"More Than Words Can Say" by Karen Witemeyer

 


Abigail Kemp has kept up the operation of her father's bakery since his death six months ago. More than merely thankful for a way to provide for herself and her younger sister, Abigail loves making delicious recipes and has a good head for running the bakery. Unfortunately, the city council has decided to enforce an archaic law that says no woman can own a business in their town, and Abigail is faced with a choice: close up shop, or find a man willing to accept a proposed marriage of convenience in order to put his name on the deed. With a detailed contract in hand, Abigail begins making the rounds of Honey Grove's eligible bachelors.

Zacharias Hamilton is happy to be his own man after spending his youth raising his siblings. Now that they are grown and on their own, he loves being free from the weight of responsibility. When Abigail approaches him about her need, his first instinct is to run away—no matter how much the pretty young woman and her tasty baked goods have impressed him in the past. But thinking of Abigail having to tie herself to any of the other choices on her list makes him reconsider, especially when he learns that the city council is not the only danger facing the Kemp sisters. With a few adjustments to her thorough contract, Zach agrees to the marriage.

Overjoyed to have saved her bakery, Abigail tries not to let Zach's presence disrupt their daily lives. But, as she muses in Chapter 15, "Marriage to a man with a penchant for kissing was proving to be a trial." She's agreed to being open to a real marriage once they get to know one another better, but she's in no rush. Meanwhile her sister faces some difficulties and her former best friend is set on ruining everything Abigail touches, giving her plenty of things to focus on along with the daily workings of the bakery.

Wooing one's extremely practical but also beautiful and thoughtful wife is taking longer than Zach anticipated. He's up to the challenge, though he'd just as soon keep the shadier parts of his past hidden if he can. Soon all their wits will be required to outsmart those trying to bring them harm, and true intimacy also means being vulnerable with God and each other. Can these two ever find the words to say what's in their heart?

This story is a sweet delight that I thoroughly enjoyed. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, Zach is my favorite kind of hero, and Abigail reminded me of myself, making this a delicious confection for my reading tastes. Although I wouldn't recommend it for young readers, it was perfectly lovely as two broken yet seemingly strong people find their way to each other. This is a story I'll be reading again in the future.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.