Valentine reads ... and chat with Karen Witemeyer!

So first of all, if you haven't read any of Karen Witemeyer's books, pause now and go buy one or check it out of your local library. Even if you aren't a huge fan of historical romance, her stories might make you one yet. Fun, moving and faith building stories that will keep you turning the pages. 

Today, with Valentines just around the corner, I wanted to share her most recent series with you: Patchwork Family. I could just share one of the books, but that would be silly, because you know you want to read both. :) 

First book in the series is More than Meets the Eye. Now take a close look at the cover and imagine what it would be like to live in the 1800s with mismatched eyes. or you could just read the story about a poor girl who is judged her whole life because of something as simple as eye color. 

I loved this story and the characters who quickly snag a piece of your heart, (Warning: even a main character from the next book will wedge himself in your heart so that you have to read the next book just because you have to know how his life works out!)

Here is the write up:
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?

And along comes book two - aren't you glad you didn't have to wait the months between their releases like I did. ;) 

More Than Words Can Say:

After fulfilling a pledge to a dying friend, Zacharias Hamilton is finally free. No family entanglements. No disappointing those around him. Just the quiet bachelor existence he's always craved. Until fate snatches his freedom away when the baker of his favorite breakfast bun is railroaded by the city council. Despite not wanting to get involved, he can't turn a blind eye to her predicament . . . or her adorable dimples.

Abigail Kemp needs a man's name on her bakery's deed. A marriage of convenience seems the best solution . . . if it involves a man she can control. That person definitely isn't the stoic lumberman who oozes silent confidence whenever he enters her shop. Control Zacharias Hamilton? She can't even control her pulse when she's around him.
When vows are spoken, Abigail's troubles should be over. Yet threats to the bakery worsen, and darker dangers hound her sister. Can she put ever more trust in Zach without losing her dreams of independence?

A story well worth the wait and the read. 

Now, without further ado, as we are all busy (but reading a few more minutes will totally be worth it) let me introduce the author of these wonderful stories:

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted

historical romance with a flair for 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 National Reader's Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Inspirational 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.

Do you have a favorite book you’ve written, or a character you love a little more than the others?

That's like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. LOL. If pressed, though, I would have to say that Levi from To Win Her Heart is probably my favorite hero. Adelaide Proctor from Head in the Clouds is probably my favorite heroine just because she has so much of me in her. We both lost our fathers at an early age, we both love Jane Eyre, and we both love the sound of a masculine British accent. Ha!

When you are stressed, maybe a deadline’s approaching too fast, what is your favorite snack food? Or do you have another way to cope?

My favorite fuel for long writing sessions is hot tea sweetened with honey in an insulated cop so it will stay warm for long periods of time. And if I need a little energy kick, I'll grab a square of Dove dark chocolate. Yum.

Do you have a favorite book or two you’ve read recently?

I just finished reading Kristi Ann Hunter's A Pursuit of Home. Loved it! In my opinion it was the best in the Haven Manor series, and maybe my favorite of all of her books. Wonderful, twisted plot. Excitement blended with mental puzzles to decipher, and a nerdy hero for which to cheer. I highly recommend. Even if you've not read the other books in the series, you will enjoy this one on its own.

I have read your novel’s and novellas, and they are all wonderful, but which do you find easier to write?

Novellas are definitely easier. Not only are they shorter, but because of the limited word count, the plots are straightforward, which simplifies the storyline. They do come with their own challenges, such as packing a fully formed plot and developed characters into a small space. Pacing can get a little tricky, too. But overall, they are a lot of fun to write. I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes from completing a story, and that completion comes 4 times faster with a novella.

One final thank you to Karen for visiting us (and for writing such good books). Leave a comment with your favorite of her books, or which looks most intriguing to you.   (Here is where you can find them: Goodreads)