Historical Fiction Book Review: More Than Meets the Eye
Publisher's Description
"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 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?"
My Review
More Than Meets the Eye, the first book in the Patchwork Family series by Karen Witemeyer, is a delightful novel from beginning to end. With its strong emphasis on family and the ways in which family members support, encourage, and protect one another, this novel is altogether engaging and entertaining. Beautifully written and well-paced, this book has elements of mystery, danger, adventure, humor, romance, and faith. Its well-crafted scenes of heartbreak and loss are softened with glimpses of hope and forgiveness. Moments of despair lead to paths of perseverance and restoration. Ignorance and fear are overcome with kindness and truth.
Within this book there are several characters to
meet, to love, and to hold dear. The various characters are wonderfully endearing
and well-developed. They are flawed, authentic, and multifaceted. Their pain, their
desires, and their choices make them compelling and relatable. Even though they
struggle through real trials that test their assumptions and their faith, the
light of God’s grace and mercy shines through with the restorative power of compassion
and second chances.
Ms. Witemeyer is a truly talented writer, and I
always look forward to each of her books with eager anticipation. More Than Meets the Eye surpassed all of
my expectations. It is thoughtful, encouraging, entertaining, and unique. It is
a book worth reading, complimenting, and sharing. More Than Meets the Eye is a novel that I recommend
enthusiastically.
My Reflection
I have grown a bit bored lately with characters in
historical fiction who seem just a little too perfect in their description.
Heroines with flawless skin, thin waists, and gentle curves do not inspire me.
Heroes with broad shoulders, square chins, and large hands are not appealing.
Is there no romance for the average-looking lady? Is there no soul mate for the
man whose kindness is stronger than his biceps?
I long for a bit of reality in my fiction. And so,
my heart soared with happiness upon reading Karen Witemeyer’s novel, More Than Meets the Eye. The characters
in this book have literal scars, significant health problems, and beauty
“flaws”. Because of their physical appearance and limitations, they experience
the affects of ignorance, gossip and rejection. They must learn to live and
thrive despite these physical obstacles that cannot be changed. The characters
in this novel are real, authentic, relatable, and inspiring. How wonderful it
is that Ms. Witemeyer has chosen to tell their stories!
If Christian fiction is meant to encourage and uplift
the reader with the truths of God’s unconditional love and grace, than novels
like this one, that focus on inner beauty over outward appearance, are
necessary and relevant.
About the Author
"For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warm-hearted historical romances with a flair of humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. A transplant from California, Karen came to Texas for college, met a cowboy disguised as a computer nerd, married him, and never left the state that had become home.Winner of the HOLT Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, National Reader's Choice Award, and a finalist for both the RITA and Christy Awards, Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She also loves to reward her readers. Every month she gives away two inspirational historical novels to someone from her newsletter list and offers substantial bonus content on her website. To learn more about Karen and her books, or to join her subscriber list, please visit www.karenwitemeyer.com" --Biography from Karen Witemeyer's author page on Amazon.com.
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