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?
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A story line that was different in a good way.
This was my first read of Witemeyer’s, and right after I finished, I jumped at the chance to go to her website and join her mailing list. I want to keep enjoying her stories! She found just the right mix of love story, action, gospel and scenery. I loved the backdrop of trials; it made the characters approachable. I loved the vulnerability the main characters showed; it set an example for me to follow (but in gifting me a ‘fly-on-the-wall’ perspective, not by shouting out what I can do to improve). I appreciate this honed skill in a writer. The main characters shared great dialogue with each of them having a distinct voice. The minor characters added to the story and fleshed it out nicely. The conflict was an integral element and its resolution was so satisfying and came in a timely manner. I never felt like I wanted Witemeyer to speed up or slow down in her writing: the pace was engaging and just right. The setting and storyline gave me so many images I had never seen before (there were enough details to make it interesting in a way that flowed with the current of action and romance). I felt so charged for life and choosing happiness and wanted to shower those around me with acceptance and love. I wanted to be a ray of hope and joy for others in my own small (or big, depending on their perspective) way. Thank you for a great book, Karyn Witemeyer! I look forward to many more. Oh, I love the covers of your books (after looking at the website, etc., I’ve seen what’s in store for me). Thank you! It’s too often that I feel like putting a slip cover on some of the stories I enjoy because the cover doesn’t reflect the story well (in quality). Tell your team ‘great job!’ Your covers draw me in instead of scare me off 😉
This was one of those books I sought quick moments to read just a little bit more. The family these characters create is one of my favorites among the books lining my shelves, and I love Evangeline’s determination to be positive even though life hasn’t been easy. Her brothers and the man that storms into her life are a wonderful blend of tough but realistically broken men, and the addition of Christy was the perfect addition to the mix. Looking forward to the second book in the series.
Whoa baby that pro-log! Karen Witemeyer pulled an Ever After (Drew Berrymore’s best work btw) on us right at the get go! I just adored Evie!! I can’t wait to see what comes next for this group of orphans who mafe themselves into a family!
Throughout the years I’ve discovered many “favorite” authors, but over time the same thing happens again and again—eventually the quality of the writing declines until I’m no longer interested in reading their books. That’s been a fear of mine about Karen Witemeyer’s books, that one of these days I’ll pick up her latest novel and not care whether or not I finish it.
Today is not that day.
Using another unique setting with unique characters, Witemeyer creates a story world that I happily (and easily) slipped into, wanting to know what’s going to happen next. I do admit that at times Evangeline felt a little too perky (think Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables) and perhaps Logan slipped under her spell a little too easily, but it’s not hard to understand why it happened.
One thing that really stuck out to me about More Than Meets the Eye is the faith element. Often times (more often than I’d like) a character’s faith feels forced, and there have been several times when it’s felt like Scripture was twisted to fit within a plotline. Everything about Evangline’s faith, however, felt real, including how she shared her faith with others. It not only flowed naturally from her character and backstory, but it never came across as preachy or manipulative.
With that being said, Witemeyer once again captured my attention and filled my head with characters that I keep thinking about. If you like western historical romances, you won’t want to miss this book. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
I’m a huge fan of Karen Witemeyer’s work, and this novel was no exception. Evangeline Hamilton is an orphan with an untraditional family. I loved seeing how the two older orphans take her under their wing. They’re both protective of her, and it’s obvious both men love her. The whole book is a reminder that family isn’t just blood. Evangeline is just as protective of her brothers as they are of her, and the brothers aren’t the only ones who make sacrifices.
I think what stuck with me the most though was watching Logan Fowler’s transformation. He’s bent on vengeance for his father, and he blames Evangeline’s brother Zacharias. Logan’s backstory is a sad but relevant tale about the effect the father has on the family. Logan’s father lost the deed to their house in a poker game and shortly after committed suicide. It’s obvious that his father’s death had a large impact on Logan, and I’m so glad the author focused on this issue and expanded on Logan’s past. It made it easy to understand why Logan was so passionate about seeking his own brand of justice.
Overall, this was such a good book! Not just because of the wonderful lessons on God and family, but also because of the growth of the characters. Evangeline learns to accept herself as God made her, and Logan learns the importance of forgiveness. Plus, there’s a mystery! I always love a good mystery.
I just started reading this book and it grabbed me from the first page! I am truly enjoying it!! I would highly recommend it. I have always enjoyed Karen Witemeyer’s books and this one tops them all!
Author Karen Witemeyer writes such wonderful books. Within their pages one usually finds ample humor, romance, action, and sometimes mystery to satisfy most readers but I also often find an important lesson about life and faith woven into a delightful story. More Than Meets the Eye is such a book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The strong ties of three children forced to rely on each other for survival joined them together into a family of sorts that followed them into adulthood. It was heartwarming to see how they cared for and looked after each other. Each of the characters had unique traits that made them all the more realistic. Evangeline was such an optimist that she encouraged everyone. Despite his own health problems Seth was determined to do his part in taking care of their home. And big brother Zach felt responsible for them all and sacrificed more than they knew to make sure they had what they needed.
Then into their lives rode Logan Fowler, a man bent on revenge against the man he believed destroyed his family. The poor man had no idea what he was in for or how his interactions with this unusual family would change his life and theirs forever.
If you have never read a book by Karen Witemeyer, please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of More Than Meets the Eye. I know you will enjoy it at least almost as much as I did.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
A very interesting story. I was crying at times and laughing at others. I felt such outrage at the community for being so horrible to Eva. I think she was unique and honestly after awhile I forgot about her eyes. My next thought is what about Zach? Will he find his happy-ever-after?
Evangeline, Zach, and Seth Hamilton are an unlikely family. In fact, they aren’t a blood family. They created themselves from the ruins of a long-ago orphan train. Now the family farm in the small town of Pecan Gap, Texas. They’ve built a life for themselves.
Logan Fowler grew up in Peacan Gap, but left after his father lost their farm in a card game and killed himself. He’s back for revenge—to win his farm back from Zach Hamilton. Evie Hamilton is the perfect accessory to his plan … until he starts having feelings for her.
Evangeline is a remarkable character. She has different coloured eyes—one brown, one bright blue—and has been ostracised by the townspeople. As a result, she spends most of her free time roaming the countryside in the company of her pet, a tamed feral pig. That’s unique—it’s the first book I’ve read where the heroine has a pet pig. She’s adventurous and brave and caring, and has somehow managed to develop a strong Christian faith despite her problems
Logan is the first person who hasn’t commented on Evie’s eyes, and that makes him special. He’s also a great character, a man with a goal who will stop at nothing to achieve that goal. But is it the right goal? Evie doesn’t think so.
Logan is clearly the hero, but Zach and Seth are noble characters as well. Zach has sacrificed his own dreams to raise and support Evie and Seth. Seth has his own health issues which make life difficult. But they’re a great team.
I think I’ve read all Karen Witemeyer’s novels. I love her writing—her characters, her humour, and the way she seamlessly weaves in the Christian faith. Recommended for all lovers of Christian historical romance, especially westerns.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
I love when an author can draw me right into the story and setting and make me feel like I’m there! Evie’s background as an orphan on the orphan train is tragic, yet she uses her trials to strengthen her faith and stays optimistic. She has such a fun and funny personality, it was a pleasure to read about her mannerisms and special way of warming up even the most recalcitrant cowboy. Her insecurities about her eyes and the way many of the townspeople respond to her difference sharply contrasts with the young woman that Logan gets to know, and he provides encouragement and support. Logan has his own spiritual journey as he struggles with the concepts of justice and vengeance, and his blossoming relationship with Evie. I liked seeing the interactions between Logan and Evie’s overprotective brothers and the way they slowly began to trust each other. The discovery of an abused young woman shakes up the plot and adds mystery and danger as Logan and the siblings protect her and themselves against a ruthless and conniving villain. Secrets, family loyalty, and romance all complicate the decisions Logan and Evie have in front of them, and I was completely immersed in the story the whole time. Highly recommend!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
What a painful group of people they are. Evangeline, Zach, Seth and yes, even Logan. All of them carrying their own brand of pain. Evangeline, Zach and Seth had formed their own form of family and they were tight. They had to have each other’s backs to even survive and not get separated. It’s made clear that although Zach worked hard to keep the together although there were many times that they went to bed hungry.
Evangeline was a delight. She had incredible strengths and also such incredible joy. Her faith in God was really strong as well. Hurts? Yes, she had suffered so many rejections, most of them just because of her so called “mismatched” eyes. No one took the time to know her except her brothers and they loved the daylights out of her. Her brother Seth knows her ways so much more because he was the one who spent the most time helping to raise her. So that means that he knew most of her tricks when it came to getting around her brothers.
Seth was someone who struggled with asthma all of his life but that didn’t keep him from doing his part. It was something to watch when the rest of his family watched out for him and helped him when he had an episode.
Logan has so much lust for revenge although he calls it justice. He aches for what he and his mother lost. But you could also see his heart was being worked on when it came to following through. He had no beef with Seth or Evangeline but his heart is really hardened against Zach. As I was reading it I began to wonder if Zach really had cheated Logan’s father. And it did make me wonder how in the world would any of this would work out. I got involved with the people in the story and wanted to see things work out for the best for ALL of them. I guess a shorter way to say it is that the author made me care about the characters in this book.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book via Bethany House and this is my honest opinion of it.
More Than Meets The Eye (Patchwork Family) by Karen Witemeyer is the first in a series of books set in 1894 Texas.
“When her family is threatened, she doesn’t expect falling in love to be their defense”
It is Pecan Gap, Texas, 1894.
Everybody is hiding secrets: Evangeline Hamilton, with her mismatched eyes is considered a freak. Evie, along with her adopted brothers, Zach and Seth, are hiding their real last names so they can continue as a family. Logan Fowler is hiding his identity as he seeks justice for his mother— or is it revenge? The main characters keep asking themselves: Where do my loyalties lie? As circumstances change, so do those definitions of justice and revenge. Can the love of God and human devotion overcome and unite these very different people?
Karen Witemeyer delivers a delightful story with her signature humor and fiesty heroine and a hero who is trying to do the right thing. She causes the reader to ponder the issues of prejudice and acceptance, forgiveness and reconciliation. And whose justice should we really be seeking?
A satisfying and exciting conclusion to this old west tale will make you glad you ventured into Pecan Gap.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing. I was under no obligation to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Logan is angry he’s out to get justice and if it’s done through vengeance then who cares no ones going to get more hurt then his mom already said right? Everyone thinks Evie is cursed but her hearts anything but. Can they ever see eye, eye?
I am really torn by this book, I wanted to like it but I will be honest I wasn’t a fan of the whole book, I liked bits and pieces. The book starts off amazing on the edge of your seat and then it crashes and takes almost the whole book to build back up again at the end. I liked Evie and her big heart I like how with what happened to her when she was younger she was not jaded by it but super strong and sweet. I liked Zach, Logan, and Seth they have this fight in them as well. This book is a good clean read, this book is a historical fiction but the author had the characters talk very modern. I received an advance copy from the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion.
More Than Meets The Eye is a fabulous book written by Karen Witemeyer. This is my favorite of hers so far. It was an original story set in the year 1894. It was about a precious orphaned young woman who had mismatched eyes. Even though she was made fun of and belittled all her life, she had the most positive and sweetest dispositions ever. The hero, Logan was pretty much smitten with her from the first time he ever saw her. He never really noticed her eyes, only to admired them. He adored her. This story had mystery, suspense and sweet romance. I really enjoyed this book. I give it 4.5 stars.
I really do hope there is a sequel to this book that will feature her adopted brother Zach. He needs a happily ever after too.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to leave a review. This is my honest opinion.
loved this book
More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer is the first book in the Patchwork Family series. Oh, my goodness. Where do I start? This story grabbed you from page one and didn’t let go even after the last page was read. Evangeline Hamilton was orphaned at a young age. Raised by her two adopted brothers, also orphans, she knows what heartache is. But, she doesn’t let it get her down. Considered cursed because of her mis-matched eyes, she still goes through her day with a spring in her step, a song on her lips and her pet pig by her side. What an example. When her family is threatened she doesn’t give in to getting even. Evie sets out to show God’s love and restoring power. I started this book and stayed up way too late reading. It was just impossible to put down. I can’t wait for the next installment. If you don’t read another book this summer, you have to make time to read More Than Meets the Eye.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
More THAN MEETS THE Eye by Karen Witemeyer. I absolutely loved reading More THAN MEETS THE Eye. This story was so engaging right from the start. I was thoroughly engrossed in this heart touching story. It broke my heart how others would treat Evangeline just because of her eye colors. I wanted to smack them. There is so much to this story that will have you wanting more and more. You will be turning page after page just to see what will happen next. Be sure to get your copy of More THAN MEETS THE Eye today.
Another fabulous story!
This is a fantastic start to what is going to be an amazing new series. More Than Meets the Eye is the first book in The Patchwork Family series and it’s an amazing story, from the tear-jerking prologue to the sweet ending. I immediately fell in love with the characters and the makeshift family they created. Evangeline is the heart and soul of the family and I loved her cheerful, sassy personality and bright outlook on life, even after all the tragedy and rejection she had experienced. Her pet boar Hezekiah was an adorable, quirky addition and I loved his role in bringing her and Logan together. Evangeline and Logan were a fun, sweet couple and I love how they pushed each other to be better versions of themselves. Logan’s story arc was especially powerful as he was forced to relinquish the bitterness he had been harboring and offer forgiveness instead of revenge. I also loved the additional mystery with Seth and Christie. However, my favorite character was definitely Zach. I loved how much he sacrificed to take care of his family and how protective of them he was. I cannot wait to read his story. Filled with Karen Witemeyer’s signature wit and charm, this story is a fun, sweet adventure that reminds us that our worth is more than what meets the eye.
“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” ~1 Samuel 16:7b
Another amazing work by Ms. Witemeyer, of course. Loved it! This is a great start to a new series.
Disclosure statement:
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. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.