After fulfilling a pledge to a dying friend, Zacharias Hamilton is finally free. No family entanglements. No disappointing those around him. Just the quiet bachelor existence he’s always craved. Until fate snatches his freedom away when the baker of his favorite breakfast bun is railroaded by the city council. Despite not wanting to get involved, he can’t turn a blind eye to her predicament . . . … . . or her adorable dimples.
Abigail Kemp needs a man’s name on her bakery’s deed. A marriage of convenience seems the best solution . . . if it involves a man she can control. That person definitely isn’t the stoic lumberman who oozes silent confidence whenever he enters her shop. Control Zacharias Hamilton? She can’t even control her pulse when she’s around him.
When vows are spoken, Abigail’s troubles should be over. Yet threats to the bakery worsen, and darker dangers hound her sister. Can she put ever more trust in Zach without losing her dreams of independence?
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Abigail Kemp is an excellent baker but she can’t have her own business because of a city council ruling that says that only a man can own a business in Honey Grove, Texas in 1896. She realizes that the only solution is to find a husband and she finds the perfect candidate. Marriage is the farthest thing from her perfect candidate’s mind but suddenly, Zacharias Hamilton finds himself married to Abigail Kemp!
As we read Abby and Zach’s story we see how their initial liking of each other turns to something more and we see how their individual faith offers them an amazing chance to share a Christian walk together. Zach is such a special person and I loved how he continually encourages Abby. She doesn’t believe that she is attractive but Zach convinces her that she is very attractive indeed. Abby truly loves running a business and as she thinks about being married she doesn’t see why she can’t do both. It is after reading the story of Mary and Martha in the New Testament that Abigail realizes that she is “a Martha” and that she has allowed her work to take precedence over family matters. In a tender and poignant moment Zach reassures her with his advice. “We can’t change the past,” he said, stroking the side of her face. “All we can do is strive not to make the same mistakes in the future.”
And, by the way, did I mention the incredible chemistry between the two of them? You can just feel Abigail’s struggle as she considers if this marriage could be so much more than just a marriage of convenience and you can imagine Zach’s frustration as he shares a platonic relationship with such a beautiful woman!
I appreciate it when an author can subtly share the message of God’s love and mercy in an enjoyable story and this is exactly what happens in More Than Words Can Say. Abby’s tells Zach that “None of us deserve absolution, Zach. It is a gift freely given. A gift that is waiting for you. All you have to do is accept it.” Her comment is a reminder that forgiveness is a key factor in any successful relationship and that we all must be willing to extend forgiveness to others just as God has extended forgiveness to each of us.
Author Karen Witemeyer has written a historical romance story filled with humor and faith and she has succeeded in making me want to read the next book in the Patchwork Family series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I have chosen to share my own opinions in this review.
I loved this book! The storyline was very enjoyable and had a great message of forgiveness. I loved Abigail and Zacharias! They were such a great pair! I’m really looking forward to reading more books by Karen Witemeyer! I highly recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
This is one of my favorite books by Karen Witemeyer! I feel in love with the characters and the town of Honey Grove. Abigail runs a bakery and this was just such a great part of the story. I loved her attitude toward keeping her bakery, love and just every day life. Zach has such a big heart and is fierce in protecting those he commits to. The characters all have something they are hiding about their past including Rosie, Abigail’s sister. The author shows how only God’s love can heal old wounds and give us joy and peace in the present. I fell in love with this story and the love each character has for family and their neighbors. The story will keep you in grossed in the story from the very beginning. The thing I enjoyed the most was this story didn’t just focus on one main subject but took you into a more in depth story . This book never lacked or dragged but instead kept you surprised at every turn. I’m still thinking on this story days later. A true Masterpiece!
Was given a complimentary copy from Karen Witemeyer and Bethany House. All opinions are my own.
Really fun read. I loved the plot line and the characters.
It was clean and had a happy ending.
I was able to listen to the audio of this book and the narrator was great! I will be listening to more by this author.
I loved this book!! The author did not let me down again – almost every single book I’ve ever read from her has been engaging, humorous, and inspirational!
I loved the characters! Every primary and secondary character was real and fleshed out, even the antagonist.
The setting was amazing, as usual, because the author always does her research. She set this story in a real town in Texas and added the names of real businesses and people alive at that time. But the story wasn’t bogged down with irrelevant details just to parade her research. Every detail had a reason and flowed perfectly with the pacing.
The pacing of it was amazing – every single chapter ending left me wanting to immediately start the next, the evidence of a master.
I loved the marriage of convenience trope, one of my favorites! The romance was slow enough to be believable.
It was a little steamier than I like, definitely referencing Zach’s sexual desire for Abby, but then again, they were married. The timing of when they shared the marriage bed was integral in their relationship, so it needed to be brought up.
The quality of Mrs. Witemeyer’s writing is always excellent, and this was no exception. So many well-crafted quotes and laugh-out-loud conversations and thoughts. The editing was first-rate, too, as I didn’t notice a single typo.
Favorite quotes:
“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.” (p. 14)
“She knew firsthand how uncomfortable clothes that were made with average measurements in mind could be. They pinched in all the worst places and pooched in others. Thankfully, she had a sister who was a whiz with a needle and who had taught her the art of fitting clothes to the body she had instead of trying to stuff her body into patterns made for someone else’s shape.” (p. 61)
“His gaze scanned her from head to toe, lingering ever so briefly on the places where her curves were most prominent. Curves she’d always believed defined her as fat. Yet under his regard, she suddenly wondered if voluptuous might be an adjective that could apply… He actually found her attractive? The ground beneath Abigail’s feet must have shifted, for all sense of balance abandoned her.” (p. 66)
“Preparation plus performance equaled prosperity… It was during the quiet moments when doubts and insecurities crept in to poison her thoughts. Productivity provided an antidote, so she dosed herself heavily…” (p. 89-90)
“In Abigail’s selfish quest to find a husband to save her bakery, had Providence brought her into the life of a man who needed her as a wife? Abigail’s chin came up a notch, the idea shifting her perspective and planting a sense of purpose in her heart.” (p. 105)
“Zach stood a little straighter. Charm and flattery made flimsy building materials for crafting a life with someone. Much better to use something with actual substance.” (p. 112)
“Anger, jealousy, and self-derision had swirled within her, yet Zach hadn’t shrunk back. Even when the muck inside her spilled out onto him. Instead, he stepped into the fray, fought for her – for them.” (p. 173)
“Bread won’t rise unless the baker first activates the yeast. Another of her father’s favorite sayings. In other words, take one step at a time and trust the process.” (p. 190)
“Equal partners, that was the bargain they’d agreed to. If she was going to fall head over heels, it was only fair that he do the same.” (p. 193)
“Was that love? If so, he couldn’t fathom why poets waxed on about it being such a blissful state. As far as he could tell, it was about as blissful as riding an unbroke horse, a bone-rattling endeavor where one held on for dear life, unable to recognize if he was making progress until either the horse quit buckin’ or the ground smacked him in the face.” (p. 217)
(I won this book in a giveaway. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)
I love this story! Zach is a true hero. Abigail is a shy about her person. Working together, they build each other up where each are weak. Extremely romantic for me.
I thought the messages in the story were good but not preachy. I loved the H. He was a great champion for the h. I have been wanting to hear his story. I’m glad for his hea. The h was a strong character as well. I listend to this as an audiobook & it really helped pass the time as I worked around the house. The h was, I think, to be more curvy and not as pretty as her sister. I thought it was mentioned a couple times too much for me. The sister has her own novella from Karen Witemeyer and I reccommend that story as well.
Karen Witemeyer is my favorite author of inspiring Historical Romance and More Than Words Can Say is my favorite of all her books. The heroine, Abigail is relatable, strong, and smart. The hero, Zach is swoon-worthy while being grounded, realistic, and flawed. Karen’s writing is tender and funny. Absolutely recommend.
I absolutely loved Zach’s story!! Abby is great too, but after already reading a little about Zach it was great getting to know his character better and what happens to him.
I can’t wait to read more about Abby’s sister and I hope we get to read more about the two orphans in the story as well.
Sometimes a book comes along and you feel as if it was wrote just for you. That is how I felt reading this Fantastic story. Abigail wasn’t a tiny waisted, skin like lilies delicate lady oh no she was a big hipped, doughy tummy real woman! I loved every page even when the story was hard to read and I have to say THANK YOU MS. WITEMEYER FOR THE BEST BOOK I HAVE READ RECENTLY!!!!!
I fell in love with the two main characters from the first page and couldn’t get enough of their relationship and the hilarious ways they tried to out-love each other. Marriage of Convenience stories are always interesting but I’ve never seen one done like this before, where both the husband and wife are trying to make the other one fall in love with them. Loved their spunk, their courage, the friends and family who wouldn’t keep their noses out of it and the incredible ways they grew through it. Alongside the laughs though (of which there were a lot!), there was such a depth to the story – the real struggles both the two main characters and their families worked through, the wondering where God was in the midst of them and what grace, forgiveness and worth really mean. Such an incredible, beautiful, hilarious, faith-filled, captivating story and one I can’t wait to read again. And again. And again.
O my! More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer basically jumped off the page and read the story itself to me. It’s extremely visual with tons of great characters and plot lines that had me going and going. Let’s back-track a bit. Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite authors. That being said, I’ve never been disappointed with any of her stories I’ve read, but as with any favorites, I try not to bring my expectations too high, in case I’d get disappointed. I’m more than happy to announce that this story will not disappoint, even for those that are not a fan of historical novels.
The characters are perfectly presented, each unique in their own way, with a backstory that gives them all depth and most importantly, flawed. Yes, flawed. They’re not perfect, but that’s why they make perfect characters for readers to get to know and invest their time in to have our own opinions about them – either to love them, dislike them or anything in between. All the main and secondary characters rounds out a story that gives readers a glimpse into their past and their present during the course of the start to the end of the novel, but with a good book, it gives readers the imagination of a future.
The start of a story of an unconventional marriage bounds for laughter, awkwardness and some great dialogue. Yet, it’s the themes of forgiveness and self-confidence that highlights More Than Words Can Say from good to great. How well it is threaded throughout the story, gave readers the expectant time to build up to full comprehension. In all, a wonderful story of entertainment with timeless messages that correlate to the modern day reader.
This is a very enjoyable Christen historical romance that I really loved. I really loved the scripture that goes with the character’s problems and what the Lord tells them to do.
I would end up rereading the scripture verses to let it all sink in again. These two main characters have strength and gumption especially Abigale. She owns the bakery shop in town after her father dies. City council now tells her now woman can own a business without being married. This was an old statute that someone decided to bring back.
Zack is a partner in a sawmill business and a very handsome man. Abigale is being forced to either marry or sell her business before they shut her down. She chooses a business partner to marry so Zack is first on her list.
This story has so much going on with it. An old friendship that was destroyed by an accident that made the other friend angry for life. This causes a lot of problems for Abigale and eventually her business. It has romance, danger, fun, and hard times. This is a really good story that I highly recommend you to read.
It will bring joy to your heart and rereading of these pertinent scriptures to the characters just might remind you of what you may need as this moment in your life. I love this author and love her historical romances.
I sure love this series and this storytelling. The characters are so real, experience hardship, confront challenges with their faults laid bare, and the author manages to weave God’s goodness in the resolution. She creates the satisfying end results in such a way that I feel happy and courageous, wanting to move forward with faith, really knowing that all will work out in time if I depend on God and do my best. I like how the characters face turning points and are allowed insecurities. I want to read more like this! Thank you, Karen Witemeyer!
A laugh out loud treasure! Abigail has spunk, sass and a backbone. Zach is a gentleman who will not be pushed around, but he sure does have a soft spot for the town baker. I loved their chemistry together and the humorous internal dialogues. Clean, but definitely not for younger audiences. A fun read from start to finish.
As much as I liked the first book in this series, I like this one even more. Perhaps it’s Zacharias, but Abby is a delightful counterpart to the gruffness hiding his big heart. I loved how the characters from book 1 invaded the wedding! And while I’m sad to know that the main person behind Abby’s grief never had a change of heart, I understand that sometimes life works that way. All-in-all, this was a great read, and I’m hoping to hear that Rosalind’s story will release later this year!
The characters pull you in right away and keep you hoping for a happy ending- which Karen Witemeyer always delivers. This delightful romance doesn’t give you the easy way out, but makes you dig deeper into the souls that God sees. I always love the supporting cast she introduces. Wonderful story! Can’t wait to read the next one!
The author’s writing style is impeccable and profound. I couldn’t put the book down and didn’t want the story to end and the way she incorporated scriptures into the dialogue and writing was sheer genius. Kudos, to the author. I’m now following you for more.
This was not like Witemeyers other books but it also was just like them. This was a sweet Christian read with a theme of coming to God and having him heal you. There was a strong current of sexual tension in this one other Witemeyer books have not had. This talked a lot about consummating the marriage. I would say this is more of an adult read. There was also a lot of crying…. I’m not sure why this stuck out to me. You have this Lumberjack who rarely interacts with woman outside his sister and the poor guy gets stuck with a lot of crying woman:} It’s a good thing he falls in love with one of them:} I loved the whole idea of how they got together a little too much drama for my tastes but it was fun to read.
Where There’s a Will There’s a Way….
Determined to keep her family business, Abigail Kemp is resorting to a marriage in name only—and she must do the proposing! But someone wants her out of business so badly, even that might not be enough. She must deal with her sister, who inadvertently puts her reputation at stake, an enemy who is set out to ruin Abigail, and a secretive, confirmed bachelor. Despite it all, she doesn’t give up as she faces one roadblock after another.
This is a fun story with lots of predicaments, all told from a Christian point of view. It was refreshing to have the heroine be someone who does not look like a runway model, thank you Ms. Witemeyer! This is a clean story, but there are some mature themes and innuendo when referring to marriage that might make it inappropriate for young readers. This is the second installment of A Patchwork Family Novel series, but this story stands by itself. I recommend this 5-star book to everyone who enjoys light stores of over-comers with a dash of humor and romance!
Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of More Than Words Can Say, for the purpose of review.