More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer starts off with a powerful and sad scene that endears the leading female, Evangeline Hamilton, to the reader.  This is the first of the Patchwork Family Series.  This historical fiction piece takes place in Texas in the late 1800s.

The relationship between Evangeline and her two brothers Zach and Seth is powerful and moving.  As the story progresses and new developments arise, the tight bond between the siblings is heartwarming and delightful.  This love and dedication really make the emotional real.

Logan Fowler is a man bent on revenge.  It has consumed his life for years.  Witnessing his growth and change serves as a reminder to all that anger and bitterness can do more harm than good.  His relationship with the Hamilton siblings is enjoyable to read.

This novel leaves many lessons worthy of deeper reflection, but it also gives romantics and historical fiction lovers plenty to appreciate.  No hint was given as the subject of the next Patchwork Family installment, but hopefully the ending is hinting at it.

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Bethany House Publishers

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  A train crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities, blood is mentioned; a man tackles a woman to save her and he is struck by her in self-defense; a man draws a weapon and points it at an animal; several reference to a man who committed suicide; a person attempts to kill another, but is unsuccessful; report that a woman was beaten by her step-father; a couple of scenes in which shots are fired and characters are injured; a person is consumed by a fire.

Sex/Nudity:  Hint that a saloon girl does more than serve drinks; non-married characters kiss passionately, embrace and hold hands.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of family members, orphans, gambling, suicide, revenge.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Report of people drinking in saloons and gambling halls; a man has a moonshine business.