of her stories.
I’m also hoping she has more in this series because the ending was just the beginning for me. Especially for big brother Zack…and that’s all I gotta say about that! Evie is a favorite of mine, she doesn’t let what people say about her ruin her sense of well-being and upbeat personality. She has a tender heart when it comes to the misfits of the world, even so far as animals go as evidenced by her friendship with Hezekiah the wild pig. Well not so wild maybe because he’s treated like one of the family, at least by Evie. What a spoiled rotten but lovable creature who adds his own personality to the mix! Then along comes Logan, as much of a mystery man as can be. He has revenge on his mind and a devious way to enforce it, that is until a wood sprite named Evie traipses into his life & property. He didn’t count on getting emotionally attached to her and the way she makes him open up to things he’d rather see stayed buried! These two have opposite views when it comes to things in life and causes a few sparks. They are fun to watch and even more fun to see fall in love. Seth & Zack add to the strong family dynamics. This mixed family has so much to offer a reader; three people whose past circumstances mesh them together by tragedy, heartache and a bond that surpasses all understanding. There’s lots to discover in this action-packed adventure, even a little bit of suspense and mystery going on and infused with plenty of faith. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll sigh satisfactorily at the end!
*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers on behalf of the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. *
I always enjoy Karen’s books, but I loved this one especially. The combination of suspense with imperfect heroes/heroines was just what the doctor ordered.
I enjoyed reading More than Meets the Eye, book one of Karen Witemeyer’s new series called A Patchwork Family. Evangeline is an ideal heroine. With her mismatched eyes she could have been bitter and unforgiving to those who ridiculed her yet she was the complete opposite. I admired her for her openness and kindness; just they type of gal you’d want for a friend. When she met Logan it was her good nature that disarmed all his defenses. He found out that this sheltered young woman was no match for any designs he might have on her for his plans.
While Evangeline and Logan’s story is at the heart of this book I have a soft spot for Zach, Eva’s oldest brother. He had such a hard shell around his heart created by difficult circumstances. He’d had to grow up quickly after the Orphan train crashed. He could have escaped on his own but quickly decided to stand by and protect two younger orphans who survived with him. In one moment he went from being a teen with a chip on his shoulder to creating and providing for a new family. A Patchwork Family he never let down.
This is a wonderful story of resilience, forgiveness and love. Not just the romantic love but a love story of families who grew out of need in the wild west of old. Karen Witemeyer is noted for her wonderful stories emanating from the wild west and for that I am pleased. I enjoy a peek at what life may have been like for those who helped build this great western piece of our country.
More Than Meets the Eye was a sweet story. Even though there were plenty of lighthearted moments, this storyline delved into the hurts that wound people and how God and caring friends can help to heal those hearts.
Evangeline not only suffered much loss at a young age, she also carried around pain from the way she was treated by most people in her community. Logan carried a lot of hurt and a heart full of vengeance toward a man who wronged his family years earlier. It was interesting to watch as Logan and Evangeline began on their journey to friendship and much more.
I enjoyed the side story that involved the character Seth, as well. All of the characters in this mismatched family created such an interesting mix of people and situations.
This was a very good novel and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This fantastic Christian historical fiction story by Karen Witemeyer is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. More Than Meets the Eye will pull on your heartstrings as you realize the pain Evie goes through all her life because of her miss-matched eyes. People can be so cruel, not just back then, but even now, when others are different from themselves, in a way they don’t understand.
I loved the way the orphans joined together to form a formidable, unshakable bond they considered family. They learned how to deal with each others’ needs in order to create the strongest possibility for each to survive.
Both Logan and Zach need to learn that the future is not theirs to shape, no matter how desperate they are they retain their tenuous hold on the future. “…control was an illusion. No man controlled fate. God alone claimed that honor.”
Healing from brokenness is a big theme in the book. At first reading, it seems obvious who has the biggest holes in their hearts and who may have transgressed the most. However, broken people heal best when they and those who may stand in judgment all realize that we are all broken somewhere. “People might try to hide their broken places and pretend to be whole, but the truth is that we all have failings. That is why we need each other.” We all need to work together to forgive and forge a new path.
I highly recommend this book. I both bought a copy and received a complimentary copy from Bethany House. This in no way affected my opinions, which are freely given and for which I am solely responsible.
4.5 out of 5 stars! When Evangeline (Evie/Eva) was four years old, a tragic event happened while she was on board an orphan train that had changed her life drastically. Now at nineteen she has done her best to find the good in any situation and the people around her. She’s needed to do that especially because of how everyone treats her differently because of her mismatched eyes. Yet when she meets her new neighbor, she finds herself in new situations all together and things could definitely be moving in the right direction for her family. Is it all too good to be true though or is it truly everything she has secretly wanted?
Wow! This novel had me crying and hooked into Evangeline’s tale from the start. This is a grippingly fun read with surprising twists with mysterious circumstances thrown in. Though I really liked how the plot and subplots played out and wrapped up, it was really Evangeline that made me laugh and enjoy this novel the whole way through. Her gumption and cheery disposition had me rooting for her. Whether it be about winning over her “love interest,” hoping her adoptive brothers would be able to overcome their own troublesome pasts, or just going along for the ride as Evangeline tries to get to the truth of the matter in any situation, just made me enjoy this novel even more.
Though it is not just Evangeline that won me over, her neighbor and “love interest,” Logan did too. He’s rugged and sweet … one who looked out for those he cared about but was still “growing up” in his own way throughout this novel too. It was how Logan grew throughout the novel that endeared me to him even more. Together Evangeline and Logan made a charming pair. I liked how they strengthened each other from their first meeting and took each other’s hopes and dreams into consideration even when things were stacked against them.
In addition, I enjoyed how this Christian Fiction got to the heart of the matter without being preachy or overbearing. It was perfect for these multilayered plots. This novel, also, left me intrigued with how it is going to continue with its series. I’ll definitely be picking the next one up when it comes out.
The only reason this didn’t get 5 stars from me was because of how the “big reveal” played out between Logan and Evangeline, as I think it could’ve definitely been handled better. Yet as this was a fast-paced read, my own feelings of how it was handled quickly died as the next scene had taken place. Well done!
I HIGHLY recommend this novel to anyone looking for a suspenseful Christian historical romance.
Review By: From Me to You … Video, Photography, & Book Reviews
— read more of this review and TWO TEASERS on my blog: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2018/07/feasted-on-patchwork-family-series-book.html —
I enjoyed this story! The prologue drew me in and made me cry so I knew it was going to be a good one. Zacharias, Seth, and Evangeline–three orphans who form a patchwork family–tugged on my heartstrings until I felt like I was a character in their story.
All of the ugly words and mean looks Evangeline has endured through the years from superstitious, or just down-right rude, people because of her eyes being two different colors hasn’t colored her view of humanity. I liked how she was always gracious living out her Christian beliefs under trying circumstances. Her brothers are great too, super protective of her but at the same time give her room to discover what she wants in life. As it turns out, that would be Logan. He is a man seething with anger and out for revenge because he thinks Evie’s oldest brother, Zacharias, cheated Logan’s father out of their home place. He has a plan to get it back but then he meets Evangeline and over time her sweetness and love for the Lord begins to work its way into his hardened heart. And oh, the romance! Witemeyer stepped it up a notch with one of the most romantic scenes I have read in a long time.
A bonus in this book is the brother Seth, who ends up with a romance of his own. That was another well done surprise. I felt like it was almost a two-for-one. Big brother Zacharias takes the stage in the next book and I am looking forward to reading his redemption story. He was my favorite character in More Than Meets the Eye.
This is a Christian historical fiction book that will bring fans hours of reading enjoyment, as it did me. I was gifted a copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.
A book that offers a lot of different things going on including, prejudice, murder, bootlegging, kidnapping, cheating, to name a few.
While this book begins on the orphan train, that is not the main focus of this story, yes, it is about the children’s survival, but mostly as adults.
We do get a bit of romance here, and it is really sweet with new beginnings, and you can see the faith of these people leading them.
This book became a real page turner for me, I had to find out the outcome, and there are a lot of surprises right to the end.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
In her new series debut, Karen Witemeyer examines some characters with unique challenges.
Evangeline Hamilton has not had an easy life. She’s lost family and people steer away from her because of her unique eyes (one blue and one brown). Yet she has managed to carve her own happiness with her brothers in the town of Pecan Gap, Texas. And she has not let the tragedy nor the ignorance of people smother her joy.
Logan isn’t at all expecting to find someone like Evangeline in his search for justice. And this woman manages to upend his world (in the best kind of way).
More than Meets the Eye is a book that examines what makes a family. Evangeline’s family is what not traditional, but she and her brothers have carved out their place with each other. Evangeline’s sunshine filters into Zach’s sullenness and Seth’s protectiveness. None of this family is perfect, but they love each other.
With a little mystery, some action, a few laughs, and loads of emotion, Witemeyer delivers another engaging read with lots of heart.
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.
I absolutely loved this story. I stayed up way to late reading it, and would have read it in one sitting if I hadn’t had a little self control and the realization that I did need at least a couple hours of sleep. Great characters and story! I can’t wait for the next one in the series!
I listened to this on a long drive & it really helped to pass the time. When I got home it made the unpacking chores so much more enjoyable. I was able to stay engaged & excited for the next in the series. I like how Karen Witemeyer can weave Gospel themes into a story without being preachy or beating it over the reader’s head. Letting go of bitterness & forgiveness are tough sometimes. This story did those themes justice in a relatable and realisitic way. All the characters were wonerfully written and added to the story. There was small caveat. There was a character that was deaf. However, the character was able to read lips very well & could use their voice okay. I have a cousin who is deaf. While mabye some can read lips well using their voice & always being understood I’m not so sure. Though, I belive the author does her due dilligince in research & trys to be accurate in writing I could be off base.
Very clean romance with great characters. It hooked me from the beginning and I was sad for the book to end. Thoroughly enjoyed it as I have all of Karen Witemeyer’s books! I highly recommend it!
A great book to read w/ a tall glass of tea. Uncomplicated characters a predictable fun read.
I haven’t read this author recently, but am looking for other books by her.
It takes place during the days of the orphan trains. With a twist, the train derails, killing the brother of a young girl. Two other orphans bond together as a “family” and stick together for years. Good book!