More Than a Pretty Face

Harvey House Brides #1

by Karen Witemeyer

Clinging to the hope of escaping her town and her past, Rosalind Kemp keeps her head down and works hard until her contract as a Harvey Girl expires and she can flee. But when her past catches up to her, will she find the courage to stop running and face down her past with the man who has defended her honor from the start?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Novella, Romance, Historical, Christian, Westerns

96 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2020

About the author

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. Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline.

Karen 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.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls)]

1 star, personally ⭐️ Christian Fiction - Historical Novella

About this book:

“Rosalind Kemp becomes a Harvey Girl, clinging to the promise of one day transferring even farther west, someplace her youthful indiscretion won’t catch up to her. But the past is hard to escape, and when the worst occurs, will anyone stand up for her?”


Series: Connected to and set after “More Than Words Can Say”.


Spiritual Content- Galatians 5:1 at the beginning; A couple Scriptures are quoted & remembered; Prayers (including Rosalind asking God why she isn’t free of her past); Church going & singing a hymn; A couple talks about God; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Mentions of God, His will, trusting Him, & showing grace; Mentions of prayers, praying, answered prayers, & prayer meetings; Mentions of those & events in the Bible (including a mention of Eve and the “apple”); Mentions of church, church going, services, & hymns; A few mentions of Christians; A few mentions of godly men and women; A few mentions of sins; A mention of Sunday school;
*Note: Religious phrases: a “for Pete’s sake”, a “for heaven’s sake”, a “heaven knew”, and four “heavens”; Caleb refers to being physically close to Rosalind as “near to heaven as he’d ever come”; Someone says a dessert tastes “like heaven”; A reference to “damning evidence” about someone’s sins; A mention of someone battling demons from their past; A mention of being lucky.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘drat’, a ‘good grief’, a ‘shut up’, and a ‘stupid’; A mention of a curse (said, not written); Eye rolling; Rosalind has lied about her “scandalous” past (details in the Sexual Content spoiler); Fighting & Seeing someone fight (in self-defense); Mentions of deaths (including from illnesses) & grief (including a woman for her son, Rosalind for her parents, & Caleb for his father); Mentions of a woman in an abusive marriage, her being unwilling to press charges her husband, & her son being concerned for her safety; Mentions of a woman being accosted, injuries, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of alcohol, saloons, drinking, & drunks; Mentions of lies, lying, & deceit; A few mentions of a father having sharp tongue towards his daughter; A couple mentions of wars; A mention of tobacco.


Sexual Content- Three hand/fingers kisses, a cheek kiss, an almost kiss (semi-detailed), and three detailed kisses; Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Electricity, Flutters, Nearness, & Smelling (semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace (up to semi-detailed); Blushes; Noticing & Staring (up to semi-detailed); Caleb’s mother says that waitresses like Rosalind are no better than women who work in brothels and are “soiled doves” (which Caleb says she and the other Harvey Girls are not that); Seeing a picture of a woman in her underclothes (*Major Spoilers and references to marital intimacy* When she was 16/17, Rosalind posed for a picture in her underclothes/corset to earn money for her father’s medicine; This is the past that she has lied about and tried to keep a secret, but some men figure it out; Those men show Caleb the picture and he blushes while also feels nauseous over how young she was in the picture; One man says she issued the invitation to look at her picture by posing for it, so men don’t have to feel guilty at looking; Caleb’s mother finds out about it and reveals it in front of the entire Harvey House staff; Caleb is hurt by the fact of other men seeing Rosalind in a “state of undress” as it’s an “intimacy reserved for marriage”, but still loves and defends her; They get married and the epilogue shows them kissing, wanting to touch, exploring his bedroom (with references to wanting to explore his bed, the chapter ends with them going to the bed; all in his POV, up to semi-detailed and detailed kisses) *End of Spoilers*; A friend tells Rosalind that a “darkened theater is the perfect place to get close [to her suitor]”; a “hussy”; Mentions of having “sparks” for someone, love at first sight, & infatuation; A few mentions of a man’s “immoral and illegal” business venture of photographing women in a lack of clothing; A few mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of reputations; A mention of a mistress; A mention of jealousy; A mention of a woman swooning over a man’s appearance; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A few mentions of a Rosalind’s figure (which is noted that Caleb finds pleasing); A couple mentions of “sire” a son or child; A mention of a man being kicked in his groin by a woman he grabbed; A mention of the previous man nearly being “gelded” when kicked in the groin.

-Rosalind Kemp
-Caleb Durrington, age 28
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1902

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- One Star
Older High School Teens- One Star
My personal Rating- One Star

I figured out what Rosalind’s secret was pretty quick and it made me sad. I felt so bad for her. There’s spoilers to it in the Sexual Content spoiler, but I wouldn’t recommend this novella to teens because of it and how men treated her because of it. I wanted to give her a hug. If I had read the connecting book prior, maybe I would have liked this novella more, but while the main couple was cute, I felt just sad at what Rosalind had been through and it added more sexual content to the story. Caleb was a dear and a great man for her; his mother in the other hand was atrocious. The implications of showing grace to others was good—though, there were a couple theology comments that I didn’t think were quite right (such as calling the fruit that Eve ate an apple when it’s not named in the Bible—just called a fruit). I was thinking I would give this novella 2 stars personally due to how good Caleb was for her, but I personally don’t like to rate books with fade-to-black scenes that high, especially not in the male lead’s POV as it felt like I was witnessing something between a couple (married or not) that I shouldn’t be reading.


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Olde American Spirit (Shannon)]

I looked this up in order to read a continuation of the sisters of More Than Words Can Say. I especially wanted to find out what happened to youngest sister, Rosalind.

This novella was cute and interesting, but the shortness of it really disappointed after the WONDERFUL time that I had with the former book mentioned. But it was good. It was ok. I read it in one sitting. I highly highly recommend reading the books in the order as I did so that this novella will be more enjoyable.

✨📚☕💙☕📚✨More in-depth reviews on my Youtube Wrap Up videos.

[Paula Shreckhise]

Fans of Karen Witemeyer and More Than Words Can Say will be glad to reconnect with Abby’s sister Rosalind Kemp . Rosie has become a Harvey Girl in Gainsville Texas. She is content with her job until her past comes back to haunt her and threaten her new romance with lawyer, Caleb Durrington. The signature wit melds with and always interesting story. Then the author wraps it up with panache in an ending full of forgiveness. I was really glad to see what God had in store for Rosie.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

[Gina]

This was a sweet, quick read! I was curious to know how Rosalind’s life turned out after meeting her in More Than Words Can Say
It was nice to see her meet a man perfectly suited for her. Though brief, this was a satisfying little love story.

[Malia Saldaña]

I’m so glad I finally got to read Rosalind’s story, and finish the Harvey House series. This was another cute book in the series. The ending was so good.

[JaneReads]

I picked this up because I had to know what happened with Rosalind after ending her sister's book (More than Words Can Say). This was a sweet romance but too short (as novella's tend to be for me). I feel like I didn't see enough of the romance buildup happen on the page, it went from Caleb expressing interest and then jumps a few weeks to them in a relationship and starting to realize how deep their feelings ran. Once Rosalind's secret of a past mistake is revealed I loved seeing Caleb support her and stand up to his mother. Rosalind learns to not allow the past to dictate her future. As this picks up a few years after the previous book, it was nice to get an update on Zach and Abby. I would recommend reading More than Words Can Say first to get to know Rosalind more and learn what led to the 'mistake' that brought her here.

[Melmo2610]

I had been looking forward to Rosalind’s story since meeting her character in Karen’s “More Than Words Can Say." This story was a perfect happy ending for Rosalind. Caleb was such a strong hero and just what I would have picked for Rosalind’s happily ever after. A charming and fun story just as I have come to expect from all of Karen's stories.

[Leonie]

Heel mooi boek! Intrigerend. 3e deel in de Hamilton family :)

[Chanel]

I read this sweet novella in a single day. I really enjoyed the romance between Caleb and Rosalind; this story was a case of the hero pursuing the heroine and gently chipping away the walls around her heart, and I adore stories like this. It was sweet, charming, and affectionate. I also loved the illustration of God's grace and forgiveness in this story. It resonated deeply and made the story more beautiful to me. My one quip was lack of communication between the couple in the latter chapters, but it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of this story. All in all, More than a Pretty Face was an engaging and romantic read.

[Trixi]

In More Than a Pretty Face by Karen Witemeyer we meet Rosalind Kemp and Caleb Durrington. I love the overall lesson Rosalind learns that her past doesn't define her & God willingly gives second chances. Caleb was the perfect hero for her and showed her gentle love & acceptance of who she is.

*I received a complimentary copy of Serving Up Love novella collection containing this story and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. *

[Cara]

What a sweet little book! I was so excited to find out that the collection Serving Up Love contained this story, as I loved Rosalind and her story in More Than Words Can Say. The romance was adorable, the characters were well written, and there was a lot of Christian elements and a faith storyline. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a historical romance, short read, or just a cozy little love story!

4 stars!

[Sandra]

Anyone who reads Karen Witemeyer's books, was introduced to Rosalind Kemp in More Than Words Can Say. Rosie is Abby's younger sister. Together they try to run their fathers bake shop. The relationship between Rosalind and Caleb Durrington builds slowly and feels very natural. There is just enough suspense throughout the story to keep you interested. Loved this book. Love this author.

[Erin]

Rosalind keeps trying to outrun one bad decision from her past, but the consequences seem never-ending. Caleb knows her as a smart, sweet, and humble Harvey Girl, but will his attraction withstand learning the truth about her? I loved this conclusion to the Patchwork Family series!

[Gerrie]

3.5 out of 5 stars

[Sylvia]

4.5 stars

[Angela]

Wonderful!! A sweet and adorable follow-up novella to a great series. I love Rosalind and enjoyed seeing her get her own happily ever after.

[Andrea Boyd]

I've loved this whole series from Karen Witemeyer, including this one. The woman knows how to write romance, let me tell you!

[Natalie Gleb]

I loved watching the Harvey Girls movie with Judy Garland when I was a child and remember reading several adventurous stories about these young ladies clad in black and white. When Karen announced on her Posse Facebook group that she would be releasing a novella about a Harvey Girl, I knew I didn’t want to miss it.

The Characters:
If you read Karen Witemeyer’s More Than Words Can Say, you will have already met the heroine, Rosalind. I enjoyed reading about the life she built for herself after she left Abby and Zach and headed west. I believe we also met the leading man, Caleb Durrington, in that novel, too, but it’s been a while, and my short-term memory isn’t the best. Caleb’s father built a legacy as a cattleman, but Caleb has followed his own calling as a western lawyer. This novella also offers a supportive cast of lovable characters, including a French chef!

The Plot:
Caleb is learning to forge his own path and make his own decisions out from under the pressure of his loving, but overbearing mother, who knows precisely the type of woman he should marry--one that would complement the godly reputation he has made for himself. He, on the other hand, has his sights set on Rosalind, who was assigned to the Harvey House close to her home, despite running from a mistake in her past for the last several years (readers of MTWCS will remember what this is).

The Romance:
I enjoyed how this novella made more of the hero and heroine’s compatibility in personality, intelligence, and faith than simple physical attraction. And I appreciate that the novella doesn’t completely leave out the latter, which I think lends a realistic aspect to the story. Given the plot and tones of the novella, this focus on the inner person feels appropriate. I did feel there was a slight lack of description for the characters other than eye color and her naturally curly blond hair, but with novellas, wordcount has to be considered, and I understand if some descriptions were left out in favor of character development.

The Spiritual Thread:
The subjects dealt with in this novella revolve around forgiveness and moving into a future that is not defined by another person’s opinion but by God’s calling on a person’s life. These truths are portrayed with grace and easily translated into our modern world.

I enjoyed this novella very much and look forward to "At Love's Command," the first novel in Karen's new series called Hanger's Horsemen!

* I received a copy of this book from the publisher and have stated my own honest opinion in this review.

[Raven.Sunflower]

I generally have a soft spot for all the characters that Mrs. Witemeyer creates, but this time, they didn't quite resonate with me as her others have. The characters felt somewhat lacking in depth, and I even found myself a bit frustrated with the male lead on a few occasions. The chemistry between the main characters didn't quite spark for me, and I felt that their personal growth was somewhat limited.

In all honesty, I wish the last installment of the Patchwork Family series had focused on Seth. Although he played a minor role in the first book, and we already know some parts of his story, it would have been heartwarming to delve deeper into his life and his family. It could have provided a sense of closure for the three siblings.

[Kate]

A sweet little novella. I liked how, once Caleb knew what Rosalind's character was like, he believed what he knew to be true about her, rather than what society, or even his mother thought. I also appreciated the scriptural reminder to be free in the freedom Christ has given us.

[Kai]

I’m glad that Rosalind from More Than Words Can Say gets her own story. The title of this novella was perfect for her.

She made a bad choice in her past, and she is trying to hide from it. Unfortunately she is transferred back to her home state of Texas and is right back where she started. No matter where she goes now, she cannot hide from her past mistakes. Even after someone repents, our sins can still follow us from the past and have consequences.

After none of his charms had been working, Caleb tried to spark Rosalind’s interest by using a Pigpen cipher. As someone who solves cipher puzzles for fun, I can’t say how much I loved that Caleb and Rosalind wrote to each other in secret code.

“How on earth was she supposed to resist a man who left her a note penned in secret code.”

While Caleb knew of Rosalind for awhile, I think he fell in love with her before he knew her personally. I wish there had been a little more personal conversations before the declarations of love.

“You snuck up on me. Luring my heart little by little with your ciphers and outings, your kindness to old ladies and adolescent dishwashers, until it became fully yours.” “My heart belongs to you for as long as you desire it.”

This story seems a little more serious than a lot of Witemeyer’s other books, but with some of the topics it has to be.

[Dithiantusi]

A story where things are somehow too ideal.
I'm reading and suddenly it's over. Just when I thought the story would finally get going, suddenly it's over.
Rosalind is trying to get away from something from her past so she gets a job as a waitress. There she takes a liking to a local lawyer and he keeps courting her.
She doesn't want him to court her because she wants to move to California ... but all of a sudden she wants him and he asks her to marry him. But then his mother finds out what she did in the past and confronts her publicly. He somehow easily overcomes his male pride and publicly defends her. People stand up for her and his mother realizes that she is not a proper Christian but a cruel Pharisee - but again All of a sudden...
That's the whole plot and unfortunately there's nothing else going on.
The romance here is too saccharine-like.
He's sure he knows her. Oh yes he know her for - wow 5 months! This is a bit of a science fiction romance, sorry Karen.
If authors wrote about real love girls wouldn't have the chaos in their heads that they have ...

But read and malé your own opinion.

[Life of Literature]

How is it possible for an author to write such an emotionally gripping story in such a short amount of words? I was so excited to read more about Rosalind, who we met as Abigail’s sister in More Than Words Can Say. She has made past mistakes but has matured into a wonderful young lady. She is poised and pretty but also has gumption and strength that is admirable. There are spiritual themes of forgiveness and mercy that are relatable and applicable to any reader. I really liked the historical aspect of the story and learning more about the Harvey Houses. I also found myself connecting with the characters almost immediately and definitely cried a time or two for Rosalind as she struggled and grew throughout the story. I really, really enjoyed this novella and highly recommend it! The author has penned another winner!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Brandi]

You might say I'm biased, and I might agree with that conclusion, but in my opinion, Karen Witemeyer is simply incapable of writing anything less than spectacular. I'm not exaggerating. Everything she touches is a literary masterpiece.
This novella was no exception. Having previously been introduced to our heroine, Rosalind, in More Than Words Can Say, her sister's story, we became effortlessly reacquainted, this time in the unique setting of a Harvey House. I very much enjoyed the little historical details incorporated in this sweet tale.
Rosalind and Caleb's story was oh so adorable. I laughed and I cried and I'm so glad they got their well-deserved happily-ever-after, despite the obstacles thrown their way. I loved every bit of the intrigue and romance. And that swoon-worthy epilogue... yes, please!

[Blessed & Bookish]

I have been looking forward to reading More Than a Pretty Face by Karen Witemeyer since meeting Rosalind Kemp in More Than Words Can Say. Rosalind is haunted by regret and living in fear that her past mistakes will be revealed. Although she takes great pains not to be noticed, Caleb Durrington see her for the precious jewel she really is. I adored how Caleb loved her knowing she had untold secrets. And his unique wooing skills are adorable, especially to this nerdy girl!
Any fan of Christian historical fiction/romance will enjoy this book. Do not miss this sweet novella if you are a fan of the Patchwork Family series (ahem, the ones with Zach).
I was given a copy of this novella by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Stephanie]

This was a sweet romance novella that got me very invested in the plot pretty quickly. I'll admit it'd been a while since I read Book 2 in this series (fyi - I LOVE this series!) but I totally forgot who our main female protagonist was at the start of this book. Thankfully, it came back to me not too long after Rosamund's introductory chapter with the mention of her sister and brother in law (their love story <3 <3 <3 is so good!). I enjoyed the themes in this short story of character, establishing respectability and responsibility, caring for others who are often neglected, less fortunate and second chances. All great themes from an author who was published lots of great novels that I love. A great, short and fast read.

[Courtney | Soul of a Librarian]

I love Karen Witemeyer and would almost hand over my last dollar for her books. If she's written it, I want it. This wonderful little novella is no exception! If you've read More Than Words Can Say, you know that our beloved Rosalind needs peace and freedom. It certainly wouldn't hurt to find her own version of happiness as well. In More Than a Pretty Face, Witemeyer delivers on all accounts as our Rosalind discovers a liberating love rooted in Christ. An excellent addition to the Patchwork Family series!

I received a complimentary copy of the book containing this novella from the publisher. All expressed opinions are my own.

[Maggie Boyd]

This is the story of Rosalind, sister to Abby, the heroine of More Than Words Can Say. It's definitely a sequel and while you could read the books out of order, I wouldn't recommend it. An incident from Rosalind's past had her fleeing Texas, and we find her working as a Harvey Girl. Caleb, an attorney, has taken to eating at the train station restaurant in hopes of spending time with her. It takes a bit of effort but he finally convinces her to give him a chance but of course the specter of Rosalind's past continues to haunt her.

It's a cute story, not a lot of depth but definitely sweet and romantic.

[Diana C. Kobylak]

Historical and short inspirational story about Rosalind, a Harvey girl with a past working at as a waitress. Caleb is a young attorney who falls for her. But his mother tries to get his in his ways of true love. Being a wealthy family, she has a picture of the perfect bride for him. Fortunately, he discovers Rosalind’s past before his mother. So when his mother confronts Rosalind with her past and humiliated her to her boss and all the patrons, Caleb is able to defend Rosalind and demonstrate unfailing and unconditional love for her with all eyes watching.
I enjoyed reading this short story of friendship and redemption.

[carlene ☼]

This was sweet enough. A little forgettable, to be honest. It was just too short; that was it’s fatal flaw. Other than that, though, it was really good. It’s just the fact that it was too short that caused other areas to lack as well, such as the romance and the resolution of characters and side plots at the end. I still think it was a good story, though. Had a lot of potential. It just didn’t follow completely through with it. I do think that Witemeyer did the best she could with this as a novella, and that she did a better job with it than some other Christian fiction authors would have. So, props to her for that.