More Than Meets the Eye is a Patchwork Family Novel and I understand why now. Karen Witemeyer starts her story with a prologue of 3 orphans, Zach, Seth, and Evangeline, that survive a train wreck, and become their own family, fighting to survive. All 3 are "broken" and society treats them like outcasts. They have learned how to deal with others in town and their own "handicaps". Fifteen years later, Logan Fowler buys land beside their property and is seeking revenge on Zach, who cheated his father off their homestead and caused his mother to be a shell of what she used to be. He isn't expecting to meet Evangeline, who has a beauty and joy inside of her that Logan has never seen. Evangeline has never even had a friend, but with Logan there is the added chemistry of a first love. The more time they spend together, Logan struggles with the secrets he has and his plan for vengeance. When they witness an attempted murder of a young woman Christie, they must work together to find her attacker, protect the lady from further harm, and save themselves.
First off, I love the quick wit Karen Witemeyer always uses in her novels. This one didn't disappoint. Evangeline is such a strong character, who just wants to be cherished by someone, after being lonely her whole life. She chooses joy, even when she is called names and regarded as a demon by the townspeople. The emotions of both her and Logan make them so real! Also, she and her brothers have struggled with trusting outsiders their whole lives. Yet, they accept Christie into their "family", and show her the love of Christ. When Logan can't seem to give up his plan for revenge, Evangeline challenges him to think about what God wants, as well as how his actions have affected his mother. I love a mystery/romance set in the time period of the late 1800's and the western setting with saloons, horses, and first love. Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Looking forward to the next novel by Karen Witemeyer!
