More Than Meets The Eye By Karen Witemeyer

More Than Meets The Eye
by Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN:

I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to read & review More Than Meets The Eye! I've loved the other books I've read by Karen Witemeyer and I sure wasn't going to pass this one up. Not only that, I've already planned for this book to be our second book for my online book club!

Summary:

When Her Family Is Threatened, She Doesn't Expect Falling in Love to Be Their Best Defense
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 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. And when Hamilton's unique sister, Evangeline, insists on dousing Logan with sunshine every time they cross paths, 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:

When we first meet Evangeline, my heart went out to her. This poor little girl on an orphan train with eyes that don't match and causes others to turn her away. Seth and Zach are intent on keeping her (and themselves) safe. Seth is sickly, but determined. Zach is angry, but protective. They make quite the trio.

As they've grown up, it's clear that people still harbor concerns about Evangeline's mismatched eyes. Even the town they've lived in for years still treat her like she's cursed. Her brothers try to keep her safe and protected from the world around them, but can only hold her curious nature back so much.

Along comes vengeful Logan Fowler and he tosses everyone's world upside down. Curious Evangeline has to find out who's trespassing on their land, and boy does that turn out hysterical! The fun parts of the story help balance out the more intense moments. It doesn't take long for Logan to realize what a treasure Evangeline is, but his quest to make amends for his family doesn't line up with what he starts to feel for her.

I was pulled into this story from the start. I immediately wanted to protect Evangeline just like her "brothers" did. I was pulling for each of the orphans, and for them to become a family of their own made sense! Of course, young kids have to do what they can to make things work. As we meet them as adults, it seems like everything has worked in their favor, aside from poor Evangeline's eyes.

I wasn't sure how Logan's desire to get back what was his would clash with Evangeline and her brothers, but it really hit the mark. There's a good balance of give and take with her family and Logan. I enjoyed the book so much we'll be using it as our book club book for September! I also hope there's more to Zach's story and we'll get to know him more in the future!

About the Author:

Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyerwrites historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.