More Than Meets the Eye (A Patchwork Family Novel Book #1)
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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781441269447 |
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| Publisher: | Baker Publishing Group |
| Publication date: | 06/05/2018 |
| Series: | A Patchwork Family Novel , #1 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Pages: | 352 |
| Sales rank: | 379 |
| File size: | 7 MB |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
More Than Meets the Eye
4.7 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
75 reviews.
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: frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com --
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". . .a soul’s sore spots didn’t really disappear. They could be buried, defended, and denied, but until they were loved, they wreaked havoc with a person’s peace."
1879 Texas. Christian Historical. First in a new series. There were four orphans on a train that crashed, three escaped, forming their own family, taking care of each other, each with their own strengths. The girl, Eva, has two different color eyes which are off-putting to others, one of the reasons she hadn't been adopted. They struggle to find what they need to eat, with the oldest boy, Zach, taking on the responsibility. After it gets harder and harder he runs out of options, and gets a farm for them in an uncommon way, never expecting repercussions. Logan wants revenge and restitution for his family. When he searches out the person he believes responsible, he's surprised at what he finds. Interesting story of survival and love in an unconventional family whose bonds are tighter than many normal families. Throw in some mystery and danger. You won't be bored.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”
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Karen Witemeyer's More Than Meets the Eye is a very touching story of family, loyalty and faith. The characters are forced to make very difficult decisions when those issues come into conflict.
The story is a very engaging one, and the characters are complex and well-developed. They have to deal with both internal and external conflicts, even to the point of life-and-death situations. Long-held agendas are weighed against the reality of the present and dreams for the future. Faith and love play important roles in how all those pieces work out. And the play on words in the title of the book is a fun touch.
Thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy of More Than Meets the Eye. I am happy to share my own thoughts for this review.
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I really enjoy the writing of Karen Witemeyer. I find that she has a way with words and keeps her stories at a level that draws me in and I enjoy without all the stress. This story was another great one by her. The leading lady, all the sad things that she has had to face, it was quite a ride riding it with her. She has bullies in her life that make fun of her looks. She’s left without family at such a young age and yet God provides for her. It’s beautiful to watch how He does that and I’m convinced of their amazing family dynamic. The warnings of unforgiveness and revenge run deep in this book. Much to be learned in letting go and letting God. The romance was wonderful!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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Since being orphaned at a young age, Evangeline has known only rejection from the adults in her life. Her mismatched eyes, one brown and one blue, are a source of fear and superstition for both the adults and most of the other children in her life. The only one she can count on to love and care for her is her older brother, Hamilton. Traveling West on the orphan train, Hamilton has refused any family that only wanted him. As they travel to the final stop on the train's journey, they learn that their caretakers plan to forcibly separate them so that Hamilton can be placed. As Hamilton enlists the aid of the other two unplaced boys in remaining unplaced, the train derails, leaving Eva with Zacharias and Seth - one unplaced because he's too mean, and the other unplaced because of his health. The three band together, taking on the last name of Hamilton to honor the brother who protected Eva to the end.
Fast forward 15 years, the Hamiltons now live on a farm, and are doing well. They have learned to control Seth's asthma, and Eva has learned to hide her eyes, or have her "brothers" with her when they can't be hidden. She runs free on the land surrounding their home with her best friend, Hezekiah, a wild boar she raised from infancy. When she meets their newest neighbor, Logan, she is fascinated to find another person who doesn't look at her eyes with revulsion. As she gets to know him, her heart sees a man of courage and honor, but when she learns Logan's secrets, will her heart be able to survive the truths she discovers?
Logan Fowler seeks justice for the death of his father. His target? Zacharias Hamilton, the man who cheated at poker winning the deed to his farm from his father. When he fails to find Hamilton at any of the gaming tables in the area, and learns that, as far as the players in the area know, Hamilton no longer plays, he buys the neighboring farm. He hopes to learn all he can about his nemesis from the sister, but when her description of Zach as her protector, provider, and all-around good guy doesn't match what he believes to be true, he begins to take stock. Could his perception of the situation have been wrong all these years?
The more time Eva and Logan spend together, the more their hearts become intertwined. As they work together to solve a mystery, will they be able to get past what divides them, to the hearts that would join them?
Karen Witemeyer has a gift for adding humor to her stories that lightens even the heaviest topics. I loved how Evie, Zach and Seth formed a family unit, even though none of them were related, and they all worked together for the betterment of all. I also loved how Eva managed to stay open and curious, even though most of the town people rejected her. She was willing to offer friendship when she had been continually knocked back in the past.
For me, the fact that this book has Karen Witemeyer's name on the author line was enough to recommend it. Her books always have the ability to suck me in and make me care about the characters, and More Than Meets the Eye did that from the beginning scene. I absolutely recommend this!
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For those of you who love an author with a great sense of humor, who can write a story both serious and funny, then Karen is your gal! I have loved her books every since I read the first one. She is truly an amazing story teller.
This book caught my eye, not just for the beautiful cover, but also the story was intriguing. I loved how it started out with the orphan train. Historical settings are some of my favorite reads. Evangeline is a young girl with two different colored eyes so no one wants her. Her brother is doing his best not to let them get split up. When tragedy strikes, two unlikely characters take her under their wing. As the story unfolds, Evangeline is now all grown up, and a very vibrant, wonderful young woman, ready to take on any challenge.
I found this book to be inspirational, as Eva doesn't let the fact that people see her as a threat with her odd eyes to get the best of her. She perseveres to become the very best person she can be and takes to others who seem to have a troubled past. Karen kept her same sense of humor and wit as she wrote this book that she flourishes at. Her characters have a way of wielding their hold on you as she engages you in the story. You won't want to put it down until you find out what happens.
I was blessed with a copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House. I wasn't asked to write a positive review. All opinions are my own and I would highly recommend this book.
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This is the first book in the Patchwork family series, what a great place to start. This book is full of family, heartache, mystery, forgiveness, romance and more. I look forward to more from this series. I hope we continue to follow the Hamilton family.
Evangeline Hamilton is a loving, caring opinionated girl who has already over come so much. Logan Fowler is out for more than he can imagine, with revenge on his heart, he is surprised by everything Eva is about.
I love the twist and turns, the sparks between Logan and Eva and the relationship between Eva and her brothers. I can't wait for book three to come out to find out what else lies in store for this patchwork family.
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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.
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Do You See Both Sides Now?
Zach, Seth, and Evangeline were just children when they decided to band together. The three unrelated and unwanted orphans decided to call themselves the Hamilton family. Tough is not a strong enough word for the situation they found themselves in while trying to eke out a life. The western town of Pecan Gap, Texas, in 1879, offered little comfort for children on their own.
As the years passed, the little Hamilton family struggled, but eventually came to own a small farm. The two older boys became men, and were very close and protective of each other—especially towards the youngest member, Evangeline. Despite growing into a beauty, she still has the physical characteristic that kept her from being adopted, and has made her an outcast among everyone but her “brothers”.
Then Logan Fowler moved into the area, keeping his identity secret, intent on getting revenge. He has every intention of exacting retribution for the loss his mother and he experienced after his father committed suicide. Not only was his dad gone, but their only home was forfeited as payment for the card game that his dad lost. Logan was sure that his dad was a victim of a card shark, and that person was Zach.
Logan spent years honing his skills as a card player so he could challenge Zach to a game. Logan planned to beat him and take back his family’s farm.
Plans have a way of changing. Logan had barely arrived when he found himself smitten by a beautiful girl; that was not part of his plan. He also stopped a murder attempt, and began looking for the perpetrator. Will he ever be able to admit his true identity to the woman he loves? Must he join forces with the Hamilton family to find the guilty person? Is there any way that both the Hamilton family, and Logan could have a happy outcome?
This clean story has adventure, mystery, drama and a bit of fun. Family values are a big part of this tale. They are evident in the way the Hamilton family members band together to protect each other. The story also tries to answer a big question: does the end justify the means? Can forgiveness take place when an action changes the course of someone’s life, in a bad way? These are big questions that this tale attempts to answer. You’ll enjoy the outcome as you read this 5-star book.
Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of More Than Meets the Eye, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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More than Meets the Eye but Karen Witemeyer was a great read. I have read some of her other books and enjoyed them all. This story had a lot of depth to the characters and the plot. I didn’t want to put it down because I was so captivated by the story. It left me guessing what would happen next and analyzing the book long after I put it down. If you love good historical christian fiction like I do, I recommend this book to you and any of Karen’s other books.
I was blessed to receive a complimentary copy but I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
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"Everyone deserves to be treated like a king, even if they're only a humble pig." (49)
More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer is truly more than meets the eye. What looks like a sweet and beautiful historical romance from its cover has much more depth than expected, especially if you're new to the author's works.
"Trusting the wrong person might lead to temporary heartache, but trusting the right one provides a strength that can fuel you for a lifetime." (56)
How much more can I express my love for this light, yet layered story of a spirited girl that could've hid away for all she's been through, and a man that carried more weigh than he should? Eva is the "brave, cheerful wood sprite who spreads joy wherever she goes" (129) and to those readers that meet her in More Than Meets the Eye. She is simply stunning from the uniqueness of her eyes to the kind heart she possesses. As to our hero? Logan has the kind of shoulder one can rely on. He's "steady, patient, and supportive." (127) Though his appearance is not one of coincidence, but with an ulterior motive, reading through this story gives mind to God's plan all along.
"Sometimes God throws a fork in the road at just the right time." (345)
Not a typical romance, the author threw in a bit of mystery and a chance for our characters, including the overprotective brothers to work together for good and for their love ones. In all, More Than Meets the Eye enthralled us and captured our attention from the beginning, and held on until the last page and beyond. I can't wait to read Zach's story. And I leave readers with this final note, that I felt akin to - something I pray as well.
"I'll pray. . .that you won't lay burdens on yourself that only God is meant to carry." (106)
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
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More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer was off to a slow start but quickly became an engrossing story.
Logan Fowler seeks what he convinces himself is justice for his dad’s gambling loss of the homestead of his family. He sets out to find the man who he’s convinced cheated but instead finds a family made up of orphans who made a home.
Evangeline Hamilton has a pair of mismatched eyes that locals consider a curse. In spite of he judgement of the community she is an optimistic joyful woman who loves her misfit family consisting of Zach and Seth.
Logan quickly becomes perplexed with Evangeline’s sunshiny personality and finds himself falling for her. Can he give up his quest to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his? Can Evangeline forgive his deception and desire for vengeance against her brother?
I received a free copy from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group. No review, positive or otherwise, was required – all opinions are my own.
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This book and I got off on the wrong foot. I started it right before bed, intending to read just one or two chapters of what I expected to be the sweet beginning of love story, to give me pleasant things to dwell on as I fell asleep. *SPOILER* Instead what I got was a very intense, emotional scene culminating in the graphic death of a child, ultimately leaving a four-year-old girl all alone in the world and at the mercy of strangers (and I was wrecked and ugly crying). With such a beginning, it took me a while to pick it up again and really get into it.
Despite such a start, this is not the emotional climate surrounding the rest of the book; don’t let the prologue scare you off.
There is plenty to enjoy in this novel. I liked the relationship among the "patchwork" siblings, the way their strengths offset each other's weaknesses. I liked how they really became siblings and truly lived a "family first" mentality. It surprised me to read about the superstition surrounding Evangeline‘s unique eyes and I thought that was an interesting thread woven into the story. On the same track, it was interesting to read about how things like deafness or asthma would have affected daily life back then.
I didn't like the all-around instant coupling. It probably wasn't unlikely, since their family lived such isolated lives, but everything happened super fast. And I just didn't feel it. It also makes me a little confused for future books in the series- How much more is there to tell?
I loved the way Evangeline dealt with the information when she finally got the truth regarding Logan, the things she said to him, and the way he processed her reactions and ultimately changed his heart. He grew through the situation and I respect that. I thought the confrontation between Logan and Zach was well done, especially putting aside personal things in order to deal with bigger, more pressing problems at hand.
*SPOILERS* My biggest issue was toward the end, Logan has to take the gun and shoot because Evangeline can’t. This didn’t sit well with me. She was in a situation where not only was it his life or hers, but if her attacker escaped, a number of other people would would likely be killed as well. I wanted to see her be fierce, independent, courageous and do what was necessary for the safety and protection of others. Instead she fell to pieces and let the strong man save her. Ugh.
A small thing that I think would’ve made the story stronger, was if Logan had a reaction similar to everyone else regarding Evangeline’s mismatched eyes and overcame this. But then, I supposed I can’t judge his characterization too harshly because he overcomes prejudice in other ways. I just prefer a love story where the problems they have to deal with are not just external, but also with each other.
On the whole, I would recommend this book. It has some unique elements and a family you want to see heal and thrive.
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About this book~ "Many consider Evangeline Hamilton cursed. Orphaned at a young age and possessing a pair of mismatched eyes-one bright blue, the other dark brown-Evangeline 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 Evangeline has two-Seth and Zach, fellow orphans she now counts as brothers.
Seeking justice against the man who stole his birthright and destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in 1880's Pecan Cap, 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. And when Hamilton's unique sister, Evangeline, insists on sousing Logan with sunshine every time they cross paths, Logan finds his quests completely derailed. Who is truly responsible for his lost legacy, and will restoring the past satisfy if it means forfeiting a future with Evangeline?"
Profanity/Violence~ Mention of suicide. Mention of blood (at one point the blood is semi-detailed) and someone yanking a piece of glass upwards and tossing it aside. Mention of bruises, purple marks in the shape of fingers, shadowy contusions on the belly and red marks made by a switch or cane. Gunshot wounds (one wound is pretty detailed). Mention that a body was a gruesome mess.
Sexual Content~ Mention of a woman with a bodice that left little to the imagination. Mention of a woman who was pulling up the scarlet garter that held her black stocking. Mention of the lady singing in the saloon. Eva and Logan notice each other. They touch, flirt and embrace. They kiss (1 semi-detailed; 2 barely detailed). Christie and Eva talk about Eva and Logan's kiss; later Logan remembers it too. Christie and Seth kiss (1 semi-detailed; 2 barely-detailed). Seth said that Christie needed to freshen up before dinner after their kiss. Wanting to kiss. Eva said that it would be hard to kiss Logan with his beard; he said he would shave it right away. Logan thought that if he knew Eva was unhurt in the privacy of his cellar he wouldn't have given her brothers directions. Mention of a man's honor and how Eva was too innocent to fully comprehend the implication. Mention of bruises in places not seen when clothed. Mention of having a kid sleeping in the corner of a room wasn't ideal to newlywed's privacy. Lots of mentions of wedding nights and growing impatient.
Other~ Mentions of saloons, drinking, delivering moonshine, and bar brawls. Mention of poker players and playing poker.
Age recommendation: 13+
My Opinion~ I absolutely love Karen Witemeyer's writing, and this book added even more gas to that fire. I loved, loved, loved this book. The emotion hits you from page one and will having you tearing up by page five. I thought the writing style was perfect and the characters were very well put together. Might I add, the cover is stunning. Whether you have never read a book by Mrs. Witemeyer, or you are a huge fan like me, READ THIS BOOK!! It will not disappoint.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
More Than Meets The Eye by Karen Witemeyer
As a #BethanyHouse Blogger, it is once again my privilege to review a new book. I had never read anything by this author, but I loved her writing. The story takes place in the 1800's with children on an Orphan Train heading to Texas and centers around 3 children, left to make their own way.
Evie and her brother are desperately looking for a home; something they've found difficult because Evie has two different color eyes and many feel she is cursed. In an accident on the train, Evie's older brother dies and she is left with two older boys they befriended. They soon become a family and Zach, the oldest, does whatever it takes to provide for Evie and Seth. The story is touching and the characters are rich. The authors weaves humor into her story and integrates redemption into the main plot.
I had no idea that those born with two different color eyes suffered so much. This is a fast read, but with some twists and turns and lots of love. I would rate this book 10 stars; I will definitely look for more books by this author.
I was provided this book by the Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing free of charge. NO review, positive or otherwise was required.
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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.
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More Than Meets the Eye is another sweet read from Karen Witemeyer. I loved how she turned this story on its head. My previous review was on Jody Hedlund’s take on the orphan train era, so this was delightfully different.
I liked that Karen included what thrust the three together out into the world, rather than just some backstory brought up mid-way through the book.
Each character in this book stretches the norm from what I’ve read recently. In some way or another, they all are somewhat social outcasts. Eva with her mismatched eyes. Seth, with his confining asthma. Zach, with his abrupt personality. And Logan’s scar. These outward marks are just the surface of these characters. Karen goes deep and explores the depths of human personality. Eva chooses joy, though so often she’s dealt pain. Logan thirsts for his own justice. They’re an unlikely pair, thus so much fun to read about.
I also loved the secondary plot with Christie. It went much deeper than I expected, and I really enjoyed that. Karen Witemeyer doesn’t create characters waiting for rescue, but strong people who seek that themselves, with a healthy reliance on the Lord as well.
Family is a vein that runs throughout the whole book. One line struck me as profound and follows that line.
“Trusting the wrong person might lead to temporary heartache, but trusting the right one provides a strength that can fuel you for a lifetime.”
More Than Meets the Eye has a storyline that simply won’t let you go. Characters that call you back to talk for a while more. And a hope that points to a God who is good and does good things.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
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More Than Meets The Eye, (The Patchwork Family Series Book 1), by Karen Whitemeyer, Bethany House Publishers, 2018, 346 pages
More Than Meets The Eye, a refreshingly historical, faith-based, Christian romance novel that takes place in the late 1800s. The setting, in a rugged western area of America, Texas. Witemeyer did a fantastic job creating a page turner with this tale. This book will literally have you up all night trying to find out what happens next, and have you grabbing it every time you have a free moment. Her characters are real and relatable. The brothers, you will definitely want as your own, and the perfectly annoying, yet lovable little sister you always wanted, or not.
Evangeline is an endearing protagonist, that was orphaned at the age of four. Transitioning from a family full of love and devotion, to being homeless, unwanted, shunned, and ridiculed because of her peculiar eyes. Evangeline and her patchwork family of orphaned brothers made a life for themselves and created a family whose love and loyalties runs deeper than the blood of genetic families. Evangeline is full of joy and has a heart of divine strength and love that is to be admired. Her character is the epitome of what it means to have an agape love for mankind.
This story encompasses all genres: suspense, crime, romance, humor, historical elements, and spirituality. Not only will this story make you laugh, it will make you cry. It will upset you, cause you to praise God, and inspire you. One can relate to some of the challenges (flesh/spiritual) that the characters struggled with. There are moments when you will just stop and pray; thank God for the well-placed scriptures that interrupted and/or concluded a scene or thought.
This novel highlights a truth of how people whom are different, are treated within churches and communities. It shows how preconceived notions, ignorance, and bias affect others. It also highlights how there are people who are aware of these things happening and do everything in their power to right the wrongs of others. This novel shows how faith in God, love, understanding, and patience will truly cover a multitude of sin and brings about a change of heart, as well as bring hearts together. It illustrates the strength in forgiveness, releasing burdens, healing, restoration, trusting God, and how one can move forward in life and begin again. As Witemeyer stated in the book, “Past hurts matter less than present blessings” (Witemeyer page59).
This book’s audience should include older teens and adults. If you enjoy authors like Annette Blair, Laura Hilton, and Oliva Newport, you will absolutely love Karen Witemeyer.
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This was a different book than I am used to when it comes to Karen Witemeyer, it reminded me initially of a book by Jen Turano with the introduction of a pig. Oops, I mean wild pig. Even so, a PIG!
So I admit, that threw me off my game because I couldn't help but wrinkle my nose at ever reference regarding the pig, although it did have a roll within the book. But still!
Despite my initial misgivings, the story proceeded and I pushed myself to continue. It was a lot of play by play and then we were introduced to a new character. From here on, the story picked up and I could not wait to finish the book. The moments I wasn't reading, I was thinking about the story. It beckoned me and I obeyed.
That said, despite my initial hesitations with a story that involves the loving care of a pig, I found that I really, really enjoyed the book.
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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”
This book is set in 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.*
Paula Shreckhise
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This is the story of three orphans that struck out on their own in Texas after the Orphan Train they were riding on was in a terrible wreck and they were facing being sent back to the East coast since they had not been selected by any interested people along the route. Seth, Zach and Evangeline are all grown up and established in a house / farm of their own when Logan Fowler comes looking for Zach because he believes that his family was cheated out of the farm when he was a child and his father committed suicide as a result. Some snarky church people and some bootleggers mix things up a little bit and it makes for a very fun story.
I love how Bethany House authors seamlessly include the characters’ faith as part of the story . Ms. Witemeyer does a great job and her characters are real and interesting.
I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for a review.
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A delightful romp but with lots of heart and depth. I adored the heroine. And the hero grew into the man she thought he could be. The development of the story and characters was so enjoyable.
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Wonderfully Woven Story of Hope and Peril**********************************************
More Than Meets the Eye – A Patchwork Family Novel - by Karen Witemeyer****
Pecan Gap, TX 1894****
Three unlikely and unrelated orphans have banded together to scratch their way into a respectable life and makeshift family under the name of Hamilton. Zach is the brisk older brother who does whatever it takes to provide for the family he never asked for. Seth is a suffering asthmatic with excellent business skills and Evangeline is an innocent young woman who refuses to let her heterochromia (two mismatched eyes) define her character, despite the ignorance and lack of compassion from the locals. Each one passionately and fiercely loves the others and will care for them come hell or high water.
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Logan Fowler has secretly returned to Pecan Gap, looking for justice for his family who was abruptly forced from their home when he was a teen. He is camping out on the edge of the Hamilton’s ranch when he unexpectedly observes Evangeline about to be attacked by a wild boar and his moral compass just can’t let that happen.
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Circumstances twist and turn and danger arrives unexpectedly when Logan and Evangeline observe someone throwing something into the river which forces these people to work together.
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Tough turnips was a phrase I had never heard that made me laugh. I might have to steal that one!
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CH.15: “People might try to hide their broken places and to be whole, but the truth is that we all have failings. That is why we need each other.”
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I really enjoyed this story and discovering the onion layers being peeled back from each character. The danger element elevated the tale, and the faith-filled moments were touching as well. Evangeline was so special and really brought joy and hope to everyone. I highly recommend this 5-star story and look forward to the next one.
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Thank you to Bethany House Publishing who sent me a review copy. My opinion is my own without expectation or compensation.
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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
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If you like inspirational fiction, you will enjoy this one! This is a story that starts out on an orphan train that crashes and kills 4 year-old Evangeline's older brother. The two surviving older orphan's promise to take care of her and the story begins. The three orphans, a hog named Hezekiah, some moonshine, a young man bent on justice, all with a little romance tossed in.. Interesting situations and hard to put down action!
I receive complimentary books from Bethany House, publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own and voluntary.
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